One Flirtatious Knight

Chapter 22: She'll be Back- Just You Wait

The next morning, Kitsune awoke to a pair of arms wrapped tightly around her- as well as a leg draped over her hip. She slowly fluttered her eyes open, immediately noticing Meta cuddled up next to her. He looked rather peaceful, despite his typical stoic demeanor. It was precious, really. It also made Kitsune realize how short he was compared to her, adding to the cuteness factor. Not like she'd tell him that.

A knock at her front door finally caused the navy-haired knight to wake up. "Mmm..." He groaned a bit, snapping his eyes open. He quickly shot upright in bed. "Oh, damn it, what time is it?!" He frantically asked.

"About seven. I hear someone at the door- sit tight." Kitsune responded, getting out of bed and exiting the room.

Meta was about to follow before he remembered he didn't have his mask. He huffed, flopping back in bed. As he waited for Kitsune to return, he thought back to the previous day's events. Dedede definitely wasn't pleased, knowing his plan had ultimately backfired. And he doubted he'd let up in his attempts to see his face. He sighed, figuring it best to simply just rip the metaphorical bandaid off before Dedede not-so metaphorically does the same to his mask.

Besides, he had a plan.

After a few moments, Kitsune had come back- a new shiny, silvered mask in her hand. "That was Tourmaline- she came by to drop this off." She stated, handing it to him. 

"Ah, perfect timing." Meta remarked, taking the mask and quickly putting it on. "Perfect fit. Though, I suppose that's to be expected. My sister's been repairing my mask whenever needed for centuries- she's quite knowledgeable on the subject of metalwork." He boasted, feeling prideful for the younger woman.

Kitsune chuckled. "Seems to me you're more prideful over it than she is." She joked, picking up her own mask. She went to put it on, but hesitated. After staring at it for a moment, she just put it in her bag before slipping on her skirt and overcoat. 

"Do you mind if I fix your hair up?" Meta suddenly asked, stopping her as she reached for a hair tie.

"Huh- oh, sure, go for it, Sweets." Kitsune nodded, handing him the accessory. She sat in front of him as he tied her hair into a high up ponytail. "I'm assuming you help Tourmaline with her hair too?" She questioned.

"On occasion, yes. Sometimes she'd tie it a bit messily, and I'd have to fix it so it wouldn't get in the way of training." Meta responded, finishing up. "There you are. Now then, I suppose it's time we..." He let out a sigh. "...take you to see you off."

Kitsune hummed, bending slightly to kiss the top of his head. "It'll be alright, Meta. I promise, I'll be back before ya know it. Just you wait." She assured, smiling.

"I know, I know. I just got used to you being here, it seems." Meta responded, taking her hand. "Now then, come along. Besides, I think now's a good time to tell everyone the news. And I know exactly how to go about it." He stated.

"Oh, alright! What's the plan?" Kitsune asked. Though Meta didn't give a direct answer. Instead, he gave a slight smirk as he answered her question- albeit much more vaguely than she would've preferred.

"Oh, you'll know. Believe me."

---

"Goodbye, Kitsune!"

The townsfolk all seemed to chime in unison as the redhead stood by the path to lead her out of town. For the time being, her and her partner weren't touching. As far as they could tell, he had merely escorted her here. All according to Meta's plan, apparently.

Kitsune gave a soft smile, giving a wave. "You're all much too kind. Thank you for all the hospitality." She said.

"Poyoooo!!" Kirby whined, throwing himself at her ankles and nuzzling them. "Ki-neee..." He looked up at her, his big blue eyes watering slightly.

"Ohh, baby..." Kitsune frowned, scooping him up. "It'll be alright- I'll come back. I promise, it'll be like I wasn't gone at all when I do because then you'll be stuck with me permanently." She gently wiped his tears, barely resisting the urge to squish his cheeks. 

"No need for tears, little star. Just be strong for me, yeah?" She asked, kissing his head.

Kirby looked up at her, lightly patting her cheeks with his paws. "Poyo!" He chirped.

"That's the spirit." The dame chuckled, setting him back down. She started to turn. "Well then, I suppose I should-"

"Wait, Kitsune. One last thing before you go." Meta suddenly chimed in, prompting everyone to turn their attention to him. Kitsune hummed as she looked over. Before she could ask what he wanted, however, he reached behind his head- unclipping his mask and pulling it off his face.

"Did he just-?!" Dedede trailed off.

"-Take it off willingly?!" Escargoon finished for him.

Before anyone else could react, the shorter knight grabbed the front of the dame's jacket- pulling her closer to his height as he stood on his toes. He gave her relatively quick, yet loving kiss on the lips. Kitsune could only barely kiss back before he pulled away, giving a playful smirk.

"Consider that payback for that night at the beach, mi amour." He stated, chuckling under his breath.

Kitsune giggled, her face slightly tinted pink. "Well played, love, well played." She remarked, kissing his cheek. "I love you. I'll see you soon." 

"Likewise, bella sirena." Meta nodded, waving her off as she left. Once she was finally out of earshot, he let out a sigh. "Until we meet again..."

"YOU TWO ARE TOGETHER?!" Tiff abruptly asked, Tourmaline gasping alongside her.

"Meta Knight, for how long?!" His sister demanded.

"Oh, about... Three days or so." Meta shrugged.

"And you didn't tell me?! How dare!" Tourmaline tackled him, pouting.

Meta laughed, messing up her hair. "I apologize, Tourmaline. It was a mutual agreement to keep it secret. At least you know now, yes?" He questioned.

Tourmaline huffed, chuckling a bit. "Fair enough." She patted his head. "In all seriousness though, I'm real proud of you, y'know." She stated.

"Hm? What on Popstar for?"

"For getting over that fear of yours, silly." Tourmaline responded.

Meta hummed, smiling a bit as he put the mask back on. "Perhaps I did, but I'm still going to be wearing this around. I quite like the slight intimidation factor it brings." He remarked.

Before too long, the crowd dispersed. And later that day, Meta was back on the balcony he seemed to love overlooking the courtyard from so much. He gazed up into the sky, smiling faintly to himself. It was strange no longer having Kitsune at the castle, but it was fine. She'd be back.

And stars, was he greatly looking forward to the day that she would.