RE: Art Attack
Art Attack
By Lord Raa
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Disclaim-me-do: This is so non-canon, it’s not even funny.
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Chapter 7.5
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The first game of Killer had been won by Kitsune, with Keitaro just coming out a shot ahead of Tsuruko.
“Another game?†the ash-blonde asked as she reached for her drink of lemonade. “The night is still young.â€
“Yes,†Tsuruko nodded. “I might have been the first one eliminated, but I think I’m getting the basics of the game down. How about we make things a little more interesting?â€
Alarm bells started ringing in Keitaro’s head. While spending time in the company of two attractive women was always nice, the tone of Tsuruko’s suggestion reminded him of Kitsune when she’d been on the sauce.
And the fact that Kitsune was smiling and nodded in agreement with Tsuruko did suggest that things could easily be taken out of context should anyone walk in.
“What are you thinking, Tsuruko-san?†Kitsune asked, placing her glass back on the table. “Stakes would make things interesting, but playing for money seems a bit... crass, don’t you think?â€
“I do, Kitsune,†the widow smiled. She cast a speculative glance at Keitaro before turning her attention back to Kitsune. ‘Time to see where she stands and how far she’s willing to go...’ “But we still need a good incentive to pot the ball we’re aiming for... Some kind of forfeit?â€
“Yes, some kind of dare,†the ash-blonde nodded. ‘Now, how much will it take to embarrass Tsuruko-san? She’s not very good at pool, but she looks rather... determined. Going to have break out the big guns.’
Keitaro closed his eyes as he thought about the situation. On the one hand, this was just the sort of situation that Kitsune would have used to get out of paying the rent or just trying to embarrass everyone.
But on the other hand, it was Tsuruko who was nudging the evening along this course. And she had already let him know how she felt about him. ‘She was quite clear about that...’
“I’ll break,†he said as he started to rack up the table. A minute later, he struck the cue ball and split the mass of coloured balls around the table, leaving at least one ball in an easy to pot position. He handed the cue to Kitsune. “You’re up next.â€
Kitsune smirked to herself as her shorts rode up to conform to the contours of her buttocks as she bent over the pool table in front of Keitaro. ‘That should give him something to think about.’
The ball rattled into the jaws of the pocket and the ash-blonde turned around. Her smile grew when she noticed that Keitaro had obviously been looking at her shapely derriere.
“Your turn, Tsuruko-san.â€
The swordswoman took the words to be as much a challenge as they were a statement of the order of play. She circled the table, looking for a suitable shot to play, eventually settling for a red by the top left pocket.
As Tsuruko leaned over the table to line up her shot, her hair started to fall around her ears and face, becoming an obvious distraction. She moved a lock of her head over her ear, drawing Keitaro’s attention to her jaw line and cheekbones.
‘Tsuruko-san would make a good model for... No, she didn’t agree to let me draw her,’ Keitaro chided himself. A small voice in his head, however did remind him that Tsuruko did throw herself at him a few hours earlier.
“Bother,†Tsuruko said after missing her shot, “I missed.â€
“So does that mean you lose a life or you have to do a forfeit?†the artist asked, slightly unsure of what rules they were actually playing to.
“Forfeits only come in after the three lives have been used up,†Kitsune said. “It’s only fair, since we should’ve cleared that up before we started.â€
Kitsune’s generosity was a little surprising to Tsuruko. She had half-expected the ash-blonde to make things as difficult as she could from the start.
“If you insist, Kitsune. As a gesture of good faith, I’ll go get us some more drinks.â€
“But you’re a guest,†Keitaro protested. “I’ll get them.â€
“OK, but you’re the one holding up the game,†the swordswoman said as she rested the cue on the side of the table. “However, if you’re getting us some adult only drinks, then you can take your time...â€
The ronin wasn’t able to pick up on subtle hints most of the time, but he did understand that Tsuruko was asking him to get something alcoholic for the three of them.
“I’ll see if Haruka-san has anything. I’ll be as quick as I can,†he said heading to see if his cousin could help him out.
When the front door was closed, Tsuruko turned to Kitsune. “How do you want to play this?â€
“Play?†the short-haired woman asked innocently.
“I’m not giving up and walking away from Keitaro, Miss Konno,†the swordswoman said defiantly. “Judging from your choice of brassiere with that blouse, that’s not your plan, either. If you play the ‘all’s fair in love and war’ card, I’ll play the victim. You’re smart enough to do the same, so we can’t afford to sabotage each other.â€
With a neutral expression on her face, Kitsune folded her arms across her chest. “So where does that leave us? ‘May the best woman win’?â€
“Unless you’ve got something up your sleeve.â€
“Unfortunately not,†the ash-blonde admitted. “The problem is that Keitaro doesn’t really pick up on subtle hints, so things could get a little racy for some. Just so you know what you’re getting into.â€
“Thanks for the warning,†Tsuruko said with a small smile. ‘Racy? If I thought it would work, I’d be lying naked on the table with my legs akimbo.’
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Haruka was surprised to see Keitaro standing at her door. The young man was breathing hard, indicating he’d rushed down to see her.
“Is something wrong, Keitaro?â€
“I...†the ronin sucked in some deep breaths before explaining why he was visiting. “Do you have any alcohol I could have? I’ll replace it tomorrow.â€
“Alcohol?†the smoker repeated. “You don’t normally drink in the week. What’s brought this on?â€
“I... it’s for a thing.â€
“A thing?†Haruka cocked her head to one side. “Has Kitsune conned you into getting her booze?â€
“No,†Keitaro insisted. “It’s more... I’m not sure how to explain it.â€
‘Something’s not right here. Kitsune’s probably going to try to make a play for Keitaro and Tsuruko’s no doubt got her own plans. I better make sure that no-one takes advantage of Keitaro,’ Haruka mused. “Sorry, Keitaro, I don’t have any booze that you can have. However, I’ve got some that I’m willing to share. Give me a minute and I’ll walk up with you.â€
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The two Urashimas walked into the common room to see Tsuruko and Kitsune lounging around.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,†Keitaro apologised before heading off to get some fresh glasses.
“Good evening,†Haruka smiled as she pulled out a bottle of sake from her bag. “I heard you were getting a little thirsty.â€
“My hero!†Kitsune gushed theatrically.
“Yes, well, I was hoping that you could tell me why you’d sent Keitaro on a booze run,†the smoker said, carefully placing her bag on the floor. ‘Though judging by your outfits, I can guess.’ “I see you brought out the old pool table. It’s been a while since this was last used.â€
“I found it earlier and we thought it’d be fun,†the ash-blonde shrugged. “We’re playing Killer.â€
“I haven’t played for years, but do you mind if I join in?â€
“By all means, Haruka,†Kitsune smiled, knowing full well that her friend might suddenly have to leave with the delicious alcohol if she was denied the chance to join in. “You’re in luck, too – you’ve joined at the right time to fit in with the cycle.â€
“So, are you any good?†Tsuruko asked as Keitaro returned with four glasses.
“I might have hustled a guest or two for extra spending money,†Haruka smiled as she picked up the cue and chalked up the tip. “So, Killer, eh?â€
A moment later, a difficult red was potted. “So, what are the stakes? Money? Land? Jewellery? Indentured servants?â€
“Pot or dare,†Kitsune answered, taking a glass of sake from Keitaro. “Thanks, Keitaro, you’re up next.â€
Keitaro sucked in a breath as he surveyed the table. There were some tricky shots that were potentially doable, but his hand-eye co-ordination had never been good. He managed to hit the ball in the direction he was aiming for, but it didn’t go in. He was about to curse his luck when the movement of the other balls on the table had knocked in one.
“That’s a bit of luck,†the bespectacled Urashima said as he handed the cue to Kitsune. “Not sure how I managed that one.â€
Kitsune circled the table. “How do we know that you Urashimas aren’t trying to hustle us?â€
“It’s just blind luck, honest,†Keitaro insisted.
“Maybe it’s just Keitaro-san’s turn to have some luck at a game,†Tsuruko mused as the ash-blonde leaned forward to give the ronin an eyeful of cleavage. “Or perhaps...â€
“Or perhaps what?†Kitsune asked as she missed her pot. “And that’s one life down for me.â€
“We’re doing lives and dares?†Haruka said, shaking her head. “Still, it’ll give you all a chance.â€
“Not all of us are pool sharks, Haruka-san,†Kitsune grimaced before swapping the pool cue for drink. “And what do you mean by ‘or perhaps’, Tsuruko-san?â€
“Well,†the swordswoman said she lined up a shot but missed it because her hair moved and distracted her. “Let me put it this way: We’re all adults here; we’ve got adult drinks and we’re playing an adult game. Who’s to say that maybe we’re not playing to our full ability in order to progress things from an adult game to an adult pastime? â€
‘Is Tsuruko-san saying what I think she’s saying? I know she kissed me earlier, and she’s filling out that dress very well. Not to mention that Kitsune’s blouse and shorts...’ Keitaro blinked as realisation finally dawned upon. ‘I’m an idiot. Still, this whole thing does have an unreal H-manga feel to it, no wonder it took so long for me to figure things out.’
Haruka took a long drink, draining her glass, before lining up her shot. “I can assure you all that I’m not throwing a game for anyone. Not even for the teahouse’s weight in gold.â€
The sound of a ball being potted punctuated her statement nicely.
Keitaro frowned as he saw that there was not a lot he could do with the table. At least, not with his abilities. ‘I’m sure Haruka could pot nearly any ball on the table,’ he mused.
The young man took his best shot, but failed to pot anything.
“Tactical play from Keitaro,†Haruka said as she finished refilling everyone’s glasses.
“What?†Keitaro asked, slightly confused.
“There’s nothing on for Kitsune,†the smoker explained. She glanced at the chart that Kitsune had made. “Tsuruko might lose her last life, too.â€
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to; it was an accident!â€
“I know Keitaro,†Kitsune said with a smile as she took a shot at random. “Let’s see what you can do, Tsuruko-san.â€
The swordswoman placed her glass down and studied the pool table. Between Keitaro’s accidental snooker and Kitsune’s haphazard shot, the table had slim pickings for someone of her ability.
‘But just because things are difficult, it doesn’t mean one should give up,’ Tsuruko said to herself. She took a difficult shot, one that required a fine cut. It didn’t go in and it covered a middle pocket.
However the position of the cue ball did allow Haruka, the best player among them by far, to have a good selection of the remaining balls.
“Unlucky there. A little more practice and you’d have gotten that one in, Tsuruko-san,†Haruka said honestly. A few seconds later, she potted a yellow ball.
Spotting two options, Keitaro took the cue and played the easier shot, potting a red.
Kitsune’s options were more limited, but she saw a possibility – two balls were over a corner pocket. If she could hit them right, she’d get at least one of them in.
But it seemed that Kitsune was genuinely having a bad game and she missed.
“I’ve never gotten the hang of these cannon shots.â€
“They give me trouble, too,†Keitaro said sympathetically as he marked off the last life Kitsune had left. “Ah, Tsuruko-san, you’re...â€
“Yes, I know,†the widow smiled. She chalked up the cue as she looked at the table. “Here goes nothing.â€
Tsuruko mishit the cue ball, causing it to have too much backspin. It hit a red ball, but only nudged it a few centimetres. She handed the cue over to Haruka.
“Time for a dare,†Kitsune said, hiding her smirk behind her glass. ‘I think this should scare her off.’ “Hmm... what should the dare be? Oh, I know. I dare you to show Keitaro your panties.â€
Tsuruko blinked twice. “Of course.â€
As she moved her hands up her legs, it looked like the swordswoman was going to lift up her dress and give Keitaro a show. Instead, she hooked her thumbs over the waistband of her underwear and slid the black lace panties down her long, well-toned legs.
It was when Tsuruko stepped out of the expensive looking lingerie and used them to tie her long, black hair to keep it out of her face that Keitaro audibly swallowed.
“That’s better. Perhaps I should have done that earlier,†she winked playfully before picking up her drink. “I believe it’s your turn, Haruka-san.â€
Smiling, Haruka drained her glass before approaching the table. “Never a dull moment around these parts, eh?â€
Unsurprisingly, Haruka made her shot.
“I forgot how good you are at things like this, Haruka,†Keitaro said as the table’s pickings started to look increasingly slim. “Still, I’m not beaten yet.â€
Keitaro’s shot managed to knock the black ball in.
“Well done, Keitaro, you gain a life back,†Haruka said as she finished topping up everyone’s drinks. “Your turn, Kitsune. I believe you’re down to dares now, too.â€
Knowing that she was rapidly losing ground to Tsuruko, thanks to the swordswoman’s stunt with her panties, Kitsune decided that it was time to make use of her blouse’s habit of “randomly†opening its buttons.
The question was when would it be best for a few buttons to open? Should she make it coincide with her shot or should it happen if she missed it?
“Get on with it,†Haruka said, getting annoyed with the delay. “At this rate I’ll have drunk all the booze before the end of the game.â€
“What?†the ash-blonde asked. “I can’t let that happen!â€
Kitsune’s shot was wild, making Haruka smirk.
‘Just as planned,’ the smoker thought evilly. “Time for a dare... â€
The topmost fastened button on the short-haired woman’s blouse popped open, revealing even more cleavage.
“Oh, that’s an idea. I dare you to lose the blouse for the rest of the evening,†Haruka said, smile that was dangerously close to a leer.
“Eh, what?†Kitsune asked, clearly surprised by her drinking buddy’s dare.
‘Is Haruka-san supporting Kitsune?’ Tsuruko wondered. ‘It would explain why she suggested that Kitsune show off her assets... But then again, she’d be going along with it more. Perhaps Haruka-san has other plans?’
Keitaro’s cheeks were filling with blood. It wasn’t the first time that he’d been around attractive women, and it wouldn’t even be the first time he’d been mere centimetres from Kitsune’s ample bosom.
What was new to him was the way Haruka seemed to be playing Kitsune at her own game. Not only that, but she was evidently winning as Kitsune slipped off her blouse and placed it over the back of the chair she was sitting on.
“Your turn, Tsuruko-san,†Kitsune said. She shifted in her seat, not quite sure how much of her body she should be showing off at the moment.
“Indeed,†the swordswoman nodded.
She bent over the table, but it became clear that she needed a little more reach and she hiked up her dress a few centimetres to allow her to straddle the table and attempt the long shot.
The amount of Tsuruko’s thighs that Keitaro could see was bordering on the indecent.
“Not a bad view, eh, Keitaro?†Haruka said, her expression now a leer.
Tsuruko heard and processed this before she had a slight “mishit†on the cue ball, clearly committing a foul. “Whoops.â€
“It seems that we have to come up with a dare for you, Tsuruko-san,†Haruka said, swirling her drink around in its glass. “It’ll have to be clever, or this could turn into ‘strip pool’.â€
“You make it sound like that’s a bad thing, Haruka-san,†the swordswoman replied with a smile. “However, it’s not the game we all agreed to play. So, who’s going to come up with the dare?â€
“Keitaro’s been quiet for a while,†Kitsune teased.
“That’s true,†Tsuruko agreed. “But I think that Keitaro is too much of a gentleman to make any kind of lewd suggestion.â€
“Then it’s up to me to save the day. Again,†Haruka sighed theatrically. “I dare you, Tsuruko Aoyama, to sit on Keitaro’s lap.â€
“Will my hardships never end?!†the widow complained in a melodramatic voice that would have been laughed out of a school play.
She sashayed over to where Keitaro was sitting and took up residence on his lap. “You’re a truly welcoming host, Keitaro-san.â€
Haruka chuckled. “Right, let’s see if I can have a clean sweep of this game.â€
In a rare moment of unfortunate luck, Haruka’s shot failed to go into a pocket.
“What? That should have gone in! I’m losing my touch.â€
“Oh well, at least you’ve still got two lives left,†Keitaro said.
“Oh, but that’s not fair,†Tsuruko pouted as she leaned up against the ronin. “Haruka-san is so much better than us. We’ll never beat her if she doesn’t have some kind of handicap.â€
“Yeah!†Kitsune chimed in. “You’ve always been fair, Keitaro.â€
“But that would be a bit unfair on Haruka,†Keitaro said, his familial loyalty was being tested by the words of the two women vying for his affections.
“Fair? Isn’t that what you pay to ride the train?†Haruka asked, laughing evilly. “But alright, I’ll accept your handicap on one condition. Not out of a misguided sense of fairness, but because it’ll be a challenge.â€
“What’s the condition?†asked the ash-blonde.
“That Keitaro is the one who gives me the dares, no-one else.â€
“OK,†Keitaro nodded. “I dare you to... tell us something embarrassing.â€
“About who?â€
“Yourself,†Kitsune smirked. ‘This should be fun.’
Haruka picked up her drink as she thought about what embarrassing titbit she should divulge. “When I was about Motoko’s age, I might have accidentally flashed a boy I liked.â€
“Ooh, now I must know more,†the short-haired woman said, leaning in to give the smoker her full attention.
“Nope, not this time, Kitsune. The dare was for me to tell you something embarrassing about me. Details would have to be another dare. Besides which, it’s Keitaro’s turn.â€
“I’m sorry, Tsuruko-san, but you’ll have to get up for a moment,†the artist said apologetically.
“Oh, just when I was getting comfortable,†the widow pouted. She reluctantly rose form Keitaro’s lap.
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(Scene incomplete)
I don't know when I'll finish this scene, but I can't help but feel that it's not going to be completed in this section.
If you know what I man...
