Very Unexpected Complications
The mission was a simple one. Make friends with the daughter of Chief Benja and learn the location of the Heart Gem. Sounds simple enough, and very easy in comparison with Namaari strict training program.
But it's been days and Raya still told her nothing. She asked her questions about the Fang, about her family, about what her favorite ways to spend free time and she shared all of that with Namaari as well. But not a single word, or even a clue about the location of the Heart Gem.
Instead of feeling angry or frustrated like she should, Namaari felt oddly calm. For the first time in her life she got to be... well normal. Raya showed all around her favorite spots, shared her favorite food and sweets. Gave her little trinkets as gifts. And all those things would make the Fang girl's heart flutter just a little more each time. And it seemed like Raya knew that judging by the way her eyes lingered on hers, or how their hugs would last just a little bit more each time.
"We have to leave soon Morning Mist. You need to get her to talk." Virana tone was soft but there was still a bite to her words that Namaari could recognize, "We're doing this for the future of our land Namaari."
"I know. I'll find out the location today. I promise." There was a knock at the door, "That must be Raya now." Virana quirked an eyebrow at her daughter more cheerful tone. Namaari ran to the door and opened it. Sure enough Raya was there, with a big smile and a flower in her hand.
"Hey dep la. This is for you. My Ba says the scent helps people relax and you've seemed a bit stressed yesterday." Raya offered the flower which Namaari took, a small blush dusting her cheeks.
It smelled really sweet but not overwhelmingly so. A nice soothing scent, "Thank you Raya." Virana put a hand on her daughters shoulder, Namaari didn't even hear her step forward, "Where are you and my daughter off to today?"
"There's this really pretty view from a cliff side not far from here. And there's a giant tree there too!" Raya took Namaari by the hand, a gesture that made the other girl yelp. Raya didn't seem to notice but her mother sure did.
"Sounds like fun. Go on now and be safe my little Morning Mist." Virana kissed Namaari on the forehead, "Oh and I'll put the flower in a little pot for you, perhaps you can take it with you when we leave."
"Really?" Namaari's eyes lit up, "Thank you!" She hugged her mom around the waist before giving her the flower and running off alongside Raya.
They held hands the whole time, something that Namaari found she liked a lot. Occasionally they would brush their thumb over the other girl's hand, getting a little squeeze in return. Luckily there weren't many people around to see them blush. Although they did gear giggles and snickers from the occasional passerby.
It was sunset by the time they reached the cliff, "Sit, sit! We're just in time!" Raya pulled Namaari down next to her.
"For what?" Namaari was nervous about being so close to the other girl. She hoped Raya couldn't hear her heartbeat.
"The sunset silly!" When Raya giggled Namaari really thought her heart was gonna explode. She was crushing on her without a doubt. It only made her ache more and more from knowing what she had to do. Raya took one of Namaari's hands in her own and leaned her head on the Fang girl's shoulder. Namaari gulped. This felt nice, really nice.
The sky was a beautiful golden color, and in Namaari's mind it made Raya even prettier if it was possible.
"Thank you for this dep la. Are there... any other interesting things you'd like to show me. My mother was telling me we're gonna leave tomorrow and I'm not sure when I'll be back. So I'd like to see as much of Heart as I can before I go." She wasn't exactly lying. But she wasn't telling her the whole truth either and that made her feel terrible.
Raya hummed in thought, "Actually there is one more place I can show you. But it has to be a secret. You can't tell anyone else." Raya looked up at her with a little mischievousness smile. A secret. Right. As if.
"I promise." Another lie and another stab to the heart. Namaari wasn't sure how long she could keep lying.
"Great! Oh before we go!" Raya leaned in and gave Namaari a peck on the cheek. The feeling of her lips made Namaari almost spill the plan. But she had to be strong. For the Fang.
"Um... thank you dep la." Namaari finally found her voice again once Raya stepped away. She could see Raya was bouncing from foot to foot, nervous, "Oh. Uh..." Namaari leaned in, returning the little kiss, it was really quick. By now both of them were a nervous, blushy mess.
"So... should we go?" Raya looked toward the path they came from.
"Yeah, yeah of course." Namaari offered Raya her hand again. It got her another one of Raya's bright as the sun smiles and the feeling of Raya's hand in her own as they made their way to the secret cave where the Heart Gem was kept made her next words shatter both her and Raya's heart, "I'm so sorry dep la."
