Saito was outside the manor door. Sitting on the steps, he sharpened his knife and spoke with Derf to pass the time. "So how'd it go with Henrietta?" The sword asked inquisitively. Saito put down the whetstone, "Could've gone better, might've been worse, but it still wasn't easy." "Love never is," Derf remarked. "So what happens now?"
As if on cue, Louise came over from the stables. "Now, I need to clarify a few things with Louise," said Saito. "After that... we'll see." "We'll see what?" Asked Louise, walking over. "Nothing, I was just talking to Derf," he thumbed over to the sword proper up against the door. "How was your ride?" "It was... fine," she said hesitantly, starting to walk past.
"I know you saw me with Henrietta the other night," Saito said. Louise froze in her tracks. "And I know that you knew I supposed to see her tonight." For a moment, the mage said nothing. "I'm glad you two are happy," she said finally, opening the door. "We're not together," Saito glanced up at her. "Me and Henrietta, I mean."
Louise paused, turning to the boy with a thunderstruck expression. "You're not?? B-but I saw you two kissing and everything!" "It was sort of a 'heat in the moment' kind of thing," Saito replied sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "You and I had one of those after we captured Wardes, remember?" Louise blushed, looking away slightly embarrassed, "I... I remember. But surely someone as beautiful and wonderful as Lady Henrietta would-"
"Look, I don't really want to go into it," said Saito, sheathing his knife. "But basically, at some point she'll have to marry for political reasons. And I don't want to be put on the side in favor of someone else." "...That's fair," Louise nodded, understandingly. "So what now? Is Her Majesty upset with you?"
Saito shook his head, "No, we talked it out, came to an understanding. But she might come stay over once in a while, get a break from being Queen." Louise breathed a slight sigh of relief, "Well I'm glad nothing came of this." Saito raised an eyebrow, and the mage realized how her words could be taken. "I-I mean, she's our most trusted ally! The last thing we'd need is something so complicated!"
Saito shrugged, "I know what you meant. Anyway, it doesn't matter anymore. I'm not gonna look for love. Besides, I've already got you here!" Louise went scarlet, "W-What do you mean by that!?" Saito grinned mischievously, "Well, we're supposed to act like a well-adjusted couple once your family shows up. No point in me running around dating, a guy like your dad would probably find out and then he'd take you away for sure!"
Louise deflated slightly, "Right, that's a good point. We still have no idea when they'll visit." "So there's still plenty I've still gotta learn," Saito said. "You still want to teach me?" Louise perked up, "Oh yes, Saito! We'll get started again first thing in the morning!" With that, Louise walked through the door, a noticeable lightness in her step.
"Hey Partner," said Derf. "How come you didn't bring up what I told ya about her?" "Well for one thing, she'd probably get mad and wanna blow you up," Saito replied. "And I just got done telling Louise I'm not gonna be someone's second option. I don't want her to think I'd see her that way, either." "So, what're you gonna do about her then?" Asked the sword.
Saito sighed, "Honestly, this whole thing with Henrietta made me think about everything with Siesta. And there's a part of me that doesn't wanna go through it again... So I'm not gonna look for love." "Alright, if that's what you want..." Derf replied. "It's better that way, at least for now," the boy affirmed. He stood up and stretched, "I'm gonna go to bed, it's getting late." "Sounds good, Partner," said Derf, as Saito strapped the sword to his back and walked inside.
Saito was asleep in his bed when he heard the floor creak. He stirred, debating whether or not to reach for his knife. But he recognized the soft footsteps as Louise and relaxed. Saito could feel the sheet being lifted slightly as Louise slid underneath. She inched closer to the boy until her hand was touching his back.
Cold, he thought, his exposed back feeling the sensation. Guess her room's not warm enough. No wonder she keeps coming in here. Turning over, Saito looked at the mage with sleepy eyes. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," Louise said, nervously. "It's fine," Saito replied, yawning. "You cold?" She nodded, blushing and looking away slightly.
"C'mere," he said, opening his arms. Louise slid closer until her shivering body was enveloped by Saito. She wrapped her arms around his torso and rested her head on the pillow next to him. For a little while, neither spoke as Louise gradually warmed up. "I heard you speaking with Derf," she said. "Before you came inside, I mean. I thought I heard my name mentioned, and I stopped to listen..." The boy said nothing, so she continued.
"I know Derf told you I spoke with him. So my feelings are no longer secret. But I didn't know thoughts of Siesta were still troubling you. Otherwise, I would have never-" "It all just came rushing back, in that moment," Saito replied, staring at the ceiling. "I don't know why. I thought I was finally at peace without her..." "Perhaps you're afraid," she said. "Afraid of letting someone else into your life, afraid of making that kind of connection only to potentially lose it..." Saito was quiet once more.
"Do you think you'll ever love again?" Louise asked, looking to the side of his face. Saito's eyes softened, and he turned back to look at her, "Maybe, with the right person." Louise blushed, and smiled. "You need time..." Saito nodded, "Just for now." "Take all that you need," she said. "And when you're ready, I'll be right here." Louise leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips. It was barely a peck, but there was something more, and Saito could feel it.
"And I know I'm not a your second choice, you needn't worry about me thinking that way," Louise said softly. She snuggled up close against Saito and drifted off to sleep. The boy's eyes were tearing up, but not from sadness. Rather, he was feeling a sense of relief and comfort. Saito held Louise in his arms as he too, finally fell back to sleep.