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Almost everything Hanabi knew about Kagura was based on what she was told. As part of the Scarlet Shadows, Hanabi had the duty to know all the most important figures in the land - and Kagura, the heiress to the Omyouji clan was someone that all assassins like her should know about. Kagura was unavoidable for more than her prestige and abilities, she was the love of the one man that Hanabi ever liked in her life. Beautiful, powerful, and filled with the grace of a traditional woman- the heiress was someone Hanabi could never be.
And yet despite the envy and resentment that Hanabi felt deep in her heart, she couldn’t say no when she was assigned to be Kagura’s bodyguard. She was chosen by the Scarlet Shadows because of her skills, and it would be a disgrace to her profession to refuse due to personal reasons.
My emotions will never interfere with my duty. Hanabi told herself when she finally got to spoke with Kagura alone. “My lady, my name is Hanabi and I will protect your life from now on.” She spoke coldly, bowing before Kagura in the Omyouji garden.
“I’m glad you accepted Hanabi,” Kagura beckoned the other woman to rise, giving a radiant smile under the shade of her umbrella. “I requested for you specifically,” she giggled. “I heard so many good things about you.”
Hanabi tilted her head. That was unexpected. “I’m honored my lady, and I wish I could live up to your expectations.” The assassin paused and thought of her next words carefully. “I apologize, it would be ideal that no one would ever wish to harm you, and that no blood touches my blades during our time together.”
Kagura just smiled and stared at Hanabi for a long time, causing the ninja’s heart to beat faster. The heiress had that effect perhaps, given her beauty and grace. No wonder Hayabusa fell for her. Hanabi could see it now.
“I’m sorry for staring,” Kagura said, she leaned forward and tip-toed to meet Hanabi’s gaze. “It’s just that your eyes are so pretty.” Hanabi took a deep breath. There was a lump in her throat as Kagura remained to stare, the smaller woman so close to her body as both of them were now under her Seimei umbrella. “Can I see the rest of your face, Hanabi? If it’s alright? I’m not asking as your lady, but just… someone curious.”
“Alright,” Hanabi nodded. It’s getting uncomfortable under her mask anyway and anonymity had no use here. She pulled down her face covering, lips tense and breaths under control.
“Your face is as beautiful as your eyes.” Kagura smiled again, and Hanabi’s eyes quickly moved down to see the other woman’s pink lips before shifting her sights away. “I’m sorry, do I make you feel uncomfortable?” The lady quickly followed with the question and stepped back.
“No, no not at all!” Hanabi stammered, embarrassed at the lack of composure she was showing.
“I just never expected that the bodyguard I asked for was beautiful such as you.” Kagura extended her hand and Hanabi accepted, her pulse faster with the touch. The heiress locked their arms together as she directed her to the pathways of the garden. “Hayabusa told me you’re very talented and capable. Even if the two of you competed in some things, he respected you. Before he went away, he said that there’s no one in this land he trusts with my life but you.”
“I’m humbled,” Hanabi felt warmth in her chest as Kagura slowly led her in their stroll under the morning sun. The old feelings of jealousy and the pang of resentment she used to have melted away. “He told me so much about you as well.”
Kagura hummed. “We’re off to a good start, how about we get to know each other more?”
“Why?” Hanabi cocked her head and instantly regretted, anxious to displease the lady. Yet Kagura didn’t look offended. “It’s just that, I’m not a very interesting person.”
“You are,” Kagura insisted, nudging Hanabi with her elbow and making the other woman blush. “Tell me about yourself. What you like, what you dislike? Things like that. Then you can ask me about anything too.” The mage paused and bit her lip. “You should know that I already like you,” Kagura giggled. “So you don’t have to wonder about that part.” She then winked.
Hanabi looked down. My emotions will never interfere with my duty. She repeated in her mind as the two of them exchanged words - it started with small talk and simple questions before the conversations lasted for hours. So many unexpected things today - things she never realized she was capable of feeling. It wasn’t just an assignment, it was something that was giving Hanabi smiles.
As they neared the edge of the garden, Kagura walked ahead and picked a single red rose among the bushes. She approached Hanabi and took her hand gently, eyes locked together. “Hanabi, I’d like you to have this.”
“Thank you, so much,” Hanabi accepted. Flowers were of many meanings - happiness, friendship, loyalty and so many more. Never had she received any flower in her life, and a red rose was making her heart flutter. “I’ll give something back, I just don’t have anything right now.”
“How about a kiss?” Kagura asked in a husky voice, her face dangerously close.
“What do… you mean… that was,” Hanabi was unable to form a coherent sentence, her body frozen as Kagura grinned.
The smaller threw her head back, laughing. “You’re cute when you’re flustered like this. We don’t have to rush things Hanabi,” Kagura said, her voice sweet.
Maybe it was all fun, no need to overthink. “You’re right, maybe we should go out on a date first?” Hanabi said out loud, laughing nervously. It’s not hard to play this little game.
Kagura stopped and stared at Hanabi wide-eyed, cheeks red. “My answer is yes.”