Izetta: The White Agent - Part I

by Auxilism

AU: In this more modern era, the world isn't at war. But there are threats still looming and when it's too much for humanity, they have a secret weapon. Yet after resigning herself to being a weapon, Izetta is going to realize that she's still human underneath it all. Knowledge of the series itself should not be required.

9. What really matters

Finé's fingers tighten over each other for the umpteenth time. Then a Royal Guard pokes her head in to inform her, "She's here."

Finé jolts out of her seat to peer into the hallway. The white figure there makes eye contact and picks up the pace. Shifting herself to be behind the door, Finé extends a hand in. "Please come in, Izetta."

Izetta briskly enters the room. She turns around to see Finé closing the door behind her. Izetta begins to open her mouth to protest that she should be the one doing that, not Finé but the door has already been closed. Finé gestures towards the study table where two chairs facing each other have been prepared. "Please, take a seat."

Izetta squirms a little. "…Thank you, Your Highness," she finally says as she heads towards a chair. Finé follows behind her while trying to maintain her smile.

As the two of them sit down, Finé leans in. "Izetta, about yesterday. I'm sorry I barged into your room and woke you up and made you wait until now for me to say it, but," Finé bows her head solemnly, "Thank you for what you did. You were magnificent as always."

Izetta straightens up as she hears the words. Then her hands clench as she declines, "No, I only did what I was supposed to. It was a simple request, Your Highness doesn't have to bow your head for this kind of thing."

Finé looks up as the dread she was holding back starts to creep in. "Oh… Then can you take off the helmet so we can talk face to face?"

A few seconds of silence pass. "Okay," Izetta agrees as her hands move towards her head. After fiddling around for a bit, some clicks are heard and Izetta lifts the helmet from her head to put it on her lap.

A pang of pain strikes at Finé's heart. Previously when she asked Izetta to take off the helmet, Izetta transformed back to her normal self. Now, Izetta remains on guard and as the White Agent. 'I have to find out how much I hurt her. A simple apology didn't and won't do for this. I have to better, no, my best for her to smile again.' Absentmindedly waving her hand, Finé tells Izetta, "Oh, you can put the helmet away, maybe on the table."

Izetta looks to the table to see Finé's documents on it. 'It is organised enough that there is space for the helmet to fit comfortably, but I don't want to clutter up Her Highness' table in case she suddenly needs a document for something.' Izetta bends down away from the table to put the helmet upside down on the floor beside her. "Okay, what else do you want to talk about? It must be important so I don't want to waste your time."

'It is important, but not the way you're thinking of…' Finé mentally sighs. "No no, don't worry about that. Let's just have a leisurely chat, okay?"

"O...Okay?" Izetta blinks.

"Do you want to take a shower? It must feel nice taking one after all your training."

"I took one in my room and changed into a fresh suit. I've also brushed my teeth. I wouldn't dare to enter Your Highness' room while being stinky and dirty. Wait… do I still smell?" anxiety drips into Izetta's voice as she sniffs herself.

"Oh no, please don't worry. It was just a casual question." Finé sneaks a glance at the clock, seeing that it is thirty minutes past the hour. 'Bianca told me that the bus takes twenty minutes to arrive, which means that Izetta went to her room, took off that full body suit, showered, put on a new set, brushed her teeth and walked here all in under ten minutes. She didn't take her time at all…' Seeing Izetta sit straight again, Finé moves on, "How about your dinner? Have you eaten?"

"I had the rations provided at the training grounds."

Finé does a double take. "Rations? It's different from what the Royal Chefs serve here at the palace?"

"Well…" Izetta hesitates as she recalls what she was told. "The guards there said that the food would spoil if it had to be transported in bulk from the palace's kitchen to the grounds. And since it's a training ground there isn't enough equipment for chefs to cook there as well. Besides, it's closer to the actual scenario if we use rations that can be eaten straight out of the package for a quick meal."

"How was the taste then?"

Izetta's head tilts downwards slightly. "It was okay."

"What about compared to the palace food you had yesterday?" Finé pushes, "Compared to food that is mashed into a packet, wouldn't you prefer to have your meal freshly prepared?"

"I…" Izetta shifts in her chair. With a gulp, she answers slowly, "Food is food. The taste doesn't matter. I just eat to get energy."

'That's a lie… I saw how your face lit up from just one mouthful at the dining hall yesterday. You were so delighted that you couldn't stop yourself although there were other people around. You may be trying to convince yourself otherwise, but your body tells the truth.' Finé looks down as her hands clasp onto each other. "Izetta… Pardon the change in topic, but what exactly do you want to do with your life?"

Izetta jolts to look back up at Finé. Gripping onto her suit's thigh areas, she resolves, "I want to do what I can. If an emergency arises, I will be there to take care of it. By being publicised as the White Agent, those who would disturb the peace would think twice before I come for them. I want to let everybody choose their own tomorrows, so that the world will be a better place for you. It's only right since I was given all this power."

"Don't you think you've done enough?" Finé asks softly as she raises her head to face Izetta, "With all you've accomplished so far, people have recognised you and nothing bad is happening in the world."

"I still have more to give. While my magic is active, I don't get tired and tasks become trivial for me. Even when I do sleep, I only need several hours to recharge my magic. So you don't have to worry about me, Your Highness. Whatever you need, search and rescue, disaster relief, or destroying a rouge army, I can do it for you. I'll continue training so I can do more and more, so that I'll never let you down ever again."

Finé lunges over to hold Izetta who barely reacts in time to brace herself. "You've never ever let me down… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…" Finé weeps.

"Y-Your Highness, what are you apologising for?" a startled Izetta blurts out.

"I made you think that you're just the White Agent to me. I was too excited for the chance to improve the country's relations that I completely neglected your well-being. I couldn't resist using your power as a shortcut," Finé sobs with more intensity, "And now you're overworking yourself because you think I just want to use you."

"But Your Highness, I only have this power now because of you. If you didn't intervene back then I would have been killed. It's only right for you to command me as you please." Izetta feels her throat dry up as she remembers, "You also said that you never forgot about me while you were kidnapped. You must have been hoping desperately for me to save you but I took so long to do so. My debt to you is immeasurable, I can only hope to repay it with my life…"

"You mean so much more to me than just your magic!" Finé cries. "I never forgot about you because you're my dear friend, not some weapon! I didn't realize it sooner but seeing you so tense when you were really enjoying yourself just yesterday breaks my heart." Finé rubs Izetta's back, feeling the stiffness of it. "I'm so sorry…"

"Your Highness! You really have nothing to apologise for! I choose to use my power for your sake. I'm really okay, so please stop crying," Izetta tries as her hands float around Finé, unsure of where to put them.

"Even if you are okay, are you happy?"

Izetta gasps in shock. Her body becomes slack as she goes slient.

Finé gradually relaxes her arms as she pulls back. Wiping away her tears, she begins getting on her knees. "Sorry, that was a mess of an apology."

"Wait… What are you doing?" Izetta whispers as her eyes go wide.

Finé places her hands on the floor. Then she leans forward to put her head on them. "Izetta, I am sorry for yanking you out of bed. I am so sorry that I wasn't there to appreciate your efforts when you came back. I am truly sorry for making you think that I just see you as the White Agent. From the bottom of my heart, I apologise for my mistakes."

Izetta slips out of her chair, falling to the floor on her knees. "Please… Get up, Your Highness… A Princess shouldn't be prostrating herself like this… Especially not to somebody like me…"

"I don't care about my title. Nothing matters more than making it up to you now. After hurting you so much, it's only right that I show you how remorseful I am. Even if you can keep going like this, I don't want to see you overexerting yourself so much."

"But…" Izetta's lip trembles, "Don't you think I should use my powers to help everybody as much as I can…?"

"I'm not saying that you can't do anything unless it's a global threat. But you have to take care of yourself as well. You can train and take on other missions when you're well fed and your body and mind are well rested." Finé lifts her head to look at Izetta. "Don't ever forget that helping everybody includes yourself."

Izetta's hands fall to the floor. "Can I…," she gulps, "Can I really take it a little easy?"

"Yes. You've become strong enough because of all the hard work you put in during those years. I don't have the right to talk now, but I promise that from now on, the only time you're asked for is when you are truly needed. Other than that, you can do whatever you want and nobody will question it. You've earned all this and more."

"…I understand," Izetta sniffs as she leans forward, "I forgive you, Your Highness… So please…"

Finé reaches out to pull Izetta into a close embrace that Izetta gratefully reciprocates. "Thank you, thank you so much…"

Izetta hums in response as she controls her breathing. 'Careful, don't let any magic out. Just hold her close with my normal strength. I don't want to hurt her.' Burying her head into Finé's shoulder, Izetta cannot help but smile to herself. 'Just like last time, being wrapped in her arms just feels so heavenly…'

Eventually, the two of them slowly separate. Realizing that they are still on their knees, they giggle as they stand up, their arms wiping away the last of the tears.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Izetta breathes as her shoulders relax. With a wide smile breaking out, she beams, "I feel like a huge weight has just been lifted from my shoulders."

Seeing Izetta's radiant smile, Finé's heart skips a beat. 'What was that? No… I've always known… I wanted to see her again even after years of separation. I wanted her to live in comfort. I felt pain when she was hurting. And now, I want to keep seeing her smile from the bottom of her heart. The answer's so simple.'

Izetta turns around to pick up the helmet. Putting it back on, she transforms back which results in her stumbling a bit from the fatigue. Finé rushes over to support her, but Izetta quickly recovers and stops her by raising a hand. "I'm fine, Your Highness, I just need some sleep. If there's nothing else, I'll retire to my room for the night."

"Actually, there is one more thing," Finé trails off as she tenderly pulls Izetta to face her. "Izetta…" Finé begins as her hands slide down to hold Izetta's, earning a few blinks and some squirming from Izetta. "I… I lo…" Finé mumbles. 'Come on, out with it!'

"I-I'm sorry?" Izetta asks in confusion.

Finé closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Gradually opening them, she looks deep into Izetta's eyes, getting mesmerised by them. "I love you, Izetta. Will you be my girlfriend?"

"W-W-Wha?!" Izetta sputters as her hands try to pull away on instinct, only to be held back by Finé's gentle grip. Izetta's eyes dart around the room, trying to find a non-existent thing that would help stop the redness on her face. "I-I…" Izetta tries while Finé stays resolute, waiting patiently for Izetta to respond.

Izetta looks down at their hands, her fingers curling apprehensively. "Surely… there are many others…" she forces out, "That are more befitting of your status…"

Finé smiles as she rubs Izetta's hands soothingly. "I said it, didn't I? I don't care about my title. I want you, but only if you want me."

"It doesn't feel right…"

"You don't approve of me?" Finé teasingly tilts her head.

"No!" Izetta shakes her head violently. "I'm the one that's not worthy of a Princess' love."

"Even if that was true, which it isn't, you have mine regardless. Even if you have no confidence in yourself, I'll keep on telling you how great you are. I will treat you right. I will make you happy.

Izetta tightens her fingers. "You're… really sure?"

"One hundred percent. I love you, Izetta."

Izetta sobs as her emotions overwhelm her. All the years she spent slogging to become strong enough to repay Finé. The weird thoughts Izetta had about her. How betrayed Izetta felt when she thought Finé was just using her as a tool. The immense relief Izetta felt when Finé would treat her as a person. Now, the feelings that Izetta thought she had buried underneath were being reciprocated. With fresh tears of joy streaming down, Izetta finally answers, "I… love you too... Please… let me be with you… Princess…"

Finé smiles at how Izetta addressed as her eyes start to water. "Oh, Izetta…" Finé soothes as she leans in, wrapping an arm around Izetta while her other hand caresses Izetta's cheek. "I'm so happy you've finally loosened up a little."

"It's just…" Izetta sniffs as her arms wrap around Finé, "…I'm so happy right now…"

"Good. From now on, I'll do whatever I can so that you will only shed these tears of happiness. So…" Finé brings her face closer to Izetta who blinks rapidly at her closing in. Accepting and even anticipating what comes next, Izetta closes her eyes. Finé's hand on Izetta's cheek slides over to the back of Izetta's head. Their arms bring their bodies in closer. Finally, their lips connect.

Seconds past before Finé slowly pulls away. Their eyes flutter open to see each other's faces turn red. "H-How was it?" Finé stammers, "The k-kiss, I mean…"

"Uh… Um…" Izetta stutters as she tries to remember words. Feeling another leak from her eyes, she brings up her hands to wipe them. Finé releases Izetta to wipe her own eyes as well. "…It was nice," Izetta squeaks with her gaze towards the floor and her hands covering her red cheeks, "Very nice. Yes."

"I liked it a lot as well," Finé beams. She then walks around Izetta and gently nudges her. "You must be tired, let's go to sleep. The bed's right there."

"Eh?!" Izetta fidgets as she unintentionally steps towards the bed due to Finé prodding. "Isn't that your bed?!"

"It's big enough. Let's sleep together in it."

"Wait wait wait!" Izetta sputters as her hands flail around. "You've already given me so much, sleeping in the same… bed… is…" Steam comes out from Izetta, rendering her unable to finish the sentence.

"Hm?" Finé hums as she stops and tilts her head. "We're girlfriends now aren't we? Unless, you don't want to sleep with me?"

"No… that's not…" Izetta fiddles with her hands. "Uh… My clothes… are unsuitable…?" she tries meekly.

Finé looks up and down at Izetta's outfit. It consists of a plain short sleeved T-shirt, shorts, socks and shoes for exercise. "It's not dirty. It doesn't smell either. This is a fresh set from the training grounds isn't it?"

"Yes… They gave it to me to change into after I showered there…"

"Oh, do you have something else you prefer to wear to sleep? I can ask Lotte to bring it here for you," Finé offers as she walks towards the phone.

"No, no… I usually sleep in a T-shirt and shorts as well…"

"Then what's the issue?"

Izetta glances at Finé, feels her face heating up and then looks away. "It's just… You're so… beautiful… in that nightgown…" Looking down at herself with a hand over her arm, Izetta mutters, "While I look like this…"

"I just see my stunning girlfriend," Finé assures her as she comes over. Running her fingers down Izetta's well developed arms, she whispers, "Look at how perfect you are. If anything, I'm the one that doesn't deserve you."

"That's not true at all!" Izetta cries as she spins to face Finé, only for Izetta to take a shrink back from how close their faces are. Rubbing her hands, Izetta murmurs, "Please don't put yourself down like that, Princess… I'm just a country bumpkin…"

Finé smiles as she takes a step forward and leans towards Izetta. "I don't care how you dress, as long as you're comfortable." Finé's cheeks slightly color, "You're still Izetta, the girl I fell in love with. Now, how about we get in bed?"

With her cheeks red and her gaze diverted, Izetta mumbles, "L-Let me… use the toilet first…"

"Go ahead." As Izetta dawdles towards the toilet, Finé's cheeks fully redden as she puts a hand over her pounding heart. 'Oh my god, how cute can she be?! And I somehow managed to say all that to her!'

Izetta removes her shoes and socks before quietly closing the door behind her. Looking at the mirror, she sees that her whole face has turned into the same color as her hair. Her lips break out into the biggest smile. 'I can't believe what is happening! Is this actually real?! Deep breaths, breath in, breath out…' Her hands cover her mouth as she screams softly, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Her eyes dart towards the door. Hearing no disturbance, she figures that Finé did not hear her little outburst. Izetta faces back forward and begins to undress. Placing her shorts on the sink, she takes off the disposable underwear she was given at the training grounds. Then she puts the shorts back on and does the same for the top. Breathing out in relief, Izetta places the underwear in the trash bin.

The door clicks as Izetta opens it. "I'm ready, Princess," she shily says as she walks out. Seeing Finé still standing at where she left her with her eyes glazed, Izetta tilts her head slightly. "Uh…"

Finé straightens up and clears her throat. "Ah, right. Which side of the bed do you prefer?"

"Um… I don't really mind…"

"I don't either. Hm… how should we decide then?"

Izetta's eyes drift towards Finé's abdomen. "Then… can I take the right side?"

"Oh, sure," Finé complies as she goes to the left side, where the light switch is as well.

After turning off the lights, they climb in together and drape the blanket over themselves. Izetta looks up at the ceiling for a few seconds. Eventually, she decides to turn to face Finé, only to see that Finé is already on her side and looking at her. Flashing a smile, Finé makes Izetta gasp softly and advert her eyes.

"…Princess…" Izetta struggles to get out.

"Yes?"

"Can we… hug," Izetta swallows, willing herself to go on, "As we sleep…? I… I… I just want to feel your warmth throughout… Ah, it's fine if it's just for tonight!"

Finé's face falls. "Oh no, were you freezing on that mountain?"

"No, no!" Izetta denies, "My magic kept me warm, I just… want to… Actually, never mind!" Izetta turns away as she buries her face into her hands.

"Silly girl," Finé chuckles. Shuffling closer to Izetta, Finé extends her arms. "Come here."

Izetta gradually turns over and lowers her hands. Hearing a hum from Finé, Izetta slowly comes closer.

Wrapping her arms around Izetta, Finé reassures her, "And you don't have to be so reserved. I'll hug you whenever you want to, as much as you want to."

Izetta mumbles incomprehensibly as her hands go around Finé. Her hand prickles as it touches the right side of Finé's abdomen. Remembering why she picked this side of the bed and the question she wanted to ask, Izetta strokes the area. Looking at Finé hesitantly, Izetta asks, "Princess, does this still hurt? You were shot here, right…?"

"Hm?" Finé's eyes trail down to where she feels Izetta's caress. "Oh, you don't have to worry about that. It left a scar, but I don't feel anything there. Sometimes I even forget it's there until I get into the shower."

Izetta embraces Finé's back. "I'm sorry… If only I was stronger back then… I made your flawless skin have a blemish forever…"

"Hey, enough of that, okay? If it wasn't for this, the girl I love would be dead now. I'd do it again in a heartbeat." Stroking Izetta's back and hair, Finé soothes her, "Now, you must be very tired so just relax and have a well-deserved good night's sleep."

"Mhm," Izetta smiles broadly as she snuggles more into Finé's embrace. "I… love you too, Princess…" she mutters as her eyelids close and her breathing becomes deep. Finé beams to herself, peacefully falling asleep as well.

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A/N: At long last, the yuri is here. A huge thank you to everybody that has reviewed, favourited, followed or even just silently supported the story by reading it. There will be more to come so I hope to see you all there.