Nakahama

The smell of frying food fills the penthouse kitchen as a wok and several pans are sizzling away. Some tofu is being cooked up and some chillis and then fresh fish in another.

A Mantis in their underwear and a borrowed (stolen) singlet a couple sizes too big appears to be dancing along to music from their headphones as they cook, merrily spinning and stepping as they do.

The music is barely audible over the other sounds of the kitchen. But keen eared listeners might be able to make out Lonely Atoll’s ‘I just engaged in relations’. Crane music was a little less explicit after all.

As the chorus hits Ochiba starts head bopping and singing under her breath to the music “I just had a night of passionate relations and it feeeelet do good. I just had relatiooooons”
At one point a spatula is violently waved around.

Ryosei awoke with a smile as the smell of cooking food and the sound of questionable music taste drifted into the room. He crawled out of bed and slipped on some pants not bothering with a shirt.

He wandered into the kitchen and smiled softly at the sight of the Mantis woman dancing and singing around the kitchen. Ryo wandered up and slipped his arms around her waist hugging Ochiba from behind and nuzzling into her neck

"And what a wonderful night it was even if I think it dislodged some broken ribs." He said with a chuckle planting a kiss onto her cheek.

Kaiu Ryosei wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 5:06 pm Ryosei awoke with a smile as the smell of cooking food and the sound of questionable music taste drifted into the room. He crawled out of bed and slipped on some pants not bothering with a shirt.

He wandered into the kitchen and smiled softly at the sight of the Mantis woman dancing and singing around the kitchen. Ryo wandered up and slipped his arms around her waist hugging Ochiba from behind and nuzzling into her neck

"And what a wonderful night it was even if I think it dislodged some broken ribs." He said with a chuckle planting a kiss onto her cheek.

Ochiba practically purrs (even as the headphones start blaring ‘my lovely bushi bumps’).

“You’re a big strong Crab, you can handle it.” she half turns and plants several kisses along Ryosei’s jawline.

“Besides, now it’s mine turn to cook you breakfast. Something to soothe all those aches and pains.”
The wok starts flaming and with a curse Ochiba half darts forward, ladle swinging to bring it back under control.

“So…we’re gonna have some seared prawns as well.” Once the flames are mostly out she’s able to turn, brushing some hair out of her eyes.
“Kinda fun to not be sneaking out in yesterday’s clothes, or seeing someone else do the same. Might get used to it at some point.”

Yoritomo Ochiba wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:44 pm Ochiba practically purrs (even as the headphones start blaring ‘my lovely bushi bumps’).

“You’re a big strong Crab, you can handle it.” she half turns and plants several kisses along Ryosei’s jawline.

“Besides, now it’s mine turn to cook you breakfast. Something to soothe all those aches and pains.”
The wok starts flaming and with a curse Ochiba half darts forward, ladle swinging to bring it back under control.

“So…we’re gonna have some seared prawns as well.” Once the flames are mostly out she’s able to turn, brushing some hair out of her eyes.
“Kinda fun to not be sneaking out in yesterday’s clothes, or seeing someone else do the same. Might get used to it at some point.”

He smiles "lucky for you seared prawns are my favorite." He said teasing as the Mantis fled his grip to attend her cooking.

He smiled sweetly at her and his hand brushed along her arm "Yeah I think I could get used to this too." He paused a little and grinned "also that thing you did last night, I could get used to that too." He said with a heated tease.

"Does you wanting to get used to it mean you're probably sticking around though? It seemed like when we talked before it was probabilities and should bes."

Kaiu Ryosei wrote: Tue Dec 09, 2025 3:57 pm
He smiles "lucky for you seared prawns are my favorite." He said teasing as the Mantis fled his grip to attend her cooking.

He smiled sweetly at her and his hand brushed along her arm "Yeah I think I could get used to this too." He paused a little and grinned "also that thing you did last night, I could get used to that too." He said with a heated tease.

"Does you wanting to get used to it mean you're probably sticking around though? It seemed like when we talked before it was probabilities and should bes."

Ochiba gets distracted enough that one piece of tofu is promptly launched out of a wok and ricochets off a wall before landing back with a sizzle.

"If you can get used to that sort of thing I'm losing my touch. Was half expecting to have to bring you breakfast in bed for your wounds."
The Mantis grins smugly before her features slide to a slightly more serious expression.

"Well, just between you and me. After that whole...thing with the Governor's sister and the coup and what not. I made a few calls. Did you know the dearly departed Yasuki Nagisa was actually the captain of a former military battleship? Mmmmhm, one without a captain. Well, I put forward the name of a kickass up and coming naval officer who could take over and ensure this whole embarrassing affair was put behind the Crab."

She shrugs.

"Ayame is still way too chill for a Governor, but I'd rather a chill baddie than some guy with a stick up his ass. So, that means I'll have my own ship. And my own ship means I get to choose where and when I sail. Know any good planets with big spaceports in the area? Commercial hubs maybe?"
Bumping him with her hip playfully.

"Maybe with some good looking locals?"

Yoritomo Ochiba wrote: Tue Dec 09, 2025 4:34 pm Ochiba gets distracted enough that one piece of tofu is promptly launched out of a wok and ricochets off a wall before landing back with a sizzle.

"If you can get used to that sort of thing I'm losing my touch. Was half expecting to have to bring you breakfast in bed for your wounds."
The Mantis grins smugly before her features slide to a slightly more serious expression.

"Well, just between you and me. After that whole...thing with the Governor's sister and the coup and what not. I made a few calls. Did you know the dearly departed Yasuki Nagisa was actually the captain of a former military battleship? Mmmmhm, one without a captain. Well, I put forward the name of a kickass up and coming naval officer who could take over and ensure this whole embarrassing affair was put behind the Crab."

She shrugs.

"Ayame is still way too chill for a Governor, but I'd rather a chill baddie than some guy with a stick up his ass. So, that means I'll have my own ship. And my own ship means I get to choose where and when I sail. Know any good planets with big spaceports in the area? Commercial hubs maybe?"
Bumping him with her hip playfully.

"Maybe with some good looking locals?"

As she talks his smile grows larger and larger the Crab shakes his head and wraps her up again chuckling lightly into her neck before kissing it and pulling away just enough to look at her "I might know a spot or two."

He pauses and looks into her eyes for a long while "So is this really happening? Are we really happening?" He asked in slight disbelief but also barely contained excitement. It was something he imagined in flights of fancy after their date, it was something he had wanted but did not dare to dream after their second and it was something he had hoped for after the third but hearing that it was reality? That had Ryosei over the moon with excitement.

Kaiu Ryosei wrote: Thu Dec 11, 2025 3:43 am
As she talks his smile grows larger and larger the Crab shakes his head and wraps her up again chuckling lightly into her neck before kissing it and pulling away just enough to look at her "I might know a spot or two."

He pauses and looks into her eyes for a long while "So is this really happening? Are we really happening?" He asked in slight disbelief but also barely contained excitement. It was something he imagined in flights of fancy after their date, it was something he had wanted but did not dare to dream after their second and it was something he had hoped for after the third but hearing that it was reality? That had Ryosei over the moon with excitement.

Pause.
"Uhh, fuck yeah this is happening!"
The Mantis playfully protests being wrapped up but puts no actual effort into avoiding it, her cheeks reddening.

"I mean, yes, 'we' are going to be 'us'. I like you so much I'm even considering sitting and reading a book with you on a rainy day, and that stuff absolutely does not just happen you know. I'm not sure what the future is gonna be but I like picturing both of us in it...and we're holding guns, and standing on top of a mountain, and your shirt is off."
She sighs, it was a beautiful image.

"Honestly, this is even better than the battleship."

Yoritomo Ochiba wrote: Thu Dec 11, 2025 4:57 am Pause.
"Uhh, fuck yeah this is happening!"
The Mantis playfully protests being wrapped up but puts no actual effort into avoiding it, her cheeks reddening.

"I mean, yes, 'we' are going to be 'us'. I like you so much I'm even considering sitting and reading a book with you on a rainy day, and that stuff absolutely does not just happen you know. I'm not sure what the future is gonna be but I like picturing both of us in it...and we're holding guns, and standing on top of a mountain, and your shirt is off."
She sighs, it was a beautiful image.

"Honestly, this is even better than the battleship."

He can't help but laugh at the ridiculous image Ochiba had just conjured and he resisted the urge to wrap the woman up in his arms once more but instead allowed her to continue on with her cooking "Well I am certainly flattered to be more exciting than an entire ship, honestly." He said with slightly teasing but genuine tone.

He leaned against the wall closest to her and crosses his arms over his scarred and bare chest "So what's in the future for you? Just hanging around until everything is finalized with the ship? Or had anything you've been meaning to do or check out in the mean time?"

Kaiu Ryosei wrote: Sun Dec 14, 2025 4:17 am
He can't help but laugh at the ridiculous image Ochiba had just conjured and he resisted the urge to wrap the woman up in his arms once more but instead allowed her to continue on with her cooking "Well I am certainly flattered to be more exciting than an entire ship, honestly." He said with slightly teasing but genuine tone.

Ochiba adds a generous dash of sauces from a bright red glass bottle to the tofu, turning it towards crimson.
"You should be, it's a pretty high bar there."

Kaiu Ryosei wrote: Sun Dec 14, 2025 4:17 am
He leaned against the wall closest to her and crosses his arms over his scarred and bare chest "So what's in the future for you? Just hanging around until everything is finalized with the ship? Or had anything you've been meaning to do or check out in the mean time?"

"There's some business stuff helping some of the clan holdings get settled, ugggh paperwork."
She shudders in horror at the very prospect.

"But I figure that leaves plenty of time for exploring Nakahama a little slower and a little nicer, see the non-tourist stuff you know. Maybe even look for a cozy place nearby longer term. Not that the penthouse isn't great buuuuut I'm not sure it's a home sort of place.

What about you? I mean you've still got that special secret awesome project."

Yoritomo Ochiba wrote: Sun Dec 14, 2025 3:12 pm Snip

He nodded

"yup that's what I've been dedicating most of my time to. I won't be able to even get a working prototype with priests to do the prayers to bless the armor but I can get a concept ready to show potential investors maybe military contractors." He shrugged "I also need some more Phoenix contacts I'm fairly certain their energy technology is the only one that could get an engine small and light and powerful enough to power the armor. Maybe the Crane but that's a longer shot."

He watches her finishing up the meal and he paused chewing on his lip. He then walked up to her and placed his hands on her hips "so....this might be crazy buuuuuut I mean I have a lot of house and currently only me in it so if you were looking for a place to stay......" He let the unspoken offer and question hang in the air a little uncertain.

Kaiu Ryosei wrote: Mon Dec 15, 2025 11:35 am Snip.

Ochiba leans back into him with a smile that slowly grows a little surprised at Ryosei’s offer.

“I… I mean, you sure? I’m kind of loud, and I’m not the most organised. Plus you know, there’s a lot of chaotic energy, which is a good thing but I understand all stuff in moderation.”

Tilting her head to look up at him.
“I don’t want to ruin your vibe, but if you think you can handle it…it is a big house that could use a bit more energy. And it would be cool to be living in a home, a real home.”

Clearly getting more excited about the idea
“With someone I’m coming back to. Hmmm”

Yoritomo Ochiba wrote: Tue Dec 16, 2025 8:39 pm Ochiba leans back into him with a smile that slowly grows a little surprised at Ryosei’s offer.

“I… I mean, you sure? I’m kind of loud, and I’m not the most organised. Plus you know, there’s a lot of chaotic energy, which is a good thing but I understand all stuff in moderation.”

Tilting her head to look up at him.
“I don’t want to ruin your vibe, but if you think you can handle it…it is a big house that could use a bit more energy. And it would be cool to be living in a home, a real home.”

Clearly getting more excited about the idea
“With someone I’m coming back to. Hmmm”

He smiles and releases a breath he hadn't known he was holding when she seemed interested in the idea.

Ryo nods along with her "Well hey we can make sure I have my own space if the energy gets too much, I can always go tinker somewhere or hide in my drafting room."

"Plenty of space to make you your own room too." He pauses and looks down at her softly "am I certain it's the best idea? No, no I'm not. But does my heart tell me that it's an idea worth pursuing? Absolutely. I want you around, as much as possible. When you're here, I want to be your safe haven." He said before he kissed her softly on the top of the head.

Kaiu Ryosei wrote: Wed Dec 17, 2025 1:21 am
He smiles and releases a breath he hadn't known he was holding when she seemed interested in the idea.

Ryo nods along with her "Well hey we can make sure I have my own space if the energy gets too much, I can always go tinker somewhere or hide in my drafting room."

"Plenty of space to make you your own room too." He pauses and looks down at her softly "am I certain it's the best idea? No, no I'm not. But does my heart tell me that it's an idea worth pursuing? Absolutely. I want you around, as much as possible. When you're here, I want to be your safe haven." He said before he kissed her softly on the top of the head.

"Ugggh, you're so sweet." Complained the Mantis, not minding at all.
"Okay then, we'll make a thing of it. But promise me you'll let me know if I'm being too awesome at the wrong hours. I don't want you hiding in your drafting room unless that's what you want to be doing...or unless we're being shot at I guess. But I doubt that's gonna happen."

She wiggles slightly at the kiss before gasping as another pan starts smoking.
"Shit! Okay, grab that spatula and start stirring. Time for a live fire test of our living together skills!"

(( Fade to burning? XD ))

Yoritomo Ochiba wrote: Wed Dec 17, 2025 3:02 am "Ugggh, you're so sweet." Complained the Mantis, not minding at all.
"Okay then, we'll make a thing of it. But promise me you'll let me know if I'm being too awesome at the wrong hours. I don't want you hiding in your drafting room unless that's what you want to be doing...or unless we're being shot at I guess. But I doubt that's gonna happen."

She wiggles slightly at the kiss before gasping as another pan starts smoking.
"Shit! Okay, grab that spatula and start stirring. Time for a live fire test of our living together skills!"

(( Fade to burning? XD ))

He chuckled softly "Yes I promise, I'll always be honest with you and you promise me the same, nothing else matters." He nestled into her a bit and then jumped back a bit when she startled into action

"Aye aye captain." He replied as he grabbed said spatula and dove into the fires of culinary combat once again but this time with a great person by his side.

(Yes fade to burning indeed! XD thank you for the thread and for the start of another great romance.)