Save Me From The Monsters (TomoeXReader) • Completed •

The Dance

Listen to the music while you read, and I swear you won't regret it. :)

Chapter 8: The Danc

15 years later

Word Count : 1014

The air is clear and cool when Mikage steps out of the shrine.

Tomoe and I sit side by side, drinking sake and watching the world. Stars shine above us like gems, and the moon sends a dim light over the shrine.

"The moon is beautiful tonight." Mikage says softly as he sits between us. With a wave of his hand, red lanterns that litter the garden come alive, and suddenly the area is warm. I smile softly.

Not two minutes pass by before Mikage is bringing his bamboo flute to his lips. Chills run down my spine immediately. I've always loved the sound of bamboo flute, but I've never heard anyone play it like Mikage does. The music fills the night with a soft melody, and I close my eyes, every perfect note comforting me in ways that I cannot describe. I tilt my head back, unable to do much else as the flute breathes with Mikage.

The wind tickles my nose, and the sweet smell of Sakura finds me. I open my eyes to see pink petals dancing in unison to the wind. I look to my master, but instead, Tomoe catches my eyes. There he sits, on the edge of the patio, leaning forward, his chin toward the sky and his eyes closed in bliss.

The feeling of comfort is nudged aside, seeming faraway next to this new feeling erupting in my chest as I stare at my fellow familiar. His eyes flutter open, and he turns his head to me, locking violet eyes with mine. Surprise coats his face.

"(y/n)" he says softly. I look away quickly, my face turning red as I peek back at him. His surprise is replaced with a gentle smile. I bury my face in my knees as I bring them to my chest. Mikage says nothing, his eyes closed as if he is unaware of what surrounds him.

"Dance with me." Tomoe says, his voice taking me by surprise. I look up at my fellow familiar. Tomoe stands before me, his arm extended, a devilish glint in his violet eyes. I gulp. I bring my hand up to his and stand. He leads me down the cobble stone path, toward the center of the courtyard.

Tomoe pulls me around to face him and places a steady hand on my lower back. Butterflies explode in my stomach and my eyes widen in surprise. He touches me so casually, and not an ounce of doubt in his eyes.

Mikage's melody slows.

Tomoe smiles down at me, raising an eyebrow.

"What? Were you never taught to dance?" He asks, chuckling. My face turns red as I divert my eyes. I cautiously ease a hand to his shoulder as he adjusts his grip on my hand.

"Step on my toes, and you can say goodbye to break days." He says. I look up at him angrily as he smirks.

"I've danced many times!" I blurt out. "It has just been half a century since I've had a partner." I mumble the last part under my breath, and Tomoe laughs, a deep genuine laugh as he tilts his head back. I look up at him incredulously.

"What?" he asks as he catches my glance.

"I've never heard you laugh like that before." I say. He spins me around.

"Well, I've never had a reason to laugh like that before," Tomoe says, pulling me closer to his chest. His words stir a feeling inside of me that I cant put a name to, and without thinking, I bring myself closer to him, resting my head against his chest. He inhales sharply, but relaxes after a moment.

"You should laugh like that more often." Tears prick the corners of my eyes. "You should laugh like that all the time." His arms circle me as we embrace in a hug, both of us aware of the underlying implications of my words.

You deserve to be this happy all the time Tomoe.

Truth is, I've never had a partner, I've never danced with anyone except my instructor, and she was a bitter old woman who yelled at me when I stepped on her feet.

But now that I'm standing here with Tomoe, I'm not sure how I ever danced with that old hag.

I pull myself away from him, wiping furiously at my eyes.

"Lets dance." I say, looking back at him. His finger wipes a stray tear from my cheek. Worry plasters his face.

"(y/n), I-" The sound of thunder crashing above us interrupts him and we laugh softly. Rain begins to fall, and we run to the shrine, our bare feet kicking up mud. Mikage stands on the patio, holding two towels.

The rain must be cold against my skin, but I can only feel the warmth from Tomoe's hand pressed against mine as he leads me back to the porch.

We wrap ourselves in the dry cloth and Mikage smiles.

"You two work well together. I think Tomoe's beginning to enjoy your company more than he does mine." He gazes at our intertwined hands and smiles.

"I'll get you two a change of clothes. Wouldn't want my familiars to get sick." Mikage slips into the shrine, closing the sliding door shut behind him.

"Turn around," Tomoe says as he turns to me. I look at him skeptically.

"I'll braid your hair, it'll keep it from dripping once we enter the shrine." Tomoe says, turning me by the shoulders.

His fingers work quickly.

He hums Mikage's melody.

@@@

Short and sweet with this chapter.

This is actually the first chapter I wrote when I started this book.

Its also the last we'll see of Mikage for a while.

Say your goodbyes

And your prayers

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Harleigh