My Silver Protector

Chapter 10

This is it. The final end. I hope you all enjoyed this little fic.

    Still dumbfounded in shock, Ginji and I bundle up the little bit of belongings we gained during our time at Orio-ya and are on the ship back to Tenjin-ya before sunset.

Odanna continues to look at us and I can't place his expression. I'm not sure if he's angry or sad about the development in Ginji and I's relationship. I know he'd always known of Ginji's feelings toward me but not mine. He had no idea I was falling for his best friend and that made me feel like a wretch. I felt like the worst of the worst.

Ginji also notices my nervousness and takes me to the side. "I know you're worried about Odanna-sama's reaction but if he was really all that angry he would have blown up at us already. I wager he's simply sad."

"But I was supposed to be his bride. How do you think he feels?" I can't stop my gaze from straying to the ogre god on the other side of the deck. He wasn't looking at us but I suspected he might be listening to our conversation.

Ginji touches my cheek. "He's more understanding than you give him credit for, Aoi-san."

"I only hope you're right." I lean into his touch. My heart feels like it will burst when I look at this man. Surely we will be allowed to be together. I don't think I could bear being separated from him.

The surrounding air becomes quiet and I find myself itching. I look up to see Odanna-sama watching us with an indifferent expression. Is he only pretending to not care that Ginji-san has stolen me away? I stare back over Ginji's shoulder.

The kitsune doesn't say anything as he stares at me. He can tell by my expression that Odanna is staring at us. He doesn't look nervous but rather resigned. I can't read what either of them are thinking and it's making me increasingly nervous. Ginji's grip lessens until it's non existent. I know I need to approach the ogre god. He needs an explanation from me. Not just Ginji.

I step back from Ginji-san, feeling his eyes trail my steps toward the other side of the ship. I stop a few feet away from Odanna. The indifference in his eyes flickers into something sharp and sorrowful and I know at once I've hurt him deeply by falling for his best friend. Perhaps I should feel like a despicable person but I can't help it if I don't. My love for Ginji is too pure and raw. I can only hope he forgives me.

I drop to my knees and kneel.

"Stand up, Aoi-san." Odanna-sama shakes his head at me like I've done something inappropriate. "Ginji-san, step over here too."

Ginji doesn't freeze up and I have to give him credit for being so brave. Even as I stand back up, I can feel my legs quivering. I liked it much better on the ground. Ginji comes to stand beside me and I force my legs to stay straight and true. If he can do this, then so can I.

Odanna-sama doesn't speak at first; he just stares between us, gathering his words.

"At first, I was shocked to learn of the development between the two of you. I assumed it was simply to keep Aoi safe but I can tell just by looking at the two of you it's much more than that. I should have realized it would come to this. You're always together at Tenjin-ya." He looks away from us for a moment. "I had too much confidence in myself and thought I held your heart." He closes his eyes.

I hold my breath and peek a glance at Ginji. He's saddened by betraying his friend.

Odanna turns back to us and I blink. His expression of sorrow is gone. In its place is determination and a genuine smile. "I will release you from becoming my bride. In its place you will continue to pay off your grandfather's debt." He looks at Ginji. "You will help to pay off her debt as if it's yours."

GInji bows his head in agreement.

Odanna-sama sighs. "I guess we will have to hold a wedding in the next few weeks."

I gasp and Ginji jerks his head up. We both stare at Odanna-sama in complete shock. I think my mouth might be open but I don't care. "Wh—what?"

Odanna shakes his head, putting his hand on top of my head. "Little Aoi, what am I going to do with you? You've always gotten yourself into little scrapes. I don't know what I'll do when I don't have to save you from other ayakashi."

I feel my cheeks burn. Is this all he will miss?

Odanna-sama's eyes soften and tears prick my eyes. He's giving us his blessing, and that's more than words could ever say.

"Thank you, Odanna-sama." I give him a genuine smile; my heart is lighter. It's like coming home. I watch as he turns away to go into the Master cabin.

Ginji-san looks down with the same expression and takes my hand.

Tenjin-ya is coming into view over the horizon. A new day dawning. A new life. One with Ginji. Whatever challenges we face, I don't have to be afraid because I will be by his side.

I will always be thankful to Ranmaru-sama because really if we'd never been taken hostage, this never would have happened.

I give a little laugh at the absurdity of being happy over being kidnapped.

Ginji looks at me with a surprised look. "What is it?"

"I'm just thankful we were kidnapped."

His wide eyed expression has me giggling some more.

Ginji-san smiles. "I love you." He bends down to brush his nose against mine.

I close my eyes. "And I you."

He brings his mouth down to mine to capture a kiss. I forget anything I was about to say, surrendering myself over.