The Snow Ashikabi

Shadow Hunting

"Mistress,” Akitsu says, pulling me from my stunned state.

'That kiss from Matsu unexpected,' I think to myself as I look up to see that the elevator doors had opened. I step back and gesture for Haruhime and Akitsu to exit. 

Once outside, I turn to my left, where my purple 1989 Nissan Sukairain is parked and swiftly get in. Once the other two are situated, I pull out of the parking space.

“Ummm... Mistress?" 

"Yes, Akitsu-chan?"

"My sister is not in the car." At first my mind can’t comprehend Akitsu's meaning. Why would Haruhime not be in the car? She got in, didn’t she? I quickly turn and look at the back seat, where she objectively is not.

Panic sets in. Anxiety, too. Frantically, I look in all directions outside the car, and that's when I notice her, still on the curb in front of the elevator.  She was just standing there, unmoving, her head down and twiddling her fingers. I quickly put the car in reverse and pull up next to her. 

As I roll down the window I ask, “Are you okay, Haru-chan?" She doesn't answer. "Haru-chan, are you okay?" 

When she doesn't answer again, I get out of the car and walk around it so I'm standing in front of her. I grab her chin and lift her head, staring into her big, beautiful, icy-blue eyes. "Haru-chan, what's wrong?" 

Her gaze shifts downwards as she mumbles something in a very hushed tone. "Haru-chan, l couldn't hear you. Can you speak louder?"  Once again she mumbles something. "Haru-chan?"

Haruhime's gaze then laser-focuses on mine, her face heavily blushing. "KISS ME LIKE THAT!"

There is no small amount of jealously in her words, as her gaze drops back to her feet. I had to admit this shy side of her was sweet and charming. How could I say no to that face?  I slowly move my head closer and press my lips against hers. 

As my lips meet hers I feel a moment of pure ecstasy wash over me. The feeling of her soft lips against mine is enough to make me shiver. Despite my eyes being closed, I can easily see the light from her wings Illuminating the dimly-lit parking garage. I push my tongue into her mouth and start wiggling it around. 

"Shirayuki-san! I hardly think that is appropriate.”

I break away from Haruhime and turn towards the voice. The person in question was getting out of their car, on the left side of the elevator. "The parking garage is not the place to have a make out session with your girlfriend. And what were those strange lights?" 

"Hello, Akashiya-san,” I say, quickly bowing my head. “I'm sorry, I didn’t think anyone would see me."

She’s my next-door neighbor, or rather former next-door neighbor. She lives in the apartment next to my old one. She’s an older lady; if I had to guess her age, she’s probably somewhere in her fifties. Despite her age, she’s in good shape. The only real indication of her age is her pinkish hair, already turning silver. 

"You never know who is watching. Be more mindful of things, Shirayuki-san. Now I heard from Tendo-san across the hall that you moved into the penthouse. "

How did she know that? She and Tendo were always so nosey. "Akashiya-san, it was nice talking to you, I guess, but I really must get going." I hurriedly get into the car before she says anything else.  

I look back to make sure Haruhime was in the car this time and to my relief she is.. As we drive towards the entrance to the garage, I say, "I'm sorry, Haru-chan. I wasn't expecting someone to interrupt us." 

'It-It's okay. It felt wonderful," she replies, gaining back her normal composure. "And who was that lady, anyway?" 

"Akashiya-san, she is my next-door… former next-door neighbor. She lived in the apartment next to mine. I wanted to get away from her because she is incredibly nosey, I'm pretty sure she saw your wings. The Sekirei Plan is supposed to be a secret; I didn't want her asking questions."