Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me
Copyrighting not intended
I know there have been questions about what happened last chapter, whether things did happen or not, and don't worry. I will be sure to address what is going on soon. I'm not very comfortable with writing really detailed intimate scenes so if you're looking for really descriptive heated scenes, sorry, won't happen. Other than that, I'll try to push the limits of what I'm comfortable with during those scenes.
And thank you all for the reviews and favorites so far. It's already the 4th chapter in but I really appreciate you taking the time to read this fic. Keep the reviews coming in. I would love to know what you guys think and questions you guys may have.
When Konoka awoke that afternoon, the first thing she noticed was the blanket wrapped around her body, keeping her warm and the well-rested feeling she had. She grumbled slightly, feeling too comfortable snuggled underneath the covers, pressing her face into her pillow. She froze when her pillow sucked in a breath, and Konoka realized the pillow she was snuggling into was warm, her fingers digging into the soft warm object. She didn't move, pretending to still be asleep.
"Konoka?" A familiar voice reached her ears, but she ignored it, keeping still
There was a soft sigh, then Konoka felt soft fingers gently prying her fingers away from wherever they were, then a sigh as the figure sank back into the couch, probably reading, as Konoka heard the rustling of papers. She was then aware of fingers running through her hair. The soothing motion cause a surge of boldness as Konoka nuzzled her face into Setsuna's abdomen once more, fighting a laugh as Setsuna jumped.
Konoka screamed as Setsuna's deft fingers found her sides, tickling them with everything she had. Tears coming to her eyes, Konoka laughed out loud, squirming and twisting on the sofa. Setsuna finally stopped after a couple of minutes, leaning back against the sofa with a grin on her face.
"Awake now?"
Red-faced from all the laughing, Konoka nodded, still laying in Setsuna's lap, her brown locks splayed in all directions. She looked up and her eyes met shining dark orbs. "You seem awfully cheeky this morning." Setsuna laughed "What happened?"
"I slept well." Konoka replied, smiling widely, still feeling the effects of the laughing session.
"Well then, if that's the case I hope you get a good night sleep every night. I've never seen you smile like that before" Setsuna returned the smile, grabbing a mug from the table beside her, taking a sip "You look pretty when you smile."
Konoka blushed. She sat up slowly, making herself comfortable beside Setsuna. "It's all thanks to you."
"Me?"Setsuna chuckled, setting her mug down "I didn't do much."
"You did!" Konoka protested, turning red at the volume at intensity of her own voice "You've helped me so much, I..I don't know how to thank you."
"You don't have to."
"I want to." Konoka shifted closer, turning to face Setsuna fully "Let me help you. Please?"
A silence fell between the two as Setsuna searched Konoka's gaze. She had many secrets she'd rather not reveal to people, even those she trusted. Very few knew what she did, and they were people that Setsuna knew she could trust with her life. It had helped to keep her under a low profile, not having to worry constantly about betrayal. She struggled with herself for a moment.
"No. I can't." Setsuna shook her head. "Sorry."
At Konoka's crestfallen look, Setsuna grabbed Konoka's hand gently "The things I do are dangerous, and only a handful of people I trust knows what I've been up to." She ran a hand through her hair as she continued to explain "It's not that I don't trust you, I just don't want you to get dragged into this and get hurt."
"Like you did?" Konoka spoke quietly, soaking in every word her finger slowly trailing over where the laceration was on Setsuna's arm
"Yeah" Setsuna nodded, letting her thumb brush over the back of Konoka's hand "If you don't know, at least you'll be safer. They can't force you tell them information you don't know."
"They? Who's They?" Konoka asked curiously, only to see Setsuna shake her head, refusing to tell her more.
"I... don't want to see you hurt." Setsuna murmured quietly, raising her hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Konoka's ear "I can't."
Sighing, Konoka stopped trying, instead, she lowered her head "I don't want you to get hurt either."
Setsuna merely smiled a sad smile. "I'll be fine, but thank you."
"You won't leave, will you?" Konoka whispered "You won't get killed and leave me alone?"
"I...I don't like it when you're gone" Konoka continued, her eyes tracing the fabric of the couch "I feel safe around you. I.. I don't want you to go. You're different, you make me feel safe. I don't want to feel scared again."
"Hey..Hey.." Setsuna lifted Konoka's head gently, staring into her large brown eyes "I'll always come back."
"Promise?" Konoka's words were little more than a whisper
"Always." Setsuna murmured
They were close. So close that Konoka could feel each breath coming from Setsuna. For the very first time, Konoka saw Setsuna as someone she felt safe around, someone she could trust, rather than to fear. Spending the night in Setsuna's room and seeing her so casually dressed had brought back a homely feel, something Konoka didn't even know she missed until that very moment. She looked at the girl before her, specks of blood still dotting her shirt, a small smile on her face. Her eyes reflected nothing but warmth and kindness, and that was exactly what Setsuna had been showing her since she got here.
Setsuna closed the gap, pressing a small light kiss to Konoka's forehead "Always. Cross my heart." repeating her words from before.
Konoka flushed from the contact, feeling her face heat up slightly. Setsuna stood up, walking over to her closet. "How about we take a walk?"
"You don't have to work?" Konoka questioned quietly, knowing that Setsuna was usually busy in her study most of the time.
"I did most of it last night." Setsuna yawned jumping into the bathroom to change
"Did you sleep last night?" Konoka called after her.
She couldn't be sure, the door muffling was Setsuna's voice, but it sounded like Setsuna only got a couple of hours of sleep. Konoka hoped it wasn't her fault that Setsuna was up most of the night. Before she could feel bad, Setsuna stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in her usual vest and plaid skirt, stopping in front of her mirror to comb down the mess in her hair. Konoka grabbed a clean outfit from her bag, folding the old one neatly before she darted into the bathroom, quickly changing.
"Where're we going?" Konoka asked as they stepped out of the room together.
Setsuna shrugged "We're going out back. Just behind the mansion."
Konoka nodded, and walked slightly behind Setsuna, a habit she had yet to shed. She gasped slightly as Setsuna grabbed her gently by the wrist and pulled her in front so that they were walking side by side.
"How are you settling in?" Setsuna asked casually "It's not too overwhelming, is it?"
"No." Konoka shook her head with a bashful smile "Everything's been great. Real great. Everyone is so nice and I... I've learned so much. This whole thing has been amazing."
"Good Good." Setsuna nodded smiling "That's really good. A lot of people don't fit in as well. They're too...haunted by their past."
"Like nightmares?" Konoka asked quietly
"Yeah." Setsuna nodded once more "Sometimes they're just so afraid of everything, you know. So broken." Setsuna's voice trailed off sadly, and Konoka wondered what she was thinking of.
"Do you.." Konoka never finished her question, but Setsuna knew what she meant.
"Oh god. No." Setsuna shook her head fervently "Never. It's... not right."
Konoka heaved a silent sigh of relief. Slave masters were known to kill their slaves for various reasons. Some get killed for messing up, others too sick to survive in the toxic environment. There were also those that were killed just because their masters was in a bad mood.
"I do what I can." Setsuna continued "But some... some are just beyond me. I usually pass them to Negi. He does a much better job than I can."
"Negi?" Konoka scrunched her nose at the name, trying to remember where she had hear it before.
"Negi Springfield." Setsuna nodded. "He's the son of my benefactor. A friend. They saved my life."
"And you work with him?"
"Yeah." Setsuna spoke as they continued down the corridor "Negi is only a kid, but he's a genius. He and his father has saved so many lives. They're really amazing people."
"He's like you right?" Konoka asked softly, afraid to voice out her fears "He won't hurt anyone?"
"Only those that threaten to hurt the ones around him." Setsuna responded, pushing open the doors that led to the garden, squinting against the sunlight "Otherwise, he's really just a smart kid."
Konoka laid her eyes on the vast garden before her, flowers and bushes as far as she could see. There was a small lake in the center of the garden, and in the center of that a small terrace, flowers framing the edges of the small shelter. The soft trickle of a fountain reached her ears, mixing harmoniously with the birds singing in the trees. She closed her eyes, feeling the sun on her skin, smiling brightly as she turned back to Setsuna.
"Beautiful, ain't it." Setsuna ran her fingers over the top of the white stone fence separating them from the lake. "You know. The garden is special." a smile came to her face as she spoke "It has a special way of reminding me that everything I do is worth the effort and risk."
"It's calming." Konoka stated, gazing forlornly at a bright red rose, touching its soft petals gently
"It is, isn't it." Setsuna spoke absent-mindedly "It's a good place to be after a nightmare."
"You have nightmares too?" Konoka moved to stand next to Setsuna, looking at her curiously
"What?" Setsuna was startled for a moment, looking like a deer caught in headlights "No! Nothing like that! I just meant that it's a good place to think after waking up from one."
Konoka eyed her curiously, but didn't ask further. She realized Setsuna brought her here for a reason. Maybe, it was because she had a nightmare the night before. Konoka smiled at the thoughtful gesture "Thank you for showing me this place."
Setsuna looking back at her, her startled look changing back into a smile "Drop by here anytime you need to. It's a good place to be."
"Setsuna." Kaede's voice interrupted them, the ninja appearing out of nowhere yet again. "It's time."
Setsuna nodded and Kaede disappeared. She turned back to Konoka, a slight slump in her posture "I gotta go."
"Where are you going?" Konoka whispered
"Work." Setsuna said simply "I'll be gone for a couple of days."
"That long?"
"It's a long ways away." Setsuna sighed "Hey Hey Hey. Don't do that." Setsuna gently took Konoka's hands when the latter started to lower her head "I'll be fine, and I'll be back before you know it"
She shifted her hands to encircle Konoka's waist, pulling her into a hug "You know I'll be back."
"But I don't want you to go" Konoka mumbled into Setsuna's shirt
"I have to." Setsuna whispered back, dipping her head so that she could whisper into Konoka's ear "You'll be safe here."
"But.. But..." Konoka protested sadly, shaking her head
"As long as you are safe, I know I'm making a difference." Setsuna spoke softly "And if I'm making a difference, I can't stop. I have to do it."
"A couple of days?"
"3 days tops." Setsuna smiled pulling back, seeing the small uncertain pout on Konoka's face. "Promise. And you're welcome to continue staying in my room. Mana will check on you periodically."
"Okay." Konoka finally relented, closing the gap and nuzzling her face into Setsuna's shoulder "Stay safe."
Setsuna pulled back slightly, and leaned in close. Then, as if she changed her mind at the last minute, kissed Konoka lightly on the corner of her lips. Konoka tensed slightly, not expecting the kiss, and Setsuna caught on. She caught sight of Konoka's light fearful frown, and immediately jumped into an apology.
"I..I'm sorry." She stuttered, her face turning red bashfully "I didn't mean to scare you."
"You should go." Konoka whispered quietly
"Konoka I.." Setsuna started sighing "I.. "
"You're going to be late." Konoka spoke softly, giving Setsuna a small disappointed smile.
"We'll talk when I get back?"
"Yeah. Okay."
Relieved, Setsuna smiled, turning on her heel and leaving, her boots clicking against the floor. Konoka watched her retreating figure until it disappeared round the corner, before she turned her gaze back to the garden, staring silently ahead, soaking in the beauty of the serene garden. Before she realized, the sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the garden.
"Konoka?" A quiet voice came from behind her, "Dinner is ready."
Acknowledging the speaker, Konoka turned, letting her eyes linger on the garden before she followed Yue back inside. Dinner was fast, simple, and Konoka found herself wandering aimlessly down the hallways, lost in thought. Her mind wandered to Setsuna, how her lean petite form somehow made her feel safe. The light smell of lavender that wafted from her skin and the dark hair and framed her face. How the hilt strapped to her side made her feel protected instead of feeling fear.
Groaning, Konoka shook her head trying to clear it of thoughts.
"Something on your mind?"
Konoka jumped at the sudden voice, whirling around to face Mana. "Mana-san!"
"What's up? You look troubled." Mana walked up to her, quietly watching as Konoka looked down, her face red
"Nothing.." Konoka murmured,
Mana kept quiet, but Konoka could tell from her body language that she was not convinced. "It's about Setsuna-sama."
"What about her?" Mana was not in the least surprised, keeping rather calm and cool.
"Do you know what Setsuna-sama does?" Konoka asked quietly "She won't tell me."
"Yeah I do." Mana nodded "You worried about her?"
"Yes." Konoka replied simply
"Why?"
"Because she could get hurt."
"So?"
Mana's one word questions were confusing Konoka. "What do you mean 'So?'. Aren't you worried?"
"Of course I am," Mana replied matter-of-factly "but Setsuna can take care of herself."
Mana watched as Konoka lowered her head further. She was confused. It was the first time she had seen someone worry so much about Setsuna, especially since she had only been here for slightly more than a week.
"Why are you really worried?" Mana decided to ask. She knew something was going on, but she wanted to be sure. "It's not simply because she could get hurt. If so, you'd be worrying about Kaede and Koutarou as well.
"I don't know them that well." Konoka murmured
"Don't use that as an excuse. Why." Mana pushed. If her suspicions were right, she wanted to know.
"I.. I don't know." Konoka whispered, frowning hard "I just don't want to see her hurt."
"Who is Setsuna to you?"
"She's.." Konoka thought for a moment
"Think about it" Mana smiled, patting Konoka on the shoulder "You'll figure it out."
As Mana walked away, Konoka got lost in thought once more, mulling over what Mana had said. Setsuna was her master, right? That's who she was, right? Konoka mulled over it long and hard, even as she stepped into the bath, the warm liquid trailing down her skin. She thought back to when she first arrived. She had woken up in a unfamiliar place, and and a panic attack as she took a shower. It was Setsuna that had arrived to calm her down, and though she was afraid initially, Setsuna had quickly reassured her, casting her fears away, even if it had been only temporarily.
The next couple of days were slightly easier. She made friends with Yue and the others, she learnt how to read, she had done so much in so little time. When Setsuna came in hurt, she was so scared. Scared for Setsuna, scared of the blood that gushed from her wounds. It had only been a short while since she stepped into this life, a life that she had long given up on, but Konoka had begun to adapt to this life of freedom. And she loved it. She loved the fact that she could speak without being hit, the fact that she did not have to cower in fear when someone walked past her.
Konoka snuggled under the covers, the lights dimmed in the room. Nothing seemed right. She missed Setsuna's presence. Deep down she knew she liked Setsuna much more than anyone else, felt safer with her than anyone else, but she couldn't understand why. Grunting, Konoka flipped onto her side, curling into a ball. She yawned, her eyelids heavy, too tired to think further. Setsuna would be back in three days, and Konoka might be able to figure out why she was feeling what she was feeling. She'll find Mana tomorrow, and talk to her. It was only 3 days til Setsuna's return. Just 3 days. It would be over soon.