Chapter One-Hundred And Two: Day Four: A Little Love Goes a Long Way.
Christina's Arc: Bend or Break
Good damn! A little love goes a long way.
After we arrived at my house, Christina told me to make sure my room was ready for both of us. Naturally, it was because I cleaned it when we were here. But I didn't mind entertaining the idea. Besides, I needed some space.
But she surprised the hell out of me. There was a week's worth of bags filled with clothing on my bed for both of us, and damn, if I hadn't upped the rewards, I wouldn't be in my current situation.
I was lying out on the couch in Christina's embrace, and she had her hand down my shirt, rubbing my chest, which felt kind of good. It's wrong, I know, but there was one positive about it: She brought Ayame, who was forced to watch the whole thing with her My Queen this and My Queen that mentality. Well, Ayame, your Queen is loving all over me, and all she could do was glare.
I smiled at Ayame, who beautifully pursed her lips together. I mean, damn. I was winning all over the place.
"Mom, Dad, I'm home!" Sakura announced.
Well, I can't win all the time.
I heard her kick her shoes into the genkan.
I heard her set her backpack on the island.
Please don't see me.
Then I heard the sound of fabric rustling against the sofa.
"Are you fucking dumb, or do you want an ass-kicking?"
I frowned, and Ayame grinned.
"Come on, Sakura. It's been a long day, and I just want to—"
"Get belly rubs from royalty? You do know you're coming back in twenty-three days?"
Christina scoffed, and then my reality came crashing down. Thanks, Sakura.
"Dear sister, don't threaten my hani," Christina defended.
"Yeah, sister, don't kill my vibe."
Sakura's face smoldered.
"Sakura, leave your brother alone. If he wants to melt in the arms of the queen, let him," Mom said.
"This is the same scenario that got him—"
The sound of steel slowly leaving its sheath rang out.
Sakura's eyes met Ayame's, but she wasn't afraid or surprised.
"Y-you," Sakura muttered. "I-I've got homework," and like that, she grabbed her backpack and took off to her room.
Well, that's a first. Sakura typically scolds me when I'm doing something wrong. She also said, 'you.' Had she met Ayame before?
"That wasn't necessary, Tetsuzaki. Sakura postures, but it's harmless," Christina said.
"Yeah. Your face was enough to drive her away."
Ayame started walking toward me. Her sword was half-drawn.
"I dream of smacking that dirty little mouth of yours."
"Knock it off, Tetsuzaki," Christina scolded Ayame, who sheathed her blade.
"Yes, Your Grace," Ayame replied.
I moved Christina's hand.
"Shit…now you've upset him, Tetsuzaki."
"Nah, I'm just going to check on my sister." I rolled off the couch and made my way toward Sakura's room, which was past my room, the bathroom, and our parents' room. Christina was whispering something, but I couldn't make it out. Maybe it was a threat or something.
I started to knock but stopped short of the door.
To hell with being polite.
I opened the door and prepared for a fight.
"Look here, asshole—"
Sakura was in her underwear, topless. I swear, we were standing there for hours in her green and red room, exchanging blinks instead of words.
"Fucking knock, idiot!"
"How about you cover yourself or something!"
"Why?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips.
Stupid flipped norms.
"Never mind, Sakura. I forgot you were a boy."
Her face turned red, she gritted her teeth, and she started her angry walk.
Head low.
Shoulders high.
Every step toward me felt like it could shatter stone.
"I'm going to beat your ass!"
Shit, I forgot my question.
I backed out of the room and slammed the door closed. What a mess. Now, why did I come back here again?
I turned to go back into the living room when my blood ran cold, and I collapsed to the floor. Ayame's punk ass was right there, staring me down.
"Why are you just standing there, you freak?" I shouted.
"You're fucking pathetic, did you know that? How the hell are you good for my Queen if everything scares you shitless?"
"It's not everything…just your face."
She grabbed me by the collar, hoisted me to my feet, and prepared what looked like a slap.
"You sure you want to do that?" I said.
Sakura's door opened, and Ayame lowered her hand because she knew she couldn't touch me, just talk.
"You're right," she said, and then let go of me. "My Queen, who I love, told me not to, so I won't."
"That's what I—"
A blow from my blind spot sent me stumbling into the wall across the hall from Sakura's room. The sting from the slap lingered. When I turned, Sakura was standing in her doorway, fully dressed, rubbing her hand.
"That was a long time coming, idiot," Sakura scolded.
"Fucking hell, I didn't hit him, but it was still satisfying." Ayame chuckled. "To think, I was planning on killing you and delivering you to your brother in pieces."
Sakura's eyes met Ayame's.
"I-I don't think I've offended you to receive that kind of injury to my name."
Ayame tilted her head.
"You know, losing my life for this idiot, and then being sent to him. At least send me somewhere nicer," Sakura said.
…
Ayame laughed, like really let it out.
"What the hell, Sakura! She just threatened you!"
"Yeah, she probably did it because you can't keep your fucking mouth shut!"
The thought of her being okay with being chopped up into pieces and sent somewhere else hurt worse than the slap. The thought of Sakura being okay with death as long as it's not for me caught in my throat, and my eyes watered.
"M-Mom!" I cried out.
***
Dinner was odd and consisted of less affection from Antwon than earlier.
I didn't know whether to blame Tetsuzaki or Sakura for Antwon's poor state, but all Antwon did was cry and glance at Sakura. Yua joined us for dinner. We ate some strange shrimp meatballs that were actually quite enjoyable. Tetsuzaki seemed pleased with everything.
In the end, Antwon acted as the royal taste tester, and I spent most of dinner wiping Antwon's tears. I don't know what could have caused him so much pain, but I'm certain that I had Sakura to blame.
I stepped out of the bathroom, ready for bed, but not quite tired enough to sleep.
Moving toward Antwon's room, I heard talking in the living room. I peeked inside his room, and he was lying on the floor with the lights off.
"Hani, you can shower now."
The queue to use the facilities was shorter this time because we rented out the apartments next to Antwon's home, as I couldn't fit four guards on his sofa. Yua and Ayame would take turns guarding the Carter residence with Tsumugi and Natsuki. This way, someone could watch each apartment.
I walked into the living room and found my royal guards sitting with Sakura, but joining the conversation would only shift the focus. So, I listened from the hallway.
"See what I mean, Tetsuzaki. It's like I know her from somewhere, but I only met her through our queen."
"Sure. Sure, Ayame. You're like that with everyone, but I knew I liked her from the moment I saw her talking shit to her brother."
Was that before or after you almost drew your blade?
"Was that before or after you threatened to cut me into pieces?" Sakura asked.
How bold of you to call her out, Sakura.
"Come on, that's just how it goes. What's a little violence between future colleagues?"
They all laughed.
"Fucking hell, Ayame. You're like the most sadistic person I know."
"I aim to please… Oh, don't do that, kid."
"Yup. You've made her cry."
I suppose that's normal for a girl who isn't used to the way soldiers banter. I'd better step in—
"No, I'm just really excited. I'm sorry."
You cry when you're excited?
"Well, I am an impressive specimen, if I do say so," Ayame boasted.
"Ha! Keep talking like that, and your head's going to pop, Blush Tyrant."
That's a fair assessment. You do blush when a pretty boy talks to you. I wonder how she and her partner are doing? I should ask when we get back to the estate. I should grant her some time off so they can focus on producing an heir to her house.
"What the fuck did you call me, Yua!"
"Blush Tyrant!"
"Bitch, the only thing about to blush is the carpet after I cake it with your blood!"
I stepped into the living room before swords could be drawn, and their eyes found mine.
"I believe it's time to switch shifts."
***
Now that the festivities were over, I had expected Antwon to snap out of whatever emotional stupor he was in. But here I was, lying in his bed alone with the lights on, listening to him knock on Sakura's door, begging for forgiveness. Maybe I should have Ayame cut her up and send her to the Orchard. They have beautiful gardens.
"Antwon, go hug your queen."
"I'm sorry for calling you a boy," Antwon cried.
Why does it feel like I'm his second pick?
"Sorry? Well, I'm sorry I'm not built like your fucking Christina! Now get the fuck out of my room!"
…
Sakura's door slammed closed.
She could have been nicer. It wasn't as if he—
Antwon's room door opened, and for some fucking reason, I lay still. Why? I did nothing wrong. But he didn't lie on the bed. Instead, he took a pillow and started to lie on the floor, again.
"Don't be foolish, Antwon. I want you here."
Why do I feel so fucking pathetic?
His tears continued to fall down the side of his face, but he didn't whimper or make a play for attention. I guess this is what it looks like when a boy is genuinely hurt. How could Sakura look at him and not feel bad?
I wiped his tears, and he rested his face in my hand.
I mustn't kiss him unless he asks.
"Oh, it's okay, hani. I'm here, and I won't push you away."
I licked my lips.
I mustn't.
I brought my other hand to his face, and his soft green eyes ignited something in my stomach. I wanted to devour him. But all I could do was rub my fucking thighs together and wait for the contract to solidify.
I got up and turned off the lights, then resumed comforting him.
I brought his face to my chest and held his head. He hugged me, of course, but I still felt betrayed.
I wrapped my leg around his. We were fully dressed, which I hated, but it was safer than risking a guard barging in, thinking I was in danger, and glimpsing what's mine.
Antwon's breathing steadied, and his grip around me loosened. He was asleep…maybe he'd touch me in his sleep again.
How pathetic of me.