Chapter 46:

  Feelings Bloom

  (Lucas's POV, ter that night)

  "So, our flower finally blossomed," Elizabeth stated coyly, arms draped around me, "Tell me about it again."

  "Our flower?" I wondered at her use of that phrase, but didn't have much time to think of it as she was teasing me. Which was rather normal for her, but I was genuinely surprised that she wasn't upset. I was for sure she'd get territorial, but instead...

  "Oh, Lucas~," Elizabeth practically purred my name, "Come on, darling~, tell me."

  "...You're really not upset?" I was still dumfounded by everything.

  "Why would I be upset?" she tilted her head curiously, "She's the only one, besides myself, that I trust you with. If I didn't...she'd never get within breathing distance of you."

  There was a dangerous glint to her eye that made me believe everything she said. "That's probably true...yandere are often-" I couldn't finish my thought before her eyes narrowed at me.

  "I'm not unreasonable," she practically read my mind, "I'm not about to kill everyone who looks at you...I'll just take their eyes."

  She said it so matter-of-factly that I had to suppress the ugh which came unbidden to my lips. Gring at her, I just shook my head admonishingly pyful.

  "Damn it, Ellie..." I scoffed, much to her delight, "Don't just take people's eyes for looking at me."

  "Yes, yes," she dismissed, coiling around me from behind, "Now, tell me...how did she do it again?"

  "...You're impossible," I let out a defeated sigh, though was slightly amused, "Fine. So, she had me clear the dining room, and then came in wearing this dress..."

  I recounted the tale of how she "taught" me to dance, finding myself on my back with her on top of me. This part, Elizabeth particurly liked.

  "So...like this?" she asked as I suddenly found myself with my back on the bed, Elizabeth straddling me.

  "Well, we were on the floor, but...yes," I looked up at her with a love in my heart, but a chiding gaze, "Honestly, do you even want me to finish-"

  "That can be arranged," Elizabeth retorted, and just as quickly as I found myself on my back, I now found myself in the same position, but on the floor instead.

  Elizabeth had wrapped me in her arms, rolling off of the bed and onto the floor, careful to protect my head as she id me down. Her eyes were insatiable as they drunk me in.

  "I'd love for you to finish," she purred, "Please, continue."

  "...Mhm," I shifted a bit, feeling her adjust herself so that I could move freely.

  Elizabeth knew I grew uncomfortable if I was held down for too long, or rather...if I couldn't move and was ft on my back. It was these little things that reminded me often that she was indeed a regressor, as well as obsessed with me. She knew everything little detail, and I felt like I had barely scratched the surface on her...and on Maya.

  "Well, she then helped me up," I hinted, and she rolled her eyes with feigned disappointment before also helping me stand, "Thank you, love."

  She pretended to sulk, but as I wrapped my arms around her from behind, she leaned back into me and rexed. She was happy as a rk.

  "I then hugged her, just like this..." I whispered in her ear, causing a shiver to run through her body, "After, of course, she showed me her scars. Everything she went through, I-"

  Elizabeth spun in my arms, pulling me close and pnting a kiss upon my lips, silencing me before I could finish the thought, and before the sorrow filled my heart.

  "Then kissed you, yes?" she smirked as she pulled away, the taste of her lips lingering on mine.

  "...Yes, but not like that," I replied, licking my lips tantalizingly for her, "It was on the cheek, but...yes, she kissed me. I still can't believe it."

  I found myself lost in thought of that moment, my hand subconsciously going back to my cheek. I could still feel it even now. The sensation just wouldn't go away.

  Elizabeth simply watched me with an amused, gentle smile. It seemed like she really wasn't upset, and in some way, had hoped for something like this. I didn't really understand, but as long as she was okay, then I guess it was alright. Still...it all felt incredibly intimate.

  Was I supposed to take that at face value, or...was I overthinking it?

  "You're overthinking, my love," Elizabeth's voice penetrated my thoughts, "Aren't you happy you've grown closer?"

  "...There's no way you knew what I was thinking," my face went deadpan as I simply stared at her.

  "Please, when you overthink, your face goes like this..." she furrowed her brow and used her fingers to pinch them closer together, at the same time she pursed her lips dramatically, "You get all serious and broody."

  "I don't brood!" I excimed in defense of myself, pyfully pushing her.

  She ughed, rexing her face as she nodded vigorously.

  "You do too!" she retorted, grabbing ahold of my face as she scrunched it up, "Just like this."

  I grumbled at her, freeing myself from her clutches.

  "Come on, that's enough," I chuckled before returning to our topic, a little more somber than I had just been feeling, "I do care about Maya. I just...I want her to tell me what that was about. I don't want to assume."

  Elizabeth assessed me calmly before affectionately adjusting my hair. She fussed with it as she spoke.

  "Then get her to tell you," she stated simply, "This life will be your best one, no matter what that means. I trust her, and I love you. I want you both to be happy, no matter what."

  "...It feels strange," I admitted, holding a hand over my heart, "I love you more than I could ever know. Something so deeply ingrained into me that I find it rather natural. An eternal fme that'll never dim. Only grow brighter."

  She smiled warmly, caressing my face as I pressed it against her hand.

  "Lately, I've felt...something," I expined, "I feel guilty though. I shouldn't feel that way for someone else. I know that feeling. I tried to ignore it, but..."

  "...Follow it," Elizabeth urged me, pulling me into her embrace, "I knew you'd figure it out eventually, but you really are oblivious, darling."

  "Hey..." I grumbled into her chest, "Just because you're right, doesn't mean you have to say it."

  I wrapped my arms around Ellie as she cradled me, gently caressing the back of my head.

  "...When did I start to care about her?" I asked, genuinely curious, "When did you notice?"

  "A while ago," Elizabeth answered, but then gave it some real thought, "I think I truly noticed it...a little before I left for the Wild Zone."

  "Wait, seriously!?" I looked up at her incredulously, "That long?"

  She looked back at me with an unwavering confirmation.

  "Yes, about that long," her smile said all I needed to now, and so I rested my head back against her chest.

  "Well...damn," I couldn't believe I didn't see it, but now that she said that...it made sense, "I don't want to hold her back."

  I knew she liked Sigrid, or rather, that she had a crush on her. Yet, a part of me was just as possessive and territorial as Elizabeth. If my feelings, or Maya's, got in the way of her finding happiness...I'd hate myself.

  "Don't do that," Elizabeth held me away from her just enough to boop my nose, "Don't think such things. You won't. I know you, and so does she. Trust me. You'll figure it out."

  I scrunched my nose at her in defiance, but I knew that she was right. We would figure it out, but perhaps I was a little too protective of Maya. Now that I knew that I cared for her as more than just a friend, I wanted nothing more than to see her happy...and anyone who dared hurt her would answer to me. Rather...

  I snuck a peak at Elizabeth, her eyes closed as she enjoyed holding me, humming to herself. Despite how she looked, she was as deadly as they come. I felt safer than ever in her arms, for I knew that anything which would hamper our happiness would meet her wrath. I almost felt sorry for those who got in her way...almost.

  Which is why I knew that she would also protect Maya. I had to get stronger somehow, or at least...

  "Don't even think about it," Elizabeth spoke without even opening her eyes, "I promised I'd train you, but you're not doing it on your own."

  "...You didn't even open your eyes," I stated with sheer incredulity, "How the fuck did you know what I was thinking?"

  She opened one of her eyes slightly, a golden emerald full of coy amusement glinted with a possessive knowledge.

  "It's you, my love," she stated as if that answered the question, "I just know."

  "Ugh, I give up!" I threw my arms into the air, and she took that as an opportunity to snuggle me further into her embrace, "Agh! Wait, no! I'm not ready...ah!"

  Before I knew it, I was in her clutches. The battle had been lost. I was at her mercy, which to be fair, was a movie date on the couch in our room. So, I suppose I could call it a draw, as I was more than happy to indulge her. Still, my mind was constantly distracted, and would be for quite some time.

  -----

  (Maya's POV, two days ter)

  Her heart never stopped racing ever since that day. She could still hardly believe what she had done, but...she didn't regret it. Just the fact that he had told her he'd always support her was enough to bolster her spirits. Her gambit had paid off, and now she was happier than ever before.

  Of course, nothing was official. She had just accepted that she liked him as more than just a friend, but...that did bring into question Sigrid. The two of them had hit it off really well, mainly thanks to Lucas pushing her. Something she had been grateful for, because he had been right. If he didn't push her, she'd never approach Sigrid.

  "So...are you going to ask her out then?" Lucas asked softly, a gentle smile on his face as he looked up at the canvas of leaves above his head.

  She was currently in the highest garden of the penthouse, not having finally been fixed after her and Azure ruined parts of it. A light breeze blew in through several open windows, allowing it to feel rather calm. Vibrant flowers bloomed around them, and Lucas was ying upon the grass to rex.

  It was another, typical day as his bodyguard, though he continued to try and tell her to rex. In fact, that's why they were here now. He wanted to spend some quality time just the two of them, but whether she was working officially or not, she would always guard him. Keeping him safe was one of her highest priorities.

  "It seems cruel to do so..." Maya answered, her back against the tree where she sat nearby, "I...like her, I do. I just..."

  Maya gnced over at him where he y with his arms behind his head. He looked so peaceful...and dazzling. Ever since the other day, she had not been able to stop thinking about him. Every moment with him since has been like a fairytale. Everything seemed brighter...except this.

  "Well..." Lucas pondered, "It's your choice, but you definitely have my support. Maybe that's cruel of me?"

  He gnced over at her with a coy smirk. Maya pushed away the blush she felt coming to her face, retaining her composure. Even now, he was still supportive.

  "No..." she muttered, "It's not cruel. You're kind to do so."

  "I don't know," Lucas shrugged, his expression appearing content, "I just want you to be happy, Maya. Elizabeth does too. You're important to the both of us."

  Maya's heart was beating faster now. She was so gd to have them in her life, but the thought of being with anyone was terrifying. Would Sigrid accept her feelings for Lucas? Lucas seemed to accept her possible feelings for Sigrid, but...

  "What if she doesn't want..." Maya began, but then paused for a moment before taking a breath to calm her heart, "I won't accept anyone who won't accept you."

  She finally said it. The thing that had been weighing on her heart ever since she accepted her feelings for him. She was expecting him to be a little annoyed, but instead, as always...he smiled.

  "I appreciate that," he said warmly, "Truly. I can't stand the thought of anyone treating you poorly, so...that's my stipution."

  He turned over to look at her, his eyes a mesmerizing nebu of unwavering care. The depths of his affection were unknown to Maya, since this was new to both of them, but she knew that he cared about her. It was why she was so cautious. This was territory neither of them had ever tread before, and he knew it as well.

  "This is new, you know," Lucas sighed softly with a smile, "I never thought I'd like anyone besides Ellie, and...well, I love her more than words can describe. She is first in my heart, but that doesn't mean-"

  "Luke..." Maya gently interrupted, "I know El is the first and only. I don't want to repce her or anything, so-"

  "Repce?" Lucas asked incredulously before chuckling, "No one can repce her, and no one can repce you."

  Maya felt her heart flutter, and a blush came unbidden to her face before she was able to compose herself. Lucas chuckled again, that stupid smile on his face.

  "Ellie is definitely my first love," he told her calmly, "However, she isn't the only one in my heart. You are first in that regards, and I don't compare either of you. You're each unique and different...well, different may be a bit of a stretch. You both have the same...tendencies."

  He smirked teasingly at her, which she pyfully responded with a gentle push. He ughed as he dramatically fell onto his back. The sound filled the air, and her heart. After a moment, he pushed himself up and sat next to her, back against the tree.

  "My point, Maya..." he continued, looking out wistfully at the beauty of the garden, "I have no right to keep you from pursuing Sigrid if you wish. She seems like a good woman, and as long as she treats you right...then I have no problem with it."

  He took a deep breath, his mere presence soothing to her. He was incredibly understanding, though she was a little disappointed. Perhaps it was a little strange, but she had hoped he might be a little jealous, or at the very least pretended to be selfish and covet her. Was that wrong of her to think? Was it wrong of her to...

  "But you know..." his tone became a little heavy, his eyes flicking to her with an inner desire that set Maya's heart abze, "Part of me wants to keep you to myself. To lock you away so that only I can see the sides of you that you've only ever shown me. I guess I might have some of those tendencies as well, huh?"

  He ughed, but Maya's heart was fighting for its life. Her body felt hot. Was this what it felt to desire someone? Hiding her face bashfully, she gred at him coyly.

  "And you say we're the mind readers," Maya mumbled to herself.

  "Hmm?" Lucas asked, turning curiously towards her, "Is everything okay?"

  Maya had to use several skills to compose herself enough to nod.

  "Yes," she responded quietly, "Everything is...perfect."

  "Good," he smiled that dumb smile, "Well, with that said, I think Sigrid is a good match for you, and as for me..."

  Maya watched as he shifted ever so slightly closer to her. He was a little shy, hesitantly moving his hand over hers in the grass. When he finally pced his over hers, he squeezed it tenderly, sending a tingle throughout her entire body. It wasn't the first time he's held her hand, but it was the first that he did so purposefully.

  "I'll always be here," he told her warmly, "We'll figure out what this is. Boundaries. Expectations. Everything."

  She contempted what he said for a moment before nodding.

  "Yeah, we will," she whispered, closing her hand around his and saddling closer to him, "Sir, if I may..."

  She didn't wait for an answer and simply rested her head upon his shoulder. He was surprised at first, but soon rexed and smiled. She closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of the sun through the leaves of the tree that filtered in through the gss above. The soft smell of flowers mixed with the smell of rain from Lucas, soothing her heart. She was calm...and they stayed like that for hours.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV, the next day)

  "Damn, they really work fast," I sighed, shaking my head at the tabloid, "Fiancé to Elizabeth Falcrest, Guild Leader of Aegis and Heir to the Falcrest Family, Having an Affair with Bodyguard?"

  I could only scoff at the headline, seeing the picture of me and Maya moments before she whisked me away back to the penthouse the other day. Someone had captured several moments of us together. One picture had me dragging her by the hand to get ice cream, which I still felt embarrassed about doing without thinking, and the other was when we held onto each other afterwards.

  "Fucking parasites," I clicked my tongue and set down my phone, gring over at Elizabeth who was trying to hold back her amusement, "You find this amusing?"

  Elizabeth was sitting next to me at the table eating breakfast, and Maya was across from us. It was Maya who brought this to our attention. She looked rather ashamed, hanging her head with a sullen expression.

  "I'm sorry," Maya stated quietly, "It's my fault. I should have been more careful."

  "What? No," I told her firmly, "It's not your fault at all."

  "But..." Maya shifted in her seat with a sigh, "They'll begin talking badly about you. Your reputation will-"

  "I don't give a fuck about that," I responded, cutting her off, "Let them talk shit about me, but the fact they said you're a homewrecker..."

  I was furious. They didn't know Maya. She would never do that. It was one of the reasons she had held her feelings back for so long. It was only because of Ellie giving her permission that she took the chance. It opened my eyes to my own feelings as well, but even so. I didn't like them talking bad about Maya.

  "Wait..." Maya looked over at me skeptically, "You're mad about that?"

  "Of course!" I stated, angrily stabbing my eggs and wolfing them down before continuing, pointing my fork at the phone, "They don't know you. We know you. On top of that, they're belittling Ellie. The fuckers. Saying that she's naive and foolish. Bastards."

  I couldn't help but be angry when others talked shit about those I cared about. It wasn't the only headline out there. It was just the worst. Others cimed the Maya was my mistress, or that we were secretive lovers. Which...they weren't wrong, but also not right. Maya and I weren't official at all yet, but even if we were...it was none of their business.

  "Say something!" I told Elizabeth who was just casually sipping her orange juice, "This is about you too."

  "My love..." Elizabeth set down her gss and pced a loving hand upon my thigh, "Let them talk. That's all it is. Besides...I find this side of you adorable."

  I blushed, furrowing my brow as I gred at her.

  "This is serious, Ellie..." I grumbled, "Won't this cause problems?"

  Elizabeth squeezed my thigh and took a deep breath, her smile was as serene as ever, but her eyes...they held that dangerous glint to them which set my heart racing.

  "Problems I can deal with," she stated simply, "All I have to do is make an announcement that you two are officially dating, but..."

  She looked between us with a knowing understanding.

  "That's up to you two," she said with a shrug, moving her hand from my leg to grab a napkin and wipe some egg that I had missed off of my face, "These headlines don't bother me. If my enemies wish to use this against me, then they're quite desperate. It'll hardly make a dent."

  I felt flustered as she wiped my face, but her words calmed me a bit. She was right. While this was definitely shocking, it wouldn't do much. People may ask questions, but beyond that, there wasn't much they could do. Elizabeth wouldn't lose her position as Guild Leader when she was the Heir to the Falcrest Family, and she for sure wouldn't lose that.

  So if anything, it was only a temporary distraction.

  "I suppose you're right..." I sighed, leaning back in my chair and looked over towards Maya, "What about you? Are you okay?"

  Maya gave a small, reassuring smile.

  "I'm okay," she confirmed, reaching for her own phone, "I suppose Sigrid will have heard the news as well."

  I felt my heart ache for her because she looked slightly dejected as she spoke.

  "You should call her," I encouraged, "Expin the situation. If you're honest about dating her, that is."

  "Yeah..." Maya nodded and stood from the table, "I'm going to do that. If you'll excuse me."

  With that, Maya walked away as she put the phone up to her ear. I could feel Elizabeth's eyes on me as she disappeared, and as I turned to look at her, she looked quite mischievous.

  "Shut up," I pyfully chided, "She's free to do what she wants."

  "I didn't say anything," Elizabeth cimed, though her eyes told me everything, "I'm just surprised you are willing to share her."

  "And I'm surprised you're willing to share me," I retorted, then sighed as I leaned back in my chair, "To be honest...I-"

  Before I could say another word, I felt Elizabeth's arms wrap around me and pull me in close. Her warmth and gentle perfume was intoxicating.

  "Sharing is a strong word," Elizabeth cooed in my ear, "You're mine, but Maya is an exception. The only exception, because she is also mine."

  "Getting greedy now, are we?" I teased, holding her arms lovingly, "I know what you mean though. You're mine, Ellie, and I won't let anyone else have you."

  "I don't want anyone else," she huffed, "How dare you insinuate otherwise."

  "Ha, sorry," I chuckled, nestling back against her, "You know, I didn't want anyone else either, but someone decided to be cheeky."

  "I don't know what you're talking about," Elizabeth feigned ignorance, "I simply want you to be happy. A little push isn't cheeky."

  "Right, well..." I rested my head against her shoulder as I looked towards where Maya had gone, "With Maya...I don't want to deny her the chance to be happy either. As long as Sigrid treats her right, we'll have no issues, but...I guess I'm like you. Sigrid, for now, is the exception."

  Maya walked back in moments ter, looking pleasantly surprised.

  "Good news?" I asked as she sat back down.

  "...Yeah," she smiled, gncing up at me with gleaming eyes, "She said she didn't care what my retionship with you was. Just as long as she had a chance to be in my life."

  "Really?" I felt my heart warm at the thought, freeing myself reluctantly from Elizabeth's embrace to lean forward, "So, what did you say?"

  Maya blushed, furtively gncing at me.

  "Uhm, well..." she shifted a bit before answering, "I said that you come first, and she...agreed."

  I felt my heart flutter and my blood grow hot. I was deeply pleased that things went well.

  "Then, it's official," I smiled widely, "You got yourself a girlfriend."

  "I...guess I do," she replied quietly, looking rather sheepish.

  She was just too cute.

  "We need to celebrate," I stood up and began walking towards the kitchen before I felt two pairs of hands stop me.

  Looking back with confusion, I saw both Elizabeth and Maya had moved from the table to intercept me.

  "Maya, you get the gsses," Elizabeth told her, "I'll get the wine and corkscrew."

  Both of them had such a serious expression on their faces as Maya nodded. It took me a while to realize why they had stopped me. They were afraid I might drop the gsses or bottle, or even stab myself with the bottle opener.

  "I'm not that clumsy!" I excimed before I was promptly sat back down by Maya.

  "We're not taking chances, Luke," she informed me, giving me a stern look to ensure I stayed sitting, "Let us handle it, and...thank you."

  She hesitated for a brief moment before leaning down and giving me a quick peck on my cheek. I was left in such a daze that I was frozen to the spot. I couldn't move even if I wanted to. She had kissed me...again!

  "When we get back..." Maya smiled coyly, fingers to her lips, "There's a lot I need to tell you. We're meeting my sister soon, so..."

  I simply nodded absentmindedly, touching my cheek as I still felt her lips upon them. "Well...that's one way to shut me up..." I admonished myself for how easily I was maniputed into listening, but...this wasn't so bad.

  -----

  Nikushimi