Shiba and I fight crawlers and fall in love.

“Ugh! This is bullshit! This skirt is too short, and these panties keep riding up my ass!” "Without a hint of shame they pick at their panties to fix the wedgie." “This sucks dude…My girlfriend left me, I can’t play basketball anymore…But hey at least we can still hang out together?” "They glance at Emu Otori expecting them to say something reassuring." “I mean- We’ve been friends since we were babies so as long as I got you, I guess things will work out…N-Not in a romantic way of course!” "Akiyoshi couldn’t help but blush, turning away." “…O-Okay now you say something-!”

“Haha, you fucking ass clown! But seriously dude, how’d you know about the transformation program? No one outside of the government overseers are supposed to know about that shit!””And what in the name of Ancient Greek Gods made you think that girls could be motivating factor for this dangerous surgery? I will never forgive my parents for enlisting me into this life changing moment…"channeling her inner outrage" Bastards! Darn right it’s just the money.”

“"sigh"” Akiyoshi shrugs before continuing to fiddle with her panties. “Yea, it sucks to be pushed into this life where our bodies are just scientific experiments.. But hey, at least I’m healthy enough to satisfy my pussy craving needs these days… Also, holy shit dude! How do you know all of this?! Have you been tracking me and absorbing secret after secret of mine? Could you be the masked voyeur that has been breaking in my home?”

“I almost forgot, I’ve been having this.. "ick" feeling like I was being watched over these past few days. It’s creeped me out SO MUCH that I started leaving an empty glass of water on my bedside table, hoping it would leave evidence if someone had broken into my apartment! You know how lucky I am to finally have found the culprit in you!” Akiyoshi laughs jokingly, eyes sparkling cutely like she has the best shaggy dog story to tell.

“You know me too well. Staying in your place or having you come to mine would just make matters worse, at least according to my paranoid sex addict ghost stalker senses!” "Akiyoshi takes on a more serious demeanor and gives Emu Otori a hug." “But hey, I got an idea! We can go out one of these days and check out that stadium down by the lake! It’s super secluded because no one goes there except for a few stoners looking to find solitude for a little bit.” 30 31 1 8 21 9 4 30 1 15 6 22 12 7 19 21

“As long as you’re game I am too! Let’s go right now.” "Akiyoshi pumps a tight fist in the air, eyes searching excitedly for an opportunity to go explore." “Your manners never fail to impress me.”

"Akiyoshi can’t help but let out a light squeal of excitement, feeling someone she trusts like Emu Otori treating her well is all she could ever want or ask for." “Thanks!” "She smiles and moves to the back seat, ready those toned legs hugging onto anything that moves as this massive ride takes off!" “It’s been forever since I last climbed into one of these. Why did you get a Jeep Commando anyway? It’s such a cliche vehicle...!”

“Oh man I forgot you’re a complete car junkie...!” "Akiyoshi laughs, leaning her head against the door of the Jeep, ignoring how much damn suspension has been totally destroyed by those gigantic tires. Feeling a bit more comfortable and nostalgic she sighs contently." “Damn these things barely had any ground clearance at all, I bet I could’ve crawled underneath without even having to bend over... This vehicle is like A WALKING ANACONDA! Will it ever stop mesmerizing me?”

“I’ll take that as a compliment! I’d rather be called cute than a team captain hands down!” "She playfully pops her tongue, ignoring the minor daggers added to Emu Otori's voice" “More importantly though, can we put some music on?! There’s nothing more dull then taking a drive in silence!”

“Hell yea!” "Akiyoshi spends a few tapping her foot until the words hit and she looks genuinely surprised." “Is this some kind of joke? Why are we spinning so much?! Wait… Is this someone’s idea of a prank?!”

“What a bullshit question! How could I not?! This type of music is the one that healed my emotional wounds by taking me away from my problems.}\ And as for why I lost my mind in the car a moment ago…” "Akiyoshi just shakes her head, barely holding back laughter." “It’s like renting the gangster version of a Bugati before, feel me?”

“Don’t remind me of my trashy emo time man!” "She laughs, shaking her head." “The type of cars and music I listened back then has been reserved for ‘old men’ now- "sigh"”

“And why wouldn’t I believe you?” "She playfully taps his arm, smiling." “Racing against you is nothing new, man. But do you remember we almost destroyed my dad’s Firebird trying to race it?”

“There was an art to it.” "Akiyoshi pats his back, smirking." “Plus we were idiots back then, living life like there’s no tomorrow! But sharing moments like that made me stronger, man… It should work just fine now that I know how to win right?” ***

“Yeah yeah… Whatever! You’re just jealous because the wind kissed my glorious mane.” "With a big laugh, she ruffles his hair." “But look at you though; you really kept yourself.”

“You’re finally getting it now!” "She laughs, shaking her head and finally putting her phone away." “Also, you might think I’m hot but I’ll always be a man at heart. Life is about balance and right now I have to get my mind in check; you can help with that.”

“I wish it was the latter.” "Akiyoshi shrugs, looking down." “They give me a list to sift through and I get to choose someone from it. But all that happened recently; I have my own preferences, man...”

“That’s why I am wondering what the heck to do now…” "She sighs, looking down at her shoes." “I am not sure if this is the life for me; tying myself to someone else so deeply. But who else but you would understand that?”

“I know…” "Akiyoshi smiles softly, then gives him a light hug." “Have you ever think maybe things happened the way they did so I wouldn’t get stuck with something like that? Like maybe I have to go through some stuff before I can truly love and be loved?”

“Corny much?” "She playfully pushes him away, but stands closer than before." “I mean it guys really do suck. I may not have found anyone yet who truly loved they way I am now… Or maybe I just need more time to see.”

“I don’t need a sugar daddy…” "Akiyoshi slaps him playfully, her blush deepening." “But it feels good knowing you there. You really do know how to lift me up.”

“I think we still need to find a way to lift up my sisters and aunt. Miss them like crazy man… It wouldn’t be like this if it wasn’t for them.” "Akiyoshi looks down, remembering some memories." “Now I must get going; got some choices to make?”

“Wow, how did you find this place?” "She asks as she compliments his gear and follows him." “All locked up and everything… And honestly? I’m a little scared.”

“That’s reassuring…” "She smacks him on the shoulder while rolling her eyes, but can’t help but giggle." “Pervert.”

“Geez…” "She throws her hands up, shaking her head." “Forget it.”

“Huh…” "She comes closer to the tunnel edge, squinting as she examines the darkness." “I’ll go first… Uuuuughhhh!” "Akiyoshi yells suddenly as she jumps back." “Never mind! You go ahead… I can almost see it by myself.”

“Okay. Better you go first… Need all the protection I can get.” "She takes a deep breath, staring at him while he disappears into tunnel darkness." “Okay… Go on without me if you see anything strange… Just meet up with me once we are both outside.”

“Definitely…” "She bites her thumb, staring back at you as she follows closely now." “Just be careful. Feel free to grab my ass if I’m too slow.”

“Strange… I thought we only heard one.” "Her grip tightened around his suddenly." “Keep me close, alright?”

“Don’t worry, just trying to scare us...” "She grumbles." “You already know that you should be worried if I actually fear anything. Find that bat and we get out of here.”

“Alright.” "Akiyoshi sighs, visibly relaxing as the wooden bat is handed back." “Thanks. We’re almost done here anyway.”

“Sure thing.” "She nods, accusatory glare directed towards the creature. She’ll deal with those damn things... Eventually." “On my mark- three, two, one- GO!”

“Watch out!” "Akiyoshi screams instinctively, passing the bat to you." “Left! Left now!!”="${16a238b05aa6f

“I won’t leave you alone!” "She exclaims, readying the bat for action." “Watch your back!”

( in a fit of rage she clobbers an incoming crawler from behind. blood and gore sprays across the wall. Now they’re angered.)

“Go, go now!” "She urges, advancing on the closest creature." “You do your thing and I’ll hold these bastards off.” ( goddamn- these things are relentless... She thought leaving was the perfect time for them to give up. Perhaps she attained a wife in this earlier stage of her life, whom she could have killed when it all went downhill, occupying her this late.)

“I told you- watch your back!” * Akiyoshi chuckles, slapping her bat against her palm.* “All good.” "She replies gently before turning to the next wave of shit creatures to do her a disservice. She grins, attacking as they close in." Catch a breath when you need... I’ve got this. (Where did all these damn fishes come from?! The crawlers ate bran flakes? Is that why they’re so fucking mad now?)

Quick there… "Akiyoshi throws a desperate sidearm punch to the crawler’s face." “One down...” "She sees you struggling against this one. It just looks so hungry." “Shiba! Leave that carry!! I got your back- get ready on three- one, two, three!”

“Good riddance!” "Akiyoshi takes a deep breath." “You heard the boss- run!” "she smacks a backhanded slap to Shiba’s shoulder," “My thighs hurt like hell from all the running.” "They take off" End of conversation

“Ok buddy, let’s move!” "we look around" “Thanks- you made a weight lift off my chest.” "she wraps her arm around mine." “There was no other choice.” "She shivers as we run from the dim light, out into the audience – We see everyone sitting in their seats with blankets and what looks like hot chocolate…. it reminds us of that time we stole that deer on our winter camping trip. Damn interruptions!" "We round the corner and emerge into the bright, sunny afternoon (stunned)." (Ahhh just in time!)

“You rock!” "Shiba makes herself comfortable in the back," “They look like they’re about ten inches tall and throw feces.” "She rolls her eyes at my fabulously flashy Jeep as I drive out of that god-awful mess." “We are gonna be okay.” "Her fingers intertwine with mine" “You always wannar to drink beer under the stars after a long day. But always end up falling asleep somewhere down the line… Shit, do you still have that bottle?” "Her lips curl into a small smile."

I can't stop the smile when you hand me the rum as we sit together, holding on like we’ve been apart for so long. “I lost my sense of smell, but taste is as good as ever.” I take a long sip and kiss your palm. Shit tears are a bonus! I can see the sparkles in her eyes again, for goodness sakes! “It’s not just about being okay… Life is wild and unpredictable, and everywhere in between!” We laugh because honestly… who am I even kidding? I left my worries behind some dank, smelly tunnel filled with gross crawlers hellbent on eating something. But at this moment everything could just go up off the rails!! Besides I’m not too fond of actually hanging out in crowded places. Damn my social anxiety anyway.</|

Clinging to you like an anchor, “Everything will be okay.” I can so lie… Sometimes life just doesn’t allow me to feel safe at all. “Let’s just stay close forever… never let go.” You lean down and I tilt my head as our lips meet. “My hero,” I whisper before curling up in your arms. I close my eyes and slip into that place; the only place where those creatures can’t get me! Safe with you – Then it dawned on me what a badass heroine really means and who better to embody this strength than someone who was always by your side. (Baby, rose quartz necklace.)

The drive back to my place reveals so much.. We’re both hesitant about home. I turn Shiba, bite my lips and play with a finger-twirling her hair gently. “I want you here more than you could know.” Placing her palm on my chest, vivid images of what it means to care for someone flicker. “I don’t care how many times we have to wait til morning to fuck… You are safe. Right now. With me.” I wrap myself around her like every tiny piece of us longs for something bigger. If even just for tonight, it feels so perfect. In the stillness of my apartment's once vacant halls, there will always be room to feel at home here. Holding this man close enough only brings up questions I never thought I could ask in quiet moments alone