Don't Stand So Close

Ooh boi, and what a way to end the month...
So, after countless chats with comrade, this pairing was born, and after folks on Blorbo.social voting, looks like the pilot chapter has saw the daylight (yes, it was yet again one shot, but it has become into a serial...)

However, it is also my first time writing Meira sisters. So, yeah, ya boi also had a chance to revisit KOF Another Day in so many years, tho, this time a Russian dub, which was surely something else... Not uncle Ancord's level of epic dubbing, but it was entertaining (also, Russian subs were not really working, so, seeing how it is OIIAI Cat Meme level... yup, I died from laughing x'D like look at this mess of a subbbing ya boi went through https://bsky.app/profile/minachan95.bsky.social/post/3lwtbjy5oz226 )

A-anyway, it seems that in the working progress, this pairing is slowly growing into me, and it seems that KUSANAGI may finally get a redhead she always desired, even if the least one she imagined (everyone please be nice to her 'cos she is author's little mew mew, a bit accoustic and a tiny bit nuts)

Ah, and as always, huge thanks for the support and hard work of Yuzu for proof-reading this chapter!💖

Also, this time, I carefully picked a fitting playlist for this story to capture this pairing's vibe/energy (with lyrics included) So, feel free to check those songs while reading this chapter.

Author's playlist used for this fic - be it in the work process or reading with no specific order:

Click here to reveal

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  

Also, thanks to Comrade's consultation, we have decided and picked outfits for these two as well:
The visual aid used for Meira sisters outfits:

Click here to reveal/close

• 
• 

Lastly,
As always,
Enjoy!~

_____________________

Somewhere, outside the back side of the large storage complex. It is the middle of the night, and for some, it is a perfect time to come out from their lair and hunt.

One tanned brunette, wearing a black zipped baggy hoodie, tracksuit pants with three stripes and torn holes and sneakers that have seen better days, is holding onto the metal-wired fence and pressing her body against it, like an intimidating, large feline.

While in practice, she looks nothing more than a raccoon holding onto a fence with her fingerless gloves and analyzing her new territory from a safe distance.

But for now, she studies how the security guards are patrolling the area and complains. “Come on. Just leave already. Sooner or later, you’ll get bored.”

Unfortunately for her, when she assumes that the guards will use what she thinks is the door for the staff, two men seem to light the cigarettes and blow gray smoke, submerging into the chilly night sky.

Surely, it makes Kusanagi growl and grind her teeth while grabbing the poor fence. “You sure have a lot of nerve.”

When she smirks wide like a Cheshire cat, she narrows her glowing crimson eyes. “However, whatever you are protecting must be really important~”

Thus, after a brief chuckle, Kusanagi adds in a nearly singing voice. “Girls, your Big Sis will bring you the biggest feast you ever seen~ Just wait and see how your Big Sis will take down another rich ugly bastard.”

Lastly, the brunette puts on the hood and starts sneaking around the enemy’s territory while bracing herself for the brutal battle against who knows how many men in suits armed to the teeth. On the other hand, just the thought of boiling her opponents alive or burning them to crispy ashes sends a pleasant electricity running like countless ants all over her palms, and excites the tanned brunette.

Besides, it might also be a nice training before challenging her one and only – the Red Demon with the corrupted flame.

I’ll show you that I’m a far superior and worthy opponent than that good-for-nothing crybaby. Kusanagi closes her eyes and exhales like a high-schooler having a big crush.

However, the very little that she knows is that her wish will be granted and she’ll encounter one redhead. Although it may not be exactly who she expects.

After going through the whole circle as quietly as a stealthy huntress, Kusanagi is back at the starting point.

“It seems the coast is clear~ Good.” The tanned brunette rubs her palms before gripping the wired fence and starting to climb up.

Surely, it’s not as easy as she expected, but at least it’s not one of the spiky ones or electrified.

When she manages to reach the top of the fence, she throws her legs to the other side and jumps down.

After landing on her fours, Kusanagi lifts her bottom and gets up like a graceful feline, glancing around her surroundings with her cunning red eyes.

But for now, she throws the hood over her head before sneaking to the enormous storage.

While moving as silently as the night, the brunette wonders why this place has become such a ghost town.

Perhaps the guards or the owner of this place already know about her presence, but they decide to let her wander like a mouse in a twisted game.

Either way, there’s no reason to stay here more than needed. Or so Kusanagi convinces herself as she approaches the sealed, lowered gate.

Unfortunately for her, in the middle of her way, she is stopped by the stern man’s voice from behind her. “Stop right here! And raise your hands!”

As Kusanagi cracks a mocking smile, she sees more men coming her way and pointing their guns at her.

Even when the tip of the pistol is pressed against her back, the tanned brunette chuckles, and her crimson eyes flare like hell flame.

Despite that, she remains calm and does what she is ordered. “Aww, and just when I gonna look around and exit. Aren’t you ashamed of ganging up on a poor, defenseless woman? However…”

Smirking at these men in uniform, who keep a calm exterior and are ready to put their guns to use, Kusanagi murmurs. “I will play with you for a bit~”

Thus, after lowering her arms, she ignites her fists and aims at one of the guards from behind.

After hitting the same man who was pointing his gun at her, she stands there and watches as everyone is shocked by their comrade rolling on the ground and screaming while burning.

But for now, she uses such a distraction to her advantage and dashes at the storage gate like a blazing meteor.

“OUT OF MY WAY!” Kusanagi shouts at the guards blocking the door and shooting at her.

At that moment, one can swear that the bullets are useless against the she-devil whose flame devours them.

In the end, the men protecting the door fled to the sides, dodging the bolide that bends the heavy steel door with a deafening bang.

As the bright orange flame ascends and fades, Kusanagi instantly arches her back and fixes her posture.

When she turns her head, her deadly gaze alone is enough to make these armed men scream in terror and crawl backward.

“What’s wrong? Where is your big attitude now?” The tanned brunette taunts in a deeper tone while keeping her hands in her pockets.

The bullet that flies a few millimeters from her cheek makes Kusanagi widen her eyes and take her breath away.

However, just before she manages to do anything else, she is alerted by being grabbed from behind and handcuffed. “What the -?”

In the end, the buzzing noise and a sharp electricity against the nape make Kusanagi groan and mutter. “You fucker…”

Of course, despite her fading vision, she can still hear a rising ruckus somewhere in the distance. However, that is the least of her concerns at the moment.

Thus, as her consciousness fades away, her body collapses like a rag doll with cut strings.

An unknown amount of time has passed. Eventually, Kusanagi’s aching head and nape return her to this world.

Now, she realizes that she is sitting on something similar to a couch or armchair.

Just what the fuck happened to me? Whoever these bastards are will pay for it. The dark-haired woman turns her head, and her chest bloats.

For now, she tightly shuts her eyes and slowly opens them while groaning. “The hell?…”

It seems the very first thing she is greeted with is a concerned voice. “Hey, Sister! Kyoko is waking up!”

It’s too bright; even a warm lamplight above her makes her squint her eyes and lift her elbow to shield her face like a doll pulled by the strings.

Where the hell am I? Did you fuckers throw me into jail? Kusanagi stares at the cream color ceiling and walls through her spread fingers and narrows her gaze.

When she turns her head, she notices a couple of women standing not that far from the exit door.

One of them is a woman in her mid-twenties with long red hair and a white lock that is held by expensive hair gel, which these businessmen used to look flawless. Even though whatever look she hides behind the sunglasses, Kusanagi is certain that deep inside this woman is as shady as a slick viper. There’s no mistake. She knows it.

Aside from that, the redhead wears an open down to the waist black leather coat that reveals the unbuttoned red shirt and a black turtleneck. Even her black and gray striped pants with widening shanks and a fancy leather belt make Kusanagi realize that this time she may have messed with the wrong person.

Another person next to this redhead is a girl with medium-length silver hair, who wears a white shirt with an open black vest and a pair of blue jeans.

Even if she doesn’t look as intimidating as the other lady and rather seems to be as tame and naïve as a dog, Kusanagi refuses to lower her guard toward her.

More so, the tanned brunette can swear that maybe the previously heard voice belonged to her. However, it doesn’t matter now who they are to each other.

All Kusanagi knows is that she cannot just roast them in the same spot. After all, what if one of them, by raising their hand, may summon dozens of minions to take her down and possibly track down where the clones reside?

However, her further pondering is interrupted by the red-haired woman. “Kyoko? You’re awake. Just what in the world happened to you?”

The tanned brunette tilts her head and gives not the smartest expression. “Huh? Who the hell are you, and what do you want from me?”

Behind the dark shade of her sunglasses, the redhead narrows her gaze. Nevertheless, she keeps a calm posture.

Meanwhile, the silver-haired girl turns toward the woman in sunglasses and indignantly addresses her. “She is definitely not Kyoko but some crazy pyromaniac! That thief was not only violent to the staff but also damaged the storage. Shouldn’t we call the police, Sister?”

Surely, such an attitude annoys the dark-haired girl, and she throws her spread arms on the couch. “Who do you call a thief, you whiny, stupid brat? Ya know, you’re already hoarding money like a dragon. Besides, sharing is caring~”

“You…” The silver-haired girl growls at her.

Just as she is about to take a step forward, she feels a palm resting on her shoulder, and she turns her head.

“Soiree, calm down. It’s not worth it.” The redhead reassures her little sister.

After exhaling and removing her palm, she adds. “Besides, no one is harmed, and tomorrow, we can call the workers to fix the gate. This girl is worth of police’s attention.”

Meanwhile, Kusanagi only sticks her tongue and shows the middle finger to Soiree. How about that, you stupid sassy baby?~

Seeing how Soiree is doing her best to hold back from jumping on this homeless girl, the redhead warns Kusanagi. “It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t act recklessly either. So, I suggest you be more careful next time.”

Instead of taking her advice, the tanned brunette only covers her mouth with her fist and snorts.

A moment later, she suggestively fixes her hair and adds in a playful tone. “Hey, onee-chan, you sure are generous to a complete stranger. But you are not gonna let me go just with a slap on the wrists, right? So, what do you want me to do for you, onee-chan?~”

Unfortunately, her sweet acting doesn’t affect the red-haired woman, who fires back while keeping a poker face. “How about working hard? But for tonight, you are coming with me.”

Suddenly, Soiree objects to such a decision while making big eyes. “But, Sister! She may try to rob you... Or even worse. Wouldn’t it be better if we could take her to the shelter?”

In the end, her big sister gives her a comforting smile. “I’ll be fine. And you should also go home and rest. Today was a long day for everyone, wasn’t it?”

After briefly looking away, the silver-haired girl nods. “Alright. But please be careful, Sister.”

Thus, looking at Kusanagi’s side, the redhead prompts her as well. “Let’s go. Tonight, you don’t need to worry about where to sleep.”

At first, the brunette hesitates, but she understands that she is not exactly in a position to object and follows this woman’s orders.

It cannot be helped… But I won’t hesitate to snap your neck if you try to drug me or try some weird shit on me.

After several minutes, Kusanagi is escorted outside by the redhead, who doesn’t seem to leave her side. On the other hand, she was confused how this woman hadn’t made a move on her, nor had she laid her hands on her.

But for now, the brunette’s attention is caught by the shiny crimson Mazda SAVANNA RX-7 waiting for them.

Certainly, even with zero knowledge about cars, Kusanagi is impressed by such a sports car that it takes her breath away. Are you trying to intimidate me with this bad boy now, you stupid, arrogant woman?

Thus, with a button click, the steel beast opens its glowing eyes like an awakened dragon from a deep slumber.

However, her further thoughts are yet again interrupted. “What is it? Come on and take a seat.”

“You don’t have to tell me what to do.” Kusanagi murmurs without facing the redhead, keeps her hands in her pants pockets, and heads toward the passenger door.

After she sits inside and closes the door, the brunette turns her head away and stares through the window.

Meanwhile, the redhead seems to be entertained by her partner’s behavior, but upon revving the engine, she suggests to Kusanagi. “Don’t forget to put the seatbelt on, okay?”

On their way, the brunette only stares at the passing streetlights and signs. Now, she asks this mysterious woman in a grumpy tone. “Why are you doing this?”

The redhead only cracks a smile, and as the white light reflects on her sunglasses, she replies. “Why? Do I need a reason to help someone who may need it?”

Surely, Kusanagi only frowns and makes a sour face.

Now, she sits back and glances at her driver. “Who the hell are you? Don’t get me wrong, I know we won’t meet again, but I just wanna know how to call you. At least for now.”

How cute... The redhead smiles, seeing the tanned brunette as nothing more than a stray cat.

After taking a breath, she introduces herself. “It’s Alba Meira, but you can simply call me Alba. And you?”

“Does it really matter to you? I can bet that the next day you gonna spoil another girl, anyway.” The brunette complains.

When Alba sighs and lowers her shoulders, she patiently replies. “Please don’t be like this. I wouldn’t throw a poor girl into cold streets. In any case, you have a name, haven’t you?”

As Kusanagi looks through the window and sees that they are reaching a rather enormous and highest quality hotel, she confesses. “… It’s Kusanagi. But don’t mistake me for that good-for-nothing lousy woman ‘cos I am my own original and waaay better than she ever be, remember that!”

In the end, as they drive to the parking lot, Alba repeats her name like a newly learnt spell while containing her excitement.

You are quite an interesting girl, Kusanagi, aren’t you?

Soon enough, they arrive at the right hotel room.

However, even at first, entering the hotel felt like being in a place where someone like Kusanagi didn’t belong.

After all, even the polite and well-trained staff stared at the brunette like she was street filth brought into such a luxurious and glamorous domain.

On the other hand, neither did she expect Alba to order the staff to treat the brunette as an actual human being instead of glaring at her like trash.

Even Kusanagi was certain that the redhead didn’t need to go that far for someone whom she would dispose of without a second thought, but she remained quiet the whole time.

However, the brunette wasn’t as in awe as entering the glass elevator and watching how the city looked from above.

But for now, after Alba unlocks the room, they get inside.

Thus, Kusanagi’s eyes spark with excitement at seeing such a spacious yet cozy room.

Apparently, the walls and ceiling are painted a pale yellow, and one wall features large windows draped with tall oak-brown curtains.

Then, on one of Kusanagi’s sides, there is a wooden desk against the wall on which rest a closed laptop and a desk lamp, and not far from it hangs a small painting. Of course, there is a fancy chair with soft cushions for one to sit down.

Next to the desk, there is a wide, fine oak closet that reaches another wall, with mirror doors. Not that far from the closet, there is a night drawer on which rests a lamp.

And, of course, then there is what Kusanagi considers as the star of the entire room – the queen-sized bed that has a couple of fluffy pillows lying on each side, along with the silk bedsheet.

However, the brunette is confused as to why the mattresses are split in half. After all, what’s the point of splitting the bed in half if only a single person would use it? Or in her case, sharing it for work purposes.

Aside from that, behind the bed, a large, nearly wall-sized painting of the blooming white cherry blossoms in the warm sunset background.

Then there is a divan in front of the bed, which Kusanagi assumes is used as a sit to watch the enormous flat-screen TV that is on top of the drawer.

And of course on this wooden floor, there is a large coffee-colored fluffy carpet.

But for now, Alba, seeing her partner easily thrilled by such a simple thing as a bedroom, prompts her to come in and locks the door behind them.

After nervously swallowing saliva, Kusanagi lowers her head and grips her tracksuit jacket. Shit… That stupid woman better be grateful, else I won’t forgive you.

Thus, with one sudden move, she unzips her jacket, revealing that she wears nothing but a white medical bandage wrapped around her breasts and fingerless gloves up to her elbows with a familiar sun crest on them.

Surely, sensing the brunette’s sudden mood change and her rushing to remove her tracksuit makes the redhead raise her eyebrow. “Kusanagi, are you okay?”

When Kusanagi throws her arms over Alba's shoulders, she stares at her with hungry yet scared eyes, and makes purring-like noises. “Let’s get down to business already. Besides, isn’t that what you want?”

It doesn’t help the redhead that even she can feel how her partner is trembling like a leaf.

After closing her eyes and tightening her lips, Alba carefully grabs her partner’s wrists and exhales.

When she removes Kusanagi’s arms from her, she tries to remain as patient as possible. “Please stop it. I’m not interested in a girl who forces herself on me. Neither do I want to take advantage of you.”

Surely these words frustrate the brunette, and she holds her arm. “Then am I not good enough for your rich taste?… Or could it be – you’re not swinging that way?”

You silly girl... The redhead clenches her fists. Although she doesn’t hold any anger toward this poor creature, she does toward her attitude. That’s another issue for another time.

However, Kusanagi’s growling stomach makes her relax her palms and exhale.

Now, she rests them on the brunette’s shoulders and explains. “It’s not that. I’m not sure what you went through, but I don’t want to see you selling your body or doing anything that you clearly hate. Please go clean yourself while I’ll order you something to eat. So, what would you like?”

After averting her gaze for a few moments, Kusanagi replies in a still doubting tone. “Then if it is on you, I wanna the largest beefsteak, and a bottle of whiskey.”

In the end, Alba nods. “Alright then. But wait a second, and I’ll give you something else to wear, and if you want, you may keep those clothes. So, give me a second.”

Even if Kusanagi is uncertain what she should expect from this unpredictable woman, she tilts her head and observes her like a curious feline.

After Alba wraps a fluffy small blanket around her shoulders and hands the brunette a neatly folded pile of clothes, Kusanagi gives her a questioning look while the heat rushes to her cheeks. “That won’t make me like you more, you stupid woman. But since you are so generous, I’ll take it.”

And thus, the tanned brunette immediately turns her back and lifts her head before going to the bathroom.

As the bathroom door shuts, Alba covers her mouth while containing a chuckle. “Looks like I caught a stray cat.”

Meanwhile, when Kusanagi locks the bathroom and takes a better look at her new surroundings, she impulsively let out a “whoa” noise.

After all, she has never seen such a sparkling, clean, and large bathroom in her entire life.

Additionally, a mini chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and the walls and floor are crafted from white marble.

On one side, there’s a large square bath that can fit at least a couple of people, and at the end of it, a white towel hangs on a golden hanger.

In the corner, there is a shower room with walls made from glass and have golden corners.

Then, at the end of the bathroom, there are a couple of marble shelves on which are placed rolled towels, house scents, bath salts, soaps, and shampoos.

In front of the shower room, there’s the toilet, and close to it, a bronze trash can.

Then, against the bathtub, there are a couple of separated sinks by the white, expensive drawers with fancy-looking handles. Even the top surface of these drawers is made from pale marble on which are placed liquid soap dispensers close to each sink, decorative candles, and, in glass vases, the bouquets of white lilies. However, there seems to be only a single cup with a toothbrush in it.

Above the sinks and drawers, mirrors are lined across the wall.

Lastly, a white, long, fluffy bathroom carpet lies close to the sinks.

But for now, Kusanagi straightens her back and takes a step deeper into this room.

After glancing to the sides, she rests the pile of clothes on top of the drawer, and while staring at the mirror, she slowly removes the blanket from her shoulders.

“Just what does this woman want from me? Like, no one is that kind for nothing.” The tanned brunette murmurs while making a gloomy face.

After leaving the blanket on another drawer, she starts opening one drawer after another, seeking anything sharp.

Unfortunately, her search ends in vain, making her deeply sigh and lower her shoulders.

“It cannot be helped then…” Kusanagi adds as she starts pulling the medical bandage and looking for where the end of it is tucked.

However, the knock on the door startles her and she loses the end of the white bandage.

“Is everything okay, Kusanagi? Or do you need any help?” The familiar voice addresses her behind the door.

As the brunette sits on the drawer and rests her hands on it, she tries to sound as unbothered as possible. “Yeah, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

“You’ve been too quiet for a while.” The redhead explains.

Surely, it makes Kusanagi crack a smile and makes such a smug look. “Have you been pressing your ear and listening to me?~ Is the food already here or not?”

After a moment of silence, the voice behind the door responds in a usual calm tone. “Don’t rush yourself.”

As the brunette starts unwrapping the medical bandage layer after layer, she yowls. “So that you could eat all the food? No way I’m letting you, you idiot! Just you wait and I'm coming for you.”

Lastly, Kusanagi can swear that she could hear a faint chuckle and her partner responding before leaving her alone. “Sure thing.”

After some time, Kusanagi leaves the bathroom wearing a cozy sweater with black and gray stripes, while the rest of it is brown and a raccoon's head on the front, black shorts above the knees, and fluffy slippers.

And, of course, the very thing she notices is Alba sitting on the divan and not removing her eyes from her like watching a rare specimen.

Surely, it irritates the brunette, and she mildly frowns. “What’s wrong? Isn’t this what you wanted me to wear?”

Although Alba is not affected by her partner’s grumpy cat-like attitude and compliments her. “Nothing. But it really looks good on you.”

While the television plays as nothing more than background noise, she adds. “Anyway, your steak is here. But be careful with alcohol.”

When the tanned brunette turns her head, she notices on the desk the plate covered by silver lid and, along with the cutlery wrapped in red folded tissues, a bottle of amber-colored liquid, and a couple of glasses stand close.

Glancing at the redhead, Kusanagi raises her eyebrow. “How about you? Why aren’t you having anything?”

However, her partner politely declines. “I’m good. So, go ahead and don’t mind me, okay?”

Meanwhile, Kusanagi only shrugs her shoulders and approaches the desk. “More for me, then, I guess.”

As the brunette sits on the chair and pushes herself closer to the desk, Alba gets up and heads to the closet.

When she opens the closet door, she calmly speaks up. “Enjoy your meal and good night, if we won’t see each other.”

Just as Kusanagi stuffs a huge chunk of meat and chews on it, she asks. “You’re leaving somewhere?”

While picking a fitting size pajama for her guest, Alba explains. “Do not speak while your mouth is full. You may choke. And no, I’m just going to shower. So, once you’re done, you can just brush your teeth and go to sleep.”

For an unknown reason to her, Kusanagi lowers her gaze and replies in a low-key tone. “Oh…”

After pouring the whiskey into her glass, the brunette chugs it as if nothing and sees her partner closing the closet door and smiling at her.

“What’s now?” The tanned girl asks with her mouth painted with the steak sauce.

As she places the neatly folded clothes on the bed, she keeps her poker face. “Nothing. Just don’t forget to wipe your mouth and wash your hands later.”

When Kusanagi cuts another slice of the juicy meat, she mumbles. “Whatever.”

Lastly, Alba takes one more look at her guest feasting on the steak as if she hadn’t had anything for days, and goes to the bathroom.

A couple of hours has passed. Finally, it seems that Alba is asleep, or at least Kusanagi is convinced.

On the other hand, what if it is the redhead’s open invitation for her to make a move? Or so the tanned brunette wonders while studying her slumbering partner.

After Kusanagi removes the blanket from her, she carefully crawls on top of Alba while wearing a light red and white checkered short-sleeved pajama shirt and matching shorts.

Despite her heart violently beating in her chest, she sits on top of Alba and corners her.

Thus, while keeping a blushing yet determined look on her face, Kusanagi leans closer to her without realizing what kind of trouble she may getting herself into.