Growth, part 5

Once Takeshi, Camille, and Kavi returned to the inn, things seemed to settle down. Van had gone upstairs with Yona, Jasper, and the twins. Blythe waited anxiously for lover, pure relief on his face once they locked eyes. A servant rushed forward to fuss over her master. "Yukimaru-sama, you're bleeding!", she panicked. He waved her off casually. "It's nothing. See to our guests. Make sure this man gets a dry set of clothes and something warm to drink right away", he said. The girl bowed and hurried to fulfill her orders. Another servant rushed Camille upstairs to change, as well. Blythe watched Takeshi with interest before he departed. When Kavi stepped into the main area, he ran into his arms. "You're freezing!", he fussed. Kavi grinned faintly and assured his lover he was fine. Had Jasper said something about his health while he was out? Once the servant produced fresh tea and robes, she left her guests for the evening. Blythe demanded Kavi change right away, even if they were in the open. "They've all turned in for the night. No one's going to see you. I'll stand watch if you like", he beamed. Damn that bright smile! Kavi sighed and nodded, giving in. Once he was changed, Blythe made sure to bundle him in blankets next to the fire pit. Handing him his tea, he chided, "Now just get warm Kavi-kun. We don't want you catching a fever."

-

Upstairs, Yona had switched out Van's alcohol for coffee. He begrudgingly accepted it without argument. After small talk, he said, "Thank you, Yona...For everything." Jasper wasn't sure what had transpired out there, but he knew Yona was the only one who could potentially 'fix' Van. "Are you sure you'll be all right?", inquired the incubus. Van nodded. "I'll be fine. You guys don't have to babysit me", he sighed. Rani sat beside him with concerned eyes. She always was the worrisome one. Ronen stood by the door and said nothing. He simply grinned to himself that their guild mate had been brought home unharmed. Yona glanced around at the faces in the room. Eventually, she asked, "Ronen, you don't mind crashing in here tonight, do you?". The exceed understood her meaning and replied, "Not at all." Yona sent him a soft, thankful smile. She really didn't want to leave Van alone after everything that happened. Rani volunteered to stay behind, as well. At least Van could cuddle her without feeling weird about it. Once the arrangements were made, Yona stretched deeply and said, "All right. Then I guess I'll leave you three to sleep. Don't let him stay up too late, guys." The exceeds smiled bid their friends goodnight.

As Yona reached the door, Van called her name. Turning, she simply waited for what he wanted. "Can I talk to you for a second?", he asked, shying his gaze from Jasper. "Sure. You go ahead and check on your brother. I'll be down in a minute", she said, tapping Jasper's arm. He nodded and made his exit. Rani stepped out into the hall to give the friends some privacy, but Ronen was already comfy and didn't plan on moving. It mattered little. He never repeated anything anything he heard. "About what you heard out there...", trailed Van. Yona knew where he was going with that. "Don't worry about it. It's no one else's business", she said. Van smiled gratefully. "And for what you did...Thanks", he added. Yona grinned wide. "You know I've got your back. That's what friends are for." He nodded shyly. It was obvious he hadn't given up on her yet, but being her best friend was good enough for now. After all, he just wanted her to be happy and if Jasper could provide that happiness, he was willing to accept it.

-

When Yona stepped into the hall, she found Jasper and Rani waiting for her. "You didn't have to wait", she teased. "I'm sure Blythe's taking good care of my brother. Are you all right?", inquired Jasper. Shrugging off her nerves, she lied and said, "Of course." The next sentence was an unexpected voice. "I'm glad to hear that", stated Takeshi. He stood several paces away and stared with intrigue at Jasper. "It seems only suiting for a girl like you would have your own oni vanguard", he said. Before Jasper could correct him, Yona said, "Damn right! He's my personal summons. Piss me off again and he has permission to eat your soul." She'd caught him off guard, but there had to be a reason for such an outlandish statement. Thus, he fought back his reflexes to blush or shrink back and tried to appear stoic. Takeshi's eyes had settled over Rani. "Such a small demon. What use is that one?", he asked. "Isn't it obvious? Her appearance lowers the guard of the enemy. Then she can claw your eyes out without warning", smirked Yona. Glancing at her friend, she added, "You can go back to guarding Van now." Rani nodded and did as she was told.

"Now, then. I must say I wasn't expecting you to speak with me, but seeing that you are willing, I'd like to invite you to my office", said Takeshi, withdrawn as ever. "What for?", asked Yona, skeptically. "It's where I discuss business", stated Takeshi. She glanced toward Jasper, then remembered she was supposed to be his master and it wouldn't make sense to ask his opinion. Turning, Takeshi didn't wait for long. He said, "Feel free to bring your servant. It's this way", leading the way. Staying several paces behind him, Jasper whispered, "Are you sure this is a good idea?". Across her shoulder, Yona replied, "One way to find out."

-

Once inside the office, Takeshi sat calmly at his desk, staring at Yona as if thinking. Assured Yona could defend herself, Jasper waited outside of the door. Besides, his keen ears would pick up on anything said. Yona glanced around the room, already bored. "So, what did you want?", she inquired, not wanting to be there. A small smirk crossed Takeshi's lips. "It's come to my attention that my little brother is quite fond of you", he stated. "And?", said Yona. "Though you come from no known house of repute, based on what I've seen, you've earned my respect. So, tell me, what would it take to make an arrangement?". She stared in shock. Was he seriously trying to set them up?! "You've gotta be confused. Van's my best friend, but that's it", she explained. "I see", said Takeshi, crossing his fingers in thought. "Again I ask you, what would it take?", he repeated. Yona tensed. "Are you actually trying to buy me off?", she scoffed. This guy had some nerve. "Money itself was not mentioned, but if that's what you're after, our clan has enough to sate you", replied Takeshi calmly.

In the hall, Jasper fought to stay calm. He mustn't interfere. Yona was already offended enough fro both of them. She stood promptly from her seat and slammed her hands on the desk, staring Takeshi in the face. "You've got some balls, I've give you that, but my life is NOT for sale", she said, trying to contain herself. "Pity", he sighed, seemingly unalarmed by her movement. "Perhaps you don't understand what's on the table. You're still young and hotheaded, so let me explain. You have the chance to join a prestigious family. You'll have wealth and the respect of the town. You'll never want for anything. Any woman with a level head on her shoulders would jump at the chance for that kind of security. Are you willing to throw that away over something as meaningless as pride?" She was so mad, she couldn't even respond. She wanted to yell or at least punch him again, but her body was stiffly trembling with simmering rage. A dark glare met Takeshi's cool gaze. "Very well. I accept your refusal. That being said, we should move onto the next order of business. Please, sit down", he said.

Still unable to form intelligible words, she plopped into her chair with a huff. What was wrong with this asshole? Where did he get off trying to buy her like some kind of trinket?! She stared with an evil eye, waiting to see what he possibly say to make things worse. Little did realize that Takeshi had no real people skills. People were just another commodity to him. He had no emotional attachment to them one way or another. Even though he was being callous, he was actually trying to do something nice for his brother. He was just failing miserably.

"I understand if you're unwilling to give your entire life over at this point. You still have a few years to find where you belong. I can understand and respect that, but please bare in mind what I'm trying to accomplish", he began. "What? Pissing off everyone on the planet? You've got a good start", she smirked. "Forgive me if my mannerisms offend you. A tiger cannot change its stripes", he rebutted. Pushing past the mild tiff, he continued, "Van may hate me, but I harbor no ill feelings toward him. It was our mother's dying wish to see us make amends. Though she was unaware of everything that had transpired between us, I still aim to achieve that wish for her sake." Yona relaxed faintly. Sure, he was an ass, but maybe deep down he was just a mama's boy. "I sincerely doubt that Father would approve of my methods, but he isn't in charge anymore, so I ask you this - If you will not marry Van, is it possible to sway you into a single night?...I don't see why you gape, young lady. You're at the age now that you should be well aware of a man's needs...I cannot resurrect Hannah, but you may at least show him that I'm trying." Yona was livid. At first she gawked, but now she was just plain pissed.

Crawling onto the desk with on knee, she grabbed Takeshi's collar and hauled him to eye level. "Look here, you bastard. I'm not for sale, my life is not for sale and my time is not for sale. I am NOT a whore! You don't even realize how you come off, do you?!", she shouted. It was only an instant before Jasper burst into the room. He scowled at Takeshi, his eyes glowing with rage. Yona could actually feel the asshole tense at the sight of him. It seemed Takeshi was just as superstitious as the rest of the town and if he was afraid, Jasper would see it for sure. Deciding it best to prevent an incident, Yona shoved Takeshi into his chair and climbed down. "Don't ever come near me again", she sneered. She set a hand on Jasper's arm as she passed, but he wasn't taking the hint to leave, too. She watched in amazement as the incubus nearly mirrored her previous movements.

Jasper was tall enough and strong enough to completely lift Takeshi from his seat from across his desk with one hand. He hauled him close and snarled out a threat in a low tone. If Yona's senses hadn't been heightened as a dragon slayer, she wouldn't have heard him say, "If you ever so much as lay your filthy eyes on her again, I'll kill you." Jasper was beyond pissed. His corrosion magic was manifesting, melting the fabric that suspended Takeshi in his fist. Takeshi stared in horror. Oni were truly terrifying, it seemed. Jasper dropped his prey and spun around quickly. He had to leave before he did something he regretted. Without a word, he swept Yona over his shoulder and slammed the door behind them.

Yona was in shock. She'd never seen that side of him before. She didn't even squirm as they stalked the hall. Near the stairs, Jasper carefully set her on her feet with a deep sigh. "I'm sorry you had to see that", he said, trying to calm down. He was shying his gaze and his body was still tense. He'd really been just offended as she was. Yona gently turned his face in her palm so that he was facing her. She waited for his eyes meet her own. He blushed faintly at the smile that awaited him. "Don't apologize. That was awesome! You're kinda sexy when you're angry", she teased. Despite himself, Jasper let out a soft chuckle. She was hopeless. "Let's just keep what happened between us...I don't want to worry anyone", said Jasper. "You mean you don't want to worry Kavi", she corrected. He nodded shyly. "Don't worry. It's not like you hurt the guy", she said, trying to lighten the mood. Pulling her into a tight embrace, he whispered, "I wanted to." Her eyes widened at the statement. Hugging him back, she waited to be released. "That doesn't make you a bad person, Jasper. It just means you're protective of me", she grinned. She kissed him softly to help ease his tension. He leaned his forehead against her own and sighed, "Some vacation." Yona couldn't help, but laugh. It was true. This trip had been quite different than anyone envisioned, but at least she knew she didn't have to deal with Takeshi anymore.

To be continued...