Keeping Secrets *Mitsuhide x OC*(COMPLETE)

Standing (Part 1)

Obi's plan to get me in trouble with Reila backfired... sort of. I made sure to tell her that Obi was the one who got the answer and used more force than I did, so we both got chewed out for putting ourselves in danger for her sake. She did thank us afterward for saving her from them and again from the poison, but then promptly scolded us again. It was adorable more than anything else. She's so tiny she doesn't appear threatening. I stayed with her that night because every time I got up to move or step out for a second, she was afraid I was going to leave her. I hadn't wanted to leave her anyway but I stayed for her and she seemed to be more comfortable with me there. I'm sure she's been a bit traumatized by the kidnapping. I just wish we would have heard something since we were right outside the door, but with how Obi spoke of them they're just as skilled as he is when moving silently.

Garak dismissed Reila the following evening after determining that she'd be just fine but told us to watch for any side effects or issues that might cause more concern. Reila insisted on walking on her own so Obi, who appeared as we were leaving, and I walked on either side of her as she took a few wobbly steps. Each step was painful for her but she clenched her jaw and pushed through it. She made about ten steps on her own before her legs gave out and we had to catch her. She had tried to continue walking but didn't have the strength to stand so I carried her in my arms. I'd never admit it out loud, but despite the situation I enjoyed holding her. Obi kept cutting me smug looks and pushing his pointer fingers together while making kissy faces. She'd fallen asleep on the way back to her room, so once I placed her in the bed, Obi and I stepped out into the hall, and I shoved him out of the window.

I wake up just before sunrise and stretch in my chair by her bed, cringing as my back cracks in protest. Reila is sleeping soundly in her bed still. With the medicines she's on plus the pain relievers Ryuu gave her, I imagine she'll be asleep for another hour at least. I get to my feet and make sure her window is firmly shut and locked before slipping out of the room. I just want to go back to mine and clean myself up before coming back. I honestly don't think I've slept in my room since she's returned. With everything going on I don't believe I could have rested in my room regardless. When I leave my room a short while later, Kiki is leaned against the wall waiting for me. She tells me that Zen wants to see me and I think back to Reila, hoping that she'll stay asleep until I get back but it's hard to tell. I think she will be alright.

When we reach Zen's office, he starts to ask about Reila and how she's recovering, then asks about how Obi and I were able to get answers when the guards couldn't. I hold back a laugh and simply tell him that we were just really persuasive. He gives me a look and I know that he doesn't believe me but he doesn't press further. He tells me that they were able to find out that Arnian Gerron hired them, which I already knew, so he's sent a group of knights with an official document calling for his arrest. Zen then asks if I've told Reila anything yet. If he weren't the second prince... Instead I sigh and shake my head.

"You're turning into Obi... And like I told Obi, I'm probably not going to tell her because I don't want to possibly interfere with whatever plans she has once she's healed and able to leave. Her parent's controlled her life, I don't want to be in the way of her freedom. Besides, I think her near-death experiences are a bit more important to deal with than my feelings."

"Mitsuhide, you almost lost her three times since she came back. I hope nothing else happens but if something did, would you be able to live with yourself knowing you never told her and took that chance?"

No, but I can't stand in her way. "I won't let anything happen to her, I hate that I've left her alone right now as it is."

"Mitsuhide, we have another problem." Obi's voice comes from the window.

"What is it this time?"

"Your plan to keep her hidden from Lord Canswen failed. They're outside right now."

"She was asleep. How did she even get out there?"

He gives me a sheepish look. "I came to check on both of you and she was awake and worried since you were gone. She wanted to try to take a walk so after she got ready I brought her outside. He just happened to be in the garden when we got there."