𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 • k. ayato

08

☄. *. ⋆

The following day, after [Y/N]'s headache, had subsided, Rai suggested something that put the lady in a bad mood all over again. Recuperation at a Kamisato vacation home. What's more, after her countless refusals Ayato suggested coming with her. He, a man who was too busy to even meet with her before their wedding was planning a vacation.

However, she couldn't even give valid arguments as to why she didn't want him coming with her since Ayaka was there too. She was a lovely girl who clearly loved her brother more than life itself. [Y/N] was not about to put a crack in their relationship over some poison that wasn't even lethal. No matter how angry she was at the commissioner, she would never steep so low as to destroy a perfect relationship.

And she also couldn't trust anyone to the real reason she was so adamant about not going. Not anymore. Not after she had learned of that god-forsaken coup.

But regretfully, it was evident on all that she was.

Her plainly tired, sullen eyes, hunched movements, dry lips, shaky pupils. 

Her each expression was always greeted with a short pause as if her brain was making sure all information that entered her was unassailable. As if she needed time to process all of what was happening around her. Perhaps that is why Ayato had decided to come with her. As an apology. Or perhaps, as a mockery. She wasn't sure. But somewhere within she was glad she was not going to be alone. Being alone was the nightmare she was fearing most nowadays.

Suddenly—a cool breeze touched her pale-stricken face, and although she was wearing outdoor clothing, a chill went down her spine.

"You're cold and unwell. You should head back inside until the servants finish bringing all of our things to the waypoint," Ayato took notice of her rosy cheeks and shivering arms.

"I'm fine. The waypoint is right next to the estate. It shouldn't take too long."

Ayato grimaced, "There is no need for you to do this."

[Y/N] only furrowed her brows and stubbornly replied, "I said I'm fine. You're needlessly worrying, commissioner."

Ayato sighed, crossing his arms, "Your wellbeing is important to me. Believe it or not. You're still my wife, and if you do not want to become the baggage you so fear being, please take care of yourself well."

[Y/N] stood there, staring at him in disbelief before turning around, "If I could dig my nails into your throat and pull out your vocal cords, I would," and walking back inside.

Ayato smiled to himself as he watched her walk away, and bump into people in the process. It was an entertaining sight to see.

The journey to the Kamisato vacation home up in the mountains was fast, albeit cold. The proud smirk of Kamisato Ayato was the worst part of the whole trip though. Several times did she catch him shamelessly smiling at her in delight. He was doing it on purpose, and when they finally settled in and bid the servants goodbye, only then did he stop making fun of her.

And now they were both watching the sunset on the terrace. Much to [Y/N]'s dismay.

"So, when are you leaving?"

"Leaving?"

"Huh? You're not actually going to be staying here with me, right?"

Ayato chuckled at her confused expression, "I think you misunderstood me. I fully plan on staying with you throughout your time here."

He observed as her expression relaxed knowing she wouldn't be alone. He soon realized that that was exactly what she was afraid of—being alone. It pained him greatly not to be able to do anything to comfort her. He was upset he couldn't tell her that she was being protected by The Shuumatsuban at all times. But he was glad to see her visibly relax at his words, though she was still very much distrusting of him.

"I see... what of your duties?"

"I have learned my lesson," he smiled softly, walking closer to her, though he quickly noted her flinching and stopped in his tracks, keeping his distance, "There is still much for me to learn in regards to marriage-life, but... I now know not to leave you alone in times of need. Something is bothering you and I wish to be here for you, so, I won't be leaving you again."

Somewhere during this conversation, her cheeks began flaring up.

Despite the many expectations she had for their relationship, she was still very new to this. Not once in her life did she date someone. Sure, she had minor attractions to some boys in her youth, but she was always more focused on preserving her title than dating.

So what else was she expecting if not beet-red cheeks when she heard such things said to her? This wasn't a novel, and she wasn't following a female lead. This was her life and a real situation in which she now found herself.

Her blushing was a kind of flowering, the sort of pink that brings champagne roses to the imagination. Ayato couldn't help but hold his breath at her innocent expression.

He never imagined she'd have this shy side to her.

"Do you... Do you feel guilty? At all?" She inquired silently.

"Regretful. Were I to relive our first meeting, I'd do everything differently. I failed myself, and you too. But, does me saying all this make you feel any better?"

[Y/N] shook her head lightly, still not being able to look him in the eyes, "No. It does not. But I do feel glad, just a little bit. Perhaps now we can work on understanding each other more."

"Hm, you're surprisingly easily swayed."

"Don't be ridiculous. I simply do not wish to spend the rest of my days staring at a person I despise."

If it weren't for the news of that coup her brother was planning, she wasn't sure if she would have given him another chance. But, she heeded her father's words. As long as she had the Kamisato's at her side, she'd be much safer than if she was alone.

"So you're going to allow me to join you in acknowledging the difficulties of your life?"

"Archons, you're the worst at this."

☄. *. ⋆