The Voice of Japan

*10*

The water lapped around her body as she sunk deeper into the tub. The pains had subsided after a day with Kiku and fully in Japan, yet it still sent chills down her spin as it replayed in her head. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw him again as the phantom pains ravaged her body. She had lost count of how many times he had woken her up as she screamed out. How many times he comforted her and wrapped his arms around her to get her to sleep once more.

She felt dwarfed in the large tub as she stared into the water, wondering what next would come for both of them. Yet her mind whirled on how Thales almost took her, that no matter what she did, if it wasn't for Kiku, he would've even beat her uncle to her own virginity. It scared her. More on the thought that it could happen again and that time, they would get what they wanted.

"Harper?" she heard Kiku call from the door.

"Hai?"

"You ok?"

"Hai, just thinking." she pulled her knees to her chest as she rested her chin upon them as she heard the door open.

She knew it was taking a lot from him not to run in embarrassment from her. Not because she was naked, but his decency towards women and the naked body. But feeling the warm water trickle down her back from his hand was soothing nonetheless. She hummed in appreciation as he continued, soothing her troubles away.

"Relaxed enough or more oils?" he asked.

"No, I'm fine now."

She heard him rustle things around as she leaned her head against the siding. His footsteps grew faint as he walked away from her, having the panic slowly rise in her once more.

"Kiku, wait?" she stammered out, "Don't leave me. Onegaishimasu."

She heard him pause as she held her hand outside the rim, waiting for him patiently. She didn't dare look up from the water as she knew her face was a mess of tears as her lip trembled. Before she knew it, she felt his fingertips grace her wrist as usual, the only added part was the movement behind her.

"Move yourself up a little."

"Kiku?" she was shocked he was getting in the tub with her.

"I have my shorts on, do not worry." he reassured her, "Just relax."

"But I don't want you-"

"I'm fine."

"Kiku."

"Harper."

That same tone from him, the don't worry tone. She felt his fingertips grace her shoulders as they moved gently along her skin in comfort. Everything he had ever done was by her own accord and ok. Each touch and caress, one he asked from her. Yet now, she craved more.

She gently moved back against his hands as they traced her shoulder blades, "More please. It feels good."

He obliged as his hands traced down her back along the water's edge. She wanted more of it as a warm chill ran through her.

"Are you ok?"

"Yea, just enjoying it."

She knew what it was doing to her, had the girls to help there as they spoke of their active sex lives. She just wondered if it was doing anything for him as she sat in the tub along with him. The water lightly sloshed around her as she felt him wrap his arms around her, just above her breast as he leaned his head against her shoulder.

"Kiku, what are you-"

"Trying to collect myself." he quickly spoke as he moved away from her, "I'm sorry Harper but I have to leave."