Chapter 4: Asumi and Daichi
After that close call back at the woods, Sae made it her goal never to go back there alone. She'd either find a way to get out of it or make someone else come with her; usually that person being Asumi. Sae wasn't exactly sure if she should have been calling the incident a close call just yet but after a few days of hearing nothing from the lord, Sae felt pretty safe to put it behind her.
She soon found answers to the questions she had been seeking that day in the woods. Apparently, the little girl's name was Rin and the lord had saved her from being eaten by demon wolves. Ever since that day he had taken her into his home and kept her living in the castle as a princess. Almost as if she were his very own daughter.
Sae had been shocked to discover that but had kept the reaction to herself. If she had learned anything from the three weeks being in the castle, it was that almost everyone serving the lord was a gossip. There was the exception of Asumi, of course, as well as herself. But it seemed that because they were outcasts from the small circle of servants, it was only natural for them to be overlooked.
Sae learned that Asumi's family had been killed at a young age and the lord had taken her in as an orphan many years ago. She had been living in the mansion for 12 years, since the age of 6. Asumi had confided to Sae that she'd been grateful to have been given a home and she planned to work her way up to housekeeper one day. At the moment she was a mere serving maid for meals, but she said she was determined. Unfortunately, her shyness mixed with her unfortunate habit of stuttering all under fiery red hair made her a big outsider among the other young serving girls.
Sae said little of her past to Asumi, not because she didn't trust her but because she feared she would let her secret slip. No matter how sweet Asumi was, Sae couldn't break her promise to her brother. But she tried making up for her secretiveness to Asumi by keeping the shy girl company. However, due to his friendship Sae had also been somewhat deemed a pariah.
Well not a completely, per se. Some of the other young serving girls had come to find her small, feminine-like looks attractive for a male. To a point that had some of them bashing shy glances her way or even blushing when Sae would look in their direction.
Sae couldn't help but find amusement in this development. She even went as far as flirting back on occasion. Only because she had never been in the male's shoes before and found it fun watching girl's try harmlessly to get her attention.
It wasn't until one afternoon, when she had been eating her lunch outside, had she realized the dangers of encouraging their attentions. Sae had been lounging against a tree, the sun bathing her skin in warmth, and very close to falling asleep when she had heard the sound of feet crunching over the gravel. She opened one eye and saw two petite feet standing right in front of her.
Sae looked up to see Hina, one of the serving girls from the kitchen, smiling shyly down at her. "Hello Satoru, may I join you?"
Sae sat up awkwardly and contemplated the wisdom in letting the girl join her. In the end, she didn't see any real harm so silently gestured to the grass next to her.
Smiling prettily, Hina had sat where Sae had implied to, but closer than was necessary.
Growing uncomfortable, Sae had smiled weakly and tried scooting farther way, to get some more space between them.
Hina didn't seem to notice her discomfort and just scooted closer as Sae shifted away. After a few moments of consistent shifting, Sae finally just gave up. Sighing in defeat, she stared grudgingly at the ground.
She heard Hina giggle and snapped her gaze back towards the brunette. "What?" she asked, making sure her voice was at a low pitch.
Hina shook her head in amusement. "You just look so cute when you're bothered."
Sae stared back in stunned silence at the flirtatious girl next to her. A few thoughts were running through her head. To think that perhaps she had finally went too far and accidentally gotten a girl to like her made her feel oddly flattered and terrified at the same time. She couldn't tell her the truth and admit that she was a girl but she also couldn't allow it to go on as it was. This girl, no matter how outrageous she seemed, deserved to fall for a person who could really love her. Not for someone who was pretending to be someone they weren't.
"Listen-" Sae had started to say, wanting to let the girl down easy.
But it had been too late; Hina leaned in and kissed Sae on the lips.
Sae jerked back and shot to her feet, wiping her hand across her mouth. She didn't want to insult the girl but kissing her was going way too far. "Hina," she started out slowly, hoping she could make her understand without giving herself away. "This can never work."
"Why not?" Hina pouted, getting to her feet and moving provocatively towards Sae. "I think we'll work out just fine."
Sae took two very big steps back, viciously shaking her head, "No, Hina, it won't work out at all. We …um… just don't suit."
Hina didn't stop her advance, but her voice grew very low, "Of course we do. I know how you flirt with many of the girls in the castle. It just so happens that I flirt with as many as the males I want. I think that we'll suit just right, you and I."
Sae felt her neck grow hot with shame. What Hina said was true; she had shamelessly flirted with many of the girls who crossed her path. But only because she had been having too much fun fooling everyone into thinking that she was, indeed, a male. She hadn't seen the harm in it, since she knew that most of the other serving girls were flirts and didn't take anything she said to heart.
But now, looking at Hina, she realized her mistake.
"No, we do not," Sae persisted, continuing her retreat, hoping that she didn't trip over something and allow Hina the chance to pounce on her.
"Oh, yes we do," Hina countered, her sly smile returning to her face. "And you know what? I think you know it, too."
"What?" Sae uttered in confusion before shaking her head. She took a deep breath before continuing, not wanting to hurt Hina but also knowing she had to change her strategy. "No, you're wrong Hina. We don't suit at all because … because…" Sae struggled to find an excuse. "Because … I … uh … I love Asumi!" she finally blurted out.
Hina stopped, starring at Sae's blushing face with disbelief. "What?" she finally asked, looking confused.
"I … um … love Asumi?" she edged cautiously, knowing her statement sounded more like a question.
"You love … Asumi," Hina repeated slowly, every line in her face etched with skepticism.
Sae nodded eagerly, telling herself that she wasn't necessarily lying. She did care for Asumi. Perhaps not in the way she was implying but after the three weeks of having no one else to talk to, she'd come to appreciate Asumi as a friend. "Yes, I love Asumi," she said with more confidence.
Hina scoffed. "How can you love Asumi? She's too shy and meek for a guy like you. Plus," she added disdainfully. "She's not even pretty."
Indignation rose for her friend. But Sae fought hard within herself to keep from saying something insulting to the girl. She was supposed to be a boy, after all. And a boy would hardly get insulted for another female.
But he would, Sae smiled evilly, defend his beloved.
"I think she's the prettiest girl in the castle," Sae declared, puffing her chest proudly like she saw her brother do once. "And I'd have a care not to insult her. She may be shy but she's a better person than anyone I've ever met. In fact, you could learn a lesson or two about manners from her, Hina. You lack a great deal of charm and could work on your class."
Hina sniffed haughtily and stalked away, her back rigid with anger.
Sae knew that she might have taken her small speech a little too far, but she hoped that there wouldn't be any dire consequences for her actions.
Of course, she'd been wrong.
Three days later, Sae had been walking around the castle, enjoying her break for the day when she found Asumi curled up in a ball beside the castle wall, crying. Sae immediately strolled towards her and kneeled down next to her. "Asumi, what's wrong?" she asked, laying a gentle hand on her narrow shoulders.
Asumi looked up. Her eyes were puffy from crying and her cheeks had tears stains running down each side. The sight made Sae's heart ache for her friend. Someone as sweet and kind as Asumi shouldn't be made to cry. But knowing the mocking ways the serving girls treated Asumi, Sae knew that it had to have been one of them.
Sae softened her voice. "What's wrong, Asumi?" she asked again, after a few moments of silence.
Asumi sniffled and started to wipe her eyes. Sae automatically took out a small handkerchief she always keep in her back pocket and handed it to her. "Thank you," Asumi said weakly, taking the cloth and blowing her nose. When she silently handed it back, Sae put up a staying hand, "You keep it," and thought she'd never use it again, anyhow.
Asumi nodded and stuffed it into the pocket of her apron. She stared at the soft patch of green grass for a few minutes, looking as if she was thinking something over. Sae waited patiently for her friend to speak. She had no doubt that Asumi would tell her what was wrong. Sae was her only friend, after all. But she knew that Asumi occasionally hesitated to confide in her, since she believed Sae to be a boy.
Sae was stilling musing over her strange relationship with the girl when Asumi finally looked up with solemn eyes and asked, "You love me?"
Taken aback, Sae stared at her friend's face. It took her a minute to compose herself before she could regain her voice. "What?" she asked, hoping she had heard her wrong.
Asumi flushed, but squared her shoulders. "Do you love me?" she repeated.
"I –uh …" Sae was at loss for words. Out of all the things she had expected her friend to say it most certainly hadn't been this.
Three days ago she knew she had made a grave error in encouraging any young hearts into believing she was a boy besotted on one of them. And had since then stopped intentionally trying to flirt with anyone. Her plan to stay aloof and uninterested had so far been successful. With the small exception of the heated glares she received from Hina, of course. Other than that, though, Sae had believed her flirtatious days over and all problems solved. Unfortunately, Sae forgot that one must always expect the unexpected …
"Well, do you? Satoru?"
Sae shook herself out of her thoughts and focused back on Asumi's familiar face. In this case, the unexpected surprise was more complicated than a mere unexpected turn. And she knew she had to tread carefully in this situation. "Where did you get that idea, Asumi?" she asked, stalling for time.
Asumi looked away. "Hina," she admitted softly.
Sae grimaced, having suspected as much. "I see," she finally said.
Asumi looked earnest all of the sudden, "I'm sorry Satoru. I know I shouldn't listen to anything she says. But then she spoke of you and I couldn't ignore her. Please don't be mad Satoru. I just..." Asumi's face suddenly fell and she looked as if she was about to cry again. "I'm sorry, just forget that I said anything." She whispered, starting to get up.
Although she felt distinctly uncomfortable and she'd like nothing more than to end this awkward conversation, Sae knew she couldn't leave things as they were. Especially now that she knew why Asumi had been crying in the first place. It was all because Sae had flirted with a girl who had taken her way too seriously. Now Asumi was paying for her mistake. And Sae couldn't allow her friend to suffer when she was the one to blame.
"Wait," she said, grabbing Asumi's wrist and pulling her back down. "I need to tell you something."
Although she looked as if she'd rather be somewhere else, Asumi sank back down.
Sae took a steadying breath, "Listen Asumi, I do love you-"
Asumi's head snapped up at that, eyes shocked.
"But as a friend," Sae amended quickly, trying to explain before Asumi made any assumptions. "I told Hina that I loved you so that she'd …um… leave me alone. She kept on … persisting that we'd make a good match and I couldn't have that. So, I thought the easiest way to get rid of her was to tell her that I loved you. And although I implied that I loved you romantically, I meant more in the friendship sense." Sae swallowed, and hoped that Asumi wouldn't be hurt by what she had to say last. "You're my friend but that's how I'll always look at you. As my dear friend."
There was a few seconds of silence.
In which Sae stared determinedly at the ground, waiting for Asumi's reaction. But when nothing but more silence met her declaration, she cautiously looked up. She found Asumi looking off into the distance, a hand covering her mouth while her body shook.
For one horrified second, Sae thought that she was crying again. But when Asumi turned back to look into Sae's face, her eyes were twinkling with laughter.
"What's so funny?" Sae scowled, a little annoyed that after all her effort to spare her feelings, Asumi was laughing at her.
The red head shook her head and kept her hand over her mouth to muffle her giggles.
Sae waited impatiently for her friend to stop her fit of laughter. At first it didn't seem as if Asumi was going to stop -of course it could have just been Sae's impatience whispering- but as soon as Asumi took another look at her face, she abruptly sobered. "Sorry," she said, looking like anything but apologetic.
Sae's eyes narrowed. "I have yet to see what was so funny."
Asumi's eyes sparkled with amusement, yet her face stayed solemn. "Nothing Satoru. It was nothing."
Sae's eye twitched, the only indication that she was irritated by Asumi's response. "It didn't seem like nothing."
"It was," Asumi persisted, her lips starting to lift.
"I don't believe you," was Sae's blunt response.
Asumi gasped in mock horror. "Why, Satoru, I'm hurt. Are you, my dearest friend, calling me a liar?"
Despite her annoyance, Sae couldn't help but crack a smile at her friend's dramatics. When around her, Asumi wasn't the timid stuttering girl the other servants saw. In Sae's presence, Asumi was actually outspoken and humorous. She felt confident enough to tease, poke fun, and even out right criticize any of Sae's actions. It was both a blessing and a curse. One that seemed more of the latter than the former in that moment. "Perhaps," she finally said, a hint of amusement still lingering on her lips.
Asumi's face finally broke out into a full blown grin. "Yes, well, perhaps you do have a point though. Since I am indeed lying."
Sae finally let out a small laugh, while shaking her head. "I knew it. So, what is it that you found so funny, Asumi? And please, spare me and do not say it was nothing again. I don't think I can handle any more lies, my friend."
Her grin never faltering, Asumi leaned back against the wall and shrugged. "It really was rather nothing. I just found it absolutely hilarious that Hina got so raving jealous over you loving me as a friend."
A blush of embarrassment graced Sae's cheek and she couldn't stop herself from shifting in discomfort. Again she was reminded of her previous actions and how they cost her friend some trouble. "Sorry about that, Asumi. I didn't know she'd take it out on you. Which reminds me…" Sae looked at Asumi's face intently. "What did she do to you?"
It was Asumi's turn to blush in embarrassment. "Oh, it was nothing," Asumi replied nonchalantly, waving a vague hand in the air. "She just said some mean things to make me feel bad."
"Asumi," said Sae warningly.
"No really," Asumi continued to persist, her face earnest. "It was just Hina being Hina. She is always trying to make me feel bad or inferior. But she has long since failed to make me feel that way. I don't pay attention to what she says to me anymore. As far as I'm concerned, she is nothing but a shameless flirt."
Clearing her throat in discomfort, Sae nonetheless continued to press Asumi, "Then why where you crying?"
Asumi flushed a deeper red. "Oh that," she laughed nervously, glancing away. "That was nothing-"
"Stop saying it was nothing." Sae cut in sharply. "It was clearly something. 'Nothing' doesn't make you cry, Asumi."
Asumi's flush darkened, but this time with anger rather than embarrassment. "I don't see how it's any of your business in the first place, Satoru. You have no right to tell me anything," Asumi said with surprisingly forcefulness, starting to get up from the ground again. "You may be my friend but that does not give you the right to pry."
"Are you saying," Sae cut in quietly, knowing Asumi was probably just upset about whatever Hina had said and couldn't be held totally accountable for her actions -or in this case- her words. "That you don't trust me?"
Asumi looked down at Sae in surprise. "No, of course not!" she protested quickly, falling down back onto her knees. "That's not what I meant-"
"That's what it sounded like." Sae interrupted in a flat tone.
"Satoru," Asumi sighed, folding her hands over her lap. "It isn't like that. You are my friend and of course I trust you. I am just … embarrassed it."
Sae looked confused. "Why?"
Her head bent, Asumi tried hiding her red face. "I just didn't want to tell you that Hina's word actually kind of … bothered me. I was ashamed that I let her petty words get to me. Especially after you showed me how strong you are yourself," she admitted, her voice growing softer and softer with every word. "I didn't want you to find out that I could be hurt so easily."
Fully comprehending, Sae sighed and laid a hand on her friend's shoulder. All she wanted was for Asumi to confide in her. For Sae knew that keeping something inside, something personal, would only lead to the building up of negative tension, until one day that tension would build up so high that you were no longer able to hold it in. But she had never wanted to make her friend feel as if expressing those feeling should be something one felt ashamed of.
Sae finally spoke. "I'm sorry you felt that way Asumi. You did have a basis for your worries, I suppose. I do pride myself for being independent and strong. And if you would have told me straight out that you were crying because Hina had said things to you I admit, sadly, that I would have possibly been a bit … judgmental." Sae admitted shamefully. "But it's alright Asumi, I understand and I apologize for my faults. You have lived here your whole life and these people are the only ones you have ever known. It makes sense that their words hold more value to you than they do me."
Asumi looked up. "Thank you Satoru." she nodded and sat back on her heels. "I have learned to ignore it most of the time but I think Hina was purposely trying to attack me since you told her you loved me."
"Asumi-" Sae started to interrupt, feeling uncomfortable again.
But Asumi held up her hand to stop her. "No, it's alright Satoru. I know you hadn't meant to put me in the middle and honestly this has made me feel better already."
Sae still did not relax, because she knew that deep down she still felt guilty for having put her friend in this awkward position.
"You can make it up to me," Asumi suddenly suggested, holding up a finger.
"Okaaay," Sae agreed slowly, wondering what request she could possibly make. "How?"
A secret smile graced her lips. "You'll see."
Now Sae was suspicious. "Are you going to make me regret agreeing to this?"
Fully enjoying herself, Asumi giggled. "Maybe."
There was nothing Sae disliked more than being left in the dark. She'd rather know what was coming than be caught off guard. "Can't I just do all your chores for you and be done with it?" she suggested, a hopeful look on her face.
Asumi grinned. "That's a great idea!" she snapped her fingers together. "I hadn't even thought of that! That is a much better idea than mine. Yes, you will do my chores for me on the day that I choose."
"It's a deal." Knowing she probably shouldn't bother but unable to help herself, Sae asked, "But in any case, what were you planning to make me do instead of chores?"
"Oh," Asumi's grin remained. "I was just going to have you fetch some of my favorite apples from the fields. I absolutely love them but I'm too short to climb up the tree."
"You mean …"Sae gave a self-mocking laugh. "That's all you wanted me to do? I wouldn't have had to fetch anything else?"
Asumi cocked her head to the side curiously. "Yes, but I really like those apples Satoru."
"But now I'm stuck doing your chores and mine," Sae continued, ignoring her friend's statement. This was what she got for trying to jump the gun. It was karma at its finest. She had caused her friend's tears and now she was paying for it. And she had sentenced herself.
I'm an idiot.
Sae shook her head but couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. She supposed there were worse thing. "Like dressing up as the opposite sex," Sae muttered under her breath.
"What?" Asumi looked her question.
"Nothing," Sae grinned, finding amusement in her situation.
Asumi gave her a look, "You are a strange boy, Satoru."
Sae's grin remained in place, "You have no idea."
From that day on, Sae kept a good length of distance between herself and any of the servant girls in the castle. At first, the task seemed easy enough. All she needed to do was be sure to never be caught alone with any of them and not to unintentionally encourage them. Her strategy seemed to be working just fine.
Especially since Asumi decided it would be best to play the part of Sae's love. At first, Sae hadn't thought it to be a good idea to put Asumi between herself and the other girls. But Asumi had seemed determined to be to do it. So, having little say in the matter, Sae had let everyone believe she was in love with the shy, little kitchen girl and used that as an excuse for her sudden change of character.
Hina had, of course, been upset and tried to harm Asumi in any possible way she could. Physically, as well as verbally. But to her surprise, including everyone else's, Asumi had held her own. She brushed off any insults Hina could throw her way and found ways to block any physical injuries she tried to put on her. As if she hadn't a care in the world. It wasn't until later, that Asumi admitted to Sae that it took her a lot of effort to act as if she didn't care what Hina said or did. But in the end, she was proud of herself for doing it.
And so was Sae. She had been surprised by the strong backbone that her friend seemed to have grown. If anyone would have asked her a few weeks ago if she thought Asumi had it in her, she'd would have denied the possibility. No way could such a timid creature actually stick up for herself. No way could shy Asumi stand strong and proud in front of all whom had ridiculed her in the past. But apparently she had been wrong about her friend. Asumi was a strong girl, indeed.
"Stop dawdling around boy! Get back to work!" ordered the housekeeper, giving Sae's shoulder a firm push in the right direction.
Sae snapped out of her musings and looked around. She was sitting in the corner of the kitchen on a small wooden table by the door that she had chosen to be her small sanctuary in the castle. No one really used it. So she hadn't seen the harm in taking small breaks from the constant chores there. They were usually small tasks, but put all those small tasks together and you got a pile of tough labor. Sae didn't mind them so much though. As long as she was able to take breaks in between.
Break time seemed to be over, however, for servants were scurrying around the kitchen frantically attempting to get chores done before tomorrow evening. The anticipated house party was finally drawing near. And every servant in the castle was trying to make the place look perfect, the food taste excellent, and the service to be flawless. Nothing less was expected at the Western Lord's castle. For if there was even the slightest hint of imperfection, the lord would come down on them. Or so it was said.
Since the three weeks that she'd been there, Sae had yet to experience the lord's wrath. But she heard it was something dreadful. She heard the punishments were never the same. One of the other servant boys had informed Sae about a man who had openly defied the lord's wishes once and had been whipped until the skin on his back was practically torn off. Sae had shuddered at the image it had conjured up in her mind. What a heartless demon he seemed to be. She was once again glad that Youhei had dressed her up as a boy. She didn't think she could stand being in the same room as Lord Sesshomaru, let alone be able to stand his touch.
Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Sae got up from her comfortable chair with a sigh. She picked up a bucket of dirty water and headed towards the grand hall to finish her cleaning. She walked through two narrow hallways lit by torched lights before arriving at one of the entrances of grand hall. Not a second later, however, she heard her name being called.
"Satoru! Wait up!"
Sae stopped and looked over her shoulder. She saw a young man with dark hair running towards her. She waited for him to reach her side before continuing. "Hello Daichi, how has your morning been going?" she asked politely, lowering her voice to a deep pitch.
Daichi's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Splendid, actually." He said ironically. "What of you, my friend?"
"Same," she shrugged and gave him a meaningful look. "The usual back-breaking work as every day."
Daichi chuckled and nodded. "Yea me too. Damned if I know why Lord Sesshomaru holds these balls and parties. Everyone can tell that he hates them. And yet, he holds one every few months. "
"And we are the ones who slave over them," Sae muttered disgruntling, putting down her bucket.
Daichi gave her a slap on the back, knocking some off the breath from her. "Ah, no worries Satoru. It'll be over in a few days and then we'll be back to our usual boring lives."
"Better boring then exhausting," Sae wheezed, trying not to show how much his 'pat' affected her. She learned from the few weeks that she'd been there that guys seemed to need to physically hurt each other. One could not go without punching another in the arm or slapping them on the back. It was a trying business having to put up with that kind of physical abuse, but Sae knew she had too. If she wanted to fit in with the male servants in the castle then she had to tolerate their behavior.
Besides, not all the men in the castle were dumb brutes. Like the way Daichi was grinning now, made his 'pat' on the back a bit more tolerable.
"True," he conceded, rubbing the back of his sore neck. "I could use a little less of the harsh chores we seem to be doing every second of every day."
A grunt was Sae's only response. She felt a bit uncomfortable using the strange noises that came so naturally to men. Grunting and groaning were some of the main ones they used. And two of the only things Sae could actually bring herself to do. The other, nastier things, she stayed away from. So she exaggerated many of her grunts and groans. As of yet, no one seemed to find her lack of masculine sounds strange. In fact, many of the male servants seemed to admire her reserve. Especially since they found out a lot of serving girl's seemed to favor it as well.
"Which reminds me, I need to ask you for a favor," Daichi began airily, scratching the side of his face.
Sae looked up and glared. "I am not going to introduce you to any more of the serving girls Daichi. I did that once, remember? And I will not do so again."
Daichi scowled. "I still say she wanted me to kiss her, she just didn't realize it yet."
Sae snorted, dumped some of the water on the polished floor and bent down with a scrubbing brush in hand. Her knees felt sore from kneeling down all day and wiping the floors spotless. Luckily, she only needed to finish another small section and then she would be done.
"But that's not what I wanted to ask you," Daichi continued, walking around the water and kneeling down right in Sae's line of vision.
Sae didn't stop her scrubbing. "Then what is it?" she asked, barley paying attention to what he was saying now. If she could only get this finished then she'd be able to go find Asumi and maybe they could go out to the fields to relax-
"I want you to be on serving duty tomorrow."
"What?" Sae's head jerked to stare up at Daichi's innocent looking face.
"Serving duty," Daichi repeated slowly. "You know when you have to greet the lady guests, help them with their luggage and escort them to their room-"
Sae cut him off abruptly. "I know what serving duty is! I just don't understand why you want me to do it when it's your job."
"Heh, well you see …" Daichi said sheepishly. "There is this girl-"
"I knew it!" Sae declared, annoyed. "It always has something to do with a girl. Is there ever a time that you do not think of girls?"
"No," Daichi stared at her as if she had grown another head. "Do you?"
Sae pressed her lips together tightly and refused to answer. If she said yes, he'd just think her insane and if she no, she'd be lying. And she couldn't lie to one of her friends. Although Asumi had been the first to befriend her in the castle, Daichi had been the first male friend to talk to her. Although she knew that he'd only done it because he'd heard that she was supposedly quite the lady's man; he had eventually grown to like the humor that she possessed and remained her friend.
Growing impatient, Daichi continued. "Never mind. But you have to do this for me Satoru. I really, really like this girl and this may be my only chance to spend time with her. She has the night free tomorrow, since she'll be working the day shifts and she agreed to spend it with me. Please, Satoru, I'm begging you."
Staring at his pleading face, Sae sighed. When it came to the female gender, Daichi really was an idiot. He'd fall for any girl with a pretty face. It was only a matter of time before he'd get over this girl he supposedly really really liked. He was never one to stay with a single girl for very long. But Sae couldn't say no. He was the sole reason she actually fit in with any of the other men in the castle. He paved the way for an easier path for her. The least she could do was repay him in small favors.
Sighing again, Sae glared at him. "Fine."
Grinning from ear to ear, Daichi stood up again and went over to give Sae's shoulder an 'affectionate' punch. "Thank you, Satoru. I owe you one."
Gritting her teeth together in pain, Sae narrowed her eyes dangerously at the dark haired brute beside her. "No doubt."
It took Sae exactly two hours to finish her task of scrubbing the entrance hall. By the time she returned to the kitchen to put away her bucket and scrub, her knees felt like jelly and her back ached. Walking was an awkward process, since she bent over a little to lessen the pressure and she took small careful steps. Finally entering the kitchen, she found it still bustling with people.
She slowly walked over to one of the storage closet and threw her bucket, with the scrub inside, into the small wooden room. She was making a slow process of turning around, when she felt a hand touch her elbow.
"Wha-?" she jerked away from the touch and stumbled back.
"Oh, Satoru, I'm sorry," Asumi apologized, catching Sae's startled expression. "I didn't mean to scare you."
"I wasn't scared," Sae denied roughly, straightening and smoothing her hands over her clothes. "You just surprised me, is all."
"Okay," Asumi agreed easily, a suspicious looking gleam entering her eyes. "I apologize for surprising you then."
"Apology accepted," Sae mumbled, once again making the slow attempt to turn around and head for the back entrance.
"Here, let me help you," Asumi said with concern, observing the awkward way Sae was moving. She grabbed onto Sae's arm and lifted it around her shoulders. "What happened to you?"
"Scrubbing," was Sae's dry response.
"Oh." Asumi made an oval shape with her mouth in understanding. "So you were the unlucky one to clean the grand hall, huh? Figured as much though," Asumi shrugged. "They always make the new comers do the hard work."
Sae scowled, "Bastards."
Asumi nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but that's the way of things are around here. Soon, when Lord Sesshomaru brings in more servants to the castle, you'll be doing the same thing."
Sae's scowled deepened. "I will not."
"Yes, you will," Asumi said knowingly.
"I will not," Sae repeatedly stubbornly
An amused smile. "You will."
"Will not." A frown.
"You will, Satoru," Asumi finally laughed.
"I will no-"
"Come now Satoru," Asumi cut in cheerfully. "Do not tell me you will gladly clean the grand hall all by yourself instead of giving one of the new servants the job? Instead of leaving the agonizing task to one who will probably be younger and more flexible than you?" Asumi's smiled widened. "You can deny it all you want, my friend, but you will never convince me that you would not take advantage of such a situation."
"Oh, be quiet Asumi," Sae muttered at the smug look on her friends' face. "No one likes a know-it-all."
Asumi giggled.
They made it to the door and into the warm, afternoon air. The day was calm and mellow, unlike the chaos that was taking place inside. The tall trees surrounding the large castle swayed softly in the breeze, as if dancing to nature's song. Loose leaves twirled and spun in circles along the green grass around the clearing. It was strange how serene and peaceful the outside of the castle looked. Should a passing traveler cross by, they would never guess what a cold emotionless lord ruled these lands.
Sighing, Sae walked along the castle wall in silence, using the support of Asumi's slim shoulders, and thought of her brother. It had been exactly 2 months and 4 days since she last laid eyes on her twin. The servants inside the castle were never allowed to go beyond a certain point surrounding the grounds. The fields where the soldiers trained were forbidden to everyone who was not in training or in the army. So Sae never had the opportunity to go in search for Youhei or Touya.
She had heard rumors about how some soldiers wandered over to the castle grounds for a stroll on their free time. And even how some talked or flirted some of the servants girls. Sae had taken every break she had to wander around the castle in hopes of seeing a glimpse of her brother. But she had yet to see any sign of his raven hair or dark eyes. She knew she was probably looking in vain, but it didn't stop her from taking slow strolls around the clearing every opportunity she had.
"You look so serious, Satoru," commented Asumi, tilting her head to the side. "What are you thinking about?"
Sae debated on telling her of her true thoughts for a moment, until finally deciding that there would be no harm in it. "My brother," she answered, shrugging.
"Do you miss him?" Asumi asked after a short pause.
Sae swallowed hard, "Yes."
Compassion shined clearly in her friend's brown eyes, "I suppose it is hard being away from a sibling for long. Especially if they were close."
"We were close," Sae confirmed softly. "Almost like twins."
Naive to the irony of Sae's words, Asumi nodded and continued. "I figured as much. Every time we take a walk outside, you're always peering over your shoulder as if you're looking for someone. Your brother was put into training for the army, was he not?"
Sae nodded.
"And you were put here?" when Sae nodded again, Asumi made a tsking sound with her tongue. "No doubt because you are rather small for a boy-"
"I am not-" Sae started to protest, knowing perfectly well that what Asumi said was true but still not feeling any less insulted.
"Yes you are," Asumi continued before Sae could say more. "Compared to all the other men in the castle, you are the smallest one. And do not deny it, Satoru, you know you are. Do not take it as an insult; it is not all that bad. In fact, many girls like you because you are less intimidating than all the other men around. Plus, many think your delicate features makes you more appealing."
Sae glared at Asumi, still not feeling gratified. It was common knowledge that for some odd reason many servant girl's thought her to be an attractive boy. A pretty boy, some would call her. But Sae still didn't like being called small. Even though she knew she was. Being smaller than many of the other guy's in the castle was not a good thing. Especially when they found it amusing to pick fun of it. So Sae had learned to defend and even deny her smallness. No matter how true it was.
"Do stop glaring, Satoru," Asumi said, without having to look at Sae's expression to know she was. "It does nothing for your face."
Sae opened her mouth to say exactly what she thought about that when-
"Well, well, well," drawled a low voice. "Look at what we have here. A servant girl and her little servant boy. My, don't you two make a lovely couple."
"Go to hell-!" Sae snapped, then stopped abruptly when she brought up her head to see who it was.
"Now, now little Satoru, speaking that way to your elders is considered very rude here." Touya grinned. "Wouldn't you say, Youhei?"
Right beside him, with his arms crossed over his chest, Youhei smirked. "Most definitely."
*Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Rumiko Takahashi. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this story. Any violence, perceived abuse, or negative behavior should not be taken literally. The plot is for entertainment purposes only. This author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material.