Akari closed her purse and placed the strap on her shoulder. "I'll be back later."
"I hope you have a pleasant time with your friends." Maria smiled. "Say hello to your family for me."
"I will." Akari said.
Ayato emerged from his room and walked towards them. He stopped when he noticed Akari's bag. "Shouldn't I accompany you to town?"
"I'm going to hang out with my friends and visit my family afterwards." Akari looked over her shoulder. "You can take the day off and relax."
"I can't do my job properly if you're always going off on your own." Ayato remarked. "If you're worried about misunderstandings, I can keep my distance while you're in town...but I'll be close enough to reach you if you need help."
"I understand you want to help me, but I'd rather make this trip alone." Akari turned around to face him. "Please respect my decision, Ayato."
Ayato lowered his gaze. "Alright."
"Then, I'll see you two later." Akari walked towards the front door.
Maria waved at her. "Take care, Akari."
Ayato watched as Akari left the mansion.
"Don't worry, Ayato. Akari will be fine." Maria reassured. "The people that wanted her dead are gone now."
"I know." Ayato said.
"Also, Akari is used to moving around town freely." Maria added. "I'm sure her refusal wasn't personal."
"I'll be in my room...let me know if you need anything, Lady Maria." Ayato turned around and began to walk away.
"Actually, there is something you could help me with." Maria said.
Ayato stopped walking.
"I heard from Akari that you're going to give her combat lessons...I was hoping you could teach me too." Maria said.
Ayato turned around to face Maria. "I don't mind, but is there a reason you want me to teach you?"
"I feel like others always treat me like I'm delicate." Maria looked Ayato in the eye. "I don't want to be someone who needs protection all the time."
"Do you find it stifling when people treat you like you're fragile?" Ayato asked.
"A little." Maria smiled wryly. "I just want to get stronger, so my loved ones can rely on me too."
"I see." Ayato began to walk in the direction of the backyard. "We can start the lessons right now since I'm not busy."
***
Akari, Senri and Rima stepped out of the car.
A young woman with short brown hair and glasses lowered the car window. "Rima, Senri make sure you don't stay out too late; you two have a photoshoot tomorrow morning."
"Yes, manager. Thank you for giving us a ride." Rima opened her parasol.
"No problem." The manager turned to Senri. "Where is your parasol, Senri?"
"I did not bring one." Senri said.
"You get sunburnt easily, so you get under Rima's parasol too. You're a professional model!" The manager exclaimed.
"You should carry your own parasol, Senri. I won't always be around to shield you from the sun." Rima reminded.
"You can borrow mine, Senri." Akari held her parasol in front of Senri.
YOU ARE READING
No Warmth
FanfictionAfter Akari was separated from her family as a child, she is taken in and raised by a human family. Ten years later, she attends Cross Academy seeking to find clues on her origins and vampire family's whereabouts. She also hopes to learn more about...
