Date A Live:Kotori Birthday

"——Commander Itsuka! Happy birthday to you!"

A deafening sound echoed out the instant Itsuka Kotori entered <Fraxinus>'s bridge, party poppers were repeatedly fired off.

Following that was a resounding applause, a trolley cart that had cake loaded on it was also pushed in.

"......Seriously, you guys."

Faced with such a heartwarming scene, Kotori however calmly sighed.

Twin ponytails tied with black ribbons, a young girl who wore an iconic crimson leather jacket. She is without a doubt the youngest person in the room, however her actions and speech hinted at the authority of a leader.

"What are you guys doing so early in the morning......"

As Kotori uttered that line, the crew members voiced out their disapproval.

"Today is our commander's fourteenth birthday! How can you continue to be working at such an important day!"

"I heard that the commander is already holding a party at her house this evening, so we can only celebrate now!"

Although today is the third of August, which happens to be Kotori's birthday......It somehow feels that they had gone slightly overboard.

"......Well, there's nothing bad about it. Everyone just wants to wish you well that's all."

Murasame Reine who was standing on her left spoke. Kotori could only reply "Nn......" as she began to stutter.

"Of course, I did not say that we could not celebrate. That is, I......I don't really dislike this."

Looking at Kotori who replied with an unsteady gaze, the crew members began to get excited.

"It's here! The commander's dere expression!!"

"Thank the gods! Thank the gods!"

A tall man who was standing behind the crowd——Kannazuki stepped out.

"Happy birthday to you, Commander. Being able to meet the commander in person on such a memorable day, I can't feel thankful enough for this moment!"

Kannazuki made a movement as though he was trying to hold back his tears as he continued.

"As such, we have prepared a special gift for you this year!"

"......A special gift?"

As Kotori asked in surprise, the rest of the crew members hastily ran over to cover Kannazuki's mouth.

"Why are you saying this out of the blue!"

"We still have to keep this a secret!?"

"Ah, that, that is true......"

Kotori glared the crew with a gaze of suspicion.

"......What are you guys plotting?"

"Ah, that is......Hahaha."

Just as the crew was intending to laugh it off, Reine raised her head as though she just thought of something.

"......Speaking of presents, Kotori. Shin seems like he still hasn't decided on what to give you yet, you could ask him to get something that you want. Why don't you try and ask him?"

Although it seems like she was saying that just to draw her attention away from the topic......However, there's not much meaning if she tried to get to the bottom of it right now. Kotori turned to face Reine. At the same time, Kotori heard the crew members heave sighs of relief.

"That sort of thing, I can't think of anything if you ask me that all of a sudden."

"......Then how about we change that to something that you want him to do, or wish for him to do for you?"

"Eh?"

Looking at Kotori's face that had a look of suspicion, Reine held out one finger.

"......For example, today you will be dere towards your onii-chan and the like?"

"Wh, why did it become that way! I don't want to be dere towards him!"

"............"

"Wh, what is it?"

"......Nothing. Well, if you put it that way then we'll leave it at that......"

Saying that, Reine turned back and sat down in her own seat, getting back to work.

After temporarily staring at Reine's back without a sound, Kotori clapped her hands.

"Alright alright, hurry up and get back to work."

The crew members immediately returned to their work stations in a haste.

"Really now."

Kotori sighed as she played with her fringe.

"......That kind of thing, how is it possible for me to say it out......"

◇

"Oh, oooh......! shidou! What is this moving thing called!"

Yatogami Tohka pointed at the display window in front of her, enthusiastically crying out.

Black long hair and a perfect face. She was a girl whose beauty was just as described.

What she saw in front of her, was a thin saucer-like automated cleaning machine that was currently in operation. So that's how it was, it truly was moving around in a cute manner.

However, Itsuka Shidou merely sighed, after which he placed his hand on Tohka's shoulder.

"Tohka, do you still remember today's mission?"

"Nn? Nn, of course I still remember! It is to buy something to celebrate Kotori's birthday!"

Tohka nodded exaggeratedly.

That's right, Shidou and Tohka at present was at the shopping mall located in front of Tenguu Train Station in order to search for Kotori's birthday present.

"That's correct, so you understand right? At the very least Kotori won't be happy if that gets into her hands. Perhaps I would feel happier if I got that."

"Then Shidou should get it!"

"That's not the point......"

"That......"

Just as Shidou was in conversation with Tohka, a voice called out from his back.

Turning around to look, standing right there was a small girl who was wearing a straw sunhat whose left hand had a rabbit puppet on. She was Yoshino who tagged along in order to help Shidou to search for Kotori's birthday present.

"Shidou-san, what do you think......of this?"

Saying that, Yoshino used her right hand and the hand that had the puppet on to pass a box for Shidou to look at. Inside the box was an exquisite white tea set.

"Ohh......I see, I think that it's a great idea, Kotori likes to drink red tea after all."

Hearing Shidou say that, Yoshino's face became red due to embarrassment.

"Oooh......I get it now, so that would be more suitable! Then I'll——"

Shidou stopped Tohka who seemed like she had realized something and was about to run into the mall.

"You can't, she'll feel awkward if she receives a similar present right?"

"Uuh......is that so. Then, shidou what do you want to give her?"

"Eh? I......"

Being questioned, Shidou was rendered speechless.

It was not because he has to keep it a secret till the party, it was also not something that is embarrassing to say when said out loud. It was simply because he still has not thought of what to get for her.

It was not that Shidou was clueless about what Kotori would want that would make her happy. However, once he considered that it was a birthday that happens only once a year, it became hard for him to make a final decision......As a result, he is still unable to decide on a gift even on her birthday itself.

"Nn......"

Shidou used his hand to support his chin, closing his eyes and tried to picture Kotori in his mind. ——After that,

"——Ah, now that you mention it......"

Shidou opened his eyes, as though recalling something.

◇

"......Where's Kotori?"

"She just returned home."

Kannazuki swiftly replied Reine's question. At the same time, the crew members in the bridge showed battle-ready expressions, awaiting instructions at their own work stations.

That's right, the 8th of March has just begun.

"Everyone, are you all ready?"

"Yes sir!"

At the same moment the crew members replied as one, the main screen at the bridge displayed the image of the Itsuka residence. Shidou and the others were in the midst of happily preparing for the party.

"Alright then, next up is the main point, let me reconfirm the battle plan, first of all——"

Kannazuki began to briefly run through the plan for the final time.

Just as Kannazuki had finished his explanation of the battle plan, He suddenly threw a suspicious look behind him.

"Nn?"

"What's the matter?"

"Was there someone over there just now?"

The crew members turned their heads around at Kannazuki's words, but there was no one there.

"No one's there. Are you thinking too much?"

Kannazuki scratched his head and tilted his head in confusion.

"............Uh."

Reine turned to look at the door, using her hand to support her chin as she did so.

◇

"——HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

A warm cheer resonated at the dining table of the Itsuka residence.

At present The table was full of dishes that Shidou made, in the center was a huge strawberry cake.

3rd August, Thursday. It was Shidou's sister——Itsuka Kotori's fourteenth birthday.

Seated right inside was the person of the day Kotori. Seated on the two sides were Tohka, Yoshino, Shidou and Reine.

"I already did say that it would have been better if you guys had kept it simple......"

Saying that, Kotori who seated at the birthday seat slowly blushed crimson.

It could be because Kotori was constantly fidgeting, her two ponytails that was tied together with black ribbons seemed to be happily waving about.

"......Happy birthday. This has the best wishes of everyone onboard <Fraxinus> in it."

Reine passed over a simple square box to Kotori.

"Thank you......So this was the special present mentioned previously?"

"......Why don't you guess?"

Reine started to purposely avoid making eye contact, Kotori stared at Reine's face with a suspicious expression.

However, that expression was swiftly replaced with another expression.

"Kotori! Happy birthday!"

"Happy birthday, Kotori-san!"

[Congratulations!]

Tohka, Yoshino and [Yoshinon] passed their delicately wrapped presents to Kotori.

"Th, thanks......"

Kotori turned her eyes away seemingly embarrassed while accepting the presents.

Looking at Kotori acting this way, Shidou's facial expression relaxed unconsciously. Kotori seemed to have noticed that fact as well, her face blushed an even deeper shade of red.

"Ahaha......sorry sorry. About that, happy birthday, Kotori."

Saying that, Shidou and Tohka gave their presents as well.

"......I guess I have to say thanks to you as well."

"Nnn don't mention it."

"......Can I open them now?"

Kotori looked at everyone as she asked. Tohka, Yoshino and [Yoshinon] eagerly nodded their heads in agreement.

However Reine stopped Kotori.

"......Kotori, can you open my present after all of us go back?"

"Eh? It's not like I can't do so......"

Kotori inclined her head to the side in confusion, placing Reine's present that was in her hands to one side.

Seeing that, Shidou raised his volume.

"Ah——If it is possible, can my present be opened when everyone goes home as well?"

"Shidou you too? I can do that......but the way the two of you are acting, have you two planned something?"

"No, there's no planning whatsoever......"

Shidou stuttered as he replied. How to say it, Shidou somehow felt that it would be embarrassing if it were to be exposed in front of everyone. It was embarrassing to the point where he had to get Tohka and Yoshino to wait outside when he bought it.

"Uh......Well, it's fine. Then I'll open Tohka's and Yoshino's first."

Tohka, on the other hand excitedly leaned forward over the table.

"Hey shidou, can we start eating!?"

Tohka pointed to the dishes on the table, her eyes shining as though she couldn't wait any longer.

"Nn......shouldn't we wait till Kotori opens the presents?"

"! Uuh, is that so, we should normally open presents first huh......sorry Kotori, I've been rude."

After Shidou gently reminded Tohka, Tohka immediately apologized to Kotori as though she had just realized something.

"It's alright, let's eat first."

After Kotori waved her hands and said that line, Tohka's expressions immediately brightened.

"Really!?"

"Of course."

Kotori nodded her head in agreement. Tohka then turned to face Shidou, since the star of the day has already said it there's nothing he could do about it, Shidou too nodded his head.

"Oooh, then I'm digging in!"

Tohka said it as such, happily putting her hands together with a 'Pa!'

Approximately three hours passed.

Once everybody had tasted the delicious food, drank tea from the teaset that Yoshino and [Yoshinon] had bought and played board games that Tohka had given. It was finally time for Tohka to return to the building next door and for Yoshino and Reine to go back to <Fraxinus>.

"Nn, then I'll see you tomorrow, Shidou."

Tohka who had finished eating those delicious dishes and had a fun time with those board games yawned with a "Haa~"

"Alright, remember to bathe and brush your teeth."

"Nn!"

Tohka nodded her head in agreement before wearing her shoes and opening the door.

"......Well then, we better be going now."

"Good night......"

[Seeya!]

After Tohka left, Reine and the others slowly made their way to the foyer. As though replying their words, Kotori waved to them.

"Nn, see you tomorrow."

After that Tohka and the others waved their hands in return and closed the door with a 'Patan.'.

Only when the footsteps of the three could not be heard did Shidou stretch and relaxed.

"Well then, I guess I should hurry up and finish clearing things up."

Saying that Shidou returned to the living room and started to clear the remaining utensils left on the table.

Kotori on the other hand seemed to be avoiding Shidou's line of sight as she sneaked to the corner where the sofa was and started to fiddle with something.

"Kotori? What are you doing?"

"! Do, don't mind me!"

"......?"

Having a mild sense of confusion, Shidou merely tilted his head and continued to clear the utensils.

After a while Kotori stood up, walking towards the dining table in the living room. For reasons unknown, Kotori looked slightly different from before.

"Alright......Next up is......"

Kotori stood in front of the dining table, forcefully stuck her head out in an unnatural manner.

And so at that moment, one of the black ribbons that Kotori used to tie her hair fell off and happened to land on the cutlery.

"Uwah!"

Kotori hastily fished her ribbon out.

"Ah, it's dirtied......"

"Oi oi......here, let me see."

Saying that Shidou extended his hand towards Kotori. However, Kotori suddenly took a step backwards just as Shidou's hand was about to touch her.

"I'm going to change a ribbon since it can't be helped."

"Eh? About that, although you should change one, but you should at least soak it in water first......"

"I'll be back soon, wait for me!"

Kotori did not listen to Shidou's words till the end, running off to the corridor.

"Well......Since it was black anyway, the stain shouldn't be that obvious."

Saying that, Shidou noticed something out of the ordinary just now. Now that he recalled when Kotori came over from the corner of the sofa her ribbon seemed to have already been loosened.

"It can't be......"

Just as Shidou was in deep thought, Kotori suddenly pushed opened the door to the living room and came back.

"Onii~chan~~!!"

——It was the highly expressive Kotori who had changed into white ribbons.

From her expressions, Kotori became reasonably gentler, her speech became the same as that of how girls her age should be. If people who aren't aware were to see this, they would probably think that she was Kotori's twin sister.

"Kotori......?"

He frowned whilst feeling that something was odd......but upon a second thought he decided that it was unavoidable.

——Kotori, she only has that single pair of black ribbons.

To Kotori, the act of [changing ribbons] had an even deeper meaning compared of changing clothes.

When she wears white ribbons, she was the Kotori that was as sweet and innocent as her age group.

When she wears black ribbons, she was the Kotori that was the tough commander of <Fraxinus>.

It was precisely because of these two distinct personalities, that Kotori was able to possess a [strong self] and undertake cruel missions.

"Alright, let's clean up! Clean up!"

Kotori seemed to be happy as she rolled up her sleeves and brought the cutlery to the washbasin.

For a second Shidou was left in a daze, but that was quickly changed to that of a bitter smile. That was because ever since Shidou started interacting with the Spirits, situations with Kotori being in commander mode has been increasing, so it was kind of refreshing for Shidou to see the original Kotori.

"Onii——chan? What's——the matter?"

Kotori used a questioning glance to look at Shidou. Shidou on the other hand waved his hand from side to side in an attempt to cover it up and continued to walk to the washbasin.

At this moment, Kotori seemed to have remembered something, looking towards the present which Reine had given her that was left on the chair.

"They did say that we should open it once everyone went back right? So it should be alright if I open it now?"

"Nn, open it then."

When Shidou said that, Kotori immediately used a refreshing American style opening method to tear the wrapping open.

"What's inside?"

"Nn, It......looks like a DVD of a movie."

"A movie? Is it created by the,? Just like [A great leader and rare revolutinary——Comrade Itsuka Kotori and our footsteps] or something like that."

"It can't be! Although I've never seen it before, but it looks like the kind that is commonly sold on the market."

"Eh......That's odd."

Shidou shrugged as he put on his apron. Thinking about the crew members of <Fraxinus> who loved Kotori so much, he was kind of expecting a unique present to be given to her.

Shidou began to wash the dishes as he pondered. Following that, a low hum sounded from the television, it seems that Kotori had started watching that movie.

"Hey hey, you're watching it now?"

"It's al~right, it's al~right, it will end in two hours or so. Presents are rarely given, it's better to finish watching it today."

"......Really now, be sure to bathe immediately after watching it."

"I——know!"

A single right hand rose from the sofa. Shidou went back to washing the dishes.

However, a few minutes later,

"Waaaaaaaaa!?"

At the same time a loud sound was emitted from the television speakers, Kotori began crying out loudly as she escaped into the kitchen. For good measure, she hugged Shidou's waist and hid behind him.

"Waa! Wh, what's with you......"

Shidou lowered his gaze, looking at Kotori who was tightly grabbing onto the corner of Shidou's shirt, Shidou felt his shoulder tremble from her shaking.

Shidou frowned as he looked towards the screen of the television——and soon found out the reason for this situation.

Shown on the screen was a horde of terrifying zombies, looks like it was a horror movie.

It seems that he has become absent minded recently, he just remembered that Kotori was weak towards stuff involving horror.

"Really now Reine-san, don't tell me she has no idea that Kotori is terrified of such things......? Alright then, I'll turn it off for you, so you can let go now."

Shidou said as he wiped his hands on the apron, however Kotori shook her head while trembling.

"N......no need. I want, to finish it."

"I say, aren't you really afraid of these kind of things? You don't have to force yourself......"

"......This was selected by everyone for me, so I have to finish watching this."

Saying that, Kotori raised her head. Judging from her expression, it looks like she does not wish to let down the expectations that everybody had of her.

"......Well then, um, all the best."

"Nn......!"

Kotori vigorously nodded her head, walking towards the living room. ......For some unknown reason, she was still pulling on the edge of Shidou's clothing.

"I still have to wash the dishes......"

"......Uu......"

Kotori suddenly made an expression as though she was about to break down in tears, Shidou sighed as though it can't be helped, took off the apron and walked towards the living room along with Kotori.

"......What's the situation?"

After sending Yoshino back to her room, Reine who had returned to the bridge of <Fraxinus> questioned the crew with a low voice.

"The commander has started to watch the movie. Furthermore it looks like we have succeeded in making her feel frightened.

"......But she is still watching it, correct?"

"That's right, there is no signs of her stopping, it seems that she intends to finish watching the movie."

"After all the commander did say that she would never do any rude acts such as carelessly handling presents......!"

"Nn......how wonderful, commander......!"

The crew wiped their eyes while being extremely touched.

"However, it was really a stroke of luck, we didn't expect her ribbon to be changed. It was as though it was destined!"

"......Just a coincidence, huh?"

"? Is something the matter?"

"......It's nothing."

After Reine returned to her seat, she looked at Kotori and Shidou who were shown on the main screen.

"......We should let Kotori honestly do what she wants occasionally."

Saying that Reine manipulated the controls, a complicated route map was shown on the screen.

"......Two hours from now, we will start Phase Two of our battle plan. Make preparations."

"Understood!"

The crew members replied Reine's orders with raised voices.

On a side note, looking at the vice-commander who was originally supposed to give the orders——Kannazuki.

"Ah, that expression is excellent, commander! But the S commander is also......!"

He was alone while immersed in his delusions.

The two hours could be said to be lacking in comfort.

Due to the screen repeatedly showing monsters from the movie, coupled with the fact that a sudden telephone ring would cause Kotori to squeal aloud and grab Shidou's sleeves tightly, or bury her face into his side. The movie finally ended with much effort, his sleeves seemed to have been stretched quite a fair bit.

"Haa......Haa......"

Kotori's eyes were red due to the circulation of blood, she rested her head onto Shidou's shoulder. Through the bodily contact Shidou was able to feel her rapid heartbeat as well as her damp body due to sweat.

"Look, it already ended. There's no need to be afraid anymore."

"Nn, nn......"

After taking a deep breath, Kotori finally released Shidou's hand.

However——At that instant.

"Eh......!?"

Suddenly, all the lights in the room went out, causing the loudest wail of today to cry out.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA——!!"

"U, wah! Ca, calm down Kotori!"

Perhaps she panicked due to the sudden turn of events, in the pitch black darkness, Kotori pounced onto Shidou's.

Shidou gently patted Kotori's back attempting to calm her down, at the same time he took out his handphone as a form of illumination.

"Is it a power trip......? I'll go and take a look, so can you stay here and wait for me......"

"I dun wadda! (I don't wanna)"

Kotori said using a voice that was on the verge of breaking down, hugging him tightly.

"There's no helping it then......Then let's go and take a look together."

"Au——......"

Shidou stood up, Kotori on the other hand was tightly gripping onto his hand.

Using the weak light to illuminate their front, they slowly moved from the corridor to the circuit breaker.

"Eh......There's nothing wrong with the circuit breaker. Don't tell me it's a power outage?"

"Eh? Ehh......!?"

Probably thinking that everything would be alright once they've arrived here, Kotori couldn't help but cry out.

"Th, then what should we do......?"

"Well......I guess we'll have to make do until the power comes back on again."

After Shidou said that, Kotori's eyes widened in horror.

"No......No way......! Absolutely not!"

Even if you say that there's nothing I can do. Shidou scratched his head feeling troubled.

However Kotori whose body was quivering like a small animal raised her head as though she had just thought of an idea.

"Th, that's right! Onii-chan, let's go to the <Fraxinus>!"

"Ahh, you're right. We still got that option."

Not even waiting for Shidou to finish his sentence, Kotori took out her earphone and put it into her ear.

"......He, hello! My name is Itsuka Kotori, is this Murasame-san!?"

Kotori seemed to be in panic as she spoke through the earphone.

"Ah, Reine! Can you immediately bring the two of us——Eh?"

Kotori was midway through her words when she stopped and turned to look at Shidou.

"O......Onii-chan......"

"Wh, what's the matter?"

"Th, that is......she said that there's something wrong with the transfer unit......it will only be fixed tomorrow morning......"

"Ah, is that so?"

Shidou frowned as he replied. Reine and the others just made use of that not too long ago......can it really happen in such a short time span.

Although he was not sure of the exact details, but if they were unable to make use of the transfer device, then they would be unable to be transported into the airship. It seems that they would have to scrap this plan.

"......Let's go back to the living room then."

"Uu......nn......"

Kotori made an uneasy sound, following Shidou's back as she held his hand tight. Shidou carefully made his way through the pitch black corridor.

When they arrived at the entrance of the living room, Kotori suddenly stopped in her footsteps.

"? What's wrong Kotori. Aren't you going in?"

"Gah......um."

Kotori looked embarrassed, she rubbed her thighs together as she lowered her head and twisted her body.

"I......I, need to go to the washroom......"

"Ha? Oh, then you should go then."

You don't have to explicitly voice it out......just as Shidou was contemplating that, Kotori shook her head with a degree of force that one might worry that it would fall off.

"H, how can I go......!"

"You can't very well hold it in for an entire night......"

"Uu......uuuu......"

Kotori frowned and raised her head, after taking a look at the dark corridor, she swiftly conveyed her thoughts to Shidou using eye contact, there's just no way she can do it!

"Br, bring the toilet bowl over......! I'm going to do it here!"

"Id, idiot! How can I bring that over!"

"Th, then I'll settle for diapers, hurry up and give it to me! Save me Moonyman!"

"You should just go——"

Just as Shidou started to speak, the doorbell rang.

"Eek......!?"

Kotori's body gave a violent jolt, she pounced onto Shidou. Lowering her head and fidgeting her body, she made a faint voice.

"Uu, uuu......I think it came out a little......"

"Eh?"

"N, nothing at all!"

Although there were many things that he did not understand, but he couldn't very well leave a visitor outside unattended. Shidou walked towards the entrance dragging Kotori along with him.

"I'm coming, who is it......"

After opening the door, standing outside was a tall male carrying an enormous cardboard box with his cap worn at the eyebrow level.

"Good evening. This is a package that was sent to your house."

"You are still delivering......at this time?"

"Yes! Do use it immediately!"

Shidou tilted his head. That voice feels familiar somehow.

"Don't tell me you are, Kannazuki-sa——"

"! I'll just leave this here then!"

"Eh, about that, don't you need me to stamp it......"

But the man left, just as Shidou was midway through his words.

"What in the world is going on here......"

Shidou stared at the door for a while before shutting it, looking at the cardboard box that was placed onto the floor.

After moving it to the corridor, he tore the tape and opened it.

Inside the box was a duck-shaped urinal for infants and diapers.

"Th, this is......"

"!! Hu, hurry up and give that to me!"

Kotori yelled out, taking out the urinal from the cardboard box, squatting over it.

"Ho, hold on a minute! If you are going to do this it is going to be wrong on so many levels!?"

"I, I'm already at my limit here......!"

Kotori yelled as though she has run out of options, using her hands to hold her abdomen. Shidou couldn't help but lightly sigh.

"I understand. I will follow you then."

Saying that, Kotori hesitated for an instant before nodding her head.

"Nn......Thank you, Onii-chan."

Kotori said to him with an honest expression, exerting more strength into holding Shidou's hand.

"Uuh......"

Shidou let out a groan. Somehow......due to being constantly scolded by her recently, when the current Kotori is able to honestly rely on him like this, it made him feel extremely happy.

Shidou made his way to the washroom, building up his Onii-chan power as he did so.

"Well then, I'll wait for you here then."

"Nn......"

After Kotori lightly nodded her head, she timidly opened the door to the toilet.

"Kya......!"

However, she couldn't help but hold her breath and retreat a few steps back upon gazing into the space resembling a black hole.

Well, to be honest Shidou did understand how she felt, after all he too felt slightly creeped out. The current Kotori must be full of fear right now.

"I can't do it......I'm too scared......!"

"Even if you say that......there's no other way. Isn't it going to come out already?"

"Uuh......"

After Kotori made a tiny whine, she seemed to have thought of something as she opened her mouth to speak.

"O, Onii-chan should come in as well!"

"Ha......Haa?"

Hearing her sudden solution, Shidou accidentally let out an agitated voice while frowning.

"You, what are you saying. How can I——"

"Then I will do it inside the urinal! Or I will do it right here! I've already made my resolve!"

"What the hell!"

"Oh no, I'm at my limit! It's coming out!"

"Ah, really......I got it already!"

He couldn't very well let his fourteen year old sister do a disgraceful thing like leaking. As such Shidou entered the toilet while holding Kotori's hand.

"Onii-chan, please look the other way......"

"Oo, oh......"

Following her instructions, he turned his body towards the door. Very swiftly Kotori started to move behind Shidou's back, hearing the sound of thin fabric rubbing against each other, Shidou got a shock.

"Um, Onii-chan......Can you please cover your ears......?"

"! Ah, s, sorry......"

He totally did not notice this fact. Shidou hastily used his hands to plug his two ears. After which Kotori used her two hands to tightly hug Shidou's body.

......Although Shidou wasn't the cause, but he somehow felt that he was doing something extremely wrong, causing his heart to beat violently. An extremely massive sense of immorality filled his heart, exiting from his nose as heated breathing.

Not long after, the two hands that were wrapped around his body relaxed, softly hugging his back.

"It's alright now. ......Thank you."

"Nn......You're welcome."

Saying that, Shidou and Kotori walked out of the washroom together.

The problem was finally solved, Shidou breathed a sigh of relief.

However the next problem swiftly appeared——a few minutes right after they came out of the toilet.

"I think......since we can't do anything due to the power out, why don't we turn in early for the night."

As soon as Shidou said that, Kotori, "Ehh—......", made a voice of displeasure.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just......I haven't taken a bath today......"

Although the electricity reliant water heater has stopped working, but the power outage happened not too long ago, therefore the water in the bathtub should still be warm. However......

"......But, the bathroom is pitch dark as well you know? Will you be alright?"

"Uuu......But my body's all sticky......"

"Well you did make a big ruckus just now."

After Shidou spoke, Kotori pouted.

"Ab, about that, Onii-chan......"

"Nn? So you're finally giving up?"

"If, if it's possible, let's bathe together......"

"No way no way no way."

It was true that they used to take baths together when they were young, but it's impossible to happily bathe with his sister whose secondary sex characteristics are beginning to show. Shidou frantically waved his hands and objected.

And then Kotori tightly clung onto Shidou's body and pleaded.

"Onii-chan......This is my life's biggest wish......Please bathe with me......"

Kotori begged with a sobbing voice, rushing towards Shidou with a tear-streaked face. Shidou made a troubled expression and lightly sighed.

"Doing this is just not right......"

"There's no problem, because it's impossible to see due to the darkness! Furthermore we're siblings!"

"Um......"

"Oniiiiiii-chaaaaaaaan......."

"I got it I got it. I'll bathe with you, so stop clinging onto me!"

Faced with Kotori's forceful advances, Shidou finally gave in, he raised his two arms up to indicate his surrender. Only then did Kotori release her hold of Shidou's body.

"Really now......Only for today alright?"

Leading Kotori into the changing room, after preparing bath towels as well as clothes to change in, he started to take off his clothes with his back turned to Kotori.

"Uu......"

However, resistance still existed within him. Even though they were siblings, but bathing with a person of the opposite sex and similar age still does not feel right......

If Kotori were to speak of this incident to anybody Shidou may very well be dealt with the death penalty in society. Needless to say, neither his friends nor his parents must know of this.

Just as Shidou was contemplating upon these problems, behind his back came the sound of Kotori taking off her clothes. It seems that she has started to make preparations to enter the bath. As such Shidou too, hastily took off his clothes, placing them in the washing basket.

"Onii-chan......are you done?"

"O, oh......yeah."

A room devoid of light. Although his eyes have already gotten used to the darkness, but he could only roughly see Kotori's outline. However once he recalled that the sister before him is currently in a state with her clothes removed, he couldn't help but panic.

"Onii-chan......?"

"Aaah......I'm sorry, let's go in."

After Shidou entered the bathroom, he carefully felt for and removed the cover of the bathtub, immersing his body inside.

Usually he should first wash his body clean before entering the bath, but since they were currently in a special situation as well as in their own home, they would not need to care about that so much about that.

Closely behind Shidou, Kotori too entered the bathtub. Facing Shidou, she sat down in the bathtub like how she did during P.E. lessons. Due to two people entering the tub, a large amount of water flowed out as a result.

"Ah......A bath feels great."

"Uu, nn......After bathing in warm water I feel less scared compared to just now......"

The legs of the two constantly touched as they engaged in conversation. However, the two soon felt embarrassed due to the sense of fear dissipating, as a result they soon fell into silence.

"............"

God knows how long had passed, Kotori seemed to have made up her mind about something as she started to speak to Shidou.

"U, um......Onii-chan. Don't you think......it's a little cramped in here?"

"Nn? This is a bathtub designed for a single person after all. Well, since you seem fine by yourself, then I'll go——"

"Th, that's not what I meant!"

Sounds of water splashing could be heard. It seems that Kotori was waving her hands on the water surface.

"I'm saying......Can I go over there......"

"Eh?"

Shidou tilted his head in question, before he even had the chance to reply, Kotori suddenly stood up, turned around before entering the bathtub once more.

The end result was Kotori sitting on Shidou's body.

"Eehh......!?"

Thighs, stomach, chest were all in close contact with Kotori's soft skin. Shidou's body froze due to Kotori's sudden action.

......To be honest, he was truly careless. Although he kept saying "How can we bathe together......", but in actual fact deep down inside he felt that since they had already bathed together a few times before, there was no way he would commit any mistakes.

But, this is simply the worst. The absolute worst. What he felt from Kotori who was sitting on him, was not the weight of his cute sister, but the attractive warmth and feel of a female.

If he was unable to control himself here, Shidou would have reached the point of no return. When his parents return from overseas work, he may possibly have to introduce a new family member to them.

However Kotori did not sense Shidou's thoughts as all, she softly laughed.

"Ahaha......Onii-chan is scared as well."

"Eh? Wh, why do you say that......"

"That's because your heart is beating even faster now?"

Saying that, Kotori got even closer to him.

——The one I'm frightened of is you! Shidou yelled out loudly within his mind.

I'm at my limit soon, I have to hurry up and get away from Kotori.

Even though he said that, the current Kotori was in a state of fear, she would not be leaving Shidou's side that easily.

"Ah......That's right."

Shidou suddenly recalled something, using his hand to cover his mouth, he remained silent for a period of time.

Probably feeling that something was off about Shidou, Kotori spoke to Shidou.

"Onii——chan? What's wrong with you......?"

And then towards Kotori, Shidou used a low, menacing voice to reply.

"He, hehe......Your, Onii-chan has already disappeared from this body......"

"Kya......!?"

Kotori held her breath, her body started to tremble.

That's right. Since Kotori did not wish to leave Shidou's side, then he'll have to scare her to make her leave.

"O, Onii-chan!?"

"This body has already been possessed by me......"

"Ho, how can this be......"

"Kotori-chan, there's a very nice smell coming from your body......it smells very delicious......"

"Waaaaaaaaa! Waaaaaaaaaaa!"

Kotori let out a wail, frantically moved her limbs. After that she stood up as though she wanted to escape from the bathtub.

Alright......Shidou reflexively clenched his fist. She fell for it, now it'll be alright once she escape into the changing room——

However,

"Onii—chan! Onii-chaaaaaaaan——!"

Kotori seemed to have remembered something as she suddenly turned around, attempting to enter the bath once more. Furthermore due to her panic, her foot slipped, falling towards Shidou.

The same time Shidou's face made contact with an extremely soft and warm area——he gave a wail. Kotori who suffered a fright due to this let out a wail as well.

"Waa——!"

"Waa——!"

......Screams continued to resound from the bathroom.

◇

"Ar, are you alright......Kotori......"

"Nn......and Onii-chan......?"

"Oh, I'm fine too......"

Peace at last, Shidou who had changed into his pyjamas spoke as he rubbed the part of his head that hit the side of the bathtub.

Although he suffered multiple injuries, but he has somehow avoided the worst case scenario. Even though he is the older brother he couldn't very well commit a mistake because of love.

Looking at the time indicated on his handphone. It seems that two or three hours had passed.

"Since we've already brushed our teeth, let's sleep now."

"Nn......You're right......"

Kotori nodded, holding Shidou's hand in a natural fashion. Due to the recent turn of events, this action made Shidou's heart skip a beat......However he still had his pride as her brother, so he did not openly voice it out.

Just as Shidou was about to enter his own room, Kotori suddenly exerted more force into her grip.

......Well, he had already expected as much from the series of events. But Shidou still turned to face Kotori.

"What's wrong, Kotori?"

"......Today, please sleep with me?"

"......I expected as much——"

Shidou silently mumbled, nodding his head as though he had completely given up.

"Alright. But it's only for today."

"! That's wonderful!"

Kotori let out a joyful voice.

Well, what's this compared to bathing together. Shidou and Kotori first went inside Kotori's room to take her pillow before moving to Shidou's room. After placing the handphone at the shelf near the bed, Shidou lay on the bed.

"Hey, Kotori. Be careful not to fall off."

"Nn!"

After Kotori placed her pillow, she too joined Shidou. After Shidou stroked her head, he pulled the blanket and began to sleep.

"Good night, Kotori."

"Nn......Good night, Onii-chan."

Kotori spoke in a small voice. Although he couldn't see her expression, but he felt that she was probably smiling when she said that.

Perhaps it was due to fatigue, ten minutes did net even pass yet, Shidou had already slipped into deep sleep.

Just before he totally fell asleep,

"Today......really, thanks a lot. ——I love you the most, Onii-chan."

Seemingly hearing something like that, as well as feeling something soft on his cheek......Whether it was real or just a dream, Shidou could no longer tell the difference.

◇

On the main screen on the bridge of <Fraxinus>, showed Shidou and Kotori sleeping closely next to each other.

Looking at the image, the crew members nodded with satisfaction, clapping their hands together, some of them even started tearing due to the influx of emotions. Among them, there was also one who was screaming, "Why isn't there scenes of the toilet and the bathrooooooooooom!", but it would be alright to ignore him.

In a nutshell, the present was successfully handed over to Kotori. Reine watched the screen as she silently spoke.

"......Happy birthday, Kotori."

◇

"Seiya!"

"Gaoo......!?"

The next morning. Accompanied with the sunlight shining through the window, the violent impact generated at his torso, caused Shidou's body to nearly break in two.

"Hmph, what kind of cry was that, you can stay here and act like a lion if you want."

A strong voice sounded out. Kotori who had already changed was standing right there eating a lollipop.

——On a side note, her hair was currently tied up with black ribbons.

"Kotori......That is."

Due to the power outage last night, Kotori's black ribbons should still be unwashed......

"Ah."

At this point, Shidou noticed something.

Those black ribbons were too clean and neat to have been used for five years.

"You've already......put them on huh."

That's right. The ribbons that Kotori is using right now, was the present that Shidou gave her last night.

After all Kotori had been using the black ribbons since Shidou gave them to her five years ago. Although she had always been treasuring it, but wear and tear was unavoidable. The quality became rough, threads had already started to come out.

Shidou who had noticed this fact bought ribbons identical to the ones five years ago and gave them to Kotori once more.

"Well, Shidou's performance is average I guess. I'll commend you for that."

Saying that, Kotori jumped to the floor from Shidou's body.

"Nnn......"

Shidou slowly sat up, rubbing his throbbing chest as he did so.

"But......since you've already woken up you could have woken me up as well. You don't have to open the present and wake me after wearing that......"

"Hmph, the person who can't wake up only has himself to blame. ——Furthermore, I've already opened all the presents yesterday. I won't do something as rude as setting aside gifts for a night."

Her words and actions were totally opposite from yesterday. Shidou couldn't help but sigh while missing that cute little sister.

"Really now, you were still crying and shouting Onii-chan Onii-chan yesterday too......"

"Mach Pierce!"

"Guha!?"

Kotori hit him with an acceleration that utilized her full strength, Shidou groaned from the impact.

"You better come down quickly. ——Even though it's a little simple, but I've already made breakfast"

"Eh?"

Shidou could not stop himself from widening his eyes in surprise. Kotori was definitely bad at cooking......

"How rare. Have you been planning to do so?"

"......I just felt like doing it. And, I'm not too sure about the taste too."

"That doesn't matter at all. Thank you."

"......Hmph"

As Kotori finished, she twirled the stick of the lollipop with her mouth as she walked out of the room.

"......Nn?"

At this moment, he suddenly realized something.

Kotori's words just now, there was something odd about that.

Presents were already opened yesterday......Kotori did say that.

But ever since the power outage, Kotori had always been with Shidou.

If Kotori had the opportunity to move about by herself, she would only have a few minutes after Shidou fell asleep......But that would mean, Kotori would have to walk inside the pitch black house in the middle of the night by herself to the living room.

If she was able to accomplish that, then wouldn't she be able to go to the toilet and bathe by herself......

"Forget it......That's impossible."

Shidou shrugged. How can Kotori who was so afraid of the dark do that. She must have opened it when Shidou was unaware.

"——Shidou! You're too slow!"

"Oh no......"

The terrifying imouto-sama's voice could be heard from the bottom of the staircase, as such Shidou hastily walked out of the room.

End.