Chapter 2: Tomorrow's Beginning

Saya's heavy lids flitted open ushering in a rush of morning light. She observed her surroundings – unfamiliar was the word that came to mind – but somehow, safe. At first glance, it appeared to be a hotel room, but analyzing more closely, it was an apartment. Whose? She did not know.

The Queen got a better look at herself and noticed a lavender nightgown was fit to her slender body, the thin material guiding itself along her curves. She threw her legs over the side of the bed and attempted to support her weight upon them. A few minutes had gone by with no prevail until she found it easier to use the wall as her legs and shuffle across. Cautious as to what may be outside the bedroom door, she poked her head out.

"Haji?" she called out hesitantly.

Concentrating on her feet, Saya took a few more unsteady steps and bumped into what felt like a wall. A deep scarlet blush crept onto her cheeks as she gazed up at the obstacle. Her Chevalier was looking down upon her, clothed in a mere towel around his waist. The beads of water running down his smooth chest indicated he was just stepping out of the shower.

Mortified, she took one faltering step backwards and nearly toppled over. Like a reflex, he reached out and pulled her close to his chest. She could only stare at him and think of how much she missed his presence. Regardless of his dripping wet body, she embraced him tightly, pressing her cheek against the chiseled surface.

"Saya, are you alright?" he checked, his voice carrying a concerned yet sensitive tone.

She didn't know what to say. All she could do was stand there and nod. He smiled indistinctly, stroking his fingers through her long hair.

"I will get you something to eat in a moment," he informed her, stepping into the bedroom she just stumbled out of and closing the door behind himself.

Saya assumed he was dressing and took a seat at a table in a kitchen-like corner of the living room. He emerged from the room only a minute or two later, dressed in his typical formal wear, though slightly tweaked since their past encounter. He wore a white, long sleeved button-up that tucked into black trousers and pair of polished black shoes.

She followed him with admiring eyes as he walked over to the kitchen and prepared a breakfast for her. He started by rolling up his sleeves and taking out the necessary appliances. Within a matter of minutes, her food was set out in front of her on a plate. Saya gave her Chevalier a meek grin and tentatively tested his cooking.

"This is amazing," she complimented and she meant it.

Haji returned the smile and took a seat across from her at the table.

Adoring the rare expression, she inquired in between bites, "Haji, how could you afford this place?"

"I play my cello at a local music store and the owner pays me for doing so," he answered. "I would have taken you to Omoro last night, but I feared that I may wake Kai and the girls."

"Don't worry about it," she assured him. "How is everyone doing?"

He responded, "They are doing well. Would you like to see them today?"

She took a moment to contemplate and consider her choices then decided, "Actually… I was thinking about spending the day with you. Is that okay?"

"Certainly, Saya," he sincerely agreed. "Where do you wish to go?"

Pushing an empty plate aside, the Queen presumed, "I'm not sure really. Everything has probably changed so much over thirty years."

"I will take you somewhere," he told her, rinsing the plate in the sink.

"O-Okay," she uncertainly accepted, laughing nervously at her poor condition. "I should probably clean up a bit."

Haji excused, "I apologize, I don't have much of your clothes here with me, so I had to buy some for you. I hope my taste isn't too outdated."

Saya followed him into the bedroom to see how outdated his taste in fashion really was. As the wardrobe doors flew open, she gawked at the clothing hanging inside. Pinks, reds, and purples, were all she saw, from shirts to dresses to skirts, all of which she would love to wear.

"Are you kidding? I absolutely wouldn't mind wearing any of this," she commented out of honesty and pressed her lips to his cheek. "Thank you."

"The bathroom is the next room over," he informed her, stepping out of the room for the sake of her privacy.

Saya could have sworn Haji was blushing though she felt equally embarrassed herself. She wasn't quite sure how comfortable she was with her Chevalier picking out her undergarments for her. However, she managed to brush the thought aside and take care of her morning preparations before going on a brief field trip with Haji or rather, a date.

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