~Tomoe X Reader: Book One~

6. Bound

You grazed your fingertips over the skin of your midsection in amazement.

The skin that had grown back was slightly lighter than your regular skin tone, leaving four smooth white scars.

It actually looked really cool, like a zebra-striped pattern, and you looked about you.

The futon was a mess, so was the mangled remains of your shirt, which had been completely shredded at the bottom and was more of a crop top at this point, though luckily your jacket was still unharmed.

Though, sitting up had made you a little bit dizzy, and you spread out your hand to steady yourself.

It's been a while since they headed out, but you were still surprised when you saw the two shrine spirits come back into the shrine, without Tomoe.

The two spirits bowed.

"He has gone into the world over yonder, lady (Name)." Onikiri said solemnly.

The world over yonder echoed throughout your mind, and you gritted your teeth.

"Then take me to him."

---

You leaned up against the side of the building, panting, then looked down at the white talismans and paintbrush in your hand, given to you be Onikiri.

"So, if I write something on here, and stick it to myself, I can become that?"

Onikiri shook her head. "It all depends on how much power you have. You're still just starting, and first you need to-"

You stuck a talisman onto your arm, and Onikiri cut off.

"Did it work?" You asked, and Kotetsu and Onikiri nodded in unison.

The small, scribbled writing on the scrap of paper read "air", and to other's eyes your body was completely invisible.

"Impressive, lady (Name)!" Both shrine spirits called in unison, and bowed.

You smiled at them, trying to work up your determination.

"So," you muttered, looking at the door that Tomoe was supposedly behind. "All I have to do is go in there and give him a peck on the lips, he won't even see me, he'll barely feel it, then I'll have a familiar to..." You wiped your brow, realizing you were sweating nervously. "...do... Uhm.... God stuff..."

You buried your face in your hands, heat rising up into your cheeks.

"Ready to go, Lady (Name)?" Kotetsu asked, and you looked up, nodding. Then you realized they couldn't see you nod.
"Yeah," you said quietly."

Kotetsu and Onikiri hovered over to the door, opening it wide, and you stepped into the the building as quietly as possible.

The room was large, with wooden floors and walls, dimly lit with candles and lanterns. Incense was burning, and in the center of the room was a pile of decorative pillows. An empty bottle of sake lay stood upright beside it, and laying on the heap of pillows was Tomoe, smoke curling and twisting up from his mouth as he held his decorative pipe with two slender fingers.

Tomoe immediately opened his eye, purple irises catching the light, and gazed at the spirits with irritation.

"We're here to ask you to become lady (Name)'s familiar," both spirits said at once, and Tomoe closed his eyes.

"I'll pass," he said nonchalantly. "I'm quite enjoying my freedom."

The fox spirit rolled over with an irritated fling of his tail, and the shrine spirits erupted into whining and protests.

Sighing, Tomoe stood.

This is my chance.

You took a silent step toward him, then another.

The world around you slowed, the argument of the shrine spirits and Tomoe quieting in your ears, and you stopped, gazing at the fox spirit.

You were right in front of him now, close, so close, and you squeezed your eyes shut.

I can do this.

Your hand shot out, and your fingers wrapped around the fabric near the neckline of Tomoe's kimono, grabbing a fistful of the clothing as you pulled him down.

The fox spirit's eyes widened, but he had no time to react. Your lips locked with his, and the talisman from your arm came loose, fluttering to the ground, your body once again becoming visible.

Warmth blossomed in your chest, a jolt of thrilling electricity shocking through your system, and you pulled back, eyes shadowed. You bowed your head, and looked down at Tomoe's slack wrists as a golden band of light looped around them, then faded.

"Curse you, woman." Tomoe whispered softly, then turned around and away, fists slightly clenched.

His silken tail swished from side to side once, and the door of the building closed as he left.