Chapter 29:

  Date Pn Commence

  (Lucas POV)

  Elizabeth ughed upon her return, teasing me that she couldn't leave me alone at all. I sulked, sullen and dejected. Despite not being allowed sharp objects, and mostly being fed by her, she was easily able to cheer me up. I mean, it wasn't so bad to be fed by her. It was worth it to see her brilliant smile. Even Maya rexed with a warm smile on her face as she ate with us.

  That night went by rather uneventful after that, and I was happy to see Elizabeth return safely. That's why, when I woke the next day, I was happy to feel her arms around me. She was warm, her body pressed against my back. I was overly conscious of that fact.

  As I stirred, so did she, pulling me closer and more firmly against her. Her lips upon my neck, brushing up against me with a gentle, affectionate kiss.

  "And where do you think you're going, dear?" she whispered coyly.

  "J-Just need to use to the bathroom," I replied a little nervously, "Brush my teeth. You know, the normal stuff."

  "Mhm, and you won't fall on the way?" she teased, chuckling in my ear.

  It was unfair how melodic and enchanting her ugh was, considering it was at my expense.

  "Come on...I'm not that accident prone," I defended, though I couldn't exactly deny the allegations against me.

  "Twice in the span of a few minutes," she reminded me, "Sure, you're not accident prone at all."

  "Am I really that bad?" I wondered, fearing the worst.

  Her ughter filled my ear again as she turned me towards her. Her beautiful eyes shone brightly with mirth, her hand tenderly caressing my cheek.

  "Hmm, sometimes," she admitted, and I immediately felt defeated, "Usually when you're distracted. So, what's on your mind?"

  "...Nothing," I replied unconvincingly.

  "Lucas..." she coaxed, and I took that moment to free myself from her embrace.

  "I have to pee!" I decred, rushing off to the bathroom and almost slipping on the floor before catching myself, "I'm fine! I'll be right back! Don't come in here!"

  I safely made it to the bathroom, hearing Elizabeth's ughter the entire way. I could just imagine her watching me with those eyes full of amusement and love. It was safe to say that I was incredibly flustered. She was right. There was something on my mind and has been for a while now.

  I had asked Maya to hide it so that Elizabeth wouldn't find it. The ring. I had my thoughts filled with the pn for my proposal. I wanted to do it right. I had everything set up. I just had to choose the day. Yet, my heart couldn't stop beating so rapidly. I was nervous. Anxious.

  I mean, I knew she wouldn't say no. It was more what came after that which I was a little nervous about. We had been sharing the same bed for a while now, yet never actually did anything. I could see it in her eyes whenever she looked at me. Elizabeth wanted to devour me.

  Those were the eyes of someone hungry, and I was prime food for them. I was surprised she had been as patient and restrained as she had been. I couldn't escape that Yandere gaze, and I knew that the moment I proposed...she would unleash all of that pent-up emotion upon me. I don't think my heart, let alone my body, was ready for that.

  I wasn't naive. The moment I proposed would also be the moment we shared our first night together. Well, my first night together, and that's why I wanted it to be special. For the both of us. No matter how many nights she's spent with me before, I wanted this one to be ours. It was a little insane, trying to compete with my own self.

  "Ah, fuck it..." I muttered, using the bathroom and brushing my teeth as I said I would, "All of this is already insane. So, why not competing with myself too?"

  I ughed at the absurdity of it, but I was content. After the panic began to settle down, I took a deep breath to center myself. Tonight wasn't the night, but soon. I just wanted to get to know her a little bit more before then. So, hopefully, she was receptive to my suggestion for today.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV)

  Lucas was too adorable, and way too obvious. Of course, she knew what he had pnned. She simply pyed it dumb for his benefit, and a little bit for her own. While she knew, she did not pry into the specifics. What mattered was that he was doing it. For him, that was important. For her, well...she would have what she wanted either way.

  The excitement that filled her was immeasurable. She couldn't wait. She had tried so hard to wait for the day to come. When she did, he would be hers....and he would have to prepare himself, which is why she found it even cuter. He knew what was coming for him.

  "Don't worry, Lucas," Elizabeth spoke to herself quietly as she dressed herself for the day, "I'll be gentle...at first, anyway."

  Giggling to herself, she did her morning stretches, brushed her hair, and waited for Lucas to leave the bathroom. Upon his return, she watched him with keen interest. He acted as if nothing had happened, grabbing his clothes, he returned to take a shower. Elizabeth had already taken one the night before, so she was alright for the day.

  "Miss?" Maya's voice called from beyond the door, "May I enter?"

  "Of course," Elizabeth acknowledged and the door to the bedroom opened.

  She was in her uniform, freshly clean and looking as professional as always. Though, Elizabeth was keen to note something. Maya recently went around without wearing her sungsses, and upon her wrist was a silver star metal bracelet. It was incredibly clean. She had caught her polishing it a few times.

  "It looks good on you," Elizabeth stated, causing Maya to look confused before seeing where her eyes were looking.

  "Ah...does it?" Maya responded a little sheepishly, "I'm not so sure, but..."

  "It was a gift from him, wasn't it?" Elizabeth inquired, and Maya nodded ever so slightly, "No need to be ashamed of it."

  "I'm...not," Maya shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to respond to the sudden scrutiny, "I mean, is it really alright for me to-"

  "I'll stop you there," Elizabeth held up a hand with a gentle smile, "He gave it to you. There's no reason to doubt if it's okay or not. If you're worried about me...don't. You're my dearest friend, Maya, and the only one I trust with him besides myself. So, rex."

  Maya let out a visible sigh of relief, her body releasing whatever tension was built up in it as she smiled softly.

  "He's been really good to me," Maya admitted, "I feel like I can really be myself around him. I can't even do that around my sister...not really, anyway."

  "Please, she idolizes you," Elizabeth stated dismissively, "She accepts you just as sure as I or Lucas do."

  "Maybe," Maya sighed, shaking her head, "It's just better if she doesn't know..."

  "Maya, you know that's bullshit," Elizabeth chided, "Besides, do you really think she doesn't know?"

  Maya flinched with a pained smile.

  "Yeah, you're right," Maya chuckled softly, "I couldn't stop her even if I wanted to. After all, she is The Saintess. I'm just gd she's safe at college. Again, thanks for that."

  "Think nothing of it," Elizabeth dismissed with a wave of her hand and a gentle smile.

  The Saintess. A title given to Maya's younger sister for her extraordinary healing and support abilities. Currently attending college under an Aegis Schorship. This ensured that other Guilds would think twice before trying to poach her for themselves, and allowed her to live a retively quiet, normal life.

  Unfortunately, she was also extremely popur in the social world of her own volition. Despite Maya's best efforts, she had grown to be quite the socialite. The only consotion was that she had not been influenced by their parents. Something that Maya had personally ensured.

  "I could never let them touch her," Maya's tone grew dark, "It's the life she chose. I just made sure it wasn't tainted."

  "Is that why you haven't seen her tely?" Elizabeth said softly, yet her words were like a dagger twisting in Maya's heart, "You think you'll taint her?"

  "It's better this way," Maya stated as if to convince herself.

  "For her...or for you?" Elizabeth sighed heavily, making her way over to Maya and pcing both of her hands on her shoulders, "Maya, listen to me. I know better than anyone what it means to keep their distance from someone they care about."

  Maya looked into Elizabeth's eyes with fear and uncertainty.

  "Take it from me," Elizabeth grew incredibly serious, yet was gentle with her words, "Don't make my mistakes. I don't want you to regret it."

  Maya smiled gratefully, though it was still a bit pained as she pced a hand over Elizabeth's on her shoulder. Her touched was firm, appreciative of Elizabeth's support.

  "Thank you," Maya spoke softly, the look in her eye changing to one of soce in the comfort of her friend, "I won't. I just...I need time."

  "I understand," Elizabeth responded sympathetically, "Trust me, I do. I'm here for you if you need anything. I'm sure Lucas wouldn't mind helping either."

  "Oh, gods no..." Maya suddenly looked horrified, "Can you imagine those two meeting? I don't think he'd survive."

  Elizabeth found herself ughing, for what Maya said was honestly true. It wasn't as if Maya's sister was dangerous. At least not in the traditional sense. She could just be a bit...much.

  "You know, you're not wrong," Elizabeth patted Maya's shoulder, the two of them in a much better mood just as the door to the bathroom opened.

  "Not wrong about what?" Lucas inquired, still drying his hair with a towel, "Did something happen?"

  "...Nothing, Sir," Maya told him, barely hiding her amused smile, "Just some girl talk."

  "Ah...I see," he looked between them suspiciously, which only caused the two of them to break out into ughter once more.

  It was good to see Maya loosening up. She never used to ugh so freely. So, it was good to see her doing so even if she was still reserved about it. She hid her ughter behind the back of her hand. It was bittersweet to see. For the act of hiding her ugh was taught to her by her parents.

  It saddened Elizabeth's heart to see her parents' teachings stuck with her, but in a way it really suited her. When not tainted by their expectations, Maya was able to live freely as she chose. So, even if she still had such mannerisms, they were her own. She had made what they taught her into something that was uniquely her and discarded them accordingly.

  "W-What's so funny?" Lucas grew flustered, blushing adorably, "What did I do? I didn't forget to put clothes on, did I?"

  He looked down at himself frantically, which only caused them to ugh even harder.

  "N-No, dear," Elizabeth assured him, tilting his chin to look up at her, "You're clothed. A shame, really. You didn't do anything. Just our own musings."

  "O-Okay," he grew shy, flustered by Elizabeth's flirting, "Well, as long as everything is okay."

  "Yes, everything is perfect," she told him, pnting a kiss on his forehead, "More than perfect."

  "Good..." he smiled awkwardly, happy in his own way, "Since things are perfect...I'd like to make a request."

  "Oh?" Elizabeth raised her eyebrow curiously.

  Maya straightened herself out, adjusting her suit as she became stoic once more. Both of them intently listened to him.

  "Well...Uhm," he looked between them, growing anxious at the suddenly undivided attention they gave him, "I was wondering, if it's alright, I mean...damn it. I want to go out. A cafe. A walk in the park. Something."

  Elizabeth gnced at Maya who shrugged ever so slightly.

  "So, a date," Elizabeth stated, much to his embarrassment as he nodded.

  "Yes, I want to take you on a date," he reiterated firmly, "Is that...okay? I know it's leaving the house, but-"

  Elizabeth's fingers ran along his chin, cupping it firmly in her hand as she turned his face to look at her. His words immediately cut off as he became mesmerized. It was adorable to see him ask so nervously. There was no real reason for her to deny him, but he knew just how protective she was. That was an incredible turn on for her.

  He was being considerate, yet also putting his foot down. Her heart was filled with adoration for this man.

  "Lucas," she whispered, smiling fondly, "There's nothing I'd love more."

  "G-Good," he stuttered as he tried to act as if he had no doubt she would say yes, though was obviously surprised by her answer, "Then...let's go!"

  "Yes, let's," Elizabeth released his chin, watching him with tender eyes as he grew excited.

  She loved to tease him, as it was just too easy, and he was incredibly precious when flustered. However, once he grew serious...well, she loved that as well. Seeing him take charge and already have a pn was endearing.

  She knew that leading up to this day, he had most likely looked at several pces to go. Pnning the perfect route and order to do everything in if she said yes. Of course, she wasn't going to say no. She'd only confine him if necessary. Besides, seeing him grow excited was its own reward. No matter how many times she's seen him like this, it never got old.

  He rushed around the pce getting everything ready. Finishing drying and brushing his hair. Ensuring that he had everything he needed for his date.

  "He knows there's no rush, right?" Maya inquired quietly.

  "Shh," Elizabeth replied back quietly, "Let him. He's doing this for me. I'm sure he wants to get to know me better. Isn't it adorable?"

  "...Yes, it is," Maya admitted, and the two of them silently watched him panic over ensuring everything was right before they left.

  Hand in hand, he practically dragged Elizabeth from the penthouse. Eager for their date. After all, the st one was interrupted. Elizabeth swore to the gods that if anything happened this time, she'd personally be knocking on their doors. If they existed, there was sure to be a collective chill running up their spines at such a threat.

  If they knew what was good for them, for their own safety, today would go by without any hitches.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV, Cont.)

  Lucas was simply over the moon with being able to leave the penthouse and take her on a date. She couldn't have found him more precious if she tried. There were many times in the past that he had taken her on dates. Walks on the beach. Candlelight dinners.

  They had even traveled for a time. Elizabeth had been tired from always fighting. Always dying. She wanted to live one of her lives as simply as possible. In that life, she didn't become a well-known Pyer. She was just the heir to a corporation that helped them, but she had removed herself from them. It didn't matter whether or not the world would burn. She just wanted to spend it with him.

  They spent many nights along the coast of Italy, Greece, and a few other European countries. They traveled to Asia. Always outrunning the more serious of Dungeon Breaks and Wild Zones erupting everywhere. It was a life on the run, but it was a life she had cherished deeply.

  It had made his death in that life all the more painful. She had truly tried to just live a life free from the worry and threats of the Dungeons, but...she had been naive. Whether she fought or stayed her hand, it always ended the same. Lucas died and the world became doomed.

  Before she was as strong as she is now, she had struggled to survive herself. The Critical Dungeons always ended in failure. How many times did she die, only to wake up at another point in the past. It was a long, arduous journey with many trials and errors along the way.

  After feeling so defeated, she lived a few lifetimes just whiling away the hours living a quiet life with Lucas. She realized, however, that it never sted. When she chose to fight, she ended up always fighting alone. The other Pyers just weren't strong enough. Overwhelmed and exhausted, she would be too weak to save Lucas when it mattered. Even when things went well, she'd turn to see him bleeding out. No amount of healing could save him.

  In those lives, she gave up. There was no life living without him. She remembered the lives when he, someone who was no longer a Pyer, through himself in front of otherwise fatal attacks to save her. He was always like that. So...

  "...Damn foolish," Elizabeth muttered lovingly, yet with a certain bitterness as she brushed his beautiful chestnut hair.

  "Hmm?" he looked up at her with innocence in his eyes, "Did you say something?"

  "Nuhuh," Elizabeth shook her head with a gentle smile, "Just admiring the view."

  "But...you're looking at me?" his expression was quizzical.

  "How adorable..." she mused with a soft chuckle, "Yes, exactly. I'm enjoying the view."

  He blushed, finally realizing what she meant. "Gods, this man..." She shook her head amusingly, cherishing this moment. So often did she rush through her past lives. She was so desperate to end the threat of the Dungeons and live her life with him peacefully, but she realized after a while that while she was impatient, there was a certain delicate touch that was required.

  In time, she learned and adapted. Her broken mind, her broken heart...all if it would be fine as long as he was alive. "Yes...my precious, precious Lucas..." She doted on him, caressing his face possessively.

  "E-Ellie..." Lucas giggled, rubbing his face against her hand as he struggled to free himself from her grip, "Come on, we're almost there."

  "And?" she questioned, only caring about this moment right now.

  Grumbling to himself, he suddenly got the upper hand on her, though it wasn't like she fought him that hard. She was suddenly on her back with him over her. She looked at him with lurid eyes filled with lustful desire. His cheeks were so red, yet his face was incredibly serious.

  "Ellie, behave," he ordered, his eyes sharp despite being so flustered himself, "There's plenty of time for that ter. Not that I mind it, exactly..."

  He looked away sheepishly and that's when she made her move. Wrapping her arms around him, she pulled him into an embrace, bringing him in for a kiss. He didn't resist, though he was surprised.

  "You let your guard down, Love," she teased upon releasing him.

  "Yeah, well..." he shot her a begrudging gre.

  She ughed, for while he tried to act tough, he had enjoyed it and was just trying to hide it. Sitting up, she took his hand in hers. Their fingers entwined perfectly. She watched as he simply rolled his eyes, unable to be angry with her. He secretly enjoyed it, and she needed these moments for her own sanity.

  Maya soon parked the car and Lucas helped Elizabeth out. He never let go of her hand, and she wasn't about to do it either. Looking around, Elizabeth took in the area. No real threats. Some regur civilians and a few Pyers. Nothing concerning.

  It was a well-taken care of outer urban business area in District 5. Far from the hustle and bustle of the more affluential Districts. It was no less popur for the more idback atmosphere and parks that inhabited it. It was...quiet in comparison.

  "Quaint," Elizabeth commented as she looked around, "I like it."

  "I'm gd," Lucas replied with a sigh of relief, "To be honest, I didn't want anything too fancy. We have plenty of time for that ter."

  He looked around with a rexed, calm expression. He really did like the more out of the way areas. He had moved to his apartment in that calm, quiet District because of it. However, it had also made his commute a pain in the ass for him, but...he never compined.

  In fact, he would say he enjoyed the ride if asked. He'd often listen to his music as he rode his bike to the Association. She smiled fondly, remembering all of these details.

  "So, where to?" she inquired, squeezing his hand.

  "Over there," he pointed to a building about a block away through a small pza, "There should be a wonderful view of a nearby park once we're inside."

  "Then, I shall take my leave," Maya spoke up, bowing her head to the both of them, "I'll take Azure so you two can have some privacy."

  Azure struggled as she took him from Lucas's shoulder, sulking in their own way. Lucas ughed, reassuring Azure with many loving pets.

  "I'll return, I promise," he told Azure who simply curled up defiantly into Maya's arms, "Ha, seems you'll have your hands full. Thanks, Maya."

  Elizabeth watched as Maya's expression softened, unbeknownst to Lucas who was completely unaware. Maya simply shook her head.

  "It's quite alright, Sir," she told him in that professional tone of hers, yet it held a certain gentleness to it, "I don't mind. Please, you two have fun."

  "We will," Lucas nodded with a bright smile, "Next time, all of us will go somewhere."

  "Th-That...isn't necessary, Sir, I'm-" Maya began to protest, but it was Elizabeth's turn to step in.

  "Nonsense, Maya," Elizabeth told her, "If it's what Lucas wants, then that's fine by me. It would be good to do something together for once not as employer and employee."

  "That's right!" Lucas added adamantly, "I still owe you for the ice cream!"

  "Sir, that's..." Maya looked between the two of them, but under their scrutiny, she wouldn't win, hanging her head in defeat with a small sigh, "Very well, Sir. I'll look forward to it."

  "Yes! I can't wait!" Lucas chuckled, completely overjoyed at winning, "We'll see you soon, then!"

  Maya nodded before returning to the vehicle with Azure, and though she had protested, Elizabeth was keenly aware of the small smile and gentle eyes Maya had as she turned away. She may not admit it, but she was incredibly happy at being invited. Perhaps in this life...things might truly be different. Turning her attention back to Lucas, Elizabeth looked at him cautiously.

  "You're dangerous, love," she stated, impressed, "You never cease to amaze me."

  "Hmm? What do you mean?" Lucas wondered, but Elizabeth simply shook her head.

  "It's nothing," she told him, brushing a strand of his hair from his eyes, her gaze falling upon that silver streak before breaking away, "Just...always be yourself. Shall we get going?"

  He smiled deeply, touched by her words.

  "I'll do my best," his words held more meaning than he'd ever know, for his best was always above and beyond.

  He was never incredibly strong, but he was never weak either. There was a strength to him beyond the physical and magical. It was his force of personality. The way he simply looked at the world in a way that touched even Elizabeth's heart. He had offered his hand to someone so disfigured...so mutited...and he had loved her for it.

  She had been an abomination, and he didn't bat an eye to protect her. To save her. He wasn't without fws. He's had depression and anxiety. He's had doubts. However, he always stuck to his principles. He was a good, kind-hearted individual.

  Something she jealously, and with great zeal, protected so that he wasn't taken advantage of. So, the fact she allowed Maya to get so close to him said a lot for her trust. There was only ever one person she'd ever share him with, but right now was her time to monopolize him, and so she didn't feel guilty at all in taking his attention.

  She walked proudly by his side, not afraid of being seen with him. They were, of course, recognized, but neither Lucas nor Elizabeth paid them any mind. In their world right now, only the two of them existed.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV)

  I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited. The entire car ride over here I was thinking nonstop about everything I had pnned. Ever since Elizabeth returned from the Wild Zone, I had been pnning this. Waiting for the day I would finally be free to leave the penthouse...albeit under supervision.

  Truth be told, I had been worried after recent events having to do with sharp objects...I thought I would never be able to get this opportunity, but thankfully both Elizabeth and Maya were accommodating. I was able to breathe a breath of fresh air.

  "Finally..." I mused, letting out a heavy sigh as I rested my chin in my hand, looking out over the view before me.

  "Were you that anxious to leave?" Elizabeth inquired with a wry smile and a slight giggle, "I'm sorry, dear. It must have been frustrating, but-"

  "It's alright," I responded with a wide grin, "I admit, I was a little anxious, but spending time with you is never frustrating."

  Elizabeth's smile softened, seeming to rex as if she had been worried. She was too cute. Sometimes, I often forgot how dangerous she was whenever she acted like this. It was such a strange contrast. One minute, she was a ruthless killer, the next she was as sweet as apple pie.

  Reaching across the table, I took her hand in mine. We were just in casual clothes today, nothing fancy. She wore jeans and a sweater that hung off her left shoulder slightly. She looked positively stunning. For me, I was in comfortable yet fashionable sweatpants and a long-sleeved dark shirt.

  I didn't really like the texture of jeans, at least on me, but I did wear them. Today, though, I just wanted to be comfortable. It was a little bit of a spur of the moment, and every pce I chose for today wasn't anything we needed to really dress up for. Even here, sitting on the terrace of a bistro in District 5, with its slightly ritzy atmosphere was extremely casual.

  The other patrons all wore casual outfits, and some had sweatpants on like me. Honestly, I felt at ease here. Smiling across the table at Elizabeth, I was gd we were able to get a seat with a view. Especially one that brought out her features more.

  A soft breeze blew past, rustling her hair. The teal in its dark strands glimmered like silk. Her emerald gold eyes sparkled in the light of the sun. This terrace had trellises arching overhead with vines and nterns for when night fell. A shame, since we came around midday. Still, it held a wonderful view of the park below.

  A decently rge swathe of nd with Maple and Cherry Blossom trees. There were pathways paved in twisting patterns below their leaves. Several ponds dotted the nd. Surrounded by more down to earth businesses and buildings, instead of the massive skyscrapers everywhere, it felt incredibly peaceful and less custrophobic.

  "Lucas...everything alright?" Elizabeth inquired with slight worry, "You're spacing out."

  "Yeah," I came back to my senses, thumbing the back of her hand affectionately, "I'm more than alright. I was just thinking how peaceful it is here. Don't you think?"

  Elizabeth looked out over the district, taking everything in. I watched the sun glint in her eyes, reflecting the beautiful colors which glittered within. I was completely entranced with her. I found myself looking at that cute button nose of hers. How it elegantly curved and perfectly fit her face.

  "You're gorgeous," I found the words leaving my lips before I could stop myself.

  Immediately, I was flustered, as I had not pnned to say anything. Elizabeth blinked, gncing at me in surprise. There was a blush across her face as she ughed, hiding her smile behind her free hand. I felt incredibly embarrassed and was most likely the reason why she was ughing.

  "That was out of nowhere," she said as her ughter began to subside, "Honestly, such a sweet talker."

  Her eyes grew dangerous as they took on that Yandere glint. I knew I was in trouble then, for she leaned over the table, revealing ample cleavage to me teasingly. She knew what she was doing as she took my chin in her hands and forced me to look up into her eyes. I felt my heart beating loudly as she spoke to me.

  "And you are handsome, darling," her words were but a mere whisper, yet they reached deep into my heart.

  I was left their stunned as she sat back down. My breath completely taken from me. It took me quite a while to recover from that. A soft floral scent wafted up from her as the wind betrayed me, taking her side as if to say "Hey...she smells good, doesn't she?" Yes, wind. Yes, she does.

  I quickly buried my face in my drink, ignoring the envious and amused stares of the patrons who saw what just happened. Even a few of the servers hid their flustered faces behind the menus they carried. Nervously, I pyed with the streak in my hair, trying to settle my thoughts. Meanwhile, I was well aware of Elizabeth's coy, tantalizing stare as she watched me.

  "Gods...this woman..." I wasn't compining in the least, but for someone so worried about my safety, she sure loved to give my heart a run for its money.

  -----

  Nikushimi