Planning and Deciding -Open if anyone-

[Mihoko]

She watched him as he scouted the area for anything suspicious. He walked toward her and the unconscious demon; he erupted in laughter at her wanting to care for his minor cut. "What? It's not funny. You could get an infection, you know. Those can be dangerous," Mihoko shook her fist at him playfully. "...I'm fine. My lip isn't busted and I still have all of my teeth. Don't worry." She frowned when she saw the demon's face. She had never seen anything so disturbing. Her ears twitched violently. She was extremely surprised that Hiraku wanted to go along with her idea. He started searching through the demon's robe and it sparked her curiosity.

"Do you really think they'd be carrying anything?" She asked, peeking over him. Hiraku pulled out a note from inside one of the pockets and stood up. She tilted her head to the side. "Well, I stand corrected." He unfolded the note and read it aloud. It appeared that they were only after him or so it seemed. What was the other important mission? It was aggravating because she didn't know who S was. Hopefully they would find out once the demon came to.

"This sounds really heartless, but I'm eager to find out more. Can we just dump that body in a dumpster or so---" The redhead was pointing at the decapitated demon corpse. She stared in fascination as the body, along with the head, dissolved. It surprised her greatly, but she had never seen a demon die by other causes other than being blown up. She figured that it was normal for a demon's body to turn to ash after death. She slowly put her hand down, turning her attention back toward Hiraku. The wind picked up and blew the ashes away. The girl put the demon's mask back on and placed his arm over her shoulder. She was getting ready to take him back to the apartment.

"Hey, Hiraku. I'm sorry about before. I guess I scare easy so just ignore me. I have no reason to be afraid of you. Anyway, help me out here. Uh, if anyone questions us, we can say that this guy is really drunk and we're just taking him home." Mihoko tried to stand, but couldn't. The demon was heavy. She had a gut feeling who S was and she hoped she was wrong. Maybe her dream from the night before was a warning. She wanted to believe that she was paranoid. If Shinji was truly behind this, she was going to leave at nightfall. She didn't want Hiraku getting involved even though their destinies were intertwining. She was afraid that he would get hurt.

Paranoia is stupid, but I'm hoping that's what it is. Emily and I have overstayed our welcome anyway, right? I know I said I'd stay with him for a long time, but I don't want to put him in danger. Oh, shut up, Mihoko. You don't even know if Shinji hired those demons. You're probably just looking into this a little too much.

[Hiraku Takashi]

Hiraku raised his eyebrow at her infection comment. He still smiled that she was concerned, he was glad that she was also okay, having not taken any serious injuries. The note though had him a little worried, could it of been Shinji? Could he have found out about Hiraku this quickly? Hiraku shook his head, his thoughts were getting the best of him. There was no demon in existence that could find info from a island out in the middle of the ocean, no matter how many contacts.

Hiraku noticed she had picked up the demon that was still unconscious from the ground. Hiraku came up beside her as she was explaining what had happened earlier. He nodded towards her and grabbed the other shoulder. He pulled his sword from its belt loop and held it, still in it's sheath, he wanted to be prepared if this scum decided to regain consciousness and go on the offensive. As they pulled the demon towards the Alley they had first sprang from and motioned for Mihoko to follow.

For what he was about to do he didn't want to have this demon near his apartment. Didn't want to trash his nice clean living room, Hiraku needed info on who attacked him. He began trying to remember the job that he had done that pissed these guys off. He couldn't think of anyone with S in the name that had power there. He stepped over some of the debris that were made by the demon's dramatic entrance.

He then pulled the demon right, going deeper into the alley. He knew about a block down was nothing but run down buildings and a dead end. Hiraku didn't prayed this demon would tell him what he wanted to know, so he didn't have to resort to much more...messy tactics. He moved his over to Mihoko, he wondered if she had already thought if Shinji was behind this attack, and if so what she planned to do about it.

When they arrived at the end of the alley he grabbed the demon by it's cloak lifting the weight from both of their shoulders, then with a little difficulty and a grunt, hurled the demon into the wall. The demon hit the wall leaving a little hole where no doubt his shoulder had made contact. This stirred the demon awake, it's eyes glaring at both Hiraku, Mihoko; both eyes filled with hate and blood lust.

"Now we can do this the easy way. Or the hard way." Hiraku said kneeling down and placing his sword where it once had rested on his belt. The demon spit at his feet, Hiraku looked down to see it was darker than normal. That is blood...Mihoko must of socked him a pretty good one he thought grinning. Hiraku stood back up "Please don't make this difficult." He asked one last time he didn't want to have to resort to violent things but if he was forced to he would.

He looked towards Mihoko "You don't have to be here for this you know..." he said trailing off his last word, the poor girl had seen a lot today, and sadly it wasn't over. Hiraku wasn't aiming to scar her or scare her. "If you want to go back to the apartment you can." he added turning his gaze back at the demon who was slowly trying to get up with help from the wall.

[Mihoko]

The demon seemed lighter and she realized that Hiraku was on the other side of the demon, helping her lift him up. She smiled at him warmly and was getting ready to move toward the apartment building, but Hiraku was moving in a different direction. Mihoko wasn't thinking clearly and put herself in Hiraku's shoes. If it were her apartment, she probably wouldn't want a bloodied up person coming into her home, either. She followed his lead as they took the demon into the alley. The first thing she wanted to do was apologize for defending herself. It didn't make any sense, really, but she felt guilty. Once they got deep enough in the alley, Hiraku brought them to a dead end where he pushed the demon into a wall, waking it up.

Mihoko noticed how angry and vengeful the demon's eyes were. She gasped and hid behind Hiraku for a second. The demon spit at his feet and he asked politely not to make things difficult. Her ears twitched slowly when told that she could return to the apartment. There was no way in the world that she would leave now. One, she didn't want to leave him alone. She also didn't want to go back to the apartment just in case there were other demons waiting for her. Being separated didn't seem like a wise decision.

"E-excuse me. I'm sorry for what I did. I didn't mean to hurt you, but I wasn't going to let you walk all over me. ...We found a note that you had," she stopped hiding behind Hiraku and watched as the demon tried to use the wall to regain balance. "you have another important mission to carry out and we would like to know what that is. Will you please cooperate and tell us? I don't want you to get hurt more." Mihoko looked toward Hiraku and then back at the demon. She wanted to at least wait until he gained his posture. She just hoped that Hiraku had patience. She realized that she didn't bring up the anonymous person who only went by the name of S. "Who is S? Besides that, I may not be involved in this grudge of yours, but I'm willing to drag myself into it. I won't let you or anyone lay a finger on this man." The cat girl glared and wrapped her arms around Hiraku's, protectively. She blushed and let go of him as quickly as she had grabbed him. She rubbed her arm nervously and cleared her throat.

"Just be grateful that I'm still a newbie at fighting. Because of that, you're still alive, right? Instead of killing you, I just knocked you out for a bit. That's fair enough to give us information, yes?"

[Hiraku Takashi]

Hiraku felt Mihoko's body brush as she rushed behind him. He smiled a little bit, she was still a little girl in a sense. She seemed like more of a little sister to him in that moment. He was still proud of her that she still stuck around, even thought he told her she could go back to her apartment. He moved his eyes quickly to her as she poked her head out from beside him.

Hiraku listened to her she pleaded with the demon. Trying to get him to cooperate with them. He had to fight to say something to her, but he wasn't going to try to change who she was. He felt her arms wrap around him real quick and then leave just as quick. He didn't break gaze, but he did smile a little bit, but it disappeared just as quick so the demon didn't get any ideas. She cleared her throat and explained why he was lucky.

The demon glared not at Hiraku and Mihoko "I will never divulge information. Just because you won means nothing." He then turned his gaze back to Hiraku "No matter what you do."

"Your right nothing I will do to you. But I can find the rest of this 'guild' they might be more willing to talk." Hiraku said letting his gaze go cold and emotionless. "Out of the how many people there how many cowards do you think I will find?" He said his gaze never changing.

The demon gulped fear creeping slowly into his eyes.

Hiraku took a step forward noticing the fear in the demon's eyes, deciding to jump on it. This one was a bigger coward that Hiraku originally anticipated. He watched as the demon pressed himself against the wall. Hiraku pulled his blade from it's sheath. Walking closer his gaze never wavering, never changing.

The demon pressed itself against the wall pushing the ground with his feet, trying to move further away in desperation. He began to ball his fists up, his eyes moving from side to side trying to find a way out of this. But he knew that there was no way he could escape.

Hiraku was now in front of the demons face he knelt down, they were now at eye level. He thrusted his sword into the wall a few inches from his head. "Well how about a name? For this S? Maybe this important mission he needs you on?" Hiraku asked.

The demon closed it's eyes "S...is the leader that made it's way up through the ranks after you took out Nox."

Okay...this was a start. Hiraku moved closer to the demons face "okay now what is his name?" Hiraku asked pushing the blade deeper into the way sinking his point in.

The demon did something Hiraku didn't expect, it grinned. "Her. She made her way up the ranks. Her name is Lilith. She goes by Sage...so the humans don't question anything."

Hiraku pulled his blade, this news didn't fully shock him but it did throw him a loop. When the blade was fully pulled from the wall he stood up. He breathed in and let it out deeply, "Let me guess. She wants me dead." He watched as the demon nodded and then started laughing.

"Well this ought to be fun." Hiraku said trailing off he turned to Mihoko then turned to the demon "Well get going. Tell your boss I will be by in a week or so." He said casually waving his hand, then turning his back and sheathing his sword. When Hiraku glanced over his shoulder the demon had disappeared.

Hiraku looked at Mihoko "well sorry to get you involved...but your in it now. Guess it's time to get you trained" he held out his hand for her to take.

[Mihoko]

What a rude little jerk. We were trying to be nice. Well, whatever. Hiraku can kill him. I don't care anymore. I'm done trying... She was getting frustrated because the demon wouldn't cooperate. The cat girl folded her arms in anger. Torturing him wasn't going to make him talk, but they eventually found out what would. The demon didn't want Hiraku finding the clan and getting the others to talk instead. Mihoko wasn't looking at him so she had no idea that Hiraku was staring so coldly. He took a step forward and pierced his sword into the wall, a few inches away from the demon's head. The demon finally started talking. At least they were getting somewhere now.

Made their way up the ranking? They must have been pretty determined to do something like that. So why did they do it? Was the previous leader some kin to them or maybe a secret lover?! ....Secret lover? I need to stop reading manga....

She kept thinking of theories until the demon told him the name of their new leader. It was a girl by the name of Lilith, but her alias was Sage. Mihoko's eyes widened in delight. She was too busy imagining what the girl looked like that she didn't catch what Hiraku said. Sage wanted him dead. He informed the demon that he would be by in a week and waved his hand in a so-so manner. The demon disappeared and Hiraku turned his attention toward the cat girl. Her cheeks were flushed, imagining a perky chested demon with pink hair and freckles.

She snapped out of her perverted daydream and he apologized for getting her involved. She really didn't mind. She got an opportunity to meet a girl by the name of Sage. The redhead was mostly thinking of the positives than the negatives. This Sage girl wanted Hiraku dead, but maybe she could.....persuade her somehow to change her mind. She was told that it was time to get her trained. Mihoko smiled and noticed that he held out his hand to her. She took his hand and held it firmly in hers.

"I wonder what she looks like. Maybe she's a cute cat demon like me? Oh, or maybe she's an adorable lolicon with teeny demonic horns! Pink hair is pretty cute, but I'm hoping she's ginger. Yeah, ginger with tons of freckles. Freckles on her face....EVERYWHERE! We must persuade her to leave you alone, Hiraku! We must do it sexually!!!" At the last part, Mihoko raised her hand that was being held by Hiraku so he was raising his as well. She was a closeted pervert and he was getting to know the other side of her. She put her hand down, tugging on his hand to follow her back to the open space that they were at once before.

"Hehehehe, I can picture it now. You don't have to be involved in it. I can seduce her all on my own. I can hear it now, Hiraku. 'Kyaa! Oh, Miho, you shouldn't do that. Nyaa, don't nip on my ear. It's embarrassing!' Teehee, this is gonna be fun~!" Mihoko hummed loudly as she marched along out of the alleyway, almost dragging him with her. She wasn't planning on molesting Sage. She was going to win her over with her cuteness. She just hoped that telling her plan to Hiraku wasn't going to make him compare her to Shinji. She may be perverted, but she wasn't some sadistic psychopath. She giggled to herself and grinned.

"You should get in trouble with girls more often, you know!"

[Hiraku Takashi]

As she grabbed his hand and began her roller coaster ride of thoughts that poured out. Hiraku thought back, he remembered hearing about Lilith. She was a full blooded demon but held the brand to mimic human appearance. She used to be there 'spy' if you will, she would go find out whats going on the human world and report. Considering the groups business her job was important.

He never saw her, she must of been out and about in among the humans in the next town over. But he was pulled out of his thoughts by the word sexually being thrown out. He blinked "What?" He said wheeling his head around at her. He opened his mouth as the walked through the fence and she began to explain her 'diabolical plan' part of him was hoping she was kidding.

She went on and on and maybe getting into a little bit more detail than he really cared to hear. He waved his hand, "I don't think that is going to work..." He said laughing a little "You have to keep in mind I slaughtered her entire clan. Not to mention that demon is going to go and tell her everything. Even about you. Don't think she is going to listen maybe shoot first then ask the questions." He said still a smile on his face "but next time I need to talk to a girl I think I will consult you..." he thought about it "...maybe" he added waving his hand.

He went over and sat down on the bench his sword leaning against the bench. He rested his fore head on top of it where his hands where resting. If it wasn't one thing it was another. His life was never dull and he couldn't say that it was always a good thing. He closed his eyes let his mind wander, he really didn't want to travel all the way back out there just take all of them out...again. But he couldn't stay here, he knew he couldn't.

He opened his eyes and picked up his head "You ready to get started again? I don't know if she will honor what I asked her. She might send more lackies to try to kill me. Which granted might be interesting for me could pose a danger to you if you are not prepared." He said standing back up and laying down his sword. He noticed his coat was still in the grass, he decided to leave it there no point in picking it back up right now.

[Mihoko]

She was a little disappointed that he brushed off her idea. It was a good thing that he shot it down so quickly. He waved his hand and laughed. At least he wasn't uptight like Emily. She would have scolded the girl for thinking such impure thoughts. Mihoko had to think realistically. Hiraku was right, though. Sage knew about her now so she was going to be targeted, too.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," She looked at him and noticed his smile. She wasn't sure if he was teasing her or being serious. She scrunched up her nose and stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "but you're talking to one right now, silly." She chuckled and released his hand once they returned. She wondered if she made him feel uncomfortable with her tangent. He was most likely caught off guard. She also wondered if he got embarrassed easily. Her tail swayed violently as she watched him sit on the bench.

I can't separate from Hiraku now. Not only is Shinji looking for me, but Sage is going to know about me. If we part ways, there's a strong possibility that she'll take me hostage and use me as bait so he can come save me. Well, I won't let that happen. No one can be scarier than Shinji and since I claimed Hiraku as my big brother, I'm not so scared of things anymore. I'm not going to be afraid of Sage.

Her ears wiggled lightly as his voice rang out to her. She nodded her head quickly. Her tail perked up and drooped suddenly. She didn't want to imagine him being killed. She was upset that he even brought it up. He stood up and she walked toward him. She stopped a few feet away from him and got in her stance. She was actually starting to believe that she was just a burden to him.

".....Hey, you know, if I'm a burden, you can always ditch me. I guess I'm used to being everyone's burden. Maybe Zeke was doing the right thing, leaving me behind. I wouldn't blame you if you decided to go, too. I don't want to cause you unnecessary stress."

She was having her own turmoils. Mihoko wanted to stay with him no matter what, however, she felt like she was just extra luggage that he didn't need. She lowered her head and put her arms down. She rubbed her right arm, not knowing what to do. There was a long awkward pause as she thought. Maybe she would leave once the two took down Sage? I keep saying that I'll leave after this or I'll leave after that, but I really don't want to. I don't know what to do. I don't want to be alone anymore.... She thought, falling to her knees. She covered her face with one arm and cried.

"D-don't talk that way. I know you said that her henchmen might try to kill you, but I don't want to imagine being in a world without you. You'd better apologize right now." Mihoko whimpered, in between her sniffles. Her ears laid flattened against her head as she cried. She did make a big deal out of every little thing, but she couldn't help it. That was just the way she was. Hiraku had made such an enormous impact on the young girl's life whether he knew it or not. She sniffled one last time and tried to wipe away all of her tears. She had to remember that they were different. He wasn't going to run away from his problems like she always did with hers.

[Hiraku Takashi]

Mihoko stuck her tongue out at Hiraku's comment. It was funny they hadn't known each other very long and they still acted like brother and sister. 'but your talking to one right now' that defiantly through Hiraku off. He raised his eye brow there was a second of quiet, he couldn't think of a good retort, "So I am" he said simply not being able to think of anything else.

After she got in her stance it dropped right off, Hiraku cocked his head to the side, confused. She talking, saying stuff about being a burden and maybe her brother did the right thing. Hiraku shook his head, he never saw her as a burden. What brought this thought to her head? She then dropped to her knees, crying, Hiraku took a step forward before she started talking answering his questions.

Hiraku walked over to her and knelt down, "I am sorry I said that." he said putting his hand on her shoulder. "You know that things like that wouldn't stand a chance against me." He smiled her ears flattened on her head. He pulled her into a hug, "You are not a burden on me at all. I have never thought that never will. As for what your brother did, that was wrong. You are not a burden you are a strong girl. I wish he could of seen that in you like I do." He pulled on her arms helping her off the ground. "I am not going anywhere." He said trying reassure her, "Zeke is missing out on a awesome sister."

He looked up at the sky, "well I would say we should take a break and eat. Can't do anything with no energy!" he exclaimed he let go of her and bowed in front of her, "after you m'lady". He was being silly yes but he hoped to make her feel better. He felt guilty for making her said and worrying her with his comment. "Let's get some food and then after that maybe do a little more training".

[Mihoko]

Hiraku took a step forward and walked toward her. He knelt down and apologized like she asked him to. He placed a hand on her shoulder and assured her that he wouldn't die so easily. A gentle smile spread across his face and he pulled her into a hug. Mihoko gasped and wrapped her arms around him tightly. She was glad that she wasn't a burden. He still believed that Zeke was wrong for abandoning his only sibling. Her heart skipped a beat when she was told that she was strong.

"Me, strong? Well, if I'm strong, then so are you. You have a lot of patience," she whispered softly. The cat girl brushed her cheek up against his, nuzzling him affectionately. She wasn't sure how long it had been since she had nuzzled another person. She mostly did that to her parents. She figured that Hiraku knew that what she did was normal within her race. He helped her to her feet and told her once again that he wasn't going to leave her. It really was a shame that Zeke wasn't around to witness how much she was growing as a fighter and as a person.

She rubbed her eyes and heard him speak. "Yeah, but I'm not hung---" Mihoko heard her stomach growl and she blushed. She was slightly embarrassed and chuckled. "Well, I guess I am hungry after all. I did only eat a granola bar for breakfast anyway. Did you ever eat anything? I bet you're famished if you didn't." He let her go and bowed in front of her. She covered her mouth as she giggled at him. He seemed to be treating her like royalty and she found it cute. "Well, aren't you mannerly?" The cat demon smiled and reached out her hand. She ran her fingers through his hair softly.

"Come on, goofball. Let's go eat. What sounds good to you? I want mini hamburgers! I think the humans call them sliders. And Hiraku, it's not a maybe. After we eat, we will continue with my training, okay? I'll probably take a good long nap after today's training. I think I deserve one,"

she smiled big and lifted his chin. "Okay, my gallant knight, you can stop bowing now." Mihoko punched his arm playfully and took off running. She was hoping that he would chase after her. He wasn't the only one who knew how to be silly. She couldn't wait until she told Emily about everything she learned from Hiraku so far.

[Hiraku Takashi]

Hiraku felt her nuzzle at his cheek, he smiled thinking of a smaller cat as she did that. She was really growing as a person and a fighter, soon we would be strong, in every since of the word. With her stomach growling, he could feel his start to move. He remembered he didn't anything this morning and just had coffee, he cursed him self for his lack of eating.


He rose from his bow, a grin spreading across his face, he had punched his shoulder, pretty light none the less but she took off. You want a chase? I will give you one he thought as he took off after her. Chasing her towards the door to the building. When he finally caught her he slung her over his shoulder with ease. He began walking back up to his room, to grab some things.

When they got to his door he put her down and opened the door. He realized he had left his sword out back, he knew that no one was going to swipe it. Not that they could do anything with it. He went to his room to grab his guns calling out "Grab what you need". He arrived at his room, and saw his guns lying on his bedside table. He grabbed them and sheathed them on his back, tucked securely. He then walked back into the living room "We just need to back grab my sword and we can be off." He looked over and grabbed a guitar bag that he kept his sword in while he was walking about.

[Mihoko]

She always wanted to do childish things like that with her real brother. It was nice of Hiraku to play along. She looked over her shoulder and noticed that he was chasing after her. Mihoko shrieked and started running faster. The cat girl was laughing and grinning the entire time. When he finally caught up to her, he grabbed her and she squealed. He put her over his shoulder and she gasped, her cheeks turning rosy. She wasn't expecting him to sling her over his shoulder.

"Hi---...Hiraku..." Mihoko didn't feel uncomfortable in any way. His actions just caught her off guard. People walking by would think it was a strange sight to see, but she didn't care. Her heart fluttered in her chest and she started to wonder. She finally realized something. Her heart always skipped a beat whenever she was around him. There had to be a reason behind it, but she was too afraid to ask Hiraku. He finally put her down when they got to his apartment door.

Emily is pretty wise. I should ask her why my heart is being all weird.... She thought to herself as she walked inside. She was going to go into the guest room to get her messenger bag. Mihoko heard Hiraku call from his room to grab what she needed. That wasn't a problem. She went into the room and closed the door slightly. The redhead saw Emily and crouched down beside her. She was a little embarrassed about asking such a silly question. She hesitated before speaking.

"Training is going well so far, Em. Hiraku is teaching me so much. I have a strange question to ask you, though. I've noticed a pattern since I've met him. My heart always pounds like crazy when I'm around him. Do you know what that means?"

She sounded very concerned. Emily knew what was going on with the girl. It seemed surprising to her. "Huh, and here I thought you rooted for the other team. My guess is that you're falling for him, Mihoko. That's pretty cute." Her ears perked up and her eyes widened. That was ridiculous. She remembered having a thing for Shinji when she was younger, but she was emotionally attracted to him. She ignored the doll's theory and grabbed her messenger bag. Maybe the cat girl was in denial?

"Don't be silly! He's been caring, very caring. I'm not falling for him. I can't be. I already claimed him as my big brother. I don't want to look for Zeke anymore," Mihoko said, whispering. She didn't want Hiraku to hear. She noticed Emily's look and blushed. "Hey, that doesn't mean anything, you know. Besides, Hiraku has a.....," she trailed off and wiggled her index finger. She was too shy to name any parts. The doll started laughing hysterically. She stuck her tongue out and stood up, leaving the room.

She couldn't believe that Emily wasn't taking her seriously. She was a little upset, but she would get over it eventually. Mihoko walked back into the living room and sat on the couch. Her arms were folded. Hiraku came in moments later and she straightened up. She put her arms down and clenched her fists. He told her that they needed to go back to get his sword and then they would leave. The girl nodded her head, feeling her chest tighten.

[Hiraku Takashi]

Hiraku looked at Mihoko, something to be on her mind. She seemed a little different, he cocked his head "You okay?" he asked walking to the door motioning for her to follow and clicked the lock on the doorknob. When she had crossed the threshold he shut the door behind her and began walking down the stairs, when they got to the door to the yard they were just at he looked to see the sword still sitting in the grass. He smiled and crossed the lawn and picked it up holding it up and examining it. When he was done he placed in gently inside the guitar back and zipped it up.

He turned around throwing the guitar bag over his shoulder and walking back to her. "So where shall we go? It's the city so who knows what we can find" he said smiling at her. He knew there was something wrong but he knew once she wanted to talk about it she would come to him and say something. He began walking to the street and looked up checking the clouds. He felt a slight drop in heat he felt like it was going to rain at some point today. Jeez I hope not he thought a sad look spreading his face. It was a nice day and didn't want it ruined by pouring rain.

He took a right making sure to keep a slower pace so that Mihoko could keep up with him. He felt his guitar bag smacking his back a slight 'tink' sound coming from it as the sword moved around in the sheath. No one of course would be able to tell what the contents of the bag. Hiraku then moved his hands to the pockets of his jacket. He could feel his stomach starting to growl the decision of not having any food was really bad.

[Mihoko]

"Whatcha mean? Of course I'm okay." As they walked out the door, she grabbed hold of his trench coat. Once they started heading down the stairs, she continued to cling to his coat. More thoughts ran through her mind. She needed clarity. Mihoko seemed to be attached to people who were broken in some kind of way. It was strange because she felt like Hiraku wasn't broken. He didn't need to be fixed. Maybe she was the one that actually needed it?

The two returned to the yard where they recently trained and he grabbed his sword. By then, she was no longer being clingy. For years she had been saying that she was independent. Mihoko kept saying that she didn't need a man to take care of her. Even so, she still didn't want to be lonely. The redhead watched as he examined his sword and placed it into a guitar bag. He put the bag over his shoulder, walking back toward her. He asked her where she wanted to go and she shrugged.

"I dunno. I hardly go to restaurants because most of the time, I don't have money. I've always wanted to try this really cool gourmet burger place that's not too far from where you live. You don't mind walking for two blocks, do you?" she followed after him quickly, trying to catch up as he walked toward the street. She already knew what she wanted. She wanted a classic gourmet burger with everything other than tomatoes and bacon. The last time she walked by there, she smelled onion rings. She definitely wanted those with her burger. Mihoko saw him look at the sky and frown. Maybe he didn't like the rain? If those were rain clouds, she hoped that the rain wouldn't start until they got to the restaurant.

"You know, Hiraku, you're not broken. I need to stop getting so emotionally attached to you. I can't fix something that isn't broken," she wasn't sure if Hiraku would understand what she meant by that. Her small crush would probably disappear eventually. She wasn't going to stress out about it. He took a right turn and slowed down his pace so she didn't have to walk faster to catch up. She wasn't sure how he would react to knowing that she liked him. Mihoko just hoped that her feelings toward him went unanswered.

[Hiraku Takashi]

As Mihoko clung to his coat he smiled, it was cute of her like a little duck following it's mother. He then later felt her break her grip of his coat he looked over to see her catching up to him. She described the place where she wanted to go. He remembered seeing it many times as he passed by it on a day to day basis, he never really tried it but the smells that wavered from there was good. He nodded to her in agreement, "That sounds good" he said smiling.

He felt her slow down and come with a statement out of no where. He turned around to her and thought about what she said, "Sometimes it's okay to be around something that isn't broken" he said thoughtfully. "Think of it something like you have found something sturdy to lean against no matter what." He smiled "and if you can find someone like that it's good to hold on to them".

He took her hand and began walking again putting his hand in his other pocket. He could feel drops of rain hitting his head and shoulders. He peered and saw the small little restaurant not to far ahead. He kept his pace the same, feeling the frequency of the drops increase. He smiled he knew the rain wasn't a bad thing just the darkened clouds was just a downer.

When arrived at the restaurant and opened the door, the sound of 'ding ding' as the bell hitting the door added to good air to it. He looked to see a plump man at the bar sipping coffee and talking to a petite blonde waitress. It was just small banter, back in forth. In the back he saw a muscular man with a apron in the back cleaning the grills.

Hiraku veered left and sat down in a booth, watching as the waitress walking over with a pad and paper. She smiled as she came to the front of the table and asked "What can I do for you?" her voice was high pitched and made Hiraku laugh in side, what could he expect.

"Yeah I will have some coffee" he said the looked at Mihoko waiting for her to say her order. As the waitress laid down some menus.

[Mihoko]

She was excited about him wanting to try out the restaurant that she suggested. He was probably starving. She hoped he wouldn't faint. She should have told him to eat breakfast before they even started training. Mihoko didn't want to nag, though. Hiraku responded to what she said and turned around to face her. She raised a brow, trying to decipher what he meant. He was definitely her support and she said countless times that she wanted to stick around.

She rubbed the back of her head. Men are so strange... He grabbed her hand and held it in his. She liked what they had already. She didn't want to change that. She gripped her tiny hand around his and smiled happily. She felt rain droplets hit her head and she looked up into the sky. The rain clouds had rolled in and blocked the sunlight. As she continued staring into the sky, a rain droplet landed in her eye.

"H-hey.....," Mihoko rubbed her eye as they went inside the restaurant. Her ears twitched as she heard the ringing bell. She followed Hiraku and let go of his hand once they got to a booth. She sat down and noticed the waitress coming by. She greeted them cheerfully and Mihoko wondered what she wanted. The redhead took the menu and examined the beverage section carefully. "Hmm, I'd like a strawberry lemonade, please." She was excited because the picture showed actual strawberries in the drink. She flipped through the menu some more, deciding what she wanted to eat.

"Okay, I know what I want to eat. I would like the classic gourmet burger with no tomato or bacon. May I also substitute the fries with something different? I want onion rings instead and I think that should do it." The cat girl closed the menu and put it down. She looked out the window and realized that the rain was really coming down. How were they going to continue training if the rain poured down so viciously?