Guardian

Chapter Twenty-Seven

HEADS UP GUYS THIS CHAPTER GETS PRETTY STEAMY ABOUT HALFWAY THROUGH! JUST THOUGHT I WOULD WARN YOU!

"Messing with it won't help," Blake said and stopped Yang's fidgeting by grabbing her hand. "It's just going to take a little time to get used to."

Yang huffed and held the arm up to her face, wiggling the fingers. "It's not that it feels weird. Honestly it's the opposite. I was expecting it to feel foreign, heavy, and clunky but really it's light, easy to maneuver, and perfectly proportionate to my other arm. It's just also very..." She trailed off, searching for the right word.

"Distinct?" Blake finished and Yang nodded. "I'm sure it will turn some heads for a moment but there are plenty of people with Atlas tech like that on their body."

"I know, I know. I guess I just never thought I would end up needing it."

Blake snuggled as close to Yang as she could in the car that Ghira sent for them since Yang's bike was still parked at her apartment, and closed her eyes, content for the moment until the driver mentioned they were coming up on the Belladonna house. As they got closer Yang's leg began to bounce nervously and Blake had to calm her down again, assuring her that everything would be fine.

"Yang!" Ghira roared in excitement and picked her up on giant bear hug that was comforting despite it relieving her of her ability to breathe.

A gentle hand on his shoulder reminding him of his strength. "Perhaps we don't send her back to the hospital the same day she got out dear," Kali flashed Yang a motherly smile. "I'm glad you're back on your feet again."

Ghira set her down and scratched at his beard with a nervous laugh. "Sorry about that! We were all very worried about you. I'm just glad you've healed well."

"Doctor said I've got my aura to thank for that," she grabbed Blake's hand and tugged her a little closer, "but really I think it's cause Blake was there."

Blake's face turned a light shade of pink at their show of affection in front of her parents. "You, uh, you wanted us to come by about Yang's job?"

"We actually have several things we need to talk to you two about but let's move to my office were we can discuss it over a pot of tea."

It didn't take long for Kali to brew her homemade tea and Yang was thankful when she brought them their cups, it helped ease the awkward silence that had filled the room. Ghira took a long sip of his before clearing his throat and flashing them a reassuring smile.

"First things first, I want to formally offer you a permanent position as Blake personal guard. You would be paid more and while you certainly don't have to, you could terminate your renters agreement with your landlord and live here. And don't worry about your relationship together," he added after seeing them exchange a glance. "I told Yang that I feel it gives her even more of a reason to keep you safe."

"Ghira you already overpay me as it is. It would almost feel wrong to accept more money from you."

"Nonsense!" He waved away her concern. "Yang I don't pay you any more than I do my own personal guard and Saber makes more than you due to his years of service to this family. So you'll be taking the job then?"

She stared at her prosthetic and ran her other hand over the metal. "Are you sure you still want to offer it to me?" She muttered. "I mean I failed at my job."

Kali stood from her seat next to Ghira and knelt in front of her, grabbing her metal arm. "You didn't fail Yang. You risked your life for our daughter and she is still here, alive, because you protected her."

"Technically my mom saved us," Yang grumbled. "We would both be dead if it wasn't for-"

Kali's hand shot up and for a second Yang thought she was going to smack her. Instead her hand firmly grabbed her face, squeezing her cheeks together in a childlike fashion. "You listen to me Yang Xiao Long. Just because you weren't the one who chased Adam off doesn't mean you didn't do your job," she tapped her metal arm and gave her a smile. "This is proof of what you are willing to sacrifice for our daughter. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise."