Chapter Text
There she stood at the edge of the cliff overlooking the last remnants of the fireworks show. Though duty called for her to be seated in the festival planquin, she never enjoyed being far from the festivities. It was tradition for her to make her escape early in the evening, a fact you knew well. Not that you could blame her. The Naganohara fireworks were always a delight to see. Even after centuries they never grew old.
“There’s no need to stand so far away,” she called out without turning her gaze from the sky. “You know I don’t bite.”
“I shall remain here, Lady Guuji,” you replied with a bow.
She sighed as she usually did. From the time you both were but young kits, you made sure to keep a distance from your lady. You were her guard, after all, a role she never cared for. Not that it was much of a surprise. She was never one for formalities, something you always did your best to uphold.
“It really wouldn’t hurt to relax every once in a while. I promise I won’t bite.”
But you remained where you stood.
“Lady Saiguu asked me to watch over you.”
She turned upon hearing that, her eyes cold and her cherry pink lips in a frown. It wasn’t an expression she showed to many people, but you never felt honored upon seeing it. In the back of your mind, you lost track of the amount of times you spoke those words. They came automatically at this point. Still, if only she knew you said them more for yourself than her.
As she began making her way back to you, you fought the urge to step back. The look in her eyes was different now. Analytical. Searching. Immediately you knew you should be on guard. But with the sway of her hips and the shape of her lips, you found your mouth going dry.
“Yes. A promise you loyally followed all these years. She was your first love, was she not? I can’t help but wonder…”
She stood before you now, illuminated in the moonlight. And when she took a step closer, then once more, you felt your heartbeat quicken. From the softness of her breast against your chest to the gentle hand cupping your cheek, a war was being waged in your mind. The worst part was the way curiosity and desire reflected so vividly in those dilated lavender eyes.
“If we met earlier, would you be mine?”
You kept quiet and held her gaze. Your chest rose and fell evenly with your breath as your posture remained firm. As much as she searched, she would not be able to find anything within your eyes but her reflection. You made sure of it. She eventually did too as it was not long before she pulled back, expression cold. The sparks were gone.
“Let us return,” she finally said, stepping around you to walk in the direction of the shrine.
You didn’t follow her immediately. How could you with the way your heart raced, beating powerfully against your chest? Your knees stood frozen, locked into place. Your fingernails still were digging crescents into your palm. You took a shaky breath, then again once more. You then turned to follow after your lady.