Whoop! I started this Chapter last night and it's taken most of today to finish but it's done :). I have a lighter load this coming week so I'll try and finish off the last 1 or 2 Chapters then.
As you may have noted the story's moved up rating wise to an M – if not then be warned: Heavy lemon is forecast ahead :). I wasn't sure if to bring it in now as well as the end but I figured in the end a double dose would be fine; plus I needed it plot wise for the next Chapter.
Also I haven't abandoned review responses – but I've moved them to the bottom as it's getting to the stage where the Title isn't visible when clicking on the Chapter; and it seems neater that way. I'm really bolstered by all the support for this fan-fic so a big Thank You!
Bring May Flowers
Asuna didn't sleep that night. She changed into her pyjamas and lay on her bed wide-awake; staring at the flat, white ceiling above. Her mind played back what had happened again and again. It was painful. Each time it played, it dragged out her pause and hesitant reaction following the kiss, a little bit longer and Setsuna's face became a little more hurt, afraid and embarrassed. Worst of all she couldn't shake the feeling that Setsuna wouldn't be returning; or perhaps worst of all I don't know if I want her to...I don't know if I can handle this...Get a grip Asuna! Think it through...why am I so hesitant...?
It's not because I don't find her attractive. Our first kiss and that one made my heart race so fast and left me wanting more of her...and it's not that I don't respect and admire Setsuna; I can't think of anyone whom I admire more. But is that love...? I don't know...I guess that's something I'll discover now I'm aware of how she feels for me...so why did I pull away...She knew she'd been hedging around the real reason, trying to find an excuse to explain her hesitancy ahead of this one but with a mental sigh she let it rise to the surface.
Konoka...I know how much Setsuna loved her...how can I be so sure Setsuna really loves me? I know she's felt as though Konoka has been with her in recent weeks...I can't be just a replacement and so I can't give myself to her unless I know...but to ask her that, can I do it when she returns?...If she returns...
Those thoughts troubled her and kept her awake all night. She waited for Setsuna's return but it never came.
The next day Nodoka and her band of explorers headed off to go let the others know of Asuna's location. Asuna came to see them off, explaining that Setsuna was busy scouting the region and wouldn't be back until later.
"Then say bye from us. Having you in her care is a big relief, Asuna. I doubt there's anything that can stand against you two when you're together." Asuna just about managed to force a smile and nod.
"Yeah, that's true." With that the others left and suddenly Asuna felt very much alone.
She stayed in the town that day. As she walked about there were several occasions that she felt someone was watching her; almost certainly mini-Setsuna. Given her promise to Konoka she wouldn't leave me completely unprotected. Instead she's reverting back to protecting from a distance to avoid the problem...Baka! No wonder it upset Konoka so much... The day dragged on as though everything around had lost its meaning; market stalls, running kids, people, the odd impressive building...its all so empty without her. By evening she couldn't recall exactly how the time had slipped away. All she had were fragmented memories of walking down certain streets and purchasing the odd item here and there; some magical glasses to prevent recognition, some snack food and a magical film box (a box that projected a 3D film above it, a recent novelty in the magic world).
As the afternoon passed into evening she went back to her room hoping to find Setsuna there but she hoped in vain. Flopping onto her bed in frustration she found herself once again staring aimlessly at the whitewashed ceiling. God she's being so selfish! How dare she keep hiding from me...it's so maddening!...But it's probably my fault, at least in part...At least after today I know that I have feelings for her...today's been hell without her...I want to hug her, hold her close, help her overcome that self loathing...and be protected by her. As strong as I am I don't feel anywhere near as secure without her. She's always been the pillar of strength I've aspired to and now rely on. Asuna's right hand ran through and clenched her hair in agitation...But she loves Konoka, not me...and besides to go out with her without Konoka's permission seems wrong; well I doubt Konoka would mind...and I know its selfish but I need to know she loves me, and me alone...I can't stand the thought of being a replacement...Oh it's all so hopelessly confusing. Her left hand bunched into a fist and thumped the bed in annoyance.
"Whoa! Calm down there sweetie-pie." Asuna jumped before realising it was just Chavalus. The experienced ermine had travelled with them but often disappeared for long periods; getting up to God knows what mischief. "Where's Setsuna gone?" Asuna sat up and shrugged before answering grumpily,
"Who knows? Wherever she wants to..." Chavalus's eyes narrowed.
"You've had a fight right?" Asuna shrugged again and bent over the edge of her bed to scrabble about in the bag of shopping for the movie player. "Sheesh! " Chavalus muttered in annoyance, "and I was sure something was...this is most annoying..." He jumped down from the dresser and prodded the floor by her bed in annoyance. Asuna ignored him and turned on the movie; lying on her tummy and staring at the colourful opening credits as tinny music blared out from the machine. Behind her she heard Chavalus scratching at the floor for a bit before opening the door and leaving.
The movie was alright. There was plenty of action, with a multitude of weapons and attack styles used against an un-dead army of zombies...and despite the occasional poor picture quality and sound it successfully served as a couple of hours distraction. The final scene depicted the main hero kissing the heroine. The heroine had short black hair and reminded her a little too much of Setsuna so she switched it off and planted the box firmly on the dresser by her bed. Damn I miss her...where are you Setsuna...? Night's curtain had fallen on the world and despite being before 8pm Asuna felt weary; a combination of no sleep the day before and the emptiness of today. Lazily she rolled onto her back and fell asleep.
She woke up to see...their room in darkness. Strong moonlight shone through the window behind Setsuna's bed. With a gasp she realised someone was sitting on the bed. Someone very familiar.
"Konoka!" she gasped. The figure chuckled; dressed in a rather bizarre but elegant sparkling pink fairy costume.
"Asuna. Good to see you."
"But you're...you're...dead..." Konoka inclined her head,
"Yes, but this is just a dream silly. I thought we should talk."
"But...how...?"
Konoka sighed,
"It's really not important right now. It comes down to being connected to the magic I let flow into Setsuna's body...and now yours. It allows me to be able to reach her and you more easily...Anyway how are you?"
Asuna sat up and looked directly into Konoka's chocolate brown eyes.
"I'm...I mean with all that's happened...I'm all-right." Asuna knew she didn't sound convincing...besides what's the point in dodging the truth with her..."Well actually I think I've hurt Setsuna and I don't know what to do about it..." A thought flashed into Asuna's mind..."If you're talking to me like this does this mean you really have been talking with Setsuna too?" Konoka nodded. "Is she okay?" Konoka nodded again but looked less sure... "That wasn't convincing," Asuna said with a frown..."I know I can't lie to you but I know you too well to let you lie to me..." Konoka shook her head.
"It wasn't lying. I was merely respecting her privacy. Surely you should ask her that yourself?" Asuna sighed and changed tack.
"So Konoka if you've been with us both you know all too well what my problem is. I'm falling for the girl you loved and I don't know how you'd feel or whether Setsuna loves me and not you...what should I do?"
Konoka jumped up from the bed and stepped lightly over to Asuna.
"Asuna," she said gently as she wrapped her arms about her friend's head. "You know I never thought I'd hear you ask something like that...I'm sorry, you really have had a rough time...what do you think you should do?" Asuna let herself calm down and as she did so realised the answer was only too obvious.
"Ask her myself," she whispered in a small voice. Konoka's hug tightened.
"Yep! And why haven't you already...?"
"Cos...Well I'm afraid of the answer...I'm afraid her feelings aren't for me but you."
"Remember what Negi said Asuna..." Konoka said softly. Thoroughly chastised Asuna mumbled,
"The only true magic is courage; I know I know...and you don't mind us...if Setsuna does love me...but she loved you..."
Konoka stepped away and gave Asuna one of her most strict stares. "Asuna, no person is the same and there is no such thing as a 'red string of fate'. There are many people who a person can fall in love with and be happy and it will be different every time. Nothing could make me happier than seeing the two people I loved most in life come together and be happy, now that I've moved on. I'll be waiting to be with you both ever after, after all..." she winked. "Ah but that's a secret. I shouldn't say anymore. I shall leave now but remember Asuna, you have my blessing and I'll be cheering you on with my all. Besides, when I told Setsuna to protect you and be happy what do you think I had in mind?" Konoka gave her a final, rather mischievous smile and then the next second was gone. Asuna blinked...and found herself staring at the ceiling; sunlight flooding the room. Outside the sound of morning traders setting up their stalls crept through the frames of the windows and settled in the cold room.
I was dreaming...Asuna thought as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. But it felt so real...and I feel so much more at peace about things now...At least I know what I have to get on and do today; the only question is how?
She pulled out her pactio card and stared at it. It was always somewhat satisfying to see oneself in an action hero pose but today she had more important matters to concentrate on. She placed the card to her head and tried to speak through it telepathically.
"Setsuna...Setsuna"
She got no response. Well I figured as much. It never worked when I tried to use it with Negi after all. I guess they do only work one way...That kinda sucks. Or else she's just ignoring me...A frown creased her brow. How the hell do I get Setsuna back here? Well I guess I could try hunting for her but that could go on for days given how good she is. I'm assuming she's still watching me because she can't afford to let me get...Oh...well its mean, but then she started it...and I can't think how else to do it...hmmm, its then just a question of how...
She let a few ideas run through her mind before selecting one that would cause Setsuna alarm but not place herself in any danger. Then she went out into the town. In town she went to a number of places; a photo shop and jewellers amongst others. She also visited a graveyard and made quite a show of wandering amongst the gravestones; even kneeling down by one and pretending to shed some tears. Above, the sky was a crisp blue and the wind blew through her hair in a playful manner; the world itself imprinted with vivid colour. All the same the beauty had a kind of fragility; as though some dark force was gathering itself to strike...It scared Asuna...Why was Rakan so desperate to locate me? Is there danger approaching? I really do need Setsuna...
She hurried back to the Inn; it was already late afternoon as she'd woken up quite late. Golden light etched the stone walls of her room and fell upon her lime green Chuwawa T-shirt and dark blue jeans. Taking off her shades she walked a few paces between the beds and collapsed to her knees; hanging her head. After a few minutes shaking she said loudly in a troubled voice,
"I just can't take this anymore...I'm too scared Setsuna...I should just end things now and go to where Konoka is. Adeat!" Before her, her two swords appeared. She grasped them and very slowly brought them up towards her neck.
"Sorry Setsuna," Asuna said, the swords at her throat like scissors now; ready to chop. In the background Asuna heard the Inn door slam and creak against its hinges in protest. Frantic footsteps rushed up the steps to the first floor and then the door to their room slammed open.
A second later the two cutlasses slammed into the stone wall between the two cabinets next to their beds. Setsuna stood before Asuna breathing heavily with her own sword drawn and her eyes narrower and fiercer than Asuna could remember them ever being as they stared at her. Before Setsuna could speak or run Asuna leapt up and pushed her down onto her bed; pinning Setsuna's wrists against the soft sheets.
"Asuna...what were you thinking!" Setsuna managed to pant angrily. Asuna's eyes took on the same angry intensity as Setsuna's.
"That's my line, Setsuna. You're the one who's been avoiding me. I had to try and find a way to get you back..." Setsuna's eyes widened.
"Then you weren't..."
"No! I'm sorry I had to do that...Although I haven't exactly been feeling full of cheer since you abandoned me and left me all alone..."
"Not abandoned," Setsuna muttered guiltily. "I left mini Setsuna watching you to ensure you weren't in danger and I was always nearby." Asuna glared her to silence.
"You know what I mean Setsuna. You did this with Konoka too right? Didn't you learn from that?" Setsuna blushed in shame...
"But...I mean...you looked so shocked and I overstepped my mark...again. I k...kissed you without permission. As a bodyguard I am a complete failure Asuna. The two people I've been asked to protect I've ended up falling in love with; how shameful is that...?" Asuna's heart skipped a beat with hopeful delight.
"Setsuna, the reason I looked taken aback, apart from the surprise, is that I wasn't sure if you loved me or that I was merely a replacement for Konoka. I need to hear it from your own lips. Do you love me?"
Setsuna was already staring directly into Asuna's eyes, probing her soul. There was no-where for her to hide and she wasn't sure there was any reason to do so anyway.
"Yes Asuna, I love you. I mean I still love Konoka as well but that's a different love...because...Konoka's a different person to Asuna. Konoka's been explaining it to me over the last few weeks. It's as though there are 'red threads' each with a different taste or flavour. But I feel Konoka's happy for me to love you (and how! Setsuna thought to herself) and I can't deny my feelings for you...that I love you Asuna..." Setsuna trailed off unsure how Asuna would react: Did she really mean earlier that she loves me back...Asuna...please say something...
Asuna remained gazing into Setsuna's eyes for several seconds before she sighed relief. Then her grip on Setsuna's wrists tightened.
"Then promise me you'll never run off like that again, Setsuna...if you do then I'll let you look inside the locket dangling from my neck." Breaking from Asuna's gaze Setsuna glanced down, blushing as her eyes swept over Asuna's rather exposed assets, to the silver heart locket that swung from Asuna's neck. One of her eyebrows rose questioningly and she said with conviction,
"I promise!" She felt Asuna's grip leave her wrists and her hands at once moved up to fiddle with the locket. Inside was a picture, taken on Chavalus's camera, of their pactio kiss.
"I wanted you to know for sure how I felt about you Setsuna. These last few days without you have made me realise just how much you mean to me. And you're not a failure at all, to anyone. Konoka talked to me last night too..." Setsuna's eyes widened. "She said she can communicate more easily where her magic is flowing, " Asuna added by way of explanation before continuing. "Anyway, she told me she was watching over us and cheering us on...and just before she left she told me 'when I told Setsuna to protect Asuna and be happy what else did you think I had in mind.' Konoka didn't just want you to protect me Setsuna, she wanted us to be happy."
"Asuna," Setsuna gasped, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. Inside Setsuna felt her stomach tingle and her skin pulse with warmth...and desire. Her head was already heading up toward Asuna's as Asuna's met hers. Her left arm snaked up and around Asuna's shoulders whilst her right wrapped round Asuna's behind. She felt her whole body rise and press against Asuna's as Asuna's strong left arm lifted Setsuna's back up, whist Asuna's right stopped them from collapsing by pressing into the bed.
Their bodies pressed against each other as saliva swirled and stirred between their lips and ran around vying tongues. At last their lips parted and they gasped for breath; both of them could feel the longing in the others eyes. Asuna felt her senses were on edge, running wild. Beneath her, lit so majestically in the lingering light of the setting sun, was the pale beautiful body of the soul that stirred her. The chemistry between them so strong it made her head spin.
"How far can I go?" Asuna whispered, "I don't want to go too fast if it's not right, but I want you to know that I want you so much." Setsuna didn't even blush this time. Instead she nodded her assent.
"It doesn't feel too fast...even the first time we kissed I felt in that moment that I didn't want to stop but just get closer and closer to you Asuna. But hurry or the moment will pass."
"Setsuna..." Asuna whispered lovingly. Then she bent down. The next thing Setsuna felt was her body easing down and backwards onto the bed and Asuna's tongue trailing a long, moist path from the base of her neck upwards, round her chin to her left ear. There Asuna's lips nibbled whilst her body pressed itself against Setsuna's. Setsuna felt Asuna's left arm slip up inside her rumpled shirt.
"Hmmmm" Setsuna murmured as her bra unhooked and she wriggled to loosen it further. Her body shifted round so it was fully on the bed, legs entwining with Asuna's. Asuna's tongue was playing havoc with the left side of her face now, seductively and forcefully licking her as Asuna's right hand moved up inside the front of her shirt; popping button after button until the last went and her shirt parted cleanly down the middle. Asuna moved her kisses and licks, soft and tantalising, under her chin and round to the right side of her face. Hot hands removed Sestsuna's bra from her breasts exposing her top fully. Setsuna pressed against Asuna's body but only met with clothes.
"Let me feel your skin," she gasped as Asuna teased her right ear lobe. Setsuna's arms shoved Asuna's T-shirt up and Asuna rose to allow it to come off, her figure towering over Setsuna; every firm, curving muscle beautiful. Smiling at Setsuna's hungry gaze Asuna removed the sports bra and tossed it aside. Setsuna almost choked but barely had time to gaze further for Asuna's lips had swooped once again to capture her lips. Now skin rubbed on skin, breasts jostled breasts and nipples jolted nipples. The kiss was long and powerful and accentuated by the warmth and friction between their bodies. When it broke Asuna whispered,
"God I love you!" Then her tongue began to draw moans. First soft and then louder and longer ones as she caressed Setsuna's neck and upper torso; Asuna's hands digging hard into the back of Setsuna's shoulders. Then her tongue journeyed down to feast on Setsuna's breasts.
"Ohhhhh!" Setsuna found her head jerkeing backwards involuntarily as a shock ran, like molten liquid, from her right nipple through her electrified body. Asuna was now sucking, pulling and teasing her right nipple. Saliva mixed with sweat as Asuna's tongue circled, stirred and flicked and Asuna's lips slipped over her breast.
"Ahhhhh!" Setsuna moaned softly. Her cries increased as she struggled against the pleasurable torment assailing her so strongly; feeling the space between her thighs grow wet and her trousers dampen from the sweat. Then her trousers were gone and her knickers too. She was completely in Asuna's hands. Asuna's own trousers and knickers followed but she only really noticed when their naked legs entwined more closely and rubbed more passionately.
Then a warm penetration between her thighs caused her to cry out loudly,
"AHHH! Asuna!" As Asuna's finger slipped inside her the bed lit up in a rose pink light and the girls saw flowery lines spiral out across the room like trails of fine smoke. A light sensory awareness flooded them; as though they were floating outside of space itself. Neither girl really noticed beyond the sensation though for their act of love was reaching its climax. Asuna's fingers now slid in and out, in and out, in and out in a steady forceful manner, each time they thrusting a little harder and causing Setsuna to cry out a little louder; her body contorting and twisting as her insides burnt with heavy desire.
"Ahhhhh, Ahhh, Ah! Ah! Ah! AH! AH! AH! Ammmph!" Asuna's lips caught hers as she came in the hold of Asuna's right arm, feeling Asuna's body wrapping tightly around her and Asuna's tongue deep within her mouth...If only time itself could freeze here forever...she thought with a contented sigh as she snuggled up close within Asuna's arms and let her hands slide gently through Asuna's hair.
"I love you so much," Setsuna whispered as exhaustion claimed her mind and she drifted off into the most comfortable sleep she'd ever had.
Sony Ninja: Hope this was 'working things out' to satisfaction :)
setchan-1995: Thanks, will do :D
darkangel12391:Yay! Thanks for the review - it was really encouraging to hear that the descriptive writing and fluff were so good :)
aisismortal: Whoop! I'm really glad that you're enjoying it :D
The Ansem Man:Yes, having Konoka's spirit watching over them seemed like a really good way to progress things. I think by necessity the early Chapters had to be somewhat slower (be it perhaps I didn't need 2 Chapters for the mourning) but am glad the later ones have built up well so far :)
FlameHaze17: Thanks! Yeah, I'd have a hard time pairing Konoka/Sestuna with anyone outside Asuna (it was hard enough pairing one of them with Asuna)...it would be just about do-able but I'd have to keep killing one or the other off which leads into a much more sombre fic; so it's really only worth doing where Asuna is the new pairing (and even now I haven't really removed Konoka from the story).
Marcus Kalden: I'm honoured :). And thanks for the constructive criticism; Typo's seem to haunt my work, even where I do use spell-check (which is normal however I think I used the fanfic spell checker for the last few) I swear Error Goblins come and mix up some of the words :S. At any rate I do intend to go back over my fanfics and systematically edit (and re-edit) so that like a good wine they improve with time :D (I'll bear the comment about Nodoka in mind too when I go back over it, from memory she was a little more excitable and talkative than normal; partly explainable in that all of them will have had some character upheaval but I may well adjust it a bit to make her more IC). As to Asuna coping with the loss of Negi and Konoka faster than Setsuna; I'd normally agree - but here the main differences were 1) Setsuna was strengthened and made more powerful whilst Asuna was weakened 2) Setsuna was given a final command/purpose by the one she loved 3) Setsuna was able to kiss Konoka goodbye - which when factored in made it a lot less clear (and in the end Setsuna only appeared to be coping as she clung onto 2) until she broke down on the cliff after Asuna had recovered). I'm happy the kiss scenes were passably erotic ;)