A/N:" M" ahead. Thanks for reading.
Chapter 5: Lessons
It's a warm, sunny morning. As I opened the curtains and walked out the veranda, a fresh scent of morning dew greeted me. I look around and watched the contrast between the shadows and the golden, pink, purple skies transition into one another... A beautiful view. A relaxing atmosphere. I have it too good here. Ever since Mugi's father hired me, I've been treated like I'm a part of their family. A relative with a specific job nevertheless, a family. With Mr. Kotobuki as an uncle and Mugi as a sweet cousin. A second family...
A knock on the door cut my musings short. Again.
"Good morning Tainaka-san. Breakfast is to be presented at eight and your lessons will start at nine."
"Good morning to you too Mr. Bastion. Thanks." I bit my tongue to stop myself from quipping a joke on how all butlers are named Sebastian. The poor guy must have heard all kinds of sebastian jokes by now.
…
I still laughed anyway. At least when I heard his footsteps leave the corridor. Good old Basty.
I wonder how long it will take me to get used to this place. Everything is so beautiful and well maintained. I can't stop handling things carefully for fear that I might break them. As I turned the shower knob to "hot" I looked around me. Even the bathroom was laced with the color of gold. It's tacky and overdone. I grinned. Funny thoughts and a calm atmosphere. This is a great way to start the day.
My body has recovered from the injuries. It's good that I'll start training soon. I have one job. I need to make sure that I do my best at it. If not for my sense of gratitude for this family, at least, for Mugi. Mugi was so thoughtful and reassuring. There might be a time where I'll need to spill everything to her, all the things that have happened. But not now. And she did say that she is willing to wait for me to open up. It will take a while. So while waiting for that chance, I need to focus on the things I need to do, for now.
Inside the closet are rows of different colored dress shirts and suits. Suits. There was a note neatly folded nearby and it says...
"Tainaka-san, these will be your daily wear from now on, save for the physical training classes. I hope you find these european suits are to your liking."
My eye twitched. A dress shirt is one thing but suits? Really? Heh. Maybe I could pass as a reverse trap butler in Akihabara. Girls would swoon and I'd enjoy entertaining them with flattering words and "manly" gestures. Haha.
After tucking my shirt in and putting on the belt on the trousers, I tried wearing the suit.
I noticed it right away, with the way my arms slid in and how comfortable it was...
"What the-" ...it fits perfectly They must have made someone measure me when I was still asleep... but thinking of the nature of her dad's business that's not unlikely.
I twirled around in front of the mirror like an idiot. I don't look too bad, if I say so myself. A black box caught my eye and there I saw a couple of black dragon cufflinks. It's very detailed... it even have golden eyes... It refreshed my memory. The weight of my circumstances and obligation sunk back in. I'm not here for fun. I'm here to protect Mugi. I suppose this gift is his way to remind me of that. Not that I mind, it helps. I have to focus. I snapped them on and look at the mirror again. This is my life now.
I saw some guards walking around. They always bow a little to me when I pass by. I was even instructed not to bow back. I asked and apparently, they were specifically told that I rank higher than them and that I be treated like so. I guess that's because of my status as Mugi's bodyguard. Hm... I am not too fond with their strict system but I guess this is just another thing I need to adapt to.
"Ritsu! You're looking sharp!" A booming voice resounded in the hall. It was Mr. Kotobuki. He was flashing a wide smile. I bowed and walked besides him to the dining room. "Sir. Thank you for everything."
He looked at me and smiled. "Just make sure to keep her safe and happy." I puffed my chest a little and replied. "Of course."
I suppose all my mornings will have to be like this from now on. A little uptight and formal for my taste. As we turned at a corner, Mugi was already there, waiting. Her eyes lit up when she saw us. She stood up curt manner and explaimed. "Ritsu you look dashing! Thank you Father. It looks great on her." She looks like a girl that just got new clothes for her doll. Scary cute.
"Hm. Well, I do have great taste. But I'm just as surprised on how much it suited her." We sat down and he rang the bell. "So Ritsu, you'll start your lessons today. I assigned special people who often helped my group. They won't go easy on you but-"
"Father." Mugi was pouting. Her Father sheepishly smiled as an apology. "Mom told you that there would be no talks of the business on the table. It easily puts off one's appetite." She complained and gave her own weak smile. "Anyway, shall we eat?"
Her father made no attempt to talk about our matters further and the conversation flowed into the topic of the new animals they acquired recently and that they would be sent off to shelters and zoo. Mugi's eyes were twinkling with delight. Mugi's love for the strangest things still amuses me.
After breakfast I took a walk outside, Mugi trailed after me. "Sorry... for t-that." I turned to her and saw her worried face. She must have been trying to avoid anything that would remind them of her mom's situation. I walked towards her and held her hand. "If I could be of any help. Just tell me. If you want to talk about it. Feel free and go ahead. I'll..." I stopped. Her eyes were... Oh... she's teary-eyed.
I know I shouldn't think this when a friend is crying but... her eyes are really beautiful.
"Ritsu, do you still have time before your lesson? Would you kindly accompany me over there?" she pointed at a tall tree. She then disregarded my option to reply and pulled me to that direction. As we were running, I saw some shiny droplets and noticed the way she was avoiding my face.
Ah, she was trying to lead me while hiding her tears. She really is such a strong-willed girl.
Once we reached the tree, she sat on the greens. I looked at her accusingly, her dress would get ruined! But she pouted and pulled on my pants. Pfft. Fine. I sat down as she wanted me to and looked at the sights. I enjoy these short moments of silence that we share... but I think some things needed to be said, at risk of ruining a relaxing time.
"I'll also wait for you. Like how you waited for me."
The source of the shade shivered as the wind played around its leaves. Almost like it was trying to cover up the sudden shift the blonde girl made.
"It's alright. We'll take our time. We don't need to rush." I muttered.
She laid her head on my shoulder and I contently leaned on the tree.
I really don't understand Mugi. She's an enigma to me. Her ridiculous strength, her family, her personality. She's so delightfully strange. Even the way she relaxes me so. This peaceful lifestyle that is unlike what I used to have before. All, because of her...
This girl... She's really... strange.
I took a glance at her and observed the sleeping fairy. Her long lashes... her blonde hair... her pink lips... her funny eyebrows. Her features are really eye-catching. It's really drawing me in...
"TAINAKA-SAN WHERE ARE YOU?!"
A shout blasted through my world of relaxation. It startled me and this caused Mugi to straighten up and sleepily turned to me.
"Sorry Ritsu, I dozed off a little... it was such a nice nap." her small smile turned into a big "o" when she saw the butler. "OH NO! I must have taken up your time for your lessons!" I waved my hands frantically. " N-No! Not at all! I'm also to blame. I was also feeling a bit sleepy myself. Aha-ha-haaaa... well off I go then. I-I need to attend my class. See you later Mugi!" I waved and ran as fast as I can from her. I saw Bastion giving me a dirty look. He notioned for me to follow him. I breathed heavily as I clutched at my chest.
What is this? What's this feeling? Was I about to do something to Mugi back there? My fingers traced the outline of my lips. I licked my lips nervously. No... I can't possibly be feeling that. Mugi is my friend. I- I'm just into girls and seeing that Mugi is a fine lady herself... it's impossible not to feel attraction towards her. This is normal. It's not like it's serious. Anyone would... of course.
"Tainaka-san. You shouldn't let yourself become tardy again. It is unbecoming and would be an annoyance to the person waiting at the appointed place. Make it a personal rule to be focused and punctual."
Yes. This isn't a good time to think about these pointless feelings. I need to focus.
"I'm sorry Mister Bastion. I would see to it that I do not make that mistake again."
"Duly noted." with that he stopped and opened the gates. Inside is a tatami covered dojo. "Now please change into the hakama prepared for you. You will attend to Saito-sensei right after." He showed where I can change my clothes and I awkwardly put it on. I've never been in any formal training in my entire life. What I've thought is that, why was I allowed to wear one. Hakamas are usually worn by pros only. Or maybe this is just for appearance's sake. Either way, I'm definitely gonna be drilled painfully in whatever martial arts this is.
After making sure that it's tight enough I went to the room where Saito-sensei is waiting. Mr. Bastion opened the sliding door panel and revealed an intimidating old woman. Huh. I thought that a guy will drill me. I suppose not.
"What is up with your pathetic face and that rude posture?" her voice was whip like and snappy. I'm shocked. I fixed my posture at once and gulped. She's probing. She's probing for weaknesses. "You look weak. Undeserving of the hakama." she scoffed. "Back in the old days we had to make our own hakamas. Hmph. Spoiled brats of this generation all look the same. Whimpery, wimping, wimps." I bit my tongue. I want to argue but she's got a point there. Most people now lead sedentary lifestyles. The little strength I have came from my drums. That I managed to beat dojo trained thugs was just due to luck and adrenaline high. She eyed me menacingly again and clucked her tongue.
"Hm... I expected you to be a snappy brat. But it seems that you at least know when to shut it when you're supposed to." she clucked her tongue again. "Or maybe you're just pretending. Either way, you're bound to crack at one point. Now. I expect you to follow me, not because I instructed you to. But because I want you to understand the principle and how it works, then apply it to yourself. This is not a mere sport. This is also a way of life." her eyes narrowed.
"Let us begin."
I lazily opened my eyes and saw a ceiling. I closed them again. What am I doing? What was I doing?
"Tainaka-san. Are you alright?" I heard Bastion's voice. Seconds later ice-cold water splashed at my face.
"BwAH! Pfwpfft... WHAT THE HECK?!"
"You fainted at point of exhaustion earlier. Saito-sensei said you passed, but only barely." I pouted. "Aw man..." Bastion tsked and muttered.
"She also accepted you as formal pupil. You should take it as an honor." I beamed. He was trying to be nice and supportive.
"Haha. Mister Bastion, you're a good guy! Thanks" He glanced daggers at me and made me freeze at my joke.
"It is an hour before noon. You're to join Miss Kotobuki for lunch." he turned around and before closing the door he said "You might also want to take a shower and change, if you want to look presentable for it." I sniffed myself and I reek of sweat. Ugh.
"YOU'RE STILL A GOOD GUY!" I shouted and laughed a little. He's a nice guy after all. I thought he was just an ordinary uppity old man.
After a quick clean up I headed for the dining hall. Surprisingly Mugi wasn't there before me. She was about ten minutes late for it and came looking a bit tired. Worried, I rose up from my seat to aid her. I held the chair out for her and got her seated. Her chest heaving, up and down, I wonder what happened.
"Mugi, are you alright?" She embarassedly waved her hand as a "yes" since she's still a little too out of breath for normal speech.
"Uh-huh. You sure you don't want to spill any info on that?" I rang the bell and asked for water which was promptly given. I took it myself and handed it to Mugi. "Here, looked like you could use some liquid. What got into you?" she giggled and made a zipper motion with her fingers and lips. "Okay. Whatever. I won't bug you about it anymore. But I'm telling you, no funny business." she just giggled again and tried to be occupied with the food that was silently placed in front of use while we were in the middle of a small banter.
"So, Ritsu, how's your first class?" Mugi piped. She's trying to make a conversation to cover up her suspicious activities huh. Alright, I'll play along.
"Fine. Well, not really. I'm a beginner to martial arts so I did terrible. I barely passed my teacher's qualifications. I wish I had your strength instead." I flashed a grin at her. She blushed and started slicing, correction, mincing the vegetables.
"I'm not really that strong. I only know how to lift things. I'm not good at fighting." I stared at her long fingers. They're beautiful, smooth. Definitely made for piano. She's blushing again.
Ah, I was caught.
I felt my cheeks burning and looked away. This is weird, we're friends. This isn't even a topic that we should be blushing over, what the heck. I focused my eyes on the plate instead and ate up. I have lessons on business next. I'm definitely gonna burn my brain so I need to pack up some food in my stomach.
"I remember that in college, you weren't that good with business." I choked on a celery.
"Pffthua. W-what did you just say?" I quickly wiped my mouth with a nearby tissue.
"In college, you weren't good with it. Then again, you always had difficulty concentrating on your academics." she thoughtfully mused while touching her fluffy cheek with her forefinger. She turned to me and winked mischievously, "Then how about you come over my room tonight and I'll... teach it to you?" and then she licked her lips slowly.
My fork noisilly fell on the platter. W-what did she just...
A few awkward moments passed and I saw sweat run down the side of her face. She blinked twice then rushed to her pockets pulling out a small book titled "People and You: How to interact and solve any socially awkward situations!". She gushed over it and saw that she have made an error. She peeked at me behind the small book, like a squirrel hiding behind an acorn.
"Mugi-chan~ that little book isn't going to hide your red face." I scratched the back of my head and looked the other way. "Looks like our bad traits are still with us huh? How about we study it properly tonight? Just... you know. To get it over with?" I awkwardly suggested. Our eyes met and we both had a laugh. Mugi fiddled with her hair and nodded promptly.
Bastion entered the hall and informed me that I should go to my next class. Mugi made a small wave and good luck cheer. I gave her a "v" sign in return. At least I have something to look forward to after my boring business class.
I am... poofed. I am tired. I am bored. I am tired. I slumped over the table and groaned. The class was tougher than I thought it would be. Law of supply and demand huh. I demand energy and I need a supply of it now. Now I say! I rose a fist while keeping my slumped form. Not a very energizing pose but still...
"Tainaka-san. Stop that. That's unsightly."
"Oh hey there Mr. Bastion." he rose an eyebrow and pulled me by the back of my collar. He dragged me off with it. I was too tired to even lift an arm to protest. Moments later I found myself in front a large door. There really is no end to the size of this house.
"Uh- Mr. Bastion. What are we doing here?" Just as I was saying that Bastion opened the door for me and showed me a hall filled with people and decoration. At the top, the banner says...
"WELCOME TO THE KOTOBUKI FAMILY! TAINAKA RITSU!" everyone shouted at the same time. My ears pounded with the noise. I saw Mr. Kotobuki raising a glass for me. The maids and other guards, members of the Kyokuryū-kai are also cheering for me.
"Whu-" I wasn't even finished uttering the word yet and I was tackled by a yellow flash. Red, and grinning ear to ear, she embraced me and proudly presented her work. The crowd cheered again and a guy handed a mic to Mugi. "Since you're part of our family now we wanted to throw a party for you to welcome you. Also, you know, a sign of a new start." she was starting to be embarrassed. Aww. "I'll take it from here" I whispered, to relieve her from too much spotlight.
"Thank you very much for the warm welcome. I am very grateful to you all and I hope to be of service. Thank you for deciding to look out for me." I formally said with a big bow. The crowd was silent. Was that too serious? Then the crowd guffawed.
"WE GOT A SERIOUS ONE! Hahaha"
"Nah, he's just being formal, ten bucks he's actually rowdy."
A group of guys surrounded me and started shaking my hand. "We didn't get a chance to formally introduce to each other, we're from the group. I'm Kishi, this is Oda, this is Kubo." I shook hands with the rest of the group. I saw Mugi sliding out the circle and sitting with her father. Before I could take a second glance of her more guys surrounded me. Then I was pulled over to the tables and introduced to the elderly members of the group.
"The new one seems promising. A good strapping lad."
"Yes. He's very strong too I heard. He's been known to defeat belted opponents."
What? They think I'm a guy? I started to go to them to correct them but I my right arm was pulled back. Bastion?
"Miss Ritsu, I forgot to mention that the rest of the group thinks that you're a man. If they're to find out that you're a woman, they might think that you're unreliable and as rumors spread, asassins might be sent by enemies to hurt young Mugi." he looks gloomy. As if sorry for the trouble it would cause me. Well...
"Oh... that's not a big deal. I'm just worried that I might blow the cover easy... you know, monthly visits and all" he rose a brow and understood. He waved a hand to emphasize his words.
"Don't worry, very few knows about it and they are very tight-lipped. The people includes the doctors and nurses so they could be of help when time comes. You'd be acquainted with them soon enough. For now, try to have some fun."
"Without exposing it eh. I'll try." I joked and ran off to get some good sake. I'm a rowdy person after all. I like parties and wine. I've been mistaken for a guy for such a long time it's not gonna be a problem for me to pretend to be one. Again, I tried to take a glance at the father of the household and his daughter. They look happy. I wonder how happier they'd be if the mother of the household finally return.
I rose my glass silently and swore to myself that I will make myself of use to them, at least till that day comes.
The party lasted till ten. The people complained that it's too early but Mugi needs sleep so it was cut short. But I know too well these kind of folks. They'll definitely continue outside the manor. We were supposed to study tonight but I understand that Mugi would be too tired for the activity and her dad seemed to head out early. I sat out in the veranda for a quick night air. There's a full moon up.
Ah... so relaxing.
"Ritsu." a hushed voice from behind. It tugged at my sleeves and clung to it. "Mugi?!" she's tipsy, she's leaning on me because she can't stand properly. Oh man... she's drunk... I decided to carry her up. I'm not as strong as she is but I can at least piggy back her to the destination. She's light. But I don't want to risk dropping her.
"Ritsu... sorry."
"Oh, you're still awake? Sorry I had to carry you like this." she held on to my neck a bit tighter. "Don't worry. I won't drop you."
She shifted. "I know you won't." She had a tipsy, joyful tone in her voice. It was adorable. This is also the first time I saw her drunk.
"Ritsu, want to take up on that offer?" I felt her breath near my ear. Her voice was... kind of...
Hot.
"W-what is it? What offer?" my heart is thumping too much. I hope she's not hearing it. My temperature is rising. I need to hurry.
"To come..." she's moving closer, "to my room..." she's slurring, "tonight." this is impossible. She's impossible. I bit my lips to lower my awareness of her.
"You're too tired." I mumbled. Damn this huge house. Damn the distance. Damn it.
"Mmm. But I wouldn't be tired if you're there with me."
"Uh-huh. You're here with me now but you're clinging like a little piggy." She violently moved around and struggled.
"I'M NOT FAT!" uh-oh. Drunk Mugi is conscious about her weight.
"R-right. I was just making a joke about piggy back riding, the name only." I tried to grab a hold on her so she won't fall. We're already at the stairs. "You're not fat at all. You're pretty." I bit my lips. I slipped. Thankfully she's drunk enough. She won't remember this.
Mugi slumped on my back again. Then she giggled. "Really~?"
"Really. Really. Really." nearly there. Nearly there. "Hehee" she's a bad drunk.
Then suddenly I felt her press closer. Her breasts. No nonononono.
"WE'RE HERE!" I almost shouted, it even startled Mugi.
"oh..." I slowly put her down and made sure she can stand on her own. "Here you are. Sleep well then Mugi." she's pouting. She's pouting.
"Carry me to my bed." I sighed and presented my back to her. "No. I'm not a piggy. Carry me in your arms." Again with the pig thing. She's really senstive about that huh. I guess this is just another side of Mugi. Things she's hiding easily comes out. Wait what.
"Me. In your arms. NOW." my eyes are as huge as saucepans now. But I have no choice. I'm not too confident about my arm strength but if it's just to her bed then it might not be too hard. I slowly took her in my arms and lightly kicked the door to open it. Mugie kept giggling. Like a little girl. Pfft, spoiled ojou. She's snuggling up to me. Pfft. Brat.
I carefully laid her down the bed. I suppose she should be alright with this now.
"Ritsu. Off with my shoes and stockings."
"Excuse me?"
"NOW." oh my god. She's an evil queen. Where's the real Mugi gone to? Is this the real mugi? Oh my god.
"NOW." she nudged me with her feet. "They're not taking themselves off you know." Mugi is one sassy bitch.
I kneeled and removed her heeled shoes. Then her sto-
Then it hit me. Her stockings are the long thigh highs. I have to reach for it under her dress. Pulling them from the bottom would ruin it.
T-this drunk Mugi is...
An evil, sexy, sultry,naughty and very manipulative Mugi.
I felt something stuck in my throat. I tried to gulp it down but it's not going anywhere. My hands are trembling and Mugi's face isn't helping.
It's the face of a dominatrix. Drunk but still very scary. She crossed her legs and raised her leg at me.
"Well Ritsu?" the moon light cascading on her face... this is definitely not the same Mugi early this morning. She licked her lips, eager for something, what ever that something is, I don't want to know. I-I just want to get this over with.
I felt her legs with my shaky hands and slowly slid them up, trying to feel where the edges would be so I could take them off. It's perverted, the way they're going up under her dress . But her face is leading me into it, her teasing smile and twinkling eyes. This girl is crazy. She's making me crazy.
"Slowly, you're almost there." she's enjoying this. She opened her legs and I had a full view of her panties. It's black. NO! Too much stimulation. I looked at the ground instead. This is not Mugi. She's just drunk. Get it over with. I finally reached the edges and tried to pull it down. But it wouldn't. I felt it more and felt metal clippings... no way. I rose up and I was greeted by the dominatrix's greeting. Mugi's smile got wider. She looks like she's enjoying seeing me in awful embarrassment and discomfort. She musingly whispered "You have to unhook it first." she grabbed my wrist and forced me to feel her up to the edges of her panties. She's wearing garter leggings. And she's wearing the type where the lock are near her panties. I feel something really warm in my stomach. No. This isn't happening. I'm feeling it down there. God. No. "Come Ritsu. Finish your task." Task, that's all it is right? We're both women. This isn't something I should feel flustered with.
I used my dexterous fingers and snapped them off as fast as I could. I swear I heard a moan from her. But I grit my teeth and gently pulled them down. I heard her moan again, but in disappointment. This is the first time I felt angry towards Mugi. And I don't know why. I don't know. Maybe it's because of her attitude? Or because I can't get angry at her. Because she's just drunk. Is it really her I'm angry at or at myself for feeling this way towards a drunk, weak, vulnerable Mugi who don't know what the heck she's doing.
"If that's all. I'm going." I couldn't help but snarl. And I think drunk Mugi noticed this because she suddenly grabbed my hand.
"Stay over."
I snapped.
"I'm not here to play games with you! I'm not a toy Mugi!" I've had it. I've had enough of being treated like an idiot. I turned to her, wanting to lash out on her some more but I stopped on my tracks. A small tear was threatening to leave her eye. I felt my heart crack a little. "I'm sorry Mugi. That was unfair. You didn't know what you were doing..." I sat beside her and offered a hand. She took me down and embraced me. She was sobbing.
I carefully took my shoes off and hugged her back. She's drunk. That's all it was. Liquor does crazy things to people. I think I'm a little tipsy too myself. With the way I almost came on to her. If I were a guy I would have... no, even as a girl I still acted like a lecherous old man. I'm disgusted at myself. This should never, ever happen again.
She stopped crying. I think she's finally asleep. Come to think of it. She must have been busy for the party. Hence her tired appearance at lunch. I think the garter thing have an explanation too, hopefully.
"Ritsu..." she whimpered a little more. I took a blanket and covered us up with it.
"I guess the most important lesson I learned today is to never let you drink too much. You get too sassy and naughty with it". I gently pushed a stray lock of hair from her face and closed my eyes.
"I'm sorry Mugi." I sighed and drifted off to sleep