Worst Nightmare

Chapter 30

Author's Pov

Yoko's jaw tightened, the muscle feathering beneath her skin as she watched the teenage girl lean against the table, tossing out yet another flirty comment toward Faye. It wasn't even subtle-every time Faye so much as smiled, the girl's eyes lit like lanterns, as if she'd just won a prize.

Faye, of course, seemed perfectly oblivious, her attention fixed on the steaming cup in her hand. Yoko, however, was not oblivious. The irritation bubbled hot beneath her ribs, her fingers curling against her own arm.

Don't say anything. Don't say anything, she chanted inwardly, schooling her face into polite indifference.

The girl laughed, leaning forward, her hand reaching out as though to brush Faye's arm.

Yoko's gaze cut sharp and fast, like the edge of a blade. The girl froze mid-motion, then retreated as if she'd touched fire. No words passed Yoko's lips. None were needed. The warning in her eyes was clear enough to send the teen stumbling back, suddenly remembering somewhere else she was meant to be.

Faye's eyes flicked up, amused. "What?"

"Nothing," Yoko replied smoothly, lifting her tea to her lips. But her eyes lingered on the retreating figure until the girl vanished.

A small sound broke the tension-soft, nervous, almost like a hiccup. Yoko turned and found the little boy half-hiding behind the old woman's chair, peeking at her with round, awe-filled eyes. His face burned pink when she caught him looking, and he ducked behind his sleeve.

Yoko's lips parted in surprise-then she giggled, the sound warm and unguarded. She leaned slightly toward him, wiggling her fingers in a mock wave. The boy fumbled to return it, hiding his grin in his hand.

Faye watched from the corner of her eye, a smile tugging at her lips-until the boy, emboldened, blurted in a rush:

"She's... so beautiful. I wanna marry her!"

The table stilled. Yoko blinked, then bit her lip, laughter spilling out as she reached to ruffle his hair.

Faye arched an eyebrow, tilting her head toward Yoko in silent question. Really?

The boy, still innocent and earnest, frowned at Faye. "Who are you then?"

Before Yoko could even draw breath, Faye leaned back in her chair, utterly straight-faced. "Husband."

The boy's eyebrows shot up in a perfect mirror of Faye's own, his mouth dropping open in disbelief. The teenage girl snorted into her sleeve, the old woman chuckled, and the room filled with laughter.

The woman ladled more rice into their bowls, shaking her head fondly. "Newly married, aren't you?"

Yoko's heart gave a jolt, but her chin lifted with imperious calm. She nodded once, elegant and decisive, as though she were used to this.

Faye glanced sideways, lips quirking into the faintest smirk. Princess? her eyes teased.

Yoko shot her a glare that promised retribution later, though the corners of her mouth betrayed the ghost of a smile. Don't push it.

Faye only raised her cup in a mock toast, her eyes dancing with mischief. Worth it.

...

The storm outside raged on, its voice a low growl against the old wooden walls. The little house creaked as though it, too, felt the weight of the rain hammering the roof. After dinner, the kindly woman had led Yoko and Faye to a modest room with a futon spread neatly on the floor. The faint scent of cedar lingered in the air, and the dim glow of a single lamp painted the space in warm gold.