Xion: "Y-You want me to... use you as a pillow? "
She nods as a matter of fact.
"The Gods gave me these curves for a reason. "
I glance around worried that someone might get the wrong idea if they catch us.
'I've got enough on my plate without debunking rumours... Then again a short nap does sound inviting right now? '
Glancing at her skirt, I swallow hard before deciding to,
"Well, maybe just for a little while. "
She nods with an elated smile as I quickly set my bento aside. Then I ease my self back until my head is resting on her lap.
Vignette: "There now, doesn't that feel nice? "
""Yeah actually"
'Who knew it would be this comfortable?! '
'Then again she is not built like most other girls. '
I look up expecting to see the wide expanse of the blue sky.
Instead I find myself cast in the shade cast by her ample blossom.
'Definitely not like most other girls.'
She leans forward to lock her eyes with me.
"Admiring the view? "
"W-What?! I-I wasn't?! "
She giggles with a wry smile.
"You don't have to be coy about it, Xion. If you've got it, flaunt it, don't you think. "
'Can't argue with that, huh'
"You can look all you want, just don't try anything! "
I swallow again, turning my head away from her knowing gaze.
"I-uh, I wouldn't dream about it. "
I flinch slightly, as she begins to run her fingers through my hair.
"Well, none of us should be held accountable for what we do in our dreams. "
A shiver run down ny spine as her strokes overcame my last reservations. Soon I can feel the tension melting out of my body.
When I hum in approval, she twitters lightly in responsse.
"That's it, nice and relaxed. Let this Vignette take care of you. "
As her soothing words envelope me, I feel myself drifting off. Soon, my eyelids grew heavy and the world began to fade..
Lately my dreams ambush me the moment I fall asleep. When nothing but darkness greets me, i feel relieved.
'No flames and no bloody wars. '
'No cries for mercy. Just sweet oblivion. '
'No, that's not true. '
Even now, I can hear Vignette humming a sweet melody.
"Mm"
Eventually I wake to find her still dutifully stroking my hair. When I begin to stir, she looks down at me with a smile.
"Wel come back! Feeling better? "
I nod, clearing my throat.
"How long was I asleep? "
"Twenty minutes, maybe? No need to rush anyway. "
As I start to rise, she leans back to avert an awkward collision.
When she smooths her skirt out, I see a damp patch where my mouth would have been.
"Soory about that. Guess I got a little too relaxed. "
She laughs softly as she takes out a tissue and wipes it away.
"Don't worry about it. You wouldn't be the first guy I've had drooling over me. "
She flashes a wink.
'Yeah, I bet. '
"Come on, eat up! "
She hands me the bento again, humming contendly as she continues munching hers.
.
.
.
By the time we are heading back, my thoughts have turned to my new enigmatic classmate again.
Fortunately the rest of the day passes without any incident.
'The fact it was so normal is almost suspicious in itself. '
'Lilin seems to be playing her cards close to her chest. '
'Assuming I haven't just completely lost my–'
"Hold it right there! "
"Gyah! "
I startled back as she leaps out of the very same bushes again.
'At least she isn't trying to cut me in two with her sword this time though! '
"You get a kick out of scaring people or what?! Keep it up and I'll start taking a different route to home. "
"We need to talk. "
"Damn right we do, Mana. Unless you have a twin sister, what's that stuff all about? "
"Undercover operation. As of today, I'll be attending the school in order to maintain constant surveillance... Our usual teams can't operate in that setting without being discovered. "
"Ah yes, this mysterious group you claim to be working for. The one you conveniently aren't able to name. "
There's a hint of amusement in her otherwise cold eyes.
"As it happens I have been granted clearance s8nce we last spoke.
"I'm a part of the organization known as Legion.
"An agency made up of humans and lesser demon specialists striving to ensure peaceful coexistence. "
.
.
.
"You mean Legion is real?! "
"I have only heard rumours. "
"We prefer to keep it that way. Working from the shadows... Where the greatest threats lie. "
"And I'm Target Alpha, right? "
She gives a stern nod.
"So we're clear that this isn't just some elaborate plan to assassinate me, right? "
"No isn't, but make no mistake though. If it were up to me I wouldn't hesitate to take that step. "
"That soul you carry has committed unspeakable atrocities. "
"But I'm innocent and I haven't committed any crimes... Well besides jaywalking, but who wouldn't do that?! "
(A/N: Jaywalking means the act of crossing a street in an illegal, careless, or unsafe manner)
Lilin: "Unless this jaywalking is a war crime, that lies beyond my jurisdiction, I'm afraid... The guilt of the demon king is beyond question though. "
"Hold up, how could you not know what jaywalking is? What planet are you from?! "
She rankles slightly before her usual stoic mask returns.
"All my life so far has consisted of training to become an agent worthy of Legion. I have neither the time nor any interests in everyday life here. "
"That certainly explains the lack of social skills. "
Her eyes twitches slightly as she grits her teeth.
"I have all the skills I require–"
"For lurking in shrubs? "
"–To prevent the cursed Greater Demons from subjugating this world and all those who reside here! That is my solemn oath and I mean to honor it until death. "
"We're done here, so you may go home now. "
"Real life of the party you are. "
I tap the side of my nose.
"Your secret is safe with me. "
"I hope so for your sake, because if you blow my cover, Well I can't promise you'll live to regret it, exactly. "
"Hearing you loud and clear! "
I throw her a mocking salute before sliding past on my way.
(End of the chapter)