Standard Disclaimer

I know I wanted to start a new story but with my work schedule being so crazy I just have found enough time to write as much as I want. So rather than make the updates to this bi-monthly I just opted to finish it. For the time being I'll just keep one story so I don't leave stories waiting to long.

X-X

Katsuragi-san's Dragon Maid

Chapter – 8

Putting the finishing touches on her nails, Galko blew on them to hasten their drying. She went with an ocean motif this time, Yuusha said blue really accentuated her eye so she wanted to lean on that. Did she need to dress up and present herself to him? Nope, he'd seen her without her accessories and still found her beautiful, but habits were heard to break. Maybe she could get a side-job at a boutique or something doing this for others. Money wasn't an issue, but she wouldn't be in this house forever and she'd need a job. Once her fingers were dry enough she toyed with her hair, settling on her standard look. With one last glance in her mirror, a smile a mile wide, she rubbed her tummy and head out of her room.

She'd lost a little weight lately, more time out with Yuusha and Ryu, more the former than later thankfully. Now Galko was starting too really like Lucoa, new nickname Ryu was pending evaluation, but her heart was fully in Yuusha's loving care. With that maid gone, visiting home, Yuusha and Katsuragi were upset so she tried to distract him. Dates, including him with her typical time out with Otako and Hime, and having him over the house more. Lucoa showed up from time to time, not always, but the dragon was never an annoyance always a boon. Last night however…things went a little spicy since Lucoa and her sister were gone so, Galko patted her belly again. How could such a small guy be so…so…

"Think about that later or I'll be late," Galko was adamant she not be late for the afternoon meeting. With school only having a half day thanks to it being Saturday, Galko had plans. First was a late lunch with Hime-chan and Otako-chan, then an afternoon maybe night playing games with Katsuragi-san, Yuusha, and that darling little Kanna. Stopping to think about how sex with her boyfriend was, would frazzle her mind and slow her down. Not what she wanted for today. Because if she thought about it, she'd think about the last time she was with Lucoa WITHOUT Yuusha around, and that was a mind-job!

As she made her way through the house towards the exit, Galko was not prepared for her sister to be sitting in the living room. "Leaving already? We have to talk little sister, so why don't you have a seat," the woman that provided Galko with her fashion taste and hand-me-down clothing stated. Patting the cushion next to her, she did not have the happy-go-lucky expression she oft did.

With a sigh, Galko sat down, it wouldn't matter if said she had plans, onee-san couldn't be reasoned with when she had that expression. Crossing her legs and pointing at her watch, "I've plans to meet my friends for lunch, onee-san, so make it quick. If you want my school uniform again, clean it before you give it back Otako-chan told me what you likely do with it." Crossing her arms under her bust, she hoisted them up, and tried not to think of how Yuusha made them quite sensitive.

"You're not JUST going out with those two and I know it. After lunch you're off to that boy's place. I tried letting this slide. Your first guy is a special thing. Your first time is the one you'll never forget…unless you get a real pleaser then that starts to cloud over. Anyway," Onee-san blushed just a little as she slipped a bit of personal information in. Turning on stereo, pop music playing over the surround sound, she calmed down. Sipping her canned coffee, "You two were going at it last night. I heard you when I got back. Bet you didn't even notice. You're being dangerous."

Spied on? Galko didn't want to admit it, but she had wanted to force this little bit of fact in her sister's face. Over the last two years, Galko had learned just what Onee-san and her boyfriends had done, how the woman teased her with sexuality. Now it was her turn to do the playing, but to actually learn she succeeded…well that frazzled mind was quick to follow. "Dangerous? You're one to talk. New guy ever few months or so? Wasn't your last guy a subordinate or something too?" Galko didn't fully understand her sister's job. But the magazines she read and shows she watched painted dating co-workers a risky business.

Knocked off her stride just a bit at having so pinpoint an attack on her person, Onee-san sweated just a little. "This isn't about me or my ex. This is about you and that boy fucking without protection. You're not on the pill. And what did I not find in your room after he left you there? Condoms. Doing it raw will get you pregnant! Do you want to drop out of school? Do you want your life changed because of a little fun? Kid is nice. I like him. But he's got no job, he's got no money, and if he's forcing this on you…I'll have to ask a few guys I know to put a stop to his advances. I mean…what is the deal with that other woman with him! Two-timing my little sister is a ticket to falling down some stairs!" The anger was not directed at Galko but at Yuusha, Onee-san was protective of her little sister. Years of bonding and shared experiences had Onee-san as very leery of Galko's progression in life.

"But he can't get me pregnant," Galko was quick to retort. Talking openly about this…about her sex life was not something Galko liked doing. Shy about such matters, she felt the sudden need to leave. Much akin to her older sister, Galko held her sister in crazy high regard. Hell she based a lot of her life around her sister's actions, Galko just didn't have the outgoing personality. Onee-san was very flirty and light hearted, Galko more grounded and innocent. Pulling out her phone she showed Onee-san a group picture of Lucoa, Yuusha, and her, "And it's not him cheating. Ryu-san more adopted us than him going sniffing after her. I trust him, he loves me, and I love him. It's complicated. And he DOES have a job, have you forgotten he's a pilot?"

Shaking her head slowly, the elaborate earrings clattered and bounced off the hanging bits. "The number of times I've heard the 'I can pull out in time' only to have to take a morning after pill…he's bound to mess up eventually!" she took the phone. Instantly letting out a whistle, Onee-san started doing one of the cardinal sins of phone lending and started swiping. With her phone full of pictures of Yuusha and her, her friends, and the occasional prank from Lucoa it was unknown what sister was seeing. "Wow, alright forgot about that girl…I'm not gay but even I might try that. And…." She flipped the phone screen and Galko nearly fainted, "That guy good at Photoshop or something as that has to be faked."

"GIVE ME THAT!" Galko yanked the phone away from Onee-san and her vision swam. To flustered to even speak for a moment, Galko had to re-read the message attached to the picture. It was from Lucoa and had the message 'saw this on a movie, the pleasant wakeup' and it was a picture of a glistening with saliva bit of Yuusha's anatomy and his sleeping face. Lucoa was all about keeping Galko up to date with her actions, not wanting to cross a line that didn't exist anymore. About to delete the image, she found she couldn't…a secret part of her said to keep it so she put the phone away. Fully red faced, likely red bodied, "Not fake…and he's sterile while he pilots that robot of his. His doctor even told me. A-and that was sent by Ryu-san. She doesn't want to do something without my permission. An agreement we have."

Jaw opening wide, Onee-san nearly spilled the last of her coffee, "Bullshit! My boyfriend isn't even that…and his doctor said? I…I'm sorry then. Just worried my little sister might be making a mistake. But I forgot he was working for Nerv. So he isn't after your money, isn't playing with your heart, and has a man-cannon that can't make you fatter and those breasts leak. Got a keeper there. But…" Trailing off, Onee-san looked at Galko's pocket that hosted the phone for a moment then smiled her Chesire grin. With a quick wink, "Mind lending him to me for a night? An older sister needs to insure her sister's guy won't leave her wanting. And if he has a side girl already, what is a small test?"

A joke, it had to be a joke, but Galko wasn't laughing. Getting off the couch, pressing the phone to her thigh, she back peddled to the door. "Y-Yuusha-chan is mine! And…and…I've never gone wanting. We're new to this, but-but he-he-he…" he made her feel perfect. It wasn't just the climaxes, or the act, it was how he cherished her. It was romantic, it was lovely, it was what she read about and felt being in love SHOULD feel like. Sure it got weird once you added dragons to the mix, but she was learning they weren't to be feared at all. Lucoa even gave her a…a…and they had sex just them. Now THAT was something she might have to ask Yuusha about. Magic, actual magic, dragons, and all that mess. Having a…gods she couldn't even think of the word, but she had one for a single night Yuusha didn't know about.

"Get going, but this talk isn't over yet. I might have to call him over, test him and his loyalty. If that isn't a fake picture, been awhile since I…" Onee-san likely would have kept teasing but Galko was done. Out the door and through the gate as her face burned, but Galko was not listening anymore! Onee-san could be to blunt for Galko's taste, being more in line with the typical opinion of Gyaru than Galko was. Free spirited and wanting to experience life on her terms, Onee-san did a few things Galko could never do on her worst day. Galko pulled her phone out again and looked through her messages and pictures, she pouted, "Not fair talking to me like that, and then saying those things."

Plucking the phone out of Galko's hands, Otako quickly leapt out of retaliation range, "Did your Yuusha finally propose to you or something? Or did he confess that he likes 'm nice and flat late mine?" Spinning around a light post as Hime-chan just smiled her happy grin and waved. "You're the type to marry the first guy that sticks it to you. And I bet you two are just about ready to go all…the fuck?" Otako flashed both Hime and Galko the picture of the day. Maybe she should copy it to her computer or delete it after all if this was going to keep happening. Waggling the phone, Galko lunged, but Otako tossed it over to Hime, "You're already doing stuff like that? AND taking pictures? My-my how you've blossomed from the girl that couldn't admit her nipples are the size of dinner plates to slobbering on her guys knob and taking pictures!"

"They are NOT the size of dinner plates!" Galko thrust her arms down and the gyration caused a sizable wobble. Waiting to hear the snap, the offering of yet another bra to the gods of larger cup girls, it never came thankfully. Reaching out to Hime-chan who was spending an awful long time looking at that picture before handing it over. Putting the lock back on her phone, best never to forget that again, the lock screen greeted her with Yuusha and her smiling back at her, helped calm her down. Averting her eyes from her friends, "And…what haven't you guys gone that far with your guys?"

Walking backwards, hands behind her head, Otako was just a little embarrassed, "We've…kissed a bit. Unlike you we want to take things slow. So…how does it taste? Like squid as the manga say? He make you swallow, it looks like paste in the movies, how…?" Finally noticing they were still in public and not in the café yet, Otako squeaked and ran off to the coffee shop.

"We've held hands. It took time for him to accept I wasn't teasing him. Such a sensitive guy. As for Otako-chan, I think she's stunned you've done something like this. I know I am. You're so cute together though, did he force it on you? Are you going to marry?" Hime-chan easily asked such serious questions. Opening the door for Galko, "Oh and how does that other woman factor in? You said it was a group relationship, and that picture was of her. She isn't goading you is she?"

Glad for A/C, Galko was never so happy to be inside than right now yet worry about it. The cat was out of the bag, she couldn't say they just held hands or kissed like her friends did, they'd want answers. Finding Otako huddled in the corner of a booth just examining her hands, Galko relaxed. They wouldn't judge, wouldn't think less of her for her feelings or situation. "First off…I want to marry him, but we are still young. Ryu-san isn't forcing anything, more asking my permission. And I'm fine with that. Ryu-san is special, very special. Someday I'll tell you just how special, but know she loves me just as much as she does Yuusha," Galko suspected Lucoa did have a little more feelings for Yuusha, but she'd not stir that pot.

"That is darling. You'll have to introduce us to her soon then," Hime-chan was just so accepting. But it broke the ice that Otako's outburst had caused and they all relaxed just a little. Ordering their beverages, they fell into the typical routine of chatting. The show that Galko was obsessed with, Otako's dates, and Hime introducing her man to the family. All through it, they all shared the same expression, content. Surrounded by friends that didn't judge or half false fronts. They didn't judge one another for their experience of lack thereof in such regards. How they met was a little strange, but their newfound changes in life was not going to ruin or change that. They respected and liked the others boyfriends (or excited to meet Galko's girlfriend not that she would call Ryu-san that), and these chats were going continue as long as possible.

After a good two hours of female bonding, Otako getting her fill of questions of Galko's experience with the unknown, it was time to split. Otako was headed off shopping, Hime had a recital, and Galko was off to Yuusha's. It was Lucoa that answered the door with that hat and insipid grin on, Galko loved that expression and the heterochromia the dragon had. Maybe she'd teach Lucoa how to apply some nice coloring to really make it pop. The apartment was clean, Yuusha did his job well, but it didn't sparkle the same way it did a month ago. Testament to how the maid put even more love into it.

Katsuragi-san was there and just a little subdued, but still drank, still teased them, and was not showing any adverse signs. They started off playing a few simple games, something about buying parts of a palace using colors, Galko didn't really understand it to well and lost pretty bad. But once Kanna went to bed…Katsuragi recommended stripe poker, Lucoa seconded it, and they used age to counter Yuusha and her request for just about ANYTHING else…that was when Katsuragi let them have a little drink to get started.

She woke in her beloved's bed, sandwiching him with Lucoa, hardly the worse morning in her life. Sleeping in the same bed with him, with them, she could really see herself loving this.

X-X

Finally at ease with her work, Elma made quick business of the days tasks. It didn't hurt that with Gendo dead and Fuyutski arrested Nerv wasn't really needed anymore. Not that humanity knew it yet, or the majority of the staff. So Elma played along, it gave her money to pay for tasty treats and allowed her ward a safe place to train her powers. Oh, and she got to talk to that darling Makoto and keep tabs on that Akagi woman. This plane wasn't supposed to be influenced by the more magical realms, but thanks to Tohru that genie was out of the bottle. So it was containment as best as a Harmony Dragon could. Sad, no playing a goddess and having the humans worship her again and feed her delicacies.

"Sure is boring lately. Guess I shouldn't be upset with that though. No angels means those kids aren't put in danger and the world safe. But watching a fully repaired grid all day gets really old real fast," Makoto slapped down yet another completed manga. He had been reading most days lately, well when Elma wasn't chatting with him.

Pouring over documents and alternating to her computer monitor, Ritsuko had opted to be on the bridge today, she paused her task to bore down on the man. "Could reassign you to something else if you want. Misato is planning to lease out the Eva's to help with construction and rebuilding. We don't know for sure if all the angels are dead, but she isn't resting on her laurels like you are," as harsh as that sounded she was smiling.

Peaking at what Ritsuko was reading, Elma had made a point of that lately, she was a bit shocked with the revelation. "You're pregnant?! I didn't know that was po..." Elma quickly shut her mouth. She knew Ritsuko and Fafnir were living together, a couple, but not many knew Fafnir was a dragon. Interesting, humans and dragons could mate and produce offspring.

"Don't say that out loud! I just...I just found out. F-Faf-chan doesn't know yet," Ritsuko went from stoic doctor to timid in a moment. Looking about the room frantically, she was trying to see if the likely perception dampened father was about. Hand clutching at her shirt, "Didn't expect this either. Compatibility being a factor and all. W-what do I do now?" Ritsuko had received the talk from Kanna, Elma, and Lucoa a few weeks ago, even seen their true forms.

Pulling out the remains of her lunch, a few choice treats left for snacking, Elma felt celebration was in order. Tossing Ritsuko a sweet puff, "You tell him, well you already did but he's still hiding. And you protect yourself as best you can. Then again I don't think you'll have to worry about that." Elma watched as Fafnir did slowly crawl out from the corner he was hiding in. She never said anything about it, Fafnir never did anything to interfere with the humans he just watched Akagi. But now he'd be in over protective mode, he did guard his treasures with an intense ferocity.

"Pregnant? Hiding? What are you talking about, the bridge is practically empty," Makoto spun around in his chair. Scanning the bridge, a true skeleton crew if they ever had one, Nerv wasn't running on thin shifts as Misato took the bulk into her current scheme. Makoto being a command staff was immune to Misato's want to re-purpose the Eva's into a more support service than attack/defense.

Dropping his dampening, startling the poor Makoto that didn't know such things were possible, Fafnir popped into existence right behind Ritsuko. Not showing any emotion, the man was clad in his customary regal attire, and he took the papers Ritsuko had been hording. "This is unexpected. We will need a larger home to accommodate the changes. Come, let us get started with the move. You should not be walking much in your condition, I will carry you. Do you require anything on the way? Food, drink, medication?" the man's cool words were running out of him a mile a minute.

"Calm down Faf-chan, calm down. I can walk, I'm...maybe a month pregnant I'm fine. Bet this came from that night after we visited Misato," Ritsuko got thoughtful. Ah yes, the small party they had to see how Katsuragi-san was doing without Tohru around. Two months and the dragon hadn't show up yet, they all started to worry so stopped over to check. Color Elma impressed, Katsuragi-san was still fully confident Tohru would return and was only a little lonely.

Eating the second pastry she had kept, Elma did wave Ritsuko off though, "Be that as it may. I think you two have a bit to talk about. Take off, things will be fine here." Elma did love having Makoto to herself, he was a very interesting human.

"Well if you don't mind, I would like to get a second opinion. And a new place might be best. Take care you two," Ritsuko had a few tears in her eyes unshed. Taking Fafnir's hand, he scoffed but Elma saw the man glowing, the pair left the bridge and a very confused Makoto in their wake.

Scratching the back of his head, Makoto just sat there watching, "I have no idea what just happened there, do you? How did that man get in let alone hide on the bridge? Security has been lightened a smidgen, but still how?" Slowly turning back to his 'work', Makoto sank into his seat as his fingers stalled on the keyboard.

Having already finished her report to the governing board, which was really getting excited about using the Eva's for new purposes, Elma turned off her magic box. The technology of this world was truly magic that she didn't understand but could operate very well now. Back when she first started she was all thumbs and a total klutz, now she was typing on par with Akagi and only spilling papers every other day. Sliding her chair over to Makoto, getting a whiff of his pheromones spike, she watched him, "You shouldn't worry about that. I think she put in a word with the guards to let him on base. With all the secrets exposed, we have little need to keep everybody out right?"

"Y-yeah you're right. Those things in the basement and what the co-what Ikari wanted to do," Makoto's sail sank a little. The command staff had been told of Gendo's plans, well as much as they knew of them, and of Seele's aims. Now Seele was being hunted by the U.N. and Nerv's alternate purpose exposed and ended. Rubbing his nose with his finger, he did take a moment to peek at the dragon at his side, "Little sad about that. With security as it is, you won't be here much longer will you. No need for a liaison once Katsuragi gets Nerv integrated fully with the United Nations. Going to miss working with you."

Ah yes, that was another of Katsuragi-san's plans that Elma supported. If Nerv remained separate from formal governing bodies they might get covetous of the modified Holy War Engines they were using. To counter such greed, Katsuragi-san was proposing to meld back into the fold as long as she maintained primary authority over the beasts. That did mean Elma might not have a position here anymore. Taking Makoto's hand, he stiffened at the sudden act of intimacy, "Doesn't mean we can't still talk does it? If I don't have a place here...we could do things outside of work correct?"

Swallowing hard, the man that often got teased for being single didn't know what to do. "I-uh-yeah, we could. Go out to eat, see a movie, I don't know...whatever you like," he stammered just the way Elma loved.

"Out to eat you say? I know a great dessert place! If you don't mind going with Ayanami-chan and myself, tomorrow be alright?" Elma had to will her tail back in. Now she wasn't lonely, Ayanami as her ward did provide her darling companionship, but something was lacking. Over the time at Nerv she had found the hardworking Hyuga as an interesting specimen of humanity, one she wanted to learn more about. As for the dessert place, she needed to go with another person now thanks to being kicked out of it. Last time she went, she made a little mess of things by eating more than was allowed and they booted her. She would have her revenge, she would have her fill, and Makoto would assist her!

Nodding a few times to many to not be comical, Makoto let Elma continue to hold his hand. "Not super big on sweets, but I could go. A-and is it true you're Ayanami's new guardian? Heard you we even considering Soryu," his inflection hinting at some worry about the latter.

Standing up, reluctantly letting that dry hand go, humans felt strange to Elma and she was finding she liked it. With a toothy grin, Elma just nodded, "Yes, I have taken Ayanami-chan under my wing to protect and train. Soryu I am considering. She needs somebody that cares for her, as her current family is lacking for a child that requires a more special touch." Asuka was a girl that Elma didn't know initially had such mental issues. Girl was more akin to Katsuragi-kun and Ayanami-chan, just hid it better. And while Katsuragi-kun had a glut of people to support him, the female 'Children' were left to fend for themselves. Well, Elma was going to see to fixing that. All the children had been touched by Order thanks to the blood of the war engines, and a Harmony Dragon never left order in the lurch.

"That's...wow," Makoto stopped again and was dumbfounded for a moment, "You're very caring Elma-san. Good luck with them, those kids went through hell for us, deserve happiness." They had passed the first name barrier some time ago at Elma's insistence.

About to continue talking, her phone started chiming so Elma pulled out out. "Oops, I better go. I have a training session with the kids. I'll message you the details about tomorrow!" He would not refuse, he never had before! Leaving with a wave, her stomach warbling just a little in a mixture of hunger and emotions. Once she had cleared the base she found herself a nice place to change into her form and flew off.

Due to the effects of the blood on their bodies, the Children would forever be changed by it. Infused with mana in a world that was so low on it meant they had capabilities that were unknown to this world. As such, Elma took it upon herself to train the Children how to handle magic less they have another 'summon' incident as the young Katsuragi-kun did. Summoning a demon to impress a would-be mate. That could have ended disastrously had Lucoa not stepped in to save him. The world might have been ravaged by demons by now had she not! Earth had far to many good foods to let be destroyed, so Elma would be teacher...if only Lucoa didn't insist on some of the lesson plans.

Landing of the roof of her apartment building, Elma found Rei their with a Shinji created supper and dessert waiting. Already eating, Rei had taken to Elma's eating methodology. Girl had a LONG time to make up for. Wings out, Elma insisted Rei learn to use them properly, the quiet girl nibbled as Elma appeared, "Did you ask him to mate with you yet?" Rei asked the moment Elma was in her human form.

"Rei-chan what did I say about those types of questions! You dislike when I inquire into your relations correct?" Elma's tail and horn did pop out though. No reason to hide her nature among those that knew it, and her normal attire as so much more comfy than the constrictive uniform. How human females lived with their busts so confined was distressing. When Rei just continued to stare at her, a skill Elma was sad the girl was so good at, Elma buckled, "I asked him out to go to the dessert shop with us tomorrow. He did not accept or deny it yet."

Flapping her wings a little, a sign of happiness Elma learned, Rei stood up and let the crumbs rain off her. Approaching her guardian and teacher Rei had the faintest of smiles, "He pleases you and that pleases me. Shall I go acquire Shinji-kun and Soryu? They are in her apartment...palling around." A small scowl marred the illusion of emotionlessness.

Leading Rei back to the food, Elma found her favorites waiting for her and she began to salivate. Maybe she should press Rei to involve herself more with Katsuragi-kun, he was so well versed in cooking! But that would be wrong, Rei and he had a sibling like relationship and that was fine as long as Elma got his food from time to time. Helping herself to some fried chicken, "Something wrong with how they are interacting? Is the other one with them? Thought you were getting along better with her."

"Galko-chan is with her, and yes I am certain she will not hurt him," a quick flash of Rei's fingernails was proof of that. They were styled in a fancy way that Rei never did, but Katsuragi-kun's mate loved doing. Grabbing another treat, Rei inhaled it, "The issue is the pheromones that Soryu is exuding. I find Shinji-kun and Galko-chan's to be relaxing and soothing. Soryu's are cloying and overwhelming. Yet she continues to act as if she has no such wants."

Ah another reason Elma wanted to help Asuka as well, the girl's inability to be earnest with her feelings. Always needing to show herself as 'the best' and not 'needing others' when she in fact desired attention from others so fervently. "We will work on making her open herself up to them. If that is acceptable to you," Elma turned to Lucoa.

Sitting down next to the nephalim and Harmony Dragon, the ex-goddess poured herself a nice drink of juice. "She can be his friend. I won't stop that. Galko-chan and Shin-chan are mine though. This world has a glut of acceptable mates for that girl, she can do without my beloved's. Now for today's lessons...how about you teach him..." Lucoa went into a long diatribe of spells she wanted Elma to teach without Shinji knowing it was Lucoa that wanted him to learn them. Guard spells, protection incantations, and a very suspect one that had many practical uses in the bed chamber.

It didn't matter, Elma would teach what she could to her pupils, these Children. The world they in would have sacrificed these innocent humans to the wills of evil and chaos, Elma would save them. It gave her purpose, it gave her a distraction, and it helped her to remember her home. The primary threat was gone, and those that wished for destruction being rounded up, the Children could relax and heal now, and Elma would see to it.

X-X

Watching as Touji and Kensuke continued the digital onslaught against one another, Shinji sipped on his water. Kensuke's place was always just a little dirty, something Shinji fought his nature by not offering to clean up, but it wasn't a sty. Just dust in the corners, food packages in places they weren't needed to be, and Shinji was pretty sure he saw some of Otako's stuff. Never a good video game player, Kanna-chan destroyed him on a normal basis, he let the others play. Just a day with the guys, nice to do from time to time. Galko was off with her friends, Lucoa and Kanna were...who knew, and Misato was working. And Tohru was still gone, four months without the woman, and Shinji missed her powerfully.

"Wonder how Misato-san really is feeling," Shinji whimpered. Misato...mom...put up a brave face but Shinji thought from time to time he saw cracks in the mask. But that was going to change today, he was going to confront her about it Not going to let her suffer alone. If he missed the dragon that started all the wonderful changes in his life, Misato had to be much worse. Woman LOVED Tohru, was IN LOVE with Tohru, and that was leagues beyond Shinji's parental feelings for the dragon.

Leaning over his controller as he sat on the ground, Touji wiggled and waggled as the fight neared its conclusion. "You say something Shin-man?" Touji just had to have that good hearing. His avatar, an impossibly top heavy woman that left Shinji thinking about Lucoa, bounced with inhuman (but not indragon) elasticity as the combo went off. Tossing the controller on the ground, "Eat that Ken! Told you I'd get even! Never doubt my mad combo skills!"

"Yeah-yeah you got lucky, corner spamming is an art form for you," Kensuke grumbled as he too dropped his controller. Switching the television over to a game show, he popped a crick in his back. Moving to the couch, "So what do you guys want to do now? Feels like ages since we hung out with just us." Fixing his glasses, he had a small but content look about him.

Favoring himself with a soda, Touji nodded, "Yeah. No girlfriends, no school, just us. Feels strange, but I dig it. Speaking of girlfriends though, Hime-chan introduced me to her parents...god man that was nerve-wracking!" Flopping on the ground, Touji stretched out and grabbed the underside of the couch.

"Otako did the same with her sister and brother. Felt like they were judging me. Like one of those odd 'wedding interview' things. I could only imagine how Hime-san's parents were. Think you passed?" Kensuke shuddered at some private memory.

Sitting up, a haunted expression enveloped the jock as he just shook his head. "No man, they were just as odd as she was! I swear I was worried they had a priest with them just get get us married right then and there! Even her dad was asking me all these odd questions. I swear those girls like to ask just the oddest things, and her parents were worse!" Touji shuddered again.

"I could see that. Hime-san had to get it from somebody. That is at least what Galko-chan says," Shinji had to fight off a chuckle. Just picturing three Hime-san's in a room surrounding Touji with all the oddest questions. Hard not to laugh. "But things are going good with you guys then?" Shinji would always be just that little bit nervous. A far way away from what he used to be, months of positive living would have that effect. A loving, if not a little strange mother, a sister...well two sisters if he considered Rei, and two loving and very much loved women would have that effect. Oh and not having to fight horrible monsters!

Winking at Shinji, Kensuke nodded a few quick times, "Couldn't be better man. Still sucks I can't be a pilot, but now that all you do is odd publicity events and shit I could do without it. Otako-chan and I are...we're happy. Still don't know how you manage TWO girlfriends, Otako-chan takes so much effort and time I can't imagine another girl."

"Yeah, Hime-chan is a time eater, love her, but having to spread myself over another girl...Shin-man you have to be a time management expert or something. Oh speaking of Hime-chan, she said something about a picture she saw a few weeks ago. Something on Galko-san's phone, she didn't go into what it was, but she got an odd look on her face. Care to enlighten us on what you got going on?" Touji pulled his phone out and checked it after it chimed.

Ah yes, the infamous picture of Lucoa's. Shinji loved that woman...dragon...whatever...but she just liked to play just a little to hard some times. A woman very much in the vein of Misato only the teases were followed up on! Lucoa was very very amorous and when given the opportunity loved snuggle time! Whatever she saw on the internet, Misato's videos, or wherever she found it, woman wanted to try. Few exceptions existed thankfully, no pain-play, but most other things were fair game. Given the agreement with Galko-chan though meant Lucoa asked if she could do it! Shinji would never understand the female mind, so he just let them do what they needed.

"Its nothing, Lucoa-chan just took sent a gag picture to Galko-chan's phone and they saw it. N-nothing big," Shinji wouldn't tell intimate details of his life unless he needed to. Just like how he wouldn't mention to anybody the events of his last visit to Galko-chan's house. A text came from Galko's sister saying she needed to talk to him about something. She...she came on to him!? Had to be some test or something, so he quickly fled the house and texted Galko about the events. He was still waiting to hear back about that.

Putting his phone away, Touji got up with that look that spelled the end of the get together. "That was Mari-chan, she needs me back home. She's having a few issues and needs my help," Touji tried to sound annoyed but didn't pull it off. Having his sister home and healed just left Touji far to happy to ever really play the 'annoyed older brother' card successfully. Lucoa and Shinji test his healing magic on Mari...it was successful.

"Guess I should be heading home too. Get supper started, making Misato-san's favorite," Shinji joined Touji in standing. His buddies had that look about them, the unspoken question that was always lingering whenever Misato was brought up. 'How is she doing?' and 'Where is Tohru-san?' were on the tips of all his friends tongues. The lie was Tohru went home to deal with family issues, maybe it wasn't even a lie if what Lucoa said was true. But four months was four months, and without hearing from the dragon nobody knew when or even IF Tohru would come back.

They said their goodbyes and split off. Touji and Shinji parted ways on the street as they lived in different directions. Pulling his phone out, Shinji texted Galko-chan a little, simple little things. 'How's the day going', 'What are you all up to', and the always heart spiking pictures she'd send him. Nothing racy or dirty, just she was beautiful, inside and out and he wouldn't lie to himself about his feelings. One of the best things in his life was that woman.

"Ikari," an angry voice called out to him. A hand on his shoulder stopped his progression, and Shinji felt his happy thoughts suddenly shift. Ah this again, more jerks from Galko's class. As they got closer, a few of Galko's fans kept coming at him. This was the guy that kept lending her DVDs and shows. Spinning Shinji around, the guy half a foot taller than he was had a nervous expression, "We need to talk about something. I want you to stop seeing Galko. Her dating somebody so young, looks bad man. People are talking about her being a cradle robber, and that isn't good man. You see that right?"

Ah so this one was trying to guilt him into breaking things off, different than the others. Sometimes it was attempted blackmail, threats of violence, or one even tried bribing him. Galko had a large line of would be suitors, and Shinji was ready to face them now. Not because of his training with Elma-san in using his limited magic, or the fact that whatever potion Lucoa gave him had him heal faster, but because he had grown mentally. Not willing to lie down, not willing to give up, he was a new person a better person than the frightened child that came hoping is father would love him again.

"I will break up with her if you can tell me one thing...just one thing about her that I don't know. Prove to me that you know her better than me. Do that and I'll trust what you're saying is true," Shinji responded calmly. Best to make these 'white knights' see the error of their way or they'd never stop. This guy, Shinji suspected a little, had a thing for Galko. Guys could just be friends with girls, he was friends with Otako, Hime, and Asuka. But some did things with the hopes that their good actions would bring about affection in the end.

Suddenly put on the defensive, the guy just stammered a few moments before going into a long list of possible answers. Shinji cut him off or corrected each and every time. After the guy ran out of steam, he hung his head down in utter defeat, "You...you really do love her don't you? I didn't...I didn't know her as well as I thought. S-sorry for...sorry." Turning on his heels, the older boy slinked off to nurse his wounds.

"That is part of why I love you," Lucoa hugged Shinji from behind, his head nestled between those massive endowments she had. Must have looked odd to everybody since she had her perception cancelling on. Shinji's hair just wobbled to the side as he lifted an inch off the ground. Whispering into his ear, "You could have just told him off, ignored him, or done a lot of nasty things. But you proved to him your love is stronger than his. Instead of crushing you enlightened him. Going to reward you for that later." Her hand trailed down his back and just like that it was as if she had never been there.

Fixing his hair, Shinji spun around and tried sensing her as he was trained to. To no avail, "Bet she trained me in one way and is using another to hide from me." Smiling and doing his best to will his little friend to calm down, Shinji wouldn't speculate. Was Lucoa and Kanna trailing him all day? Were they still around? Who knew, he didn't. And a reward from Lucoa could be anything from a baked good to another 'happy morning'. "Just don't think about it, let it go," Shinji hurried home to get cooking.

Pen-Pen was the only person home when he got there, bird was loving Tohru's absence as he got to sleep in Misato's room again. Cooking all of Misato's favorites, Shinji set the stage for his talk. But he was worried as time marched on. If he pushed to hard, Misato would get angry, and he didn't want that. Ever since the adoption they had been...different in their relationship. More open, more expressive in their feelings both good and bad.

"Hey guys I'm home, what smells so good?" Misato called out as she walked in on the distracted Shinji. Working later, always keeping herself busy, Misato fell into her chair and popped open the can of Yebisu. Gesturing to the spread, "What is this all about? Did you get Galko pregnant and this is you softening the blow?"

Setting the table for just the two of them, Shinji sat down next to her red faced. "No she is not! Akagi-san says the new LCL still...you know that!" Shinji fell right into Misato's trap. Being his mother now did not soften Misato's teasing instincts or needs.

"I do know that. But I need to remind you to be careful young man. You won't always be like that. And if you keep playing as you are going to make me a grandma well before I want to be," she winked at him and pinched his nose. Digging into the food, "So if its not that then. Why all this? Oh and before I forget, you have a mission in two weeks. Salvage operation off the coast were we fought the twin angels."

Like a bandage, just pull it all off in one go or it'll never happen. Shinji summed up his courage, stared Misato right in her beautiful chocolate colored eyes, and asked, "Mom, how are you doing really. You never mention Tohru-san. I miss her, I'm worried I'll never see her again, but you're...you never say anything. Are...are you alright?" It was a low blow, but Shinji used the M word. He so rarely said it to her, still opting to call her Misato, but he slipped from time to time and it just laced Misato's defenses.

Setting the can down slowly, Misato's head dipped just a little. "I miss her of course. But I know she'll be back. She's my maid, she's my woman, and I have nothing but confidence that she will be back as soon as she can," Misato's voice cracked just a little. Reaching out to Shinji, he instantly took her offered hand and she gave it a powerful squeeze, a few tears did fall then, but the confident look never left her. Yanking Shinji into a hug, "Boy if I didn't love you thought I'd be furious with you. I love that damn dragon, I will wait until the sun dies out for her. And when she gets back she will have to BEG for forgiveness. And you...thank you." After a good cry, Misato and Shinji got back to eating, then played board games, and Shinji pampered Misato until Kanna came home with Lucoa and they switched places.

That night when he went to bed, he was not shocked to find Lucoa there with arms open. She had been following him all day apparently and thanked him again for what he did with Misato. Sleeping in Lucoa's arms, Shinji did wonder though...when was Tohru coming back. Misato deserved to have somebody and not having to wait. He was going to make Tohru owe up to the pain she caused his mother.

X-X

"Alright Asuka, finish off there and then head back, alright?" Misato ordered her current Eva. A tanker ship had gotten beached and needed to be patched up and moved less it spill oil all over. Asuka drew the short straw and was today's deployed Child. Being a civil servant was not Asuka's intent as a pilot, no glory in it, and was a bit of a pill.

Earbuds in, Asuka rolled her eyes and wobbled her head as she pantomimed Misato's order. Under her breath, "Rather be in school than deal with this garbage. A drunk captain crashes his ship and I have to help? Great use of my Unit-2, glorified busing service." Asuka likely continued her gripe session, but Misato flipped off the communication. What point was there in listening to the teenager complain when Misato had heard it all before. Was different if it was a two Eva mission and Shinji was there. Asuka was a different person when Shinji was around.

"Not going to even comment on that one. Let them deal with it all," Misato half chuckled. The number of times Asuka visited the apartment, with and without Galko was getting into a weekly event now. In small chunks Misato could handle the girl, longer than that and they two started getting on each other's nerves. Trying not to eavesdrop and failing, Misato spied the newest couple at Makoto's workstation. Elma was hovering over the man and he was trying his best not to pop, who knew Elma was so controlling. Waving at the pair, more to help Makoto than not, "I'll leave the recovery to you Makoto-kun. Elma, let him get some work done, and no fraternization while on the clock alright?"

Not liking being the center of attention and the fount of more than one rumor, Makoto was a sweating mess. Nodding and pushing a few controls the man tugged on his collar, "Will do Katsuragi-san. You heard here, back to work for me. Soryu-kun can you…calm down…calm I hear you. I don't know why she didn't respond to you." Man crumpled down as a very irate young woman could be heard from his station and he did not appear happy.

Oops, maybe she should have paid more attention to Asuka, but Misato was not having a good day. Little over six months since they went bowling, and Misato was still hurting. The pain never really lessoned, she just found distractions easier some days. Today however was not one of those days. A school day so her son and daughter were off doing school things. Lucoa was going to be tagging behind Shinji, woman was a dutiful protector and lover, which left Misato alone. Taking a quick shower on base, Misato ate up as much hot water as possible before she got to her car.

Nerv was a new place under the UN banner. They had tried putting Misato in a command position higher than her new rank of Major, but she fought back against that. She wanted to maintain her control over the pilots, to keep her eyes on Shinji and the girls. Put somebody else in that place and they'd start asking questions. 'How did Ikari-kun deal with the Seventh angel' or questioning some of the odd videos of Tohru and Kanna's aid. Nope, best to keep access to the dragons as low as possible. Misato was not about to have a 'dragon hunt' be the Eva's next new mission.

Driving off towards the apartment, her home, Misato cast a momentary glance at a stack of papers and letters in the passenger's seat. The next big mission, the destruction of the Mass Production series. Whatever Seele had planned, they had an incomplete series of automated Evas that were just the ugliest things imaginable. After their existence was found out and the world hunted them down, a lot of freakish things were learned about the secret cabal. Now that most if not all were behind bars or dead, it was cleaning up there mess. And it was a mighty garbage fire left behind in their wake.

"Honey I'm home," Misato called out to the empty apartment. That stupid hope that she'd hear Tohru respond never faded. One day she'd heard it again, hear that voice that was equal parts energetic and loving. Her simple dragon, easy to goad and trick, powerful enough to level the city in moments, and yet would bend over backwards if Misato asked. Tossing her jacket on the hook Shinji installed ages ago, almost a year now, Misato didn't want to think. Eying the fridge she shook her head, "No, no booze right now. Maybe later though. Get Lucoa to have a contest with me or something."

Color Misato impressed that her boy's little group relationship was still thriving and showing every indication to be a lifelong commitment for all three involved. Walking into Shinji's room, still very devoid of many signs of life, it was showing much more imprinting. Pictures of the party were proudly on display, then Galko and Lucoa, a rather spicy one of Asuka kissing his cheek, and that cello he played from time to time. Kanna's room was everything a little girl's room should be. Colorful and full of cute things and toys.

"Hold it together, they'll notice if you don't," Misato felt her eyes stinging. Stupid son and his big breasted lovers or her little girl would notice if she was sad. If they noticed they'd try to help, and today Misato would have a breakdown. Only happened in private, and that one time Shinji got cheeky and just dropped the question on her. Plopping down on the couch, Misato beckoned to Pen-Pen to come, but the bird fell over to slept instead. A nap, maybe that would be a good idea after all. A knock on the door however got her to jerk back up, "Just a minute." Better not be the landlord again trying to pressure her out of her unit. Now that the city was recovering, more people were moving in. Now her price controlled apartment could be rented out to others for a lot more.

Opening the door, "Who is it…" Misato found herself standing face to face with a massive green face, teeth the size of her forearm, and eyes the size of basketballs. Slamming the door shut again, Misato just blinked a few times. A dragon!? Why was a dragon here? She wasn't drunk this time, she was stone cold sober! Wait…that wasn't just any dragon it was HER dragon. Throwing the door open again, Misato felt her knees unbuckle and she stumbled back a step, "T-Tohru? Is-is it really you?" Misato reached out almost afraid to touch that impish face.

"Took longer to cultivate the herbs I needed. I tried to speed it up and ruined it," Tohru hoisted up a mighty basket of things. Plants Misato had never seen before, creatures not of this earth, and vials of fluids that defied logic. Misato didn't comprehend it, didn't care, hardly even noticed. All Misato saw was Tohru's glassy eyes, her little fanged half smile, and how the light glistened off Tohru's horns. Setting the basket down, Tohru grabbed her maid frock and pulled it up as she bowed lightly, "S-sorry for being gone so long."

A dream, illusion, maybe she'd gone bonkers, Misato didn't know. Taking a few unsteady steps over the threshold, Misato reclined after she touched Tohru's cheek. Warm and real, it wasn't a hallucination. Once her mind made the connection, both palms went to Tohru's face and Misato just held the dragon for a moment. The dam broke, rivers of tears spilled out as they had been stored for this moment. After Tohru closed her eyes and nuzzled Misato's palm…Misato slapped the dragon as hard as she could. Not as if that would ever hurt the dragon. "How dare you do that to me!? I missed you so much, no word, no nothing!? You just up and leave! I was so worried about you!" Misato yelled.

"I had to. Father would have hurt you or maybe others. After we got back, I knew I had to make some potions once I got back for you and Katsuragi-kun," Tohru rubbed at the red mark on her cheek. Her tail unfurled and darted about like a cats. It broke part of the dividing wall and fence. Not expecting her return to be met so violently, the simple dragon was confused and worried. That was until Misato smothered her in a bear hug and lifted her off the ground. Holding Misato tightly against her, "I missed you too."

After an unknown period of time, Misato never wanted to let go of that silly dragon, but had to. Pushing Tohru away just a little, "You have so much to make up for. Right now, my room, march!" This had to be done, she wasn't good with words, was more an actions type of woman, and Misato needed to do this. Not what she had in mind for the day, but it was a very welcome change. Tohru was stunned but let Misato lead the way and have her way.

At times Misato knew she was more a carnal creature, but what followed her reunion with Tohru was a bit much even for her. Yet it was exactly what she wanted, what she needed. And as Misato stumbled out of her room, she was not shocked to learn it was several hours later, Tohru was snoring, and a note on the table said Shinji was taking Kanna and Lucoa out for supper and to tell Tohru hello. Bless him, Misato needed a bit more private time with her dragon. "So much she needs to make up for," nobody left Misato in the lurch.

Another knock on the door got Misato to put her glass of water down. Hurrying to the bathroom, she grabbed a robe and haphazardly threw it on. Nobody got a free show, well maybe Shinji just to rattle him. Funny that despite the fact her little boy had two girlfriends he was so easy to fluster with a little skin. Peeking through the eyehole, Misato saw an older man she didn't recognize. "Can I help you?" she called out through the door.

"You have something of mine, and I have something of yours out here," the voice called back through the locked barricade. When Misato stole a peak, she saw him holding up the basket Tohru had brought. For a moment, just a moment she was worried she'd see Shinji held by the scruff of his neck. A lot of rich people were upset about the crumbling of Seele, more than a few of those blamed Nerv and by proxy her.

Unlocking the door, Misato timidly opened it and saw the angry looking man holding that basket out to her with one hand. "Sorry about that. My maid came back from visiting family. We…we weren't too loud were we?" the older set were always more averse to sex Misato found. Taking the basket, she grabbed the mail from the table where Shinji put it when he got home. Flipping through the letters, "Assuming we got your mail or something? Did you just move in? Don't recognize you." She didn't know all the tenants, but her senses where heightened and her fight/flight was still high.

Face twitching a little, that scowl intensified from annoyed to angry, "You have my daughter. I will be taking her with me again. Disobeying me to get these components, coming back here against my orders. And for what…you." Demise shoved the basket into Misato's hands and nearly toppled her. Menace and power radiated out of the man, inky black tendrils of overwhelming power. Yet he did pause for a brief moment as his actions caused Misato's robe to open just a little. A man was a man regardless of species and this one could appreciate a work of art when presented one.

"No, you are not," Misato countered the old man. When he tried to walk in, the tiny human stood right there and blocked him. Setting the very heavy basket down, it squished and something made some whimper, but that was a question for later. Afraid of this man? No, Misato actual found her fear for Tohru's father was less than that of a mugger or other criminal. Hand to the doorframe, she stood her ground. Over the absence, Misato thought long and hard about what and why could make a father demand her child return. If it was her father or Gendo it would be one thing, but Tohru loved her father. "She chose to come here, she wants to be here. You need to honor that," Misato was definite but not cruel.

Bristling at the audacity of the human worm before him, Demise held up a finger and summoned a small ball of pure energy. "Human, you speak of things beyond your comprehension, beyond your meager existence. Now stand aside as I gather my daughter. I will not have her sullied with something so weak and small!" Demise spoke through clenched teeth. Trying to push forward again, Misato held firm. If the dragon WANTED through the door he would have, but despite his claim he was not forcing.

"You missed her. I get that, I only had six months without her and I can relate. Everybody from your side of that gate missed her. Only the others are comfortable staying here or visiting. You'll have to do the same," Misato was clamping down. She did not wait this time to have Tohru back for only an afternoon! Tohru was back, Misato was not letting her leave again!

That tiny red and white ball of energy flew off of Demise's finger and wisped right past Misato's head. Through the apartment, destroying walls, the television, and exploded out the other side of the apartment. "You do not dictate to me human! Stand aside now, and do not talk to me as if we are equals! Your kind is a blink in the eye of us dragons, a mere slip of a thing. Now I am taking my daughter and leaving! Try and stop me again and I will not miss!" Demise's nasally voice wined and billowed out his ultimatums.

And then it struck her, and Misato couldn't keep the laughs in and they spilled out in that aged man's face. Oh doing so likely would be a death sentence in most situations, but she couldn't help it! "Y-you're jealous! Daddy is losing his little girl so he's pulling a power play. Question is, if I were a dragon would you be as upset? Or is it just you hate humans while she loves one?" Misato crossed her arms and stood her ground. This wasn't a whim, wasn't a phase, Misato was willing to lay down her life for Tohru if need be.

"I AM NOT JEALOUS OF YOU! You are…you are just a passing blip in her life! She will forget you after you are gone! And if you do not move now I will do so NOW!" Demise held out each hand. Twin balls of energy dwarfing the one that destroyed the apartment already, one in each hand. The sky darkened, and the man was rippling with power and animosity!

Shaking her head no, Misato closed her eyes and waited. "I refuse. I love your daughter. And if I truly am just a mote in her life, you'll have her back after I pass onto nothing. But I will not willingly let her go. So you can threaten me, you can kill me, but you cannot make me change my mind. So you can throw those things, or you can visit once the grandkids are born and spoil them," Misato just had to be cheeky. Tohru said something about potions and ingredients…maybe that would fix a few issues Misato had internally. They had talked just a little about if kids were possible, and Ritsuko was living proof!

"G-grand children?" Demise asked suddenly a very different sounding man. Ah yes, the bane of a loving parent, the idea of grandchildren.

Kicking some of the rubble out of her way, a very nude Tohru was marching right towards her father. "What did you do father!? Did you threaten MY Katsuragi-san!? I will not stand for…for…Katsuragi-san!" Tohru cooed out as Misato put a hand on one of her dragon D's and she mewed out weekly.

Demise fumed just a little at seeing his daughter in her current state, and spun around quickly. "This is not over, but I will leave for now. Neither of you are in any real state to talk," leaping off the balcony and taking to the sky, Misato was positive she heard him say 'granddaughter' as he flew off. Thank the maker that that man was a caring father. If he was anything else…Misato turned and found the apartment fixed already. Oh yeah, Tohru could fix any real damage neigh instantly.

"Told you father we'd have grand babies for him, we better get working on that. Maid, do your duties!" Misato ordered and wrapped Tohru in her arms again. The reality of what she just did and said started to finally take shape in her mind. Dangerous, she did something she couldn't take back. Nor would she want to though. After those six Tohru-less months, Misato never wanted to go back to that.

X-X

Moving about the kitchen making breakfast, Tohru was happy with herself. Two months of striving to get the place back to how she thought it deserved to be had been successful. Getting the Katsuragi's to forgive her half-year departure was nearly finished. Maybe she should have done that a little different, a note or something, but Tohru hadn't thought about such things. All she had been thinking was that she needed all the components for the Elixir of Life for her beloved Katsuragi-san. She was going to make one for Katsuragi-kun as well, but Lucoa said she'd tend to that issue.

"Oh, thought I was supposed to make breakfast today," Katsuragi-kun asked. Walking into the kitchen, scratching his exposed stomach absently, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Of the two Katsuragi's it had taken the younger more time to forgive the abandonment. Where he wasn't angry or harsh to her over the two months, he was leery and reserved. With how Kanna had been with her parents, Tohru understood how if a bridge gets burnt once, it took an effort to rebuild it. Not knowing what to do now that his plans were change, "D-did you want me to make supper then tonight?"

Waving off his concern, Tohru was slowly reclaiming all the cooking duties, she wanted Katsuragi-san to rely on her for all things possible. Going back to her cutting board, "I'll take care of that as well. Just thought with your company last night I'd let you sleep in later if you wanted. Or you could take a bath, wash those pheromones off of you." Tohru was a little jealous, Katsuragi-kun got to mate while her situation was just a little changed. They were going to need a bigger place soon, maybe Katsuragi-san would let Tohru get some gold from her world.

Upon hearing Tohru's comment, Katsuragi-kun's eyes popped open faster than any coffee could produce. "I-uh…you knew about that? T-thought I was getting better at that spell. G-Galko-chan and her sister got into a fight over something and she wanted to see me. D-didn't want…" he squirmed just a bit more as a pair of arms latched around his stomach.

"Oh, Misato didn't realize it, but we did. We can see through Perception Canceling, and yours is fairly fresh," Lucoa tickled her man's stomach complements of his still hiked up shirt. Katsuragi-kun had 'went to sleep' early last night to sneak Galko in via his budding magic powers. The dragons saw him sneaking about, but didn't say anything. It gave them more time with Katsuragi-san and Lucoa just followed him. Pushing him by the shoulders towards the bathroom, "Let's leave Tohru to her work, I'll wash your back!"

Listening to Katsuragi-kun yelp out and try to protest, Tohru smiled and went back to work. Lucoa would tend to her human in the way she figured best, and Katsuragi-san was happy with that which meant Tohru was happy. Was also very nice to see a friend find somebody to love, even if it was a fraction of her own feelings. Tohru had seen Lucoa and her sister in the past, the event that caused her losing her Goddess status and her feelings for Katsuragi-kun were far greater. Finishing breakfast, Katsuragi-san was getting hers in bed, Tohru's ears perked up…Lucoa was quite the minx in the morning. "Ideas for later!" Tohru might have to try that act.

Taking a steaming plate of food into her shared bedroom, Tohru flipped the light on and her smile fumbled. A far larger lump was present than should have been, they both snuck in again! "What did I tell you about sneaking in after I get out?" Tohru growled. Grabbing the sheet with her foot, she yanked it off of Katsuragi-san and the two interlopers! Kanna and the newest convert to the cult of Katsuragi-san Ilulu slept flanking the woman. Where Kanna was fine, she was a child after all, Ilulu was Tohru's age!

Half awake, Katsuragi-san opened her eyes and waved a smothered hand at her. "Let them sleep. You'll just have to feed me," she winked playfully as she opened her mouth. Tohru was quick to appease her mistress. The two other dragon's slept on, oblivious to the feeding in progress. But Katsuragi-san did fix Ilulu's hair a little, oh and push the girl down just a little as Ilulu's body was more Lucoa's size than Tohru's.

The newest dragon in the apartment had only been staying with them for roughly two weeks, but showed every indication of staying forever. Much to Tohru's disdain! Losing more of Katsuragi-san's time was always an annoyance! But it was both Katsuragi-san and Tohru to blame for Ilulu's staying. Ilulu had come to challenge Tohru's ideals about humanity, only for every test to fail against Tohru's unflappable love for Katsuragi-san. Then when an Order Dragon nearly killed her, Katsuragi-san saved the girl long enough for Tohru to find them and…well that Order Dragon was sent back minus a horn. But that broke Ilulu out of her castes 'hate all human' mentality. Guess Ilulu really liked children and wanted to play, Katsuragi-san fostered that and now Tohru had a competitor for breeding rights.

"Thought it was Shinji-kun's turn to cook. Was going to ask if you wanted a wash this morning while he cooked for us," Katsuragi-san asked in between bites. Go with the flow of things, the Katsuragi-san way, nothing swayed the woman for long.

Still hearing the muted sounds of a very passonate Lucoa thanks to her heightened senses, Tohru was going to need to 'tend' to Katsuragi-san tonight, she hoped at least. "Figured I'd let him sleep more. He did turn in early, thought he might need it. He's in the shower now. And you shouldn't spoil Ilulu so much, you hardly have time for me if you do," Tohru pouted. Switching from food to the can of Yebisu, Tohru was momentarily upset she didn't spike the can with that Elixir of Life yet.

Winking at Tohru, Misato answered the dragon's prayers, "Thought the same. She's a charmer for sure, but thinking tonight I send all of them out to a movie. Shinji's going to have a mission in a day or so, have to keep dunking him in LCL so he doesn't make me a grandma. It could be the excuse to get them out and us some private time." Oh if those others weren't there Tohru would have pounced right then and there! But Ilulu would want in on the action and that was not going to be allowed!

Sadly the little private time ended with Kanna waking and Katsuragi-san was all about doting on the young dragon. So the morning became the standard routine. They moved from the bedroom to the kitchen, where they all found a very amorous Lucoa hanging on Katsuragi-kun. Maybe those humans WERE blood related as they both could make a dragon really melt after a session of mating. Katsuragi-kun quickly fled the room though, Lucoa to much mush to follow so she just laid on the table. Idea for later, try to shift Ilulu to Katsuragi-kun rather than Katsuragi-san!

Once breakfast was finished, the Katsuragi's headed off to work or school, Kanna-chan school, Lucoa wherever she went to, and Ilulu the television Tohru went about her maid duties. Ilulu would need to get a job soon, no freeloaders allowed, but for now Tohru would let the social inept girl learn how to deal with humans. Girl still had issues even making hands properly with her disguise. Dusting, laundry on the roof to sun-dry, and the garbage vaporized. Another wonderful day in this relaxed world. One might think in time she'd get bored of it, that maybe she'd get sloppy or slow, but Tohru didn't care. She never wanted to leave, unless it was a quick trip to get a reward for her human.

After the apartment was tended to it was time for the outdoor missions! For a moment she thought of taking Ilulu to teach her the ways of the human world, but reconsidered. Could be a great way to start weaning Ilulu off her Katsuragi-san and off with the son! Katsuragi-kun already had two mates, what was a third? Or was it forth? That Soryu girl was so obvious with her pheromones it was funny the others didn't notice. Could be they did, but humans tended to pretend not to know things to avoid them. Humans were so stupid, never see a dragon lie to itself about anything!

Flying off to the shopping district, Tohru was as always assured of her superiority over the human element here. Still avoiding the larger castle like malls, even if they had wider selection, Tohru milled about and let the humans laud her with praise. Maybe this was why Elma let the humans worship her, then again Elma was a glutton that would eat herself fat before too long. Today's needs were beef and vegetables for stew, and a few toiletries. A gift for Elma might be a good idea, girl was bursting after her attempts at wooing the odd nerd succeeded. Good, one less eye on her Katsuragi-san!

The shop keepers acted just as Tohru expected, they were so predictable! Free foods, best cuts, and more comments about her absence. They missed her in her trip back home, hoped she'd never do it again. Once the goods had been acquired it was time to spy on Kanna and Katsuragi-kun, their lunch time often proved interesting facts. All part of a maid's duty, keeping an eye on her wards.

Tohru found Kanna and that odd little girl Seikawa eating together as they often did. Other children were with them today, but it was Seikawa that Kanna focused most of her attention. Upon touching Seikawa's hand, Kanna and Tohru were given quite the show of overt childhood affection as the girl nearly fainted. But no issues, Kanna was the gem of the school and loved by all. Seikawa did fend off the few little boys that might have shown interest.

Moving on to Katsuragi-kun's school, Tohru was not at all shocked to find Lucoa spying already. It was comical to see the ex-goddess biting on the top of her shirt collar. Another male was upset with Katsuragi-kun's growing popularity and mating with the human girl. Lucoa wanted to jump in to aid her master, fully in the familiar role, but Tohru held her back. The Children were going to be part of a magic test coming up soon and this was a fine place to try. Though if things went bad, Tohru would end the male before Lucoa could react.

It never came to dragon intervention. Katsuragi-kun utilized a low mana spell, best mages here could do, and dumbfounded the larger boy. To soft, just like Katsuragi-san, just couldn't crush somebody in full view of others to scare off the other sneaking rats. Humans did have some real nasty qualities. As after Katsuragi-kun finished with his little problem, another male was approaching the girl.

Now this time Tohru let Lucoa do her thing. The male had been flooded with pheromones and smelly fake colored blond hair. Going on and on about how 'cool' he was and how 'perfect' they were together, the guy just didn't the hint the girl wasn't interested. Pushing and pushing…Lucoa just had to act. Appearing from around a corner, hip checking the male away, Lucoa snuggled up close to the girl and gave the male a very deep view down her top, gazed deeply into his eyes, and…Lucoa had odd powers. Male made a mess of himself and ran off to clean up.

Leaving the two in Lucoa's care, neither telling the other of the issues they had prior to eating, Tohru went to Nerv. Now that place was boring now that all the elements of Holy had been removed. Was very exciting to see the very heavy with child Akagi. Tohru had to rub her belly and imagine how cute Katsuragi-san and her children would be! They would need two, one born from each womb! OH and then they could arrange a pairing with Katsuragi-kun's brood to truly unite the bloodlines! More things for later! Always a later to plan for and anticipate, Tohru had such hopes for the future!

Leaving Nerv early enough to get the food started and finished before Katsuragi-san got there, Tohru's heart was light as air. This was what she wanted all those years back in her original world. A place where people got along mostly. There would always be those that bucked the trend, but this world was mostly peaceful. No need to challenge gods over the all-important question of 'why'. It was people making the most of their lives, trying to improve, and trying to avoid confrontation. Was it perfect? No, the lack of mana was a problem, the people were still frightful little things, but nothing on the level as before.

Katsuragi-kun arrived first with Soryu, Galko, and Suzuhara in tow. School work or some such, Tohru listened to them banter and was sure Soryu was laying it on thick. Ilulu stayed in Katsuragi-san's room during the visit. She wasn't keen on the unknown humans yet. Kanna was next and had Seikawa with her and they went to her room to play. Then Katsuragi-san came back, and Tohru met her at the door. A maid's duty was to meet the master with a smile, Tohru was a great maid.

Suzuhara and Soryu left at supper time, Soryu getting a hand out as she still was 'to good' to cook for herself. A wonderful family dinner that ended with Katsuragi-san presenting the others with the movie tickets and the news of Katsuragi-kun's upcoming deployment. Tohru was giddy when they accepted and left.

First was the roof and the hose and brush, getting all the dirt out of the scales and really making Tohru feel cherished. Next was the shower where Tohru replicated the event with a sponge. After the bathing came a nice drink and a movie, Tohru was starting to really enjoy human beverages. A rarity, special occasions only, which made them all the nicer to have.

And finally Katsuragi-san snapped and dove on Tohru and the pair released a bunch of pent up emotions and feelings. They retired to their room and Tohru put up her wards as Katsuragi-san pulled a shelf in front of the door. Nobody was going to sneak in. This was their world, their time, and neither were willing to share. It was a maid's duty to insure the master was satisfied with her service, and Tohru was a dutiful maid. A perfect maid, and she did her duty well into the night…and when she fell asleep that night wrapping Katsuragi-san in her arms, she did so with the knowledge Katsuragi-san never noticed the small bit of tail hidden in today's meal…success. Thus ended yet another day of Katsuragi-san's Dragon Maid.

X- The End -X

Notes

Yeah it wasn't a super flashy finale, but that wasn't what this story was about. More a slice of life thing. I could have milked it out longer, but I got everything I thought I should have. Hope you enjoyed this lighter story. With work being what it is, stress, and all that going to keep to a one story rotation until I can get things straightened out. I hate the idea of more than one month per story update.

Thanks for reading!

Mercaba