Warning very long.
[spoili]
Kamijou Michio Ayame Sayato
&
[October 30th, Evening / Kazama's Corner Tavern-Kamijou Residency]
It was unsurprisingly a slow night at Kazama's Corner Tavern, as it was still a weekday. Only the regular, devoted, and hopelessly drunken patrons could be seen lying about either passed out in their seats, on top of their tables, on the floor, and even inside bathroom stalls. Though the old barkeep didn't seem to mind being surrounded by many a drunk as he polished a mug clean. He was even humming an enthusiastic tune while doing so, a clear sign of his utter confidence in his safety. The reason for such confidence was, of course, the silver-haired boy part-timer that had recently took up the much needed job of ensuring peace and providing security in his establishment. Not only is the boy one of the two Yakuza heirs, but he is a damn good fighter as well. Plus he never comes here without that young, blonde bodyguard of his so Kazama Souchi is basically paying two bodyguards for the price of one. Of course, since the young lady doesn't get paid, he ensures that any drink she orders is on the house, provided it isn't too expensive. Though since she seems to not be fond of alcohol too much, he has taken strides to preparing non-alcoholic beverages for her.
Right now, however, the old barkeep was starting to notice something unusual about the boy. While it was normal to see Michio in a melancholic mood, the kid looked significantly more depressed than usual. Heck, even though Michio isn't of legal age yet to consume alcohol, the boy's already downed two beers and is on his way to finishing a third. That hasn't happened before, if Souchi's memory served him right. Ever since he started working here, the boy's never gotten the urge to sample a sip of anything remotely alcoholic despite how heavy the burden he's forced to carry ever became.
Realizing that something was definitely wrong, the barkeep decided to say a word of advice to the boy about his troubles.
"So, I'm guessing something happened a while ago... something that goes beyond what you normally could handle?" Souchi asked cautiously.
"Nothing much, just that my childhood friend ended up severing our friendship this morning... not only because of my yakuza blood, that I did not ever ask for mind you, but also because of the stupid decisions I made. I tried so hard to be someone she could depend on... I tried so hard to help her carry burdens.... we even made that promise when we were kids that we'll get married when I become a respectable man... but as it turns out, that was nothing more than a childish promise brought about in the spur of the moment. Some respectable guy I turned out to be."
The barkeep frowned upon hearing the boy
You're a tough kid, physically and mentally. Seen that myself the first time you took care and disciplined the rowdy folk here. Perhaps even too strong for your own good. Listen, kid, ain't nothing wrong about acting tough, specially since you got that whole heir thing going for ya. But you can't be strong all the time. Humans aren't meant to be constantly strong. After all, we're fundamentally weak creatures that strove to gain strength instead of having nature hand it to us in a silver platter. But that's the point. Human strength isn't meant to be constant. We laugh, we cry, we think, we try, we fail, try again, for we would give everything just to snag that elusive win. Bear in mind that the strength to push on doesn't last long if you don't have someone to carry that weight along."
Souichi poured a glass of slightly less stronger beer on the mug he was polishing and offered it to Michio, who willingly started chugging it down as soon as he got hold of it, before continuing.
"I don't know the specifics, but you must have tried to carry the burden of two people all by yourself. You say that you helped this girl carry her burdens, that you gained strength for her sake... but Michio, my boy, have you depended on her just as much as she depended on you, Have you allowed her to carry your burdens just as you willingly carried hers? Maybe in the end you've become so strong for her that she saw herself as someone you can no longer depend on? Perhaps you wanted a mutual relationship but in your quest to help her, you ended up suffocating her, caging her, and making her think that she's just a parasite leeching off of your efforts. Or perhaps you were just so hung up on the prospect of that promise that you ended up thinking of nothing more than to fulfill that promise?"
My boy, whoever this girl is she's gone now. You could try bringing what you two had back, but judging by what little you've told me, such a thing occurring would be as likely as winning the lottery. That's why I'll be frank and tell you that the notion of "the one" is completely false. There are other women out there that you could form a connection with, and perhaps the right one's just around the corner.
Just as Souchi finished, the blonde bodyguard to the silver-haired scion entered the bar, immediately looking for the boy.
"Perhaps it's Ayame-chan right over there, or one of your friends or classmates." Souchi suggested in a playful voice. "In any case, moving on is a difficult thing to do but necessary if you want to move along with your life. Oh she's coming over here! Anyways, drinks are on the house for you and Ayame-chan today... within reason of course!"
After the barkeep whispered the last part in a conspiratory manner, he immediately proceeded to keep himself busy in a wasted effort to exhibit that he had been doing his usual work all along to Ayame.
Michio, on the other hand, faced Ayame with a smile on his face, and immediately greeted her when she was in earshot.
"'Sup Aya-chan. It turns out, it's a slow night tonight and Kazama-san's even insisted on our drinks being on the house... within reason of course. Please, sit down. We have much to discuss."
Giving an obvious conspiratory wink to the barkeep, Michio motioned the old man to prepare a fruity cocktail for Ayame and another serving of beer for him. However, when he got a good look at his shared bodyguard as he was handing Ayame her drink, he frowned, noticing that how tired she was.
"You seem to be a bit tired already, Ayame-chan. You should have just sent me message instead of forcing yourself to come here if you're already exhausted." said Michio in a worried voice as he gazed at the blonde bodyguard with a look of concern on his face.
~~~
Leaving the former night club, Ayame heads for the bar without incident, the streets seemed largely safe, well it was Japan, most unsafe things happened out of the public eye. Upon seeing the Yakuza owned Bar, it seemed like a slow night, which was good for her, Michio was quick in greeting her, for which she wasn't too surprised. Having a simple message to reach her, Ayame sends a terse reply of "Okay" in response to Rei, contacting the Yakuza agents
Stating what she already assumed, the offer of drinks comes up, to which she frowns.
"You know I get drunk ea--ah well that's fine." Taking a seat she arches her eyebrows slightly, mostly keeping her same poker face as normal. She wasn't being fired at least, if she were things would not be so calm.. Though Michio did seem slightly upset.
Exhaling after taking a drink the Bodyguard nods.
"Just pushed my chip past its safety settings.. Had to do it to solve a problem.. Was a great fight though. Plus I said I would come, have I ever backed out on a duty, or lied to you?...Don't take this the wrong way Michio-san, but that smile of yours seems both happy to see me and forced.."
Taking another gulp of her drink and setting it down, she was starting to wonder if some Alcohol was in it, well if it was..
"What happened? I am your bodyguard..even your friend I hope, so I tend to notice things about you and Rei...though I may not be doing the job as.. No, lets hear your stuff, its what I came here for." With an Ernest look to her face, Ayame waits for what would come next, taking a deep yet quiet breath, in truth she was rather tired.
~~~
Forced? Michio was surprised to hear Ayame make such a remark? Did he really forget to switch between his default, fake smile and his genuine one? That troubled Michio, for it meant he was in a worse state than he initially realized if he couldn't even distinguish friends and allies from people he does not associate with on a regular basis.
Whatever. Discussing this matter, as well as some others was the main reason he called Ayame out despite it being off-schedule for her. If he'd ever stand a chance of catching up to Rei and essentially make this a fair, unbiased competition, Michio first needed to reassess himself, get all the shattered pieces back together and pick himself up. But at his current state, the young heir was certain he won't be able to do it by himself. So he intended to take Old Man Kazama's advice to heart by asking Ayame to carry his burden with him.
"
Yes, yes. I know how low your tolerance is. Perhaps I intend to get you drunk tonight, Aya-chan." said Michio while flashing her a playful grin.
Though he couldn't help but frown once more upon learning that the cause of the blonde girl's fatigue was another virtu-ava battle. Although he, himself, had been quite active at Virtu-Ava Battles in the past (though not as active as some people he'd known), he still finds the Defeat Bug that comes as a result of losing to be very inconvenient, if not potentially dangerous. After all, if you lose to a shady character, there's no telling how much your life's going to be put on the line.
Still, he was aware that Ayame enjoys these battles and he doesn't have any right to take that away from her.
"
Well, as long as you don't overextend yourself, I'll allow it. It's not like I'm worried about you or anything." The silver haired boy said using the best tsundere impersonation he could muster, though he immediately felt horrible shortly afterwards. Looks like Taigi was starting to rub off him again.
"
Anyways, there's a number of matters I'd like to discuss. First of all, being the vigilant observer that you are, I'm sure you've already heard the rumors. Although the rumors do bear a semblance of truth in them, that isn't the entire story. To sum up what happened to me this morning, Mizunohara-san led me to the school rooftop and told me what happened to her this past week. Apparently, Amane-san wanted to ensure that she doesn't practice any of her hacking abilities again, and pulled some strings to have Mizunohara-san's chip removed. She has spent the past week recuperating from the surgery... She also made mention of the Yakuza having something to do with her parents... small fucking world, huh?"
Pausing for a bit to drink some of his beer, Michio continued afterwards, with clear, bitter resentment in his voice.
"
I don't blame her when she said she hates the yakuza and all people involved in it. After what happened to her, it is understandable. Though being the fucking idiot that I was, I ended up admitting to her everything. My direct affiliation to the Mikado Clan's current head, my father's debt, my competition with Rei... everything. Her hatred was so deep-seated that she unhesitatingly severed our bond right then and there. Our childhood promise nullified by a series of stupid mistakes I made and by a status that I have no control whatsoever. My friendship with her was made irrelevant in but the blink of an eye and no words could convince her that I'm different from Amane-san and the people who hurt her. She gave up on me... she gave up on us so easily... It was as if our relationship was as insignificant as a grocer and his customer... That's when I snapped. I lashed out on her, verbally of course, both intentionally and instinctively, unleashing my repressed personality and ensuring that she doesn't regret cutting our ties... Heh, even in the end, I did things for her sake... I'm such a fucking martyr, eh?"
He paused again, this time, visibly trembling as he lamented on the scene of the Rooftop Incident playing out in his head again and again and again and again!
"
I lost not just my friendship with Mizunohara-san today.... I also lost the only dream I've held onto ever since the Yakuza took hold of my family... my dream of marrying her and starting a family with her someday... I gave up the concept of dreams and replaced it with goals.... I gave up the concept of hope for all hope I'd experienced until now only lead to only disappointment and despair. And right now, the only thing driving me to move forward is to free my parents from this accursed debt... after that... I don't know... this is my only purpose in life now... after the debt is paid, I don't know what I'll do next. I can't dream nor hope for a good future anymore... not after what I've been through... dare I say it, but this debt is the only thing giving me a will to live... without it... let's just say we wouldn't be having this conversation now."
Michio smiled wryly despite how morbid the conversation had become. He was truly close to the brink, with the debt as his only anchor to the world of the living. Until his family isn't freed of the debt, he wouldn't allow himself to rest easy, nor rest in peace.
"
It's not entirely her fault. In fact it might have been my fault that this shit happened to me. I tried to be strong for her, I tried to be someone she could depend on, and I tried to carry her burdens with her... but I wasn't able to depend on her nor was I able to allow her to carry my burdens... So... I ended up venting all this out to you, Ayame-chan... because I couldn't possibly think of anyone outside our world to tell all this. I'm sorry for not asking for your permission first but this thing has been suffocating me for a log while now and it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest after telling you all this."
~~~
Grinning at part of his conversation, things turn more and more grim. Noticing the look he had she sighed a bit.
"This one wasn't a fight I wanted, I had to do it."
Grinning once more at his act, she was used to it. Though the grin was soon replaced by an annoyed look that soon turned into a look of stone rage. Motioning to the Bartender, Ayame actually was drinking even if illegally, by the time Michio was half way through his story she snarls, slamming her glass down.
"What's with these fuckers! What the shit do they think the Yakuza is! A fucking Social Club! Yare yare! That bitch!...I'll cu.." Not finishing her thought Ayame was a little bit redfaced, but seemed pretty aware.
Rubbing Michio on the back with a sad expression to her face, she stops and removes her hand giving her look of disgust to him. Lashing out at him she screams out again in another outburst.
"Strong!? Strong!? You did every thing for her! And she hated you for it! The Yakuza would fucking laugh at you! Carrying your Burdens!? You have to be strong! I have to protect you and help you be strong! I've stood beside you and Rei in this new family we're forced into, to become something else as its my only chance... Michiro.. But look at you, sappy over that..ungrateful...ARG! You can't even bring yourself to cry or scream..more so when you weren't alone."
Taking a deep breath and speaking in a quitter tone, Ayame was clearly a little bit drunk by now. But this story had up set her, she knew those two were close, but not that he was justifying all he was doing for that, only to be stabbed in the back. As a bodyguard this was a grave insult that stabbed into her as well, fueling her rage, and her thoughts from earlier in the day, that she would have to be more assertive, more like the path she, no they were stuck on.
"You have to be a Man Michio.. If you want a girl, you need to show her what your made of.. Though some of the uppity rich girls don't like that..Michio I've always listened to yah..always try'n ta keep yeah from harm eheheh...I even have another pair of eyes watch'n yah when I can't.. Y-you forget that yeah... Rei don't know that, says I'm a shitty bodyguard...but here you are in pain, so maybe I am."
With a bit of an impish smile that honestly went well with her face, she leans towards him. In her own mind seeing him this weak was disgusting, he needed, tough love as she heard it called, while she may have been doing this out of duty the close friendship the pair had wasn't a lie..
"Hey, hey, Michio, yah know I'm angry yeah..you were hurt and yah act like tis all fine.. So how much of a man are yah Michio.. Would yah like to have a taste of a dragon? Can you take one, make it wear a yakuta? I'm drunk but I know what I'm sayin..goddamnit.."
Pausing and giving him a long hard look, she speaks once more.
"I am from this world you are...and you are or may one day be my boss, but this... The Yakuza is Family.. Maybe I'm being pushy but can I leave yah to yourself? Can'I let my family suffer?..you who I've bet on to lead? Ehh?! Ara ara, what am I Michio..and what are you...a puppet.. or a man?.. If only to see what its like for a bit..yah want me to help guard your heart as well? Yah hit on me enough today..can yah pay up?"
With a more serious look to her face, the pair were very close almost nose to nose. Her golden eyes locked with his.
~~~
Non Drunk Translation.
Hey Michio, I'm angry with you. You're hurt and acting like its all fine. So how much of a man are you? Can you kiss me? Can you make me wear a Yakuta? I'm Drunk but I know what I'm saying.
We are from this world, the Yakuza is family, maybe I'm being pushy but can I leave you alone? Can I let family suffer? You who I want to lead? Are you a puppet, or a man? What am I? If we can just see what its like for a bit, want me to guard your heart as well? You hit on me enough, but can you make good on it?
~~~
Michio couldn't help but smile for a bit upon seeing Ayame get angry for her sake. To be honest, he was starting to notice that Ayame was getting drunk, even though she had only consumed a minuscule amount of alcohol, at least by his standards. He was also starting to think how cute she was when she was drunk. He was glad to have someone sympathize with him after what happened this morning. Taigi did a good job comforting him but to have someone go so far as get angry for his sake was something foreign to Michio.
The advice that Ayame gave, although well appreciated, was not applicable in Mizunohara's case. The girl had approached him with the full intention to sever their connections once and for all. And it didn't really help that he helped her burn down all the bridges that connected the two of them by lashing out at her and releasing his suppressed side like that. Still, thanks to her, the boy could say that he no longer wanted anything to do with her. At least when it came to relationships. He was a man of his word and should he gain the power to lead the Mikado Clan, he intends to watch over his childhood friend from the shadows.
Still, he was even a lot more surprised when he heard Ayame hinting on making a move on her, while she was already drunk, or at least that's how he interpreted it. Although he had to admit that he found Ayame cute, despite how much she would outright deny it, and even though the opportunity was perfect, the young heir still hesitated for a few moments. It was just too much to take in for him, after all. Though he had to admit that he needed to take responsibility for sending all those flirty messages to her. With a nervous gulp, and a deep sigh, Michio gathered his remaining conviction and pressed his lips against the blonde bodyguard's very own. Since he is terribly inexperienced, he ended up giving her a french kiss from the get go. Under normal circumstances, Ayame would have easily broken free from Michio's hold, but coupled by the fatigue she experienced from the defeat bug, and the effects of the booze in her system, there was simply no way for her to do so at the moment. She just needed to bear with it, or enjoy it until Michio decided to stop. Old Man Kazama was thankfully conscious enough to look the other way once the two of them had gotten intimate but this was still quite embarrassing for him to do this while in the presence of other people.
After a minute that seemed like an eternity, Michio finally let go and this time, made sure to smile genuinely at Ayame. Leaning closer to her ear, Michio began whispering to her in a mischievous tone.
"Well, I kissed you, Doragon-chan, but I don't have a Yukata on hand with me so that would have to save that for later. Still, I want to thank you for getting angry for my sake, and for lifting my spirits up, even if by just a little."
"But now, I guess it's time to move on to the next matter."
Sighing again, this time out of exasperation, the silver-haired milk tea lover stated more of the things that he discovered during the rooftop incident. Things that significantly affected his chances of becoming the boss.
"
I can't exactly carelessly show weakness you know, specially when I'm not even aware when I'm being observed by Kokoro Amane, and the Yakuza's numerous, ever-watching eyes and ears. And most specially now that I've found out that I'm not even considered as a legitimate candidate for the position. See that's one of the few things that I've learned from Mizunohara-san. Apparently, Kokoro Amane had said that I'm only a candidate to serve as competition for Rei.... and I am expected to lose to her in the end. It's hard to win a game you're destined to lose from the very start. When the results are already fucking predetermined, I'd basically have to pull off a miracle to turn a 0% chance of success to even a 1% chance!" The boy exclaimed.
"And even if I do manage to win, I'd have to marry into the main family... Kokoro Amane is part of the main family... put two and two together, and I'd have to marry the woman who was against my ascension to power from the very start. The one responsible for messing up my life and irresponsibly using her influence to pull some strings to ruin those of others." Michio admitted, despair evident in his expression, hinting at how much hopeless his situation was.
"
For the last matter, I'd like to schedule a meeting with Saionji-san some time soon, preferably tomorrow. I'd also like to discuss about the latter part of what I told you, and make the proper arrangements in the event that I lose to her in this competition. One way or another, I have to assure the safety of my family and the payment of our debt. I'd like you to relay this request for me... I haven't talked to her much since middle school and I'm afraid she would outright refuse me if I tell her this in person."
~~~
Pausing at the kiss, it was rather unexpected, if not enjoyable. Blinking her eyes aa few times, it was enjoyable, though she didn't expect it at all. Pausing for a bit she motions for the bartender to make her another Drink. At first he seemed reluctant. But obliges in the end.
"heh..just go with me to the cultural festival on the third."
Laughing at the next bet she slams the glass down after a gulp.
"Neither of you are candidates...well ya are, but yah dunno how the Aniki think.. Rie trusts an counts no one, an yer a good guy. Will killers and fighters listen to yah, or replace yah? They respect' the boss cause e's the boss, but you two...just tradition... And Rie might be more to their liking, but that lack of counting on others will get her killed by the Lieutenants in'a few years if she does win... Yah dunno what yah need ta do ta win heheheh.."
Taking another gulp, the next bit really displeased her.
"heh..why not just axe her...though political marriages ain't always bout love, plenty of bosses have mistresses cause they hate their wives...though if she has so much power idk why the hell she doesn't just run it.. You have some nerve mention'n that after kissin'me..pisses me off.."
~~~
Michio expected a slap headed his way as soon as he was finished kissing Ayame. Considering he just forced himself to her lips, that would naturally be the course of action of any other girl. Heck, he was even discreetly bracing for impact, taking into account how strong the girl is. But when said slap was replaced by an invitation to the cultural festival, all tension finally left the boy's body.
"The cultural festival, huh? So, I guess this is a date, then?" He asked, beaming at Ayame.
Still, even after Ayame assured her that Kokoro Amane doesn't have enough leverage to control the direction of the competition in someone's favor, he still couldn't help but think otherwise. After all, if she could manage to abuse her power and pull strings n order to remove Mizunohara-san's chip, then that would mean she has enoug influence in the Yakuza to get what she wants. He needed to convince her soon to be a fair judge towards him and Rei, otherwise, he'd practically have no chance of winning this battle.
"Kokoro Amane has enough influence in the Yakuza to have Mizunohara-san's chip removed. I'd say she has the capacity to persuade the old man to look in one or the other's favor." Retorted the young heir candidate. "Her influence is enough to protect her so even if I become Boss, getting rid of her would prove to be very difficult. Though like you said, there is always option B. I take a concubine or two that I'll genuinely love, one of which preferably is a certain blonde bodyguard of mine, and live with them along with Amane-san. Since the marriage is practically forced, then she should have no complaints about this. I'm sorry but if what Mizunohara-san said was true, then I'm just preparing you for what could happen."
~~~
Thinking on his final statement a look of confusion crosses her face.
"Nah tomorrow no good..maybe the 4th..school will be busy with festival plann'n... I'll talk to her see what I can set up..but...maybe its time I really protected..." Leaning in for a kiss of her own, her lips intertwine with his, a much softer and less sloppy kiss, then Ayame suddenly just falls asleep.
Taking her glass the bar tender pours out what ltitle remained of the drink, and begins whipping the glass.
~~~
Nodding at Ayame after confirming that she'll talk to Rei about his request, she surprises Michio yet again by initiating a kiss of her own this time, a more proper, less sloppy kiss, and... passing out completely afterwards. Man that's a problem. It's quite late and if he remembers correctly, Ayame's house is farther from the bar than his own house.
~~~
"She's been very stressed lately and more violent that usual.. She's normally such a good girl wanting to rough house, something to do with Rei or the Yakuza is getting to her.. Let me tell you a bit of a story Michio-chan, as you baring some other force are all that can guide how this goes." Setting the glass down Kazama gives a bit of a sigh.
"Ayame's rant has some merit, what family controls the Yakuza can and often has violently changed.. At the rate she's going she very well may end up as an LT or even a Captain. She's far too violent and trapped in all of this..but from what I gather on her life short of being married by someone rich her life will always be poor short of crime.
On the other hand she could end up like Senzo the Slayer. He was a favorite of the old boss, bodyguard, captain. Utterly loyal, utterly ruthless. Until one day someone insulted the Boss far too much, another clan. Senzo took his blade and killed seventeen of the thirty people that died that day. He'll be in Prison for Eighty years, he was forty when he went in. What Ayame will be, or needs to be I can't say, maybe this life is bad for both of you, maybe its all it can be...Maybe you can get out."
Looking at the Girl, Kazama gives a shrug.
"She is very angry, she can advance, she can be a monster, maybe she can be made calm and happy. Ironically the only other thing I could see her doing is working for the government, would be one hell of a cop...scary even, and that would put her against you some day if this continues. I don't normally allow this Michiro, but bring her some place to sleep, I trust you not to do anything while she's not awake... Too soon for that anyways, damn kids." Smiling a little he pauses to consider where to take her.
"Maybe to her home but that might lead to a misunderstanding. For future reference she gets that shit faced after three or four beers.. Trashed the place a couple of times.. So if you do let her go, I would make sure it was her own idea..though won't be surprised if you have other ladies after you. Lucky Punk."
~~~
Michio began listening to Kazama's advice regarding Ayame... how the Yakuza might even be potentially affecting her mental state. And by the rate she's going, he sees her ascending the steps herself to a particularly high position. If she gets more violent then that could potentially lead to her committing crimes she could never walk away from such as Senzo the Slayer.
"I'll have to make sure she doesn't become such a person then, Kazama-san. She's been protecting me all this time so I guess I should start striving to protect her too now. And as much as I'd like to entertain the idea of us getting out, or her being a sexyy police officer someday, the chances of us escaping from the Yakuza's hold any time soon look nil." He flatly stated in a matter-of-fact manner.
His composure was blown to bits when the old barkeep suggested bringing her home, or at least some place she could sleep, and warning him not to do any sort of shenanigans to her while she's defenseless. He was blushing profusely at this point, as he imagined just what sort of activities he could do with this defenseless Ayame. He had to shake his head from side to side a few times to get the thoughts outside of his mind though that lead to him ordering a milder beer in order to help him forget about it more.
"Don't worry pops, I'm not that sort of guy, you know. I'll make sure Ayame-chan gets to some place she could rest safe and sound."
Having said those words, Michio positioned Ayame on his back and started their journey back to his house. Since she's passed out drunk and her house is farther away than his own, the boy decided to head to his own house instead since it's impractical for him to carry her the extra distance. Still, considering how defenseless their situation made them, he had to take measures such as choosing well lit paths, avoiding shady alleys and making a few unscheduled turns just to ensure they both arrive safely to their destination.
Upon arriving at his place, Michio was greeted by his parents, surprised to see that he had brought an unconscious Ayame with him.
"Michio, what's the meaning of this? Why is Ayame-chan passed out?" Michio's Dad asked, clearly perplexed at this sudden development.
"
I'll tell you the complete details tomorrow morning. Basically, Saga--- Mizunohara-san ended our friendship earlier this day. I was so depressed that I ended up drinking at the bar and inviting Ayame-chan along with me. Turns out, she can't handle her liquor well so she passed out after a few beers. I decided to take her here since our house is closer to the bar than her place." Michio explained.
His father could only sigh tiredly before ordering him to take the blonde girl to his room, and of course, warning him not to do anything to her.
"Kukuku, looks like my victory is more or less assured now, dear. I told you that the childhood friend route isn't meant for our boy." Michio's mother said enthusiastically.
"Khh... I'm not giving up yet, dear." His father replied.
While he wanted to question just what the heck his parents were talking about, Michio was felt fatigue starting to take hold of him as well. So he proceeded to his room upstairs, gently laid Ayame on his bed, and retiring for the night, next to her. No doubt she'd wake up confused how she got there but he was simply too tired to worry about that, choosing to deal with that situation in the next morning.
~~~
Yawning and waking up the next morning Ayame had one hell of a headache, rolling on her side, she felt something hard up against her left side. "Eh....wha.."
Still not able to see, she notices she must have lowered her pants partly as she slept, which wasn't unusual, it was a track suit after all. Snuggling into her side, the blanket felt awfully warm, heavy and smelled...strange.. Not bad but more like hair. "...hair.." Sitting up and rubbing her eyes what she seen next was a shock. True to her word she remembered the events of yesterday, and her reasoning for offering him some form of comfort, plus her drunk rant against someone that could be a problem, but whatever, not like she would care about it, or hear of it.
Slowly her common sense starts to stir... She was here in his bed..with her pants partly down. Eyes widening, she begins to panic checking that her underwear were still on, which they were, plus Michio wasn't the sort who would take advantage of her.. right? Setting the thought aside for now, she did have a bit of anxiety but it was nothing she couldn't find out about later, watching him sleep Michio did seem a bit more happy. Smiling a bit, she checks her messages, her family seemed very worried. In fairness she didn't tell them where she was, or what she was up to.
Not wanting to wake Michio she does send him a message saying he's welcomed to come by the store, and that she would be ready for their date as he called it, though she would be running a stall part of the time, when she wasn't they could go about the various exhibits and such, also there was a bit of a taunt for him being a brute taking a young girl off to his bed. Quietly getting up from his bed she goes for the door, opening it and shutting it softly hoping to not wake them up.
Walking down the stairs, Ayame has a brief conversation with his parents, thanking them for letting her stay, she however didn't want to be a burden and accept anything else from them. Bowing properly and apologetically, and answering a few awkward questions, Ayame was soon on her way, exhaling heavily... Had she only made more trouble for herself, of lowered the burden? Though there were a couple of things to do first before she went home.
[/spoili]
[fieldbox= Ayame Sayato, maroon, solid]
[BCOLOR=transparent][November 4th, Noon / Sayato Family Store][/BCOLOR]
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Having enjoyed the Festival the day prior, Ayame hums to herself, sitting behind the counter, business was slow, her mother would be coming in to work soon, so that meant it was the perfect time to check messages. Strangely and if not in line with her Ninja moniker, Ayame opens up a folded news paper dropped off that morning, the date was wrong however. Not that it matted, while Nyoko was far superior to the information game, Ayame had her own eyes and sources of information that could cover the mundane and most of what went on in the City day to day. Taking the brown file from the collection of papers, it was in some means a much more secure way of passing information than the chips, opening it a few people of note were on the front pages. [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
Her sources were mostly other rift raff, or people with some form of ties to the Yakuza, or a need to avoid them, some were just nosey elderly that the store gave discounts to, or people that owed Ayame in one fashion or another. Regardless they could be counted on for some minor information, at times major, and pointless gossip.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
Whistling lowly, while it was true she rather strongly disliked Kira this was a bit...much.. Hurt in a car wreck, and [BCOLOR=transparent]Misheru T[/BCOLOR][/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]
[BCOLOR=transparent]achibana, one of Ayame's few good friends, [/BCOLOR][/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]
wh[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]
om for whatever reason starting dating Kira was in a coma. "I'll need to send some flowers to the hospital..if I can buy some..[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]
.and..maybe..." Shaking her head, she really didn't like Kira, nor shared the same views or beliefs, but the girl wasn't a mortal enemy. "..It would be wrong to send wishes to Misheru [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]
alone. Though I don't know how to contact her. Rei does I believe.. Huh Sagawa Mizunohara was sent to the hospital as well huh.. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]
Well Kira at least was released..things don't look good for Misheru..Tch." [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
Half wondering how Nyoko-san was taking this, it might be proper to offer her some well wishes as well.. Or it might be best to tread carefully, this happened days ago, she was too busy helping the school with the festival, trying fruitlessly to deal with the Panda sticker harasser, family work, her various little dealings with Michiro and of course reports to the Yakuza had left her with barely just enough time to sleep.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
Flip[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]
ping to the next page, her eyes momentarily widen, while she had no proof for 100% given the police would sit on the records for some time, it seemed a couple or more of her classmates may have died. Murdered more like, this was very serious as it meant someone was moving on their own, or a new player was in town. Course it could be just some random psycho.. Maybe it was time to inform both of her responsibilities of the spare eyes she had around to aid in guarding them. It seemed the hacker incident had been resolved, though she had heard about that days ago.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
If what she had was correct, then one of the dead, or at least being buried under police tape was Iori Nishimura, Red Panda, she wanted to defeat that girl and get even for that draw long ago. But that wouldn't happen now, if she wasn't dead she was missing or locked away, and from the 31st it seemed. Sighing a bit her duties kept her from recovering these reports as often as she should. This was disappointing and potentially dangerous.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
Reading a few more items of note, Ayame takes the collection of papers, and putting them with her sack of burnable goods[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]
, they would be destroyed rather soon. Now for her next actions of the day, accessing her chip it seemed the situation with Rei had not been resolved, it was still a source of headache for herself. Grinning lightly Michio seemed to be sending more of his messages, while she still felt he wrote far too much, it was often sweet, and there was the older message on needing to meet with Nyoko, given recent happenings and school activities it was understandably delayed. There was also the meeting she needed both Rei and Michio to attend..[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
Sending a message to both of them there would be subtly differences in the message each received but the basic point still stood, though it was more for Rei than Michio.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Rei-sama, about that meeting that was requested of you that I mentioned earlier, do you think you'll have any time to do so today? It is of some benefit to you, I'm asking this as it may prove helpful in your future. Th[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]e A[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]materasu Shrine will be the meeting place. There is also another couple of matters I need to tell you about in person..I hope that you will accept ~Ayame"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
Then was time for Michio.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Heh, sending me more flirts are you? Least its not the bar again, I've contacted Rei-sama in hopes that she'll agree to the meeting, I've arranged it at The Amaterasu Shrine, I'll let you know of a time..I also have another matter to deal with, if things don't go badly I was thinking we could go to the Ramen shop, maybe elsewhere.. Ara ara, I'll start to ramble like some [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]middle school girl, Will contact you again once I know something. ~ Ayame"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
Then last but not least, was Nyoko, pondering if she should mention or ask about the various on goings, it likely was not a smart idea, either for offending, or as it could be spied on. In the case of her message to the other two, the Temple grounds weren't all that small and was generally a well protected area public area, there was no dangers in this so much as the route to it in the first place.. On the other hand mentioning and asking about murders, disappearances and the like would likely tip off a few people. Plus with it being the weekend normally the Yakuza proper would watch the two heirs apparent.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Nyoko-san, We both have been pretty busy lately to where we couldn't talk, I was wondering if some time today you may want to, I'm getting off work soon, a couple things to talk about maybe..plus that one issue. ~ Ayame"[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
Truth be told this was getting exhausting, and she had no idea when Rei would want their meeting, on the other hand Nyoko wasn't one to be kept waiting. [/BCOLOR]
[/fieldbox]
@Wen @Accelerator @Karyra
