Goro Takemura x Reader

Nineteen

"You called for me, Arasaka-sama?", Takemura's smirk physique appeared as an outline in the dim darkness of your room.

He stopped, a few steps away from your bed, folded his hands in front of his stomach and bowed respectfully.

He was so polite you almost found it charming. Or perhaps you did. After all, he was a handsome man with manners that you appreciated. The way he acted reminded you of home.

It made you like him even more. You almost forgot that he was your fathers guard dog.

"Takemura.", you turned the screen of your tablet dark so that he wouldn't be able to see the blueprints for a second relic that you were working on. "Would you do me a favour?"

You gifted him a soft smile but it was a reflection of your tired state of mind.

His shoulders loosened. He felt welcome in your presence. A good first start. Since you wouldn't be able to finish the project within the next few weeks, you thought it would proof useful to make friends.

Or at least create a work environment in which the two of you felt comfortable with each other.

"If it is an order, I shall fulfil my duty.", he replied with this stern, serious look on his face.

He wasn't all that young anymore. A few details gave away that he was of higher age. But he had kept himself sharp, his eyes were still watchful and his face barely touched by time.

Just the grey stands in his black hair and a few spots of his beard told a different story.

Your gaze wandered along his body.

He had quite a hand full of cyberware. Besides the fully mechanic neck, he also had eye implants. No normal human would have had white eyes. A thin like of shiny metal stretched across his slim face, another modification although you weren't sure what purpose it was supposed to serve.

His shoulders moved once more and he stretched his back. He had noticed your gaze and wanted to appear aware. It wasn't an option for him to present himself loose.

The movement drew your attention to his hands. He always kept them folded in a polite, non-aggressive manner whenever he was to just stand by and keep his mouth shut.

They also were modified, you could tell by just one glance, some metal plates on his knuckles for reinforcement. It was to put more force in his grip or a punch if necessary.

"I'm not ordering you around.", you said and closed your eyes for a moment. "I'm asking for a favour."

His eyes moved across your face. He seemed unsure but knew that declining wasn't really an option. Not to him, nor when it came to a favour out of your mouth.

"What is it that I can help you with?", he asked with his head lowered.

He wasn't submissive, you noticed. His shoulders never slumped and he did not try to make himself smaller. There was always strength and confidence in his voice.

He was just polite. Maybe a bit too polite.

"Sit with me.", you gestured towards the big armchair that stood next to your bed. "I want you to inform me a bit."

He did not move. Not yet.

"My apologies, Arasaka-sama, but your father has advised me not to share any information with you."

Your eyes narrowed. But the smile did not fade from your lips.

"Regarding his plans with Yorinobu, I assume. Don't worry about that. I'm not interested in their future."

"Then, with all due respect, how am I supposed to be of service to you?"

It was almost sweet how innocent he was. And so well mannered without withholding his own thoughts. It was clear that your father held him in high regards. Only very few people were allowed to speak this freely with the Arasaka family.

Most people just said yes and amen without daring to look into your eyes.

Takemura, however, was a man with his own personality. He reminded you of Hanako's personal bodyguard, Sandayu Oda. Although that young man tended to be quite rough and impatient at times.

"Hanako told me about your duties besides my personal protection.", you said and took a deep breath. "The kidnappers."

"Mercenaries.", he corrected and finally decided to take a seat. "They were hired by Dexter DeShawn who was hired by Militech. In hopes they could get their hands on the one who works on the relic."

Surprised, your eyebrows rose.

"You already managed to gather quite some useful information. I could have told you the part about Militech, but unfortunately...", you covered your forehead with your palm. "...Unfortunately I wasn't in my best state of mind."

"Please, do not feel responsible. I am glad you are alive and safe now."

You inhaled deeply.

"Indeed, I am alive.", the smile on your face trembled and a hint of uncertainty appeared. "And so are the ones responsible?"

He nodded.

"I fear so. But do not worry. I am on them. And they will be held accountable."

Even though it was just words, he managed to persuade you with them. The expression on your face relaxed and you could let your head fall back into the pillows.

For a brief moment, Takemura examined you. His robotic eyes seemed to scan every single detail of your face, down to the smallest blemish, a freckle or perhaps a beauty mark that you hadn't even been aware of.

You pretended not to notice. It didn't bother you how he looked at your face. Maybe he tried to find something on it or he just wanted to remember who he was supposed to protect.

Either way, he didn't make you uncomfortable. He was respectful with everything he did.

After a while he lowered his head with a nod.

"I shall take my leave then.", he was already up as you opened your eyes again.

"Another request from me.", you asked. "If you allow."

He stopped in his tracks and folded his hands once more. Due to the black fabric of his work kimono he was barely visible in the dark.

Just his eyes seemed like phantoms inside the shadows.

"How may I help you?", he asked.

"Would you sit with me? Just a little longer. Until I fall asleep."

His gaze wandered over the blanket where your bandaged legs lay hidden.

"If it helps you fall asleep I'd be happy to be of service to you, Arasaka-sama.", he sat down next to your bed once more.

Relief filled your chest. The truth was, you didn't want to be alone after what had happened. And he made you feel safe.