Work Text:
————————
Ah…
so that’s what true beauty meant.
Something so delicate and even appealing that nothing could have the misfortune of hiding it— there would not be a single thing in the world that would manage to hide the pretty features of Ena Shinonome, Mizuki thought. Not even the masculine attire she had personally picked out for her, or the current bandages that restricted her chest into hiding. Hell, this girl could be covered in blood, and if she were to deny any murder-related allegations, the knight would find herself to believe her every word, defending it even if it meant giving her last breath to do so.
She looked so docile, fragile and yet so charming at the same time— like a flower you pondered whether to rip or not, wanting to be by its beauty’s side forever and yet not wanting to be the cause for its disappearance.
It’s laughable the situation the princess had reduced the girl in; maybe even more so if you were to consider the character she had been known for. A girl so cute it would be easy to lower your guard around her, but, the moment it were to happen, you wouldn’t even see the strings slowly wrapping your wrists and legs, your hands and knees, all the way till your neck as last.
After years standing by her side, the pink-haired girl had a pretty suitable one word description for the other one… dangerous.
She should consider herself the luckiest woman alive by being allowed to even glance at her bare body, well, at least until the paleness was now covered by layers that only tried serving even more the purpose of making the brunette look like a man.
She couldn’t find herself able to understand it, really. Well, the reason for the cover sure… After all, they were gonna stroll by the kingdom’s streets, and well, Ena being the heiress to the throne, she had to be careful.
But no, she felt something crawl from deep within her skin; as if she knew there was… more to the other one’s reasonings. Her own eyes now traveling to the admirable hair the other one would hold proudly over her shoulder.. and yet, now the strands wouldn’t even reach such a place.
If there was one thing for sure in the whole world, other than the sweet and cruel release, it was that the knight would forever find herself unable to fully capture the heiress’ mysteries, never fully grasping them nor their reason for being.
It was upsetting, but not something she could cry herself over.
“So? Do i have at least some sort of resemblance to a man? Your eyes have been over my appearance for a while. Are you not certain about something? “
Ah.
The best translation for such words was: she was staring.
“It’s hard not to admire such beauty when i have the fortune of finding it right in front of me. Careful, princess. It’s good that you still have a tinier stature than myself— otherwise i could easily find myself falling for you.“
It’s hard to remember when Mizuki started making remarks like this— teasing, and something that could easily be taken as vulgar considering the status of who it was towards.
And yet, said person, could only find her own lips curling into the tiniest of the grins— something the knight found no difficulty in adoring. If anything, it only made her prouder to be the reason for such a reaction. And it would take her a good amount of time to grow tired of— it always managed to spark something deep within her; she simply referred to it as her enormous ego, something in a neverending growth thanks to the royal. But the latter seemed only more and more amused by it.
“Is such a statement supposed to imply you find yourself drooling over those who stand taller than you? Because, if so, I should find myself worried. You’d be an easy prey. “
She simply teased back, fingers moving to fix her own collar before, a motion the pink-haired hadn’t even seen coming (somehow), they curled around the necklace the latter usually held proudly on her neck. In the former’s eyes it seemed like a light appeared, something identifiable by Mizuki as only some sense of fascination, admiration, perhaps? But something seemed to hide even further down—- something she had learnt not to seek. Curiosity is said to be a good quality to possess, but there are cases in which it shouldn’t be heard as a voice of truth. Nor as a guide.
“You mentioned sharing this with… Kamishiro, was it?
He seems.. interesting, I suppose. I wasn’t aware the two of you shared such a close bond—- but i suppose i’m glad. You appeared to have grown light into your eyes once more when you saw him yesterday. “
The chevalier’s eyes widened slightly at the comment. It appeared innocent, mere intrigue, and yet she couldn’t find any words that she could deem worthy. Could she have been afraid of disappointing Ena with her reply or maybe even herself she didn’t know, but she was even less aware of where this sudden wave of determination to know more about her past came from. It’s not like she was never questioned about it— but she was never directly asked about her past relations.
Wait.
Could it be connected to the comment she’d made about preferring taller men?
Cause Rui surely wasn’t even close to being depicted as short.
“Hm? Well, yes, but if your question was meant to go even… Deeper into our connection, then i’m sorry to disappoint. I was surely surprised and maybe even enthusiastic to meet him once more, but i believe neither of us could feed anything close to romantic interest in one another. We’re close companions, but that is it.“
Judging by the royal’s reaction… her response must’ve been correct. Well, if there were even any wrong answers, that is.
“Now, shall we be heading to meet with the others? I’m sure they must be waiting, by now.“
—-—-—-—-—-
Well, Mizuki sure was to be proven right.
The four men were standing all in the hall, where they had promised to meet, None of them exactly showed to be impatient, but, even if they did, the pink-haired had a feeling those feelings quickly melted at the sight of Ena— she didn’t look handsome, but rather like a pretty boy. Which, in her mind, often appear cuter and more appealing than the former. She did enjoy adorable things, after all, and, even though the princess surely wasn’t an object, she surely would’ve beaten every item in her collection.
The breeze was fairly cool, and it probably felt refreshing to all of them considering the vast amount of layers they each wore as an attempt to conceal their identities. The only ones who felt less restricted by this problem were Rui and Mizuki, who had the freedom of choice when it came to their clothing. If she hadn’t been friends with the former for quite some time, it wouldn’t have been hard to mistake his pick of attire for something meant to conceal his appearance. It wasn’t exactly extravagant nor noble appearing, but rather, well… If you were to look at him, the main reason you wouldn’t recognize him is because your eyes would be too busy with his clothes to pay any mind to what stood if you’d peeked higher.
She, in the meanwhile, was pretty proud of her dress; being the heiress’ personal guard, she surely cannot have the pleasure of choosing looks over practicality, which is why some liberty felt like paradise in times such as these. The fabric was pretty light, but well adorned. As belt, the dress had a piece that wrapped around her waist only to end in the back with a gorgeous bow, large enough that it covered a good amount of her back. Other than that, underneath the first skirt layer there were quite a few more—- all of them reaching until just above her ankles. The candid white they were painted with also came back to the sleeves, loose just around her wrists, the pure hue breaking and creating contrast from the light shade of pastel pink with many beige fades inside.
It had been a gift from her sister, whom she often met whenever she had the approval to do so.
The heels weren’t hard to walk in either, since they were short and pretty thick. Rather, somehow the one who could’ve soon found himself with such a problem was the ginger who she acknowledged as Ena’s younger sibling. In some ways, she thought, they were pretty similar to one another, though she’s sure neither would admit such a statement. She was fond of the guy, really. They often trained and sparred together, and, with time, she’d grown closer to him, too, until she grew a nickname for the boy: “Li’l bro”, considering his relationship to the one she guarded. Obviously she wouldn’t use such a name in public or during formal meetings —- she started treasuring her head, thank you very much!—-
but it was some sort of tradition between the two.
And then there were Toya and Tsukasa; they weren’t exactly close just yet, but they were far from being considered distant. Apparently, the two share a sibling-like bond, which is the reason for the visit; the blond really wanted to meet the oh-so intimate companion of his “younger brother”. It was obvious he cared about his family: after all, the only reason he’d forbidden his sister from following along was because she had just gotten out of the hospital bed, and he was worried she’d grow ill once more. Mizuki kind of looked up to the guy, really. Also, the day prior, she had the approval from Ena to take a free day (well, rather, after seeing the guests and the closeness the knight had with the lavendette apothecary, she forced her to take the free day. It could’ve been kindness, but Mizuki had a feeling the brunette didn’t feel like socializing much on that day), so she spent it all hanging out with the four. They were all awfully nice to be around, she had to admit; different from the relations she’d grown used to with boys her age when she was younger. So, it was definitely pleasing to meet these people. Also, Tsukasa and Rui appeared very intimate, so she had to thank the prince for taking care of her past companion.
As for Toya… He was pleasant. Polite, kind and even gentle—- it wasn’t hard for her to understand why Akito had decided to hold him so close. It was like an angel had been sent down from heaven, and the first fortunate soul to catch him was none other than the ginger.
Haa, maybe she had to get this image out of her head. Too romantic for two men.
Also, she noted to herself mentally, if the younger royal turned out to be a mind reader, things wouldn’t end so well for her in their next sparring match… Actually, she would’ve had a sword to her throat already if his older sister wasn’t standing right next to her. In some ways, Mizuki was the one to be truly protected.
Speaking of the brunette… If the guard had noticed something, it was that she was.. distant. Closed off. Even now, she walked the furthest side from the group. It wasn’t unnatural, of course—- she knew the princess quite well, after all—- but she couldn’t feel a sense of sadness wash over her at the sight- or maybe was it guilt? She had spent the entire time chatting with the others that the thought of slipping her in the conversation completely escaped her mind. It’s not like the girl couldn’t make conversation herself, she was the oldest out of them, but rather lacked the motivation, or maybe reason, to do so?
A tiny pout painted Mizuki’s features as her gaze moved towards the path they were walking on, her entire focus going into ways she should have made the princess feel included. She, herself, knew the feeling of being left out; not only on her skin but also in her friends. Or rather, friend.
So why had she let someone she cared about so much go through the same thing?
To push her out of the thoughts was the motion of a shadow on the ground, and, once she looked up, she noticed the girl haunting her worries had moved closer to her younger sibling, tugging his sleeve as her gaze pointed towards a table of men laughing loudly and playing cards: gambling was the correct term.
She was grateful to have learnt to read lips, for it appeared as the lady didn’t wish to be heard—
‘What are they doing?’
Ah, that’s right. Unlike her brother, she rarely traveled the streets and didn’t quite bother to acknowledge many things, especially the ones she would find unworthy of interest.
‘Hm? Ah, they’re just gamblers. Shouldn’t bother.’
The ginger replied, his expression going from initial surprise (from the sudden tug? His sister moving so close to him, considering their relationship? Or maybe the naivety his sibling had?) to a more neutral expression, almost unbothered as he simply shrugged his shoulders.
A tiny grin curled on Mizuki’s lips: it was rare to see the two interact and even if they did, their conversations would often be short-lived and silly. It was almost amusing.
She noticed the girl’s features morph into an expression close to interest, before her feet moved as well as her lips, her voice coming out louder than moments prior: “I’m going.”
Wait. What?!
That thankfully didn’t only catch her off guard, but also the rest of the group as they saw where she was heading. Had she gone mad? It was risky, for many factors, and yet they all couldn’t help but stare as she walked towards the men. Oh, oh God.
Once she approached them she couldn’t quite make out what she said– but worry bubbled from deep within her core, especially at the sound of the men’s laughter. Mocking. Cruel. And yet, they still let her take a seat with them, giving her cards once she left a good amount of coins on her side, impressed whistles being heard. Something from deep beneath her yelled at her to go stand by her side, just in case—- and yet, rationality won over. If she, or any of the others, were to do that, it would appear quite suspicious. Other than that, once Ena felt too many eyes over her, she turned around to glance at them, leaving a cold glare their way that surely caught Mizuki the most.
Time passed, and the more minutes went by… the playful the brunette seemed to get?
The group had decided to settle down on a table nearby, where the pink-haired had made sure to get herself a seat to easily surveille her… friend?
At one point, she even saw a smirk curl on her lips! Her and Akito know how hard it is to get Ena to smile in this period, and some foolish gambling game really managed to do just that? Well, now there was one more thing to worry about, which was that she wouldn’t have grown a gambling addiction…
And yet, Mizuki couldn't help but let her gaze linger. Ena was already pretty, tremendously so, and now, seeing her grin, all content couldn’t help but raise the attribute; she almost appeared like a goddess, or perhaps like a god, currently? The way her strands curled onto her neck just at the right length, or maybe the color of them that manages to serve so well with those breath-taking hazel eyes, rays of sunlight bathing them just enough to make them shine even brighter, if that’s even possible; the eyelashes that she oh so envied sometimes, even though the other one mentioned more than once that the opposite should take place. It’s not even just her face or the adorable expressions that would make one want to dig such an image deep in their mind to make sure they never forgot it, but even her entire figure in general. Those slender, now for some reason uncovered pale fingers, which contrasted beautifully so the rosiness she currently depicted in her cheeks; the nails, just a tad bit too long to have her look overworked and obviously hands well taken care of.
Sometimes, whenever she admires the girl, she finds something deep in her stomach fluttering; could it be jealousy? Maybe envy? Well, who wouldn’t envy such cuteness.
She was almost confident that if she had worn something more feminine, that made her true gender reflect more, the men would be swooning over her—- and maybe a hint of protectiveness took over her at that thought. She wishes to stand by her side forever, and is so grateful to have been taken in by her; such kindness, altruism. This would be the perfect queen. Was it even possible to hate her?
If anything, she should deem herself unworthy to be standing by the side of such ideality.
And Mizuki hadn’t even realized to have gotten so lost within her imagination before she heard a loud CLANK hit the table, and, once she looked up, she saw the figure of the princess, queen in and especially of her mind. A smug grin was curled on her lips, and what she had dropped onto the table was a leather bundle filled with what seemed, and sounded, like golden coins.
“ Well that was… amusing. “ That was all the girl let free from her lips.
—-—-—-—-—-
After a few seconds of inspecting the treasure, many comments filled with disbelief coming especially from Tsukasa, they had all finally stood up, walking through stands that offered many adorable things as well as useless. Tsukasa and Toya stopped by where plushies as well as pastries were sold, and, from the little Mizuki made out from their conversation, they were looking back at moments of their past. Their voices appeared to be longing or at least filled with nostalgia, especially when it came to the heir—- it seriously looked like the blond could end up crying any second now. Meanwhile, Rui and Akito both stood on their own at different booths: the former was looking at medical herbs, while the ginger seemed to have found his interest be caught by a blacksmith.
Mizuki would’ve and could’ve easily joined either of them, but she currently stood by Ena’s side, wanting to bathe in the other one’s presence just some more, even if it may turn out to be a selfish ideal. Her gaze lingered on her every move, like when she adjusted her sleeves to cover her wrists (apparently, she was doing so well they had her remove her gloves and put up her sleeves to make sure she wasn’t cheating).
“Haa… Was that really to prevent you from cheating? Such a foolish idea…“
The words came out as teasing, even playful as her fingers found pleasure in playing with the dress’ edge on her chest, a fidget she often didn’t have the fortune of having, so she would spoil herself now at least.
“Hm? Well, I suppose I’m just grateful I wasn’t asked to be checked. Binded or not, i’d still prefer people not to touch my chest.“
She simply replied, her words growing back to that usual, monotone and neutral voice she always carried. The knight was almost disappointed.
“Hah, don’t worry Your Highness, for, even if someone did, i’m sure they’d end up more disappointed than you!“
No matter her mock, the victim of it didn’t quite seem fazed—- as if her attention laid elsewhere. Well. she was about to put her gloves back on, but it’s difficult to believe such a simple task would require so much focus. And, right before a questioning sound could leave Mizuki’s throat, her hand was grabbed by the other one.
She touched her fingers, pressed them between her own and her thumb, gaze never leaving the skin no matter the pair of eyes that was currently begging for their the attention; wide as they were, paired with the heat that slowly creeped onto her cheeks, maybe they shouldn’t have done so; so, the possessor let them slowly follow ena’s gaze and so to her own hue. If you were to look at the difference between the pair of hands, it would appear obvious even with a mere glance. The heiress’ were delicate, well treated and, Mizuki had to acknowledge, so tender. It was almost like holding heaven—- or, in her case, being held by it. Meanwhile hers were rougher, more tan considering the amount of sunlight she gets (let it be by her own volition or not) and calloused; it wasn’t difficult to identify the protected and the protector.
Not only her gaze, but she let herself be absorbed into that feeling for just a little longer, a selfish part of her wanting to experience it forever, to be the only one who would know about the warmth the girl’s hands held, no matter the coldness of her demeanor.
She suddenly felt the other one shift, and, at that, she almost cringed internally for being so disappointed that the contact was close to coming to an end.
But, she was completely wrong.
Her fingers suddenly touched the other one’s lips, or rather the opposite happened, and she swore that, no matter the temperature outside, she suddenly felt too warm, blood rushing to her cheeks in a way that was almost shameful to her, suddenly feeling too close and too distant at the same time. What was happening? God, did she feel grateful and yet unworthy of being the ‘victim’ of such treatment.
“A…ah—“ curse her for stuttering, or rather for such a silly sound to be her only reaction to such proximity. Where had her usual snarkiness gone when she needed it the most? This surely wasn’t the time to hide, nor for her to seek it!
“Your hands are awfully cold.”
The only statement to come from the other one, and two scenes played in mizuki’s mind;
either tease her for being ‘just as icy’,
or admit to herself that that comment did, in fact, surprise her; considering the burning hot sensation she felt on the rest of her skin…
“Haa, is that so…“
Well. This was the best she could let out without stumbling over her words.
At that, the princess finally looked up to her, the tiny motion of her head gesturing into a nod.
“Are you feeling cool? Should we head back? Or shall i buy you something?“
As caring as that, or rather those, questions sounded, she found it hard to admit that the temperature taking over her body as whole was… well, definitely the opposite.
So, feigning was her best route.
“Haa– well, I guess i did, but not currently. I did read in a book that usually, whenever your body regulates your temperature, your hands stay cold. But i don’t believe it should be found worrying, truly. Rather, a mere… Bodily function? I’m sure Rui would agree.“
Well, maybe mentioning the apothecary right now wasn’t the best way out, considering the way Ena’s expression was painted into something… determined?
To what, Mizuki couldn’t have the pleasure of being aware of.
All she knew was how her hands were suddenly dropped, fingers curling in the palm, almost longing for the lost contact—- but, before she could question anything, her eyes travelled to where the other one was currently taking her own gloves off of her pants’ pockets.
Confusion morphed her every feature, and maybe it was even more pointed out when she tilted her head—- and yet, in reply, all that she received was nothing more but the said pieces of clothing, the dark fabric a bright contrast against the other one’s pale complexion.
“Here. Take these.“
“Huh? Ah– i couldn’t possibly accept…“
A tiny awkward grin was enough to distract her from her currently racing heart. She blamed this on the action from the other one, only serving to make her appear even more adorable.
“And why not? You’re mine, isn’t that correct?
You should know that i enjoy taking care of my possessions.“
That was the only reasoning the other one had given her for her actions, and, as correct it may stand in numerous situations, this was one of the ones Mizuki would’ve preferred for it not to.
But then, before she could reject once more, she was met with those eyes. The same ones she’d fantasized about just minutes, maybe half an hour prior. If she couldn’t see them well before, she could definitely describe them to perfection now. And, being met with such a disadvantage, what could she say? It couldn’t be deemed as a fair move, both to her and the knot stuck in her throat. But she surely couldn’t argue against it, especially when the attacker wasn’t even aware of having such a move, nor of it being this effective.
Oh, she was doomed to lose from the beginning, wasn’t she?
Even though she found it hard to reply, it appeared as if the other one was fully able to understand what had been going on in her mind. To a certain extent, of course, but such ability was easy to see especially when the said girl pushed the gloves deeper in her hands, before walking away to take a look at some new booths.
And now, Mizuki, being finally left alone with her thoughts, had only one to keep her company.
What the fuck.