Chapter 35:

  Growing Bond

  (Lucas's POV)

  A couple days after visiting my parents, I was standing with Elizabeth at the door to the penthouse. She was procrastinating.

  "Stop that..." I chided lovingly, thumbing Elizabeth's lips as she bit its lower half.

  She pouted, grumbling to herself as I chuckled softly.

  "You have responsibilities, Ellie," I tried to expin, but I'd be lying if I said my heart wasn't tearing itself apart, "I don't want you to go either. You know that."

  "...Then why are you making me?" she asked grumpily, "I don't want to..."

  I felt my heart flip on itself from how cute she was being. "Gods...I can't believe she's the highest ranked Pyer..." In this moment, she wasn't the terrifying "Hades" that people knew her as, but the love-drunk woman I called mine. She was too precious, and part of me really wanted to tell her to stay, but...

  "Such a child," I mused, teasing her as I caressed her face affectionately, "And here I thought I was the spoiled one..."

  She pressed herself against my hand, her eyes locking on mine with an unwavering obsession. The love within was so intense that I felt I might drown under her heavy gaze.

  "Can't I be selfish...just a little?" she asked, the pain and desperation in her voice was unfair as it became drenched in longing, "I like being spoiled too..."

  "Damn it, Ellie..." I found myself absolutely captivated, pulling her down to me as passion took over my senses.

  She smirked, knowing exactly what she had done. I locked my lips with her in a fever of desire. I didn't like seeing her sad, let alone looking so pathetically despondent. She pyed my heartstrings like a master, earning her exactly what she wanted.

  I felt her pull me close, her fingers digging into my flesh with possessiveness. I melted into her embrace, feeling the heat of her breath against my lips before the sweet taste of hers made me dizzy. As I reluctantly pulled away, I looked at her with a heavily lurid, yet stern gaze.

  "You cheater..." I muttered sulkily, "That's unfair and you fucking know it."

  She smirked, smugly satisfied with the result.

  "I can't help it," she said softly, brushing a strand of my hair behind my ear, "I hate being away from you."

  "...I know," I sighed heavily, resting my head against her chest and hugged her tightly, "I hate being away from you as well, but...the world needs you just as much as I do."

  I didn't need to see her to know the skeptical look she gave me in that moment. I could feel it, not to mention hear it in her voice as she responded.

  "Debatable, my love," she caressed the back of my head, holding me close, "You owe me."

  "Oh?" I raised an eyebrow, listening to the sound of her heart quicken, "Hmm, whatever will I do, I wonder?"

  "Hmm, I wonder indeed..." she pondered, trailing a hand down my back in a way that sent a pleasurable shiver throughout my body, "I guess I'll have to wait and see."

  "...I guess you will," I replied, begrudgingly pulling away from her, "Go now. Do your thing. I'll be waiting. If you continue to linger..."

  I left it unsaid, for she knew exactly how desperately I wanted to keep her here, just as much as she wished to stay. Even so, we both knew the reason why she was doing everything that she was. To keep me safe. To create a world in which we could live together.

  "I promise you, Lucas..." she spoke quietly, though it was as if she had spoken right into my ear.

  The weight of her words held many years of love and hardship. It tore at my heart knowing how desperate she was. I wished to ease that burden as much as I could.

  "I-" she continued, but I held a finger to her lips, silencing her.

  "The only thing I want you to promise me, my love..." I sighed softly, thumbing her chin and guiding her face back towards mine as I spoke, "Is that you'll return to me. I promise you...I'll help you forget everything. If only for a night."

  Her eyes widened from the heat in my words and a blush colored her cheeks. Seeing her falter from her usual demeanor was always so cute. I couldn't help but smirk, satisfied with the effect I had on her. I brushed my lips against hers, softly kissing her. It didn't always need to be so passionate. Even the softest of touches could convey the depth of our love.

  She bit her lip as I pulled away, craving more. Once again, I pyfully admonished her.

  "Stop that..." I thumbed her lip, forcing her to stop, "Though, it is cute."

  She smiled fondly.

  "It's a bad habit," she admitted, but didn't seem to care, "I can't help it."

  "You could, but you just like me touching you," I teased, and she shrugged.

  "I mean..." she raised an eyebrow coyly, her gaze inviting, "I wouldn't mind if you wanted to-"

  "Oh, for fucks sake...Go!" I ughed, shaking my head as I practically began pushing her out of the door.

  Her smile as she ughed along with me was brilliant. It alleviated the weight upon my heart as she allowed me to push her out the door, but not before bending down and pnting a loving kiss upon the tip of my nose.

  "Don't worry, I'll return soon," she assured before the door closed behind her.

  I could hear her walk away, and almost immediately, I felt drained. A sense of loneliness that washed over me. Like being plunged into cold water. I looked around at the penthouse, feeling how empty it was...until I made my way back into the living room where Maya and Azure were waiting. They greeted me, with Azure flying over to nuzzle my face.

  "Yes, yes..." I chuckled, half-heartedly fighting him off, "I missed you, too."

  "If you wish, Sir, we can take him to the gardens?" Maya suggested in that professional tone of hers.

  Despite that, there was a knowing and understanding look in her eyes. I held Azure to me, who happily nestled into my arms. I nodded with a grateful expression.

  "Yeah, let's do that," I began walking with Maya to the upper floors, gncing at her as we went, "Thank you, Maya..."

  I was truly grateful to her. She was trying to distract me from Elizabeth's absence. Because of her, I didn't feel so lonely anymore. Even so, I was a little mencholic.

  Maya gnced at me, her expression softening ever so slightly.

  "No need to thank me," she insisted, but I shook my head.

  "No, I do," I pyfully nudged her in the shoulder, "If not for you, I'd be crushed by the weight of it. Thanks for keeping me company."

  Maya wore the mask she always did, a stoic face that dared not let a single emotion show through, but in that moment a cracked had formed. For the briefest of moments, I swore I thought she looked pleased, but she pyed it off almost immediately.

  "I'm just doing my job, Sir," she stated dismissively.

  "Is that what we're doing today?" I asked curiously, slightly amused.

  Despite this, there was tightness in my chest as she said that. It hurt a little to know she still said such things, but I didn't think she believed them.

  "You're downpying yourself," I said quietly with a serious, yet genuine tone, "Your job, as it were, is to protect me. Anything beyond that..."

  I stopped for a moment, petting Azure as he purred in my arms. I heard Maya stop next to me, and so I turned my attention towards her. I felt something deep in my heart bubble to the surface. I wasn't going to lie to her.

  "I cherish you," I told her, warmth washing my words with its caress, "You've done things you don't have to. It's not your job. It's who you are. For that, I am eternally grateful."

  It felt like there was a sudden shift between us, and her usually impassive face seemed even more so. Perhaps it was just my imagination, but I wanted her to understand something.

  "You're irrepceable, Maya," I continued, softening my words, "To both Ellie and myself. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you as well. Don't forget. You saved my life. I'll never forget your kindness."

  She shifted a bit, and though her face never cracked, it looked like she was struggling with something.

  "It's...just my job," she said the words, but there wasn't any conviction behind them, that was until she continued, "I only wish to keep you safe. I wasn't going to let you die."

  There was truth to those words, and it warmed my heart. I don't know what had happened, but it felt like she was trying to distance herself. That's when I noticed something. She couldn't look me in the eye. Despite her otherwise fwless expression, her eyes betrayed her. I rexed, a warm, gentle smile slowly spreading across my lips.

  "Right, well..." I didn't know what was going on, but I wouldn't push her any further, at least not for today, "I've said what I wanted to say, and I mean it. Shall we go?"

  I motioned to continue walking and Azure mewed happily, but impatient. Chuckling, I scratched under his chin.

  "Alright, alright, we'll go," I told him, starting to walk away before pausing a moment and turning towards Maya, "You're still coming with...right?"

  Maya gnced up at me from where she had been looking at the ground, nodding politely.

  "I'll be right behind you, Sir," she replied, motioning for me to carry on, "I'll prepare some food for us and meet you there."

  "Alright," I agreed, not missing the fact that she said us, "I look forward to it."

  I was gd that, despite whatever was happening with her, she still wished to eat with me. She hadn't completely reverted back to distancing herself. This warmed my heart, and the sense of mencholy that had dug its cws into me had been pushed away. It was only a shame that I had turned a corner, breaking my view from Maya, and missing her facade completely breaking.

  I had no idea how happy she had truly been.

  -----

  (Maya's POV)

  It was unfair. How could he be so kind? Despite everything, he was so...annoying.

  His stupid smile. His stupid words. Everything about him was just so...frustrating.

  "Are you sure you two aren't dating?" The words of Lucas's mother, Miss Kate, echoed again in Maya's mind for probably the hundredth or so time since she said it.

  Had she been getting too close to him? She didn't want any misunderstandings. Lucas was the first friend she's had since Elizabeth herself. If she somehow ruined that...

  Maya didn't want to think about such things. For the first time in her life, she felt like she had found a pce to be herself, but being herself was still a terrifying concept. She knew that Elizabeth and Lucas accepted her as she was, but Lucas had yet to truly see Orchid for who they were. The closer she got to him, the more she began to open up.

  It felt...safe around him. He reminded her that she had saved his life, and that brought with it how accepting he was of Orchid. Orchid was, for ck of a better term, Maya's alter ego. It was who she became whenever she killed someone. A way to detach herself from the emotions tied to taking a life. Though, it was more of a focused state of mind than anything.

  Cold and calcuting. A murderer. That's who Orchid was. It was who Maya was.

  Yet, that idiot, he...hugged her while still covered in blood. He didn't even bat an eye. What kind of person does that? She supposed that he was used to such things from Elizabeth, but El had taken great care not to expose him to such gruesome things in this life.

  It was Maya who had plunged him into it, but even so...his reaction was not natural.

  "You're so...weird," Maya muttered to herself as she prepared the food she had promised for them.

  It was because of these reasons that Maya was trying to maintain a respectable distance. She was afraid that if she didn't, then she might lose something quite precious to her, and then...that bastard went and said something unnecessary.

  "I cherish you."

  His words echoed in her mind, and if anyone were there with her right now, they'd have seen quite the sight. It had taken every single ounce of her willpower, and several skills, to not show a reaction in front of him. Now, all of that crumbled away. Her facade completely broke.

  Her face became incredibly red, and eyes sparkled with delight, tears beginning to pool at their edges. She was just so incredibly touched at how genuine he had been. No one, not El or even her sister, had ever said something like that. Not that they never showed her appreciation, but it was just...his face had been so earnest.

  Like an innocent puppy. She liked puppies.

  "You damn fool..." Maya sighed, wiping her tears away with a gentle smile before hiding her face with her hand, "How am I supposed to react to that? I understand now, El...he's dangerous."

  Trying to compose herself, she made little finger sandwiches and comprised a couple of smoothies. He liked strawberries. She made a perfectly banced, yet delicious meal. She took great care to ensure that everything was to his liking, but didn't forget to include food for herself.

  He liked it when they ate together. Smiling like a damn fool. Perhaps it was a little selfish of her, but she wanted to see that smile some more. It was the only good that Maya felt she brought into this world, aside from saving her sister from their parents.

  If she continued to keep her distance, that would be okay...right? Several notifications popped up in her vision as she prepared to return to him. Skills that helped her control her mental and emotional state. Usually they were used to help her focus and not get distracted when fighting, but in this instance...it was almost more vital than any fight for her life.

  ---

  >Activate Skill – [Ice Cold]

  >Duration – One Hour.

  >Cooldown – Twenty Minutes.

  >Effect – You've shown yourself to be a ruthless killer. You hide your intentions from all but the sharpest of senses.

  >Rank – S Tier.

  ---

  >Activate Skill – [Zen State]

  >Duration – One Hour.

  >Cooldown – Thirty Minutes.

  >Effect – You've learned to focus yourself in the midst of battle. You remain calm even in the face of danger. In addition, Mind Altering Effects have a harder time finding purchase.

  >Rank – S Tier.

  ---

  >Passive Skill [Mask] has detected heightened distress. Adjusting parameters.

  >Effect – Your emotions are yours to master. Very few can see past your facade.

  >Duration – Until Dismissed.

  >Rank – S+ Tier.

  ---

  They helped to improve her already proficient natural abilities, and all of them were necessary if she wished to maintain her composure. Unfortunately, all except [Mask] had a cooldown. As one of her first skills she got after becoming a Pyer, it was an integral part of her. Something that was created because of her own personal skill with such things. Pyers often got their first skills based on what they were good at in life, but this wasn't always the case.

  For Maya, [Mask] was instinctive, but it hadn't adjusted itself since she first got it. It never had to, and for Lucas to have caused it to adjust itself was both concerning and intriguing. It was almost...exciting. As her heart quickened, Maya watched as it adjusted itself again in response.

  "How...amusing." She thought before pushing it from her mind. For now, she had to deliver lunch to Luke, and as she arrived to his warm, gentle smile...she feared that these skills combined wouldn't be enough.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV, Moments Later)

  "Wait, so let me get this straight..." I inquired of Maya as we watched Azure frolic through the garden, "You couldn't get past The Frozen Pace? I mean, it's not an easy area, but we're talking about you here."

  "To be fair, Sir, I am pying on Apocalypse," Maya expined as she took a sip of her smoothie.

  I had been quite surprised, and pleased, to see her bring strawberry smoothies. Along with the fruit bowls, sandwiches, and other treats she brought along, it was feast. It seemed like she had rexed a bit, but something still felt off. That's why I had changed the subject to something we both enjoyed.

  One of the games we pyed together had recently released a huge patch that added several changes to the game, including the aforementioned "Apocalypse" difficulty. Enemies hit twice as hard, had improved AI, and a few newer enemies were added as well. I inquired about the game, knowing that she enjoyed pying it and had been looking forward to this patch.

  "Sorry, I'm just a little surprised," I stated, taking a bite of one of the sandwiches, "You're like, good at the game. If you can't beat it, I definitely won't be able to even touch the thing."

  Maya gave a small smile and shrugged. I watched her closely, feeling like there was still some distance between us and that she was only showing me what she wanted me to see. Her eyes just...didn't have that same spark in them.

  "You don't give yourself enough credit, Sir," Maya said as she watched Azure nosedive into the garden pond, getting a chuckle from her.

  This eased my heart a little. Whatever was going on with her, at the very least she could still ugh. Perhaps I was just worrying over nothing. I just felt a little sad. Maya was a really good friend, and I didn't want to lose everything that we've shared together.

  "No, no," I waved my hand dismissively, "I'm being realistic. Like, I'm not bad at the game, but you beat my high score that I spent years on...in a matter of minutes. I'm not just saying this. You're really good at the game, Maya."

  "...Thank you, Sir," Maya nodded towards me politely, which felt a little cold, but I didn't take it to heart, "I'll try again ter, but maybe..."

  She paused for a moment and I watched as she suddenly gazed into the distance at nothing. Then, she blinked and was back in the present, giving an uncanny smile.

  "Nevermind, Sir," she said unconvincingly, "It was nothing."

  "Oh, come on," I coaxed, doing my best to control my worry, "You'll try again ter, but maybe...what? You can tell me."

  "I don't think it's appropriate, Sir," Maya insisted, "Trust me. It's nothing."

  "Maya..." I practically pleaded as I let slip some of my worry for her in my tone.

  She remained silent, and for a moment, I wondered something that chilled me to my core.

  "Did I...do anything wrong?" I found myself asking against my better judgement, "If I did, I'd like to know so I can..."

  The words fell away from my lips before I could finish the thought. Maya's head turned towards me so fast that I was worried she might have whipsh. Her stare was intense, and for a fraction of a second, I thought I saw a crack in her mask. In that moment, I thought she looked...angry? Perhaps...offended?

  "No, not at all, Sir," Maya spoke with that professional tone of hers, but there was a bit of steel to it, "And I'd appreciate if you didn't say such things."

  I felt a little embarrassed and ashamed, simply nodding in response. I felt like I had just been admonished. No, I had been admonished in her own way. I didn't...hate it. In fact, I was just gd that I hadn't upset her. Well, besides for me asking that question, anyways.

  "Then..." I softened my gaze and tone, sitting back in my chair, feeling a little guilty, "What's going on? What were you going to say?"

  She watched me for a moment with an impassive, yet discerning eye. After a moment, she took a breath and visibly rexed. She sat back in her chair and gazed up at the canopy of leaves above us. It was still such a dream to live in a pce like this. It always felt so surreal, but in this moment, my focus was on Maya.

  "Damn it..." Maya muttered, and all pretenses dropped, "They ran out...you're a really slow eater, Sir."

  "I'm...sorry?" I tilted my head, completely confused.

  "No, don't be," she spoke softly, "It's my fault for trying to fight you, Sir."

  "Fight me?" I was even more confused now, "Why would you fight me?"

  "Heh, not in the literal sense," Maya smirked which a chuckle, and for the first time today, the light in her eyes had returned, "As you know, I have a hard time opening up to people."

  "Oh?" I asked cheekily, "I hadn't noticed."

  "Oh, shut up," Maya teased, rolling her eyes, "This is new for me. Being vulnerable isn't something..."

  She took a deep breath as I grew silent. This wasn't the time for me to interrupt. I was more than happy to just listen because I wanted to get to know her, but only if she was ready.

  "It's not something that I'm used to," she continued, the sound of Azure happily pying in the water in the background, "With El and my sister...I find it difficult. With you...it's damn near impossible."

  She looked at me in that moment, and what I saw stopped my heart in its tracks. There was a strong desperation behind them that I had only ever seen from one person before. Elizabeth. I recognized it immediately. The desire to not lose something precious to you.

  "Maya..." I began to speak slowly, careful with my words so that I got my intent across, "I don't want to force you into a friendship. If you're uncomfortable..."

  It felt like her gaze had taken ahold of my very soul and threatened to crush it. There was an incredible amount of pain and fear within. It tore at my heart, wrenching it mercilessly. Maya simply shook her head with a gentle smile.

  "No, Luke..." she called my name fondly, my heart soaring, "I mean, yes, I am uncomfortable, but...it's not a bad feeling. I'm only afraid that if I continue to grow close to you, then you might see sides of me that I'm ashamed of."

  "...You mean Orchid," I stated and she nodded, causing me to sigh slightly, "Maya, there's nothing to be ashamed of. There's nothing wrong with you being Orchid."

  "I kill people, Lucas," Maya continued to drop honorifics, making this conversation seem rather intimate and serious, "You saw it yourself. I'm merciless and-"

  "You saved my life," I couldn't let her continue, and so firmly interrupted, "It was them or me...or you, and I'm sorry, but I'll choose you over them any damn day of the week."

  Maya was silent for a moment to the point that I thought I said something wrong, but then she simply shook her head in disbelief.

  "El said you'd say that," she said softly, "You're too kind for this world, Luke."

  I suddenly grew bashful, rubbing the back of my neck in embarrassment.

  "I don't know about that..." I replied sheepishly, "I just...this world is fucked. Why complicate things? You're a good person, Maya. Where you see a killer, I see someone who's lived a hard life and is just trying to do their best. It's inspiring."

  "Ha!" Maya let out an involuntary ugh, but seemed genuinely amused, "Now you sound like my sister. Hannah...she might just love you."

  I blushed at the btant statement, which seemed to amuse Maya even more as she ughed. It was unfettered and unrestrained...as well as captivating. I was almost immediately put at ease hearing her allow herself to ugh so freely. The contrast between who she was now and how she's been before was staggering. I...liked it, but I liked both sides to her. To me, it was all just Maya.

  "So, your sister's name is Hannah?" I asked and she nodded, "It's a very pretty name."

  "It is, yes," Maya agreed with an incredibly fond expression before it turned mischievous as she looked towards me, "And don't worry. El won't let anything happen to you."

  "Oh, I wasn't worried about that," I said with a light ugh, "I'm just...surprised after being warned about her. Do you really think we'll get along?"

  Maya looked at me intently for a moment before she nodded.

  "Yeah, I honestly do," Maya answered warmly, "Though, El wasn't wrong. She can be worse than your parents, so...just a heads up."

  "Ha, I'll keep that in mind," I found myself completely rexed.

  The knot in my chest that had found its way deep into my stomach had finally been lifted. I finally understood that Maya had simply been worried about opening herself up. Perhaps meeting my parents had caused her to overthink. It was good to know that she cared about our friendship enough to worry about losing it, but that wouldn't happen.

  Maya was the dearest person I knew after Elizabeth, and of course my parents. There was no way in hell I'd give up so easily.

  "Oh, right!" I excimed, suddenly remembering, "I almost forgot. What were you going to say earlier?"

  Maya grimaced, gncing at me coyly.

  "I had hoped you forgot about that..." she muttered.

  "Not a chance," I procimed defiantly, "Spill. What was it?"

  Maya sighed, suddenly bashful as she looked away with a light blush to her cheeks.

  "I...was going to ask if you wanted to help me," she admitted shyly, "Or maybe...if you wanted to watch. Maybe I'd be motivated to be better if someone was watching."

  I knew how hard it was for her to ask, and there was no way I was going to say no.

  "Hell yeah," I stated with affirmation, "We have time. Ellie won't be back until tomorrow...unfortunately. Damn it..."

  I had completely forgotten that she had to go clear out a dungeon and it was probably going to take a day, since it was a request that had come in from out of town. I immediately became crestfallen, but Maya was there to pick me back up.

  "Then, we'll do that," Maya stated with confidence, "Take your mind off of everything, and don't worry...I'll ensure things are ready for tomorrow."

  "Thanks, Maya, truly," I gave her my best, grateful smile, "I honestly don't know what I'd do without you. Probably die, to be honest."

  Maya looked horrified, and I wasn't sure if she was acting or not.

  "Don't even joke about such things, Sir," Maya decred with a slight huff, "I didn't save your life just to throw it away."

  It was a shame she was back to using honorifics, but now things felt more natural. As if she was finally back to her old self. Her true self. I didn't care if she maintained a mask in front of me, only that she knew it was okay to drop it whenever she felt comfortable.

  "I have too much to live for to do that," I responded, happily sipping my smoothie as Azure sensed the change in mood and flew towards us.

  I was happy to see him, only...he was still wet from the pond. The ensuing chaos of trying to save what food we could from the water he shook off was comical, but cleared the air between Maya and myself almost immediately. Azure snagged several treats as we began to chase him down.

  Maya produced a towel from within her inventory, and after several arduous minutes of running, I was finally able to pin him down as he gulfed down his spoils. He was content, barely putting up a fight as Maya dried him off. He cheekily licked my face as if he had done nothing wrong. "The little shit..." I mused to myself, but found my gaze drifting towards Maya.

  The light in her eyes was dazzling. It caused me to smile deeply, endeared by her. I was gd things were returned to normal, or as normal as they were in this life. I'd have hated to of lost what progress we made together, and I felt like we gained a lot more today.

  A feeling that I was quite proud of.

  -----

  Nikushimi