One Flirtatious Knight

Chapter 21: Water Under the Bridge

Before too long, Meta had returned to the castle. As he walked through the corridors, he only passed by a few Waddle Dees that curiously looked up at him. They were cute little guys, he had to admit. But right now, he couldn't focus on that. He had a girlfriend to check up on, afterall.

Eventually, he reached her door. Though before he could open it, he suddenly paused, picking up on singing on the other side. He paused for a moment, trying to make out the words. It didn't take very long for him to realize it was the same song she performed for him when he learned he could play the violin, though it sounded like a different section of the song in question.

"Never want to go back to the past- where nothing really lasts..
Again."

He took a breath before knocking on the door, jolting a bit when he heard the redhead let out a startled yelp. "C-Come in!" She sputtered after a few seconds.

Meta opened the door, being greeted by a still slightly frightened Kitsune. Though she very quickly relaxed in his presence, but she also seemed noticeably guilty. Nonetheless, she managed to smile. "Ah, hey, Meta. This is a surprise." She commented, her voice noticeably softer than usual.

"I apologize if I scared you. It wasn't at all my intention." Meta apologized. "But that's besides the point... Are you alright? You seemed... upset, for lack of a better word." He questioned, allowing concern to slip into his voice.

"You're... very observant, Meta." Kitsune noted, sighing out. "I just.. feel bad. Knowing I did what I did, especially given the fact I literally could've told you about the deal sooner and we could've figured something out together." She explained, moving her hair out of her face as she averted her gaze.

"I know I said this a lot already, but it still stands true... I'm sorry." She apologized.

Meta hummed, stepping closer as he undid the mask she lent him. "You don't need to apologize. It's alright. Besides, I can't say I don't understand the place you're coming from." He sighed. "Unfortunately, his Majesty isn't as subtle as he thinks he is, and he isn't particularly known for respecting privacy." He gave a small shrug.

"Besides, I somewhat knew."

Kitsune snapped her eyes back to him. "I beg your pardon, what now?" She questioned, wondering if she had somehow misheard him.

"I make it a slight habit to oversee sire's meetings- if I can't do it, then I ask either Sword, Blade, or my sister to." Meta explained, chuckling under his breath. "Though, it appears I didn't even have to do that as Escargoon and King Dedede talk about it quite bluntly when they think I'm not listening." He stated.

The dame stared at him for a second before faceplanting onto the couch. "Oh my Nova, Meta Knight, why didn't you say something sooner?" She asked, her voice muffled. "You coulda saved me a month's worth of stress!" She whined.

Meta laughed a bit, patting her head. "I apologize, bella sirena. I didn't want you to feel like you had already failed your mission somehow." He responded.

Kitsune huffed. 'There's that nickname again... He seems to like that one for some reason.' She thought, finally looking back up at him. "So are you ever gonna tell me what that means, or are ya good?" She asked. 

"I was wondering when you'd ask." Meta remarked, kneeling down as he lightly held her cheek. "It means 'beautiful siren'." He explained.

The dame went into a stunned silence, her face going bright red as she buried her face back into the couch. "Oh my god..." She mumbled, evidently flustered. Her boyfriend's laugh only made her feel more embarrassed as he ruffled her hair.

"You're too precious sometimes. It's interesting seeing you be the flustered one, considering all the flirting you do. It's a nice change of pace." He remarked, before glancing around the room. He soon noticed the packed bags that surrounded the place. 

At this realization, he couldn't help but frown a bit. He had completely forgotten, she was scheduled to leave as soon as the job was done. Funny how a month could feel so short in an occasion like this. "So... I see you're all set to leave."

Kitsune sighed, sitting up and looking around the room as well. "Indeed... I'm heading off tomorrow." She told him, looking back to see his expression. Since he wasn't wearing a mask right now, his expression was much easier to read. He looked a bit down at the news.

"Hey, enough with the sad face, Sweets." She said, gently putting a hand on his shoulder. "It isn't like it's permanent. I promise, I'll be back before you know it! I just gotta handle some paperwork." She assured, smiling softly at him.

Meta exhaled, smiling in return. "That's very true, yes. And to say I'm excited for your return is quite an understatement." He stated, lightly kissing her cheek. "Be careful, alright? I trust you'll be able to handle yourself, but I'll still worry." He asked.

Kitsune chuckled. "Trust me, I'll be alright. My guy friend lives next door to me, and whenever I have to go anywhere at night, he's right with me. Hopefully you'll be able to meet him- he's nice." 

"I look forward to it. You'll have to thank him for taking care of you for me." Her partner joked, snickering as she lightly elbowed him.

"Yeah, yeah." Kitsune playfully mocked. "That aside, how are you gonna get back to your place? Is someone gonna bring you a new mask, or...?"

"My sister is. She's quite skilled with metalworking, I've noticed. In the meantime, though, I think I'll stick with you until tomorrow. If you'll have me, that is." 

"Oh, of course! Honestly, I have an idea for something perfect.. We haven't actually snuggled yet, have we?" Kitsune questioned, standing up. She waved to him with her hand, motioning for him to follow.

The knight complied, taking his chestplate and pauldrons off. Kitsune took her ponytail out, at which point Meta noted how long her hair actually was. It went all the way down past her knees if it weren't tied up. "You have beautiful hair." He complimented.

"Aww, why thank you, Sweets. You have nice hair yourself." Kitsune responded, laying in bed- now just wearing her undershirt and the shorts he assumed she always wore under that deep red skirt of hers. "C'mon, lay with me." She patted the spot beside her.

With a nod, Meta laid down right beside her- at which point Kitsune quickly seized the opportunity to cuddle up to him. Meta chuckled a bit, lightly wrapping his arms around her in return. "Comfortable?" He asked.

"Very much so... You're warm." Kitsune answered, nestling closer into him as she yawned.

"I'm glad." Her partner yawned as well. "Sleep tight, mi amour..." He muttered, closing his eyes. Kitsune smiled, resting her head on Meta's chest.

"Goodnight, Meta... I love you..."