Harry Leferts
Suave Shadow Cabal Kaiju
Bare feet slapped against polished stone and the sound of chatting could be heard before it suddenly stopped. Having entered a room, everyone paused as they took it in. Looking around, Yae's eyes were wide, "Is this the pool, Gozaru...?"
Lightly chuckling, Harry rubbed the back of his neck some, "Um, actually? This is kind of the public bath for the mansion. Though... it could be used for an indoor pool when the weather outside is not suitable."
Glancing at him, Nobu gave a small snort, "I wouldn't have thought so."
Walking further in, the former warlord took in the sight of the room. In the center, was the currently empty pool/bath. Stairs were at either end of it along with stone benches along the side where one could sit. Not to mention a shallower area where an adult could lounge or younger children could sit without worry. At one end, there was a small trough that came from a small hole, obviously where the water would flow into the pool, though there were smaller faucets around it as well. From where she was, Nobu could see a thermostat for the water itself.
However, what truly caught her attention was the rest of the area.
The pool's floor had a mosiac on it almost like the bottom of the sea, and around it rose fluted columns to the ceiling. What really caugth Nobu's attention, however, were various statues that were around the pool. Some were of marble and others of bronze. Coming to one, which showed a woman lounging with her tunic exposing part of her chest, with a pot from which something poured at her side, Nobu gestured at it, "What is this called now?"
Coming up to it, Andraste smiled a little, "This was actually a gift to the British Potters from the French Branch of the family. It's a casting done of Antoine Coysevox's Nymph with Shell done in bronze and enchanted with anti-tarnish charms."
Eyebrows raising, Usagi pointed at another statue, "Now, that one I know, it's the Venus de Milo, right?" Her ears twitched a bit as she cocked her head to the side, "Though, uh... this one has one of her arms? And holding an apple?"
Jin was also examining the statue in question and scratching her head, "Huh... wierd." Turning, she jerked her thumb at it, "So what's the deal with this? Because it feels old and new."
Lips twitching, Carnwennan walked up with a slight grin, "Because it is, also it is partially the original."
At that, everyone including Harry paused while the Mizuchi looked at the dagger spirit, "Wat."
Unable to help himself, Carnwennan grinned a little, "Do you know the story behind the statue itself?" Getting head shakes, he chuckled, "The original statue was found by a farmer and his son in a cavity in the ground. The thing is, he also found fragments of the arm as well as the plinth that it stood upon. Said arm is the one here as is the plinth."
Jaw dropping, Shiromizu boggled, "W-what?! Did a Potter steal it!?"
That got her a snort from the Arthurian blade, "Not at all, rather they rescued it." At the confused looks, Carnwennan shook his head, "See, the French actually threw away the actual arm fragments because the statue looked better without it in their eyes. And the plinth, they tossed because the date on it showed that it was from after the Classical Period, and thus of less value. Johnathan Potter, whom I was in possession of and was using me to settle some... unfinished business regarding those whom had killed the French branch, had heard of the discovery." He then gestured at the statue, "He tracked down the plinth as well as the pieces of arm before spending money to get a lost wax casting using plaster. Bringing all three back, he then put them together here with the arm repaired and added to the plaster cast. Which... he then enchanted to be as resistant as the original marble."
For several seconds, really almost a minute, everyone outside the armoury stated at him before turning to look at the statue.
Eventually, Jin scratched her head with a small frown, "Huh... that's actually kind of neat. Well, in a magpie way."
More than a little amused, Carnwennan laughed some, "It is at that, Jin." Out of the corner of his eye, he noted Taiyang looking around with a thoughtful look, 'I wonder what she thinks of this...'
Within said Dao's mind, meanwhile, she was actually very impressed with the room in question, 'Oh yes, Master definitely made a very good choice with this husband. A very good one indeed~ This truly is a fine bath fit for her, Mikon!'
At the same time, Natsumi could hear Tamamo purring in the back of her mind which made her internally snort, 'I take it that you're impressed?'
Said being answered her back with a laugh, 'Of course I am, Natsumi. How could I not? Though... this truly is a bath that many an Emperor would be quite pleased by. Very pleased by... as am I.'
But, soon enough, they left the bath/indoor pool behind and made their way outside to the main pool. Eyes wide, Nobu walked up to the edge after dropping her towel onto a chair, "Wow... Haha!" Hands on her hips, she shook her head, "This place is as large as a community pool!" Turning, the former warlord had a grin on her face, "What do you think, Okita-Chan-"
Okita just smiled as she gave her friend a push, shoving the other girl into the water, "Hmm... I think that you talk too much, Nobu-Chan~"
Laughs escaped from the others as they watched Nobu flail in the water before she turned and gave her friend a glare, spitting up some water, "Just you wait, Okita-Chan... wait a moment."
Pausing, the former head of the Oda opened her mouth and sucked some water in before blinking. After a moment, she spat it out with an odd look on her face. Watching from the side of the pool, Uesugi gave her a look, "That's disgusting, Nobu-Chan, don't do it."
However, Nobu just raised her hand before turning to an amused Harry, "The water... it's not chlorinated."
When everyone turned to him, the wizard shrugged and nodded, "Magic." Lightly chuckling, he grinned a bit, "There's magic on the pool to keep the water clean without needing chlorine. Also wards around the area to keep wild animals and insects away from it as well just in case. So the water is always clean."
Reaching into the water, Jin pulled out a handful of water which swirled in her hand in an apple shape. She then took a "Bite" of it before nodding, "Damn, this is water from that well. And also damn good water as to be expected."
Just chuckling, Goldie placed a hand on her hip, "But of course! The Praetor's family chose this spot because the well contains a spring of mineral water! Truly Roman to use such, Umu."
Yae blinked at that and turned to look at Harry in amazement, "You have you own mineral spring? Just for yours and your family's use?!" At his amused nod, she shook her head, "Gozaru..."
Spotting Kenshō at the edge of the pool in her goldfish themed swimsuit and water wings, Harry hummed as he walked towards her, "Of course, we're here for more than to admire the water..." With a burst of speed, he picked up the squeeling Kenshō in his arms, "Like enjoy the water!"
Eyes wide, the Kogatana looked at him, "M-Master?"
Grin on his face, Harry had a gleam in his eye, "Ready, Kenshō?" At her shake of the head, he laughed, "Right! Well, let's go... One to for the money... two for the show..."
Now struggling, and squealing, Kenshō tried to get out of his arms, "Master, don't dunk me!"
However, he winked at her, "Can't do that~ Three to get ready... and four... to... go!"
And with the last word, he leapt into the water with a squeaking Kenshō, "MASTER, NO!"
Laughing as the sputtering blade popped out of the water, Harry swam away. Of course, he did note that, for some odd reason, Natsumi, Iku, Hachi, Taigei, and Ryuuhou all had blushes on their faces and sparkles in their eyes. Not to mention how some of the others were amused at both that and what he did. But he mentally shrugged that off as he went into a backstroke to get away from Kenshō who was splashing everything as she tried to swim after him, "You're going to have to do better than that, Kenshō!"
Pout on her face, the little blade spirit tried harder, "I'm going to get you, Master!"
Unfortunately, all she got was more laughter from Harry as he swam away, soon joined as the others all jumped in.
The Sun eventually set below the horizon and everyone left the now cooling pool water for the hot tub. A sigh escaping her lips, Yae laid back as she felt one of the jets of water cararess her with a heated stream of bubbles. opening her eyes, she hummed a bit as she looked around. At various points around the hot tub, there were groups of three stone dragons in a circle. In the middle, supported by their wings, were softly glowing crystal balls which illuminated the area, "Gozaru..."
Suddenly, Ooi spoke up from where she was sitting with one arm around Kitakami's shoulders, "Hey! About time you got back, Otouto!"
Everyone turned to where Harry was walking with two trays floating behind him, grin on his face, "Well, sorry for talking so long, Yuuko-Nee." It missed no one's attention that Ooi's face lit up with joy at that before he continued, "Anyways, figured that we could all use something a little nice out here."
Intrigued, Nobu raised an eyebrow as she caught sight of the pitcher and cups on one of the plates, "Is that the mint tea that you were talking about?"
Lips curled into a smug smile, the wizard nodded, "Hai, it is and freshly made as well. Also..." He gestured to the other plate which had a bowl filled with what looked like chocolate, "I thought that we could also all enjoy some After Eight chocolates."
Curious, Yae furrowed her eyebrows, "After Eight?"
With a hum as he reached the pool, Harry slipped into the waters with a sigh before answering, "Hai, they're a type of dark chocolate covered mint made here in Britain. They're really good."
Intrigued, Okita looked over at him from where she was beside Nobu, "Huh, well... I wouldn't mind trying some."
From beside her, Uesugi had a teasing smile on her face as she snorted, "He likely had you at Chocolate." Moving away from the small splash from her friend, she turned towards Harry, "But I would not mind trying some either."
The other teens from Japan nodded and gave their own agreements.
Slowly, the plates were floated along and Nobu took one of the cups of tea from it as well as one of the wafer shaped chocolates. Humming, she closed her eyes and took a sip of the tea, allowing for the taste to wash over her tongue as she considered it. After a few moments, the former warlord opened her eyes and swallowed some, "Hmm... this is quite good tea."
Beside her, Okita nodded before taking a bite of her chocolate, happy look on her face, "And so are these chocolates!'
While bemused, Yae looked at her own tea and chocolate before biting into the confection. She could taste the somewhat bitter chocolate followed by the sweeter, minty filling. Humming, the Kendoka looked at the chocolate in thought as she chewed, 'I wonder if Sensei would like chocolates like this?'
Nearby, Taiyang took a sip of the tea and nodded to herself as she could tell that besides the slight hint of honey to sweeten, there were different types of mint leaves used. Which all helped to create a very good, to her, herbal tea. The chocolate was also good, which she was enjoying alongside the hot tub itself. Feeling the hot, mineral rich waters swirling around her made the Dao sigh a little as she closed her eyes and sank down happily until the waters reached her neck, 'Ah, yes... so good~ Mmm... this time is much better than before I was sealed.' A slight smirk came over her face as she imagined various nobles and Emperors with their reactions to the chocolates and the hot tub, which made her giggle a little, "Oh yes, this is wonderful for this foxy blade~"
Meanwhile, Harry was sitting back with Natsumi and Iku leaning into his side with happy smiles as they enjoyed the evening air. Suddenly, he hummed as Taiyang spoke up, "Hmm? Sorry about that, Taiyang, I wasn't paying attention."
Just wagging a finger at him in amusement, the Dao smiled, "You really should pay more attention when someone asks something, Harry-San! But as to what I was asking..." She glanced around and tilted her head, "I was wondering where we were in Britain."
That made Harry blink for a moment before realizing what she meant and smiled, "Actually, Godric's Hollow, where we are, is in the Cotswolds in South Gloucestershire." Raising a hand, he pointed in one direction and then in another, "In that direction is the County of Bristol, and in that direction you reach Somerset as well as Bath, England where the Romans built baths using the hot springs there." The teenage wizard then pointed towards the North, "To the north, across the Bristol Channel, you have the Forest of Dean and beyond that, Wales, where King Arthur once ruled."
While part of Natsumi was suspicious as to why her sword wished to know where they were, she kept quiet about it. Ear flicking, Ayaka blinked and looked towards Harry as she bit down on another chocolate, "Natsumi-Chan mentioned about going to Bath and bathing in the hot springs there."
Humming, the fourteen year old wizard nodded a little, "If you want, since tomorrow is a break day, we could go and visit. Look at the old Roman ruins there and stuff... but most of the hot springs are not safe for bathing outside of magical places and those could be problematic to go to."
Intrigued, Usagi raised an eyebrow as she looked at him for a few moments before nodding, "The Quidditch World Cup?" At his nod, she sighed a little and leaned back, "Because of course that would be a cause of it..."
Arms propped up on the sides, Goldie gave her a smile, "But you can still look at the ruins, Umu." She waved around one hand with a chuckle, "As with all things Roman, they have lasted."
Head tilted to the side, Kaku hummed a little, "Are there any nearby?" Seeing the curious look given to him, he shrugged, "I mean, your family has lived here for a long time, right? Godric's Hollow is supposed to be pretty old."
For a few moments, Harry had a thoughtful expression on his face before nodding, "There's an old Roman road nearby. In fact, part of it leads from here to the village and has been used even over fifteen hundred years since it was built. As for my family..." He frowned thoughtfully, "It is kind of true that they have been here a long time. The first Potter was Hardwin and he lived here in the 1100s after leaving his father's, Linfred of Stinchcombe, residence which was on the other side of the Forest of Dean. He married Iolanthe Peverell, who was the last of the Peverells and they trace back at least to the 700s." Utter silence met him at that and he blinked as he noticed that not just the Yokai, but also the Reincarnates as well as Yae were staring at him, "Um... what?"
Pinching her nose, Uesugi took a deep breath before letting it out, "Do you mean to tell me, Harry-Kun... that you can directly trace your family back to the 700s? That your family is that old!?"
Slowly, the wizard nodded with a confused expression on his face, "Um... hai? I mean, the Potters themselves go back to the 1100s, like I said. But yeah, my ancestry can be traced back to the 700s." He gestured to the distant village, "Heck, you can find that information in the old church books and there's a few wizarding documents that go that far back as well."
Just rubbing her face, Ayaka gave a glare at a preening, smug Natsumi who got up and plopped herself in Harry's lap, "You lucky bitch."
Raising her finger, the Kitsune's smirk only grew more smug, "Vixen, actually~"
While confused, Harry just shrugged it off though he was somewhat confused with how everyone outside the, apparently mostly amused, armoury was staring at him though he did become a little concerned a moment later, 'Yuuko-Nee looks kind of faint... is the heat getting to her?'
Moments later, however, his attention was grabbed as Kenshō spoke up, "Um, Master?" When he looked at her, the Kogatana had a confused look on her face that many of those there found adorable, "You said that your ancestor was named Linfred of Stinkcombe?"
Lightly chuckling, Harry shook his head and motioned with a finger, "Linfred of Stinchcombe, but yeah, he is my earliest ancestor on the Potter side." Rubbing his chin, he hummed a little, "He's where we got the name 'Potter' actually."
Now interested, Yae looked over at him, "He is where you get your family name, Harry-San?"
With a slow nod, the teenage wizard nodded, "Hai, you see he was a potioneer and often made cures and such for his neighbours, most of whom did not know he was a wizard. They did know that if they got sick, to come to him and he would give them a tonic or what have you that would help. He actually got quite rich, though he never flaunted it. But... he was usually seen in his garden, tending the plants. Or, as they called it, 'Pottering along the garden', which got him the name 'Linfred the Potterer' among the locals."
Eyebrows raising, Nobu hummed in thought, "I see, I see... and then it was shortened to just plain 'Potter' then?" At Harry's nod, she chuckled, "Can't be helped, though it seems that your family has done good work since with his example."
Blinking, Yae frowned in thought, "Huh, that makes sense... and is very neat, Gozaru."
Just stretching, Harry sighed a little, "It is." Then he looked around before nodding, "Anyways, tomorrow we'll be going sight seeing and getting away from the fruit picking for a while."
It went without saying that got him happy sighs from the other teens, which made him laugh.
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Taking off his shirt, Harry hummed a bit as he was looking forward to a nice, hot bath. Yes, he had gotten clean in the shower, but that was something quick in order to be able to cook dinner. Not to mention the pool and such as well. Hence, the teenage boy could not wait.
Which was why when he heard the door open, he paused for a few moments before pulling off his shirt entirely and turning with a wide eyed look.
Mainly because right there was Iku and Hachi as well as Natsumi walking in. The Kitsune had a slight smile on her face as she made her way towards him before kissing his cheek and beginning to take off her clothes as well. Pausing for a moment, she raised an eyebrow and looked at him, "Something wrong, Harry-Chan?"
Shaking off his surprise, Harry gave her a slight, though unsure, smile, "No, nothing is wrong, Natsumi-Chan." Glancing at Iku and Hachi who set their wooden tubs filled with toiletries to the side though they had blushes on their face, he smiled a little bit more as he came to a realization, "I take it that we're all taking a bath?"
A light smirk on her face, the Kitsune nodded, "Hai, best not to waste any water, right?"
Lightly chuckling, Harry gave her a nod, "That is true enough." Every so often, he glanced over as the two Subgirls took off their swimsuits from the pool. Though the fourteen year old split his attention between Iku and Hachi along with Natsumi who was beside him, "So, um..."
Just looking over her shoulder, Natsumi smiled a little, "Well, I think that while you are doing my back and tails, Harry-Chan, they can do your back and hair? And maybe return the favor when they're done?"
Considering that, he looked over at the two shipgirls who nodded before he smiled, "That does sound pretty good, Natsumi-Chan, and I don't mind it."
At that, Iku and Hachi relaxed a little, with the blue haired Subgirl smiling brightly, "We're fine with that, Harry-Chan, Natsumi-Chan. Right Hachi-Chan?"
The blonde Submarine nodded at that, "Hai, Hacchan doesn't mind either." Just a few moments later found her watching as Harry dumped warm water over himself while Natsumi did the same in front of him. Soaped up cloth in her hands, she glanced at Iku who had shampoo in her hands. Gently, she reached out with the cloth and began to soap up Harry's back, blush deepening a touch, 'We're doing it... we're actually doing this!'
Beside her, Iku also had a blush as she began to work the shampoo into Harry's hair, 'This... this is so nice...'
For some reason, however, doing so had her actually relax as she did it, eventually humming as she worked up the suds with her singing snitches of songs. What made it even better was the obvious enjoyment that Harry was taking from it if his soft sighs were anything to go by. Every so often, she caught sight of him looking at her over his shoulder with a happy smile on his face. It made her engines thrum each time all the harder.
With Natsumi, the Kitsune had her eyes closed in pure enjoyment as she felt Harry working in shampoo into first her hair and along her ears, and then via into her tails, which thumped a little. From deep in her mind, came a soft, happy sigh, 'I... have so missed this.'
Humming thoughtfully, the younger of the two raised a mental eyebrow before she came to a realization, 'Your husband.'
She could almost feel Tamamo nod back, 'Indeed, Natsumi. My husband... we bathed with each other, and often. I remember him gently cleaning me as I did in return. They were... happy times, untainted even now. Such memories are bittersweet, I believe that you could call them. And I miss such even now, miss him. But... right now, I am... content.'
Very slowly, Natsumi gave a slight nod, 'As am I.'
Both Kitsune had soft, happy smiles on their faces, mental or otherwise, as Harry continued his work in cleaning their tails and then back.
Eventually, however, both parties were done with their duties and the teenage boy handed Natsumi the cloth so that she could continue on her own, taking the one that Hachi had been using. Once he was done, and rinsed himself off, Harry turned and regarded the two Subgirls, "So, um..."
Gently, Iku pushed Hachi forward, "I think that Hachi-Chan should go first, Harry-Chan. Then I'll go and have my turn."
Her eyes lighting up, Hachi mouthed a 'Thank you' to Iku before sitting on the stool and waiting. Almost as soon as Harry began to work the shampoo in, her eyes drifted closed in enjoyment as she sighed. On her lips, a soft smile appeared as she felt his fingers at in her hair, gently making sure that none of it was missed. And when he removed his hands and rinsed her hair, she happily hummed, which grew into a purr as she felt him began to wash her back.
Despite what their reputation had been, the blonde haired Submarine didn't find anything lewd about what they were doing. Oh, that was not to say that she knew it would lead to very pleasant dreams, because she did. But, to her, there was nothing perverted about what was happening. It was intimate, very much so. After all, she was opening herself to Harry in a way. Right now, with how gentle he was being, it was only because her face was already wet that no one noticed the slight tears coming from her closed eyes.
While she had never told him, at least directly, Hachi had felt... dirty, due to her past. To Harry's credit, despite knowing what had happened when she was a steel hull upon her, he had never held it against her. But that feeling was still there, under her skin. Yet, at this moment, as he gently cleaned her back, the rough palms of his hands touching her soft skin as he spread the foamed suds around...
Hachi felt as if some of the stains from her past seem to be lifted from her, to be washed away with the next rinse.
Remembering what he had told her about his... relevation, she suddenly felt as if she understood exactly what it meant. Mainly because she was having her own right at this moment. Something that made the tears flow a bit more, even as her engines warmed in her chest. And when he was finally done and had washed away the suds, Hachi felt as if some of the dirt from her past had also been clean, leaving her fresh.
Softly sighing, Hachi turned and opened her eyes as she saw his meet her own blue eyes with his emerald green. He didn't care, and she could truly see that, and the warmth and love in his eyes that she could see in that moment was for her. Reaching up, the Subgirl gently cupped his cheek with her hand before leaning forward for a kiss which the two deepened slightly. As she pulled back after a minute, lips parted slightly, there was a shininess to her eyes, "Thank you, Harry-Chan..."
Gently taking her hand in his, he nodded with a smile, "You're welcome, Hachi-Chan." Leaning forward, he kissed her again and pulled back, "But I should say thank you."
Lips curling, the blonde shipgirl shook her head some and moved back before taking the soaped up cloth in order to finish the rest of her. In her mind, she chuckled, 'I wonder about that, Harry-Chan... I wonder...'
With a deep breath, and a smile towards Hachi, Iku sat on the stool and looked over at Harry. Feeling suddenly shy, she blushed a little with her voice soft, "Um, it's my turn now, Harry-Chan..."
Only nodding as he brought her toiletries forward and picked up the bucket filled with warm water, Harry smiled, "Hai, I'll be gentle."
That only got him a smile from Iku, "I know that you will be, because it is you."
Due to turning, she missed his expression soften and his eyes become slightly damp. As the warm water doused her, the blue haired girl closed her eyes and purred as she felt his hands begin to work the shampoo into her hair. Already, she felt herself relax at his touch, his nails lightly scraping at her scalp as he worked. Unlike with Hachi, Iku didn't really feel dirty, but she still felt exposed in a way to him that she had never been before.
And she liked both that, and how he was handling her.
Happy hums came from her as she leaned back a bit, to help him more easily clean her hair. Like with Hachi, it felt intimate to her, and deeply so, but at the same time there was nothing sexual about it. Rather... it felt emotionally so. As if she could feel his love and care for her. Even the way he ran his fingers through the strands of her hair as he rinsed them felt oh so wonderful and close.
Needless to say, as she felt him get to work at washing her back, she only relaxed happily even more. Part of Iku realized that at the same time he was soaping her up, his fingers were gently working at any tense spots that they found in her muscles, almost unnoticable. Tense spots that relaxed soon under his touch. As he finished with her back, and deciding to be a little greedy, she lifted up one arm which she heard him chuckle at before he went to work on that and on her armpit followed by the other.
Finally, however, he was done and rinsed her back, arms, and shoulders clean of suds, leaving her feeling refreshed.
As with Hachi, when Iku opened her eyes the sakura petal shaped pupils were practically glowing. And like with her friend, the blue haired Subgirl turned to face Harry, happy smile on her face before leaning in for a kiss which he returned gladly. No words were shared, as none were needed as the two pulled apart with smiles on their faces, only happy glows in their eyes and slight blushes on their cheeks even as Harry handed her the cloth to finish.
Moments later, with all four clean, they entered the bathtub which Harry had filled with water and repair fluid. Part of Harry was surprised when Natsumi moved aside in order to allow for Hachi and Iku to cuddle up to his side, their heads on his shoulders as their arms went around his waist. The fourteen year old gave the Kitsune a questioning look, but she simply shook her head.
Granted, she noticed the grateful looks that Iku and Hachi gave her, which she nodded slightly at, which caused their smiles to grow in return.
It was a half hour later that found them leaving the now cooler water of the bath behind, both Subgirls telling them to go on, and that they would be there in a moment. Once Harry was out the door, Hachi gave a soft, happy sigh, "That was..."
Beside her, Iku nodded with her joyful look, "Wonderful, Hachi-Chan." Turning to her friend, she smiled, "That was even better than what I ever expected."
Only nodding, Hachi wiped at her eyes a little, "Ja, it was..." Turning to Iku, she took a step forward and pulled her fellow Submarine into a hug, the other shipgirl returning it, "It really was far better than expected. I feel... cleaner."
Understanding appeared in the blue haired Subgirl's eyes, but she only nodded, "Hai." She brought up one hand and brushed some damp hair from Hachi's brow before kissing her softly, "Thank you again, Hachi-Chan, for letting me share this with you."
Just giving Iku's lips a peck, Hachi hummed, "No, thank you, Iku-Chan... for being here."
The two shared another happy, soft smile, before pulling apart and getting changed. Walking into the bedroom, they paused a little, however. Beside the main bed, there was a much smaller, child's bed. Like the larger, it too was made of wood with the end of the bed rising up and curving some. The sides were also raised some, to prevent the child from rolling out by mistake.
However, what caught their attention was Harry sitting beside Kenshō, a book open in his lap as the Kogatana looked up at him with wide eyes as he spoke, "The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home. First with brooms, then with dusters; then on ladders and steps and chairs, with a brush and a pail of whitewash; till he had dust in his throat and eyes, and splashes of whitewash all over his black fur, and an aching back and weary arms. Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little house with its spirit of divine discontent and longing..."
With a glance towards Natsumi as well as Taigei and Ryuuhou, the two knew that the others were imagining the same thing that they were... mainly their children also being read a bedtime story.
Both girls made their way quietly to the bed and sat down next to the others, Hachi lowering her voice to a whisper, "Is Harry-Chan reading the Wind in the Willows to Kenshō-Chan?"
Glancing at her, Taigei noted with some happiness that the Submarine seemed relaxed and very happy, as if a weight had been lifted somewhat from her. Simply nodding, the Submarine Tender sighed, "Hai, he is." A slight blush appeared on her face as she had the image of an older Harry reading to two girls who could well be twins, pajamas with cartoon whales being worn by the children. Then, she shook it off with a smile, "I think that Kenshō-Chan is enjoying it."
From where he was, Harry glanced at them, though he was kind of puzzled at how Hachi was recording him on the phone. Not to mention the expressions that the various girls had on their face. They seemed... almost hungry, somehow. However, he simply dismissed them and instead continued to read, changing the tone of his voice for the various characters. Until, finally, Kenshō's eyes had nearly closed as she clutched her stuffed goldfish close.
Smile on his face, he closed the book after marking the place and then kissing her on the forehead, "Pleasant dreams, Kenshō. We'll see you in the morning."
Yawning, Kenshō mumbled a little, "Mou... want to... hear more... about Mister Mole... and the others..."
Only shaking his head, Harry gently stroked her hair, "And you will, tomorrow. Now, dream of going to Toad Hall and meeting them for now."
Another mumble came from the Kogatana at that, which Harry swore sounded like "Ribbit Ribbit", but he shook it off. Placing the book aside, he turned and paused at the sight of all the girls looking at him with blushes on their faces, and happy expressions. Considering that for a moment, Harry shook it off and got into bed where he got some kisses from each one of the girls. Then, with Natsumi laying on top of him, Iku and Hachi cuddling against his sides, and Taigei and Ryuuhou spooning the Submarines, Harry pulled the covers over them and turned out the light as he laid back.
Before long, they joined Kenshō in dreamland with smiles of their own.
Lightly chuckling, Harry rubbed the back of his neck some, "Um, actually? This is kind of the public bath for the mansion. Though... it could be used for an indoor pool when the weather outside is not suitable."
Glancing at him, Nobu gave a small snort, "I wouldn't have thought so."
Walking further in, the former warlord took in the sight of the room. In the center, was the currently empty pool/bath. Stairs were at either end of it along with stone benches along the side where one could sit. Not to mention a shallower area where an adult could lounge or younger children could sit without worry. At one end, there was a small trough that came from a small hole, obviously where the water would flow into the pool, though there were smaller faucets around it as well. From where she was, Nobu could see a thermostat for the water itself.
However, what truly caught her attention was the rest of the area.
The pool's floor had a mosiac on it almost like the bottom of the sea, and around it rose fluted columns to the ceiling. What really caugth Nobu's attention, however, were various statues that were around the pool. Some were of marble and others of bronze. Coming to one, which showed a woman lounging with her tunic exposing part of her chest, with a pot from which something poured at her side, Nobu gestured at it, "What is this called now?"
Coming up to it, Andraste smiled a little, "This was actually a gift to the British Potters from the French Branch of the family. It's a casting done of Antoine Coysevox's Nymph with Shell done in bronze and enchanted with anti-tarnish charms."
Eyebrows raising, Usagi pointed at another statue, "Now, that one I know, it's the Venus de Milo, right?" Her ears twitched a bit as she cocked her head to the side, "Though, uh... this one has one of her arms? And holding an apple?"
Jin was also examining the statue in question and scratching her head, "Huh... wierd." Turning, she jerked her thumb at it, "So what's the deal with this? Because it feels old and new."
Lips twitching, Carnwennan walked up with a slight grin, "Because it is, also it is partially the original."
At that, everyone including Harry paused while the Mizuchi looked at the dagger spirit, "Wat."
Unable to help himself, Carnwennan grinned a little, "Do you know the story behind the statue itself?" Getting head shakes, he chuckled, "The original statue was found by a farmer and his son in a cavity in the ground. The thing is, he also found fragments of the arm as well as the plinth that it stood upon. Said arm is the one here as is the plinth."
Jaw dropping, Shiromizu boggled, "W-what?! Did a Potter steal it!?"
That got her a snort from the Arthurian blade, "Not at all, rather they rescued it." At the confused looks, Carnwennan shook his head, "See, the French actually threw away the actual arm fragments because the statue looked better without it in their eyes. And the plinth, they tossed because the date on it showed that it was from after the Classical Period, and thus of less value. Johnathan Potter, whom I was in possession of and was using me to settle some... unfinished business regarding those whom had killed the French branch, had heard of the discovery." He then gestured at the statue, "He tracked down the plinth as well as the pieces of arm before spending money to get a lost wax casting using plaster. Bringing all three back, he then put them together here with the arm repaired and added to the plaster cast. Which... he then enchanted to be as resistant as the original marble."
For several seconds, really almost a minute, everyone outside the armoury stated at him before turning to look at the statue.
Eventually, Jin scratched her head with a small frown, "Huh... that's actually kind of neat. Well, in a magpie way."
More than a little amused, Carnwennan laughed some, "It is at that, Jin." Out of the corner of his eye, he noted Taiyang looking around with a thoughtful look, 'I wonder what she thinks of this...'
Within said Dao's mind, meanwhile, she was actually very impressed with the room in question, 'Oh yes, Master definitely made a very good choice with this husband. A very good one indeed~ This truly is a fine bath fit for her, Mikon!'
At the same time, Natsumi could hear Tamamo purring in the back of her mind which made her internally snort, 'I take it that you're impressed?'
Said being answered her back with a laugh, 'Of course I am, Natsumi. How could I not? Though... this truly is a bath that many an Emperor would be quite pleased by. Very pleased by... as am I.'
But, soon enough, they left the bath/indoor pool behind and made their way outside to the main pool. Eyes wide, Nobu walked up to the edge after dropping her towel onto a chair, "Wow... Haha!" Hands on her hips, she shook her head, "This place is as large as a community pool!" Turning, the former warlord had a grin on her face, "What do you think, Okita-Chan-"
Okita just smiled as she gave her friend a push, shoving the other girl into the water, "Hmm... I think that you talk too much, Nobu-Chan~"
Laughs escaped from the others as they watched Nobu flail in the water before she turned and gave her friend a glare, spitting up some water, "Just you wait, Okita-Chan... wait a moment."
Pausing, the former head of the Oda opened her mouth and sucked some water in before blinking. After a moment, she spat it out with an odd look on her face. Watching from the side of the pool, Uesugi gave her a look, "That's disgusting, Nobu-Chan, don't do it."
However, Nobu just raised her hand before turning to an amused Harry, "The water... it's not chlorinated."
When everyone turned to him, the wizard shrugged and nodded, "Magic." Lightly chuckling, he grinned a bit, "There's magic on the pool to keep the water clean without needing chlorine. Also wards around the area to keep wild animals and insects away from it as well just in case. So the water is always clean."
Reaching into the water, Jin pulled out a handful of water which swirled in her hand in an apple shape. She then took a "Bite" of it before nodding, "Damn, this is water from that well. And also damn good water as to be expected."
Just chuckling, Goldie placed a hand on her hip, "But of course! The Praetor's family chose this spot because the well contains a spring of mineral water! Truly Roman to use such, Umu."
Yae blinked at that and turned to look at Harry in amazement, "You have you own mineral spring? Just for yours and your family's use?!" At his amused nod, she shook her head, "Gozaru..."
Spotting Kenshō at the edge of the pool in her goldfish themed swimsuit and water wings, Harry hummed as he walked towards her, "Of course, we're here for more than to admire the water..." With a burst of speed, he picked up the squeeling Kenshō in his arms, "Like enjoy the water!"
Eyes wide, the Kogatana looked at him, "M-Master?"
Grin on his face, Harry had a gleam in his eye, "Ready, Kenshō?" At her shake of the head, he laughed, "Right! Well, let's go... One to for the money... two for the show..."
Now struggling, and squealing, Kenshō tried to get out of his arms, "Master, don't dunk me!"
However, he winked at her, "Can't do that~ Three to get ready... and four... to... go!"
And with the last word, he leapt into the water with a squeaking Kenshō, "MASTER, NO!"
Laughing as the sputtering blade popped out of the water, Harry swam away. Of course, he did note that, for some odd reason, Natsumi, Iku, Hachi, Taigei, and Ryuuhou all had blushes on their faces and sparkles in their eyes. Not to mention how some of the others were amused at both that and what he did. But he mentally shrugged that off as he went into a backstroke to get away from Kenshō who was splashing everything as she tried to swim after him, "You're going to have to do better than that, Kenshō!"
Pout on her face, the little blade spirit tried harder, "I'm going to get you, Master!"
Unfortunately, all she got was more laughter from Harry as he swam away, soon joined as the others all jumped in.
The Sun eventually set below the horizon and everyone left the now cooling pool water for the hot tub. A sigh escaping her lips, Yae laid back as she felt one of the jets of water cararess her with a heated stream of bubbles. opening her eyes, she hummed a bit as she looked around. At various points around the hot tub, there were groups of three stone dragons in a circle. In the middle, supported by their wings, were softly glowing crystal balls which illuminated the area, "Gozaru..."
Suddenly, Ooi spoke up from where she was sitting with one arm around Kitakami's shoulders, "Hey! About time you got back, Otouto!"
Everyone turned to where Harry was walking with two trays floating behind him, grin on his face, "Well, sorry for talking so long, Yuuko-Nee." It missed no one's attention that Ooi's face lit up with joy at that before he continued, "Anyways, figured that we could all use something a little nice out here."
Intrigued, Nobu raised an eyebrow as she caught sight of the pitcher and cups on one of the plates, "Is that the mint tea that you were talking about?"
Lips curled into a smug smile, the wizard nodded, "Hai, it is and freshly made as well. Also..." He gestured to the other plate which had a bowl filled with what looked like chocolate, "I thought that we could also all enjoy some After Eight chocolates."
Curious, Yae furrowed her eyebrows, "After Eight?"
With a hum as he reached the pool, Harry slipped into the waters with a sigh before answering, "Hai, they're a type of dark chocolate covered mint made here in Britain. They're really good."
Intrigued, Okita looked over at him from where she was beside Nobu, "Huh, well... I wouldn't mind trying some."
From beside her, Uesugi had a teasing smile on her face as she snorted, "He likely had you at Chocolate." Moving away from the small splash from her friend, she turned towards Harry, "But I would not mind trying some either."
The other teens from Japan nodded and gave their own agreements.
Slowly, the plates were floated along and Nobu took one of the cups of tea from it as well as one of the wafer shaped chocolates. Humming, she closed her eyes and took a sip of the tea, allowing for the taste to wash over her tongue as she considered it. After a few moments, the former warlord opened her eyes and swallowed some, "Hmm... this is quite good tea."
Beside her, Okita nodded before taking a bite of her chocolate, happy look on her face, "And so are these chocolates!'
While bemused, Yae looked at her own tea and chocolate before biting into the confection. She could taste the somewhat bitter chocolate followed by the sweeter, minty filling. Humming, the Kendoka looked at the chocolate in thought as she chewed, 'I wonder if Sensei would like chocolates like this?'
Nearby, Taiyang took a sip of the tea and nodded to herself as she could tell that besides the slight hint of honey to sweeten, there were different types of mint leaves used. Which all helped to create a very good, to her, herbal tea. The chocolate was also good, which she was enjoying alongside the hot tub itself. Feeling the hot, mineral rich waters swirling around her made the Dao sigh a little as she closed her eyes and sank down happily until the waters reached her neck, 'Ah, yes... so good~ Mmm... this time is much better than before I was sealed.' A slight smirk came over her face as she imagined various nobles and Emperors with their reactions to the chocolates and the hot tub, which made her giggle a little, "Oh yes, this is wonderful for this foxy blade~"
Meanwhile, Harry was sitting back with Natsumi and Iku leaning into his side with happy smiles as they enjoyed the evening air. Suddenly, he hummed as Taiyang spoke up, "Hmm? Sorry about that, Taiyang, I wasn't paying attention."
Just wagging a finger at him in amusement, the Dao smiled, "You really should pay more attention when someone asks something, Harry-San! But as to what I was asking..." She glanced around and tilted her head, "I was wondering where we were in Britain."
That made Harry blink for a moment before realizing what she meant and smiled, "Actually, Godric's Hollow, where we are, is in the Cotswolds in South Gloucestershire." Raising a hand, he pointed in one direction and then in another, "In that direction is the County of Bristol, and in that direction you reach Somerset as well as Bath, England where the Romans built baths using the hot springs there." The teenage wizard then pointed towards the North, "To the north, across the Bristol Channel, you have the Forest of Dean and beyond that, Wales, where King Arthur once ruled."
While part of Natsumi was suspicious as to why her sword wished to know where they were, she kept quiet about it. Ear flicking, Ayaka blinked and looked towards Harry as she bit down on another chocolate, "Natsumi-Chan mentioned about going to Bath and bathing in the hot springs there."
Humming, the fourteen year old wizard nodded a little, "If you want, since tomorrow is a break day, we could go and visit. Look at the old Roman ruins there and stuff... but most of the hot springs are not safe for bathing outside of magical places and those could be problematic to go to."
Intrigued, Usagi raised an eyebrow as she looked at him for a few moments before nodding, "The Quidditch World Cup?" At his nod, she sighed a little and leaned back, "Because of course that would be a cause of it..."
Arms propped up on the sides, Goldie gave her a smile, "But you can still look at the ruins, Umu." She waved around one hand with a chuckle, "As with all things Roman, they have lasted."
Head tilted to the side, Kaku hummed a little, "Are there any nearby?" Seeing the curious look given to him, he shrugged, "I mean, your family has lived here for a long time, right? Godric's Hollow is supposed to be pretty old."
For a few moments, Harry had a thoughtful expression on his face before nodding, "There's an old Roman road nearby. In fact, part of it leads from here to the village and has been used even over fifteen hundred years since it was built. As for my family..." He frowned thoughtfully, "It is kind of true that they have been here a long time. The first Potter was Hardwin and he lived here in the 1100s after leaving his father's, Linfred of Stinchcombe, residence which was on the other side of the Forest of Dean. He married Iolanthe Peverell, who was the last of the Peverells and they trace back at least to the 700s." Utter silence met him at that and he blinked as he noticed that not just the Yokai, but also the Reincarnates as well as Yae were staring at him, "Um... what?"
Pinching her nose, Uesugi took a deep breath before letting it out, "Do you mean to tell me, Harry-Kun... that you can directly trace your family back to the 700s? That your family is that old!?"
Slowly, the wizard nodded with a confused expression on his face, "Um... hai? I mean, the Potters themselves go back to the 1100s, like I said. But yeah, my ancestry can be traced back to the 700s." He gestured to the distant village, "Heck, you can find that information in the old church books and there's a few wizarding documents that go that far back as well."
Just rubbing her face, Ayaka gave a glare at a preening, smug Natsumi who got up and plopped herself in Harry's lap, "You lucky bitch."
Raising her finger, the Kitsune's smirk only grew more smug, "Vixen, actually~"
While confused, Harry just shrugged it off though he was somewhat confused with how everyone outside the, apparently mostly amused, armoury was staring at him though he did become a little concerned a moment later, 'Yuuko-Nee looks kind of faint... is the heat getting to her?'
Moments later, however, his attention was grabbed as Kenshō spoke up, "Um, Master?" When he looked at her, the Kogatana had a confused look on her face that many of those there found adorable, "You said that your ancestor was named Linfred of Stinkcombe?"
Lightly chuckling, Harry shook his head and motioned with a finger, "Linfred of Stinchcombe, but yeah, he is my earliest ancestor on the Potter side." Rubbing his chin, he hummed a little, "He's where we got the name 'Potter' actually."
Now interested, Yae looked over at him, "He is where you get your family name, Harry-San?"
With a slow nod, the teenage wizard nodded, "Hai, you see he was a potioneer and often made cures and such for his neighbours, most of whom did not know he was a wizard. They did know that if they got sick, to come to him and he would give them a tonic or what have you that would help. He actually got quite rich, though he never flaunted it. But... he was usually seen in his garden, tending the plants. Or, as they called it, 'Pottering along the garden', which got him the name 'Linfred the Potterer' among the locals."
Eyebrows raising, Nobu hummed in thought, "I see, I see... and then it was shortened to just plain 'Potter' then?" At Harry's nod, she chuckled, "Can't be helped, though it seems that your family has done good work since with his example."
Blinking, Yae frowned in thought, "Huh, that makes sense... and is very neat, Gozaru."
Just stretching, Harry sighed a little, "It is." Then he looked around before nodding, "Anyways, tomorrow we'll be going sight seeing and getting away from the fruit picking for a while."
It went without saying that got him happy sighs from the other teens, which made him laugh.
__________________________________________________________________
Taking off his shirt, Harry hummed a bit as he was looking forward to a nice, hot bath. Yes, he had gotten clean in the shower, but that was something quick in order to be able to cook dinner. Not to mention the pool and such as well. Hence, the teenage boy could not wait.
Which was why when he heard the door open, he paused for a few moments before pulling off his shirt entirely and turning with a wide eyed look.
Mainly because right there was Iku and Hachi as well as Natsumi walking in. The Kitsune had a slight smile on her face as she made her way towards him before kissing his cheek and beginning to take off her clothes as well. Pausing for a moment, she raised an eyebrow and looked at him, "Something wrong, Harry-Chan?"
Shaking off his surprise, Harry gave her a slight, though unsure, smile, "No, nothing is wrong, Natsumi-Chan." Glancing at Iku and Hachi who set their wooden tubs filled with toiletries to the side though they had blushes on their face, he smiled a little bit more as he came to a realization, "I take it that we're all taking a bath?"
A light smirk on her face, the Kitsune nodded, "Hai, best not to waste any water, right?"
Lightly chuckling, Harry gave her a nod, "That is true enough." Every so often, he glanced over as the two Subgirls took off their swimsuits from the pool. Though the fourteen year old split his attention between Iku and Hachi along with Natsumi who was beside him, "So, um..."
Just looking over her shoulder, Natsumi smiled a little, "Well, I think that while you are doing my back and tails, Harry-Chan, they can do your back and hair? And maybe return the favor when they're done?"
Considering that, he looked over at the two shipgirls who nodded before he smiled, "That does sound pretty good, Natsumi-Chan, and I don't mind it."
At that, Iku and Hachi relaxed a little, with the blue haired Subgirl smiling brightly, "We're fine with that, Harry-Chan, Natsumi-Chan. Right Hachi-Chan?"
The blonde Submarine nodded at that, "Hai, Hacchan doesn't mind either." Just a few moments later found her watching as Harry dumped warm water over himself while Natsumi did the same in front of him. Soaped up cloth in her hands, she glanced at Iku who had shampoo in her hands. Gently, she reached out with the cloth and began to soap up Harry's back, blush deepening a touch, 'We're doing it... we're actually doing this!'
Beside her, Iku also had a blush as she began to work the shampoo into Harry's hair, 'This... this is so nice...'
For some reason, however, doing so had her actually relax as she did it, eventually humming as she worked up the suds with her singing snitches of songs. What made it even better was the obvious enjoyment that Harry was taking from it if his soft sighs were anything to go by. Every so often, she caught sight of him looking at her over his shoulder with a happy smile on his face. It made her engines thrum each time all the harder.
With Natsumi, the Kitsune had her eyes closed in pure enjoyment as she felt Harry working in shampoo into first her hair and along her ears, and then via into her tails, which thumped a little. From deep in her mind, came a soft, happy sigh, 'I... have so missed this.'
Humming thoughtfully, the younger of the two raised a mental eyebrow before she came to a realization, 'Your husband.'
She could almost feel Tamamo nod back, 'Indeed, Natsumi. My husband... we bathed with each other, and often. I remember him gently cleaning me as I did in return. They were... happy times, untainted even now. Such memories are bittersweet, I believe that you could call them. And I miss such even now, miss him. But... right now, I am... content.'
Very slowly, Natsumi gave a slight nod, 'As am I.'
Both Kitsune had soft, happy smiles on their faces, mental or otherwise, as Harry continued his work in cleaning their tails and then back.
Eventually, however, both parties were done with their duties and the teenage boy handed Natsumi the cloth so that she could continue on her own, taking the one that Hachi had been using. Once he was done, and rinsed himself off, Harry turned and regarded the two Subgirls, "So, um..."
Gently, Iku pushed Hachi forward, "I think that Hachi-Chan should go first, Harry-Chan. Then I'll go and have my turn."
Her eyes lighting up, Hachi mouthed a 'Thank you' to Iku before sitting on the stool and waiting. Almost as soon as Harry began to work the shampoo in, her eyes drifted closed in enjoyment as she sighed. On her lips, a soft smile appeared as she felt his fingers at in her hair, gently making sure that none of it was missed. And when he removed his hands and rinsed her hair, she happily hummed, which grew into a purr as she felt him began to wash her back.
Despite what their reputation had been, the blonde haired Submarine didn't find anything lewd about what they were doing. Oh, that was not to say that she knew it would lead to very pleasant dreams, because she did. But, to her, there was nothing perverted about what was happening. It was intimate, very much so. After all, she was opening herself to Harry in a way. Right now, with how gentle he was being, it was only because her face was already wet that no one noticed the slight tears coming from her closed eyes.
While she had never told him, at least directly, Hachi had felt... dirty, due to her past. To Harry's credit, despite knowing what had happened when she was a steel hull upon her, he had never held it against her. But that feeling was still there, under her skin. Yet, at this moment, as he gently cleaned her back, the rough palms of his hands touching her soft skin as he spread the foamed suds around...
Hachi felt as if some of the stains from her past seem to be lifted from her, to be washed away with the next rinse.
Remembering what he had told her about his... relevation, she suddenly felt as if she understood exactly what it meant. Mainly because she was having her own right at this moment. Something that made the tears flow a bit more, even as her engines warmed in her chest. And when he was finally done and had washed away the suds, Hachi felt as if some of the dirt from her past had also been clean, leaving her fresh.
Softly sighing, Hachi turned and opened her eyes as she saw his meet her own blue eyes with his emerald green. He didn't care, and she could truly see that, and the warmth and love in his eyes that she could see in that moment was for her. Reaching up, the Subgirl gently cupped his cheek with her hand before leaning forward for a kiss which the two deepened slightly. As she pulled back after a minute, lips parted slightly, there was a shininess to her eyes, "Thank you, Harry-Chan..."
Gently taking her hand in his, he nodded with a smile, "You're welcome, Hachi-Chan." Leaning forward, he kissed her again and pulled back, "But I should say thank you."
Lips curling, the blonde shipgirl shook her head some and moved back before taking the soaped up cloth in order to finish the rest of her. In her mind, she chuckled, 'I wonder about that, Harry-Chan... I wonder...'
With a deep breath, and a smile towards Hachi, Iku sat on the stool and looked over at Harry. Feeling suddenly shy, she blushed a little with her voice soft, "Um, it's my turn now, Harry-Chan..."
Only nodding as he brought her toiletries forward and picked up the bucket filled with warm water, Harry smiled, "Hai, I'll be gentle."
That only got him a smile from Iku, "I know that you will be, because it is you."
Due to turning, she missed his expression soften and his eyes become slightly damp. As the warm water doused her, the blue haired girl closed her eyes and purred as she felt his hands begin to work the shampoo into her hair. Already, she felt herself relax at his touch, his nails lightly scraping at her scalp as he worked. Unlike with Hachi, Iku didn't really feel dirty, but she still felt exposed in a way to him that she had never been before.
And she liked both that, and how he was handling her.
Happy hums came from her as she leaned back a bit, to help him more easily clean her hair. Like with Hachi, it felt intimate to her, and deeply so, but at the same time there was nothing sexual about it. Rather... it felt emotionally so. As if she could feel his love and care for her. Even the way he ran his fingers through the strands of her hair as he rinsed them felt oh so wonderful and close.
Needless to say, as she felt him get to work at washing her back, she only relaxed happily even more. Part of Iku realized that at the same time he was soaping her up, his fingers were gently working at any tense spots that they found in her muscles, almost unnoticable. Tense spots that relaxed soon under his touch. As he finished with her back, and deciding to be a little greedy, she lifted up one arm which she heard him chuckle at before he went to work on that and on her armpit followed by the other.
Finally, however, he was done and rinsed her back, arms, and shoulders clean of suds, leaving her feeling refreshed.
As with Hachi, when Iku opened her eyes the sakura petal shaped pupils were practically glowing. And like with her friend, the blue haired Subgirl turned to face Harry, happy smile on her face before leaning in for a kiss which he returned gladly. No words were shared, as none were needed as the two pulled apart with smiles on their faces, only happy glows in their eyes and slight blushes on their cheeks even as Harry handed her the cloth to finish.
Moments later, with all four clean, they entered the bathtub which Harry had filled with water and repair fluid. Part of Harry was surprised when Natsumi moved aside in order to allow for Hachi and Iku to cuddle up to his side, their heads on his shoulders as their arms went around his waist. The fourteen year old gave the Kitsune a questioning look, but she simply shook her head.
Granted, she noticed the grateful looks that Iku and Hachi gave her, which she nodded slightly at, which caused their smiles to grow in return.
It was a half hour later that found them leaving the now cooler water of the bath behind, both Subgirls telling them to go on, and that they would be there in a moment. Once Harry was out the door, Hachi gave a soft, happy sigh, "That was..."
Beside her, Iku nodded with her joyful look, "Wonderful, Hachi-Chan." Turning to her friend, she smiled, "That was even better than what I ever expected."
Only nodding, Hachi wiped at her eyes a little, "Ja, it was..." Turning to Iku, she took a step forward and pulled her fellow Submarine into a hug, the other shipgirl returning it, "It really was far better than expected. I feel... cleaner."
Understanding appeared in the blue haired Subgirl's eyes, but she only nodded, "Hai." She brought up one hand and brushed some damp hair from Hachi's brow before kissing her softly, "Thank you again, Hachi-Chan, for letting me share this with you."
Just giving Iku's lips a peck, Hachi hummed, "No, thank you, Iku-Chan... for being here."
The two shared another happy, soft smile, before pulling apart and getting changed. Walking into the bedroom, they paused a little, however. Beside the main bed, there was a much smaller, child's bed. Like the larger, it too was made of wood with the end of the bed rising up and curving some. The sides were also raised some, to prevent the child from rolling out by mistake.
However, what caught their attention was Harry sitting beside Kenshō, a book open in his lap as the Kogatana looked up at him with wide eyes as he spoke, "The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home. First with brooms, then with dusters; then on ladders and steps and chairs, with a brush and a pail of whitewash; till he had dust in his throat and eyes, and splashes of whitewash all over his black fur, and an aching back and weary arms. Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little house with its spirit of divine discontent and longing..."
With a glance towards Natsumi as well as Taigei and Ryuuhou, the two knew that the others were imagining the same thing that they were... mainly their children also being read a bedtime story.
Both girls made their way quietly to the bed and sat down next to the others, Hachi lowering her voice to a whisper, "Is Harry-Chan reading the Wind in the Willows to Kenshō-Chan?"
Glancing at her, Taigei noted with some happiness that the Submarine seemed relaxed and very happy, as if a weight had been lifted somewhat from her. Simply nodding, the Submarine Tender sighed, "Hai, he is." A slight blush appeared on her face as she had the image of an older Harry reading to two girls who could well be twins, pajamas with cartoon whales being worn by the children. Then, she shook it off with a smile, "I think that Kenshō-Chan is enjoying it."
From where he was, Harry glanced at them, though he was kind of puzzled at how Hachi was recording him on the phone. Not to mention the expressions that the various girls had on their face. They seemed... almost hungry, somehow. However, he simply dismissed them and instead continued to read, changing the tone of his voice for the various characters. Until, finally, Kenshō's eyes had nearly closed as she clutched her stuffed goldfish close.
Smile on his face, he closed the book after marking the place and then kissing her on the forehead, "Pleasant dreams, Kenshō. We'll see you in the morning."
Yawning, Kenshō mumbled a little, "Mou... want to... hear more... about Mister Mole... and the others..."
Only shaking his head, Harry gently stroked her hair, "And you will, tomorrow. Now, dream of going to Toad Hall and meeting them for now."
Another mumble came from the Kogatana at that, which Harry swore sounded like "Ribbit Ribbit", but he shook it off. Placing the book aside, he turned and paused at the sight of all the girls looking at him with blushes on their faces, and happy expressions. Considering that for a moment, Harry shook it off and got into bed where he got some kisses from each one of the girls. Then, with Natsumi laying on top of him, Iku and Hachi cuddling against his sides, and Taigei and Ryuuhou spooning the Submarines, Harry pulled the covers over them and turned out the light as he laid back.
Before long, they joined Kenshō in dreamland with smiles of their own.
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