Chapter Text
“The master is quite handsome, isn’t he?” Akane, the middle aged maid who has now become your head lady-in-waiting, pulled you from your thoughts.
“Hm?” You tore your eyes from Naoya.
As promised last week, Naoya gave you permission to accompany him during his morning training sessions to observe.
This would be the first of many.
Akane quietly chuckled as she watched your cheeks turn a light shade of pink at being caught staring. “Apologies my lady, I said nothing.” She smiles knowingly, going back to her sewing.
You watched as Naoya’s sweat dripped down his naked, chiseled abdomen. The way his back muscles flexed with each swing of his bamboo sword had you feeling… things…
No! None of that! What are you thinking? How improper!
Your thoughts made you shiver, earning a raised brow from Akane.
“D-Does this have anything to do with his Jujutsu technique, or?” You asked her, clearing your throat; trying to distract yourself from those impure thoughts.
“No, my lady. He just does it to stay in shape and keep his senses sharp.” She answers.
“Right, of course.” You nod, turning your attention back to Naoya.
Not that you knew anything about the arts or whatever, but you haven’t heard much about his technique either.
“Master Naoya does yoga and meditations after every session. Those are more your level of expertise, yes?”
You nod again, thinking back to the few recent times where your maids have walked in on you in random yoga poses and/or in the middle of meditating on your bedroom floor.
“Maybe you guys can do that together… as a start. Something to bond over.” She suggested.
It wasn’t a bad idea...
It, in fact, was a terrible idea.
How the hell were you supposed to concentrate and “find peace” when there was a beautifully shirtless, sweaty man sitting right in front of you?!
This was like waving around a piece of juicy meat in front of a starving bear! You were no better than a man at this moment.
Shame!
Akane knew exactly what she was doing when she suggested this… but you couldn’t blame her, since you were the idiot who actually went along with it.
“I thought you said you did this often.” Naoya opens one eye, sitting criss crossed in front of you in the middle of the quiet training room.
“I-I do...” You tried to keep yourself composed, quickly shutting your eyes and taking deep breaths.
Naoya’s eye lingered on you for a bit longer, before fully opening them both. He took pleasure in knowing that he made you nervous.
Especially now that he was half exposed.
Again, what an asshole.
You could hear him slightly shuffling around.
“What are you-”
“Keep your eyes closed.” He commanded, scooting closer to you.
You quickly snapped your mouth shut. He liked that about you.
“You’re quick to do as you’re told. If you keep this up, I think we’ll get along just fine. Maybe I’ll even reward you…” Your eyes may be closed, but you could hear his smirk.
The urge to roll your eyes was strong.
You let out a shaky breath at the feeling of his breath suddenly fanning against your cheek as he spoke again, “Look at me.”
When did he get this close? WHY did he get this close?
You hesitated, but obeyed; slowly opening your eyes…
You froze as you were met with those golden brown eyes of his, watching you intently.
Eyes like a beast.
He was so close that the tip of his nose was lightly touching yours.
“Has anyone ever been this close to you? Be honest, Angel.” He said in a low raspy tone, just above a whisper. “I’ll know if you lie.”
The tip of his nose slowly dragged sideways to your cheek, then down your neck and stopping at your pulse point.
You swallowed hard before answering, trying to keep it together, “No.”
You were a useless sorcerer and a twenty-something year old virgin for crying out loud!
While you kept your eyes forward, he watched the rise and fall of your chest and listened carefully to the sound of your breathing.
The sports bra you chose to wear held your breasts nicely, creating a nice view of your plump cleavage.
The temptation to bite and leave marks on your skin made Naoya feel almost feral on the inside.
He couldn't help but wonder if you wore this outfit on purpose.
Everything was tight against your body. So tight, that he can see the outline of the undergarments you were wearing underneath your leggings.
What a naughty little Angel.
It was actually just laundry day for you.
“This body… It's mine now. You understand?”
Was he upset about something? Or?
“Y-Yes, Master Naoya.” You decided to play it safe.
“Don’t call me that unless you want to lose your innocence on a fucking tatami mat.” He hisses in your ear, before fully pulling away and getting up. “We’re finished here for the morning. Go get cleaned up.”
Before you could respond, he was already out the door.
“Holy shit.” You let out a breath you didn’t even know you were holding.
Thank goodness you were alone.
“My lady?” Akane’s voice echoed in your ears, snapping you back to reality once again.
What the hell was up with you today?
“Yes?” You shifted around in your bathtub.
“Master Naoya wanted me to let you know that he won’t be joining you for lunch again today. And possibly dinner. Duty calls, as always.” Akane says while folding some towels in the cabinet.
“Ah. No worries. I think I need a bit of time to myself today anyways. Thank you for letting me know.” You sunk a bit deeper into the tub.
“Don’t mind me for asking, but are you feeling alright? You’ve been rather quiet today. More than usual, anyway.” She turns around to face you.
Oh please. As if she didn’t have an inkling of what might have, or would have, happened earlier.
“I’m okay. Just tired.” It was true.
“Did yoga with the Master get you all worked up?” Akane sits on the stool next to the tub.
Oh he worked you up alright…
“It was fine.” You shrugged it off.
Maybe she got the hint, because now she was preparing to leave the bathroom.
“I’ll give you a few moments alone to relax. Please call for me if you need anything.” She bows her head slightly, before closing the door.
What in the world is up with them? It’s as if all the servants have been more… curious?
Instigating, maybe?
Nosy. Definitely nosy.
Sometimes you wonder if the staff remembers that this was all for political purposes.
You and Noaya barely knew each other.
You didn’t even know what his favorite color was. Only the foods he preferred, since meal times are the only times you really ever see him.
When it comes to Noaya, it’s very difficult to catch him. He’s always off either doing clan stuff or training with the Hei.
For a homebody, he always seems to be busy.
After lunch, you wandered about the halls of the whole Zenin clan estate.
Most of the servants knew your face by now: the woman with a kind smile and gentle helping hands, even to servants.
“My lady, are you in need of some assistance?” A servant man asked.
He was young, probably a little under your age, and actually quite handsome. He had short jet black hair with bangs that was combed upwards. A nice and clean look for a butler, or a valet.
“No, I’m just exploring the estate.” You smiled up at him, “Thank you though.”
He then bowed his head and left you to your adventures.
It has been said that “curiosity killed the cat.”
Well… at this moment… you have now become the damn cat.
Upon entering the estate garden, you heard Naoya’s voice but quickly hid behind a rose bush when you realized he wasn’t alone.
“I told you not to come here anymore.” You heard him hiss.
Who the hell was he talking to?
You tried to peek through the bush, but forcing through the leaves any more would surely cause some noise. All you got was a tiny peep hole, and only Naoya’s back in view.
Damnit!
“But Naoya-”
You froze.
… a woman’s voice?
“Say it wasn’t you.” Naoya demanded.
Silence.
“How dare you try to ruin this for me, knowing my plans years in advance!” His voice got louder. Angrier.
Just like that night with your poisoned soup…
Suddenly, you felt nauseous at the reminder that somebody had it out for you.
CRUNCH!
“Fuck!” You stepped on a crunchy leaf trying to steady yourself.
When you looked back into your little peep hole, the woman he was speaking to was gone.
And Naoya’s sights… were now locked on you.
"Lost, Angel?"