Goro Takemura x Reader

Fourteen

"How are you feeling?", Hanako placed a hand on your forehead to check the temperature.

Her golden fingertips were icy in comparison to your skin. But it was a pleasant change and have you a sense of comfort.

"I didn't expect you to set foot in Konpeki Plaza.", you joked and grabbed her hand to cover it with both of yours.

It was more of a joke but she curled her nose and a visible hint of disapproval appeared on her pretty, puppet like face.

"Keep your snippy words for another time.", Yorinobu advised from the end of the bed.

He had finally risen from the chair and now stood instead, one hand on the metal handle for support. His expression was still as stern as always but you dared to believe that there was relief hidden behind his tinged glasses.

"Arasaka-sama.", again, you believed to hear the voice of the stranger who had saved you.

Your eyes jumped to your shoulder. Struck by surprise, you flinched.

A man sat behind Hanako, barely one step away. He had a somewhat old face, middle aged, that was framed by a beard that started to turn grey. His long, black hair was kept up in a neat bun, similar to the way Hanako wore her hair.

At first you were intimidated. Until you noticed his eyes.

"Anata...", it slipped off your tongue in Japanese.

With a disciplined look on his face, the man bowed.

"Arasaka-sama.", he repeated, his voice a little rough and scratchy as he spoke in his mother tongue. "Please, forgive me. I haven't been able to act out the mission as intended. My deepest apologies."

He bowed once more.

Confused, your eyes wandered to Hanako.

The look on her face was one of worry.

"You don't remember?", now she spoke Japanese as well, nothing unusual considering that everyone in this room was part of the same family or at least grew up in the same land.

Irritated, you shook your head. One of your hands rose to touch your forehead.

"The doctors did not find any issues that were concerning.", Yorinobu said. "You suffered a minor concussion. Your bones, however... Well, let's just say you will have to take it slow if you want to get back on your feet."

"Is anything broken?", you asked and let a hand wander over the blanket where you legs lay hidden.

A sigh escaped Hanako. Pained, she squeezed her eyes shut.

"Your ankle is. And your left leg might break if you put too much pressure on it. Other than that you were quite lucky. Just a dislocated shoulder and some bruises."

"A car accident would have been as effective.", Yorinobu added only to earn a gleam from his younger sister.

"You should rest.", she advised.

But all you could replied with was a shake of your head and your hands clawed into the white blanket. A few red stains could be seen on it.

"I have a duty to fulfil.", you said and looked up again. "Otōsan puts great expectations in me."

Both of your siblings wanted to argue against it as, suddenly, the man who's name was still unknown to you allowed himself to speak.

It wasn't usual that employees of the Arasaka family were allowed to speak up. Especially not unasked. He must have held a higher position that you had through first.

"Arasaka-sama, with respect, the honourable Arasaka-sama would like to have a talk with you.", he looked at each of your siblings. "Alone."

For a brief moment both of them were visibly displeased. But a request by their father was like unspoken law. There was no denying him.

No answer left your lips even though it was clear what it would be. All you could do was stare at this man who felt so strangely familiar.

But he was entirely unknown to you. You knew that. Your mind knew that.

Your body, however, seemed to refuse that fact.

"Who are you?", it suddenly slipped off your tongue without permission.

It was a question born from curiosity. But the way you said it made it sound arrogant and unwelcoming.

Surprise chased over the strangers face. Composure returned quickly though. He was well put together and did not dwell in emotions too long.

If he ever did. A perfect fundament for a good solider.

"You really don't remember.", again there was this worry in Hanako's voice.

"What am I supposed to remember?", you asked without leaving him out of your sight.

"Takemura was send by father to lead your rescue mission.", Yorinobu sounded anything but pleased as he recalled the night. "He carried you out of the building, unconscious."

"I was pushed out of your flying vehicle. A trash vehicle caught the fall."

"That is where your injuries came from?", Hanako asked and grabbed your face in her motherly way once more.

"I assume.", your eyes lowered to examine your arms that were both wrapped in bandages. "Maybe they did something to me afterwards as well. There is... quite a lot of blur."

"We found you, that is all that matters.", Hanako let go of your face to place her hands in her lap once more.

"You look tired.", you noted.

She just chuckled and dismissed that comment with a smile. How weak she seemed all of a sudden. Not like her usual, royal self.

"We should get rest.", Yorinobu agreed with a quick gaze over to the door. "Hanako. Dine with me."

He offered her a hand.

But his sister remained motionless. Her eyes of ink were still fixed onto you. Never before had you seen her face move this way, her forehead covered in wrinkles while everything about her screamed in desperation.

"I cannot leave you.", she said, her hands flinched once more to reach out but she restrained herself.

You took her hand instead to give it a gentle squeeze. A smile appeared on your lips. You wanted to reassure her.

"I will be fine.", you said in a soft voice.

"I will make sure of it.", the man who had been introduced as Takemura promised as he bowed. "Watashiwo shinzite kudasai."