Goro Takemura x Reader

Seventeen

Wrapped in silence you sat at the edge of Yorinobu's private suite and stared out of the window. Rain ran down the glass in small trails.

Night City was wrapped in a veil of grey clouds and dirty raindrops. You could smell the iron that came with a weather like this, mixed with a hint acid.

Even the natural weather changes weren't how nature intended them to be.

In the corner of your vision, a shadow moved. You turned your head.

"Takemura, you don't have to keep such a big distance.", you said and raised a clay cup to your lips.

The content was still hot. It burned the inside of your mouth and made you flinch. As you did so, a few drops of steaming tea dripped onto your legs. It was unpleasantly hot but your injured legs made it impossible to jump up.

Instead, you cursed.

"Arasaka-sama.", all of a sudden Takemura offered you a handkerchief made of black fabric.

It appeared to be expressive, with two letters embroidered at the bottom.

G. T.

The T must have been for his surname, Takemura.

You wondered what the G was for. Most likely his first name.

But what would it be?

Probably something noble, a name that was given to a pet that was loved like a member of the family. Something that would honour the solider that he presented himself to he.

After Saburo's departure Yorinobu had commented that it was odd that he left without his loyal guard. Turned out that Takemura was your fathers very personal bodyguard.

It was strange that you had never met him before or perhaps you had but never paid any attention to him. Either way, he was your bodyguard now. And Saburo's eyes that would report everything.

But it wasn't his fault that your father used him as his tool. Respect was due everywhere and you did not plan on pushing the blame on Takemura.

With a smile and a nod of your head, you accepted the handkerchief and dried your clothes. The fabric was softer than you had expected.

"Is it silk?", you asked with a closer look at it.

Torn from his solider state of mind, Takemura's eyebrows rose with both confusion and surprise.

"Nani?", he asked.

"Your handkerchief.", you held it so that he was able to take it back. "It feels quite soft. Well made."

He took it but did not immediately put it back in his pocket.

"It was a gift.", he said.

You smiled.

"Wakarimashita.", your gaze returned to the rainy world outside.

There was a tablet in front of you on the table. The screen showed a blueprint scan of the relic. Or at least how it was supposed to be.

Reality looked different though.

And you did not want to think about it in that moment. Instead, your eyes followed the small drops that fell from the sky, how they painted pictures against the windows and filled your ears with a soft tapping sound.

Silence settled again.

But you could feel that something wasn't calm. Or rather someone.

Again, you glanced at Takemura from the corner of your eyes.

He kneeled on the bare floor, his hands respectfully placed on his knees and his shoulders straightened. He truly did look like a solider. Like someone who did not know how it was to relax and let go.

He simply wasn't allowed to.

"Takemura.", you pointed with your entire hand towards the cushion that was free opposite of you.

He looked at it, you dared to believe there was a hint of relief on his face, yet did not act on your invitation.

"You are very kind, Arasaka-sama.", he bowed. "But I prefer to sit on the floor."

So he had quite a strong sense of duty. And he did not like to take leverage. If he had to be uncomfortable, so be it. It was part of who he was expected to be.

Now you couldn't help but chuckle.

He noticed, his head tilted to the side with curiosity.

"You are doing well, samurai.", you said to him with a soft expression on your face. But please. "We will be here for a while. Sit with me. It will be less straining to your knees."

One more time his gaze jumped to the cushion. This time, however, he allowed himself to look a little further and checked what was on the table.

Hanako had insisted on tea. You weren't in the mood for warm drinks but her mind couldn't be changed once it was set on something.

Your sister wanted you to drink tea, so you did. And not just any tea but one that was served in a traditionally flat tea kettle with cups made of clay and no handle.

It filled your hands with warmth. The steam gently kissed your face with moisture as you raised the cup to take a deep breath.

"Would you like some tea?", you asked, amused as he looked away on purpose as you commented on his obvious desire. "There is plenty for the both of us."

"You are very friendly, Arasaka-sama.", his gaze lingered on your work before he decided to rise from the ground and stand up straight. "But I must decline. Forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive."

"If you believe so.", he bowed. "If you will please excuse me for a moment. I will have to exchange some words with Hanako-sama."

His steps were silent. Almost as if he were a ghost. A quality of great value if it was an ally. But you made a mental note to not ever end up on his had side.

He seemed like a man who should not be messed with.

"Takemura.", you called out for him before he was able to disappear inside the elevator.

He stopped in his tracks, spun around and faced you. His gaze was so stern.

How serious could a person be?

Or rather, how much seriousness was needed to remain at the top of the food chain?

Surely not any man could make it all the way up to Saburo Arasaka's side.

His eyes met yours.

Perfect white collided with curious (E/C).

"Do Neesan and you want to convince Yorinobu to give himself up?", you asked. "Or are you... working out a plan in the very likely case he refuses."

Oh, how he looked at you. So full of surprise. It was written all over that disciplined face of his.

Yes, you knew. And he was supposed to know that you knew.