#shout out to aquarium and bridal though

[starswallowingsea]

i love this kanata cg so much. kaoru why are you looking at him like that? i thought you didn't like men?

[morallygreyprompts]

Other Villain with Lust Spell Continuation #4

Part 3

"Give me a location, [Hero]. We'll have reinforcements pouring in," Villain said. 

Hero rubbed the back of their head. "I know where it is, but I don't know where it is."

Villain frowned. "You need to start making sense, we’ve only got minutes to work with here. Come on, sweetheart, think!"

Villain paused upon realizing the nickname they'd used. They turned away to hide their embarrassment. 

Hero cleared their throat. "I know it's in the graveyard, but I don't know where exactly."

"Oh, lovely. Why couldn’t it be in the park, or an aquarium or something nice?" Villain sighed.

"You know [Vigilante], ever the theatric," Hero remarked.

Villain called up one of their higher-ranked henchmen to organize a party and prepare for a fight. Things were going to get nasty soon enough, that much was clear. If they lost this sickle then the whole city was in peril. Hero turned their attention to Superhero who was waiting patiently. They spelt out ‘graveyard’ and waited for a response.

Superhero seemed to realise there was no point in using sign language, they wouldn’t understand. Hero decided as soon as this was over they were going to learn. Superhero thought for a moment before pointing to themselves, pretending to fly, and then pointing at them.

“I think they’re offering us a lift,” Hero said.

“Hell no! Heights and I aren’t on speaking terms considering I almost fell to my death like two minutes ago.”

“We’ve got no choice,” Hero nodded to Superhero with a smile. Superhero gestured for them to get on their back, much like a piggyback. Hero did so and SuperHero raised up into the air. Villain cross their arms and shook their head. “Nope! I’ll walk.”

Superhero turned their head to look at Hero, who nodded and gestured for them to pick them up. “Get ‘em,” Hero smirked.

“[Hero], no. I thought we were- frieennnds!!”

Superhero scooped Villain up in a none too flattering bridal style carry and set off across the city.

“I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you,” Villain repeated over and over again, with eyes scrunched shut and their breathing rushed. 

“Do you though?” Hero grinned. “Come on, just look at me, you’ll be fine.”

Villain kept their eyes clamped shut and kept an arm around Superhero’s neck. Hero also needed to hold on to their neck, but they decided to hold Villain’s hand as they did, stroking it with their thumb as they kept their head close to Superhero’s back and out of the wind. Villain held on back, linking fingers. Their panicked ramblings eased into silent terror.

They made it to the graveyard in not much more than a minute. How long did they have until Other Villain made it there? Villain was shaky on their feet as Superhero put them down and Hero slid off their back. They raked their brain for the sign for thank you and used it. SuperHero signed back, what Hero assumed was a ‘you’re welcome’. 

There was already a dozen of Villain’s henchmen from the surrounding area, and they were armed. Hero said, “Should we look for the sickle, or do you think it’s better to keep it locked away and defend it from here?”

Villain chewed the inside of their cheek as they thought. “We’ll find where it is, surround it, but we won’t open it. At least that way we can have a bit of a strategy going.” They turned to look at their men. “Get looking for a sickle, or rather its hiding place. Whoever finds it can have a thousand-pound bonus. Get to it!”

Everyone started looking. Villain looked around, hoping to use their brain before they started to rush around. It was a quiet graveyard, simple stones and a quaint church beside it. There was, however, a large mausoleum to the back of the grounds, well away from the majority of the gravestones. Villain wondered, “theatrical, eh? Hey, [Hero], come and check this out over here.”

Hero followed them to the old mausoleum. They studied it for a moment, reading the names of the person inside before they froze. “T.That’s my name… [Villain], I think this is it.”

“How delightful,” they remarked. “Well, looks like I’m giving myself that bonus.”

They whistled sharply. “Hey, let’s get this surrounded. Form ranks, and for christ’s sake, please tell me you brought earplugs like I told you. If you haven’t got em, get out of here or you’ll find yourself snogging the person standing next to you. Do me proud and you can all get paid extra!”

It earned a laugh from the men before they silenced the room around them with the earplugs.

Hero looked to Villain with a nervous grimace. “What if they get past this?”

“We can give it to SuperHero and I’ll tell them one of my best bases to hide it in. Don’t worry, they’re not going to be able to get past all this.”

“And [Vigilante]?”

“Will be fine. I’ll get them. For now, rest up. We’ve got a few minutes to spare depending on how long [Vigilante] can last.”

_____________

Vigilante squirmed in the grip of the giant magical hand, hyperventilating and trying their best to hold their nerve. Their nose was bleeding from the exertion caused by the magic and they were devastatingly dizzy. The basement was dark and cold, but deserted, save for a single henchman and that was all Other Villain needed.

“I’m not going to ask you again. Where is it?!”

Vigilante spat blood. “Bite me. Y.You’re getting no answers from me.”

Other Villain snarled and brought the hand closer, yanking Vigilante up close to their face. “Don’t make me use my truth spell on you, those things can get embarrassing for you.”

“Or. Or drain you of magic… you- you’re rapidly running out of?” Vigilante answered.

“If I get my hands on that sickle, it won’t matter.”

They reached out a hand, drawing the staff to them. The chanting began and Vigilante tried to shout over the top of it to drown out the noise but it didn’t work. It made them docile and silenced them. They were limp in the glowing hand. Other Villain stared into their eyes and put a hand on their forehead. “Where is my sickle?”

Vigilante wasn’t going to give up that easy. “Not here,” they ground out. It was the truth after all. “Tell me the location.” Vigilante did their best to repel the urge to speak, trying to think of a vague response, but Other Villain pressed their fingers harder into the Vigilante’s forehead. They groaned in pain and the words slipped out of their mouth. “The graveyard...” Man, they hoped that they didn’t ask for them to be more specific. But they looked tired from drawing the answer from them.

“Thank you.” Other Villain waved their hand and Vigilante lost consciousness.

“Contact the others. Take them to the graveyard. Expect for [Hero] and their pretty little boyfriend/girlfriend to be there, [Superhero] also.”

“Yes, sir/miss.”

Other Villain glared at Vigilante’s unmoving body. “Hm, I may have use for you yet.”

________

“[Villain], when… when this is all over, I… I need to talk to you about something. About us,” Hero said from inside the empty mausoleum, nothing more than a costume. Hero looked down, wringing their hands out. 

“We have time,” Villain said. “I have a rule of is there’s something that needs saying, don’t wait until it’s too late. Oddly enough, I was hoping to talk to you too.”

Villain took a deep breath and reached for Hero’s hand. “I know there’s a couple of obstacles between us- okay, a lot. But… over today, I. I realised I like us.”

Hero sadly smiled at them and looked up. “I. I like us too, but like you say, obstacles... We’re not going to be able to sort something out.”

Villain’s face fell, “You don’t want to even try?”

“I don’t want this to blow up in my face. I care about you… just I don’t see it working. It’ll lead to heartache. I’ve been there and done that.”

Villain nodded slowly, cheeks turning red with embarrassment. “Okay… okay, yeah. I. It was stupid of me to say. I’m sorry-”

Hero reached up and kissed them. Villain shuddered and melted into their heated touch. There was no act, no one watching or using magic against them. They pulled them closer, one hand around their waist and the other resting amongst Hero’s hair. They just couldn’t get them close enough as their kiss seared their lips with thrilling passion. To Villain, it was paradise. In that moment they wanted nothing else ever again.

But it was a paradise they couldn’t have.

They pulled away from Hero, stroking their cheek like it was for the last time. Hell, it probably was going to be the last time.

“Sorry,” they both said at the same time.

Villain smiled awkwardly. “Maybe one day. For now, let’s focus on protecting that damned sickle.”

Hero paused, an idea entering their mind. “Why protect it?”

“What?!”

“What… what if we were able to destroy it?”

[snarkybluechristian]

Hazbin Hotel: Yandere Alastor x Vaggie Chapter 13

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After a few minutes, Charlie finally made contact with her mother and explained the situation.  Thankfully, her mother was sympathetic.

“I’m on my way, dear,” Lilith said from the speakers of Charlie’s phone.  “Just stay where you are.”

The call ended, and Vaggie and Charlie breathed a sigh of relief.

“And now,” Vaggie said sitting down on the pink sofa of the bathroom’s sitting area in front of a portal giving them a view of fishes from another exhibit.  “We wait.”

Vaggie and Charie sat in the waiting area and watched the fish for a few peaceful minutes.  Vaggie and Charlie sighed in contentment as they leaned against each other for support.  

But just then, the phone rang.

Charlie quickly answered the call, put it on speaker, and asked, “Hello…?”

“Hello, Charlotte,” Lucifer answered on the other end.

Vaggie’s mouth fell open in fear.

Charlie went paler than normal and replied, “Hello, Father.  What’s going on?”

“Did you hear about Alastor’s wedding?” the Devil asked.

“I…um…yes, Father,” Charlie replied.

“That Radio Demon wants to cut a deal with me because of it,” Lucifer said.  “Do you know what he wants?”

“No, Father,” Charlie replied nervously.  “What does he want?”

“In exchange for no longer funding your hotel, he wants me to prevent you from stopping the union,” Lucifer replied.

Vaggie’s face fell in stunned silence.

“What?!” Charlie yelled.  “Why?!”

“He’ll only drop funding if you keep trying to interfere...” Lucifer began before Charlie interrupted.

“No, why are you doing this?!” Charlie interrupted.

“Why do you think?” Lucifer replied coldly.

“But I love Vaggie!” Charlie exclaimed.

Lucifer scoffed and said, “Oh, please.  You’ll find another demoness to keep you company.”

“Then why don’t you leave Mother for another siren?!” Charlie snarled.

“Because she and I are bound together for all eternity,” Lucifer replied.

“That’s how I feel about Vaggie!” Charlie growled with a voice growing more demonic by the second.  “If you won't do anything, I'll protect her myself!”

“You’ll dig your own grave!” Satan exclaimed.  

“I don’t care!” Charlie yelled back before ending the call.

After a moment of silence, Vaggie said, “Charlie…”

“Don’t worry, Vaggie,” Charlie said standing up in determination.  “I’ll find a way to take you home.”

Just then, both ladies heard knocking on the bathroom door and froze.

“Hello, ladies!” Alastor called out.  “Are you alright in there?”

“We’re fine!” Vaggie yelled back.

“Darling, you have been in there for a while...” Alastor pleaded.

“I said I’m fine!” Vaggie retorted.

“Granddaughter, you must come when your husband summons you,” Titoc reprimanded.

“He’s not my FUCKING husband!” Vaggie screeched.  

“Alright, Vaggie, I’m gonna do something risky,” Charlie said looking at Vaggie with steady, determined eyes.  “Do you trust me?”

“More than anyone else,” Vaggie replied.  

Charlie shifted completely into her demonic form.

Vaggie stepped back fearfully for a moment before she approached her dearest friend.

“Let’s go,” Charlie said with a distorted voice.

Charlie picked up Vaggie bridal style and dashed towards the door quicker than lightning.  She crashed through it to see Alastor and Titoc standing there with her father, but she didn’t stop.  Charlie dashed past him and the two other confused demons and kept running.

Vaggie looked over Charlie’s shoulder and saw to her surprise that the trio were getting smaller.  They didn’t even try to follow them.   The moth demon looked back around as they dashed past confused demons and aquarium fish.

Eventually, the two escaped the aquarium and out into the city.

When Charlie thought they were safe, she stopped at a street corner, put Vaggie down, and caught her breath.

“Do you think we lost them?” Vaggie asked.

Charlie turned around and gave a gasp of surprise.  Lucifer, Alastor, and Titoc were standing right before her only meters away.  Vaggie turned around and felt her jaw drop.

“How…?” Charlie managed to stammer out.

“Are you really questioning my abilities?” Lucifer replied.

“I thought you were staying out of this!” Charlie exclaimed with her eyes glowing red.

“As long as you’re in danger, I can’t!” Lucifer exclaimed back.

Vaggie looked nervously at her grandfather and Alastor.

“Vaggie, you’ve misbehaved a lot today,” Alastor said breaking the silence between them.  “I’m not happy.”

“I don’t care!” Vaggie retorted.

“I do,” Alastor replied calmly.  “I think it’s time for us to return home.”

“No!” Vaggie spat back as she held Charlie’s hand.

Charlie snarled and replied, “Over my dead body!”

Alastor turned to Lucifer who in turn looked back to Charlie and simply said, “Charlotte…”

“Father, I told you!” Charlie interrupted.  “I love Vaggie.  I don’t care if Alastor tries to eat me.  I’m not leaving her.”

Alastor’s features began to grow more demonic.

“Alastor…” Titoc pleaded.

“I know what I’m doing,” Alastor said in a voice more filled with static.  “The deal’s off, Lucifer.”

Alastor shapeshifted into a deer and charged towards Charlie at top speed.

However, Lucifer was quicker.  He snatched Charlie out of the way at the last second.  

Realizing he missed his targer, Alastor slowed down and shapeshifted back to his normal form.

“ALASTOR!” Lucifer screamed angrily.  

“You and I made a deal, Lucifer,” Alastor said in an upset tone that contradicted his wicked smile.  “Your daughter was to stay away from my wife!”

Lucifer smirked and said, “I’m not exactly a being known for keeping my word.  Am I?  Especially not when it comes to helping anyone against my Antichrist!  I will be honest about this though.  If you try to hurt Charlotte again, you lose your territory and your soul goes straight to the flames!  Know your place, human.”

Meanwhile, Charlie gestured her head for Vaggie to start running.  

Vaggie gave her a sad smile and tried to sneak away, but her grandfather grabbed her arms and held her in place.

“LET ME GO!!!!!!!!!” Vaggie screamed desperately thrashing around.  “STOP!”

“Remember your place, granddaughter,” Titoc rebuked holding Vaggie’s arms back without much effort.  “Your husband is speaking.”

Vaggie began to realize how hopeless her situation was.  Tears filled her eyes as she looked to Lucifer to make one more desperate bargain.

“Your majesty, I will do anything you want!” Vaggie pleaded.  “I’ll be your slave for eternity!  Just don’t let Alastor do this!  Don’t make me go back with him!”

“Please, Father, please!” Charlie pleaded.

Lucifer scoffed and said, “I already have you as a slave.  Now, I command you to keep your husband from hurting Charlie.”

“Burn me then!” Vaggie begged with tears rolling down her face.  “Please!  If you burn me, Alastor will have no reason to hurt Charlie!”

Charlie’s face fell in frightened shock.

Before the Devil could answer, Alastor scoffed and said, “That would only give me more reason to do so.”

“He’s right,” Lucifer replied snapping his fingers instantly causing Vaggie’s hands to be tied behind her back.  “She’s all yours, Alastor.  I’ll be attending your wedding.  Here’s a present for the bride…”

Lucifer snapped his fingers changing Vaggie’s traditional El Salvadoran dress to turn into a vintage short light blue lingerie slip.

“And a present for the groom,” Lucifer said snapping his fingers again conjuring a small container that looked like it contained moisturizer before he handed the item to Alastor and whispered into his ear explaining causing the latter’s smile to grow wider.

“Thank you, Sire!” Alastor said  

“I know how low God made your libido,” Lucifer said.  “Be sure to apply it generously which reminds me…”

Lucifer pointed his staff at Vaggie and allowed a small bolt of energy to blast from his staff straight to Vaggie’s stomach.

In an instant, Vaggie felt a dull pain twist inside where her womb would be and groaned in discomfort.

“Vaggie!” Charlie yelled attempting to rush for her friend before Lucifer held her back.

“Don’t worry, Charlotte,” Lucifer said.  “I’ve only opened her womb.  Now, Alastor and Vaggie will be able to reproduce children without number.”

“You bastard!” Vaggie yelled defiantly.

“What did you expect, whore?” Lucifer replied with a wicked grin.  “I am the original sinner.”

“FATHER!” Charlie yelled angrily.

“I am not fighting Alastor, Charlotte,” Lucifer said coldly.  “Now say bye to your friend.”

Charlie and Vaggie looked at each other with tears in their eyes.  Both of them at a loss for what to do.

“Don’t worry, Charlie,” Alastor reassured wrapping an arm around Vaggie’s shoulder.  “I’ll let you visit and I’ll keep sponsoring the hotel if you both behave.  But for now, it’s time to go home.”

“I have a present to present to you as well,” Titoc said.  “May I accompany you home?”

“But of course,” Alastor said formally.  “Just follow me if you please.”

“No!” Vaggie yelled shaking herself out of Alastor’s arms.  “If you think I'm going back with you, you have another thing co...mmph!”

Lucifer had conjured a thick cloth gag around Vaggie’s mouth.

Alastor looked up at the Dark Lord and said, "Thank you, Lucifer.  It's always a pleasure."

Vaggie struggled against the rope binding her wrists together while shouting muffled curses behind her gag.

“Don’t be upset, Vaggie,” Lucifer said while flashing a cruel smirk.  “You get to be a rich man’s wife.  You’ll live in comfort until Judgement Day.”

Charlie couldn’t take it anymore.  She dashed towards Alastor and made a grab for Vaggie.

However, Charlie felt her father’s hands grab her arm and pull her back away from Vaggie, leading Charlie away.

Charlie tried everything to wrench herself from her father’s grip, but nothing worked.

“I won’t give up, Vaggie!” Charlie yelled as Lucifer dragged her away.  “On you or Angel!  I promise!  Pray for me!  I’ll find a way!”

“See you in a few weeks,” Alastor said with a devilish smirk gripping one of Vaggie’s bound arms.  “Don’t be too upset, Charlie, my dear.  I’ll keep sponsoring the hotel as long as you stay away.  You’ll be allowed to visit, too.  You can even help out when Vaggie’s pregnant.”

Vaggie gave a start of disbelief just as the limo pulled up.

Alastor opened the door allowing Titoc to climb in.

Vaggie took the opportunity to make one last break for it, but try as she might, Alastor’s grip remained firm and he pulled her into the limo and shut the door.

Charlie watched helplessly as Alastor, Titoc, and Vaggie drove away in the limo.  She kept watching until they had vanished from sight.

Lucifer then finally let go of his daughter's arm.  Charlie simply broke down, falling to her knees and sobbing.

The Devil tried to place his hand on her shoulder, but Charlie growled at him and flew away.

Lucifer was about to spread his wings and fly after her, but Lilith came out of the shadows and said, "Let her go."

Lucifer looked back at his wife and sighed.

[huesofthemorning]

Mahiru Carries Everyone

Words: 4000

Summary: Karen has decided. She has to know. Just how strong is Mahiru? To find out, she sets Mahiru to the task of picking up every girl in their friend group. How many of them can Mahiru pick up? How many times will Junna get to enjoy suffer through being lifted? And the ultimate question: what happens when Tendo Maya gets bridal carried? Only time will tell.

“You want to do what?” Junna asked, completely baffled. She had been sitting at her desk doing work when Karen had burst through her door – she really had to learn to lock that thing – dragging a sheepish Mahiru behind her.

“We want to see if Mahiru-chan can pick you up!”

“Do I dare ask why?”

“It’s for science!”

Junna sighed. “I didn’t think you knew how to do science, Karen.” Still, if it was for science, Junna had to oblige. She sighed and stood up from her chair. “Alright then. If you must.”

“Excuse me!” Mahiru said, then Junna was whisked into the air, glasses almost tumbling off her face. She breathed in sharply, grabbing Mahiru’s shoulders in a panic – then let go immediately, realizing how close Mahiru’s face now was. She was sure her own cheeks were turning bright red.

“S-slower next time!”

“Ah, sorry Junna-chan! You were so much lighter than I expected!” Mahiru set Junna back on her feet, keeping a hand on her back until Junna regained her balance.

“Wow, Mahiru-chan!” Karen was jumping up and down now, clapping her hands. “You’re so strong!”

“It’s not that impressive, Karen-chan…” Mahiru mumbled, clearly basking in the praise. Junna ignored their flirting and sat down heavily on the bed, wiped out. This was too much excitement for her.

“What is this science, anyway?” she asked.

“Oh! We wanted to see if Mahiru-chan could pick up every girl in the dorm!”

“It was Karen-chan’s idea,” Mahiru admitted. “But I thought it might be fun too. I used to pick up my siblings all the time back home and carry them around the farm!”

“But where’s the science in it,” Junna pressed. “We all know Tsuyuzaki is strong. This doesn’t prove anything.”

“It’s science because of the approach, JunJun!” Karen twirled around dramatically and pointed a finger at Junna. “We’re starting with the lightest girl and working our way up to the biggest. That way we’ll know exactly where the stopping point for Mahiru-chan is!”

“Well, I guess that almost counts as science… I assume you started with Isuguri then, and are working your way up to Nana?”

“Oh, um.” Karen and Mahiru shared a nervous glance. Junna frowned.

“What?”

“Well…” Karen danced around the words for the moment, then finally said, “We started with you actually. Not Futaba-chan.”

“What? But- Isuguri is the shortest!”

“Yeah, but… Futaba-chan has, you know… more muscle?”

Junna buried her face in her hands and groaned. Sure, she spent more time studying than exercising, but still. She wasn’t sure she wanted to be known as the lightest girl in her group. What would this lead to? What jokes would people play on her? What plans would Kaoruko start making? Junna made a decision – she had to be part of this.

“Alright, fine. Who’s next then? I’m coming with you.”

“Eh? But why?” Karen finally stopped with her bouncing, confused.

“I don’t trust you to do science properly on your own. And if you’re going to do science, you need to do science right!” Junna nodded at her own words. Karen seemed to deflate a little, but she gave in.

“Okay… who did you say we should do next, Mahiru-chan? I forget.”

“Well, we were thinking Hikari-chan next, but when we brought it up…”

Karen and Mahiru sighed together. Junna wasn’t surprised. Hikari didn’t seem like a person who would appreciate being carried – but if Junna had to subject herself to it, then so did she.

“We’ll have to surprise her. Karen can do that. And then Tsuyuzaki, come up from behind and pick her up.”

“Oh, JunJun! You’re so smart!”

“Of course!” Junna gave a smug grin, adjusting her glasses.

They found Hikari in the common room, quietly reading a book. The three of them hugged the wall, peering around the doorframe.

“Tsuyuzaki, can you pick her up from a sitting position?” Junna whispered. Mahiru nodded, face serious. “Then Karen, go in.”

“Aye-aye, captain!” Karen dashed into the room, shouting Hikari’s name and spouting some nonsense about aquariums. Hikari neatly closed her book before looking up at her, calm as ever. How she did it, Junna would never know.

“Oh? And what’s this?” A voice said from behind. Junna and Mahiru jumped, whirling around to see Nana behind them, phone raised for a picture.

“Banana!”

“Nana! Shh!”

Nana’s eyes sparkled with laughter, but she complied. “I’ve never seen you creeping around like this, Junna-chan. How exciting!”

Junna didn’t quite know what Nana meant, but she blushed anyway, as she usually did at Nana’s lines. “We’re doing an experiment! Watch!”

Nana did, leaning around the corner to see Karen animatedly waving her hands about in front of Hikari. She seemed like she was getting nervous. They had to act fast before Hikari figured out what was going on.

“Tsuyuzaki, go.”

Mahiru crept into the room, snuck behind the couch, and before Hikari could jump up and leap away, Mahiru grabbed her under the arms and raised her high into the air. Nana snapped a picture, giggling. Even Junna was tempted to laugh. Hikari had gone limp in Mahiru’s grasp, dangling in the air, accepting her fate.

“You did it, Mahiru-chan! Good job!” Karen said, bouncing once again. “See, Hikari-chan? It’s not that bad!”

Hikari took a steadying breath and asked in a calm voice, “Could you please put me down?”

“Oh, right!” Mahiru set Hikari down gently, and before anyone in the group could blink, Hikari had grabbed her book and took off.

“That girl is like a cat, isn’t she?” Nana hummed, taking a picture of Hikari’s retreating back.

“Success, JunJun!” Karen said, she and Mahiru rejoining the group. “Oh! Banana! You’re here too!”

“What are you three doing, Karen-chan?”

“We’re seeing how strong Mahiru-chan is by having her pick up everyone!”

“Oh!” Nana looked surprised and excited at the idea. “Do you need to pick me up too, then, Mahiru-chan?”

“No, not yet. Karen-chan wants to go in order of smallest to biggest, so you’ll be at the end.”

“Ah, I see. Does that I mean I missed seeing you pick up Junna-chan, then? How sad!”

Junna frowned, stomping her foot. “Why does everyone think I’m the lightest– Ah!”

Mahiru swooped Junna up again, twirling around so Nana could get a good picture. This time Junna’s glasses did fly off her face, clattering on the ground – Junna barely even noticed, the world spinning around her, her whole body heating up as she wrapped her arms tight around Mahiru. Then she was on the ground again, falling to her knees and breathing fast.

“I thought I said slower next time!” she managed to get out.

“Sorry!” Mahiru said, but Junna didn’t hear any remorse. She and Karen and Nana too were giggling, and Junna was sure over a hundred pictures had been taken already. What had she done to deserve this?

Still, she had to admit it was kind of nice. The feel of Mahiru’s arms around her, the warmth and the closeness – no, she was getting distracted. Junna shook her head and took her glasses from Nana’s hands, letting Nana pull her to her feet.

Junna coughed once, trying to force away her blush. “Alright. That’s done now. Let’s forget it and move on. Who’s next?”

It took several more seconds of glaring before Junna’s three tormentors returned to business. “Probably Kaoruko-chan, right?” Karen asked, looking around for agreement. Mahiru seemed a little nervous at the suggestion.

“Um, Karen-chan? Is it possible to maybe skip Kaoruko-chan? I mean, she’s not much more than Hikari, so I’m sure I could do it…”

Karen blinked cluelessly at Mahiru, not understanding the hesitance. Junna understood exactly. Here was a chance for her revenge.

“No. You have to pick up Hanayagi. This is for science, remember? You can’t skip steps.”

“Yeah! What JunJun said!”

Nana simply took a picture of Mahiru’s uncertain expression. Junna felt a spark of triumph – though she wasn’t truly sure why she felt the need for revenge in the first place.

The group roamed the dorm building, searching for their quarry. Mahiru was getting more and more skittish as each place they checked – the kitchen, Kaoruko’s room, the patio – was revealed to be empty.

“If we can’t find her,” Mahiru suggested, “we can skip her, right?”

“No,” Junna and Karen answered together.

���Let’s try the bath!” Nana suggested, and Mahiru sighed.

“Why is it always the bath with her?” she asked mournfully.

Nana was right, as usual. Kaoruko was relaxing in the bath, rubber duck floating beside her. Futaba was sitting on a stool, fully clothed, hair still wet. She looked up as the group came in.

“Oh, hey. What are you guys up to?”

“Mahiru-chan is going to pick Kaoruko-chan up!” Karen said.

“Is that so?” Kaoruko grinned her cat-like grin. Mahiru swallowed hard. “In that case, please take good care of me, Mahiru-han.”

“Woah, hold up,” Futaba said. “What’s going on?”

“We’re doing science!” Karen helpfully explained again. “Mahiru-chan is picking everyone up to see how strong she is!”

“Oh, cool! Can I join?”

“Yeah! See, the rules are-“

“Hey,” Kaoruko interrupted, pouting. “What’s with all the talking? I thought Mahiru-han was going to pick me up.”

“Don’t be so impatient, Kaoruko,” Futaba said. “Let Karen explain.”

“Hmph!” Kaoruko sunk lower into the water, arms crossed.

“Okay!” Karen started, launching into the whole spiel again. “We want to know exactly how strong Mahiru-chan is, right? So she’s starting with the smallest girl in our group, and then working her way up to Banana!”

“Got it.” Futuba stood up, stretching. “I’ll start with Junna then.”

“H-hey! I didn’t agree to this!” Junna took a step back, bumping into Nana.

“Now, now, Junna-chan. You can’t get in the way of people’s science, can you?”

“But, Nana…” Junna sighed. “Alright. Fine. Nana, hold my glasses, okay?”

“Of course!” Nana slipped the glasses into her pocket and took out her phone, ready for more pictures. Futaba grinned and made her way over to the pair.

“Up you go, Junna!”

There was power in Futaba’s small body – she easily lifted Junna off her feet, hands at her waist, and then tossed her over one shoulder. Junna was dizzy once again, the floor blurry below her, the bells in her hair clinking quietly together. Futaba’s arm was placed far too high on Junna’s legs for comfort, but Junna wouldn’t have dared asked it to be moved. She didn’t want to fall on her face, she told herself, glad she had given her glasses away. Too embarrassing, too. She could never acknowledge it.

A moment later and Futaba set her down gently. Junna sighed in relief. “I’m done now. I’m not getting picked up again, I don’t care what anyone says.”

“It wasn’t that bad!” Futaba said, proud of her victory. “But you’re okay, right? I didn’t hurt you?”

“Oh, Junna-chan’s fine!” Nana answered, patting Junna’s shoulders. “Right?”

“I suppose,” Junna grumbled. She took her glasses back and looked around the room. “What’s going on with Tsuyuzaki and Hanayagi?”

Kaoruko was still lounging in the bath. Karen was next to her, pulling on Mahiru’s arm to get her closer.

“Come on, Mahiru-chan! You’ve gotta do it! For science!”

“Yes, Mahiru-han,” Kaoruko said in her uncomfortably smooth voice. “For science.”

“But, but…” Mahiru bit her lip, looking around for an escape. Instead she found Junna, Futaba, and Nana all watching her, waiting to see what would happen. Mahiru deflated. “Um. Alright, I guess…”

She stepped up to the edge of the bath, looking down on at the smirking Kaoruko. She knelt, placing her hands on Kaoruko’s shoulders. Then, eyes squeezed tightly shut, she slid her hands down, along Kaoruko’s arms, until she found her waist.

“Ready?”

“Oh, I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment, Mahiru-han.”

Futaba rolled her eyes. Mahiru took a deep breath and lifted Kaoruko out of the bath. Water dripped off her body; Mahiru blindly adjusted her grip until she had an arm under Kaoruko’s knees, holding her to her chest, shirt growing wet. Nana snapped a picture. Junna blushed and covered her eyes. Kaoruko grinned, leaned up to Mahiru’s ear, and whispered:

“Bet you wish Karen-han was the one naked in your arms, hmm?”

Kaoruko plummeted back into the bath.

She came up spluttering, hair clinging to her angry face. “How dare you drop me! You can’t do that! I’m a lady!”

“S-sorry!” Mahiru squeaked, hands covering her bright red face. “I-I didn’t mean to!”

“Of all the indignities-“

“Eh, Kaoruko probably had it coming,” Futaba said with a shrug.

“-this is an atrocity-“

“Good job, Mahiru-chan!” Karen gave a thumbs up and a bright smile, which turned into confusion when Mahiru only stammered a thanks and turned away.

“-you’ll be hearing from my lawyers-“

“Mahiru-chan is certainly strong! I’m impressed!” Nana snapped another picture of the scene: Junna still blushing; Mahiru even redder; Kaoruko kicking and screaming in the background. “Who’s next, now?”

“Futaba, probably,” Junna said. “Or Karen.”

“L-let’s do Futaba-chan first!” Mahiru decided, her voice still squeaking.

“Sounds good to me.”

This was the simplest pick-up yet. Once Mahiru was able to steady her breathing, she easily – if a bit shakily – placed an arm under Futaba’s knees and one below her shoulders and lifted her up. Futaba nodded in approval as she relaxed into Mahiru’s grasp.

“Nicely done.”

“Thank you?”

“Aw, that one was boring,” Karen pouted. “Carrying girls should be more exciting!”

“I don’t know why you think that,” Junna said, frowning at Karen. “This whole idea is strange.”

“Eh? But JunJun, you’ve been carried the most! Isn’t being lifted into a girl’s arms exciting? Doesn’t it make your heart beat with passion?” Karen placed a hand on her chest, eyes wide with emotion.

“W-well, it’s not bad, I guess.” Junna stammered, looking away and adjusting her glasses.

“Yeah, see! I know what I’m talking about!”

“You know nothing!” Junna shot back. “You haven’t been picked up once!”

“Ah! You’re right!” Karen spun around to face Mahiru, who jumped at the movement. “Mahiru-chan! Take me!”

“T-Take you!?”

“Yeah! Lift me in your strong arms! I know you can do it!”

“My- my what!?”

“Pick her up, Tsuyaki!”

“Come on, Mahiru-chan!”

“What are you waiting for?”

“I’m ready- Eh? Mahiru-chan?”

“Oh. Oh dear,” Nana said, lowering her phone as Mahiru fainted and fell to the floor.

“Serves her right,” Kaoruko muttered from the bath.

 It was sometime later when Mahiru awoke. Nana was sitting beside her, flipping through an old script.

“Banana?”

“Ah, Mahiru-chan! How are you feeling?”

“Um. I think I’m okay? What happened?”

“You fainted. Karen-chan is a little pushy sometimes, isn’t she?”

“K-karen-chan!” Mahiru turned red again, looking around in horror.

“Now, now,” Nana said, “don’t get yourself so worked up, okay? I told Karen-chan and Junna-chan to leave the room.”

“Oh. Why Junna-chan too?”

“I think she needed some time to cool off too, don’t you think?”

Mahiru shrugged – she hadn’t been paying much attention to Junna. Too distracted by the other thoughts running through her head.

Bet you wish Karen-han was the one naked in your arms, hmm?

Mahiru groaned. Why did Kaoruko have to always say things like that? Nana patted her on the shoulder.

“You know, I bet Karen-chan would really like it if you picked her up.”

“Huh?”

“It’s a very charming thing to do, isn’t it?”

“Do you really think so?” Mahiru glanced at the door, imagining Karen sitting outside. Waiting. Fully clothed, for sure. It would be better that way, right? Mahiru didn’t even want to think about the other alternative, of Karen sitting in the bath, the water glistening on her pale skin-

“Excuse me,” came Hikari’s voice, and Mahiru jumped a foot in the air.

“Ah!”

Nana looked up in mild surprise. “Oh, Hikari-chan! I’m glad you came back!”

“I forgot my phone,” Hikari stated. She grabbed the device and left, never once looking at Mahiru. Yet somehow, Mahiru felt like her every thought had been laid bare. She was having a rough day.

“What do you say?” Nana asked. “The best way to get over it is to do, you know. Get it out of the way.”

Mahiru took a deep breath, clenched her hands, and nodded. “Bring her in.”

Karen tackled Mahiru the moment the door opened, sobbing into her shirt. “Mahiru-chaaaan! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to make you faint! I’ll never do science again!”

“I agree, science would be better if you didn’t take part,” Junna said, following Karen in.

“I’m okay, Karen-chan,” Mahiru said, her voice steady and determined. “And I’m ready to pick you up now.”

“Eh? Are you sure? I don’t want you to hurt yourself!”

“Yes. I’m sure.”

“Alright!” Karen jumped out of the bed, spinning around and holding her hands out for Mahiru to take. “I’m ready! Lift me up, Mahiru-chan!”

Mahiru did, lifting Karen up in one easy swoop. Her arms trembled a bit – whether from the weight or the person, it was hard to tell – but after a moment’s hesitance she smiled wide, happier than she’d ever been. Karen was having a blast, too, one arm wrapped around Mahiru’s neck, the other raised high in the air.

“Yeah, Mahiru-chan! Higher!”

“H-higher!?”

Nana and Junna stood back, watching as Mahiru awkwardly tried to shift Karen higher in her arms.

“What, you’re not going to take a picture of this?” Junna asked.

“Should I? It seems almost too intimate, don’t you think?”

“You took a picture of Hanayagi’s naked body.”

“That isn’t that strange. Kaoruko-chan has asked me to take pictures like that before.”

“Wait, what-“

“But you’re right, this moment is too good to waste!” Nana pulled out her phone again, Junna sighing next to her.

“Alright,” Junna said when Karen was finally set down, stars in her eyes. “Who next? There’s only Saijo-san, Tendo-san, and Nana left.”

“Hmmmmmmm, Kuro-chan maybe? She’s shorter!”

“I thought you said this wasn’t about height!” Junna said, still upset she was the lowest rung on the ladder.

“Well, I do think Maya-chan has more muscle,” Nana said, tapping her chin with her finger.

“It’s settled then! Let’s go find Kuro-chan!”

Karen marched out of the room, the rest of the group falling in behind.

“You want to do what?” Claudine asked when they found her, sitting on her fancy bed.

“That’s what I said,” Junna grumbled, “but as weird as it sounds, there’s no getting out of it. That’s what I’ve learned.”

Claudine thought about it for a moment, looking at Karen’s determined expression, Mahiru’s bashful one, and Nana’s phone. Finally she said, in a flat voice, “Je suis très désolé. Je dois partir dans trois minutes.”

“Um, um,” Karen said, trying to figure out if any of those words were Japanese. “That’s a yes, right?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Ehhhh? But why?”

“Why would I!? It’s a ridiculous request!”

“But Kuro-chaaaaannnnnn!”

“It’s alright, Karen-chan,” Nana said, making for the door. “We can skip Claudine-chan. I’m sure Maya-chan will be willing!”

“Woah, hold up!” Claudine was in the doorway, suddenly, blocking the exit. “What’s this about Maya?”

“Like I said, Kuro-chan!” Karen explained. “We’re testing Mahiru-chan’s strength! She has to lift you, then Maya-chan, then Banana!”

“Hmph.” Claudine crossed her arms, throwing a glance over her shoulder like she expected Maya to appear from the ether. “Well if that’s the case, then fine. Mahiru?”

Mahiru stepped up to the challenge with determination. An arm at Claudine’s knees, an arm at her shoulders, and with a deep breath Mahiru lifted her into the air. There was some strain, now, the group could see. Was Mahiru reaching her limit?

Claudine didn’t seem at all concerned with Mahiru’s strength. She sat in Mahiru’s arms, one leg crossed over the other, her usual angry pout on her face. It was accompanied by a small blush, however, which Nana made sure to capture in several photographs.

“Nice job, Mahiru-chan! Another girl down! Or another girl up?”

Junna sighed at Karen’s pun. “Please don’t.”

“Aw, JunJun!”

“And what is happening in here?” Maya asked, stepping in from the hallway.

“Maya!” Claudine’s face turned even redder. “When are you going to learn to knock!?”

“The door was wide open.”

“Yes, well, that wasn’t an invitation- Hey, Mahiru- put me down!”

Mahiru did so with slight relief, rubbing her arms. “I’m glad we’re almost done with this,” she sighed.

“Maya-chan!” Karen bounced over to her and pulled her farther into the room. “This is perfect timing! Mahiru-chan needs to lift you!”

Maya raised an eyebrow, looked at Claudine’s red face, and said, “Alright.”

“What? Alright?” Claudine didn’t know if she should be angry or surprised. “What kind of weirdo are you, saying alright to that!?”

“I don’t see what the problem is,” Maya said simply, walking over to Mahiru. “You seemed like you were having a good time. Why shouldn’t I join in?”

“You- you-“ Claudine sputtered to a halt, fuming.

Maya held out her hand for Mahiru like she was asking for a dance; Mahiru took it and pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around Maya’s waist and lifting her up. Somehow, even cradled in another girl’s arms, Maya seemed posed perfectly, sitting almost daintily. Mahiru seemed less pleased, her arms shaking a little. A moment later and Maya stepped down gracefully, hair floating behind her. Claudine looked ready for murder.

“Thank you,” Maya said to Mahiru.

“Um? You’re welcome?”

“See, JunJun! Maya-chan gets it! Being picked up by girls is great!” Karen nodded to herself and her wise words. Junna rolled her eyes.

“I guess that just leaves me left then!” Nana said, smiling at Mahiru.

“You’ve got this, Mahiru-chan!” Karen said. “You’re almost done! You can do it! You’re the strongest!”

Mahiru blushed. “Th-thank you Karen-chan!”

Claudine rolled her eyes, leaning against the wall, arms still crossed. Maya took up a position next to her, hair just brushing Claudine’s shoulder.

“Did you enjoy it?” she asked.

“Enjoy what?”

“Being lifted by Tsuyuzaki-san.”

“What’s it to you?”

“I was simply thinking,” Maya said, voice calm, “that if you enjoyed it, I’m sure the teacher would let us add it to our dance routine.”

“Ugh. Get out of my room.”

“Go! Mahiru-chan!” Karen was cheering. “Go! Mahiru-chan! You! Can! Do! It!”

“Is that really necessary?” Junna asked.

“Yes!”

“Banana, are you ready?” Mahiru asked. Nana nodded.

“Whenever you are, Mahiru-chan!”

Mahiru stretched. She took several deep breaths. She bent her knees, wrapped both arms around Nana’s waist, ignored the fact that her face was in Nana’s chest, and lifted with all her might.

Nana’s feet left the ground. She held on to Mahiru’s shoulders as Mahiru stood, raising her higher into the air. Nana looked down at everyone, grinning: Karen was wide eyed with excitement; Claudine and even Maya looked impressed, and her dear Junna was frowning with slight jealousy. Nana snapped a picture.

Mahiru set her down. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief, arms trembling.

“Am I done now? Karen-chan? Can I stop? My arms hurt. Karen-chan?”

“You did it, Mahiru-chan!” Karen danced around Mahiru, grabbing her hands and spinning her around. “You did it, you did it! You lifted every single girl! I’m so proud!”

“W-well, it wasn’t that special…”

“Non, non! It was great!” Karen was dancing around the entire room now, celebrating. She passed Junna and swooped her up, ignoring her protests.

“Hey! I said no more of this! Karen!”

Karen was too busy laughing to listen, spinning in circles with a frantic Junna in her arms.

“Nana, help!” Junna cried. Karen finally set her down then, Junna stumbling on wobbly legs. “I’ve had enough of this!”

The next time Karen spun past her, Junna grabbed her collar and sent a fist into her face.

Karen dropped.

Junna stood over her, hands clenched, breathing heavily.

Claudine’s mouth fell open. “Oh mon dieu. I never knew you had it in you.”

“Of course I do!” Junna declared angrily. “You’ve all been swinging swords around for the last week. That’s easy! I’ve been shooting a bow! Do you even know how much muscle that takes? How much strength you need? Stop thinking I’m small!”

Junna stomped off, heading for the door. She fainted three steps in, hitting the floor with a thud.

“Oh my,” Maya said.

“Junna-chan does tend to faint when she’s angry,” Nana hummed, seemingly unconcerned. “Good thing we have strong Mahiru-chan to carry our two sleepers back to their rooms, right?”

“Huh?”