Nikushimi

  Chapter 45:

  Awestruck – A Dangerous Waltz

  (Maya's POV, a few days ter)

  The sun felt particurly warm today. It's golden rays bearing down on her was a reminder of the heat within her own heart. The heat that hadn't settled down since Luke asked her out. Well, he didn't exactly do that, but...she gnced over to where he was, walking just ahead of her.

  His hair looked richer in the light of midday. The air felt like it sparkled, but...that couldn't be, right? No, it was something else. He was radiant. With such a ckadaisical smile and not a care in the world.

  She didn't know what she was thinking, honestly. He was her best friend's fiancé. Yet, when she was with him, she felt her heart flutter more and more. Then, today, he had suddenly asked her out..."No, he asked you to go for a walk." She sighed to herself, reprimanding herself for the delusion.

  Elizabeth had some work to do, and he had been feeling restless. Since there hadn't been any incidents tely, it was rather easy to convince her to let him leave the house. That's how they found themselves taking a walk in a lovely park filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. It wasn't like he was a prisoner, but to say that they were being overly cautious wouldn't be a lie. Of course, if it kept him safe, it was worth it. She definitely understood Elizabeth's feelings on the matter.

  "Do you think they'll be okay?" Lucas asked suddenly, gncing back at her with curious concern, "Azure and the Krakens. They're left alone at the house. They'll be fine...right?"

  "...If they make a mess, I'll reprimand them, Sir," she responded simply, gd for anything that distracted her from her confusing thoughts, "However, I believe Luria is capable of keeping things in order."

  "Hmm..." he stopped for a moment in thought, "I suppose you're right. I guess I'm just being overly anxious."

  He smiled bashfully, chuckling at what he perceived to be something foolish. She didn't think it foolish at all. In fact, that was part of his charm. If he wasn't worrying about something, she'd be worrying that he wasn't okay. It was a struggle to keep her composure as intrusive, and impulsive, thoughts knocked at the door to her mind.

  "...It's cute how he furrows his brow when thinking." She mused, unaware that she had unconsciously reached toward him. Only his eyes widening in surprise and the curious, "hmm?" that he uttered quickly brought her to this realization. Her hand froze mid-air, feeling a little foolish.

  Her face remained impassive, but inside she was panicking. "What...am I doing?" she wondered, feeling a sense of a embarrassment. She realized what she was about to do. She wanted to pinch his face. As if she wanted to check if he was real. He just...didn't seem real. Before she could think on it more, Luke began to look himself over.

  "What's up? Did I spill something or...?" he asked, thankfully unaware of what Maya had just been about to do, "Is my hair weird?"

  He began to adjust his hair, and as he did, Maya finally regained composure and took control of the situation. Stepping up to him, she crabbed the colr of his shirt and began to adjust it. He looked sheepish, smiling apologetically.

  "Sorry, I'm a bit of a mess," he chuckled, "You could have told me and I-"

  "Nonsense, Sir," Maya replied almost instinctually, "It's just a little crooked. Your hair is fine."

  "Ah, I see..." his smile was unfairly gentle, "Thank you, Maya. I don't know what I'd do without you or Ellie helping me."

  Maya allowed herself a small smile. She often wondered the same thing, but she believed that he would be fine. Maybe a little disorderly, but...in his chaos, there was a method to the madness. She had learned through her time spent around him that he had a specific system. Everything had its pce, and he knew where everything was within what he called an "orderly mess".

  "Just a little messy," she teased, keeping her tone nonchant, "You've done well so far."

  "So far," he repeated with a smirk, "I barely have a sense of fashion. Casual and comfortable. Pin, darker colors. Usually sweats instead of jeans. A t-shirt and an overshirt. So simple it's frustrating."

  She knew he was trying to be humble, and perhaps even belittle himself, but that was something she couldn't allow, for she didn't agree.

  "Sometimes, simple is just fine," she told him, "It suits you."

  "Hey!" he retorted, thinking that she was mocking him again, "There's nothing wrong with simple!"

  She smirked, finding his ck of understanding to be adorable. It was like his brain decided to switch off for a moment. It was always curious how he was so perceptive sometimes, but then completely dense the next.

  "I never said there was," Maya said as she finished adjusting the colr of his shirt, patting it for extra measure, "I was being genuine...Luke."

  "O-Oh...well, thank you," he stammered, a little flustered with a light blush to his face.

  He cleared his throat, feeling a little silly. "...El, he's doing it again." Maya thought, fighting against what seemed like an impossible foe. It should be illegal for someone to be this cute. It was like this every day for her. Ever since Elizabeth had pnted the seed in her mind, it was all she could think about. The possibility of being closer with Luke.

  But, was that what she wanted? It wasn't like she hated the idea, but it was obvious that Luke was fully enamored with Elizabeth, and she honestly couldn't bme him. Elizabeth was a wonderful woman. However, that fact alone made it difficult for her to entertain the thought for long, but the thought persisted. How would she even go about it?

  And what about Sigrid? Lately, they had been chatting a lot, and it wouldn't be a lie to say that Maya liked her. She was a kind woman with strong convictions...and a strong body. Maya had to admit she was attracted to her. "What must things be so confusing..." Maya becamse lost in thought for a moment, only to be abruptly pulled out of it when she felt a familiar touch.

  "Maya, look!" Lucas excimed as he tugged at her sleeve like a needy child, "They have ice cream!"

  He pointed down the way toward a food stand that several people were milling about. The first thing she spotted, however, was how his eyes lit up with excitement. Everything always felt so complicated, and yet...he made it so simple.

  "I believe I owe you some strawberry cheesecake, yes?" he stated with a wide, childish grin, "Come on! Let's go. I promise I won't run off this time."

  He chuckled, taking her by the hand so suddenly that she didn't have time to process any of the information flooding into her. All she could do was be pulled along by him, her eyes locked onto him, completely entranced. "Sometimes..." she began to smile, feeling happy in this moment, "Simple is best."

  Why ruin such a moment with unnecessary thoughts? She'd figure it out one day, but for now...she would at least enjoy this moment. Even if he remained blissfully unaware, that in itself was a blessing she cherished. How often had she been able to experience such feelings in her life?

  "Yes, why complicate things now?" she told herself, her hand gently closing around his, "There's plenty of time for that ter..." Right now, she was only amused by one thought. That he definitely wouldn't run off. Not when he held onto her like this, and she wasn't about to let go...at least not until he finally noticed, letting go himself as he most likely would blush in embarrassment. Yet, even that, she looked forward to.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV)

  "How long has it been now?" I asked, wondering about the time since I met Maya, "Three months? Four?"

  Maya sat next to me on the bench in the park. The two of us were enjoying strawberry cheesecake ice cream while watching the scenery. There was a lovely pond with lily pads and flowers enhancing its tranquility. "I'm gd we got to do this." I thought happily, pleased that they hadn't kept me confined too much tely. Not that I really minded. I knew that Ellie and Maya only had my best interests at heart.

  "What is it that Miss Falcrest would say?" Maya thought for a moment, teasing me, "It's been about that long?"

  "...Just because I'm bad with time..." I mumbled, pouting slightly.

  I caught the corner of her lips curl in a smile, and in the moment, I felt like it was worth a little teasing to see her enjoy herself.

  "Well, however long it's been..." I said, taking a bite of my ice cream and savoring the fvor for a moment before swallowing and continued talking, "I'm gd we were able to do this today. We always spend time together because you're constantly guarding me, but we never really get to do anything. Well, I guess you can count video games, but you know what I mean."

  I had been meaning to spend some actual time getting to know Maya, but we just never actually ever had the time. She was either guarding me, and so kept things professional, or she was training Azure. That, or she was away for the moment to allow me to spend time with Elizabeth, which I appreciated.

  Maya was a really good friend, and tely I've been feeling a lot more comfortable around her. So much so that I forget myself sometimes. "I can't believe I grabbed her hand without thinking..." I thought with embarrassment, feeling myself blush like the fool I was. How could I just do that? What if she thinks I'm weird because of it?

  Well...gncing at her now, and how she reacted when I realized what I had done, she hadn't seemed to mind, but it was Maya. She was incredibly difficult to read, despite me learning a few of her quirks. There had been a slight hint of a smile, or perhaps a smirk, as if amused. So...maybe she just found it funny? "I don't know..." I sighed.

  "Think too much and you'll have yourself another headache, Sir," Maya stated as she took a bite of her own ice cream, "But, yes...you're right. I apologize for not making time."

  "What!?" I asked incredulously, "Why would you have to apologize? You've done nothing wrong. If anything, I'm imposing on you."

  There was a lot I still had to learn about Maya, much like I was still learning about Elizabeth. Though, I admit I had made a lot of progress with Ellie. "She's just too precious..." I felt my heart warm at the thought of her, but quickly dismissed it as I felt a little guilty. Even though I loved Elizabeth, and I thought about her all the time, I don't think I should be thinking about her when I'm with Maya. It was a weird feeling I had, but it felt right.

  "No," Maya shook her head and leaned back against the bench, staring off into the canopy of the trees overhead, "You're not imposing at all, Sir."

  "No?" I felt relieved as I rexed a little, "That's good. I was a little worried about that. I don't want to be nosey or anything. I just hope to get to know you a little better."

  "...I suppose that's fair," she said softly, and for a brief moment her eyes looked rather wistful.

  A light wind blew past us, rustling what little of her hair there was. She kept it cut short, but not too short. More like a pixie cut. I never knew her eyes could appear so...vibrant. Their violet hues shown strong in the light that flickered down from the canopy, dancing across her bronzed skin. I felt my heart skip several beats, a tightness in my chest.

  I felt strangely calm, despite the anxiety I now felt. I've never seen Maya like this, not that I had known her long, but she had always kept her walls up. In this moment, she was appearing vulnerable. Giving me permission to ask whatever question I wanted about her life. I didn't know where to start, or if I even should. What if I brought up painful memories? What if...I felt a prodding poke against my forehead, eyes widening as I realized it had been Maya.

  "Stop thinking so much," she said once again, "I promised you I would tell you what I can. Ask your questions...Luke."

  I felt the tension leave my body while at the same time my heart clenched at how unfair it was of her to use my name like that. "Sly woman..." I grumbled to myself. She knew very well that being informal with me was the easiest way to get me to break. This was one of those quirks that I knew about her. She enjoyed using that against me, and honestly...I didn't hate it.

  "Well, I can't help it," I retorted with a huff, crossing my arms as her touch upon my forehead still lingered; how gentle it had been, and how easily it calmed my nerves, if only slightly, "Anxiety is a bitch, but...very well. I guess I'll start where I already know a little bit. Your...parents. Growing up...tell me about it."

  I was definitely worried about bringing this up, and I had already learned a bit about her childhood, but not everything. I knew that her parents had not been good to her. Abusive and horrible, but...the details illuded me. I hadn't pushed before because I felt like it might be hard for her to speak about it. However, as I asked the question, she allowed herself a gentle smile.

  Not at reminiscing, but because I had finally asked what I wanted to ask. "Perhaps...she doesn't think me weird." I felt relieved at this revetion more than I thought I would be. I didn't know for sure, of course, but I felt like that gentle smile was aimed at me. It wasn't long, however, before it faded into a more grim, serious expression.

  I sat and listened as she began to expin in horrifying detail about how her parents treated them. She was raised to be a tool. A prize to be won. Something that they'd eventually sell to the highest bidder. I could feel my stomach tighten as she gave me a brief summary of the "lessons" they would teach her.

  Stand straight. Speak only when spoken to, and when you do, say only what is necessary. Be seen, but unseen. A shadow on the wall. Something people know is there, but do not perceive.

  I knew she was leaving certain things out for my benefit, but that only made me more curious. I wanted to know so that I knew what to never do. So that I knew how to support her, but now wasn't the time. Whatever she left out, she left out for a reason. I didn't have to rush. She'd tell me in her own time, and I was just grateful she was even sharing this.

  From a young age, she was raised to be the knife that her eventual husband would wield. Nothing more than a tool. An assassin bride. It tore at my heart to hear of how little her parents cared for her wellbeing. All they cared about was prestige. It was no wonder that my mother had such a profound effect on her. No, not just my mother, but my father as well.

  I now understood the reasons for why she acted as she did back when we met my parents. I always knew my mother was intuitive, but I was always blown away by just how much. I was gd to have her as a mother, and if Maya wanted it, I wouldn't be upset if they became her surrogate mother. She deserved that.

  "Dancing, cooking, cleaning..." Maya spoke with a monotonous, dour tone, "I learned it all. I was taught to serve others, and so it's all I really know, but...thanks to you and El, I've been able to live part of my life independently. That means a lot to me."

  I could feel my heartstrings pull at her words.

  "You don't need to thank me," I told her honestly, "It's enough that you know you don't have to serve me, or Ellie. You're our friend, Maya. Not our servant."

  "...I know," she said quietly, but something in the way she said it was filled with so much warmth that I felt honored just by proximity.

  "So...you went through all that, huh?" I was in awe with the things she's been through, "You protected your sister from them. Staying even when Elizabeth offered to take you away so much earlier than I had thought."

  "Yeah, sorry about that," she chuckled softly, "I didn't mean to lie."

  "Nah, don't worry about it," I told her, gd to see her so rexed, "You both have your reasons. It wasn't out of malice."

  Maya was silent for a moment as if deep in thought. Pensive, even. I was a little worried, but kept my silence to give her time to think. After a while, Maya took a deep breath.

  "Luke, there's something I want to show you..." she used my name, but not in the way she normally did.

  The way she said it was to let me know she was being serious. Her tone, her posture...the look in her eyes as she turned towards me. Everything said that she was about to make a huge leap of faith. I held my breath unknowingly before nodding.

  "Okay..." I answered softly, "Show me."

  "...Not here," Maya replied, looking around at the rather public park, though very few people were nearby, "Come with me."

  Standing suddenly, she grabbed me and took what was remaining of my ice cream, which wasn't much. In a single motion, she flung both of our leftovers into a nearby trashcan and then held me close. I was so surprised that I didn't have time to register what was happening, save the firmness of her body...and its warmth.

  "Hold tight," she told me, and without a second thought, I obeyed.

  Wrapping my arms around her, I felt the world lurch before me. I saw the ground give way and the city pass us by. It didn't take me long to realize that we were moving quickly. So quickly that it felt as if we were flying, but instead of flying it was more like she was...jumping. With each kick of her legs, she pushed off from the air as if it was solid.

  Her arm was wrapped around me firmly, holding me safely. My fear of heights was definitely present, but...I was calm. I knew that I wouldn't fall. She wouldn't allow it. So, I simply enjoyed the view before finally we arrived back home. Rather, one of the many balconies. Looking around, I realized that it was outside of a room I didn't recognize.

  "...It's my room," Maya said as if reading my mind, "I...didn't know where else to go."

  I saw an immacutely clean room through the windows of the sliding doors. Earthly colors decorated the interior with, to my surprise, a bunch of stuffed animals on the bed. I went to open my mouth to comment about them, but before I could she spoke up.

  "They're gifts from my sister, I-" she began to make an excuse, but I simply chuckled and shook my head.

  "It's fine," I told her, seeing that she appeared embarrassed, "I like it. No judgement here, Maya. It's cute."

  A small smile curled her lips as she nodded. It was then that we both noticed how close we still were to each other. It was hard not be aware of everything. Clearing my throat, I quickly let go, feeling my face burn up. She seemed unperturbed, but perhaps that was just her keeping composure.

  That was one thing about Maya. She knew how to better keep her composure compared to Ellie. "Why am I comparing them?" I thought, admonishing myself. Putting it from my mind, I took in the balcony we stood on. It was as clean as the inside of her room, which she began to walk towards. There were pnts of various kinds hanging outside. All of which looked to be well-taken care of.

  "This way, please..." Maya called to me and I turned to follow.

  I didn't know what she wanted to show me, but since we were in her room, perhaps it was something she had inside, but then...

  "I...didn't know where else to go." Maya's words echoed in my mind. If what she wanted to show me was here, then why would she say that? I had to admit, I was growing even more curious now, but also...concerned. It was something she couldn't show me in public. Something that took her a great deal of trust.

  Walking inside of her room, I was blown away by how orderly everything was. It was more immacute than I had first thought. Nothing was out of pce. I didn't spot a single stray hair anywhere. No dust or dirt, nor any straw clothing. All bnkets were folded nice and neat.

  "Damn..." I muttered, impressed, "I knew you were good at cleaning, but...wow."

  "...Just another thing ingrained into me," Maya stated nonchantly, and I felt my heart fall, for to be this clean, how harsh had her parents been on her?

  As if sensing my distress, she continued.

  "Don't mistake me, Luke," she spoke softly, "Not everything I dislike. Just those who taught me. Cleaning is...therapeutic. Just like I enjoy cooking for others, and thanks to you...I now enjoy cooking for myself."

  I felt a little embarrassed, but grateful. I was gd she found joy in something.

  "Azure and the Krakens should be here..." she motioned towards the door to her room, "Could you get them to help you clear the dining room? I need to...prepare."

  Confused, I wanted to ask why, but didn't. "She has to prepare...?" I wondered, now more curious than ever. The anxiety was beginning to eat away at me. I tried to take a deep breath to calm myself, and as I did, it was filled with a pleasant fragrance that I hadn't noticed before. It permeated the room with a soft floral, earthly scent. Like vender and rain.

  "...Yeah," I finally answered with a nod, "I can do that."

  "Thank you," she responded with a small smile, "Afterwards, dismiss them. This is between you and me."

  "Sure..." I made my way to leave as she disappeared behind another door.

  I took a moment to look after where she had gone, wondering now more than ever, "What is she going to show me?" I closed my eyes for a brief moment to calm myself, and then left the room. Whatever it was, it felt incredibly important. Part of me couldn't wait, while the other part was distressed. I hoped she was okay.

  -----

  (Maya POV)

  "I'm going to show him" – Maya Rosengard

  She sent the [Message] to Elizabeth, knowing that she would know what it meant, but also to ask permission. What she was about to do would be incredibly intimate, at least from Maya's point of view. There were only two other people who knew what Maya was about to show Lucas. Her sister and Elizabeth. Technically four, if you included her parents, but she never counted them.

  Maya's heart was beating faster than it had ever done before. It would be a lie to say that she wasn't nervous. This took a great deal of trust as well as a leap of faith from her. Yet, she felt like she wanted to. No. She had to.

  Even if they only ever remained friends, there were parts of her life that she wanted him to know. Perhaps because she wanted him to understand. Not that she wanted sympathy, though she knew he would give it. She knew that what he was about to see would tear at his heart.

  She almost felt guilty, but she knew that he wouldn't hold it against her. Perhaps it was because of that, that she felt comfortable enough to finally pull the proverbial bandaid off of this particur facet of her life. The more she grew closer to him, the more she felt like she was living a lie. Always giving him half-truths. She couldn't hide everything forever, and she didn't want to.

  Taking a deep breath, she meticulously sifted through the clothes inside of her closet. Most of her clothes were suits. Not only was it because of her job, but because she actually enjoyed wearing them. She had more casual clothing as well, what most might call a tomboy style, but what she was looking was something a little more..."Ah, there it is." She said to herself as she saw the perfectly preserved dress, covered in a protective pstic barrier.

  Just as she found it, Elizabeth messaged her back.

  "Are you sure?" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  It was a question that Maya knew was asked out of concern for her. Elizabeth had always cared for Maya since they were young. It wouldn't be far off to say that she felt more like family than anything. Maya took a moment to assess the dress before pulling it from its hanger behind the rest of the clothes. She had pnned on saving this for a special occasion, but what better time than now to use it?

  "Not really, but I want to" – Maya Rosengard

  "Anxious?" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "Of course" – Maya Rosengard

  "I'm wearing the dress" – Maya Rosengard

  "...You really mean it, then?" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  It might help soften the blow of what Lucas was about to see. She wondered if he would be surprised seeing her in a dress, especially one with such as this. It was made of a dark, midnight blue fabric that wove in intricate patterns of ce upon the sleeves which ended in a point, with a loop for the middle finger. Her shoulders would just barely be covered with a ce haltered neckline.

  The dress cinched around her waist, with the middle made of sheer ce, which would reveal the middle of her stomach. The skirt flowed down elegantly with a single leg slit on the right side. What was the main draw of the dress was the open back. That's where he'd first see everything.

  Elizabeth knew what wearing this dress meant. Maya was making a choice.

  "I want him to know" – Maya Rosengard

  "This will soften the blow" – Maya Rosengard

  "If he can pick up his jaw from the floor. ;)" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  Maya rolled her eyes, thought was amused at the thought. She did hope he liked it, but knew she didn't have to wear this to show him. It would just be easier, and the choice this dress represented...was that she wanted to get closer to him. It was the dress she was meant to wear when at events with her future husband.

  The meaning would be lost on Lucas, but it wasn't lost on Elizabeth. She had all but given her permission, and Maya was still confused about a lot of things, but she knew one thing from her time with him today. Keep things simple.

  She wanted to be by his side and to keep him safe. She wanted to share her life with him, even if it meant only as friends. Keeping things simple, she decided to show him something intimate to her. The scars upon her body.

  They were a reminder of all she had gone through. The training her parents had given her, and how she had overcome all of that and made it her own. All the times she was hit with a ruler or switch when her posture wasn't good enough. When she didn't dance the steps perfectly. When she didn't py the right note.

  Every movement she made that was out of pce, every vital point she missed when sparring, and every single mistake she had ever done in her parents eyes was etched upon her body. She couldn't hide them forever. Eventually he would see them, and she wanted it to be on her terms. No one else's.

  She wasn't exactly ashamed of the scars, but she was self-conscious about them. Afraid of what others might think, but she would bear them proudly, for it meant she had survived. She was stronger than they had ever made her. Yet, at the moment...she felt incredibly weak. Vulnerable.

  Yet, at the same time, she felt incredibly safe. Comfortable.

  "Is it okay?" – Maya Rosengard

  "This again?" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "You're the only one I trust" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "If you're still doubtful..." – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "No, I'm not. At least about your trust" – Maya Rosengard

  "It's confusing, but with him it feels simple" – Maya Rosengard

  "He has that effect" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "Maybe because he's just simple. :P" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  Maya chuckled at her joke, for she wasn't wrong. He was a very simple individual. Not in that he was stupid or anything, but he just wasn't complicated. Everything with him was pretty straightforward. Only he made things difficult for himself because he often overthought things, much like Maya often did when it came to how she felt about him.

  "Let me know how it goes" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "Remember to breathe" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "...I will. Thank you" – Maya Rosengard

  Maya allowed herself a smile before no other [Message] was sent. Turning towards the mirror, she slowly undressed and for the first time since living with her parents...put on a dress.

  -----

  (Lucas POV)

  "No," I admonished firmly, "Maya wants privacy, so the three of you will have to go up to the garden for now."

  Azure slumped in midair, adorable in his misery. I knew he wanted to stay, but Maya had specifically asked to dismiss them. With how important this felt, I wasn't about to disobey her request.

  "Sir Azure..." Luria spoke coaxingly, "As much as we wish to remain by Master's side, Maya wouldn't be happy if we disobeyed. Do you want to be on her bad side?"

  Azure immediately froze at this, eyes going wide in slight fear. It was kind of amusing how Luria had grown accustomed to dealing with him. She even used honorifics to appease him, since he was the first between the three of them to be my...familiars? I guess that was a better term than pets. It was quite masterful how she maniputed Azure into sulkily obeying, leaving the room with Luria and Nima in tow.

  Luria nodded to me as she left, and I mouthed the words, "Thank you" to her. As I was finally left alone, I was once again left alone with my thoughts. I had to wonder why she wanted me to clear the dining room. The dark marble floor shone brilliantly now that the table was out of the way, folded and put in a storage closet that Luria had informed me about. Apparently, she had been taught the ins and outs of the penthouse by Maya, as well as instructed by Elizabeth on a few things.

  It was extremely convenient, because I still had yet to learn everything about this pce. I was constantly discovering new rooms. This particur one, now that I had a good look at it, was rge enough to probably fit at least fifty or so people. Almost like a small ballroom, given the grand chandelier above made of beautiful star metal and elegant crystal. Because of the table, I had never known how big it was before, but now...I was once again awed by the size of it all.

  "Maya's taking a while..." I muttered to myself as I looked around, "I hope she's okay..."

  As if she was summoned by the mention of her name, a familiar voice arose from behind me.

  "Don't worry, Luke," Maya spoke gently, "I'll be alright. Thanks for clearing the room."

  I didn't hear a single footstep, so was a little startled, but otherwise okay.

  "No problem," I replied with a smile as I turned to face her, "Though, why did...you...want...oh."

  I found the words falling from my tongue as I was blinded. No, not blinded. Dumbfounded. My mind wasn't working. Maya was..."Damn...Dress. Wow." Even my thoughts were incoherent.

  I had never seen her like this before. Maya stood in the doorway of the dining room, resplendent in a dress that fit her incredibly well. I had only ever seen her wearing suits, which also fit her well, but this...was different. There was a certain shyness about her, while still appearing quite deadly. She held one arm with the other, violet eyes locked onto me.

  "El said you'd be surprised," she stated with coy amusement, "What do you think? Doesn't fit me, does it?"

  "N-No, it's very ce, I mean nice," I cleared my throat, quite embarrassed with myself, "Is this what you wanted to show me?"

  I was finally able to get some words out as she walked in, the doors closing behind her. I found myself unable to look away. The way she moved was graceful in a very dangerous way. She looked like a cat stalking her prey, and there was no one else here. I felt the beating of my heart quicken, thoughts illuding me.

  "Not quite, but partly," she remained coy, aloof in her responses, "Tell me, have you ever danced before?"

  "D-Danced?" this threw me for a loop even more than the dress, "Not...really. I'm not very good."

  She continued to walk around me, and like I was in a trance, I turned so my gaze never fell from her. I felt a little guilty, for the only one I had ever been so distracted by before...had been Elizabeth. "What am I doing? I shouldn't..." Before I could finish the thought, Maya was suddenly before me, surprising me with her discerning gaze. Her eyes staring into mine as she tilted her head.

  "You're worried about El, aren't you?" she stated it more than asked, but still I nodded.

  She smiled softly, a gentle look in her eyes. I was completely defenseless before her.

  "She's very lucky," Maya muttered, adjusting herself as she stood straight, "And so are you. She's already given me permission. So if you have any compints, please file them with her."

  I didn't know what she meant by that, but I didn't exactly have compints. I just...didn't know what I was thinking in this moment. Not only that, but Maya was being uncharacteristically open with me. "No...that's not it." I noticed it then...it wasn't me who was completely defenseless, but her. She had dropped her walls and was acting how she wanted. For the first time since I've met her, she was truly being herself.

  "...No compints here," I told her with a smile, "If El's okay with this...then I am too. Though, whatever this is, I'm not sure."

  She pced her hand upon my shoulder, her touch gentle.

  "A dance lesson," she expined, though something behind her eyes was mischievous, "And...a lesson in who I am. What I am. If you're not ready...tell me now."

  "Maya..." I felt a fire light within me, and I made a decision.

  Reaching a hand up to hers, I took ahold of it purposefully. I didn't know what was really going on, but I knew that this was important, and I also knew that Maya meant a lot to me. She was opening herself up and making herself vulnerable. I wasn't about to turn away. Not after everything we've been through, and I had a feeling we'd be going through a lot more. Not to mention...my mind fshed with a dream I had forgotten.

  ~Bdes rending flesh. Monsters torn in two. A woman covered in blood atop a pile of corpses in defense of me. Her mask broken and face revealed. At the time, I only felt a sense of familiarity. Now I knew...it had been Maya.~

  A firm hand fell upon my cheek, pulling me back to the present. Not only did Maya save my life, but she has proved to be invaluable, and that fsh of a dream I had forgotten was enough to solidify my trust in her.

  "...Another dream?" she asked with concern, "One moment, I'll-"

  She went to reach into her inventory for pills and some water, but I quickly shook my head, squeezing her hand to get her attention.

  "It can wait," I told her, pushing away the pounding of my head.

  "No," Maya refuted firmly, taking her hand back and took the pills out, "Take the pills, and then we'll continue."

  "...Fine," I sighed in defeat, taking the pills she handed me and swallowed them with some water.

  Once she was satisfied, she returned to me, looking me over carefully.

  "I feel a little underdressed, but..." I shrugged sheepishly, "I'm ready."

  She simply shook her head.

  "No," she smiled, taking my breath away with its brilliance, "The clothing we've made for you works in any formal setting, and even if it wasn't...it's just us."

  With that, she motioned with her hand and music began to py. It was cssical in nature, and before I realized it, she had positioned me before her. Each of us with a hand on the other's hip, and another held with each other. She pulled me close, looking quite serious as she did so.

  "Just follow my lead," her words were quiet, yet within them held a power that compelled me to agree.

  To say that I was enamored wouldn't be a lie as we began to glide across the floor. I now knew why she wanted the area cleared, and why the room was so rge. It was a ballroom. At least, it could act as one. The living room could work as well, but this...it felt right.

  I was clumsy at first, but she was patient. She led me from one position into the next, my feet quickly learning the steps, or rather...she ensured that my clumsiness didn't affect her graceful movements. I was in awe of her presence, unable to take my eyes off of her, and that's exactly what she wanted, because a little into the dance, something changed. Something innate within her like a switch that had flipped.

  She was locked into a dance that I was unable to follow, but I wasn't supposed to. It began when she pressed close against my body, the full warmth and feel of hers imprinted upon me. I found my breath caught in my throat, and then...a prick at the back of my neck. She smiled coyly, quickly making me forget about what I had just felt...only to then feel a pinch in my arm.

  Still, I kept dancing...kept following her movements. Another sharp press into my side, yet still, I paid it little heed. It was mesmerizing to watch her move, and I found myself completely captivated. She was like a snake entwining itself around me. She was intimately close, one leg around my waist, and an arm around my neck.

  She had that familiar look upon her face, that of someone with a dangerous obsession. I realized too te what she was trying to do, because I had already died a hundred times over during the performance before I registered it. "How elegant..." I marveled, then immediately grew sullen, "So this is what she meant..." I thought sadly, remembering what she had told me before about her life.

  Now, here I was, completely out of breath as she straddled me from above, having gotten me on my back upon the floor just moments ago, her hand to my throat like a knife.

  "...This is who I am," she whispered, "A beautiful thorn. A knife to be used. Delicate, yet deadly. Yet far from breakable."

  I had completely fallen for her ploy, but part of me wondered if it had been a ploy. Obviously, she didn't want to kill me, but there was a genuine intimacy that I couldn't deny. Though it had been meant to distract me from her strikes as she maneuvered me how she wanted, I felt something more...something that made me feel incredibly conscious of her now.

  There was something more going on here...I just couldn't pce it. As I wondered what I was missing, she shifted herself off of me and helped me to stand. She was as strong as I remembered, easily lifting me with hardly an issue. I felt the walls begin to rise once more, her face returning to its typical impassive state.

  "Was this...what you wanted to show me?" I asked curiously, hoping to find a chink in the wall to prevent it from returning, "Forgive me if I'm a bit slow, but-"

  "You're not slow," Maya immediately interrupted, and for a moment her walls froze, "I want you to know who I am...and what made me that way."

  "You're Maya," I said simply, "What more is there? What your parents wanted for you doesn't matter. What you want is the only thing that does."

  She shook her head with a smile.

  "You're kind, Luke," she looked into my very soul in that moment, her eyes like amethysts tendrils taking ahold of my heart, "You're kind to say that, but it's an immutable truth that they created me. I have to accept that, and so do you."

  "...I'm sorry," I sulked a little, feeling guilty, "I didn't mean to-"

  I felt her finger fall on my lips to silence me, surprising me a little with how gentle it felt.

  "You didn't do anything wrong. So, don't be sorry," she assured me with a small smile, "I'm simply helping you understand. What they did to me cannot be erased. It's a part of me. Whether I, or anyone, likes it. The only thing I could do is make it my own."

  She waited to see if I would speak again, and once satisfied that I would wait until she wanted me to speak, she released me and continued. I listened intently, beginning to slowly get what she was trying to do.

  "I've trapped myself in my own mind," she stated, adjusting herself before me to a more comfortable, informal stance, "I believed that anyone who knew the true me would fear it...or see me as a charity case who needed coddling. I admit, it's nice to have someone who cares."

  She smirked at that moment, eyes glittering. My heart fluttered as I felt bashful. Of course I cared for her. She was irrepceable.

  "I don't think you coddle me, though maybe just a little," she smirked teasingly before standing tall, proud even, "You've pushed me when I needed it. Reminded me of what I already knew. Who I am. What I am. I admit I was hiding from it. It was easier to just be...Orchid."

  She looked up in thought, her eyes brighter than I have ever seen them. I didn't notice before, but...there had never been so bright of a light in her eyes before.

  "I am both Orchid and Maya," she took a deep breath, bracing herself it seemed, "Something I knew, but I kept denying. Because of you, I was made to remember that."

  "...Sorry," I found myself replying naturally, only to quickly cover my mouth, "Ooph, sahry."

  My muffled second apology for speaking out of turn was met with a mirthfully raised eyebrow and smirk.

  "Mhm," she ughed lightly, a pleasant sound, "It's fine. I'm not angry. I needed that reminder, but that's also why I feel comfortable sharing this with you."

  She grew serious then, the atmosphere turning somber.

  "I'm sure you saw them..." she was speaking directly to me, her eyes unwavering, "As we danced. As I showed you the skills that were taught me...you saw them, didn't you?"

  As she said this, she turned her back towards me, lifting her arms in a very sensual, yet purposeful way in order to expose what she wanted me to see. Across the strong, supple nature of her body were marks that some might say tainted her, but I only saw the strength in which she had endured and survived. Scars across her forearms, back, calves, and thighs. Some were thin white lines, others were rger, and some...some were burn marks. As if a cigar had been put out in her skin. Thankfully, there weren't many of those, and what there were had healed rather well as to almost be invisible.

  "Dance. Music. Posture...killing," she enunciated every word, "It was ingrained into me both physically and metaphorically. A single step out of pce...a single note out of tune, or a strike that would miss a vital point, I would be punished. I had to be perfect."

  I felt my heart sink immediately. She said she had accepted her past, but how could I? I realized now why she wanted to show this to me. She knew how I would feel. She wanted me to see this so that I might overcome the ache in my heart thinking about all that she's been through. She had already accepted her past, and I was still living in it. She was being kind enough to allow me time to process it.

  "Damn it..." I muttered, taking a step towards her, "You and Ellie know me too damn well...it's unfair."

  I felt my heart lurch as I practically staggered forward, pulled by my own emotions. She was under no obligation to give me such courtesy. It was her pain, not mine. Though I may feel for her, she did not need to allow me time to grieve for something I wasn't even present for. I had no right to receive such generosity.

  "...You're important to me," her words were softer than I had ever heard them before, "I know you'll hate me for this, but-"

  "No!" I used a bit too much force when I spoke, but what I felt was real, "I'd never hate you for forcing me to accept what I cannot change. After all, how pompous...self-important, arrogant, and selfish must I be to force that upon you?"

  "Luke, that's..." she grew quiet, but only for a moment as she rexed her arms, letting them fall before her, as if she was clutching her hands over her heart, "You've not forced anything on me. So don't go there. I just-"

  Before she could say another word, I gave into the impulse which I've had ever since she showed me those scars...ever since she showed me such vulnerability. Stepping forward as she began to turn around, I wrapped my arms around her in a hug from behind. I held her close, feeling her tense for a moment from surprise.

  "Yes...I have," I whispered, "This hug, for example...but more than that, I've forced my belief that what you've gone through, you've not yet handled."

  Maya was quiet as she rexed, the tension leaving her body. I was more conscious than ever of her breathing. Each rise and fall of her chest seemed purposeful, but finally, she spoke.

  "That's just how you are..." she responded with what sounded like...fondness, "You've a bleeding heart, and one day, you'd have seen these scars and despaired. I wished to save you that."

  I tightened my hold on her, attempting to be comforting.

  "You needn't be so conscious of me..." I told her, genuinely touched, but also pained that she felt the need to do so, "It is my problem if I mistake things. I imposed myself, forcing help that you didn't need. I-"

  My words were cut off as I felt her hand grasp my arm. It was only a light touch, but enough that drew my attention.

  "You're wrong," she stated simply, "I did need help, and I still do. I need your support, Luke. In your own words, a person can only be so strong when they're alone."

  The warmth that entered my heart felt like it would burn me alive. I held her closer, and without restraint, she leaned back against me. This was a moment that felt quite poetic. She told me that she needed my support, and in that moment, I was supporting her quite literally. It almost made me chuckle, if not for how serious the mood felt in that moment.

  "Of course, Maya," I wouldn't say anything fancy, just what was necessary, "You have my support. You've always had it."

  "Yeah, I know..." she nodded, sounding a little distant as she rested her head back against my shoulder, which was a little surprising, but not unwanted, "That's why..."

  She sighed, not out of frustration, but in thought, turning her head away for a moment.

  "You know...this hug isn't as unwanted as you might think," she muttered, just barely audible to my ears, "I really needed it. Though, if you continue to do so...I can't guarantee your safety, Sir."

  "Now you're just teasing me," I narrowed my eyes at her, "By the way, what do you mean by-!?"

  She was faster than I could react to. Perhaps it was just my imagination that I felt something stir around her, like petals blossoming, when she turned in my arms. Yet, there was no mistaking the feeling of her lips upon my cheek, or the tender way in which she held my head with one hand. I was barely able to register what had happened before she was already a few feet away from me, hands behind her back with a coy smile upon her face.

  "Not teasing you in the slightest, Luke," she said my name with an intensity that set my face burning, "There's still a lot I want to tell you, but for now...Thank you."

  I saw the look in her eye. I recognized the signs. I saw it in Elizabeth all the time, and I saw it in Maya every now and then, but in this moment...it was different. Something changed, but I was too dumbstruck to think about it at the moment, and before I could say anything in return...Maya was gone.

  She disappeared before my very eyes, and I was left there alone. Left to slowly lift my hand to my face, touching the spot where she kissed me in disbelief. It hadn't been unpleasant, and I certainly didn't feel upset.

  "She...kissed me," I muttered, completely stunned as I repeated the phrase several times because it just didn't seem real.

  Was this a dream? Would Ellie be mad? Maya kissed me. Granted...it was on the cheek, but...

  "What...just happened?" I was completely awestruck, unable to process my thoughts for a good few minutes before heading off in a daze.

  -----

  Nikushimi