From gorgo@kwangju.net Sat Dec 20 00:18:36 1997 Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 13:39:52 +0900 From: Fred Herriot Subject: [fanfic][lemon][UY] "A Remarkable Destiny" Part XIV "You two're going to bond?!" Ataru smiles. "Congratulations! I know you'll have a great time together!" Atako and Asuka blush as they gaze at the former's brother over the secure visual comm line between the "Hasei'cha" and the "Lyna'cha." Sagussa's newest couple were now preparing to make the final step to solidifying their relationship; Asuka's regeneration as a Sagussan and their psi-bonding. "Thank you, Ataru-onii-chan!" Asuka bows. "How soon will you rescue Lum-san and Noa-san?" "Another eight hours," Ataru yawns. "Damn, we left really late. At least we'll get some sleep before hitting the place. 'Sides, the Niphentaxians haven't deployed a force to Phentax Twenty-three; most of them want to be in on the attack on Earth." "Onii-chan, get home before then!" Atako pleads. "I can't lead this bunch in a defense of Earth!!" "I will," Ataru winks. "Good night, you two." "'Night," they wave as the line is shut down. Ataru breathes out. The bridge of the "Hasei'cha" is quiet, the controls on automatic. While not having a central computer with Bianca's, Henry's or Cassandra's complexity, the warpsloop could get from one place to the next without someone always leaning over the helm station. That was good; they all needed the chance to rest and relax before their busy day tomorrow. They'd hit the island around midday, spend a couple hours on site, then head home. Along the way, Ataru would have Cassandra do something that'd ensure Oogi's people wouldn't do anything dumb in the future, like pick on powers far greater than they. Ataru had an idea how to do that while ensuring the Federation would remain safe from outside encroachment. He hoped it'd work; there could be no second chances. He gazes around, then his mind's eye drifts to the wonderful women waiting at the end of this trip. His hand absently strokes his crotch as visions of Noa and Lum dance through his mind. Damn, he wanted them so badly, he could taste them...but neither were here, Lum didn't have an android made in her image and Noa's was back aboard the "Lyna'cha." And he couldn't enjoy the pleasures of those now with him who'd be willing to give such. Over the last couple of days whenever he could set aside a few hours, he took care of many of those from his present crew who wanted to get started on children right away. They were enjoyable as his mind reflects on their intimacy. He loved them as his closest friends, his Sagussan family, but not with the same level of passion he reserved for Lum and Noa. Reinoevan and Asukanoevan finally bonded when he was with them, settling a twelve year rupture in their relationship as they vowed to renew their love. Linna and Nene did it out of a simple sense of obligation to the Grand Design; both wanted to bring Ten- chan to Sagussa and now wanted to adopt Minami. It was hard for him to pillow Rumy, one of the youngest Daishi'cha, but Patty had made things much easier. He felt a lot better when he did Spea and Amy; the warpsloop's coxswain had a maturity which belied her young years. Hotaru and Setsuna ambushed him right after he was fit to be with people, giving him his first sexual experience after Noa, showing him the sheer delight of pleasing two women who considered him the genetic cream of the crop. Damn, it gave him such a high to hear that! Eluza and Pony had taken his breath away; they were one of the oldest bondings on Sagussa, with years of passion under their belts all waiting for Ataru to have a sample. He didn't get to Mie and Makoto; the former was trying to settle her thoughts about being on Sagussa and the latter, who'd do anything for Mie, wouldn't press the question of a first child until she was ready. Each was an intimate experience, something to be cherished for the feelings, the emotions they gave the participants. That flowed from the drive Sagussans felt to experience as much of Existence as possible. How could you be sure that one person is as good as another if you aren't with that other? True, you bonded with very special people when you moved to propagate the race, but even that shouldn't stop one from enhancing one's experiences. In essence, Ataru had always been that way. But would that belief forever deny him Lum? Ataru sighs as his ram begins to grow, hoping for the chance to experience the Oni's delights soon...if she'd permit herself to finally let go of her constraints and embrace it all. <> Ataru's eyes widen, then he concentrates. <> <> Lum cries out. <> <> Ataru relaxes. <> <> the Oni yawns. <> Ataru smiles. <> <> Ataru cringes as he feels her sort through his memories of being intimate with a half-dozen women who weren't Lum or Noa. Oh, shit, she would freak out at that... <> He blinks, then nods, his eyes stinging. <> he sighs. <> <> she laughs. <> <> he wipes his eyes. <> <> he can feel her crying, too. <> Ataru laughs. <> <<*Tcha*...wait a moment!>> Lum wonders. <> <> A pause as other memories are transmitted to the Oni, who grows more shocked by the moment. <> <> Suddenly, Ataru gasps as a surge of love rips through every fibre of his being. <> <> <> Ataru smiles. No matter what, he now spoke the truth. <> <> Lum happily sobs. <> On Phentax Twenty-three, Lum smiles as she spoke the truth. <> * * * "A Remarkable Destiny" a Urusei Yatsura lemon fic by Fred Herriot gorgo@kwangju.net **** **** **** Based on "Urusei Yatsura" created by Rumiko Takahashi **** **** **** NOTE: All standard lemon warnings apply. This is my second time at this, so please give me a break. I'll try to keep it as spicy as possible without going too overboard. WRITER'S NOTES 1) I should note that Mike and I set UY-TSY to coincide with the TV series, the first Tag Race being in October 1981 and the second occurring about two years later. I decided to throw away that time frame to better work the outside elements, including all of Tom Clancy's novels up to "Executive Orders," into this story. 2) Sagussans have the right to have their fetuses removed from their wombs after first trimester so they can dedicate themselves to their jobs. The fetus is placed in a gestation chamber so that genetic imperfections are worked out before the child reaches term. Of course, they can carry the child to term if they so desire. **** **** **** PART FOURTEEN - WHO NEEDS A HAREM WHEN YOU GOT FAMILY?! Ataru hugs himself as he walks down to his personal quarters to undress, shower, then get some sleep. The giddy smile on his face contrasts his tears, but the joy he felt now had long chased away his past fears. His conscience was clear. Lum loved him with all her heart...and he loved her with all his heart. Even better, she happily accepted the destiny he chose as long as her dream of being with him had been fulfilled, too. And why not? In the end run, no matter how many people he would have sex with, it would always be Lum and Noa who would be mistresses of his heart. Damn, he should've talked to Noa when he had the chance...but the Ashi'cha was asleep right now. Best not bother her; she needed to have her wits about her when the gang crashed the party in eight hours. With that, he slips off his uniform, wraps a towel around himself, gets his toiletries, then heads to the shower. Due to the juggling of internal space, the "Hasei'cha" had one communal shower with fourteen heads, no privacy dividers to protect the people washing from outside observation. Sagussans were a race who considered the shame other societies felt about nudity to be regressive. Ataru himself didn't mind it. He wasn't ashamed about his body; let 'em look if they got curious. Heck, 100,001 women couldn't be wrong about his looks, could they?! He slips off his towel, then places himself in the middle stall forward. The warpsloop had large water tanks and the best water-treatment and sewage-cleansing system imaginable, so everyone could have a long warm soak if they wanted it. Ataru needed it. He needed to be refreshed when he woke up. He blinks as his senses detect someone come up. With concentration, he smiles. Shinobu. Damn, this was fun! Now, would she or wouldn't she...? Outside, Shinobu blinks as she feels Ataru's psionic echo in the Te'a. Well, one thing about these powers was that they warned her who were in places like the "Hasei'cha's" showers. She'd been taken aback by the absence of privacy, but soon understood that Sylia's people weren't so prudish. Still, Shinobu hadn't resolved all the mixed emotions she felt toward Ataru. Biting her lips, she moves to go to her quarters and wait, then blinks. Why was she so afraid? He hadn't glomped any of them since he became a Sagussan. Yes, he was Sagussa's leader, but he wasn't absolute dictator, far from it. Besides, he had done it with half the crew now aboard plus Noa, so he was very familiar with the female body. She was NOT totally familiar with the male body. Steeling herself, she steps inside. He had his left leg bent to hide his ram, his head bowed down as the shower poured over him, leaning against the bulkhead. Well, it wasn't so bad; she'd forgot what great shape he was in. Relaxing, she slips off the towel, then walks up to the stall to his left. "Hello, Ataru-kun." "Hi, Shinobu-chan," he smiles not looking up, hoping she wouldn't take his next words as an insult. "So you're taking the chance with me, huh?" She smiles. "Would you be offended if I looked?" "I personally wouldn't care if you did." Shinobu laughs, feeling a warm glow inside her. At least he was trying to make her feel at home. Strange; he seemed so much at peace right now. What happened? "Are you okay?" He looks at her, smiling. She blinks as her empathic powers pick up the joy blazing from his heart, then she senses the image of one they knew well. "Jesu Cristo...!" she covers her mouth, her eyes watering. "You did it!!" "Yeah, I did it," he smiles. "Oh, Ataru-kun, I'm so happy for you!!" she embraces him. Fortunately, their joy doesn't translate to mavan'shagh; the discipline both learned from the society they had become a part of saved them from doing something they might later regret. However, no matter how much a Sagussan tries, their bodies have other ideas when two come into such intimate proximity. Shinobu jolts, then looks down at his growing ram. "Oh, no, you don't!" she wags her finger. "Stay! If I want you, I'll know where to look!!" Ataru snorts, then gives her a quick glance. Damn, how could he find fault with her? Sylia really had great taste. He leans down to kiss her. "Believe me, Shinobu-chan, there are loads of times I wish I had his impartiality." "You don't mean that, do you?" she turns on her shower. "I dunno," he sighs. "Outside Noa-chan, I've been in bed with twelve women. I loved having sex with them; no matter what people say, it's a very enjoyable act. I definitely loved getting to know them again, learning about the things I did when I was on Sagussa. I like them as my best friends, as my Sagussan family...but when all's said and done, my thoughts turn to Lum-chan and Noa-chan." She blinks, then gazes at him. "Ataru-kun...how do you define your Sagussan family? The way I understand it, it's just between bond-mates that the term 'family's' applied." "Shinobu-chan, what you define as your family is your choice," Ataru insists. "If we go your definition, I couldn't even count Lum-chan and Noa-chan as part of my family. If I wanted, I could go the surei'cha family route. I'd then be counting almost all the Daishi'cha. But I won't. I know I can't demand that they continue to love me. I have no right to do that." "So outside Lum and Noa, you'd count everyone aboard the ship right now as your family...save the obvious ones." He considers the point. "I'd count you, Benten-chan, Oyuki- chan, Ryuu-chan, Nagisa-chan and Ryooko-chan." She blinks, feeling a shudder race through her frame. "Why?" "Shinobu-chan...look, I know I rarely behaved with anything approaching decency until a week ago," he sighs. "I still really don't understand, don't feel absolutely sure why I was that way for so long. Was it my fear of what could've happened if something went wrong? Lyna, was I THAT horny?! There were times I couldn't shut my lust off, you know! Was I so insensitive that I couldn't bring myself to accept any friendship...any love...at face value?" She shudders, her eyes stinging. "Ataru-kun..." "Shinobu-chan, I care for you," he bites his lips. "Honey- chan said to Captain Invader that I looked on Lum-chan as my only true friend. Yes, there were times I hated you, especially when I saw you with Mendou or when you were moving to control me; I know it was you who instigated the Rosebuds, for example. But those times were few and far between, you know." "When Honey said that, I really was hurt," she admits. "I know," he gazes at her. "But there were the times you were as important a friend as Lum-chan. When Lum-chan went to renew her visa and left the doll behind; remember that? When you kept secret my visits to Nerima. When you cut loose on the guards and Mendou for their wanting to make everyone bow to Lum-chan's desires. And ...when you came to Noa-chan's apartment and said you understood." Shinobu sniffs, then turns to warmly embrace him, ignoring the stirring in his ram or within her south gate. They hold each other, the water cascading over them, then gaze into the other's eyes and tenderly kiss. "Am I in your family now, Ataru-kun?" "Do you want to be?" "I'd be honoured...Ataruvayae." He kisses her. "Then that's what you'll be...Shinobuvayae." "Would Sylia-chan, Lum-chan and Noa-chan mind if we bond?" "Er...we better hold off on that idea for a bit...!" * * * Sometime later, Ataru relaxes in his quarters. It took the ship's computer fifteen minutes to translate Tom Clancy's latest into Japanese. He liked the writer; Ataru thought "The Hunt for Red October" was one of the best novels he'd ever read. He and Lum had seen the movie a half-dozen times, plus had also seen "Patriot Games" and "Clear and Present Danger." Both agreed that Harrison Ford was the better Jack Ryan. Lum was also a devoted Clancy fan; her favourite was "The Cardinal of the Kremlin." Ataru knew she had sent copies of his novels to all her friends. The one scrolling on his datapadd now, "Executive Orders," finally saw Ryan become President of the United States. The overwhelming sense he felt being thrust into such a role struck a chord with Ataru right from the first chapter. No wonder his mother got him the book. Sighing, he feels a touch of guilt for finding himself hating Kinshou at times. Regardless of how she treated him, she was still his mother. He blinks as he feels Nagisa stop by his door. "C'mon in, Nagisa-chan! It's open," he yells out. "I can see why there're no doorbells on these ships," Nagisa walks inside, now dressed in a housecoat. "Can I join you, Ataru?" "Sure. Act like you own the place." Nagisa sits down on his bed. "What are you reading?" "Tom Clancy, 'Executive Orders.'" "Oh, I could never read his stuff! Too complicated!!" she shakes her head, then stares at him. "You don't strike me as the type who'd read something like that!" "I just hid it from everyone else," he shrugs. "Lum-chan knows, as does my mother and I think Shinobu-chan. If any of the guys found out, they might've said 'it's too complicated for an idiot like you' or something to that extent..." "Then suspect you were more than what you seemed and provoke something," she concludes, then stares at him, her eyes widening. "Ataru...did you talk to Lum recently...?" He nods, smiling. "Congratulations," she sighs. "No matter what you might think, everyone will be relieved that you're getting together. I'm happy for you both." "Well, those who'd want to interfere are out the way now," he relaxes, putting aside the padd, then gazes at her. "How are you doing, Nagisa-chan? You adjusting well?" "Well, I could look at you when we're in the shower and I'd not be aroused," Nagisa shrugs. "Like it or not, I was born a man and there're certain conditions that men alone have to be concerned about, like there are certain conditions that only affect women." "Did you ever masturbate?" "A couple of times," Nagisa admits. "When I came back and I was trying to adjust to living with Ryuu-chan full-time, I'd go off into the washroom and do it. Whenever I was aroused, I HAD to respond as a man. I know Ryuu-chan did it too, though she didn't understand why her body acted that way at times. Her father taught her NOTHING about that; it would be admitting she was a woman." Ataru smiles. "Most people associate sexual arousal with love. If you were emotionally loyal to Ryuu-chan, then felt sexual arousal for another woman like Sakura, you'd think you were sinning because you were aroused by someone other than Ryuu-chan. Love goes a lot deeper. It's committing yourself to one or more people, being there for them at all times. You made the commitment first to Ryuu-chan, then to Catty-chan, Rabby-chan and Lufy-chan. They are the people you love. I may feel sexual attraction for a lot of women. I feel that attraction now. I know I sure expressed it a lot before last week. But now, I love Lum-chan and Noa-chan." Nagisa considers the point. "Ataru, why you won't make love to Rabs, Cats or Luf...or to Honey, Sylia, Shildy or Priss for that matter? Is it because we're all there?" Ataru nods. "Nagisa-chan, we all know that it's considered an insult on Sagussa for a person to not introduce her surei'cha to her marei'cha and let them be intimate. All of them who've bonded outside believe if they want to conceive a child with a man, you have that same right with the same man. And because you haven't adjusted to that...and no one has the right to force you into that, even now...your bond-mates won't ask me to help conceive their first child. I respect their decision and I respect your choice. I have no problems." "Ataru, we can feel their love for you, we can feel their desire to have you do it with them," Nagisa sighs. "Don't leave them out on account of us!" "Nagisa-chan, if you want them to fulfil their wishes, then tell them that yourself. I won't force myself on them." Nagisa smiles. "I don't know you well enough admittedly, but I have heard a lot about what you've done before. I can guess how you must feel now that you've come to see what you did wrong and are trying to make it right. It must be hard for you." "Growing up always is hard. No one said it'd be easy." "True," Nagisa nods, then tenses. Ataru blinks. "C'mon in, girls!!" "Ataru!" Benten waves as she walks in, followed by Shinobu, Oyuki, Ryuunosuke and Ryooko. "Hey, you done with that yet?!" she nods to the datapadd. "I wanna know when Ryan'll blow up China!" "Not this one, Benten-chan; he's got India and Iran to deal with first...atop being President," Ataru smiles. "There's a copy of the translation in the computer if you want." "Thanks," Benten smiles, then thumps his shoulder. "Damn, you finally did it, didn't you?! It's about fuckin' time!!" "It shames me too, Benten-chan," Ataru sighs. Shinobu must have passed the news to everyone else. "Now all we have to do is get Lum-chan and Noa-chan out of there, then things'll be going good for a chance. By the way, Atako and Asuka are bonding." "Wonderful!" Ryooko beams, clapping her hands as she sits beside Oyuki on a couch. "Congratulations to you both, Ataru. I wonder what poor Shuu-chan'll think when he learns of it." "Hope he doesn't pull the same stunts he pulled on Ryuu and Nagisa," Benten snorts. "Atako and Asuka don't need that." "If he does, I'll kill him myself!" Ryuunosuke growls. Everyone nods. "So, what brings you here to see me?" Ataru wonders. "I mean, it can't be because you want to have kids! I don't think any of you are emotionally prepped for that!!" "Shit, no!" Ryuunosuke laughs, then sighs. "Geez, here we are with a guy who tried to glomp us at every opportunity until a week ago and we feel comfortable around him." "We trust him now, Ryuu-chan," Shinobu smiles. "Just like he now trusts us. People change. We've been exposed to something profound, Ataru-kun most of all. You know, I'd love to take Lum's time machine and visit us long before the Second Tag Race." "What would you do?!" Ataru wonders. "I'd take you and Sylia-chan, then do the tamgh va ragh right there in class!" Shinobu falls over laughing. "Pervert!!!" Benten snorts. Everyone howls with delight. "That would blow everyone away, especially me!!" Ataru whistles, then gazes at Shinobu. "Do you really want to bond with me, Shinobu-chan?" "Yes," Shinobu nods. "If something just as wonderful as my bonding with Sylia-chan has happened to me over the last week, it's my discovering...my *rediscovering* how important you are to me, Ataru-kun. Yes, I would bond with you." "Geez, Ataru, you better watch out!" Benten whistles. "Your family's going to be as big as Ryuu's when all's said and done!" "Benten, he considers all of us a part of his family." The others blink, then gaze at Ataru. "You do?" Oyuki asks. "Yes," he quietly nods. "My extended Sagussan family before this was Noa-chan, Honey, Troop Six and the 'Hasei'cha's' ship's company. Now that you're bonded into that family, that makes you part of my extended family. My immediate Sagussan family is Lum- chan and Noa-chan...though that'll probably expand to include Shinobu-chan and Sylia-chan if the others agree to let them in." The five other women exchange looks. "Thank you, Ataru," Oyuki smiles. "That's so sweet of you to think that of us." "Not surprised you said that, Oyuki," Benten stares at her. "After all, you double told me before I bonded with Pri that you always did consider Lum and I part of your family." "Yes, I do," Oyuki warmly grips Benten's hand. "It is strange, isn't it?" Ryooko muses. "All of our previous definitions of things like love, family, sex, friendship...all of them have taken a horrendous beating over the last week. Yet...I don't feel the least bit sickened by it." "That's a side-effect of your bond with Shildy-chan, Ryooko- chan," Ataru warns. "She influences you, you influence her. I'll bet that when you two settle down, Shildy-chan'll be interested in things like acting, opera, the theatre, botany...and dropping stun grenades on people who piss her off!" he adds with a wink. "Oh!!!" Ryooko howls. "You found me out?!!" Everyone laughs. "Believe me, Ryooko-chan, I admire your restraint!" Ataru snickers. "Besides, wasn't it obvious that no one ever was seriously hurt by those things?!" "True!" Ryooko smiles, then leans back. "You're right, Ataru. Shildy-chan has influenced me in many ways. For instance, I could do this..." She stands, shedding her housecoat to reveal her body for all, especially Ataru, to see. "Wow, you are stunning, Ryoo!" Benten gasps. "Shit, I never really noticed before!!" "Thank you, Ben-chan," Ryooko smiles, then gazes at Ataru. "Well, Ataru? Would you love to fill my gate with your seed?" "If that's what you want," Ataru shrugs. She blinks. The others stare at him in shock, surprised he was so calm. Benten reaches over to stroke his ram under his housecoat. "Shit, no reaction!!" "Actually, I'm more aroused by you touching me than by Ryooko- chan standing there nude, Benten-chan," Ataru warns. Benten blinks, then jerks her hand back. "Shit, I'm sorry!!" "It's okay; you have soft hands, you know," Ataru winks. Benten turns deep cherry while everyone laughs. "Ataru, say something about me, please!!" Ryooko whines. "You won't like what I'll say," he warns. "You think I'm ugly!" Ryooko pouts. "No, you're very beautiful and I admire Shildy-chan for her choice of bond-mate. You both make a lovely couple. BUT, in my eyes, you're not in Noa-chan's class." Ryooko blinks. "Well, am I close?!" "Why are you asking this?!" Ataru laughs, then stops as he senses everyone else gazing in disbelief at him. "What's wrong?" "I...forgive us, Ataru!" Oyuki blinks. "I suppose that up until now, we never fully realized how much you have changed!! In a rather strange sense, I...I think we were trying to get you aroused...but I don't understand why..." "I do," Shinobu sighs. "Oyuki, we're used to Ataru-kun being the way he was. We feel safe with him that way. If he changed, it would have a domino effect on us. If he went one way and dropped Lum, we'd be affected since our lives have been touched by Lum. If it went the other way and Ataru-kun dedicated himself solely to Lum, we'd all be affected because of that, too." Ryooko looks down. "Ataru, I am so sorry!" she reaches down to pick up her housecoat. "I...I didn't mean to make you look like a fool...I...at least I didn't think I wanted to..." "It's okay," Ataru smiles, moving to break the sudden tension in the room. "At least, I got a good view!" She jolts at his flippancy, then laughs. "I'm pleased to have given it to you!" she dramatically waves, then dresses. Everyone else laughs. "Ataru, what do you really think of us right now?" Benten stares quizzically at him. Ataru muses. "You're the bond-mates to people who I consider my closest friends, friends I've reunited with after twelve years' separation. Most of you are also friends with one of the women I desire to spend the rest of my life with. You'll always be there for Lum-chan; even if you hadn't bonded with someone, you'd be here to help rescue Lum-chan. I consider you part of my extended family because of your bondings. I consider you my friends. In Shinobu- chan's case, I'd desire to become her bond-mate. But I should warn you that I'll treat you as a Sagussan would treat his friends." "In other words, if we wanted to do it with you, you'd make love with us," Benten concludes. "Exactly. You see, my beliefs haven't really changed. I believe everyone should share in love, should define relationships in whatever way they desire. I believe that sex is something that is meant to be enjoyed. I believe, especially now, that as long as you don't restrict someone, physically or mentally harm someone, everyone has the right to live as they so want. Society's rules should protect one's physical and emotional integrity; that's it! It shouldn't demand a person subvert himself to someone because of wealth or political power...and society sure as hell shouldn't restrict what sort of love you express to those around you." "That's profound," Benten muses. "Benten-chan, it's the society we're now a part of. You know, the greatest crime I did to you was that I assumed you'd all bow to my desires on demand. I can't do that; that's the biggest thing I realized when Noa-chan and I reunited. I can't begin to apologize for what I did; I'm glad you stopped me every time. Part of me wishes that when the Daishi'cha came, it wouldn't've involved you. Lyna, what happened to you, Nagisa-chan, was my worst nightmare come true!" he gazes at her. "I know you wanted to be a girl...but damn it, I didn't want the choice to be so savagely forced on you!" "Don't blame yourself!" Nagisa insists. "Catty-chan gave me a choice. If I refused, she would've found some dead boy, then regenerate him in my image. I CHOSE to be a woman, Ataru; it was my greatest dream come true. I should THANK you for being their Daimon'cha, because if it wasn't for you and them, I'd be dead!" "That can go both ways, Nagisa-chan!" Ataru insists. "Yes it can!" Nagisa nods. "We would've had to deal with the Niphentaxians in Tomobiki sooner or later. I choose to look on this positively. Please, I ask you to do the same. If you think of me as part of your family, please do that. And please, don't say you're at fault because Mendou reacted so adversely to your becoming Daimon'cha. If he can't handle it, too bad!" Ataru gazes at her, then reaches over to firmly squeeze her hand. "I'll try not to feel so guilty over it," he smiles, then gazes at everyone else. "You see, I would wish things have gone different...but the other part of me is happy that you all have people you can love with all your heart and who'll love you back." "Thanks," Benten nods. "So, when the hell are you going to get funky and give Pri a kid?! She's wants one with you bad!" "I won't do it now, Benten." "Shit, don't stop on account of me, Ataru!" "You don't understand, Benten-chan," Ataru sits up, then gazes at Nagisa. "Nagisa-chan, can I ask you to help me demonstrate something to them? I'll try not to hurt you." "Sure," she rises. Ataru stands, then opens her housecoat. <> he psi-links. "Sure," she nods. He places himself behind her, his hand snaking to her gate. His finger gently lands on her tower, then begins to make a slow circular motion with it. Nagisa gasps as she leans back into him, the arousal in her south gate surging forth like a relentless tide. "Oooh, that feels so good!!" she gasps. Everyone blinks, then jolt as they here someone else panting heavily. Eyes lock on Ryuunosuke, who has her housecoat open, her fingers soothing her throbbing tower and gate. "Jeez, who's doing that...?!" she gasps as her fingers dance across her love box. "May I go in?" Ataru whispers into Nagisa's ear. "Oh, y-yes...!" Nagisa pants. His fingers then slide slowly into her wet gate. Ryuunosuke cries out in shock as her gate quivers. "Aaah!! Oh, man...!!" After a moment, Ataru stops, kissing Nagisa as he withdraws and ties her housecoat. Ryuunosuke collapses, an equally pleased look on her face. "Oh, shit, that was great..." she moans. "Nagisa-chan, what did you do to me...?!" "I...I did nothing!" Nagisa blinks. "Yes, you did," Ataru warns. "You and Ryuu-chan are bonded. When I excited you, your passions built up. All that emotion has to go somewhere. It can't come to me; I was protecting myself. So it went to the place of least resistance: your psi-bonds. I'll bet Catty-chan, Rabby-chan and Lufy-chan enjoyed that as much as Ryuu-chan. There's the downfall of a marei'cha bonding, Nagisa- chan. What Ryuu-chan or the others experience, you experience, right up to that level of intensity." "Holy shit!!" Benten whistles as Ataru sits down. "I can see why everyone believes it right to share child-mates!" Ataru sighs. "Nagisa-chan, thank you for helping me show that ...and I'm sorry for not warning you, Ryuu-chan. Now, if you really don't mind, we should all get to bed; we've got one hell of a day ahead of us and I want to get some sleep." The others nod... * * * "It was so incredible," Ryooko muses as she relaxes in hers and Shildy's bedroom. "Ataru was just stroking Nagisa's tower and Ryuu there was acting as if she was the one being fondled!" "Now you know why I want to hold off on being with him until you were ready," the first officer admits as Ryooko walks over to slip under the covers. "So, do you like him now?" "I like what he's become," Ryooko slips into Shildy's embrace. "I like the fact that he's in such control over himself, that he's willing to care, even after all we did to him. I'd believe that after the last two years, he would've given vent to his anger." "He's not that type, Ryookovayae," Shildy kisses her forehead. "If he ever did that, he'd hate himself afterward. He's hesitant enough as is with us having to kill people to rescue Lum and Noa. He's afraid this'll escalate into a war with the Niphentaxians. His love of life is the primary reason we said twelve years ago 'he's the one we want.'" "So, Shildyvayae," Ryooko cuddles up to her. "I suppose that when we get the chance, we'll both have to get Ataru to sunder our doors. After all," she kisses her, "...how can I say I love my marei'cha if I can't trust her first choice for surei'cha?" "Oooh, hold that thought, love," Shildy apologetically sighs as Ryooko's hand dances for her south gate. "We have to get some sleep, remember? Tomorrow...?" "Tomorrow..." * * * "You really want to bond with him, Shinobuvayae?" Their lights out, Shinobu and Sylia gaze out the portal of their bedroom. "En, Syliavayae," Shinobu snuggles her nose into her bond-mate's neck. "Lyna, I love Ataru-kun more than ever. I want my life to have him in it. Would you be able to handle it?" "Will make things interesting for Lum and Noa," Sylia muses. "It's always been Noa's dream to live with Ataru and Lum together when it was all done. I just hope Noa doesn't mind that being intruded upon by either you or me." "You wouldn't mind Noa and Lum as bond-mates?" "Of course not," Sylia muses. "Especially since there's no competition for either of them!" "Whatever happened to your belief that nothing comes easy?!" "Hey, I like to get things handed to me as much as everyone else!" Sylia growls, then kisses her. "After all, I got the woman I love with very little effort on my part." "Am I worth it?" "Oh, you are, Shinobuvayae...you are..." * * * "So you don't want to do with him...even casually while I'm conceiving a child?" Honey wonders as she gazes at Oyuki. "Well, I'm still very much of the belief that since Ataru is Lum-chan's lover, it would be unpolitic for me to be that intimate with him," the princess relaxes in her bond-mate's embrace. Like Shinobu and Sylia, their lights are out as they gaze at the passing stars. "Besides, do we know how much Lum-chan has accepted this? She may be bonded with Noa-chan but that doesn't automatically mean she'll accept it all at face value." "True," Honey nods. "Besides, I know you're worried about getting Koosei back." Oyuki closes her eyes, tears flowing down her cheeks. "What can we do, Honeyvayae? How in Lyna's name can we help him?!" "We do it, Oyukivayae," Honey tenderly kisses her. "We do it. Besides, our psychologists are versed in repairing damaged minds. Let one of them go at Koosei-kun for a while and who knows!" "I hope so...oh, I hope so..." * * * "Well, I ain't in the mood to have a kid right away," Benten sighs as Priss combs her hair, braiding it up for the next day's fighting; because they'll all be wearing headsets, the Fukunokami won't wear her hair chain. Further, the webgear on her uniform will force her to sling her sash chain across her waist. "But the idea of actually getting down and funky with Ataru...I dunno." "Would you do it with the old Ataru?" Priss muses. "Fuck, no!!" Benten sneers. "Still, with the beard and all, he kinda looks like Nassur! Shit, now that we're both Sagussans, Nassur'll never recognize me, won't he?!" "'Fraid not," Priss gently embraces her. "Oh, Benvayae, I didn't want to steal your dreams when I fell in love with you." "Privayae, you gave your love to me without any conditions. I couldn't forgive myself if I didn't do the same to you." "Doghma do va, Benvayae," Priss kisses her. "Besides, one of these days, Nassur might get bored with bounty-hunting. Even if he doesn't recognize you, what's to stop him from falling in love? Vosians aren't ALWAYS dependent on their genes, you know!" "Good point," Benten muses as they kiss... * * * "And you let him stop?!" Rabby stares at Nagisa. "Didn't you like it when he did that to you?!" "Of course I did...and yes, I wanted him to do more!" Nagisa nods. Their family was now in their bed, blankets scattered over them. "But when I realized that Ryuu-chan was reacting to it, I was glad he stopped. How did you feel?!" "Wonderful," Rabby kisses her. "So, you want to do with him?" "Yes...with you there," Nagisa nods, then gazes at Ryuunosuke. "What about you, Ryuu-chan?" "It'll be weird, doing it to a guy I slugged almost daily every time he tried to jump me," Ryuunosuke muses, then shrugs. "But, hell, if you're all going to be there, why not?!" "You're not ready for a kid, aren't you?" Lufy stares at her. "Geez, Luf, when I found out I could give birth to children, it blew my mind away!!" Ryuunosuke moans. "When I had my first period, I almost killed myself; thank Lyna Shinobu was there to show me what to do! But...no, I'm not ready yet." "Ryuuvayae, it's your choice," Catty gently rubs her shoulder. "Besides, I know Nagisavayae wants to carry her first child to term. If anyone from Child Services heard that, they'd freak!" "Well, I want to experience the whole thing, Cattyvayae!" Nagisa smiles at the doctor. "What's so wrong with that?! Don't tell me you wouldn't do that yourself once! Don't you know lying to your bond-mate's considered bad luck?!" "How well you know us, Nagisavayae." The others laugh as they flick off the lights... * * * "Um...Kakugari-san?" Kakugari sees Ushina and two other Niphentaxian men standing by his information terminal. The construction engineer technician was busy reading some city planning manuals in the "Lyna'cha's" library. "Hi!" he smiles. "You're Atako-chan's brother, right?" "Yes...!" Ushina's eyes widen on seeing the heavyset man's beard and moustache. "Um, I'm sorry, but when did you grow that?" Kakugari laughs. "All guys who go through the matrix come out looking like the wild man of Borneo!!" he feels his black facial hair. "When my parents saw me after I came out, they almost didn't recognize me! Who're your friends?!" "Oh!" Ushina waves. "This is Shijin," he indicates an almost anorexic man with a slender plain face framed with brown hair and passionate green eyes, "...and Kajiya," he indicates a burly man with a nice smile, buzz-cut blond hair and kind blue eyes. The other two respectfully bow. "Nice to meet you," Kakugari nods. "So, what do you guys what?" "Um...could you help us...meet someone?" Ushina blushes. Kakugari senses their embarrassment. "Oh, I see," he nods. "You three picked out someone you'd want to be with, right?" "Hai," Ushina nods. "Are there two girls for each of you?" "Hai," Shijin nods. "I mean...well, we've been all raised to believe there should be only one to claim your heart...but how could you chose between the girls we like? You found that when you took interest in your girls, didn't you, Kakugari-san?" "Yeah," he nods, his mind reaching out to caress Deunan's and Hitomi's, now on Earth exercising their squadrons. He feels them reach back, embracing their surei'cha with passion. <> he calls out. <> Hitomi purrs. "So, who is it?!" Kakugari smiles. "Have you've been spending time with their android doubles?!" "Hai!" the three automatically reply. "Are they nice girls?" the largest of the guards leers. "Do you feel ready to be with the real people? "Oh, very nice!" Ushina blushes. "I can't wait!" "They're so pretty...and smart, too!" Shijin moans. "I couldn't think of loving anyone other than them!" Kajiya gazes at the deckhead, very pleased. "I see," Kakugari nods. "Well, tell me! If you want me to help you, I have to know who they are." They exchange looks. "Rio-san and Maya-san," Ushina whispers. "Maki-san and Nanvel-san," Shijin smiles. "Maria-san and Lilica-san," Kajiya finishes. <> Deunan laughs. <> <> Kakugari flashes back, then stands. "Okay, guys. Here's what we'll do." * * * Three hours later, as the sun begins to peek over the eastern horizon, the battlecruiser four hundred kilometres above Honolulu, Kakugari meets the prospective surei'cha by a chamber near the main computer. "Okay, if you're going to live on Sagussa, you better get used to a couple of things," he sighs. "First, we don't wear underwear. Second, people aren't ashamed of showing themselves to everyone. If people look, let them look. If they touch without permission, that's when things get hairy. Don't dive at them right away. How much time did you spend with their doubles?" "About five hours every night," Ushina admits. "That's good!" Kakugari nods. "Now, I know you three couldn't have spent all that time doing the tamgh va ragh, so you had the chance to talk to them, get to know them. You shouldn't be so shy around them now. Ready?" "Hai!!" they nod. With that, Kakugari slides open the door to the sauna. Like bathhouses throughout Japan, the first room they step into is the receiving area. The four slip off their boots, then walk onto the rich carpet leading to the change room. That is a communal area with two people already there undressing. "Daremo-kun!" Deunan walks around to tenderly kiss him. "It's about time, love!!" "Hi, Deunan-chan," he embraces her, then kisses Hitomi. "Hi, guys!" Deunan smiles at the Niphentaxians, then tugs at Kakugari's coverall. "So you're ready to brave the sauna, huh?! There's not that many people in there now; you should be okay! C'mon, Daremo-kun, get undressed!" He waves as the two take him to a locker. The Niphentaxians exchange looks, then nod as they get ready. Beside them were lockers filled with clothing. Four were in SISF black-and-blue, one for a weapons engineer and the last for a computer services officer. Realizing who was there, they grin as the clothes fly off them, then wrapping towels around themselves, they head inside. The main sauna room is a shallow pool filled with water and mineral salts, heated to near body temperature. Lining all sides were private steam chambers. A side door led to a massage room with another leading to the showers, then back to the change room. No one was present in the main room though the three could hear voices from the nearby rooms. Recognizing them, they break up. Ushina fights down his embarrassment. He hoped he was enough for Rio and Maya. Their androids were nice, but he knew the real people would act differently because they weren't compelled to treat lovers with kindness. He glances into the room they're in, noting they were seated by a steam vent, chatting. Deciding to wait until they seemed ready for a visitor, he slips into the chamber next door. Likewise, Shijin and Kajiya slip into the rooms beside their favourite ladies. Kakugari, Deunan and Hitomi slip into the pool to sit back and watch the fun. Shijin breathes out as he feels his desires fire. Nanvel and Maki were whispering sweet nothings into the other's ear next door, their hands doing interesting things to their bodies. He fought down the urge to race in and jump them. Maki was a police officer trained in special tactics and Nanvel, who had the reputation of a mad scientist... He relaxes against the wall, his hands reaching down to gently stroke his throbbing manhood, just happy that he was close enough to those two angels. Suddenly, a hand lands on his. His eyes open to see Nanvel standing there, her gorgeous body displayed for him to see. She is almost as busty as Rio or Honey, her milk chocolate skin...odd for a Toukonokouen, where average skin colour was almost pitch black... glistening with sweat. Her red hair was tied in side ponytails, her brown eyes sparkling with delight on her feeling his throbbing ram. "Hello, there," she smiles. "Would you care to join us?" "H-h-hai..." he stammers. Nanvel offers her hand. He follows her into the cubicle next door. Kakugari, Deunan and Hitomi watch from the pool, the latter pilot seating herself on his throbbing ram, smiling. One down. Kajiya sighs as he listens to Maria and Lilica gab excitedly about some new project Megane was engaged in. He had a soft spot for sweet girls...and they didn't come sweeter than these two. Lilica seemed young, but in fact was already twenty when she became a Daishi'cha, though you'd be fooled by her high-pitched voice. Maria was a bouncy nineteen year old Oni who projected the demeanour of an idol star; everyone who met the robotics expert liked her. While he had enjoyed sex with their doubles, Kajiya preferred to spend his time talking, hearing their dreams and ideas. He was a sculptor by vocation, working with plastics and soft metals. He had already begun making statuettes of Maria and Lilica. "Hi!" a girl's voice tickles his ears. He sees Lilica standing there. Height-wise, she didn't come up to his chest, but the energy pouring out of her made him feel small. Like Nanvel, Lilica tied her red hair in high ponytails to both sides, her green eyes glittering. Her body seemed childishly slim, but the right curves here and there were enough to drive him wild. "H-hi...Lilica-san..." She smiles, waving to the cubicle's entrance. "Would you want to come be with Maria-chan and I?" "S-sure..." he rises to follow her out. Kakugari sees this as he licks Deunan's forest, gonging her tower as Hitomi rammed her breasts into her bond-mate's posterior as her meisuyang played havoc with Deunan's whole body. Two down. Ushina feels his eyes flutter as fatigue makes him doze off. Rio and Maya could sure talk up a storm; their androids didn't act this way when he was with them. Of course, he was burying his face into Rio's heavenly breasts most of the time, so they didn't have much of a chance to chat. He takes a deep breath, then blinks as he feels a light rustle of air flow past his face...then jerks as a finger lands on his forehead. His vision clears, his eyes locked on Maya's firm superstructure not a metre away from his face! "If I was serious, you'd be dead," Maya smiles. "M-maya-san..." Ushina stammers. "C'mon," she nods for him to follow her. He gulps, a mix of desire and fear propelling him to follow her into the next cubicle. Kakugari was now exploring the delights of Hitomi's south gate with Deunan. Three down. * * * "Now, young man, what were you doing next door?" Maki wonders. Shijin gulps as his eyes trace up and down Maki's body. While not as busty as Nanvel, the Tritonian-born inspector, one of the oldest Daishi'cha alive after 9,500 years in cryofreeze, was a looker, her pale silver hair untied from its usual bun to cascade around her shoulders. Now, she looked especially naked without her spectacles; Shijin assumed she had contact lenses on at present or was nearsighted. "Um...I...wanted to see you, Inspector..." Maki smiles. "There's no need for ranks in here, Shijin-san. So, why is it you wanted to see me?" "Well, I wanted to...!" he feels his voice fade. Damn, he wasn't used to explaining something like this to a woman. "I see," Maki gazes at Nanvel. "Nanvelvayae, have you ever heard the old theory about how slim boys seem to always be the biggest where it counts?" "I heard that, Makivayae," Nanvel blows her a kiss. "I think it's worth doing an experiment on, don't you?" "I agree," Maki stares at Shijin. "Well, Shijin-san, would you care to help us prove this?" "S-sure...!" he stammers, nodding. Nanvel kneels, her fingers sliding under his towel to do some exploring. Shijin gasps as her nails gently stroke his throbbing member, a powerful rush surging through his body. "Lyna!!" Nanvel purrs. "I think we got a big one here, Maki-chan! Come feel it?" "I prefer to see it," Maki knees beside her bond-mate, her hands parting his towel, then her pale blue eyes widen on seeing his manhood exposed, now growing thanks to Nanvel's playing. "Oh, Nanvel-chan, it IS big!!" she smiles. "Can we take it?!" "Let's find out," Nanvel rises. Shijin blinks as the armourer kneels on the bench, poising herself right over his throbbing love engine, her hands reaching down to guide the point right into her waiting gate. He was stunned that she could place herself so perfectly over him; she couldn't miss. Damn, she must be as strong as a tank to balance herself on her knees in the middle of a very damp room. Nanvel winks, then lowers herself onto his throbbing member. She cries out as the head penetrates past her tower. Shijin braces himself for her door...then blinks as Nanvel's buttocks land in his lap without anything slowing her down. "OOOOOOOH!!!!" the armourer cries out. "Maki-chan, he IS big!!!" "Let's see how big he can be," Maki kneels behind her. He cries out as her fingers dance over his meija, causing all sorts of wonderful pleasure to surge into his throbbing ram. Atop that, Nanvel rocks her hips to force him to come to full strength as soon as possible. Gritting his teeth, he tightly embraces her as he tries to stand. Damn, couldn't get any leverage sitting down like that. He hoped Nanvel wouldn't mind being on bottom. Nanvel gasps as Shijin holds her tightly as he twirls around, then lowers her to the seat, his member remaining in place deep in her. "Oh, yeah!!" she growls as he kneels down, then starts to gently thrust into her. "You're really strong, Shijin-chan!" "Never thought...I could do that before!" he grits his teeth. "Amazing what a person can do when he sets his mind to it," Maki sits beside him, turning his head so she could kiss him. "Aw, don't hog, Maki!!" Nanvel whines... * * * Kajiya was now sweating buckets from being so close to Lilica and Maria, who were sitting to both sides of him chatting away. He was naked now, his own love engine rising as it sensed the presence of the two women. They had an arm wrapped around his, preventing him from doing something as simple as placing his arms around them. He knew Lilica and Maria were a new couple, having bonded a year ago. Were they still uncomfortable around each other? Things like that you couldn't tell from their companion android doubles. Finally, both sigh, then stare at their friend. "Kajiya-san, would you want to make love to us?" Maria wonders. "Y-yes," he stammers. Maria and Lilica gaze at each other. "You first!!" they insist, then both turn away, flushing. Kajiya licks his lips, then gazes at Maria's horns. He knew what to do with THOSE buds. Leaning over, he takes a quick lick of the bud, causing Maria to jolt in wild ecstacy. "Aaaah!!!" Lilica blinks, then lets go of his arm as he gently draws Maria into his embrace, his tongue and lips taking in the whole horn as he continued to drive her crazy. Gee, she didn't know you could do THAT to Maria's horns. Rising, she poises herself over Maria's spare horn, then leans down. Maria howls with delight as Kajiya and Lilica suckle away, her arms flaying to grab something to hang on to as her senses are overwhelmed by the sensations flowing from her forehead. Her hand then lands on something that was hardening very quickly, causing Kajiya to gasp. She opens her eyes to see that she now firmly held onto his ram. Wow, it was big! Could she take all that in her?! Biting her lips, she gazes at him. "Lay down." Kajiya rises, laying himself down on the damn floor; it was warm enough to prevent him from being chilled. Maria kneels down across his thighs, her hand automatically finding his ram as she starts to jerk at it. He shudders as his own passions being to overwhelm him, then his hands move to guide Maria onto his love machine. "Can you do it?" Lilica wonders. "I don't know," Maria bites her lips. "I'll try." His eyes open. "You mean...?!" he gapes at them. "It's our first time," Maria admits. Kajiya blinks, then smiles. "Mine, too...with a real person." Maria nods, then sits up as she shuffles to place herself in a more comfortable position, then gently lowers herself onto his tip. She cries out as it gongs her tower, then slowly slides into her. "AAAAH!!!!" she wails, coming back up. "It's too big!!!" "Try, Maria-chan!!" Lilica urges. Maria nods, then lowers herself back down. The tip slides a little bit more into her moistening gate, but the pressure on her walls was unreal! Suddenly, strong hands and arms slide under her buttocks as they boost her up, then lower her down, taking the pressure off her thighs and hips. She notices Kajiya trying to help her, then leaning down to kiss him, returns to getting his ram into her. Still, she wasn't loose enough. "Lili, lick me!!" The slender Ellsian-born policewoman straddles herself over him, her tongue darting out to stroke her throbbing tower and dark green forest. Maria's cries pick up in pace as Lilica thrusts her fingers into her gate to get it really most, then withdraws as Kajiya pushes his ram in. As soon as Maria's cries pick up to the point where he knew the pressure was too great, he'd lift her off to allow Lilica the chance to moisten things up more. He himself had a problem; Lilica's red forest and dripping gate was right over his mouth. Kajiya licks his lips as he tries to take a taste, but he couldn't do that and help Maria at the same time. Oh, gods, Lilica's beautiful musk was driving him nuts; he HAD to taste her. Gritting his teeth, he lowers Maria onto his ram, then pulls his hands back to start massaging Lilica's tower. Both women scream out as Maria's door is sundered by Kajiya's ram and Lilica's gate is softly massaged by his fingers. Panting, the former blinks as she realizes that he was all the way in. Hey, that wasn't so bad. Smiling, she starts to bounce, urging his manhood on, forcing him to fire his seed into her. Lilica wasn't sure what she should do; a MAN was about to take a taste from HER south gate?! However, his gentle thrusting was getting her really wet and his breath on her tower was driving her nuts. Looking down, she stares at him, then on seeing his look of pure desire, nods as she settles her muff right over his lips... * * * "So you came for that, huh?!" Maya wonders. She now points at Rio, who now sat across from Ushina, her arms crossed and an annoyed look on her face. He couldn't as yet take the pleasure of her charms; Maya's hand was firmly on his shoulder and this was a woman who could kill him without breaking a sweat. The mace-and-dagger tattoo on her cheek was warning enough. He gazes into her green eyes as she icily smiles. "I'm very protective of my bond-mate. I don't allow any girl to get close to her, not if they got the wrong idea. And I'm not going to allow you to get at her until I'm sure you're the right sort!" "Maya...!" Rio's eyebrows twitch. Lyna have mercy on her, this always happened day in and out. Someone would give the master chief warrant officer an appraising eye and her bond-mate would hit the roof. Her desire to protect Rio was sweet, but she wasn't in the mood to see people put in sick bay because of it...especially if it's a cute boy like the fellow now with them. "Got me?!" Maya growls. "G-g-g-gotcha!" Ushina stammers. "So," Maya stands up, revealing herself fully to him. "If you want Rio...you take me first!" Rio blinks. Ushina gapes, then finds himself gazing in awe at her. Maya was the model aerobics instructor: perky breasts, well defined muscles without too much mass, next to no body fat. He had always been surprised that she had green hair; that was unheard of on Yehisril. Had she relations on Uru or Ipraedos? And yes, he likes her very much. Gung-ho as she is, Maya is a solid person, loyal and dependable. Her willingness to protect Rio proved it. However, there were times even Maya overstepped her bounds. "That does it!!!" Rio bolts to her feet, walking around Maya to lean down and deliver a wet kiss to Ushina. Naturally, being close to her nearly melts Ushina out of the sauna. "What are you doing?!!" Maya freaks out. "Not THIS time, Maya!!" Rio spins on her. "I am SICK of this, do you hear?!! SICK!!!! Every time someone looks at me, someone wants to be with me, someone wants to know me, you'll all over them like the flu, ready to pound them into mincemeat!!! For once in our lives, I want to enjoy something WITHOUT you acting as if I'm too valuable to let out of my birdcage!!!" Maya jolts, feeling herself shrink as tears well up in her eyes. Ushina bites his lips. He knew that Maya thanked her lucky stars every night for being bonded with Rio; that's how much she loved the Ellsian-born master chief. Under her gruff bluster, Maya was a very insecure woman who wondered what she ever did to earn the love of someone like Rio. Thus, understandably afraid that she might lose her if someone better came along, she did everything in her power to ensure no one ever got too close. "I'm...I'm sorry..." Maya looks down. "Sorry?!!" Rio snarls. "Lyna's Soul, Maya, I'm beginning to wonder if you're worth it!!!" Maya collapses to the floor wailing. Ushina leaps down to pull her into a gentle embrace, glaring angrily at Rio. "Igh kimei'ne va!!! How can you say that to her?!! Maya's given you everything!!! She'll die for you, Rio!!! Okay, she looses her temper, but Makoto-san does too; do you see Mie-san get upset?!! No!!! Sometimes I think YOU'RE not worth MAYA'S time, Rio!!!" Rio jerks, feeling her own guilt and Maya's fear surge through her body. Turning away, she fights back her tears, but her sorrow overwhelms her. Maya shakes her head, her sobs stealing all her strength. That sound lances through Rio's heart like hot knives; she had NEVER seen Maya so unstrung. Turning, she leans down, her hand reaching for her bond-mate's face. "Maya...?" "Please don't leave me, Rio..." Maya sobs. "No, Maya..." Rio shudders. "Please don't hate me, Rio...please, please, don't hate me..." "I don't hate you!" Rio smiles. "I love you, Maya!" she leans down to pull her sobbing bond-mate into her embrace. "I've always loved you. I'm sorry I yelled at you, but I'm tired of you doing those things! Why won't you let me have friends, why won't you let me have some fun? Do you think I'd leave you after all the things you've done for me, Mayavayae? Never!" They gaze at each other. "You mean that, Riovayae?" "En, Mayavayae...ragh do hang va." They kiss, Maya nearly crushing her with her embrace. "Oh, Rio, Rio...ragh do hang va, Riovayae...!" Maya sobs. "Don't kill me, Maya!!" Rio grits her teeth. Maya leans back, blushing as the taller woman collapses to the floor panting. She then sees Ushina smiling at them. Smiling, she prostrates herself before him. "Ushina-san, I'm so sorry. I'm such an idiot at times...will you forgive me?" He smiles, then leans down to guide her face to his. "Maya- san..." he shrugs, impishly grinning. "Ijo si do." She grins, then blinks as he draws her lips to his. Their kiss is tender, then Maya leans up to gently embrace him, her hand reaching down to yank off his towel. She jerks as her body feels his stiff ram against her abdomen, then she looks down. Rio peeks around her to gaze at that throbbing muscle. "Lyna's Soul!!" she exclaims, then smiles at him. "Is that for US, Ushina-kun?" He shivers, gulping as they exchange hungry smiles... * * * To be continued...^Z