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Guest were coming and the workers were running around helping everyone. The festival was coming and it's only right to be this busy and tight. The bell rang so much that it was giving a headache. No time to slack off. Aliya was doing the booking and showing the rooms. People tried to engage with her often, maybe because of her "bubbly" and outgoing self. All kind of citizens were here, doesn't matter rich or poor, everyone leaves a little something to the guest house.
—Excuse me, miss. How much for a night or two? — the voice came from a stranger around her age in hat with yellow tinted glasses. His gaze cold and not interested, so mysterious. His clothes wasn't the best nor the smell or sight. Probably poor.
—We're running a bit tight and have rooms left for two, — she tried to gauge his reaction giving a sweet smile and leaned to whisper, — but, between us, I could give you a discount.
—I know that there's no discount, but whatever. Other guest houses are full either.
—You're happy go lucky, I'll show you the room! What's your name? — she walked in front of him, trying to get through the crowd. He didn't even lose her among these guests like the other people. Huh?
—It would be better if you didn't know, — short and rude. Aliya found him captivating for some reason.
—I'm good at keeping secrets, — she said cheekily before dropping him the key, — are you an assassin? Samurais are usually... polite.
He said nothing and shut the door. How could he? Aliya was so sweet and all of this for nothing! Day is ruined.
Later in the evening she found herself flirting with other guys, because it got so boring to stand around, and they would leave there more money! Japanese girls had to be all shy and quiet. Actually, who cares, like, oh my god! Maybe that's why this place gone this far and big?
Dinner time. It became all chatty and loud again. Poor cook, he needs to have 4 hands and even this wouldn't be enough. Aliya noticed that guy again. She called him "Hat" since, well, there's no name. He didn't even fill the form, and she wanted to confront him about this. Fixing her hair and clothing, she made her way to him just for a random old man to stop her. He smelled so bad and he was wasted. She nearly threw up him. Now comes the disadvantages of working here:
—Miss, would you like to show me more rooms and test the beds? — his hand slid off her thigh. Felt so disgusting. She wanted to cut his arm and his golden place.
—I don't provide this kind of service, sir. You've must be mistaken, this place is not a brothel, — she tried to sway away his hand, but he gripped tighter.
—I don't do mistakes, I pay you money — you make me feel good, — his other hand went to hem of her kimono.
—You've got a problem? — hat guy twisted his arms., — Get away before *I* cause you trouble.
He took of his blade, so shiney, and placed on guy's hand. He looked so scared and started begging for forgiveness. More people got engaged, but no one of them made a move. Are these the guys she flirted with? So pathetic. Why are they standing on corners like scared mice ?
—Don't do it, — said Aliya breaking the silence, — That wouldn't end good to anyone.
—In that case...I hope he leaned the lesson, — he pointed the blade on the old man's neck for the last time and drew it back.
—Of course, I did! I'm so sorry. I'd pay twice... no! Third time more!
Aliya got back to the counter and tried to calm down. This was crazy. The guy she thought less of saved her and was ready to something really awful just for her sake. Oh my god. Was it the knight shining? She decided to leave her place and go on top, to the roof. The moon is shining and the wind is breezing, leaving the nature sounds. Aliya found herself studying people outside. Analysing and imagining what would they do when they got home...She needed to stop this.
—Why you didn't let me finish? — the guy again scaring the shit out of her. She was standing there for ten minutes and he decided to speak now.
—I almost jumped off from here, — Aliya looked up at him sitting on top, his scarf was blown by the wind, — if something happened, I'd get all the blame. Isn't that how it usually works? Blaming the victim?
—I suppose you're right, — after a defeating silence was settled.
—Thank you. It never—.
—I don't care, no need for cheap talk. Why didn't your little boys help you? — Aliya swear — he smirked. It was a little smile. Literally a tiny line up.
—Because they're boys, not men. Maybe you could teach them, — she turned to go back to work.
—Name's Mizu. "Between us", — he copied her. So he's Mizu. Water, right?
***
Next morning, Aliya being up from the dawn left a little something in front of the hat guy. She wouldn't call it big, it's just a little treat: freshly made buns with beans. The cook was very surprised to get such a favor as Aliya disliked beans a lot.
The day started again, which means it gets busy again. Some guests were asking where is the best place in the city, where could they take hot baths or find a temple. Aliya had to provide the good service even for a small and not so popular place. Running this place is hell itself, talking about the same thing too. The bell rang — tea ceremony starts. Oh, and Mizu is here too.
Aliya gave a quick glance, that didn't go unnoticed by him. Of course, she would find him attractive. Of course, she was easy like that.
She helped to serve the tea to guests and went to Mizu the last, because that's her strategy.
—Thank you for the buns, — he watched her with piercing eyes, catching every movement.
—I don't know what you're talking about, — she poured the tea on a little cup.
—I can see right through you, Aliya, — how did he know her name? Seeing her being so surprised he gave a smirk again, — Don't act so surprised, you're quite popular here.
—Well keep your ears open.
***
Aliya was told that's a very important guest is coming and she didn't know WHO. It could be literally everyone and she wouldn't know it. Even if she acts the same with everyone, she was commanded to be a perfect little housewife. What if she missed him already? No, she didn't.
A man with guards came in leaving her startled. Who the fuck he was?
—Good morning, miss. I'd like to get the biggest room.
—Of course, I'll show you.
—I'd be grateful.
Aliya almost tripped, fell and did all embarrassing things she could and couldn't imagine. Never in her 20 years. Due her personality being clumsy was her charm, but not right now. She caught Mizu eyeing this man up. I mean who wouldn't though.
—I'd like to keep it quiet, no distractions, no guests, — he said before walking in and closing the door.
The hell it was? She walked down the stairs to get back to her workplace. The guards were sitting comfortably in the hall, some of them went to the dining table, some were protecting the man.
—I haven't seen a more nervous person than you. What did he say? — asked the hat guy, trying to keep it district.
—The usual: don't touch me and I'll give you money. Why? Do you know him?
—No, but I heard about him. People say his an interesting guy, — Mizu leaned against the counter watching the guards, — What about the guards?
—Free to do whatever they want. Are you truly an assassin?
—No, just someone who knows how to fight.
—Please take your fights outside and miles away from this place, — she tried to see his face better, — glasses to hide eyes...Smart. They look cute though, so why keep them in secret?
—Listen, I'm not a fan of chit chat. And don't call them "cute", you don't know anything, — he quickly stood straight to leave.
—Rude. What's wrong with taking a little compliment? I'm just trying to make your stay comfortable.
He left again. Seriously. This guy has to learn some manners. That's not how you talk to a young cute girl. But she found it hot. That man...was it a reason for Mizu's stay? I mean, asking her about all this stuff... Whatever. Aliya have seen weird people more than enough, but Mizu — he had her blood boil. He's a stranger she felt angry towards to. She needs to touch some grass.
***
The cycle repeats, dinner came and she served again. Joking and laughing around with guests, she made it to Mizu again. He looks so off from the whole scene, it's like two types of worlds in one place.
—Stop pitying me, I see it in your eyes. I'm not a stray cat to keep fed, clean and petted.
—I'm just trying to be nice, — she put the plates on the table and sat across him, — Well, and maybe I want to know a guy, who keeps hiding from the whole world.
—You don't have to know.
—But I want to. I like knowing about people around.
—Then find someone else to interview.
—No. I want you.
—And *I* don't. Now leave me alone.
—No, — Aliya was watching him closely. But this guy didn't give away anything, except the eye roll, — I think I heard about you. Didn't you beat Teigen?
—So now you're spying on me, — he gave not an amused look.
—He just told me about a samurai in a funny hat and funny glasses.... And a lot of other things you wouldn't want to know, — the slurs he told needed to be censored in a few layers.
—Pathetic, — Mizu looked at the side.
—He kinda is, a very cute one though.
—You've a got a terrible taste.
—I didn't throw myself at him. Plus his head was funny. He's not evil or whatever...Just... questionable.
—Did he told you about the monster or demon part? — he suddenly got closer.
—Yeah, I thought it's too silly to judge people just because they're slightly different. Maybe that's because I've seen a lot of crazy stuff, — Aliya just shrugged, — I had talked with outsiders, usually they get bullied so much. I feel bad and I can't help. I can't even fight, if I said something wrong, I'd just get killed. I don't think there's a way to end this cruelty.
—Well I have a surprise for you, — he took of his glasses. The funny ones. Aliya met deep blue water color. It felt like time and all the chatter stopped. It was very surprising indeed. She saw the eyes of a demon. Eyes were cold, lost the spark, but they were so captivating. Wrinkles and bags around his eyes just completed the look.
—I mean it in nicest way possible. I could drown myself and never come out. I'm not joking. Can I look closer? — Mizu did so. Aliya saw herself in the reflection. Would she think that this hut guy is ugly? Never, — I'm not even sure what to say, they're like piece of art.
—Stop with your sweet words. No way anyone would ever find it this way. I showed because you keep bothering me.
—I can't get scared away...So you were going through hell because of this? I can't even comprehend.
—And you don't have to. Thank you for the meal, — he was about to leave again.
—Do you always run away in a slight inconvenience? I don't wish you evil.
—Good night, — he took one last look.
***
Aliya and not only her woke up at the night because of a very loud scream. Barely opening her eyes she went to hall to see what was going on. Some people were out to see where the voice came from — that man. Oh my god. Aliya quickly made to his door, it was locked.
—Sir, are you okay? What's going on? — Aliya asked only to hear more stuffed moans. I hope he didn't get killed. Quickly taking the key from the closet, she opened the door. The man had his hand cut off and it was very injured. Quickly taking a piece of clothing she wrapped it around to stop the bleeding and called for someone to help. Where were his guards?
—It was..a guy..in a hat..tall...a samurai, — Mizu. Is this why he was walking and gathering information around?
—Oh my god, I'm so sorry. Do you remember how he looked? There's a lot of samurais around and not so in hats.
—It was too dark to see.
The man left with some people who volunteered to help, now the sleep is gone. Why would Mizu do it? Maybe not him, but where's Mizu in that case? He would walk out, if he didn't do it, right? All of this is so weird. Aliya called for servants to clean around and helped herself. She tried to reassure the guests, but they didn't seem to calm down.
Start of new hell?
In the morning a lot of guests decided to leave and Aliya couldn't blame them. But if they're smart, they should know that killer doesn't kill twice in a same place — too risky to get caught.
They organised tea ceremony for those who stayed to keep them together, and guess who came — Mizu. Of course, it would be him. He came all nonchalant like nothing happened at all! Aliya wanted to tear him down.
—I asked you nicely. I said please and thank you. And you decide to injure that man.
—What?
—Don't okay innocent. Where were you last night? — she took his collar, — Oh, of course, just cleaning the blade from the blood. Perfect, how could I not know?
—No, Aliya, I truly don't understand.
—Were you asking about that man?
—Yes.
—He knew something you don't.
—Yes.
—Why would you touch him? Why did you cut his hand? So he couldn't hold a sword? Couldn't fight back? Did he hit your nerve?
—I didn't—. I wanted to ask him questions, but today. In the morning. Maybe afternoon. At night I was busy with... it's not your business! But I wasn't here since the dinner, — he took her dead grip off from him.
—Huh? So it wasn't you.
—No, learn to listen first.
—I'm so sorry, Mizu. I didn't mean to sound like that ! — she gave a deep bow, — You just fit the description in a way anyone could: tall, wears a hat, a samurai.
—I'm not a samurai.
—Okay...Maybe someone wanted to betray you. Who's in your mind?
—Oh, who's in my mind is my thing to deal with.
***
Aliya was half sleeping, none came today. She tried to read books but everything felt so boring. What would usually do if she had free time? Probably walk around the city and meet her friends. Or maybe so. Life didn't end when whatever happened that day.
Sometimes Aliya wonders about Mizu. This guy...He didn't come back after that accident, she prayed he'd be safe. If she wanted to lust over she'd a better guy, but it goes on a deeper level. Maybe she cared about this hat guy because she felt bad for him and wanted to help, to ease the pain and heaviness at least in some ways. Would Mizu ever accept it? Probably no, he's like a spoiled kid when it comes to it. What's wrong with taking a little help? What happened, that it makes him die rather than taking the hand?
The door slid open, and it made Aliya wake up. Rubbing her eyes she greeted the guest. It was Mizu himself, a bit nervous, tips of the ears slightly red, a hint of smile on his face.
—Mizu?....Thank God you're alive, — she took his hand, — I was so worried about you and didn't even know where could I find you.
—Glad to see you too, Aliya, — he tried to release the hand, but she had a death grip. It felt so dangerously humanly right,— just for the night.
—You'll tell me everything.
—If you insist. But that's a long story and I'm a bit of hungry, — he smiled at her. Why he's happy today? Aliya was weirded out.
—Where is your cold eyes and blank face? — she asked not beating the bush around.
—Am I not allowed to be in good spirits?
—It's unusual, if I could say so. Maybe it's for the better, — Aliya showed him the room, — Just come whenever you're ready.
—Thank you, Aliya, — he didn't even glanced around, just looked at her, — Give me a pleasure of joining me for a dinner.
She gave a little smile and turned around. Her cheeks were dusty red and hot. Why was she so forward and why was he happy to be dragged around? Was Mizu happy to be here? Did he did whatever he wanted to do? Is he on the vacation?
So many questions.
Aliya sat across her. It felt like an interrogation(in a way). They shared a simple meal with some side dishes on the house. They looked like an argued family with heavy defeating silence of unspoken words. Mizu was taking quick glances of Aliya before looking back at her plate.
—So...— he started, but got silenced hy her.
—I'm waiting.
—You're mad at me.
—Giving the circumstances — yes. But you're still a stanger, who happened to share a secret with me.
—You're mad. What do I do? — he smirked at her. He's just straight up teasing Aliya. And she liked it.
—Don't play with me.
—Oh, but I want to, — he took a bite still smirking.
—You're enjoying it.
—I won't deny,— Mizu's smile grew bigger as her blush deepened— Alright, what would you like to know, hmm?
—Well, for starters: did you reach your goal?
—Yes, and even more.
—Did you find the culprit?
—Yeah, don't worry your little pretty head about it.
—Why you decided to come here?
—You won't believe.
—I'll try to.
—There's a chance that I just wanted to see you, — she murmured that Aliya nearly caught it.
—You know I have plenty people saying that, but it feels so different coming from you, — Mizu's face got blank away, the smile vanished like never before. Did Aliya say something wrong?
—Of course, you have people saying that...Forget it. I came for a stay and that's it, — the hat guy starred at the wooden table, clenching the chopsticks.
—No, please, don't give me this attitude, — she covered his hand hesitantly, — I meant, it feels genuine coming from you...I like it more.
Mizu froze as his gaze slowly moved down, watching as her hand on top of his. Why was Aliya so casual about touch? Mizu was silent, no snarky comments, no blunt response, nothing. For the first time, the samurai was...quiet.
—Sorry, I didn't want to offence you, — his hand didn't twitch. He wanted to say something — anything, but nothing came out, — I probably hurt you and you hate me.
—No!— Aliya, I don't hate you, — words blurted out themselves. Mizu could pull away his hand or sway hers away. But he wanted to keep it under her heat, her softness, her care, — you're doing this...too much.
—Do what?
—The empathy stuff, — his hand grasped hers on top, — Is this why you're popular? Pitying people around?
—It's called comforting, not pitying. Some of them just want to be heard and patted. It's not hard to do.
—So now you're just doing your job like I'm one of *them*, — he looked away with a bitter expression.
—No, I'd never do that to you. Not after what you told me.
—I haven't told you anything.
—Your eyes did.
Boom. The silence again. It was like everyone felt this heaviness and some kept looking at them. Maybe they were curious about this guy and Aliya, who were staring at each other. It felt oddly intimate. Only their hands speak.
—What do you want from me?
—Trust wouldn't hurt, but overall nothing, — Mizu lowered his head and chewed on his lip, like he was a step away from doing or saying something dangerous.
—Easy for you to say. I don't even know where do I start.
—Whatever comes to your head.
—Could we talk about this in private? — Aliya nodded and they went upstairs to his room, — I've never showed it to anyone, but since you want my trust...Sit.
—Boss me around more.
—Aliya. It's not time for that, — he slowly started untying his kimono. Under her questioned look, he started taking it off until it fell on the floor. His chest was covered in bandages.
—Gosh, you have to eat more. So what's now?
—You don't see? I'm a woman, — Mizu started taking off the bandages, revealing breasts. It made Aliya so stiff and awkward. It's not her first time seeing a naked woman. But it was Mizu. The mysterious guy she liked.
Mizu's shoulders were tensed, her expression closed off as if she was expecting rejection or any negative reaction. She averted her gaze, her blue eyes glistening with a hint of vulnerability.
—Why?
—I was forced to be a man, and it's easier to stay hidden.
—You're right about that..., — Aliya caught her scars, cuts and bruises, and Mizu seemed so small, — I don't know what to say...Mizu... you're so strong for this... Thank you for your trust. I know it wasn't easy.
—You're not disappointed or disgusted?
—It's not on me to decide. Nothing changed for me, except I know where your background comes from. I'll still care for you whether you like it or not....But to brighten up the situation I'd say I'm more on women's side, — her words left Mizu struck. Her face still the same, could it be a joke? No one ever...accepted her. But Aliya took it like a good girl. Wasn't it so hard for others to do? Aliya stood up and gently helped her to tie the bandages around, — you're still so beautiful. You don't have to say anything at all.
Deep down Mizu was touched by her words. She felt so cared for, reassured, she finally found piece, in the most unexpected and random person. Mizu felt a bit ashamed that she was rude giving cold shoulder to Aliya. This girl literally just heard something else besides "a monster". She couldn't wrap her head up. Still stunned, the samurai watched as Aliya helped her to dress back — she had no power to fight back, she felt so safe. Is this her solace?
—I might not know—
—Shut up. Just...hold my hand like you did before, —said Mizu getting overwhelmed by all of this. She needed to stay grounded, maybe Aliya's hand could help.
They settled on the tatami(floor bed). Mizu closed her eyes and was trying to collect herself through gripping the other's hand, while Aliya didn't know what to do and was sitting in awkward(for her) silence.
It was taking a long time, Aliya was happy to sit beside her and fell asleep holding her in this uncomfortable sitting position. She doesn't even remember how she did so, but woke up the second she felt the hand missing — Mizu was making the bed.
—Oh my god, I have to go back to work, — Aliya quickly stood up, — or else I'm gonna get killed. I hope you'll finally have a good sleep...You know where to find me...Uhhh, bye!
She gave a quick peck to Mizu's cheek — no one knows why, she just felt like doing it. And opened the door before giving a last look to flustered Mizu. Aliya found her so cute. Maybe even cuter since she knows Mizu is for girls.
***
Aliya made it back and saw some people enjoying the evening tea. She hoped she didn't miss a lot and other coworkers did her job well.
—Aliya, was that you with a samurai? You know it's not a brothel to be hanging around with guests, — said a man, the owner.
—Sorry, it's just my friend. He's back from travels and I wanted to hear more about it.
The rest of the evening was fine and she went to sleep. Nothing exciting.
***
Aliya saw Mizu and got shy. They were so intimate yesterday, and it was her first time being this close to anyone... She looked away and tried to make her usually-outgoing-but-now-sheepish self. Was she forward yesterday with a kiss? I mean no, but it's Mizu even hug feels like proposal.
—Excuse me, miss, — she turned to voice. It was Mizu. She turned away, — I think it's rude to ignore a guest.
—I'm shy.
—What? And why is that? — Mizu sounded like she didn't understand what was going on. Aliya fidgeted with her fingers as she turned and looked up at her, — I know thanking is not enough. What do I do to make it up?
—Making up what?
—The yesterday's...your whole "comforting" thing, —Mizu lowered her hat, masking her own shyness.
—A kiss would be good for starters, — said Aliya looking at the stuff on the counter.
—A kiss? I don't do...kisses.
—Just a small one, I don't ask for a make out, — she gave a sulky gaze.
—Only a small one, — Mizu took of her hat, leaned forward l and pressed her lips to Aliya's cheek. She was about to melt in spot. She wanted —needed another one.
—The other cheek, — oh, Aliya was getting cheeky real bad. Mizu had to only listen and oblige, — So far it's good. Maybe you have to redo it later.
—Is it your death wish?
—Oh my god, what are you even saying?!!! — she was silenced by kiss on her lips. Real kiss. From Mizu. She was holding the hat hiding them from the rest world. Her lips moved fast, messy, tasty. Aliya's was about to fall if not Mizu's hand on her waist bringing closer, —Your past is something we can't change and I shouldn't be worried about it, but your future is my concern too.
The end.