Epilogue: Miyu And Kurei

Money, Friends And Love

Miyu Sakuraba, a rich, loving, gentle, caring and a true human being. She is beautiful, she is kind, she is soft-hearted and she is in love. Eight years ago, se made Kurei, a machine, an android and a friend she came to love. Since then, she has made Sakuraba Industries grow bigger, become richer, more financially powerful. In time, she has also grown to watch her house guests, Kanako and Gendo, grow in love together. She watched the two other androids, Minako and Hodaka, expand themselves far beyond anything they expected. And in time, Miyu has grown to love Kurei and he has come to love her. Now, awakening in his gentle embrace, Miyu smiled. Things had been going far too well for her and with her lover, her friends, her company and now, she had just graduated from college, sealing her place as CEO of her company.

“Eight years ago, when I first met you, I would never have known this was going to happen.” Miyu whispered into Kurei’s ear, using the blanket to cover her body. “But I’m happy, Kurei-kun. So many good things happened to us; to everyone we know it’s almost beautiful.”

“What do you mean almost? It is beautiful, Miyu.” Kurei whispered to her. He loved her, whispered sweet words in her ear and held her tighter. He felt the need to hold her tight, to refuse to let her go, he could almost feel that she wanted it too. “Or are you disappointed in me?”

“You know, for a moment there, I felt I was dead.”

“Funny, you seemed very much alive just now.” Kurei whispered with a faint grin.

Miyu kissed him softly on the lips, those soft, kissable lips. Crawling on top of him, pressing part of her upper body on his, her arms wrapped around his neck, she smiled. Things may not get better in time but for her, very few things could possible make this better. The warmth of his body, the softness of his touch, the serenity of his caress, the sweetness of his kiss, it felt so good, so perfect. Over time, she had made moved to sign over partial control to Kanako and Gendo, since passing it on to Hodaka, Minako or Kurei would be unwise when dealing with the investors and secondary owners. She didn’t want a child at the time and even if she did, Kurei would be unable to give her that anyway. She had made arrangements to one day leave all of Sakuraba Industries to Kanako and Gendo, she thought that they deserved it; after all they had been through since they met. All that mattered was that she had her friends and her dear lover.

“So, when will the signing over take effect?” Miyu asked as she closed her eyes. She had decided to leave Kurei with the details of the company transfer. She wanted to focus on what to do with the money she arranged to be left to her after the transfer, even though Gendo and Kanako would certainly be more than grateful and more than happy to pay for anything Miyu wants or needs. Miyu was always a paradox, emotional yet rational at the same time. “Have they been informed yet?”

“No, they haven’t.” Kurei answered. “I thought it best to give it to them on their anniversary next week.”

“My, that’s a nice thing to do.”

“I only did what I thought you’d have done, Miyu.”

“Do you think I’m beautiful?”

“You are absolutely beautiful, Miyu.” Kurei whispered, kissing her softly at the neck. Miyu responded with a kiss of her own, on his lips, caressing them softly and sweetly tasting his lips. “You are very lovely.”

“Do you love me, Kurei?”

“I love you, Miyu.” Kurei answered before asking his own question. “Do you love me, Miyu?”

“I do, I love you Kurei.”

Epilogue: Minako And Hodaka

Beyond Machine, Almost Human

Lying down on their private stretch of beach on Maui, looking like a typical pair of sunbathers were Minako and Hodaka. Minako smiled as she lowered her sunglasses, covering her eyes as she looked up at the sun. She smiled, running her hand up and down Hodaka’s legs, her tactile sensors feeling her soft skin. They had been upgraded, three times the memory capacity and processing speed, their bodies were now also even more advanced and completely new. They now looked more mature, the both of them, looking like ladies in their mid-twenties. Hodaka blushed as Minako ran her hand up along the legs, softly caressing the hips. Softly, she turned over and kissed Hodaka on the lips, feeling the softness of her android lover’s sweet kiss. No more doubting on their nature as machine or human, they were, simply put, lovers.

“I love you, Hodaka.”

“I love you too, Minako.”

Minako’s appearance, from her second form which resembled Kanako in so many ways, was much different now. Her hair was longer now, halfway between her shoulders and her waist; it was colored an ashen gray and was soft, silky to the touch. Her eyes were purple, a powerful and imperial color, befitting her position as an executive in Schneider Multinational’s Japan branch. It was a position Antoinette offered the intelligent and savvy android. Her body was attractively made, the bosoms past budding but not obscenely large, her legs long, smooth, flawless and strong, her arms nimble and her lips a deep, crimson red. She kissed Hodaka softly again, holding her beloved girl, feeling the combined warmth of their mechanical bodies, tasting the supple taste of her lips. She was warm, soft and gentle, which she loved.

“It was good that Antoinette let you have some time off, so we can spend time together.”

“Yes but I suspect she wants some time alone with her niece and nephew too.”

“That’s so pretty of her.”

Hodaka’s appearance had changed as well. Her hair was shorter now, cut just below the shoulders, glistening with a color of a mild, sandy brown. Her eyes were a simple yet ferocious looking golden yellow, radiant and strong yet loving and caring at the same time. Her skin was much fairer now; it was not too dark but not too pale. Her lips were a light, almost glistening shade of red that seemed to strike a balance between the red’s natural warmth to the eyes and the innate ferocity the color bore. She felt Minako’s gentle warmth, the slightly physical nature of her touch, the passion in her lover’s eyes. It didn’t matter that they were machines, it didn’t matter that they weren’t human beings. They were in love, they could feel that love and they could express that love. And in love, that was all that could really matter.

“So, how long can we stay here? And what about that supposed merger between Sakuraba Industries and Schneider Multinational?” Hodaka asked with a smile. “I know the rumors of a merger aren’t true but still, it did prove to be a nice, humorous rumor.”

“I heard from Kurei that Miyu is planning on transferring Sakuraba Industries to Gendo and Kanako’s ownership soon.” Minako relayed the news she received. It felt good on her, knowing that Miyu had made a move that would be beneficial to Gendo. She remembered the old days, when Gendo was her world, her love, her everything. She still carries strong feelings towards him and perhaps, should tragedies strike them both, she may come to hold him in her arms again, hoping to be his lover. “I’m glad for Gendo and Kanako; they deserve such a good thing to happen to them.”

“Yes, they deserve to get a break. Being a couple hasn’t been easy for them from the start.” Hodaka smiled, part of her shared Minako’s affections for Gendo. “I’m sure they’ll be just as happy as we are.”

“Let’s forget about them for now.” Minako grinned in an ecchi manner but her eyes bore a sweet, linger love for her dearest one. “Come here and kiss me, you pretty little thing.”

Epilogue: Angela And Elliot

For The Intimacy Of Touch

Elliot returned home from a hard day’s work in the office, placing his briefcase down near the couch and putting his feet up at the coffee table. Having just finished his schooling and starting his job working for his sister, he had grown accustomed to not having more money than he could possibly spend if he were immortal. Angela came in and sat beside him, pressing her beautiful breasts to his arms. She aged gracefully these past eight years; her body had lost none of its old beauty. She was still the temptress and the maiden, the devil and the angel, the girl caught in the paradox that is love and lust. Yet, in all this time, Elliot had not wavered in his love for his wife of one year, neither did she. It seemed like their past, their constant physical affairs and casual flings were a manifestation of their search for this, their love.

“Welcome back, honey.” Angela smiled; her eyes bright and soft. “How was your day?”

“Much better, now that I see you again.” Elliot smiled and kissed Angela softly in the lips. He loved her, cared for her, much more than he thought he felt he could love any girl. “You are so beautiful.”

“I’ve always been beautiful and I’ve always been sexy.”

“Yes, you were always those two things.” Elliot smiled in answer. “And you are one amazing lover.”

“I know, I know.” Angela flashed a giggle.

“Sit down will you?” Elliot said, grabbing Angela by the hem of her skirt.

Angela looked stunning, barely even dressed like that. She wasn’t ashamed of her body; she flaunted the natural beauty of hers. She was only wearing a short skirt, which really seemed more like a piece of cloth loosely encircling her waist and just so happened to cover part of her legs. Aside from that, what she was wearing were the prerequisite piece of underwear under the skirt and a semi-transparent apron on top. She liked spending most of her time at home, revealing her long hidden skill as a cook. People argue whether it’s the stomach or someplace lower that is the path to a man’s heart. To Angela, it was better safe than sorry, so she opted to tackle both fronts and she won. If the intimacy doesn’t ensure Elliot will stay with her, the food will. As she sat down, Elliot ran his hand up her legs, riding along her skirt.

“How about it?” he asked in a whisper, feeling the smooth skin of her legs.

“You want it right now? I’ve got soup cooking in the kitchen.” Angela answered as she stood up. “It’s your favorite too, Elliot. So, how about having my body after dinner?”

“My favorite….you mean you made turtle soup?”

“But of course I did, dear.”

“Well then, sex can wait.” Elliot said as he got up and kissed his wife on the cheek. “Let me at that soup.”

It was a simple weakness, somewhat expensive, but still a simple weakness. Any woman who could make turtle soup as well as Angela does is bound to attract most of Elliot’s attention and with the fact that Elliot found himself literally physically addicted to her, she knew she had him for life. Elliot had a surprise for his beautiful lover, Angela was the girl he’s had his longest relationship with in his entire life. He was sure she was the one he would stay with, no one else. It seemed like everything he never knew he wanted in a woman was in her. She was an excellent cook, a lover that he was both physically and emotionally addicted to, supportive of his efforts, helpful whenever he was down and she had just as varied a list of past flings and relationships that he did. They were perfect for one another in every sense of the word.

“Angela, I have a surprise for you.” Elliot whispered a she pulled something from his pocket. It was a small silver ring with a perfectly cut emerald. “I finally got you that ring you wanted so much.”

Epilogue: Antoinette And Sadako

Very Physical Business, As Usual

Sadako was frustrated, her two children, Christian and Ibuki weren’t allowed to enroll in Sacred Cross Academy’s grades school due to their mother’s rather bad reputation there. She wanted to give her children a fine school, the same as any mother would want for her children. As the two eight year olds slept in their bedroom, Sadako wept a single tear of joy. Christian had his father’s playful and wandering eyes and her mother’s dirty blonde hair. Ibuki however, was different. Most of Sadako’s genes seemed to concentrate on her; she looked more Japanese than her brother. She loved her children dearly, even more than she anticipated she could have loved them. Before, they were nothing more than a way to ensure she would be comfortable and rich for life. Now, they were her life. She kissed them gently on their foreheads as they slept before moving like a ghost out of their room to greet Antoinette, who had just returned home.

“Well, that’s one more conquest to my list.” Antoinette let out a powerful laugh. She had just purchased another small company, merging it to Schneider Multinational in a hostile takeover. “So, how are the twins Sadako? Are the heir and heiress to my financial empire doing well?”

“They’re well, empress.” Sadako smiled, letting Antoinette have her moment of glory. Still, her main concern now was finding another school for Christian and Ibuki. This was against not only her will but Antoinette’s as well. Both of them, the mother and the aunt, wanted them to study in their old school, their old alma mater. “I’ll have to start looking for another school for them though.”

“What do you mean another school? What about Sacred Cross?”

“They won’t accept the two of them.” Sadako answered, envisioning herself with a sledgehammer maiming and crippling the admissions department of the school for rejecting her little angels. It wasn’t a good idea though and she had a better one: Antoinette. “We’ll have to look for another school.”

“Oh no, I’m not going to let my money go to waste that way.” Antoinette countered, holding Sadako firmly by the shoulder. She didn’t know it but she played right into Sadako’s plan. Not that Antoinette would have minded it in any case. “The sole reason I let that school have enough money to build a grade school is because I want my nephew and niece to study there. They can’t deny me this. Hold on, I’ll make a call.”

Sadako sat down and prepared a couple of vodka martinis, their favorite night drink, while Antoinette talked to the head of admissions over the phone. In eight years, their relationship had changed little. Sadako and Antoinette still liked to play games with each other. Both of them were almost fanatically devoted to the twins. They both worked hard to expand the power, finances and influence of Schneider Multinational. Yet, their physical intimacy had been reduced slowly over time; they were nowhere near as physical as when their relationship first began. They weren’t lovers, which of course they were certain of but they were more than friends. Often, they chose to describe themselves and the best of friends who happen to like to sleep with each other on occasion. Both of them were seeing other people, Sadako dating a young manga-ka while Antoinette dating with Tokyo lesbians. Yet, they often end up in bed with each other after a date.

“Well?” Sadako mused as Antoinette hung up the phone.

“He has no problem with their enrollment; it’s the Headmaster that refuses to allow them.” Antoinette answered with a displeased scowl. Since the threat of a financial assault didn’t seem to phase the Headmaster, it was time to do it Sadako’s way. “I’ll get the sledgehammer, you warm up the car.”

“Why don’t we do that tomorrow morning? I’m in the mood for a little something tonight.”

“And what little something, pray tell, would that be Sadako?”

“Well…it involves a half French, half German young woman…” Sadako grinned as she embraced Antoinette from behind. Pressing her breasts against Antoinette’s back, letting her hands run around the smooth, white skin, Sadako knew she was slowly turning Antoinette on. “…and maybe a juicer too.”

Epilogue: Kanako And Gendo

First Love, True Love

With only a few candles and the moon serving as their light source, violin music playing in the background, it had an ominous ambiance that felt romantic to them. It seemed fitting, that two lovers like them sleep together in a dark room like that. It seemed eerie at first but once both of them got settled in, it was perfect. He kissed her softly on the cheek, his hands running along the body of the woman he loved. In eight years, they had rarely ever felt the need to physically confirm their relationship and even then, it was barely physical. A lot of the time, it was the warmth, the heat of the moment, the soft passion and desire for one another that drove their relationship. He felt her stir a little in his arms, her body on top of his, covered only by a large black blanket. He started drawing a manga of his own in college and was now publishing it on a small scale since she owned the publishing company, using the money Antoinette gave him before.

“So, how’s the fourth volume coming along?” Kanako asked, it felt appropriate to start with a business concern rather than a personal one. “It’s amazing how well received that manga of yours is, considering just how few manga have a lesbian couple that isn’t oversexed.”

“The fourth volume is coming along nicely, though I’m a little stuck a few panels.”

“Do they at least get to kiss this time? The last time, you had that drunk interrupt them.” Kanako noted as if it were a complaint. In truth, it was. “It was such a waste of a perfect scene.”

“I didn’t think it was time for them to move on that far yet.”

“Gendo, have you noticed that compared to every other couple we know, we rarely ever make love?” Kanako asked with a hint of worry. “Do you think it’s some sort of sign that we’re not really in love?”

“I don’t think so. Maybe we’ve just moved beyond the need to do that sort of thing a lot. Besides, if we did, we’d look like Angela and Elliot, not Gendo and Kanako, right?” Gendo answered. “By the way, I have something for you.”

“And what is it?”

Gendo got up from the bed without answering Kanako’s question, he was still wearing his shirt and shorts and she was in a negligee. Kanako didn’t know what he was thinking or why he suddenly left the bed, she didn’t really know a lot of things about him. That was part of the enigmatic draw of their relationship, the daily struggle to find out what motivated the other. In a way, she found the question she asked completely stupid. They didn’t need to be physical to express their love for one another, besides, she still firmly held on to the belief that if one truly wants to express love, it should be done with a kiss, not with sex. He believed this as well, likely due to her influencing, and they both spent a lot of their time alone together kissing. She watched as he pulled out a small case from the drawer near their bed, held it up near her face.

“What is this?” Kanako asked, holding the necklace in her hands.

“It belonged to Yukio; she requested in her will that it be left to me.” Gendo answered. He looked on at the necklace as well, lovely thing that it was. It was a necklace of the finest real pearls; each one perfect to the eye and in the middle was the greatest of them all. In the middle was a black pearl. It was raven black and slightly larger than the others and it had a shine to it similar to Kanako’s hair. “She told me to leave it to the girl I intend to marry. It’s your necklace now, Kanako.”

“Wait…what are you saying?”

“Do I have to spell it out for you?” Gendo was slightly amused. “Kanako, will you marry me?”

Kanako could almost cry. Dropping the necklace, she leapt into Gendo’s arms and knocked him down to the floor. She kissed him almost immediately, taking his lips into her own, pressing the weight of her lovely body on his, letting him feel the passion in her soul through the kiss. He held her firmly in his arms, embracing her as she kissed him, caressing her hair and her back. Kanako drew back, still unable to speak properly the feelings that were overwhelming her at that moment. After several futile moments to speak, to say her obvious answer, she lowered her head towards his again and kissed him. She didn’t want to let go, not of him, not of the kiss, not of this love. Slowly, they both stood up and she pushed him forward, pinning his back to the wall. She released the kiss once more, looking into his obsidian eyes with nothing but pure and true love and let out a single tear of joy.

“I’ll take that as a yes then.” Gendo smiled, embracing her.

“If you take it any other way, I’ll kill you.” Kanako kissed him lightly on the lips. “I will marry you.”

The End Of Shinjo No Aijo

The Shade: Well, I hope you folks found this somewhat enjoyable. Now, for another stupid and somewhat less than logical poll. First question: Who is your favorite character? Personally, mine's Antoinette, really! Second question: Which is your favorite pairing? I've got no comment on that one Third question: Which is your favorite chapter? I happen to like the hanami chapter, Chapter 29: Cherry Blossoms. On an unrelated note, I've decided to cancel writing both "Shojo No Aijo" and "The Girl In The Black Kimono". The first one because no matter how hard I try, it comes out inferior to the original, which means it's not fit to post. As for the second one, it's not so much cancelled as it is delayed. I'm not in the mood to experiment with a horror/romance right now but I do have another project in line.