Fingers Crossed [Hiatus]

Eventide

The Lady's unmoved expression made his chest pounds like the beat of drums. It's a good thing that she didn't kick him out yet, but her face doesn't look like an approving one either. After all, Ayato was supposed to give her what she wants, without her doing anything in return. His boldness to assume that she would do something for a night with him could make her show some discontent.

"I would abolish that decree without being rewarded. My own plans are already on the way, so you don't have to give me your accolades." she points to her crowded table filled with books and paper-based maps "If you want to take a look, I can show you my intel."

"It's not that I don't trust you, Lady Yae." Ayato couldn't look straight to her eyes after the lie he told her. He kept his head down and observes her hand movements instead "I know that you're beyond capable of designing a plan to save this country without a hitch and you would do that for free."

He stayed quiet and she put her hands on her hips. Her voice sounds confused when she asked him "So? Why did you offered yourself to me after your profound rejection earlier?"

Ayato sighs after hiding his hands inside the side pockets of his trousers "You only wished for my approval, yet I refused to give it. From the first time I met you, all I ever did was to let you down. I don't want to keep this streak of failures on my tracks, so I gave you my consent."

Yae Miko's expression went from scrutinizing to melancholic. She took a step closer to him and gaze deeply into his eyes "You never disappointed me, Ayato. Even when you turned down my wish."

He found comfort in her words. Although a new question appears, Ayato is grateful of how he breathes easier now.

"Just forget about my wish, okay?" she scurries to take his coat and shoes and pass them to Ayato. He took his equipments in agitation while she pat his shoulders "Now go home, take a good rest because you really need some and leave the decree to me."

Wait, am I getting kicked out now? Ayato held his equipments in his arms while he stare questioningly at Yae Miko, who is turning her heels to open the door locks.

"What about my punishment-"

She turns her head to face him with a stern look "Forget about it."

The door lock clacks unlocked and Yae Miko opened her doors. He saw nobody else is left at the shrine's backyard and the cold night breeze crept to his face. The bitterness reappears as he felt her resentment might be the reason he was expulsed.

"Did I do something wrong? Please forgive me if I said something that brings you discomfort." Ayato bends down to put his equipments back to the wooden floor, but she rush to take the items back to his arms.

"No no no, you didn't do anything wrong." she forced him to take the cloak and leave his shoes on the floor "Just go back home, use your cloak and glide down home. Saves your time and energy."

He couldn't understand why she is rushing him home. Perhaps his existence already sickens her so much that she would like him off her office already. That must be why she wants him to forget her wish too.

"If I didn't do anything wrong, then why you changed your mind?" he felt shocked of how hurtful his tone is, but he couldn't change his feelings "Why did you not want me anymore? Have I made you tired of my inconsistency?"

She opens her mouth to retaliate but disbelief stole her words and expressions. She pursed her lips to regain concentration while her steely gaze pinned on him "I will never change my mind. I still want you now and even if you turn to a garden slug by a spell, I wouldn't abandon my words and take a good care of you."