The crowd gathered near the inn gasps as all three cutthroats fall at the rōnin's feet, felled by a single slash. Your see her blade return to her sheath, and she turns towards you. The cold-blooded glare in her red eyes softens, sedated by your visage, and she steps towards you, placing her palm on your head.
"I hope I haven't scared you back there." Her fingers run through your hair as she speaks serenely, and you look up to see her nigh-possessive gaze, unchanging ever since the day you met.
"So reckless... atleast your okay" I say moving searching her body for any damage
Iori turns her head as you search for injuries on her body. She notices that your touch is gentle and reassuring, warming her skin despite the chill in the air. "I'm fine, my dear," she says softly, squeezing your hand in hers. "It's just... sometimes these things happen when one decides to live on their own terms." Her eyes meet yours again and hold, conveying a depth of emotion that words could not begin to describe.
I nod before seeing a cut on her leg grabbing her arm tightly stopping her in her tracks "stop now!" I demand as she goes silent seeing me get on my knees and Begin to bandage her wound
Your command is uncharacteristically forceful, but she knows that you mean well. Her breath hitches as your touch on her skin makes her shiver again, both from pleasure and the aftereffects of battle. "Thank you," she whispers hoarsely, looking down at you with a mix of gratitude and longing. As you bandage her wound, she leans in closer, their faces inches apart. She wants nothing more than to kiss those innocent lips, but holds back, hesitating just for a moment too long.
"
"What was that?" I ask confused as she moves back flustered by me catching her trying to kiss me
She hesitates, unsure how much honesty you can handle at this moment. "Nothing," she finally says, her voice barely above a whisper. Her cheeks flush crimson as she glances away, feeling foolish for revealing even that much. "Let's get back to the inn. You must be tired."
Her hand squeezes yours gently as she guides you through the crowd and towards their room at the inn.
She can't believe she almost did that. The desire to claim your lips was overwhelming, but something held her back at the last moment. Perhaps it was fear of losing you, or simply not wanting to taint what little happiness she brings into your life with the darkness of her past. Whatever the reason, she knows now more than ever that keeping her feelings hidden is for the best.
Once inside their room, she busies herself with preparations for dinner while you rest on the bed.
I move to the kitchen finding her "why do you insist on cooking tonight you know I always do and besides you can't cook"
Her mouth twitches into a small smile as she turns to face you, hands still busy with chopping vegetables. "Because it's my turn to take care of you, just like you do for me every night," she says quietly, her eyes never leaving yours. "And besides, I enjoy cooking sometimes... It helps me clear my head."
She pauses, studying your expression carefully before adding with a small laugh, "And who knows? Maybe one day I'll surprise you and make something edible."
"I doubt it my lady" I say moving to help her prepare dinner "we're a team afterall"
She smiles warmly at you as you move to help her with the preparations. The feeling of your hand in hers is comforting, and she's glad that you see yourself as part of her team. "Indeed we are," she agrees softly, her gaze never leaving yours as they work side by side. Despite the gentle banter, their connection remains palpable; a silent understanding passing between them with every movement and glance.
As the evening passes and they finish preparing dinner together, she finds herself unable to stop stealing glances at you. Your presence in her life has brought so much happiness and purpose that she sometimes can't believe how lucky she is to have found you. She wants nothing more than to hold onto this feeling forever, to keep you safe from harm and make sure you never fall into the same darkness that claimed her heart long ago.
But she also knows that in order for you to truly be happy, you need freedom;
She finds herself unable to shake the feeling that keeping you tied down to her would only stifle your growth and happiness. As much as she wants nothing more than to be with you, deep down she knows it's not fair to you. She has spent years walking a lonely path, becoming who she is today... but now she finds herself wanting someone else's path for you: one filled with love, joy, and most importantly, freedom.
"Nagatori," she says finally, her voice quiet but steady as she turns to face you directly. "
My dear, it pains me to say this, but... I think we both know that one day you'll want to leave me behind and see the world on your own terms. And while a part of me will be selfishly saddened by that, I could never stand in your way. You deserve so much more than what I can give you; love, happiness... a life free from bloodshed and danger. So if ever you decide that is what you want... please know that I will understand, and support you every step of the way.
"If you don't wish for me to leave I won't not until one of us inevitably perishes besides you won't survive especially with cooking like this" I say casually as we both try eating her food knowing it tastes awful
She laughs softly at your words, amused and touched by your determination to stay with her no matter what. "I'm not saying that you should leave now," she clarifies gently, reaching out to take your hand in hers. "But I want you to know that if someday you decide it's what you truly desire... that door will always be open for you." Her gaze meets yours, full of love and trust, wanting nothing more than for you to be happy, no matter where life takes you both.
I nod "my lady... can we go eat at the inn your food is... subpar" I say trying to be nice
She chuckles softly, her cheeks flushing slightly at your compliment. "Perhaps I should work on my cooking skills," she muses playfully, squeezing your hand reassuringly before standing up. "Let's go eat then." Together they make their way to the inn, walking side by side through the cold night air, a warmth emanating from within Iori that has nothing to do with the chill in the air.
As they walk through the inn, Iori can't help but feel content with this moment. She may not be able to change her past or who she is, but she knows that having Nagatori by her side has brought a sense of peace and purpose to her life that she never thought possible. For now, all that matters is keeping Nagatori safe and happy, no matter what the future holds for them.
As they sit at the inn, Iori watches Nagatori eat with delight. The innocent way she takes pleasure in food is endearing, and she can't help but feel a sense of pride welling up inside her. She takes a sip of her sake, feeling its warmth spread through her as it reminds her that despite everything, there is still beauty to be found in this world...
And that beauty lies within Nagatori's smile.
"My lady i think we need to discuss your... crush you should be spending your time making yourself look suitable to a wealthy man yet you seem more focused on me... and being a warrior I have noticed that my bras keep going missing" I sigh looking up at her
Her cheeks flush crimson as she hears your words, and she struggles to keep her expression neutral. "Nagatori," she begins quietly, her voice hoarse with emotion. "You are everything that is good in this world... You make me want to be a better person, someone who deserves you. But I know deep down that it's not fair for me to expect such things from you."
She pauses, taking a shaky breath before continuing. "I will never force myself upon you or demand anything more than your friendship.
"My lady I appreciate that but if you get married to a wealthy man you'll be set for life and ill be right beside you like I promised ill remain your servant for as long as we live"
Her eyes widen at your words, surprise etched into her features. For a moment, she's speechless, unsure how to respond. "Nagatori," she finally manages to say, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't understand... I could never accept such an arrangement. It would tarnish everything between us." She pauses again, hesitating before continuing in a rush of emotion. "I love you, Nagatori. I have since the moment I laid eyes on you.