A/N: Progress will be slow until the next month or so. Technology has not been my friend (luckily I didn't lose anything related to this story, but I have to resolve a bunch of other stuff) and I'll be away for two weeks in March. Hopefully I come back with some fresh ideas and can get back into the groove soon. In any case, I hope that you can continue to be patient with me.

Finé glares at the scarred man through the one-way window. Even as she clicks her tongue in disapproval, the man does not react as the room is soundproof as well, so the people inside cannot hear what happens outside. Sucking in a breath, Finé reaches for the doorknob to the interrogation room.

The scarred man looks up at her with eyes that glint ever so slightly. His hands and legs are cuffed and his injuries are just bandaged up to prevent him from bleeding out. "Princess," he straightens up and leans forward.

Suppressing a sigh, Finé goes to take the seat opposite him as the guards take their positions between the two. "The guards said that you've refused to talk but you wanted to see me," Finé puts on a small smile, "What can I do for you?"

"Princess you have to understand," he blurts out, "I was threatened by the mastermind. We all were. If we didn't do what he said, he would go after our families." He puts his hands on the table and outstretches his fingers, "I've heard how magnanimous you are, that you're willing to hear others out and help them even if they've done some wrong things. I know I have and I'm not asking for a full pardon, but I really have no information on the mastermind. Please tell your guards to stop hounding me. I was just trying to protect the people I love."

Finé brings a finger to her mouth, covering her lips that she is biting into to quell her anger. "Would you like us to bring your family into custody for protection then?"

"Uh…" he looks to the side. "N-No, I told them to hide should I ever get captured. They'll be safer when nobody knows where they are."

'Yeah, nobody knows where these non-existent people are,' Finé mentally rolls her eyes.

"Please, I need some peace to rest properly. The White Agent tore into me without so much as a word. I have circumstances. That White Agent is a tyrant I tell you, breaking us like a twig without a care. I'm a victim too here."

Finé feels her eye twitch, but she quickly closes them and breathes out. "I understand."

The scarred man lights up with a smirk. "I knew you would! I've seen many stories of your benevolence and knew I could count on you to see things from my side. I just know that there are more of these superpowered beings througout history. The White Agent is just putting on a front for fame and fortune. Us humans have to stick together."

"Yeah, just like how you've stuck together with all the people you've hurt, tortured and killed."

A bead of cold sweat drips from the man's face.

"Break his finger," Finé says without emotion while looking directly at him.

"Wait-"

A guard slams the man's hand down and snaps his finger all the way back. A crack resounds and his screams fill the room.

"I understand that you're incorrigible," Finé stands up to look down at him. "You obviously have information, or you wouldn't be smirking when the bombs were about to kill you. All that talk about family and loved ones yet you blatantly kill the families of others? After all you've done, how can you possibly blame the White Agent for bringing you down and then try to play the victim?!"

"W-Wait…" the man quivers as his hand shakes from his broken finger.

"Do whatever you must to get him to talk," Finé snarls as she turns around and makes her way to the door. "I don't want to see him again."

As the door closes, the guards drag the despondent man up and haul him back into a chamber.

Finé holds her head in her hand and sighs. Out of the corner of her vision, she sees Bianca approach her.

"Did you see that?" Finé asks as a self-deprecating smile forms. "I couldn't believe the words came out of my mouth that easily."

"Yes," Bianca nods, "I understand your anger, but I was still a little surprised when you ordered for his finger to be broken. I'm sure they wanted to as well, but still."

Finé shakes her head. "I know that Izetta's grandmother probably assassinated some people unfairly. And some witches across the hundreds of years probably did abuse their powers. But how could he possibly think that Izetta is only interested in her own gain after everything she's done for the world? When I thought of how she's hurt because of him yet he shows no remorse and runs his mouth, I just couldn't take it anymore."

Finé lets out another sigh, a much longer one this time. "I knew that some people like that were out there, but seeing one in the flesh really gave me a stark reminder. He has no bargaining power at all, yet he continues to act like he is in the right."

Bianca looks to the floor. "I do have to apologise to Lady Izetta. I talked big about how she should be in the right mindset or I wouldn't send her in, yet when it came down to it I wasn't able to lead properly. She had to pick up my slack and got injured as a result."

"Huh?" Finé looks at Bianca while blinking a few times. "O-Oh, I didn't mean to say anything about you. I heard how it went down, that you made snap decisions to prioritise the mission while keeping her safe. She just couldn't accept that others would be giving up their lives so she acted on her own. I actually thought that you would be cross with her for disobeying your orders in the field."

"It's hard to do that when she saved the lives that I was going to throw away," Bianca shakes her head, "And I was the one that gave the final okay to jump with the bombs, so she was still hurt under my command."

Finé gives a small smile. "I'm sure she doesn't blame you. You also got that APC immediately to rush her back for treatment. And you weren't willing to sacrifice lives either, as you couldn't complete that order. The fact that you're reflecting so much already tells me that you'll do an even better job next time, so please continue to look after Izetta for me out there."

Bianca slightly rears back at how Finé still has so much trust in her. "Thank you," she returns the smile, "And I promise, I will do exactly that so that she'll return to you safely."

Finé's smile broadens with a nod. Then her eyebrows narrow and she looks to where the scarred man was taken away to. "Now, back to that guy. As I said, you can do anything to him to get him to talk. If you need me to authorise something, just get me the document and I'll sign it. If you need my father's authority, I'll talk to him."

"No need," Bianca takes out a piece of paper with the king's signature, "Your father has already authorised that we can employ any means to get the info out of him. He asked for the document immediately, as it is suspected that these people are connected to the ones that kidnapped and tortured you for years."

"Oh…" Finé's eyes slightly widen in realization, "Right…"

A small snicker escapes Bianca. "You actually forgot? Princess, you can put many things behind and forgive others easily, but god forbid should anybody harm your girlfriend."

"W-Well…" Finé tucks a strand of hair behind her ear as her cheeks redden, "He also, uh, killed all those people… and stuff."

"Save it," Bianca grins while patting Finé's arm. "We all know how protective you are of Lady Izetta. It's already late as well, so why don't you retire to your room and get back to her?"

With her blush growing, Finé mutters her thanks and leaves.

'But there's only one of you in the whole world.' Unable to help herself, Izetta giggles and hugs the pillow tighter. Her eyes are closed, but she is conscious now and keeps thinking back to how doting Finé was.

'I know Finé loves me, but for her to regard me so highly, I…' With another simper, Izetta gleefully rubs her face into the pillow.

A soft click interrupts Izetta's daydream and she rolls over to see a tiny bit of light spilling through the crack of the door. Ever so gradually, the door opens more and more and Izetta beams when it becomes clear who is on the other side. "Finé," she calls out, "Come in…"

The door quickly opens, allowing Finé to enter and swiftly close it behind her. She is already in her nightgown, as she brought it out while leaving the room earlier. This way, she could prepare for bed in another room and not disturb Izetta if she was still sleeping.

"Izetta…" Finé fusses as she walks quickly to the bed and leans on it, "How are you feeling?"

"Much better," Izetta smiles as she puts the pillow she was hugging down for Finé to lie on. "My body still feels heavy and a little sore, but I'll be okay, especially if my girlfriend that loves me so much hugs me," she cues by extending her hands.

"Oh Izetta…" Finé breathes as she climbs in. Now that Izetta is willing to admit that she is unwell and wants Finé to pamper her, Finé feels her heart ease up as well. Slowly wrapping her arms around Izetta, she tentatively looks to her, "Am I... touching your wounds?"

Izetta shakes her head and goes in to snuggle, entangling their legs as well. "Most of the pain is gone. I'll tell you if it hurts. I know you'll never hurt me, so please hold me close."

"Mmm," Finé hums while pulling Izetta in while caressing her lightly.

Izetta lets out a breath of contentment, gently rubbing her arms across Finé's back. "Yeah… I'll be just fine," she chuckles.

Finé smiles as she strokes Izetta's hair. "Are you hungry? I can feed you if you're too tired."

"No, Lotte brought me some porridge earlier which I ate slowly." Izetta nuzzles into Finé, "I know you're worried, so I'll take care and not rush things until I'm sure I'm all better."

Finé exhales slowly, clinging even more to Izetta. "I'm glad. Just focus on recovering, and if you want anything, you just have to tell me."

"How about you? How was your day?"

Finé's body tenses up, a motion that does not escape Izetta. They remain silent for a few seconds, but Izetta does not speak up, for she wants to give Finé the time she needs.

"...It was mostly okay… But then that scarred man wanted to talk to me…" Finé reveals, "...And although all we had was a verbal exchange, I ordered for his finger to be broken…"

"O-Oh…" Izetta blinks, unsure of what to say.

"I should have enough experience by now. I've dealt with difficult people many times. Even if we don't come to an agreement immediately, our discussions were mostly civil. And even if this guy was extremely aggravating and full of hot air, I shouldn't have resorted to violence first. It's not something a princess should do when somebody irritates me. But when his face just reminds me of you getting hurt, and how he was slandering you, I…" Finé lets out a long breath, "I just couldn't take it anymore. My emotions got the better of me."

Izetta hums while giving Finé a squeeze. "I see."

"...Sorry, you need to rest, yet I'm burdening you with this."

"No, no," Izetta shakes her head while stroking Finé's back. "Maybe you do need to work on it, I don't know. But when you said that you got really angry for my sake, I…" Izetta's smile broadens, "I felt happy. Even more than I already was. I'm not saying that I want you to become violent any time somebody wrongs me, but you acted like that because... of your love for me."

Izetta slowly moves her head back so that the couple are seeing eye to eye. "And just like you told me, you're only human too. You may have to maintain your image as the princess of Eylstadt out there, but you don't have to with me. You're my girlfriend. You can share any troubles you have with me. You don't have to hold it in. I will always love you, no matter what."

Finé's eyes slightly widen. Then with chuckle, she goes to put their foreheads together. "You really are the perfect girlfriend, you know?"

Izetta closes her eyes and nestles into Finé. "You did say that, but, I wouldn't mind hearing it more..."

"My perfect girlfriend," Finé ruffles her hair.

"Hehe…" Izetta giggles, "Only for my perfect girlfriend."

Finé slightly shuffles on the bed, then she caresses Izetta's cheek which makes her open her eyes. "Do you feel well enough to kiss?"

"Yes," Izetta answers eagerly with a nod and a smile, "Please."

Finé starts to go in and the couple closes their eyes. Their lips make soft contact, with Finé still taking it slow. She gently moves her lips around, giving Izetta the sensation she desires while being careful should Izetta show any signs of her wounds acting up.

Then Finé lets out a muffled gasp as Izetta's tongue goes right into her mouth. Finé's eyes crack open, surprised at how aggressive Izetta is being. But when she continues to feel Izetta's tongue hungrily stirring in her mouth and knows how passionate Izetta is being, she relaxes into it and closes her eyes again. Picking up the pace, Finé's tongue swirls with Izetta's and the couple moan deeply at their mutually heightened pleasure.

Despite them doing it many times before, their hands and legs fervently spread around to feel more of the touch of the other. Neither can get enough of the touch of their lover, especially not when their minds are hazy from the intense kissing.

Finally, they break away with a gasp, the two of them breathless. They say nothing as they gaze into each other's mesmerising eyes, the only sounds of the room being their heavy breathing.

"...Finé," Izetta rolls on top of her with red cheeks. "I want to…" she traces a finger down Finé's neck, "Mark you here… Even just one is fine, please…"

Finé beams as she puts her arms around Izetta. "Go ahead. You can leave more under my clothes if you wish."

Izetta's blush deepens. "Y-You're really okay with one on the neck? What about your meetings with all those people...?"

"I'm sure the maids can cover up one spot," Finé chuckles. "And if anybody ever tries to woo me, I'll proudly show them that I'm already yours."

"Mm," Izetta nods with a wide smile. Then she dives in and sucks on Finé's neck vigorously.

"A-Ah..." Finé moans and tightens her hold on Izetta. "Mmmh… Aah…"

Finé's neck arches upwards as Izetta passionately continues to make her mark. "Ahhh…"

Izetta slowly backs off, taking in how beautiful Finé is. Even as Finé's arms fall off her, leaving Finé splayed out and panting on the bed, Izetta cannot help but marvel at the sight. "H-How was it?"

"Ize… tta…" Finé breathes as her eyes gradually open, "I should... let you do that more often…"

"Hehe… I'm glad."

"...Then," Finé rolls Izetta over, getting on top of her now. "It's my turn."

Izetta's blush returns, but so does her wide smile. Stretching out her neck and pulling her collar down, she offers, "Please do."

But then Finé stops in her tracks, getting a stark reminder from the bandages that are partially covered by Izetta's shirt. Quickly closing her eyes and shaking her head, she moves past it. Tapping Izetta's upper neck that is further away from the bandages, she murmurs, "I'll put one here, so whoever does your bandages won't check there."

"Oh… right…" Izetta mouths. "I'll put some makeup after showering as well, so…" Izetta places her arms around Finé's neck, pulling her in, "Please mark me… as yours…"

Finé beams at Izetta while caressing her cheek. "I will. You may be the White Agent to everybody else, but you're my Izetta."

Izetta croons as she nuzzles her cheek into Finé's hand, "And you may be the princess of Eylstadt, but you're my Finé."

Finé giggles as she goes in, suckling hard at Izetta' neck.

"M-Mm…" Izetta gasps, "...Finé… A-Ah…"

Izetta's arms clench around Finé as a hand grasps at Finé's head. "M-More… please…"

Finé continues with renewed vigor, earning more moans of pleasure from Izetta.

"Aah…" Izetta lets out as her head falls to the side and her body deflates, but still has her chest heaving.

Finé retreats slowly, relishing at how gorgeous Izetta is, and how she can always make her breathless. "I take it you liked that?"

Izetta fervently nods while catching her breath. "Finé…" she shuffles to the side of the pillow, "Hold me close, please… Like really… really close…"

Finé lowers herself onto the bed, placing her head on the same pillow as Izetta. Bringing Izetta deep into her arms, she rubs Izetta's body tenderly, "Of course, you only have to ask."

Izetta tightly embraces Finé as well, pressing their bodies together even more. "You make me… so happy… Finé..."

"And you make me so happy too, Izetta…" Finé touches Izetta's forehead with her own, "Let's go to sleep, I'm sure sweet dreams await us, together."

"Mmm…"

With radiant smiles, the couple drift off into the night.

The doorbell blares throughout the room, causing Finé and Izetta who are huddled snugly on one pillow to rustle slightly. Their eyes barely crack open when the door swings open and Royal Guards barge in.

"Princess," one calls out while reaching out a hand to shake her shoulder, "Princess, please get up. There's an emergency."

"H-Huh?" Finé mutters while craning her neck to look at the source of the disturbance. Recognising that it is a guard, her eyes pop open and she releases Izetta to sit upright. "W-What is it?"

"The Germans are asking for immediate assistance. Their prince is stuck in a cave near Eylstadt."

"The Germans? Weren't they very proud and kept refusing to even discuss any terms with us because we are small?"

"The Prince has been trapped upside down for over ten hours and his escorts are still unable to get him out. If we don't act now, he could very well die in there."

Finé shakes her head to clear it. "You're right, we shouldn't talk about the past now. What matters now is saving his life."

At this point, Izetta has sat up as well and got the gist of the situation. Looking down at the bed, she reaches for the back of her neck.

"Okay, let's go," Finé directs.

"Wait," the guard looks up and points over Finé's shoulder.

Finé turns around to see the White Agent. "Izetta!" she hushes, "What are you doing?"

"I'll go," Izetta says quietly. "It sounds like the Germans have been giving you some trouble, so if Eylstadt resolves this smoothly, they're likely to open up."

"No, no," Finé turns Izetta to face her, "This isn't so critical that we need you, or your phone would have gone off. It may have been a long time ago, but I am still completely serious about letting you have your own time to yourself. I don't expect you to come in every time there's a problem."

Izetta looks at Finé's hands on her shoulders, but the rest of Izetta's body is slack. "It's okay, I want to."

"Don't lie to yourself!" Finé's arms cling around Izetta and pushes her back down onto the bed. "I know you want to help me, and I really appreciate the thought. But what's most important is your happiness. You don't have to feel compelled to do anything for me, especially not when you just said that you're still tired and sore."

"...Finé…" Izetta looks at the side of Finé's head.

"If you really feel up to it, if you truly want to go out there, then push me off you. It wouldn't be an issue if your strength is back."

Izetta closes her eyes and breathes out. She did not need a lot of strength to push Finé off her, but the sensation of Finé's care-filled embrace saps the resolve that she was gathering right out of her. "I'm sorry," she pacifies as she pats Finé's back, "You're right, I don't really want to go."

Finé pulls back and smiles at Izetta, placing a hand on the helmet where her cheek would be. "Good. Don't worry about anything and just rest peacefully. I'll be back soon."

"Mm," Izetta nods as a hand reaches behind, "Thank you," she says to both Finé and her magic, returning her back to her normal clothes. "Good luck, Finé. You can just climb back in when you come back. You don't have to worry about waking me, I want to welcome you back."

Finé's smile widens. Then she goes in to peck Izetta on the lips, which brings a smile to Izetta's face as well.

"I'll be off then," Finé whispers as she gets off and goes to the guards. The couple blush as they remember that the guards just saw the whole display and their kiss, but their smiles don't fade.

"Princess," a maid calls out in the hallway, "Hang on. Lift your chin please," she instructs as she brings up a makeup pad. As she dabs the area where Izetta was kissing, the couple's blushes deepen immensely.

The guards bow towards Izetta and close the door. Izetta brings the blanket up to her red face, muttering incoherent things happily. Then she rolls over, grabs the other pillow and hugs it tightly.

'I knew Finé wouldn't make me do anything… But for her to know how I really feel and insist on taking care of my well-being… That I'm the most important…" Izetta buries her face into the pillow, giggling softly.

Nestling into the soft bed and covers that envelops her in cosiness, Izetta falls back into her tranquil slumber.