𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 • k. ayato

11

☄. *. ⋆

The trip back to the Kamisato estate contrasted the trip to the vacation home. This time, it was sunny and warm out, there was no wind sending chills down everyone's spines, and instead of the gloomy expression that [Y/N] was wearing back then, it was an expression of pure, untainted delight. Rai was correct. This holiday, which she so needed had helped. And not to mention the newfound friendship she and Ayato now had. People do say that stress and over-working are bad for relationships and health, and she felt they were right.

She and Ayato had indeed gotten off the wrong foot, and she was pleased to have fixed their relationship. Albeit there were still things they needed to work on, at least now, they could spend their days happily in each other's presence.

"My lord, madam, It's good to have you back," Thoma was the first to greet the two. He was visibly ecstatic to see them.

"Thoma, It is good to be back as well," Ayato smiled back at the servant, "I don't believe the two of you had spoken to each other before, have you?"

[Y/N] grinned, "We have, albeit briefly. We haven't interacted one on one yet though."

"However it was, looking at the two of you now, it seems like we'll be interacting a lot more now, madam" Thoma laughed as the couple blushed in embarrassment. Thoma was also quite observant, and he could easily tell that they were pleased to come back home together. It was no longer awkward and hostile around them.

"A-Anyway, where is Ayaka?" Ayato asked, crossing his arms.

"Ah, milady is busy right now. She should be back by nightfall."

Ayato nodded, and then he turned to look at [Y/N] who was observing the inner garden of the estate with a soft smile coating her face. He could not put into words how happy it made him to know that she no longer felt unsafe around him.

"[Y/N], would you like to go inside now?" He asked, placing his hand on her back, rubbing it gently, and easing her muscles from the trip.

She shook her head, "No. It's a lovely day. I would like to take a walk... with you, if you're not too busy," she answered, rather hopefully.

Ayato beamed, "No. I'm not busy at all."

"Uh, actually, my lord, there are some documents that need to be reviewed an—" 

Thoma tried to interrupt, but Ayato was quick to cut him off, "Thoma, fetch me a parasol. Too much sun is not good for the skin."

"Ah, certainly, my lord."

Although Thoma was quick to do as instructed, he was nevertheless in awe at the change Ayato had undergone during his vacation. Usually, Ayato would never take breaks, and whenever he did, he would go back to work immediately upon arrival back home. But now, he insisted on taking a walk with the madam. A walk of all things. A simple stroll around the garden... It was fascinating to the estate's servants.

But this made Thoma very content. It made him happy to see Ayato enjoying himself, being so carefree and laughing so joyously together with [Y/N]. He was glad to see his master finally balance out his work-life with his everyday life. Perhaps it was because, in the past, Ayato felt like he was the only one who could keep everyone safe, and now, that he had Kamiyama [Y/N], a most notorious woman by his side, he could finally relax, even if just a little.

He eyed the two walk as Ayato held the parasol over both his and [Y/N]'s head.

"You've changed. I wasn't aware you could smile so much," Ayato teased.

"I have you to thank. You were just what I needed. A secure place where I can relax, and start discovering my true self once more. You have given me all that and more. I'm truly thankful to you, commissioner."

Ayato chuckled, "And yet, you still refuse to call me by my name."

"Ah, I hadn't realized that... But, it feels rather awkward to call you by your name now, does it not?" She asked, cupping her cheek with her palm in unease.

Ayato tightened his grip around the parasol's handle, slowly inching closer to her face, "Well unless you say my name now, we'll never know, will we?"

Upon noticing him so close to her, her cheeks glowed in pink, "P-Pardon? You're too close, commissioner!"

"Aw, you seem to lose all your confidence when you're around me," His smile was one of happiness growing, much as a spring flower opens.

"Commissioner, please!" She averted her eyes away from him, clearly embarrassed at the truth in his words. This was truly not what she was expected to be like in front of the commissioner.

"Have you perhaps forgotten my name?"

"Agh, fine, alright," She looked him in the eyes, both her cheeks and ears red from the embarrassment, "Ayato. There. Happy?"

Ayato was quite giddy. The way his name rolled off her tongue sounded blissful to his ears. It fit in her mouth better than in anyone else's.

"Very. I'm very happy," he leaned away, but she knew—a person smiles with more than their mouth, and she heard it in his voice, in the choice of his words and the way he relaxed. He was truly happy at such a simple thing. And he was not such a man. He was happy because it was she who said his name. Because it was her.

And so her blush did not subside, but at least they had continued walking. At times, Ayato would glimpse at her, and although it was silent, he was content. One thing he'd say about her—she blushed like no one else he'd ever met. Her gorgeous skin went from a warm tone to an almost fiery pink. It didn't help that he knew she was blushing with her entire body right now. And a silly thought entered his mind—he would love to chase that blush across her skin, her entire body which was covered neatly by her kimono.

At such a thought, Ayato's face as well was now all red, and he had to look away, covering his mouth with his hand. How shameless was he?

"Comi— ... Ayato, are you alright?"

Ah, just great. She just had to say his name in such a lovely, worried tone. She was going to be the death of him, he was certain of it.

"Ah, y-yes... I'm alright," he tried his best to compose himself, but to no avail. He felt the touch of her palm on his cheek and he stopped in his tracks. Completely freaking out at the newfound wave of emotions he was experiencing.

"Are you sure? Your face is unusually red...  Should I call for a physician? Have you caught a cold?" She felt his forehead, and of course, it was hot.

Ayato had never been this way in front of her before, and he has never blushed in front of her before either, so to her, of course, he would seem sick right now, and he was oh so thankful for that. Otherwise, would she ever let him forget this shame?

"It's quite hot outside. I'm rather sensitive today it seems."

She retracted her hand, "Ah, is that all? Don't scare me like that!" She crossed her arms, looking at him in dissatisfaction.

"Oh, were you worried, dear?"

[Y/N] clicked her tongue, though she was clearly not actually mad, "Let us go back inside already."

"Mm, shall we?" He beamed softly. How glad he was to be done with whatever it was that just happened to him. He was finally cooling down... albeit slowly.

☄. *. ⋆