Chapter Text
7:00AM August 5th 2033AD
Toratotaka Tower, Nerima, Mega Tokyo. Japan
Aki's pale blue eyes fluttered open then sighed when the house keeping wetware gave its report. Her internal organs were fine but there were multiple minute strains on her muscles.
"Ugh. They really put me through the ringer yesterday." Aki groaned then sat up and rubbed her shoulder. "Im so sore from all that training."
She got up, winced at the worn feeling and stripped down before taking a shower. She showered, cleaning off the sweat and the grime the, towel dried her hair and body then quickly got dressed.
"Morning! Coffee?" A staffer beamed as she entered the cafeteria.
"Yeah. I'd love some." Aki nodded
"You look rough...." She noted then asked. "Whats your job. Security?"
"Nah. I'm a cyber-nurse now." Aki shook her head then nodded. "I'm sore because they put me through training."
"Ah. Hitsugi-san?"
"Yeah. Carrying a human weight dummy up flights of stairs..." Aki nodded.
"Yeah. That sounded like it sucked." The staffer nodded.
"Breakfast special?" she offered
"Please!" Aki nodded.
"Be right back." The staffer nodded.
Aki watched her go then sighed softly. She wished to see Kenji but he was locked up in a safehouse for now untill things really blew over. She took a sip of her tea then blinked when Megumi Mikihara walked up to her.
"Is this seat taken?" Megumi said politely as she gestured to the seat in front of her.
"Its free." Aki nodded.
"Thanks." Megumi nodded then sat down. "How are you holding up in your new body."
"I'm sore from all the training for one." Aki noted.
"Sorry about that. Hitsugi-san can likes to put all our new nurses through the training ringer." Megumi smiled contritely.
"Well, at least I'm getting a better idea of what I can do," Aki admitted
"There is that." Megumi nodded then took a sip of her tea. "You'll be happy to note that Kenji will be released from custody soon. You want to see your boyfriend right."
"He's....not really my boyfriend." Aki sighed then nodded. "But we might be getting there."
"We have a job for the both of you... assuming you're interested," Megumi added
"What's the job." Aki blinked.
"Rescue ops...." Megumi nodded.
"Rescue huh." Aki frowned.
"Yes. You can use your skills from your previous life to help people." Megumi nodded.
"Instead of hurt." Aki sighed.
"You got it." Megumi nodded.
Aki sighed and looked out at the sky line.. "Yknow. Ishida was pretty scummy...toadying up the that tower out there."
"Agreed," Megumi nodded, "We're hoping to do something about it...eventually."
"I see." Aki nodded.
Illusions: Full Metal Tokyo Panic
Chapter 17
8:00AM C-A Tower. Nerima, Mega Tokyo. Japan.
Dustine sighed as she stepped out of an SUV and straightened her clothes as she stared up at the C-A tower in front of her. The chauffeur went around and opened the door for the other passenger. Catty exited the vehicle and trotted over to Dustine's side.
"Another day." Dustine said as she looked up at the tower. The SUV pulled away from the curb and drove around the corner where it would shortly enter the parking garage.
"Mm." Catty nodded.
Moments later, Another SUV pulled up. Dustine blinked then grinned when Rabby's group exitted.
"Morning!" Rabby, Patty, Sally, Eluza and Miti smiled as they walked up.
"Good morning!" Catty nodded.
"How'd the date go?" Patty asked her while the others looked curious.
"It was wonderful," Catty blushed then added as Natsuki walked over to Dustine's side. "We gamed a bit before dinner...after Dinner though we just cuddled while we listened to music and watched some television. Before we went to sleep she thanked me for a wonderful night and gave me a kiss on the forehead. That is after asking for permission of course."
"Ooooh." The girls smiled.
Catty turned to her, gently tugged her down slightly and kissed her lightly on the lips. The girls flushed a bit while Dustine jumped at the sensation. Eluza usheredthe others inside as they stood there. Moments later, Catty stepped back and smiled. "Thank you, Dustine. I had a wonderful time last night."
"I did too." Dustine nodded then asked her. "Want to have lunch, later?"
"If I can yes." Catty smiled then nodded. "Have a good day, Dustine-Bucho."
With that, she trotted after her friends that were nearly at the elevator. Meanwhile Dustine watched her go with a silly grin on her face. Natsuki impishly poke her inthe side.
"Dwa. Hey!" Dustine yelped.
"You left yourself open." Natsuki sniffed then glanced at her. "Just a kiss on the forehead?"
"I'm deliberately taking my time as she's a homeless android from prehistory." Dustine murmured.
"Okay, point," Natsuki conceded as they walked to the building. "But don't take too long or she'll get impatient."
"Will try." Dustine nodded.
"Wait till Shizuru hears about about your night." Natsuki chuckled.
"Uh oh."
Minutes later...
"YOU JUST GAMED?" Shizuru balked.
"Well, yes." Dustine nodded.
"YOU USELESS LESBIAN." Shizuru chided her.
Shizuru, you're being harsh with her," Natsuki added
"We cuddled after on the couch and in bed." Dustine nodded.
"Have you gotten to first base though." Shizuru asked.
"As in kissing?" Dustine blinked. "Well.....she kissed me today and I kissed her last night."
"Well at least thats something." Shizuru nodded.
"Speaking about dating, Patty, Amy and Sally been asking if they should be taking advice from reddit on how to date men and or women." Natsuki noted. "...and they've accessed some of our entertainment media."
"Should we have Jesse or Kate look after them in that department?" Dustine frowned.
"I'll call them," Shizuru agreed.
Dustine nodded then turned to Natsuki.
"Now that Ishida is out what's the news on getting AD Police their upgraded equipment." Dustine asked her.
"There is some news," Natsuki nodded then sighed. "The diet wants a planned timeline for aquiring the new gear."
"JUST a plan?" Dustine asked.
"Politics. Anyway we need to figure it out....and send it to their commitee." Natsuki said.
"When would this plan be put in place." Dustine asked.
"First quarter next year at the earliest. Third quarter at the latest." Natsuki nodded.
"..... seriously?" Dustine groaned
"And that's not factoring in GENOM influencing some on the Diet. They are going to stonewall this." Natsuki sighed.
"Trying to play favorites to GENOM." Dustine nodded with a sigh. "Alright lets work out a time table to get ADP their gear."
"...for each region." Natsuki pointed out.
"...fuck." Dustine sighed.
"We should speak to our Sambogong representative and see if they have any insight too." Shizuru suggested.
"Fine." Dustine nodded. "We'll meet up with them next."
"I've already booked some time with them today." Shizuru grinned. "We'll be leaving in an hour. After that we can construct a frame work."
"Right." Dustine nodded. "Anything else on the agenda."
"What's the region looking like?" Natsuki glanced at Shizuru.
"A bit quiet aside from the occasional terror attacks in various ports." Shizuru noted.
"That a fact?" Dustine murmured.
"Yeah." Natsuki nodded.
"Hm." Dustine frowned. "Thats kinda suspicious."
"Or nothings happening," Natsuki pointed out then asked. "Considering that you just went through hell, which would you rather have?"
"A bit of respite might be nice." Shizuru lightly tapped Dustine's shoulder.
"Yeah." Dustine nodded.
Moments later, Dustine's phone rang. Mai was calling her.
"Yes, Mai, whats up." Dustine asked.
"Your sister just called." Mai noted. "She's flying in on the 16th and staying a day or two then she's off to Seoul then to Sunch'oun, to meet with Samguk's Govenors to discuss a few matters."
"She's probably flying in to assist with that other matter." Dustine noted.
"Maybe you can introduce her to your new girlfriend." Shizuru teased.
"She knows Catty, Shizuru." Dustine sighed.
"Don't tease her." Natsuki sighed then nodded. "Alright lets get to work on the framework of this weapons deal."
"Right." Dustine nodded.
Later at Tampopo's ramen bar....
"Afternoon." Dustine sighed as she flopped into the seat next to Catty. Natsuki and Shizuru joined them at the table while. Dustine noted that Tsubasa's team was already there.
"Good afternoon." Catty and the others smiled.
Dustine nodded and noticed that Patty had articles on Japanese mysticism and shintoism next to her. "Studying up on the culture?"
"Somewhat yes." Patty nodded then sighed. "It's too soon to say if I like it or not. But it is interesting.
"Did you have any religon back home."
"Mm. Yes and no. Its not as organised but....there are a few of us who followed the tenants of Sensualism." Patty nodded. "I'm one of those myself."
"Sensualism." Dustine blinked then blushed "Does it have anything to do with...."
"Yes and no." Patty blushed then chuckled. "But I do find learning about the shinto principles interesting."
"I see." Dustine nodded.
"We saw Ishida got canned." Rabby noted then asked. "Does this mean you're plan can proceed now, Bucho?"
"Yes and no....." Dustine shook her head then sighed. "....the diet wants me to draw up a frame work of when the new equpiment can be distributed. I'm already working on that now. But...""
"But..." The others blinked.
"I was told that its going to take at least the first quarter of next year at the earliest to get AD POLICE upgraded." Dustine sighed.
"Not now? Thats a bummer." Miti frowned. "Why not now?"
"Politics." Dustine sighed. "The Diet's stalling."
"That sucks."
"...and you can't ask them to hurry up, can you." Eluza asked.
"Nope." Dustine shook her head then looked curious. "Did your people have a ruling body."
"Just a few governors for the planets and Journey, our supreme ruler." Eluza shook her head. "But after we lost several planets it was just her laying down the law and commands."
"I see." Dustine nodded.
"At least there IS some movement." Rabby noted. "So theres that."
"Yeah." Natsuki nodded.
"Mm." Dustine nodded. "Oh by the way. Big sis is visiting on the 16th of this month and will stay a day or two."
"Erica san's coming?" Patty asked. "Is this a social call or buisness."
"Buisness. Mostly." Dustine nodded. "She'll be flying out to South Korea a on the 18th to have a buisness meeting with Eun-hyouk Park, the Chairwoman of the Samguk group."
"Mostly?" Rabby arched an eyebrow.
"I think she's checking up on me to be honest." Dustine sighed.
"Mm." Catty nodded. "Maybe."
A semi tired waitress padded over and asked for their orders. They ordered some tea and a for the most part some ramen and or beef bowls for lunch. Once when they made their order the waitress padded away for another customer.
"Are you heading back home after your shift bucho?" Rabby asked.
"I dunno. Maybe." Dustine shrugged. "Or I could stay at my suite tonight."
"Speaking of your household..." Rabby hummed then glanced at Dustine. "Catty told us about your staff. Do you really need several maids, Bucho?"
"They double as security." Dustine sighed then noted. "They're...a hold over from Erica...and well...." Dustine hesitated then glanced at Patty's articles on mysticism. "....this not to leave this room okay."
All nod.
"Okay..." Dustine nodded then spoke up. "...all of them are Kitsune."
Silence.
More silence.
"What!?" All exclaim."
"Y-you're not joking, are you?" Patty blinked.
"You all understand that?" Dustine looked at them.
"I've been briefing them about Yokai's and spirits here." Patty nodded.
"Ah I see."
"So no joke." Rabby blinked.
"Nope." Dustine shook her head then continued. "When Erica came here she kinda made a pact with a few of the spirits that lived in that area. In fact they've protected her from various threats while she was here. In fact they dealt with several combat boomers with their swords alone. Tsubasa's team is at the tower because we need them there."
"I see." Patty nodded then glanced at Eluza.
Eluza nodded and turned to her. "Um. Dustine-Bucho. The girls would like to um...enhance our civilian wardrobe."
"Oh?" Dustine nodded.
"Yeah. We want to get some lingerie." Rabby nodded.
Dustine blink blinked then leaned in and murmured.. "You mean the sexy kind right?"
"Yes." Rabby nodded.
"Hm. I guess we could take you. I know of a few places but only a small group and I'll have Mai help out." Dustine nodded.
"Alright! Lingerie shopping!!" Miti whooped causing the other customers to just stare and somewhat glare at the lime green haired 18 year old once pilot.
"Not out loud Miti. Not outloud." Dustine cbided her.
"Whoops. Hehe." Miti blushed.
Dustine sighed.
"Is that frowned upon?" Eluza looked curious.
"Somewhat." Dustine noted. Though she paused when she thought about the underwear vending machines in Akihabara.
"So where to?" Natsuki asked
"How about Silky Doll?" Dustine shrugged.
"Shizuru went, was happy with the service," Natsuki added
"Well, we'll take one group today, another tomorrow," Dustine agreed
"Now?" Natsuki asked.
"Mm. No I need to hash out the outline for the new ADP Equipment." Dustine shook her head.
"....and we've still got some training and lessons to go to." Rabby nodded.
"Okay then." Dustine nodded "We'll go together at around say...six pm."
"Alright." Natsuki nodded then glanced at the group. "Dinner with the group after?"
"We have dinner plans at the our complex." Eluza nodded. "Well...we're basically ordering from here. So...."
"Okay." Natsuki nodded.
"I'll drop a note to their e conceirge desk saying that we've got a small co worker group coming." Shizuru said as she tapped out a message to their website.
"Wai..." Dustine held up a hand.
"No?" Shizuru blinked then gazed at her evenly. "It is the polite thing to do, Bucho."
"Fine." Dustine sighed.
"Standard security?" Natsuki asked.
"Outside is prefered." Nothing consipicious. "Its a small shop after all."
"Roger that." Natsuki nodded.
6:00PM Tinsel City. Mega Tokyo. Japan.
Three black SUV's made their way from the C-A tower in Nerima to Tinsel City. The first and third cars were being driven by Alpha and Beta team in normal security BDU's. Natsuki and Shizuru were riding in the first SUV. Haruka Suzushiro, who was just released from medical leave, was driving the second car. Her hair was pulled into a scruffy ponytail. Dustine was in the passenger seat and Eluza's group, along with Catty, were sitting in the passenger seats.
Dustine and the girls were listening to some music via earbuds. Most of it were peppy pop songs, and the group was chatting about them, but then one song came on that made Dustine sit up just as they turned onto Metropolitan Expressway Route 5 Ikebukuro Line/Route 5.
Unending Journey Ryoko Tachikawa
"Hito wa mina mochikirenai hodo no
ai to yume ryoute ni kakaete
maioriru hoshi ni ima mirai wo takushinagara
ashita e to sono yume wo egaku."
"Hm." Dustine blinked. At first she thought it was the start of another rock song. Until she heard the singer. That was definitely Asagiri. Definitely. The beat and the ryhtym was different from her other songs. Was she trying something new?
"Hey McCormick-bucho. Who's singing this song?" Rabby asked.
"Oh that's Priss and the Replicants. The lead singer is Priss Asagiri. She's a local singer here." Dustine noted.
"Its different from the songs just the last one." Patty noted.
"I kinda like her voice. Its very melodic." Sally nodded.
Dustine couldn't help but tap her feet to the beat of the music.
"To be fair, I didn't mind the previous song, 'Say Yes', either," Patty said.
"Vision's very popular," Dustine nodded.
"Hmm." Rabby tapped her chin.
"What?" Eluza said, noticing the thoughtful look on her former first mate.
"Oh. Nothing." Rabby shook her head. The song soon ended and another cheerful pop song came on. The girls made a face and pulled their earbuds out and stored them in their holders. Dustine did the same. The small convoy eventually made their way into the Tinsel city and weaved through the streets until they reached their destination.
The small convoy pulled up to the curb of the Ladys 633 building and parked. Dustine exitted her vehicle and tapped the window. Haruka Suzushiro glanced at her and nodded. "Ma'am."
"Good to have you back Haruka." Dustine said then nodded as Natsuki and Shizuru exitted the vehicle. "We'll probably be done within the hour. "We'll call you."
"RIght." Haruka nodded as Rabby's group exitted the second SUV. Natsuki was on her cellphone speaking to someone at Silky doll.
"This is the place?" Rabby looked up at the building.
"This is the Ladys663. Its more of a retail and office center." Shizuru noted then pointed to a small corner shop nearby. "That's our destination over there."
"Lets see lets see." Patty nodded and walked over with Miti and Sally following suit. Shizuru giggled and trailed after them.
Dustine sighed and glanced at Rabby and Eluza.
"They're interested, bucho." Eluza shrugged.
"Seem's that way." Dustine nodded then glanced at Natsuki as she put the phone away. "Well."
"We're in the clear." Natsuki nodded.
"Good." Dustine nodded then glanced Eluza, Rabby and Catty. "Lets go."
They walk into the medium sized shop and noticed that there were a few rows of lingerie on the shop floor, as well as along the walls and a small dump bin for the more pricier ones. There was a cash register stand on the far right with some more lengirie along the wall next to it. Dustine and Shizuru walked up with Eluza's group in tow while Natsuki hung back, keeping an eye on things. Dustine tugged off her sunglasses as she approached the owner.
"Welcome to Silky Doll," Sylia greeted them cooly with slight smile. "McComick Bucho."
"Thanks for having us on short notice Miss Stingray." Dustine said "Some of our employees were curious about your wares."
"Glad to have you," Sylia agreed. "Now, we can have them browse....I also brought in extra staff to assist."
"Linna, nice to meet you," the sporty woman smiled
"My, I think I've seen you here before," Shizuru chuckled.
"I also do a bit of sports modelling," Linna admitted.
"I see." Shizuru nodded.
"Now then. What were you ladies looking for?" Sylia smiled gently to the Eluza's group.
"Something sexy..." Rabby noted.
"Something sporty but elegant." Miti grinned.
"Elegant." Eluza nodded.
"Something fun." Sally nodded.
Sylia chuckled then nodded
"I think I have a few items that you might like." Sylia nodded then turned to Linna. "Help me out please?"
"Yes ma'am." Linna Yamazaki nodded and lead Rabby and the others down an isle.
Dustine watched them go then leaned to Shizuru. "Have you been...influencing them?"
"My my. Whaterver you mean, Bucho," Shizuru giggled.
"Anyway... keep a eye on her. I get the feeling Sylia is more than a store keeper." Dustine nodded.
"Yes ma'am." Shizuru nodded then asked her. "Aren't you going to shop here too?"
"Maybe at another time." Dustine sighed.
Natsuki still remained near the door watching the girls curiously as Sylia Stingray selected a few garments for the girls. Catty watched her team, smiling as the girls touched the fabrics and looked at designs.There was one point where Rabby held up article to herself and subtly turned to Eluza and tilted her head as if to say. 'Should I wear this?'
Eluza blushed a bit then casually nodded.
Rabby chuckled and nodded and went to look for something else.
Catty blinked then had an idea. She glanced through some of the articles of underwear and saw a few things that piqued her interest. She picked them out, glanced to see where Dustine was. Spotting her, she raised a hand and gently called out.
"Dustine. Could you come over here?" Catty waved her over.
Dustine blinked, walked past Natsuki and rounded the corner to speak to Catty. Catty was standing off to the side but in full view of the others as she held up a sexy black nightie up to her short form.
"What do you think, Dustine?" Catty held up the slinky nightie. "Would it look good on me?"
Dustine blink blinks as she stares at Catty. She doesn't move for a moment then blushes quite a bit.
"Well?" Catty asked as she tilted her head.
"Um. It....would look good on you." Dustine nodded.
"Then I will purchase it." Catty nodded.
Rabby and Eluza caught that interaction between the two as did Natsuki and Shizuru.
"My my...." Shizuru murmured and then cupped her hand over her mouth and whispered into Natsuki's ear. "...it seem's Catty's taking the initiative here."
"Possibly." Natsuki nodded then sighed. "...just this once don't tease either of them about that, okay?"
"Alright." Shizuru nodded.
"Hey whats this black material Ms Stingray?" Miti held up a thong bikini made up of a shiny black materiel.
Sylia smiled cooly then nodded. "That bikini is made from latex. Its a artificial material made up of polymer and rubber."
"Huh." Miti looked at it and the bikini that came with it.
"Wouldn't it smell, too?"
"That's part of the point, I think..."
"Oh."
Miti put it back and leans over to whisper to Sally "Humans are WEIRD."
"Not in front of them, Miti." Sally sighed.
They continued to browse through Sylia's wares until around 6:30 and then a few of them went to her changing rooms to try them on. Happily, they were satisfied with what they saw and exited said rooms ready to purchase the garments.
"Is this on company credit or...?" Sylia asked
"We'll be paying, Catty said proudly.
"Very well." Sylia nodded and starte to ring up their purchases.
Dustine watched on as one by one they paide for their grarments and stepped aside for the next customer. Each looked a bit happier, if conflicted with letting go of
some of their pay.
Shizuru poked her. "You didn't do any shopping today."
"I've got a few sexy articles at home and at the apartment at the tower." Dustine said in a hushed tone.
"My. Are you going to compare outfits with catty one day." Shizuru teased her.
Dustine went a bit red.
"None of your business."
"Awwww"
"Shizuru enough." Natsuki chided her.
"Fine." Shizuru nodded.
When they were done Eluza walked up to Dustine and nodded. "We're done here, Bucho. Thank you."
"Right." Dustine nodded then glanced at Sylia and bowed even as Natsuki was quietly calling Haruka. "We appreciate your buisness, thanks for letting us stop by."
"Thank you for the business, minna-san," Sylia bowed politely with a cool smile.
"Thank you." The girls nodded and walked out of the store.
"Thanks for coming." Linna said as they left. When they were out of ear shot Linna turned to Sylia. "That was an interesting situation."
"Mm. I'm not sure but...there might be something more to them." Sylia noted.
Linna noted, "The way Ms Dustine moves....reminds me of Priss. Hardsuit pilot?"
"Probably," Sylia agreed.
"Would you be surprised if her executive board has access to them?" Linna asked.
"No. I'm just surprised they haven't broken them out yet." Sylia replied.
"Mm." Linna nodded.
Meanwhile Dustine waited out with the girls, however Natsuki and Shizuru were hovering her once more.
"Miss Stingray was definitely covertly watching us." Natsuki noted.
"Mm." Dustine nodded. "Theres something...familiar about her too. Can't put my finger on it though yet."
"Anyway. Will Shildy's group want to have a visit?" Natsuki asked.
"Their caldender is kinda full for the next few days. Maybe on friday, though." Dustine sighed.
"Got it." Natsuki nodded.
A few minutes later, the Caldwich-Archangel Security SUV convoy pulled up to the curb. Dustine smiled then nodded to the group. "We're heading back home now. Did you all have fun?"
"Yes!" Eluza, Rabby, Patty, Sally and Miti nodded.
Catty reached out and touched her arm. "Thank you. I had a wonderful time too."
"Would you like to come to Maison No Blossom and have dinner with us, Bucho?" Eluza asked. "You can stay for the night....If its not to much trouble that is."
Dustine glanced at her. "Have you cleared it with Shildy and the others?"
"Yes." Eluza nodded.
Dustine frowned thoughtfully. It was nice of them but she really needed to be up early for her work out session with Natsuki. Dustine glanced at Natsuki who then lightly tapped her shoulder with her her right fist. "If your late more than five minutes then I'll make you run five extra laps in the morning, Bucho."
"Right right." Dustine nodded then turned to Eluza. "I'd be honored, Eluza."
Catty beamed.
"Right then." Natsuki nodded. "The convoy will head to Maison No Blossom and drop you all off and pick you up at around 7:30AM. Got it?"
"Yes ma'am." The group replied.
With that they climbed back into the SUVs, belted back in and the SUVs drove off to head back to Nerima.
A short time later...
Natsuki addressed Dustine as they dropped them off, "I'll pull back security, but otherwise monitor the area."
"Do you really need to?" Dustine asked.
"YES. Have a good night," Natsuki nodded and drove off. Dustine watched as the other followed Natsuki's car turn around the corner. "Well at least they're keeping an eye on things."
"They care about your well being," Eluza noted then sighed. "Ours too."
"Yeah." Dustine nodded then glanced up at the building. It was a three story modern styled building which hand a sliding front door and mutliple windows on the second and third floor.
"Come on! The others want to see you," Patty smiled, grabbed her arm and tugged her to the front door. Catty pouted at that but relented. She followed the others in as they walked into the foyer.
"We're back."
"Welcome back." Several voices replied back.
Dustine noted the girls weren't calling it home...understandable, of course. They slipped their shoes off and put on some house slippers. Dustine did the same as she heard someone pad up. Spea peeked in and grinned. "Welcome back. How'd it go?"
"Great." Rabby nodded. "The store owner was very helpful."
"Great." Spea nodded then winked. "Can't wait to talk about it later in the small communal room upstairs. Dinner should be ready soon."
"We should put our purchases away." Eluza nodded.
"Right." Rabby nodded.
"Sally could you put mine in my bedroom. You have my permission to enter." Catty offered her her package.
"All right just this once." Sally nodded and followed the others as they all walked down the hall and turned right Dustine could hear the thump thump thump of their footsteps. Spea, at the same moment, headed further into the interior of the first floor.
"Lets head to the sitting room," Catty gestured to the hallway.
"Okay." Dustine nodded and followed her in. They padded down a short hallway, passed a flight of steps and walked into a semi traditional medium sized sitting room. There was a tv stand and two zakatsu tables in the center. There were a few low couches arranged against the wall and a doorway leading to the kitchen. The wall partition had a serving window so Dustine could see inside. There were two women who were finishing up dinner. One was a blonde and the other was a short green haired girl. Spea was now sitting at the table as was Lufy.
Dustine peeked inside the window. "Hey everything going okay landlady."
"Fine fine." Marie, the blonde, nodded then winked then smiled. "It's a bit noisy but the girls are adjusting. Now go sit, Dustine Bucho."
"Right." Dustine nodded then walked over to the table.
"Hi." Spea nodded.
"Heya." Dustine nodded.
"Yo McCormick." Lufy nodded.
"Hey." Dustine nodded.
"Come and sit with us." Catty tugged her to the table. Dustine smiled and sat down at the table with her. She noticed that they were watching the local news.
"How'd the shopping trip go?" Lufy asked.
"It went well." Catty nodded.
"Yeah." Dustine relaxed against the low sofa.
"Find anything spicy Catty?" Lufy asked.
"Mm." Catty put a finger to her chin and shook her head. "Nothing....spicy. Maybe a little racey though."
Above them they heard footsteps and voices. Sounded like they were getting ready for dinner. That was fine. Dustine saw Rabby pad past the sitting room then breeze into the the kitchen.
"Oooh." Lufy grinned. "Trying to entice our bucho? Eh?"
"Well...maybe. Just a little." Catty glanced at Dustine.
Dustine blushed.
"Don't tease them Lufy." Rabby chided her then walked up with several mugs of tea on a tray. She walked up and knelt down to the table. She turned to her a littlea nd smiled. "Do you want some tea, bucho?"
"Thanks." Dustine nodded and Rabby passed her a mug.
"Tea?" Rabby glanced at Catty.
"Yes please." Catty nodded and rabby handed hers and put out another mug out for herself.
"How's your day by the way?" Dustine glanced at her.
"Mine?" Rabby blinked then sat down slightly next to her. "Good I suppose. I'm used to the drills and such....but I could do less with the papper work after the fact."
"No one loves paper work," Dustine laughed "How are you getting along with the men within our organization."
"I have no problems with them." Rabby shrugged. "We've...learned our lessons about them. A few of us have made mistakes....no question but its been all been very enlightening?"
"They're interesting to say the least." Spea nodded. "But they seem to be....professional around us."
"We've told some of our staff that you're new and unfamiliar to this world. If they get trashy around you their chiefs will punish them heavily."
"Well that's good." Rabby nodded.
"Did you have a good time today?" Dustine asked.
"Mm. I did." Rabby nodded.
"We're back." Patty said as she, Sally, Miti and Eluza arrived at the sitting room. Amy padded in after them as did Shildy.
"Evening McCormick Bucho." Amy nodded.
"Evening." Shildy nodded and sat down with the rest of them.
"Marie." Eluza called out. "is dinner almost ready."
"Almost. Just a few more minutes."
"Thank goodness our landlady cooks.. there was a fire last time we tried." Patty sighed.
"We need to train you to cook, then." Dustine noted.
"That would be helpful yes." Sally nodded.
Moments later, Marie and the green haired girl walked in with two large trays. One was filled with curried rice and the other was ramen beef bowls. "Alright dinner is on."
"About time." Rabby smiled.
"Here you go." The green haired girl smiled as they passed out the food and drinks. Chop sticks were also provided.
"Looks delicious." Dustine smiled as a beef bowl was placed in front of hers.
"Indeed." Catty smiled.
"Thanks for the meal!" The girls smiled at the landlady and her green haired partner.
"Your welcome." Marie smiled and walked out of the dining/sitting room as they started to eat.
To be continued.