To Be In Your Arms, Now and Forever
Pairing: Leona x Athena
Genre: Romance/Drama
Disclaimer: I do not own King of Fighters or any of its characters
Author's Note: At this point, and I know I've been saying this for a while, but I don't care what the community says. It's just holding back from anyone who wants to be really, really creative. I am one of those people. So, I am just gonna go for it and take the heat if I have to. Just...I cannot stand it anymore.
So...I have grown attached to "opposites attract' romance, so I've been thinking a bit hard on this. And King of Fighters is mostly in my mind. Thought I might give this a go. Athena is my waifu, yes, and she is a very strong Psycho Soldier. But even so, she is still worth loving and protecting.
Enjoy.
Athena Asamiya.
The name of the very cute, but strong Psycho Soldier girl that Leona Heidern cannot stop thinking about. Her heart races whenever someone mentions her name or when Athena is around her. Even though she is very cool, stoic and serious, she somehow is able to fall in love. And that's a great feeling to have. She has fallen in love with the pop idol. She cannot stop thinking about her at all. She thinks about everything about her. Her appearance, how her long purple mane sways gracefully at every movement and her slender figure. Leona truly loves this young woman. But Athena just doesn't know how much the soldier girl loves her. It's been a while since the two started going out. And Mai Shiranui was their full support. She will do anything to help these two live a happy life as a couple.
Today seems like any other ordinary day. Leona decides to take a break from her intense training and exits her home to go for a nice long walk. She takes a stroll through town, looking around to see people stopping and staring at her appearance. Other than her tall stature, she is wearing her usual green tank top, short shorts, gloves and green knee high boots on her feet. She doesn't mind the attention, but it actually bothers her that somebody with no brain would even think to try and molest her. Just because she is showing most skin. She holds her forearm and keeps on walking.
Just then, when she looks up, she sees the love of her life on the other side of the street, talking to someone. What a coincidence! She did not expect to see the cute Psycho Soldier girl here in the streets at this time of day, but it works for her. As she takes a few steps closer, she notices a slightly older woman trying to ask her out. Athena tries to politely decline, but the woman insisted. Something seems off. She is trying to force Athena to come with her, no questions asked. Leona starts to stomp toward the woman to stop her and gets in between them.
"Didn't you hear her the first time...?" Leona says as she holds out an arm to signal Athena to stay back. "Leave. Her. Alone. Understand?"
"I was only trying to-"
"Enough," Leona says as she takes a step closer, her stoic expression never leaving her. "Either you cooperate...or I'll make sure you will definitely learn your lesson. Take your pick."
The look in Leona's eyes mean serious business. The woman looks at Athena and then back at Leona, then huffs.
"Fine then," she turns around to leave. "She's not worth my time."
Leona gives a soft sigh of relief. Athena jumps forward toward the soldier girl, both fists on her chest.
"Thank goodness, you came just in time!" she squeaks. "I can't thank you enough!"
Leona closes her eyes and crosses her arms. "It was nothing. That woman was being a pain and I just so happened to walk by..."
Athena's eyes sparkle with joy and squeals, "Ohhhhh, Leona-san! You're so cooool~!"
"I get that a lot...but...thanks..."
"Ehehehe~!" Athena hugs the soldier girl, pressing her head against her neck. "Since you're here, why don't you help me out with something? Oh! Mai is also there as well!"
"Huh...? What for?" Leona asks.
"Well, she called me to the mall to try on outfits," Athena explains with a finger raised. "I already did, but she insisted on having me call or text you to see if you're okay with wearing new clothing! And thank goodness you came just in time! I was actually looking for you when that woman interrupted me."
"I don't need new clothes," Leona says. "I'm fine just the way I am."
"Ehehehe! I understand how you feel, but Leona-san, I want you to open a bit more~" Athena spreads her arms wide and twirls around. "Try new things! Be as girly as possible~! At least that's what Mai says anyways~!"
"Um...like I said, I'll pass."
"Mou, you sure are stubborn. Come on. We can't keep Mai waiting!" Athena gently tugs on Leona's arm and drags her toward the mall where Mai is.
By the time the two of them arrive at the clothing store, Leona can already see the sexy kuoichi have the clothes all ready to go.
"What's up, Leo-nya~?" Mai waves and winks. "Take a look at this. We got some cute clothes for you to try on!"
Leona just stares at the clothes Mai is holding. "Hmmm...I don't think they will fit. Plus that, they won't suit me either."
"Aw, come on!" Mai says. "You'll never know unless you give it a shot~"
Athena gets behind the soldier girl and gently pushes her toward the fitting room. "Enough dilly dallying! Let's see you in those clothes~"
Leona has no time to protest as the two of them lead her to the fitting room and then moments later, Leona is donning every single pair of clothing Mai found in the store.
A cheerleading outfit, a soccer uniform, a competition one piece swimsuit, a nurse's uniform, a maid's uniform and finally, a cute schoolgirl sailor uniform with black knee high socks.
Although she is showing no emotion, Leona is still red in the face as she squirms her legs together and holds her forearm.
"The skirt is a bit...too short..." Leona says quietly.
"I don't think it's a problem for us~" Mai says. "Athena and I can peek under it as many times as we like! Oh, and you have our permission to look under our skirts too~!"
Athena gets red in the face as well. "U-ummmm...Mai...?"
"Hehehe! Okay, you can definitely look under MY skirt as many times as you like~!" The kunoichi says. "Just...be a little bit more careful with Athena."
Leona just stares at Mai. "Alright...although I am not planning on doing this sort of thing..."
Mai can only laugh and her eyes sparkle at the cuteness of her friend. "But just look at you, Leo-nya! This is your first time actually wearing a schoolgirl uniform! You and Athena would match perfectly~!"
"I don't think it suits me..."
Mai pouts adorably. "Puuu...you are really difficult, you know that?"
*Later*
Eventually, Mai picked out a couple of clothing that fits Leona the most: the school uniform and the maid outfit. Of course, the soldier girl wants none of it and walks ahead with her arms crossed, minding her own business.
Mai on the other hand, is whining and complaining while Athena tries her best to calm her down.
"Mai, this is Leona-san we're talking about," she says. "It's definitely not that easy to find her inner cuteness, but at least we tried, right?"
"Maybe so..." Mai grumbles. "I would've loved it if she would crack a smile just a little bit, though..."
Leona keeps on walking, but slightly turns her head to see the kunoichi dragging herself, feeling like she's been defeated. She feels bad for the cute ninja, but it's been forever since she actually had emotions. And she kept them suppressed for a very good reason. However, now that she thinks about it, positive emotions are more enjoyable to see than negative emotions. They are trying to teach her to let out positive emotions a lot more than negative ones. She understands that, but still, it's not that easy.
"Shall we take a trip to my place and have a drink?" Athena asks. "I don't have anything scheduled today."
"Sure, why not~?" Mai perks up and rushes over to wrap an arm around the soldier girl. "What about you, Leo-nya~? Do you want to go to Athena's house?"
"Sure." Leona replies.
"Alrighty then~!" Mai pumps a fist and lets go of the soldier girl. "Lead the way, Athena~!"
"Hehehe! Will do, Mai~!"
As Mai and Athena walk together, Leona walks behind them, holding her forearm out of habit. It would have been nice if she and Athena were alone together at her home.
*Athena's House*
As if moments passed, Athena is now in the kitchen, cooking some lunch. Mai helps out with veggies and Leona is setting up the table. She takes a moment to steal some glances at the pop idol. The sunlight shines upon her from the window to her left as she is cooking. Her hair is tied in a pony-tail and wearing a cute pink apron. Her smile is dazzling, and it would probably make anyone smile back. For Leona, it would've been the case too. She and Ahena are going out after all. She would've at least showed a bit of emotions after being around the idol for a while.
Athena gives a taste of the curry and hums happily. "Yep~! Tastes great and ready to go~!"
"Great! I got the veggies ready as well!" Mai says.
"Let's serve the food then~!" Athena says as she gets the plates.
As she prepares the food, Mai takes this chance to walk over to the soldier girl and whisper in her ear.
"Hey, ever thought of Athena wearing Naked Apron~?" She asks.
Leona closes her eyes and turns away. "No. I would never think such dirty things."
Mai grumbles while pouting. "Mmmmmm...! You really are difficult..."
After lunch is set up, the three girls say Grace, and dig in. Mai says her praises first after taking the first bite of curry and rice and Leona praises her shortly after. Athena gives a soft giggle with a free hand covering her mouth, thanking them. Leona sees that smile again. A smile that brings everyone joy, from her two best friends and from everyone who goes to her concerts every now and then. Leona wants to keep that smile. She wants her to be happy.
After lunch, while Mai is laying on the couch, watching television, Athena and Leona help each other wash and dry the dishes. The soldier girl once again steals some glances at the idol. Athena takes notice and giggles.
"Ehehehe~! Does something about me interest you~?" She asks.
Leona turns back to drying. "Nothing in particular."
"Aw, come on~" the idol says. "I noticed earlier that you keep glancing at me. So there must be something that strikes your fancy~"
Leona pauses for a moment. Then, catching Athena off guard, the soldier girl turns around and leans in to briefly kiss the idol on the lips. She then pulls away and continues drying.
"I love you..." she says softly.
Athena gasps softly as she stares at the bluenette. Her lips curl into a small smile and giggles softly.
"I love you, too, Leona-san~" she whispers.
*That Night*
Mai leaves the house after a couple more hours, but Leona decides to stay a bit longer for a sleepover. Athena didn't mind and is actually happy to have the soldier girl stay.
The two of then decide to take a bath. However, just as Leona is about to go in by herself, Athena gently tugs on her arm.
"Leona-san~!" She says. "Let's bathe together~!"
Leona blushes, looking to her right. "I-I'd rather bathe alone..."
"Aw, come on! It's not as much fun bathing by yourself! You need some entertainment~!"
"Don't you entertain yourself by humming the songs you sing from your concerts...?"
"I do. But since you're here already, I have more means to entertain myself. Maybe entertain you for a bit~"
Leona thinks about it for a moment. She sure could use a bit of help washing her back and all. She gives a nod with Athena brightening and hugging her.
Moments later, Leona finds herself washing Athena's back for her while the idol just sits there, full of content.
"Ahhhh...right there~" she sighs with bliss.
"Here?" Leona asks.
"Mmhmm...~"
Leona washes the upper part of her back gently and slowly, which only takes a few minutes or so. After that is done, Leona pulls away and rinses her back, clearing the suds off. Athena then stands up and beckons Leona to sit down too.
"Now it's my turn," she says.
"Go for it," Leona offers her back and Athena gets to work.
The soldier girl relaxes, feeling the soft rubs of the sponge against her back go up and down and get all the spots. It feels very good, though, Leona has a hard time expressing it. But Athena wants the bluenette to be a bit more open, let out her positive emotions as best she can.
"How do you feel, Leona-san~?" Athena asks.
"It feels...amazing..." Leona says quietly.
"How so~?"
"The way you wash my back...how gentle you are...it, um...relaxes me..."
"Hehehe! That's great to hear! You're learning, Leona-san~"
The idol continues washing her back until it's time to rinse. She grabs the hose and rinses Leona's back.
"Hehe! All good now! Shall we head into the shower?"
"Sure. You go first." Leona says.
"No, no, no~!" Athena gently grabs her shoulders. "We should get in together! I mean, you're already here! Why not just do it right now~?"
"I guess that's true…"
"Hehe! Alrighty, in we go!"
Athena gently pushes Leona into the shower and turns it on to warm water. The drops hit the two girls and it immediately warms up their bodies. Leona backs away a little to let the idol wash her hair properly. She looks absolutely stunning. Her slender, nude body is right in front of her. She can't help but admire it. Athena takes notice and giggles.
"Care to join me~?" she asks as she rinses her hair.
Leona nods and then walks over toward her to wrap her arms around the idol.
"Eh…? Leona-san…?"
"Just….for a little bit…" The soldier girl blushes a little, squeezing the cute girl a bit tighter.
"As you wish…Leona-san…~" Athena hugs her back as the warm water blankets them from head to toe, steam rising to cover their nude bodies.
**Later**
After they are done bathing, both put on lovely short nightgowns, although Leona rejected that idea and just wore a very long white buttoned shirt. Although Athena is disappointed, she doesn't complain about it. Sleeping with her one and only love is what matters. However…they are not tired just yet.
"Leona-san?" she says. "Do you want to watch the stars tonight?"
"Yeah. I would love to." Leona replies.
"Alright! Let's go~!" Athena goes over and opens up the door to the balcony. She grabs a small blanket to wrap over her body and beckons her girlfriend to step outside.
Leona nods and follows her. Stand by the railing and look up at the twinkling stars. They are so beautiful tonight. Leona then turns her head toward the idol, who is smiling at the stars above her. The light from the moon shines upon her and Leona, making their features stand out. Leona cannot get over this feeling of happiness deep down inside. She's going out with the famous pop idol. But even so…something bothers her.
"Athena…" she says as she puts her hands on the railing. "Why did you want to go out with a girl like me?"
"Hm?" Athena turns toward her girlfriend, who is hanging her head down.
"First off, not many people want to talk to me, and I don't talk to them as much," she continues. "Secondly…all I do is some serious training and work. Nothing else. And lastly…I'm a monster. You know how my story goes, right? There might be a time where I go berserk again and I may try and kill you. If that happens…" She clenches her fists.
But Athena gently puts her hand on Leona's fist and gives a gentle, soothing smile. "Leona-san…whether or not you are a monster…you are still the Leona-san I know and love. I fell in love with you because you are so cool and strong. You are very loyal too and even though there are not many people who talk to you, you get along just fine with them. You may have a bad history, but even so, you still manage to fight the demon inside you. You are not a monster. You are Leona-san…the woman I know and love. And that's just fine."
"Athena…" Leona turns to the idol. She is moved by her words. "Are you really sure…that's what you want? To keep dating me even though I'm like this?"
"That's exactly what I want~" Athena gently puts Leona's hand on her own chest and closes her eyes. "I love you very much…~"
Leona cracks a small smile. "Yes…I love you, too." She gently takes both of Athena's hands and intertwines them. "I swear…I swear I will always be there for you…to hold you…to comfort you when you're sad…to protect you from any harm…"
"Hehe! So bold of you, Leona-san~" Athena says. "And I shall do the same. To protect you from the demon inside you. I will also be there for you…to be in your arms forever…and ever…~"
Both of them start to lean in half-way.
"This is our mission…" Leona whispers.
"Our promise…" Athena whispers back.
"For as long…as we shall live…" Both girls say in unison.
They lean in and share a passionate, heartwarming kiss. Under the moonlight and light wind blowing, making their hair sway.
For Leona, she will do anything to keep Athena safe. For not only her sake…but the sake of her fans…even her number one fans.
Her mission alone…she will carry it forever.
