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How did this happen? Why in the world, of all the men she never thought she’d bother with in the first place, did her heart lean towards him? I mean, he was definitely attractive. It was no secret how other girls would flock to him with his well kept blonde locks and those literal sparkling sapphire eyes. Or that perfect little smile she’d occasionally glance at. The bounty hunter wanted to throw herself down someplace high every time she fell for those damn pearly whites. It didn’t help how his voice was so damn elegant with that Prince Charming fairy tail voice and mannerisms. Her parents would definitely like the act, she’ll give him that. Then again, there was genuine sincerity when it comes to being a people pleaser. No ulterior motives or anything scummy like that. Just a pure, unapologetic mission to entertain and protect. Speaking of protection, his knights oath. That silly little vow to protect someone more physically capable of handling things herself. It was funny for the first few days, but it wasn’t till he started getting defensive around others. Mostly whenever Hiroaki was being the whiny rich boy he was towards her. She swore Yanagi would punch the later had she not intervene every single time. She wasn’t sure whether he was committing to the bit too much or genuinely trying to defend the class’s 2nd place Badass.
…
Who was she kidding? There were no what ifs regarding her feelings. A lot of it circled back to her. She was the one who declared their “contract”. Her own vow to protect him till the day he died. She practically proposed their venture to Azumino during summer break. That stupid look still haunts her. He knew what else it could’ve been. It was a date. Yet that wasn’t the worse tipping point. The night he opened up to her. Not about having a relationship with her, but about one he had prior… She said she didn’t care. She listened anyways. She wasn’t the only one who knew about Lilah. No one knows who tipped off that information, she was still figuring that out. A side investigation to finding that bitch. That bitch and her friend, both of them. They’d pay for what they did to him in his first year. The things they did to him. The pain, pictures, all of it…
It was enough to push Hayashi. She couldn’t bear to see him suffering. His harsh words that he stabbed himself with felt like a personal stab to her. Right in the gut. Yanagi was a victim, scarily like some who sought her whenever they needed someone hunted down. Mai couldn’t let him stay in this awful fucking world. She wasn’t gonna let him hate himself because someone else decided to fuck with him. He never deserved to get hurt.
“That… Is not what love looks like…”
…
She said it herself. There wasn’t an even a how anymore. She got herself in this situation. She wanted to protect him and things just built from there. Mai had no one to blame but herself for what happened as their time together went on, how they soon became official during their trip to Azumino, the way everyone else reacted. It was double effort at the very least. At most? All on her. Mai was the fuel to the figure skater’s fire, which was ironic given, well, how he’s figure skater. From the looks of it, any questions she’s had about how she got in such a place had answers. Except for one…
Since Mai was a catalyst to the relationship… and since they are dating now… how hasn’t she shown any affection of her own? An answer as simple as “that’s just how Mai is. She’s just tough.” wasn’t enough for Mai. It’s not that she didn’t love him, far from it. I think we’ve properly established that already. She was just inexperienced to all the fluffy stuff that comes with having a relationship. Mai was all about being tough. A hulking superhuman set to protect others, cold and calculating, taking no one’s bullshit for an answer, and not resting till she was definite those she cared about were safe. She never had time, nor did she even bother with romance prior to the commitment with her job and other priorities to focus on. So whats to do now that romance is one of her latest priorities?
Damn it Hayashi! Think! What’s the last romance… Anything you’ve seen in the last 17 years of your life? Her parents? That could’ve work if she actually payed attention to their intimate moments together. Kinda weird saying that at all, decency and all, but still. She needed ideas. She could talk to Yanagi about it. It wouldn’t be the first time he saw her behind the stone cold walls she showed off every day. Not to mention he was the one making most of the moves. He still had that princy elegance, but it felt far more causal than with others. The bounty hunter didn’t mind much because of it. If anything, she found herself getting flustered by it more often than she’d admit. She couldn’t help it. The gentleman act was growing on her. The way he’d bow every time he held the door for her, or how he’d occasionally kiss the top of her hand, or-
*knockity knockout knock*
Hayashi’s head perked up, snapping out of her thoughts. What was she doing again? It felt like she was on something soft and springy. Definitely her- no wait, their bed. In their complimentary dorm at Fujioka Memorial High School. Her well chiseled body was covered by a baggy white t-shirt and black sweat pants. Her pajamas. Must’ve been late at night then. She’d question why all these things usually happen at dusk, but the last thing she needs is more questions with answers already there. Her body felt a little moist. She must’ve gotten out of the shower as well. That explains why her hair-
*Nock Knock*
“Hello? Is anyone home?”
Mai knew that voice from anywhere. It was one of the things she’s been mentally obsessing over. The bounty hunter turned over to the door on the other side of the room.
“Yeah, just me! You comin’ in?”
She called out, the door opening up just a little. Mai rolled her eyes, already seeing blue uniform peer out from the door that cracked ever so slightly. She could even make out the strands of blonde looking up, planted atop the already blushing face.
“S-Sorry, are y-“
“Yeah yeah, I’m decent. You’re fine.”
She chuckled, earning a relieved sigh from behind the opening door. There he was. Decked out in a pair of white house slippers, dark blue shorts, and a sky blue t-shirt with a dopey ass penguin with shades, cheesy as hell smile, and white, blocky text above the cartoon that said “Stay Cool”. God that shirt was fucking stupid. She’d hate it with the power of several supernova explosions had it not highlight how stupidly cute Shigeki was. The bounty hunter looked up to those sparkling blue eyes surrounded by a blushing face, feeling the genuine happiness radiating off of him. She was proud of him in a way. Despite what he’s gone through with past hardships, he still managed to keep that precious little smile on his face and keep going. Maintaining the gentleman he loved to be. Mai wasn’t sure what wouldn’t break his spirits. Not that she wanted it to happen, not at all. Just a thought she’d find herself forgetting in an hour or so. Hell, she already forgot the moment his expression changed to something more awestruck.
“You good?”
She asked while cocking a brow. Yanagi was already sweating a little, clearing his throat and clutching onto the neck of his shirt, like a substitute for pulling at the tie on his usual uniform; something he’d usually do when flustered at all. Hayashi smirked a little. She wasn’t sure what was up with him, but it was welcome sigh.
“Y-Yes dea- I-I mean, Mai- U-Uhm…”
Oh god this was rich. The fact he almost called her dear was enough to make her blush herself. It was a testament to how much he loved her. The figure skater’s body jerked away just a little from how embarrassed he was. Mai looked down at herself, her eyes lighting up at the probable cause.
Her hair was down. Sprawled out on her back and obscuring the rest of her body. The bounty hunter turned herself a little while combing her fingers through the slightly wet locks of crimson.
“Really? Cause of all this?”
She teased, combing some of her hair past her ear. Shigeki peeked back at his partner, a wave of relief washing over himself yet again at the sight of clothing. Had he walked in on her in the nude he would’ve never forgive himself. It wouldn’t be the first blemish on the gentleman he established himself as. Thank you Nakamigawa.
“M-My apologies. Y-You’re… I’m sorry, I-I shouldn’t have jumped to-“
“Shige, you’re fine. It’s just a dumb misunderstanding.”
She shrugged off with a chuckle, cutting off his sheepish admittance. Mai couldn’t blame him for assuming given the physical evidence. The wet hair over her body, covering her self from that angle. You’d assume it if you were there, and shame on you for doing so! She’s already got a partner! Harumph! Anyways, Shigeki nods understandingly, calming down some.
“R-Right. Still sorry, but I see.”
He said while talking a seat on the bed with his wonderful partner, the bed sinking further with the added weight.
“Shall I assist you as usual?”
He asked while grabbing a purple hairbrush by their bed side table. The bounty hunter nods at him with a hum, literally giving the figure skater the thumbs up to start brushing. Shigeki and Mai had always taken pride in their hair. It was a hygiene thing for them both, but one of them had a few extra tricks in his gloves for publicity’s sake. Mai truly didn’t know how he does it. Her hair was left in better condition ever since they started this routine. Her best guess was in the strokes. Every last one was followed by Shigeki’s fingers combing down the dark red strands of hair, undoing any pesky knots gone untangled. All while humming a melodic tune she swore was an original piece. Every last brush felt calming on her tense self. It was a welcome change in pace for her. A way to help her unwind and be vulnerable. As Yanagi continued to hum his tune, Mai’s face dropped to a small frown.
“Shige?”
She softly called out. Yanagi’s own smile dropped at the sound of her solemn tone of voice, already picturing her frown.
“Hm? Is something wrong?”
He asked with concern lacing his words, still brushing her hair. The bounty hunter let out a sigh, her gaze turning up to the pitch black sky sprinkled with glowing, white stardust.
“Am I doing enough?”
She asked in a quiet tone, easing into showing her more vulnerable self. Shigeki momentarily paused his brushing. He peaked over at Mai, taking note of her downer expression.
“Pardon?”
He asked with worry in his voice. The bounty hunter’s eyes glanced back over at her significant other before lowering her head, eyes glued to the carpeted floor.
“I mean.. All the stuff we’ve done since we got together… I feel like you’re doing most of the heavy lifting here.”
She admits, sounding ironic with Shigeki’s almost shrimpy build. Not saying he had no muscle at all, he’s just pretty lean. The figure skater softly hummed in response, not seeing her point just yet.
“Can you please explain further…?”
He politely asked, continuing to brush her hair. Mai felt herself relax a little bit, her eyes fluttering shut with another soft sigh.
“I dunno, I-… Just look at what you’re doing.. And just… All this fluff…”
“Fluff?”
He retorts with confusion.
“Yeah, affection, you know?”
She responds, her eyes opening back up some. Mai’s arms wrap around herself, her hands holding onto her well chiseled biceps.
“You’re great, don’t get me wrong. I like the things you do. But like, you got all the stuff you do, but what about me?”
Her voice was slowly growing more bitter. Not at him, but at herself.
“What have I done to show I love you back?”
The guilt was chipping away at her mind. Mai felt like she was being compressed in the sparkling vacuum of space. Part of her hated how the walls she built around herself crumbled, revealing all these insecurities she had, even if there were very few. The other side was glad to get this kind of stuff off her chest, rather than dragging it out, creating forced drama between them. They were better than that. They were better than… I dunno, Twilight or something like that. Yanagi takes a moment to finish her hair care before setting the brush aside, taking a seat next to Mai at the end of the bed. He slowly scoots himself close to her. Mai glanced over at Shigeki, scooting a little closer to him, quietly giving him permission to get closer as well. He hated not being able to ask for permission, consent is important and all, so seeing her be mindful of this was a welcome sign to see. Anything to make her feel better. The figure skater slowly brought his left hand up to her shoulder, his thin hand resting atop her muscle.
“Mai…”
He gently called, caressing her shoulder to get her attention. The bounty hunter’s gaze went unwavered from the floor, but still responds with a small hum.
“Hm…?”
“There’s absolutely nothing to feel bad for.”
He reassured with a warm smile, his other hand gently taking hold of her forearm, resting himself on her entire arm in an attempt to comfort. Mai felt her face heat up, feeling Shigeki’s fittingly cold body against her far warmer muscle.
“Is there really? I feel like I’m barely showing jack shit while you’re being your dorky self, you know?”
She huffed out, unable to glance at her boyfriend. Yanagi shakes his head, his kind smile dropping a little with worry.
“Mai, please don’t think of it that way.”
He said, keeping hold of her arm and never breaking his gaze on her.
“Believe me. You have your own way of showing your love for me, I don’t even mind that much.”
Mai’s head perked up at his affirmation, glancing back over at Shigeki with confusion. She’d expect him to be a little disappointed after all he’s done, but that? Where the hell was he going with this?
“Why though?”
“Because you’re being yourself.“
He responds with confidence, both of his hands lowering down to her hand, releasing them from their grasps on themselves.
“The fact that you put up with my nonsense at all is enough to show your appreciation. Or that you’re here with me at all. Your presence alone is enough to show me your love.”
He reassured, his voice sounding more sincere as his eyes gleaming with hope. Mai was taken aback by his statement, staring into his sapphire eyes. Her gaze softened as it averts from his own with fluster, the warmth of her blush grew stronger. Damn him for being so sweet.
"Sh-Shut up, dork..."
She murmured, her tone shifting to an affectionate one. Shigeki lets out a chuckle, his hand reaching up to caress her cheek. Their eyes met one another. A shining red complimented by a sparkling blue.
"I couldn't ask for a better partner. So please, there’s use in beating your self up over it. I love you, Mai."
He gently spoke as his right hand cupping her angled face, his thumb grazing her cheekbone. Mai couldn't help but crack a smile, a small chuckle soon following. It warmed her heart to see him understand her so well. To know that despite not being as conventional as other lovers in terms of showing love, he still sees the bounty hunter’s appreciation in her.
"God you're a fucking sap... "
She playfully retorted.
"You're lucky you're so damn perfect."
Shigeki blushed at her flirty response, smiling with his own bashfulness. Mai felt the tension leave her body as her free arm slowly reached up, her hand cupping his smooth, porcelain cheek before ruffling her fluffy, golden blond locks. The figure skater leaned into her touch with a soft hum, almost like a happy little golden retriever.
“Hey. I’m glad you see that in me, but I really wanna try doing more if that’s cool.”
She gently said, her voice low yet soft. Yanagi opened his eyes to the sound of her voice, a content smile on his lips.
"It's completely fine. Whatever you feel comfortable with."
He affirmed while returning her embrace. The two sat there within one another’s arms; a moment of serenity shared between lovers who understood one another. Shigeki’s head was nestled into her neck, his arms wrapped around her waist. Mai’s arms perfectly enclosed around his shorter body while burying her face into his bleached blonde hair, making out small traces of his natural black roots from how close she was. The two stayed like this for a moment. It was rare, but moments like these were ones Hayashi treasured. Moments where she could drop her tough as nails act. Where she didn't have to worry about being a hunter or anything else. Just a person. One with a person who made her feel comfortable. No walls, no facades, no deceptive bullshit. Only her and the person who cared about her the most. Someone who wanted to protect her as much as she protected others.
"Hey."
She spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. Shigeki shifted his head from her neck, his face still resting on her collarbone.
"Hm?"
"It’s getting kinda late. You ready to call it a night or what?”
She asked with her usual loving, snarky tone. Shigeki hummed, pulling himself away from the bounty hunter to nod at her question.
"I think that's a good idea. I'll go hit the lights, you go make yourself comfortable.”
He said while releasing their embrace, standing himself up before giving Mai a quick kiss on the cheek. The bounty hunter’s eyes widened with surprise. Usually he’d ask for permission before doing something like that with a “May I?” or something along those lines. She told him it was totally cool to do stuff like that, but he still asked anyways. It was the polite thing to do in his eyes, so it was definitely a shock to see him just go for it. Maybe the figure skater was catching on, but something about it still felt out of character. Like, he wouldn’t be so casual about it. That was more so her thing. Mai placed a hand atop her cheek, feeling her skin burning underneath her calloused palm. Her gaze peeks over to Yanagi as he walks to the other side of the room like nothing happened. Hayashi felt a smirk coming on, followed by a… silly little idea…
Shigeki meanwhile, was internally panicking like he just robbed a damn bank. His face was as red as Mai’s freshly brushed locks and his sapphire eyes shrank to mere beads. He had no idea what came over him! Sure, she said it was okey for him to do stuff like that without asking and stuff, but she never gave him an ok to just go for it! What would’ve gone through her head after this? Or maybe she’ll brush it off. Yeah! Hopefully! It was just a little cheek kiss! No way she-
*THUD*
Yanagi let out a gasp, feeling his entire body freeze. Something, or rather someone, had pinned him against the wall the millisecond the lights flicker off. The figure skater dared not to turn around, his vision slowly adjusting to the dark as the faint outlines of his lover’s arms could be made out. The figure skater was trembling underneath the bounty hunter, his cheeks red hot from their sudden predicament. Her hands were placed on either side of the wall, their impact so mighty little cracks in the wall could be made out. Shigeki slowly turned himself around, her face dangerously close to his own. He couldn't make out much detail, but the glimmer in her ruby eyes was the most distinct feature. The way her body hovered over his own, almost towering over the man who stood at least 5 inches shorter. Mai was definitely in control here. She let out a quiet, playful chuckle.
“That was some move, Shige…”
She remarked past her smirk, her voice low and sultry. The figure skater gulped, feeling her breath wash over him.
"I-I'm sorry. I-I wasn't thinking-"
He started apologizing, his voice sounding sheepish before being cut off by Hayashi, letting out a soft, almost devious giggle.
“Chill out, man. That was really sweet of you.”
She cooed, leaning herself closer. Shigeki could make out her features more. The way her dark red locks fell over her face, her crimson eyes half lidded with a smirk, and how her cheeks were burning like a raging wildfire.
"I just wanted to return the favor."
Yanagi gulped once more, his mind trying to process the situation. His flustered expression was no stranger to Mai. It was like that one time by the theatre room where she dressed as a prince to tease his ass. Mimicking his own Prince Charming act, voice and all. She still had the costume in her side of their closet. It was the same thing there if it was ramped to a bajillion, he was that much of a flustered wreck. Mai couldn’t blame him given the situation she threw him into. Part of her felt like he was a little… too flustered. Her gaze softened, bringing a hand to his gentle face, making sure his gaze was on her own.
“This is like… Okey, right?”
She asked with concern, hoping she didn’t overstep any boundaries. The figure skater felt his heart flutter, hearing she’s still checking for consent despite how bold she’s being. Yanagi nods with a nervous, but genuine smile.
"Absolutely. Just a bit of a surprise is all.."
He assured, earning a relieved hum from Mai, a grin spreading across her face once more.
"Great."
Her voice lowered an octave, her gaze shifting back to a devious one.
"Cause I'm not done yet...”
She teased, her hand slowly drifting to his cheek. Her hand caressed his soft, flushed cheek, her thumb rubbing his lower lip. Shigeki was practically shaking. Not because he didn't want to continue. No, this was the opposite of not wanting to do something. Allowing her to continue despite the urge to push himself against her and cling on for dear life. Yanagi… Uh… Let’s just say he liked bossy women. The bounty hunter's lips graze his own. She was taking things slow, wanting to make sure Shigeki was comfortable the whole time.
"You good?"
She whispered, feeling his breathing pick up the moment she leaned in.
"M-Mhmm..."
He hummed, nodding softly. Mai smiled warmly, her nose nuzzling his own.
"Good. Now com er.”
She demanded, closing her eyes.
"Y-Yes, dear."
He quietly responds, his eyelids fluttering shut. With those words, the two closed the gap. Yanagi was the first to give in, letting out a soft sigh as their lips met, her arms wrapping around his slim frame. Shigeki wrapped his own arms around her neck, pulling himself closer to her. Her lips were soft, yet her strength was apparent. He wasn't used to her kissing him this way. Not that he minded, this was the woman who saved him from the hellish past he suffered prior. The very one he was now dating. Of course, she'd be a little assertive. It was her way of showing she cared.
Mai held onto him tighter, her hand reaching up to hold the back of his head, her fingers threading through his silky blond hair. Shigeki felt a moan slip past his throat, his body melting into her embrace. His hands traveled up her back, tracing every curve her built, well chiseled form had. Her hands were traveling down his back. Her lips were practically sucking the soul out of him, the taste of strawberry chapstick lingering on her tongue. Hayashi pulled him closer before picking him up, earning a small yelp from Shigeki as his feet were swept off the floor, resting over her hips. The two part from their kiss, Shigeki gasping for air, his chest rising and falling with his labored breaths. Mai felt the urge to kiss him again, seeing his face so red, his sapphire eyes half lidded. The way he was panting. All because of her. The bounty hunter was the one to set the pace and her partner was perfectly content with that.
“M-Mai…”
He sighed with bliss, his legs tightening around her waist. Mai hummed, her lips ghosting his ear.
"You’re into it, arn’t you?"
She murmured, her hand running down his back. Yanagi shuddered with delight, his hands holding onto her shoulders.
"I-I mean- Haah… Y-Yes, I’ll admit."
He confessed, his voice strained and desperate. Mai lets out a devious chuckle, her lips grazing the shell of his ear.
"Good. Now let’s get you warmed up.”
With that, she carried him to their bed, slipping them under their sheets. Yanagi was left speechless. His brain was short circuiting from her boldness, his mind foggy. It was only until her lips pressed against his forehead that he was brought back to reality. Shigeki let out a relaxed sigh as he cuddled into her hold. Her hands arms still stayed put around his lithe body.
"I love you, Mai. So much..."
He whispered, his voice still wavering. Hayashi smiled, her arms squeezing his form.
"I know you do, Ice Fairy."
She said, giving him a little wink. Yanagi's face grew red hot at the newly gained nickname, burying his face into her chest.
"Don't ever stop being you."
He whispered with a soft giggle. Mai's own blush grew at the comment, her head resting atop his own.
"Gotcha…”
She whispered, her fingers threading through his silky hair, brushing the blond locks. Mai felt his body grow limp in her grasp, his breath beating against her skin.
“Mngh… Goodnight, dear…”
He sleepily spoke, his arms clinging onto her like a sloth. The bounty hunter couldn’t help but crack a smile, the sight of her lover fast asleep was adorable.
"Night, Shige."
She responded, her fingers still threading through his golden locks. Mai wasn’t sure where this would lead them. She knew they weren't gonna jump right into it. But it was a starting point for Mai to do more things like this. To gift the fair prince the love he deserved. Even if it would only be while they’re by themselves, the bounty hunter wouldn't mind. The world already had its share of people like Shigeki. Too many of them to count, and all of them were fucking disgusting. At least, in Mai's opinion. People who take advantage of his gentlemanly nature, his kindness, his sincerity, his everything.
But not her.
Never her.
Hayashi's arms tightened around his form, a determined, loving expression plastered on her face as she drifts away herself. It started to feel like she was floating. Drifting in a dark ocean while holding onto her man. Both set to protect one another from the cruel, unforgiving waters of the world.
"Not today, not tomorrow, not ever... Not while I'm around, Shige..."
She whispered under her breath, her eyes shutting close.
"I promise you that..."
[Finish!]