knock knock
Rito: Coming! A-ah, Kujou-senpai?
Rin: Yuuki Rito, good evening.
R: What are you doing at my house senpai? And this late?
Rn: You're not going to offer to let me in?
R: Oh, of course, sorry, come in!
Rn: Thank you. I'm here on behalf of Saki-sama. She sent me to inquire about Zastin-sama's whereabouts. I'm to extend to him her invitation to accompany her to the theater this weekend. Is Lala here? I was hoping she could help, since he is her servant.
R: Eh, Zastin? I don't know where that guy is, sorry. Lala's taking a shower up in her room, would you like to wait til she's out?
Rn: Thank you, that would be very helpful. …aren’t you going to offer me some tea?
R: Right, yes, I am! Uhh, sorry, but Mikan’s out, too, so it won’t be as good.
Rn: It’s fine.
she takes a seat; a few minutes later, Rito returns with tea and some food and sits across from her silently
Rn: You’re quiet, Yuuki Rito. Are you unaccustomed to entertaining guests alone?
R: Wha..? N-no, it’s not that. I just didn’t want to disturb you, that’s all.
Rn: You appear anxious. I hope the fact that we are alone doesn’t mean you’re going to try something perverted.
R: I would never! I mean, sure it’s kinda weird that you’re here, but I wouldn’t do something like that.
Rn: It’s weird that I’m here?
R: Well, you know. We haven’t really interacted a whole lot, you and me. But now you’re here, in my house, and without Tenjouin-senpai or Aya-senpai at that. It’s kind of unusual, isn’t it?
Rn: I suppose. It must be difficult for you to make small talk with someone like me.
R: Not…not really. You are kind of intimidating though…
Rn: Oh? Raises eyebrow. That doesn’t seem to have stopped you from publicly molesting Saki-sama, Aya and I.
R: N-n-n-n-now wait just a minute!!! Those times weren’t my fault! Sometimes Lala’s inventions just aren’t quite stable—
Rn: Hm? You’re blaming your girlfriend for your indecent behavior? That is quite shameless, Yuuki Rito.
R: I swear, you’ve gotta believe me, Kotegawa-sa—ah!
Rn: Kotegawa-san? That classmate of yours who’s on the school morals committee?
R: Y-yeah, sorry, it just slipped out. She says “shameless” a lot…and you two kind of look alike, a little.
Rn: Is that so? I hadn’t noticed. She’s a firm one, isn’t she? I think the first time I saw her, she was scolding Saki-sama for wearing a dress to school to reflect her pure, burning love for Zastin-sama.
R: Ahaha, yeah, that sounds like Kotegawa-san. She can come off as tough and hard at first glance, but she grows on you fast. She’s really a kind, gentle person.
Rn: You speak very highly of her. Do you have feelings for her? I wonder what Lala would say.
R: Oh, no! I-it’s not like that! She’s just a…she’s a good friend. I don’t—no, uh, no, I don’t.
Rn: If you say so. But still, I’m surprised to hear you say such nice things about her.
R: Why is that?
Rn: She seems like she gives you and your friends a hard time. Like the type of girl who will chew out a room if so much as one person makes a peep during a test. I’m sure a boy like you has crossed her nerves more than once, but even so, you’re praising her to me, and defending her as a dear friend. I find that admirable.
R: K-Kujou-senpai…
Rn: Anyway, I suppose I have to concede that you do not always do these perverted things on purpose. Not as much as other boys I’ve known. Although if you really are so often a victim of circumstance, you have some of the worst luck I’ve ever seen.
R: Other boys…?
Rn: Mm. You would not believe the number of lewd boys who seek Saki-sama’s affections, or Aya’s, or…well, not so much mine, now that I think about it.
R: What do you mean?
Rn: It’s no big deal. I’m sure you’re not the only one who finds me intimidating.
R: Oh, right, I said that… Listen, I didn’t mean—
Rn: smiles. Don’t worry about it. I have more important things in my life to worry about than that. Ensuring Saki-sama’s safety and happiness is a full time job, after all. If my devotion and skills are off-putting to boys, so be it.
R: Still, I didn’t mean to imply that guys wouldn’t want you, Kujou-senpai. I mean, I think it’s amazing, the loyalty you show to your friends. Your family has been in the Tenjouin’s service for generations, but that time Tenjouin-senpai ran away, even though you were directly ordered to return her home, in the end you disobeyed those orders for her and Aya-senpai’s sake. You’re kind, senpai, and loyal, and really pretty, too—Ah!
Rn: eyes widen as she swallows food. Eh? Clears throat. W-well, that’s very nice of you to say, if a bit forward. Thank you.
R: Looking down, embarrassed by the outburst. N-no problem.
Silence for a moment
Rn: tentatively. So…how is your sister doing these days? No more fainting in the heat, I hope?
R: No, she’s been great! Ah, actually, I wanted to thank you again, senpai, for what you did for her that day. Solemnly. I had no idea that might happen to her, and when I heard, I was so worried… But she was safe, and it was all thanks to you. Seriously, senpai, I can’t thank you enough.
Rn: I told you before, I only did what was obvious.
R: Well, regardless, there has to be something I can do to repay you.
Rn: Really, it’s not necessary.
R: Please? I won’t feel right if I do nothing. You helped out my little sister, after all. Pauses to think. How about I buy you lunch one day this week?
Rn: Blinks in surprise, then thinks. You really won’t feel this is settled until you’ve done something?
R: Yes, that’s just how it is.
Rn: Nods in understanding. I see. I respect that, Yuuki Rito. You feel you have a debt to pay and will stop at nothing to see it through, even when I tell you it’s not required. That is very honorable. I accept your offer. With Saki-sama’s permission, of course, I will join you for lunch sometime this week.
R: Haah, thanks, that’s a weight off my mind! Anyway, I think Lala should be out any minute. In the meantime, would you like some more? Motions to her empty cup.
Rn: smiles lightly. I’m fine, thank you.
R: Yeah, I hope it was decent enough. I’m sorry Mikan’s not here. She makes it much better than I do. In fact, she pretty much does the whole hospitality thing better than I do.
Rn: Cool amusement in her voice. Oh, I’m sure. You never even offered to take my coat.
R: Oh! I-I’m sorry, I forgot! You’re right, sorry about that. Please, let me get that for you. Rin starts to remove her coat, Rito moves to help her slide out the other arm. His hand accidentally catches her shoulder. Wow, you’re really strong, senpai.
Rn: Sorry?
R: Oh, I mean the muscle here. It’s so firm. Absently presses down on her shoulder. I mean, I’ve been around aliens and assassins for a long time now, but I think only Yami is this fit…
Rn: Spluttering. Y-Yuuki Rito!! What do you think you’re doing!?
R: Realizes he’s still rubbing her shoulder through her shirt; blushes furiously and moves to put her coat away. S-sorry! Sorry, I wasn’t thinking! I’ll just hang this up.
Rn: Frowning indignantly. And here I was just about to thank you for the compliment, but you had to get handsy again.
R: I didn’t mean to, honest. I was just admiring how strong you are, senpai.
Rn: My strength is merely there to serve Saki-sama and the Tenjouin family. That is all.
R: Well, it’s definitely impressive. To tell you the truth, I don’t think Tenjouin-senpai’s safety could be better hands than yours. You really are a true and wonderful friend. Sits back across from her.
Rn: Averting her eyes. I-I’m glad you feel that way. I try to serve Saki-sama to the best of my ability.
R: Smiles and nods. Well, anyway, I do hope the tea was to your liking. It’s not exactly my specialty.
Rn: Looks up earnestly and returns the smile. It was quite delicious, actually. You shouldn’t sell yourself short. You know, the groping aside, I think I’m getting a glimpse of that side of you Mikan must see…
R: Haha, thank—wait, what side?
Suddenly, a voice rings down from upstairs.
???: Rito-saaaan~!
As Momo comes racing down the steps holding her Nintendo DS, she sees Rito and Rin.
Momo: Oops, sorry! I didn’t know you had company.
R: M-Momo! What’s going on?
Rn: You are Lala’s little sister, yes? I remember you came to take Mikan from me that day, to bring her to Rito. I must thank you for your assistance.
M: Aha, not at all! It was good you found her when you did, senpai. But anyway, what are you doing here, may I ask?
Rn: I came to find Zastin-sama. Saki-sama desires his presence at the theater this weekend, and she sent me to ask after him. Oh, that’s right. He’s your servant too, isn’t he? Might you know where I can find him?
M: Mmm, sorry, I don’t know. Onee-sama might, she’s the one who keeps in contact with him.
R: That’s what I thought. Momo, could you go check to see if Lala is out of the shower yet?
M: Happily. Of course! Casts a glance over at Rin. You know, if you don’t mind me saying so, you’re really beautiful, Kujou-senpai~
Rn: Stutters. T-thank you. You are both too kind. Looking at Rito.
M: Oho, so Rito-san agrees with me, hmm? Well, he’s always had excellent taste~
R: Momo, don’t—Pauses as he catches a glimpse of the item in Momo’s other hand. *I-it’s Snoop Snoop Listen-Kun! Don’t tell me…she was listening the whole time from upstairs!? What’s she planning?*
M: Seeing the startled look on Rito’s face, grins widely and winks at him. It’s true, though. You have a great look about you, and seeing you in casual clothes like this, you just look too cute!
Rn: Y-you’re too kind. Please, forgive my awkwardness. I’m not used to receiving such compliments from people other than Saki-sama and Aya.
M: Circling around behind Rin, squealing inside. *She is just precious~ Excellent job, Rito-san! You’ve softened her up, time to bring it on home!* Oh? I’m surprised, senpai. Haven’t you ever had a boyfriend, or a date?
Rn: Stiffly. No, as I was telling Rito, I’m far too busy for such things. And anyway, boys seem to prefer girls like Saki-sama.
M: Seriously. I’m sorry. From what I’ve seen, they’re missing out if their eyes skip over a girl like you.
Rn: Frowning again. It’s fine, I’ve grown used to it. I trained for years to gain strength and hone my skills to protect Saki-sama; it’s only natural that boys would find that unappealing…
A silent pause. Rito and Momo exchange sympathetic looks, but she also seems intrigued.
M: You knowww, Kujou-senpai, not all boys are like that.
Rito throws her another look, silently asking what she’s getting at.
Rn: Eh?
M: Earnestly. There are some who aren’t dissuaded from love by such silly things. There are boys who look deeper, and see who a girl really is inside. Boys who are kind-hearted and sweet and will do anything for the ones they love. She gazes at Rito as she finishes, a strange look in her eye.
R: Momo…
Rn: You’re probably right. But it doesn’t matter. Even if I had the time, even if someone showed interest in me, I… The first hint of a blush. I’m not sure I’d know how to proceed.
R: I-I wouldn’t worry about that, senpai. Even with all the time I’ve spent with Lala, I’m still not entirely sure what to do in such matters either. But when the time comes, I think you’ll know what to do. And I am positive that time will come for you, senpai. You’re a great girl, after all, and any guy who doesn't realize that is a fool.
Rn: Moved, heart beating. T-thank you, I don’t…I don’t know what to say…
M: *Hehe, good job Rito-san! Your words can stir a maiden’s heart so easily, even when you don’t realize it.* It’s true, though. Rito-san is actually quite innocent about this sort of thing. It’s very endearing~ Places hands on Rin’s shoulders. He really is an amazing person, senpai. I’m sure you’ve noticed.
Rn: Glances at the hand. Well, I have to admit he’s an extremely polite host…
M: Nodding, rubbing her shoulders. Mhmm. That’s not all. I heard what happened when Tenjouin-senpai ran away, and how he even stood up to you for her sake, and got you to reconsider and protect your bonds.
Rn: Y-yes. You’re quite good at that.
M: Thank you~ Massaging lower. Then there was that time he tried to help Tenjouin-senpai confess her love to Zastin.
Rn: Yes, but he ruined it by tackling her to the ground.
M: Oh, but I’m sure you realize that was one of Onee-sama’s inventions gone haywire.
Rn: Well…
M: And I know for certain you’ve seen what a caring big brother he is to Mikan-san, that he’s always looking out for her, and how she thinks the world of him.
R: Embarrassed. Momo, you don’t have to say—
M: Shh. Rubbing lower, reaching Rin’s collarbone, lowering her head down to her ear. You acknowledge these things, don’t you, Kujou-senpai?
Rn: Nervously. A-ah, your hands—
R: Watching with red cheeks. Momo, what are you doing?
M: Ignoring him. Plus, Rito-san is kind of cute, don’t you agree?
Rn: Eh!?
M: Come on, don’t be shy, senpai~
Rn: Y-yes, I suppose he has a certain physical appeal, for an underclassman…
R: Momo, cut it—huh? What’d you say, senpai?
M: Mhm, I knew you’d think so. Running her hands over Rin’s stomach. Fufu, Rito-san was right. You are in wonderful shape. Your curves and muscles are exquisite. So firm, yet soft.
Rn: Nngh! That’s too low…
R: Momo, quit it!
M: Innocently. What? She said she would be unsure how to proceed with a boy. I’m simply showing her how. Her tongue swipes out against Rin’s exposed neck.
Rn: Moans. B-but, you’re not a boy.
M: Oh? So you would prefer Rito-san to help you? Perfect.
Rn: W-what? Glances at Rito, flustered.
M: Rito-san, come~
R: Momo, I can’t do something like that!
M: Aww, but she already said she thinks you’re cute. Moves her hands up and squeezes.
Rn: Ah! P-please, don’t. This is indecent. Moans again. I don’t want to have to use force. Nng, I-I know your tail is your weakness!
M: Hesitates. Alright, if you insist, senpai. Moves away. But I meant what I said about Rito-san. There really isn’t a better guy in the world, believe me. And you shouldn’t underestimate your own self, either.
Rn: Trying to compose herself, face flushed. And you, Momo, are not as innocent as you appear. I see you and Rito have similar indecent tendencies.
M: Aha, don’t say it like that~
R: Stammering. I’m real sorry about that, Kujou-senpai. A-anyway, here, let me take your plate for you.
He gets up to clear the table, but his foot catches on one of the legs. He stumbles, losing balance and collapsing face first on top of Rin.
R: !!!
Rn: R-Rito!?
M: Rito-san! *Wahh! A perfectly timed faceplant, Rito-san! Just as I’d expect from you~*
???: Heyyyy, what’s all that commotion?
The unknown voice draws their attention. A second later, Lala comes into view on the stairs, a towel wrapped around her body.
R: Muffled. L-Lala! Realizes where his head still is, quickly backs away from a blushing, indignant Rin. It’s not what it looks like!
M: To herself. Fufu, it’s actually much better.
Lala: Bemused. Rito? Momo? Oh, Kujou-senpai, what are you doing here?
Rn: Standing up and fixing her shirt where it’s been pulled down. Clears throat. G-good evening, Lala-san. I am here on behalf of Saki-sama, to request that your servant, Zastin, join her for a night out this weekend. Yuuki Rito informed me you might know, so I’ve been waiting here with him for you to arrive. Your sister joined us later.
L: Oh, well that’s nice! I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long!
Rn: smiles cordially. Not at all. Smoothing her shirt some more, blushing. I was actually pleasantly surprised at what a proper host Yuuki Rito is, for the most part. Turning to him. He really does seem like a good person.
R: Heart beating. S-senpai…?
L: Hehh, I think so too, Kujou-senpai. You’re absolutely right! As for Zastin, I can deliver the message for you. I’ll probably see him tomorrow. Is that ok?
Rn: Yes, that would mean a great deal to Saki-sama and I, Lala-san. You have our thanks.
L: Teehee, don’t mention it!
Rn: Glancing at her watch. Well, it is getting late. I should probably head back.
R: Oh, of course. Let me get your coat. Momo, could you clear the table?
M: Right away, Rito-san!
Rn: Thank you for the food and tea, Yuuki Rito. I had an…interesting time.
R: Yeah, sorry again about that.
Rn: Do not worry. But you know, I think Momo was telling the truth. You just might be a special boy, after all. I have seen it in action many times, Momo made me realize. And you showered me with kind words and encouragement today, as well. I shall not forget that. Lala is fortunate to have you. In fact, I… eyes widen as she catches herself.
R: ?
Rn: Ah, never mind. Um, so then, I will go report my mission’s results to Saki-sama, and seek her permission regarding your offer. I am sure she’ll agree once I tell her how gracious you’ve been. Oh, right, once you decide on a day, you can reach me here. Pulls out a business card from her coat pocket and hands it to him. That’s the number you can call, there. Tries to hide it, but smiles warmly. I look forward to our lunch date, Yuuki Rito. Goodnight, everyone. Exits.
L: smiling. That Kujou-senpai. She is really nice.
R: Y-yeah, she is. *Wait, did she say “date?” And did I…did I just get her number?*
M: Watching by the table, smirks, a gleam in her eyes.
2012-07-03, 10:13
Graphic Designer
.
She's in your internets, watching you masterdebate.
