"Bankotsu!" Ayame hissed into the dark room, trying not to draw too much attention to herself. She let out a small sigh of relief when she heard a grunt and some movement from the left handed corner of the room. Bankotsu shuffled out, his hair flowing freely down his waist instead of being pulled into his neat braid. After a couple more grunts from the mercenary, he rubbed his eyes and asked Ayame why she woke him.
"Atsuo is dead."
"Who?"
"Atsuo. Akihiro's son and heir. The one that was sick. He's dead now, do you know what this means, Bankotsu?" He'll want my brother now more than ever."
"You're brother is safe, Ayame. Akihiro doesn't know where he is, only you do."
A look flashed over Ayame's face, but Bankotsu caught it before she could mask her face once more. It was a look or worry and fear, but not for her brother. At least, Bankotsu didn't think it was for her brother. No, Ayame knew as long as she stayed strong her brother would be safe. She would never tell, even if Akihiro threatened to kill her, or torture her, her brother will always be safe. However, Ayame's worry comes from her new found friendship with the members of the Band. Given, she hasn't gotten to know many of them too well yet, except for Bankotsu, but she doesn't want any of them to be put in danger because of their association to her. She doesn't know what she would do if her father threatened Bankotsu's life in exchange for the location of her brother. And that's what scared her the most.
Pulling her into an embrace, Bankotsu rests her head beneath his chin, clutching her body close to his in reassurance. "Don't worry Ayame, he won't get to you. I won't let him near you."
Wrapping her own arms around Bankotsu's torso, Ayame squeezes him back, wishing for all their troubles to disappear. "It's not me I''m worried about Bankotsu. What if he comes after you?"
Bankotsu laughs, the rumble reverberating in Ayame's body. Grasping her chin and making her look him in the eyes, Ayame's breath catches in her throat, noticing how close his mouth is to hers now. "Ayame," he murmurs, "you don't have too worry about me. I can take care of myself." He smirks, "I'm kind of bad ass if you haven't noticed."
Ayame laughs lightly, relaxing at his words. He's right, she thinks, he's a powerful mercenary and can take care of himself. Snuggling back into his embrace, Ayame can't help but think about how safe and secure she feels in his arms and hopes that the feeling will never go away.
A/N: Now the fun begins... :)
Pastry~