Chapter Four

Temptation

Himeko wondered how things had ended up like this. She was sitting in the Himemiya dojo watching as Chikane throttled her older cousins with her wooden sword. This was her third match already, and every one of her uncle's children went down with a disgruntled thump.

Himeko felt her awe grow by the second, not by the sheer force of the Himemiya woman's skill, but by the grace of her movements. Chikane moved, without an ounce of effort and match after match won without breaking a sweat—her elegance never failing her. It was almost unnerving how skilled she was with a sword, how cold her eyes looked as she fought—she wasn't meant to be some samurai's wife, Himeko thought, she was meant to be a warrior herself!

Himeko felt her heart flutter as she watch her best friend pummel man after man in seconds, her shoulder blades moving smoothly underneath her gi. She had her long thick hair tied up into a high pony tail, exposing the creamy expanse of her nape, her beautiful white neck captivating the blonds attentions completely. Himeko blushed hotly at the thought of placing a soft kiss against her skin, of what it would feel like against her lips. She shook the idea out of her head, her ears burning. Why was she thinking such things? She gave a soft sigh and focused on the match instead, hoping that would keep her mind from wandering into dangerous territory.

She watched as Chikane turned around to face another one of her opponents, her beautiful face hardened somewhat. She widened her stance, her delicate frame shifting underneath her hakama.

One of her cousins made his way over with his sword in hand, he was bigger than she was—but the look in his eyes betrayed his advantage. He looked terrified.

"Ready?" Chikane asked, darkly.

"Y—Yes." He stammered, clumsily taking his stance.

The matched lasted a whole twenty seconds.

Himeko restrained the silly urge to clap.

"Next." Chikane's Father ordered, his voice deep and powerful.

Himeko flinched.

It was amazing how dead on their resemblance was. He was a tall husky, powerful man, his black a hair straight and short, his mustache tinted with stray grey hairs. His eyes were blue as the ocean, exactly like Chikane's. Himeko looked around the room, her amethyst eyes gleaming with curiosity. The room was filled with dark haired family members and an overwhelming sense of elegance. Himeko suddenly felt self conscious.

They were all very beautiful, even some of the men oddly enough.

'None come close to being as beautiful as my Chikane-chan, though.'

She thought with a smile. She blushed suddenly, realizing the possessiveness in her thoughts did more than enlighten her.

"She's skilled, isn't she?" The older Himemiya asked, sitting next to Himeko. Himeko blushed, surprised. She hadn't seen Chikane's Mother in years! And it seemed those years had been very good to the beautiful woman.

"Y—Yes she is!" she squeaked as the older woman looked at her patiently.

"It is nice to see you again, Kurusagawa-san," she said softly, with a polite smile, her eyes wrinkled at the edges elegantly. Himeko felt her cheeks burn. This is what Chikane would look like when she grew older, with the exception of her eye color. She shook her head; she would surly look even more beautiful.

"It's is a pleasure to see you as well!" she said nervously, bowing from the waist up, "I hope I'm not a bother!" she apologized, unsure of whether Chikane had asked permission to have her guest over. The older woman smiled.

"Of course not, Kurusagawa-san" she said with a soft laugh, "We've missed you, you know."

Himeko smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Himemiya-sama"

The two of them watched as the young Himemiya princess struck down on one of her cousin's shoulders, rendering his right hand useless for the moment. He fell to the floor, cursing under his breath. She stood without looking over at him, glancing in her Fathers direction. He was watching intently, his mustached face unreadable. She sighed, visibly irritated.

This was not what she had in mind for her first night home. She hadn't thought she would walk in to find her whole family lined up waiting to test out her newly acquired skills. It was one hell of a way to welcome her home.

She stretched, raising her arms high above her head. She was sore and exhausted from riding her horse for three hours nonstop earlier. Rolling her head from side to side she gave a sigh as she felt something pop. She gave a soft moan, rubbing the back of her neck.

She turned around looking for a certain blond before catching her eyes with her own. She gave a happy sigh. Himeko looked flustered and fidgeted slightly in her seat, making Chikane laugh. She looked so adorable, she thought, sitting next to her Mother like that. She grinned. She had to get through this fast if she wanted to spend any more time with the sweet girl.

She took a deep breath and looked around, seeing the amazement and fear in her family member's eyes. She felt a slight satisfaction.

"Who's next?" she asked, her voice cold and demanding.

There was no answer.

She grinned; it seemed like things were finally looking up.

"I am."

She turned around to see her Father across from her, his wooden sword in hand. She took it back; things were definitely not looking up. Gripping her sword tightly she nodded gravely, sliding her left foot over the tatami floor; widening her stance. This was going to be a hard one.

Himeko looked confused. What was going on?

Sensing her distress, the older Himemiya leaned forward, "He's been curious as to how much she has improved since she was last home." She said softly, catching the blond off guard.

"But…" she looked frantic, sparing with her male cousins her age was one thing, but her Father was much bigger than her, much more skilled, "She's so small compared to him." She said with a weak whimper.

The older woman watched as the blond twisted the fabric of her robes with her small hands. She felt a warm settle in her chest. She really did care for her daughter. It was a relief.

"He has always treated her as his equal," she said softly, recalling painful memories of her precious and only daughter receiving far more than she could handle; bruising and bleeding easily. "It builds character." she quoted her husband with a grim expression.

Himeko felt her anxiety rise as she watched Chikane raise her sword. In a second they were at it; their wooden swords in the air, striking down viciously.

THWACK

His larger frame dove forward his word crashing down against Chikane's who found her speed useful; blocking his attack.

THWACK.

She darted to the left, trying to move out of his striking range. Quickly—without a second to spare she willed her sword forward with a growl. Her Father saw it coming, moving out of the way.

They went at it for a good fifteen minutes, dancing about the dojo, dodging, yelling, striking—to no avail.

THWACK.

THWACK.

THWACK.

The sound of wood meeting wood in vicious attacks resonated in the small dojo, making Himeko flinch every time. She had never seen anything like this before. She watched as Chikane began to sweat, her face completely different from before. Her brows furrowed with concentration, her blue eyes clouded darkly with defiance. She looked frustrated, angry at how long this was taking, at how skilled her Father was.

"Chikane-chan…" Himeko felt herself struck with awe, as she watched her beloved's raw strength.

"Hya!" Chikane roared, advancing once again. Her voice was controlled, determined—powerful.

Himeko had never heard her voice sound like that before.

"He has never been able to make up his mind," the older Himemiya said softly, referring to her husband. Himeko looked up at her, curious, "He has never been able to decide whether she is his daughter or his son." She said, with a pained look. Himeko pondered on the statement, her eyes pained at the thought. That explained a lot. "It has always weighed heavily on her; having to carry two titles, two different roles." Chikane's mother sighed.

Suddenly they heard the sickening sound of wood meeting flesh.

Himeko felt her hear drop.

Chikane was on her knees, her right hand limp—immobilized. Lord Himemiya had struck her in the same place she had struck her cousin, on her right shoulder. She hunched over, her bangs covering her pained face. Her hand hung lamely at her side, her palm open, sword on the floor.

"Chikane-chan!" Himeko gasped, darting forward. A hand stopped her.

"Leave them be." Chikane's Mother said softly, knowing that the worst was over. Himeko looked at her confused and then turned to see Chikane struggling to her feet.

"Stand up, Chikane." The Himemiya ordered; his voice sharp and commanding.

The smaller of the two looked up, her jaw clenched tight. He had struck a nerve, sending sharp stabs of pain shooting through her arm, rendering it useless; she couldn't even move her fingers. She bit back a cry of pain as she tried to will her arm to move. She reached for her immobile limb and cradled it as she made her way to her feet. She stood up straight, refusing to lose her honor despite her defeat.

He made his way over to her, his sword at his side now. With cold eyes he examined her posture and gave a satisfied look. In reality, it seemed more like he settling for what was standing in front of him.

"You have improved very much," he said, his voice unwavering, "But save your overconfidence for another occasion."

Chikane felt a ding in her pride as his voice rose with his last statement. With an icy glare she nodded, bowing deeply.

This was definitely not what she expected on her first night back.

"Chikane-chan, are you sure you're okay?" Himeko asked softly, her hand hovering over the beautiful maiden's shoulder. She didn't dare touch it for fear of hurting her.

"Are you sure you don't want anyone to look at it, Chikane?" came the calm voice of the older Himamiya. Her daughter looked up from where she was sitting with her legs tucked underneath her, her eyes following her Father and the rest of the men as they exited. She bit her lip; angry.

"It's alright, it was just a tap." She said as she turned around, trying to reassure her Mother and friend with a smile. It was definitely not 'just a tap', it was much more than just that; she had actually be surprised that her father had used such force. But there was no sense in worrying them, besides; she didn't want to give anyone the satisfaction of watching as she was bandaged up. Especially not with her vengeful cousins around. She would grin and bear it, salvaging what little composure she had left.

"Your Father is much too rough with you, I will have a word with him," her Mother said with a serious look on her face. Chikane smiled softly, placing a hand on her Mothers shoulder gently.

"It's alright," she reassured, "Next time I won't lose." She ginned wickedly. Her Mother gave a soft laugh.

"You are just like him." She said with a sigh, her eyes dancing with emotion. Chikane felt her cheeks redden. Her poor, poor Mother. How she loved her.

"You always say that." She chuckled softly with a shake of her head. Her Mother smiled.

"Alright then, I will leave you girls be," her Mother sighed, getting to her feet, "I'm sorry you had to sit through all that Kurusugawa-san," she apologized. Himeko gasped, shaking her head.

"No! It was amazing! Really." She said with a blush, she looked over at Chikane who smiled in return—apologizing with her eyes.

"Well, you should go take a bath and then go to bed," Chikane's Mother said, "I'm sure you two are exhausted." And with a last lingering smile and gaze at her daughter, she left the room, closing the sliding door behind her.

Himeko looked over at Chikane who took a small sip of the tea she had in front of her. She smiled. She was always composed; dignified regardless of the situation. Her eyes traced over her beautiful face, and then fell over to her shoulder. She felt her heart break at the sight of her obviously pained arm.

"Chikane-chan," she said softly, making the former look up at her with a smile, "You were amazing out there." She said finally, mustering up the courage to form words. Chikane blushed red; embarrassed. She shook her head.

"Thank you Himeko, but I should have done better," she said softly, remembering her Fathers cold words. She sighed, grimacing as her shoulder pulsed painfully. Himeko frowned.

"That's not true! You did amazingly well! I'm sure your whole family was amazingly proud of you, Chikane-chan!" she said, reassuringly. Chikane smiled up at the sunny girl, feeling her heart flutter with joy.

"Thank you," she said softly, as she scooted closer to her, pressing her forehead against the blonds. Himeko gasped at the sudden contact, "I'm sorry you had to sit here and watch all of this boring stuff, though." She apologized softly, opening her eyes to look at the blond. They were very close, but Chikane was too tired to bother with the laws of proximics.

"It wasn't boring, Chikane-chan," she said softly, feeling her friends soft breath against her face. Her heart sped up; the last time they did this they had kissed. Himeko felt her heart speed up at the memory of Chikane's soft lips against hers. "Everything Chikane-chan does is amazing." She finally said, trying to push away any stray thoughts that lingered in her head.

Chikane smiled, leaning against the blond, feeling her tired body succumb to the soothing warmth she gave her.

Suddenly, opening her eyes wide she backed away, making Himeko gasp. Had she done something wrong, Himeko thought to herself, watching as the former made a face.

The Himemiya's was beat red. She had felt a sudden self consciousness creep over her shoulder. She had forgotten how much strain she had put on her body when she had fought with her father … How much she had sweat.

"I must smell awful." She said with a laugh, touching her now dry hair. Himeko felt her shoulders sag. That was all? She sighed in relief.

"Chikane-chan," she said with a soft laugh, "You smell fine." She said inching closer, smelling the lavender in her hair. The other girl darkened further.

"I need a bath, regardless." She said with a soft chuckle, "Come with me?" she asked as she stood up. Himeko followed suit.

Take a bath? With Chikane? Her whole body must have turned red.

The Himemiya laughed as she took the blonds hand and guided the flustered girl along with her.

The beautiful Himemiya sighed as she submerged her body in the warmth of the bath water. She gave a soft moan as the water soothed her shoulder's ache, dulling it significantly. She stretched her legs in front of her, feeling all the tension in her taunt muscles fade away in an instant. How she had missed her bath. Bathing with twenty or more other women hardly ever left time for her to really relax and enjoy herself. She smiled, feeling her back loosen up. It was good to be home. Chikane looked over at Himeko who was still taking her clothes off an d felt her lips curl into a small smile. It had been a while since they had taken a bath together.

Himeko felt her cheeks burn hotter than they had ever burned before, she could hear her heart pounding loudly in her chest and wondered if Chikane could hear it from where she sat. She was taking her time removing her priestess robes, not because she was tired, but because she was embarrassed. Chikane had so easily slipped out of her clothes and entered the bath without giving it a second thought. She had slid her gi over delicate pale shoulders and exposed her ivory skin without hesitation, her round breasts free from their prison.

At first Himeko had looked away, feeling guilt nag away inside her head. Chikane was probably utterly unaware of the blonds' curiosity, she couldn't take advantage of that! But then as her friend turned around exposing her beautiful body in all its naked glory and motioned for her to undress, she felt her face burn and her heart jump into her throat. She felt her mouth go dry as her eyes fell upon her ample breasts; they had grown so big and looked so soft, the delicate pink of her nipples making Himeko feel oddly energize—falling down to her slender waist; she was so thin and lithe— and down to her navel. The flustered blond hadn't dared look lower.

'She's so beautiful,' Himeko thought, awestruck, 'But why do I feel like this?Why does Chikane-chan make me feel like this? Could I be… ' she hesitated, feeling her ears burn, 'Could I be weird?' She felt her blush creep over her whole body at the thought. No she couldn't be, she shook the idea from her head. She wasn't like that… Right?

"Himeko," Chikane's voice called out from behind her, "Is everything alright?" she asked concerned, standing up despite her tired body's protest, making her way over to the blond. Himeko felt her heart jump again at the thought of a naked Chikane standing next to her again, teasing her with her breathtaking beauty.

"Y—Yes! I'm fine Chikane-chan!" she reassured with a nervous laugh. Quickly, not wanting Chikane to get out of the bath and tease her with her snowy white completion she removed what was left of her clothes and made her way to the bath.

Chikane felt her heart flutter in her chest; like a caged dove trying to break free. Himeko was beautiful. She felt her ears burn at the realization, her eyes suddenly unable to look away. She was absolutely gorgeous.

Chikane's cerulean eyes traced the delicate curves of Himeko modest breasts, full and round; they would fit perfectly in her hand she thought, feeling her hands itch from where they rested on her knees. Her eyelids drooped a bit as she traced the delicate curve of her navel, the broad curve of her hips, her…She looked away; feeling her face burn. Why was she thinking those things? Why was she..?

"Chikane-chan?" came a muffled voice.

The Himemiya was snapped out of her thoughts. She turned around to see Himeko sitting next to her, completely submerged in water. She smiled, watching as the blond hid her face in embarrassment. Was she self-conscious? She wondered, amused. She didn't have the right to be.

"Is it warm enough, Himeko?" Chikane asked softly, her hand brushing the blond bangs out of her face. She smiled shyly at the dark haired maiden.

"It's perfect, Chikane-chan." She whispered; leaning back against the stone behind her. She closed her eyes and gave a content sigh. Chikane smiled warmly.

"Himeko," Chikane whispered, inching closer to the blond. Himeko opened her amethyst eyes sleepily, "Do you remember when we used to take baths together when we were little?" she asked softly, taking the blonds hand in hers, lacing their fingers together.

Himeko felt her cheeks burn, "Yeah, I remember, Chikane-chan." She said, giving her hand a light squeeze. Chikane smiled softly.

"I remember I would always wash your hair," she said; closing her eyes. She was leaning her front against the stone wall of the bath, resting her cheek against the cool surface. "I was always jealous of how pretty your hair was," she trailed on. Himeko sat up and smiled. Chikane looked so adorable. "I always thought it was so beautiful when the sun hit it, like golden sun light." She said with a sigh.

"Chikane-chan," Himeko whispered contently, leaning her head on the other girls shoulder.

Chikane gave a yelp, the blond having put pressure on her bruising shoulder. Himeko gasped.

"I'm so sorry, Chikane-chan!" she cried, guilty. Chikane gave her a smile.

"It's okay, Himeko," she reassured, turning around to face her. Himeko felt her heart sink as her eyes fell on the princess's shoulder. There was a purple bruise between her shoulder and neck. She felt her heart clench.

"Chikane-chan!" Himeko gasped, reaching out for her friend, she made sure not to touch the delicate bruise.

"It's okay…" she said softly, trying to sooth the bruise with her fingertips, "It'll go away soon." Himeko looked at her distressed. She knew they should have treated the injury when they had the chance. Chikane smiled at the look of concern in her beloved's eyes. "Don't worry, I'm fine."

"I worry about you, Chikane-chan." Himeko said softly, her finger tip tracing the princess's collar bone absentmindedly, "You're so strong and beautiful and perfect…" she whispered, looking into cerulean eyes with something Chikane couldn't recognize, "But I worry so much, because I…"

Chikane felt her face flush with color, was it her or was the bath suddenly too hot?

"Because…?" she encouraged, feeling her heart growing weaker by the second—what was she going to—

"Because I love Chikane-chan so much," Himeko said with a whimper, holding on to the Himemiya's frame, she was crying. Chikane felt her heart break in two. Why was this child so sweet? So innocent? "Everyone expects Chikane-chan to be perfect, but it's not fair! Chikane-chan looks tired! She looks sad! And I—I—!"

Chikane wrapped her arms around the small blond, ignoring the throbbing in her shoulder. "Himeko…" she sighed, saying her name again and again. She buried her nose in her friends golden tresses. "Thank you for caring so much for someone so unworthy." She said, feeling her heart flutter; her cheeks burn. "Thank you so much! Himeko—!"

"Chikane-chan!" the blond cried, holding on to her best friend's warm, ample body. She gasped, pulling away when the Himemiya hissed suddenly, her shoulder stinging.

Chikane laughed softly, "We're such a mess." She said, wiping her tears. Himeko giggled.

"Mou~ I'm just a cry baby." Himeko said with a soft laugh as she wiped her tear away, sniffling. "Should we get out, Chikane-chan?" she asked, noticing how flushed the girl in front of her had become. Her beautiful pale face was pink.

"Let's stay a bit longer, ne?" she asked with a pleading look. Himeko smiled, how could she deny her when she looked at her like that? She nodded. "Come here, Himeko." Chikane stretched her arms out in front of her, welcoming.

Himeko felt her cheeks burn. Such an intimate embrace… Naked? She felt herself fidget a little. The other girl gave her an amused look.

"Like this," she said, motioning that she should turn around, her back facing her so she could hold her for a bit, "Like we used to when we were little, remember?" she said softly, smiling at the memory. "You can rest her head here," she patted her left shoulder, motioning to her 'come here'.

Himeko finally understood.

Chikane giggled. Himeko was just too cute for words.

Slowly, careful not to hurt her, Himeko settled on the Himemiya's lap, resting her head on her shoulder comfortably. She gave a sigh; content.

"Better?" Chikane asked softly, brushing the blond's thick hair over her shoulder, exposing her delicate neck.

"Mmm," the blond nodded as she stretched her toes engulfed in the warmth of the bath water.

Chikane smiled, resting her head on top of the blonds. She smiled as her nose caught the faint smell of flowers. She gave a sigh. This was perfection. She couldn't ask for anything more. She absentmindedly traced the delicate curvature of the girl's neck with her finger tips, her finger nails grazing the sensitive skin softly. She felt her beloved shiver slightly at the contact.

There was no denying it, Chikane thought, her mind a sluggish haze—she loved this girl. She loved this girl more than she had ever loved anyone, more than she could ever hope to love anyone. She felt her heart flutter. She had to tell her, she had to confess to her beloved miko her feelings. She felt her resolve strengthen as her eyes tracing the blond's delicate collar bone, following the curve of her breast. She felt something tighten in her tummy.

The delicate skin of her neck was so tantalizing. It was inviting—sun kissed and ever so tempting.

"It was with Chikane-chan, so it's okay."

She felt her cheeks burn with heat at the memory. Himeko hadn't realized the implications of her words then, she hadn't realized how crazy they had driven her.

She lowered her head softly; breathing in her beloved's sweet scent. Slowly, she traced the subtle curve of her neck with her nose, feeling the soft warmth of her beloved; breathing hot puffs of air on the delicate reddening skin.

Himeko stirred slightly, her eyes opening; glassy—sleepy.

"Chikane-chan…" she whispered, hazy. "That tickles." She said with a faint giggle.

"Himeko," Chikane purred softly, aching to taste the sweetness of her beloveds skin, "Can I?" she asked, her voice soft and pleading. Himeko felt her face burn intensely.

What could it hurt? They had already kissed and everything seemed alright to her. What would another kiss on her neck hurt, right? Himeko's heart felt like it was about to burst from her chest.

"As long as it's you, Chikane-chan…" she whimpered, squeezing her legs together. She felt something in her tummy flutter.

"Himeko…" the Himemiya sighed, letting her eyes droop shut. Softly she pressed her soft, full lips against Himeko's delicate neck.

Himeko gave a soft gasp at the contact. Her body exploded in heat suddenly, the Himemiya's delicate warm lips awakening something inside her she didn't understand. She had never thought in a million years that a simple kiss on the neck would ever feel like this. She felt Chikane's lips press against her skin again and again; softly—sweetly. Himeko's breath came and went in shaky gasps.

Chikane kissed her over and over, each kiss sweeter than the last—more tantalizing then the last. Her skin tasted sweet, like the sweetest strawberries ripe and ready. She kissed her for the hundredth time it seemed, wanting—yearning for more. She found her beloveds pulse with her lips, feeling her racing heart.

She pulled away curious, gazing at the blonds red face. She looked… Chikane didn't dare think the word… Aroused.

Chikane smiled slowly, feeling any guilt she had dissipate in an instant. Her Himeko was enjoying this as much as she was. With a relieved sigh, she dipped her head forward, catching her pulse with her lips again, softly suckling at the soft skin. Himeko gave a soft moan, a breathy 'Chikane-chan' escaping her soft lips.

Softly, experimentally she parted her lips; placing an open mouth kiss on her beloveds delicate skin, her tongue grazing the heated flesh lovingly.

Himeko jerked, giving a straggled whimper. Chikane stopped, fearing that she had displeased her beloved miko. It wasn't until she noticed the blond moving her head and shoulder; making more room for the princess to kiss that she realized what was going on. Chikane smiled wickedly, before continuing.

She lapped and kissed at Himeko's neck, her hot tongue trailing feverishly along her neck to her ear— her finger tips tracing slow circles on the blond's flat tummy. She could feel the blond trembling underneath her; hear the sweet gasps and moans that escaped her delicate full lips time and time again—the 'Chikane-chan's that clung to the air as she went about bending the blonds desires with her mouth.

"Himeko…" she whispered, her tongue brushing along the blond's earlobe hotly, making her squirm in her lap.

Himeko felt her face flush beat red as she wondered what other delicious sensations that tongue could elicit against her. A gentle bite tore her from her naughty thoughts and she moaned, feeling Chikane's hot tough sooth the temporary discomfort, leaving a small love bite. Himeko felt her tummy flutter with excitement. Was Chikane marking her? Was she marking her as her lover? Her thoughts were interrupted by another bite, this time harder, more possessive. Himeko whimpered, her hand coming up to touch the Himemiya's delicate face, encouraging her.

She wondered where Chikane had learned all of this, where she had learned to tease her so well, where she had learned how to use her tongue the way she was.

Surely this wasn't one of the things she learned while she was at the—

She was interrupted again by another gentle love bite, this time on her earlobe. She felt her beloveds lips close around the delicate tissue, suckling gently.

"Chikane-chaaan~" she mewled, wiggling in her lap. She felt her beloved mouth kiss the tender flesh of her ear, as if apologizing in case she had bitten or suckled on it too hard.

"Himeko," she husked hotly against the blonds red ear, "We should probably go, before anyone starts looking for us." She said, amused at the thought of someone walking in on them in their intimate embrace.

Himeko could only nod weakly from where she sat.

She felt Chikane rub the delicate red skin on her neck, scooping up some warm water with her hands in an attempt to sooth it..

"Thank you, Chikane-chan." Himeko said softly, blushing hotly. Chikane was so attentive. It was heart warming.

"I hope I didn't hurt you," the Himemiya said softly, pressing a soft kiss on Himeko's forehead. Himeko could only smile and shake her head.

"Chikane-chan could never hurt me," she said sweetly, facing her. Chikane felt her cheeks flush. Himeko was so sweet, so innocent.

She smiled.

She would never hurt her.

Ever.

It was a vow she would never break.

"Ready?" she asked, standing up.

"Mmm." Himeko nodded, standing on shaky legs.

Chikane smiled, taking her beloveds hand. She would protect this girl and make her smile, no matter what.

Tenderly they helped each other dress before they made their way to their room, giggling.