Midnight's Reign

Chapter 10

They danced the night away. The handsome couple moved with surprising ease, elegantly twirling and traversing between the other guests. There were a few times where she actually stepped on his toes by accident; Her whispered apologies only made him smile even more.

She caught a glimpse of some of her friends dancing as well. Mitsuri and Obanai were dancing together. A shy, blushing Obanai was an adorable sight to see. Even Shinobu and Giyu danced, although from the look on his face, Asami sensed that Shinobu forced him to dance with her.

After a time, she decided to take a break. Her feet sore from her heels and her growling stomach, she decides to go to one of the many tables that displayed trays of delicious food. Somewhere along the way, Tengen had abducted Kyojuro. Something about needing help with an important task; she didn't bother asking for details.

The array of entrees and desserts were a foodie's dream. Her eyes skimmed over the countless options. Honey roasted duck, baked sweet potatoes, trays of sushi. Where does she start? Her eyes move along the length of the long table, landing on one of the hired waitresses. The young woman was emptying a trash bin at the end of the table, wearing simple clothing with an apron tied around her waist.

She looks familiar.

Asami moves closer, trying to get a better look at her face.

"Dina?"

Her friend turns to face her, a look of surprise on her face. "Asami? What are you doing here?"

"I was invited; I'm friends with the host. It's good to see you." She takes note of the bags under her friend's eyes.

Dina nods, "When you last wrote to me, you mentioned your mother. I'm sorry about what happened." She says as she ties the trash bag she's holding.

"Thank you." Asami's eyes skim over her friend's face. Her keen eyes can see the faint difference in her skin tone near her eye. Evidence of bruising underneath concealer.

She reaches her hand to touch her shoulder, but Dina pulls away. "Dina, why won't you tell me what's going on? I can see the bruises."

Dina's expression quickly changes to one of displeasure. She bends down to grab the other trash bags by her feet and heads for the side door. "There's nothing to tell. Go enjoy the party; I need to get back to work."

Her friend opens the door, disappearing outside. Asami quickly follows her. The cool night air blows against her skin as she trails behind her.

"Dina, please. Talk to me."

Dina walks briskly towards the dumpster, tossing the bags inside before whirling around to face her. "Just drop it, okay? I'm fine."

"You're clearly not. Who's hurting you?"

"Stop! Just mind your own business, alright? I don't need you up my ass every time I get a boo boo." She says angrily.

Asami is completely taken aback by her heated words. She opens her mouth to speak, but what does she say? It seems every time she tries to peel back the layer of secrecy, she's only met with an aggravated Dina. Her friend shakes her head, wiping her hands on her apron. A look of regret flits across her features, but it's gone as quickly as it appears.

"Look, I know you care about me, but I just need some space. Life is shit right now; just trust that I can handle it, alright?" Dina says.

Asami gives her a long look, not wanting to accept that. But she swallows her doubt, knowing her friend won't accept anything else for an answer.

"Alright." She finally says.

Dina nods, walking past her as she goes back inside.

She lets out a long sigh, craning her head back to look at the night sky. Nothing. No stars bless her sight. Just an empty black sky; seems fitting.