I know what most of you probably want Len and Rin moments...and by moments, I mean not just innocent gestures but also =w= some heated scenes between them. I KNOW. I want to just have Len drag her into an empty room and...well, I'd love to do that however I am very meticulous about storyline. That kind of thing is just not fitting right now and would just ruin the flow. SHIMPAISHINAI YO~ I am preparing a rather humongous burst of fangasm for those scenes. Please be patient TTwTT

IMPORTANT:
Junihitoe: A 12 layered kimono that is worn by court women or the nobility.

Kouchiki: The Kouchiki is the most outer layer of the Junihitoe.

Kosode kimono: It's basically an undergarment that you wear above the normal kimono or hakama.

Chapter 7

The sun dawned into the gentle awakening morning of Spring, colouring the land with its glow. The cherry blossom petals sway down from the blossoming Sakura trees gently with every light breeze endlessly. The soft chirping of birds fill the air with a peaceful symphony as the light chimes of the wind chimes relieve the restless hearts of man. I closed my eyes upon the gentle touch of Spring's breath on my cold skin. The healing bruises on my body, the trembling fear of torture, death even...I let my thoughts and fears drown in the beauty of Spring. At that moment, nothing in the world would compare, nothing besides this feeling would even matter.

"You will have ample of time to enjoy the breeze once you are dressed," a familiar female voice said as she slid the door shut behind her. "Cover your skin, eyes will wander."

I stared blankly onto my chest. The soft pink kimono wrapped loosely around my body revealing the redden skin of my chest and thigh. Waking up every morning with the layers of my kimono thrown to the ground and only an inner kimono that uselessly wrapped loosely around my body with not much effort to hide my skin...it no longer bothers me who witnesses my bare skin. Revolting, I would occasionally mock myself.

I gently tightened up my kimono and turned to face the brown-haired girl, Arisa who was preparing my Junihitoe. "Do you find me detestable?"

For a moment, it caught her off guard and paused before replying with a cold tone, "Detestable or not, it would have no special reason."

"You are avoiding my question. Am I or am I not detestable to you?"

She stood up in silence and walked towards the door. "I think the question you should be asking is when will your chains break?"

No words would come out nor would my body move to stop her. She was the only friend in that manor, she was the only one who would try to understand and comfort my pain. The day my brother had left me was the day I was thrown into the depths of my despair with only but myself to rely on. The world seemed nothing more than an endless pit of sorrow until the day I was brought in by Hiragi-sama and met Arisa. She became the light that would slowly guide me out of the shadows however, that no longer is the case. My light had once again faded into the darkness.

"The junihitoe is ready," two maids walked into the room with a cleaned silk Kosode kimono in the hands of one of them as the other swiftly slid the door shut behind her. With only a simple nod, they brought down all of the covers to cover the windows in the room.

Tears form as I let the only cloth on my body fall to the ground, revealing my bare skin and the faint bruises on my thighs. I lifted up my arms as one of them slid the sleeves of the silk Kosode kimono onto them. They paused in realization upon the sight of tears streaming down my expressionless face.

The auburn haired lady hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Rin-san, your hakama."

Their hesitation and silence was not out of fear of my closeness to Hiragi-sama nor respect but mere sympathy. Loath me as much as they want however, it would have occurred to them eventually that as tainted as I was, I too am a human being.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Upon stepping into the dining area, I lifted the many layers of my junihitoe and gently got on my knees. "Good morning, Hiragi-sama," I uttered as I bowed to him, trying to mask the ache on my thighs as he took a sip of his tea. I then silently sat on the comforter where the table of which my meal was served.

I could feel the man's powerful gaze on me as I warily took small bites of the rice. "I had Mitsunaga fetch you some medicine that would ease the ache from those bruises," he said as he continued eating his meal. "It should be delivered to your room by now. Murasaki-san will assist you in applying them."

The elderly woman in a shabby, musky green kimono bowed gently upon the sight of my eyes on her. I simply gave a small nod on my response to her and faced the dark-brown haired man, "Yes, master."

As every morning would have it, Hiragi-sama had the maids prepare the koto in the room by the Sakura trees in the manor for my playing. My playing of the koto came about roughly around the time where I had been taken into this shady place, hidden in the countless numbers of shops surrounding it where women, even young girls were offered to the customers as they provided them with food and sake. Comparing to life of being owned by someone and having to satisfy their constant hunger, the life of being offered to men like playthings was more pressuring for I was not only expected to comfort men but also lure them back for their money.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, taking in the sounds of the branches of the Sakura trees swaying with every light breeze before lightly plucking the strings of the koto, echoing the room with its calming melody.

Trust and respect were two things I owe Hiragi-sama for him pulling me out of that petty life. He saved me, granted me the luxury of living in a beautiful manor and silk robes that neither commoner nor peasant would even dream to wear. There was no way of escaping my fate even with knowing my brother in a position to possibly save me, and so I had accepted this fact as saddening as it was.

"In congratulating you for being promoted to such a high position in the Imperial Court, I offer you this flower that had just bloomed in my garden," the lady in a revealing bright red kimono smirked as she placed her gaze on me.

The raven haired man grinned at the sight of my frightened self before forcefully grabbing my wrist, pulling me to his side. "My dear, there is nothing to be shy about," he uttered as he tilted my face towards him. I averted my eyes and saw the lady blowing out the flames of a few of the candles to dimmer the lighting in the room as she walked out of the room.

I shivered at the touch of his meaty fingers running up my thigh as he rested him face at the nape of my neck, breathing heavily in the scent of lavender from my hair. "For a girl such young of an age as you, able to lure men by their hunger from just the very presence of you..." he whispered into my ear as he traced his finger up my breast with a feathery touch. "It's impressive."

"Ah-nnn..." I shut my eyes and bit on my lower lip as hard as I could. Every day, being repeatedly beaten, called of such degrading names, raped by countless men...it was driving me to the brink of insanity. Not once was I shown a glimpse of kindness from any of them. All that I saw from their eyes were anger, the brutality of demons, the cold, unforgiving soul...My trust for men was long extinguished, only the blazing flame of hatred was left to grow even stronger.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

"Hiragi no Fujiwara-sama? W-what could we have possibly done for an honour of your visit-," I heard a familiar woman's voice stuttered rather loudly in the halls from the room I was in. "My Lord, you must not-"

It was rather difficult to comprehend the ruckus outside with all the loud whispering and footsteps. Of course, loud love-making sounds should be expected however, this time was different. It was more like a siege taking place which was extremely concerning. Though the chaos outside would warn men from two miles away, it would have appeared that this particular customer was more focused on satisfying himself with a girl half his age rather than run off to look into what was taking place outside.

"AH-" before I could release a scream, he forced two of his fingers into my mouth, almost chocking me as he thrust into me rather violently. I could feel the warm liquid of my blood running down my quivering thighs. My body has been dirtied countless times that I no longer would be able to count however, the pain I felt would never be able to be numbed.

He took hold of my exposed breasts and fondled them desperately and I heard him snicker before uttering, "it amazes me that you are still able to bleed from this."

I chocked on my tears and silent screams as pounded into me, tearing the unhealed wounds near my womanhood area open. Before he could move another inch, the door violently slammed open almost damaging the thing wood frame of the door. There before me, stood a tall male figure in a dark green silk hakama with a katana hanging by the side of his left hip. The long dark brown bangs that were framing his face windowed his sharp, unforgiving gaze on me. It was as if nature silenced in fear from his presence.

"Hiragi-dono!" I heard the man gasp as he immediately withdrew from me, desperately covering his nudity with whatever cloth he could grab hold of.

I simply sat there in silence, looking straight into his cold eyes, not daring to move or avert my eyes. The tall man with an aura to kill went onto his knee before me and said, "Do you wish to leave this hellhole?"

His question was one none had expected would be slip out of this man of such power and influence who knew nothing about this girl who would not benefit him on anything, yet he decided to barge into such an obscure place just to save a girl like me?

"Hiragi-dono, I-I can explain. This is not what it appears to be-" the man stuttered in guilt however his words were cut off by the dominating man.

"Silence! I could care less of what you do in your past time," Hiragi raised his voice, glaring into the quivering man's eyes. "However, there seems to have been a misunderstanding between the Third Prince's consort and yourself. Get up. Guards, escort him to the palace and await for Lord Sa's instructions."

I watched as two men dressed in imperial palace guards' clothing escort the clearly puzzled man out as he scrambled to get any piece of clothing on his body. In the back of my mind, a small piece of me kept playing back the lord's words over and over again, hoping that this was not a dream's cruel play, an attempt to break my sanity. To my displeasure, the mysterious 'Hiragi-dono' rose to his feet and marched his way towards the rest of the guards who were waiting in alert for his command. Perhaps...perhaps it was not my place to put in such false hopes upon this stranger whom barely knew of my existence, I reminded myself as I covered myself with my kimono in gloom.

"What are you waiting for?" my heart lifted as I heard the man continued, staying still by the door, "Do you not want freedom?"

It was a most peculiar way of meeting, much of my questions from that day still lingered on without a hint of its answers. My thoughts may have strayed too far beyond the line of which I must never cross, for my debt to him cannot possibly be repaid. I may loath this body, my way of living and everything that kept me in prison within the chambers of torture and sorrow however, if it were meant to keep me alive for the day I were to reunite with my brother, then I should count my blessings.

Oh brother, how I wish we could slip away from this cruel fate that pulls us apart and enjoy the little moments we had, I would cherish them forever and perhaps that would fill the empty void of your absence.

So long as I know you are well and my existence in your memories still remain, I could not be happier, I smiled warmly at the thought Len as I played the last note of the melody. At the very least, I shall rest in ease knowing that I will remain in his memory as proof of my existence.

"Hiragi-sama," an elderly woman dressed in a fading maroon-coloured kimono walked into the room and got down on her knees whispering to his ear.

For a second, his glaring amber eyes took focus on me in a rather worrying way however he averted his eyes as he said in an expecting yet displeasing way, "So he has arrived. I shall take my leave then. Prepare the scrolls I left by the window in the study."

My ears ringed at the mention of this 'he' he spoke of, as do my eyes glimmer in hopes of it being referred to Len. Onii-sama, I mouthed the words subconsciously, only to realise my mistake upon feeling Hiragi-sama's piecing gaze on me. I met his silent stare with my weary eyes, hoping that this incredibly sharp man would not catch on to the truth or even be doubtful of our relationship. The tall chestnut coloured hair man with a hawk's eyes that would cut through other's defamation and false play withdrew from his fixation and walked out the room with a number of maids accompany him from behind. I gently touched the wooded floor with the tips of my slender fingers and bowed towards his leaving figure in relief. He must have felt the strangeness of my being whenever Kagamine Len comes about the conversation. I must be careful to not let my guard down around the master.

"Rin-san," the voice of an elderly woman spoke gently, "perhaps now would be the appropriate time to relieve those aching bruises on your body."

I faced Murasaki-san, the elderly woman in a musky green kimono sitting beside me. "I suppose now would be most fitting for it."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~

A stroll by the great lake of Gou, in the many paths that surround the lake filled with blossoming Sakura trees would be most fitting for such a wonderful weather. My eyes wondered out the window, I do hope brother has had the opportunity to do so but perhaps he already has. I looked down at Murasaki-san who was wrapping a long white cloth around my wrist after applying a rather disgusting looking paste on it. "I can smell the bitter yet soothing scent of green tea on you," I said softly, taking in the comforting scent.

I heard her gentle chuckle before her saying, "Preparing green tea is my specialty and my fondness. It would not be strange for the scent of it seeping into my kimono."

"It is rather comforting," I smiled.

"The master is kind, no?" hearing those words caught me off guard for a moment. "He has never once felt the urgency of searching for a suitable candidate as his wife nor did he gave any bit of attention towards any woman...besides you."

A cleaver way to hide her insult towards me however, I would not blame her for such a thing. The elderly woman clasped her hands together in frustration as she said, "The master must find a suitable wife soon. I cannot comprehend how he would treat this matter lightly. He is not aging any younger."

"I am quite certain that he is indeed aware of that fact," I interrupted her little display of frustration in the most polite way possible. "Knowing the master, there must be something that prevents him from doing so," I paused realizing the stupidity and irony of my words and continued, "I have no power over my freedom. So long as the master wishes, I shall serve only him for all what is left of my time in this world."

Murasaki-san wore a hurtful and apologetic expression on her weary face as she muttered, "Perhaps I may seem quite uncouth and stepping over the line however, you must realize your place. The well-being of the master is far more important than...well, a girl of your position."

"My, such a cruel truth that is," I smiled sarcastically towards the old lady. "Were I to choose the words of another over the command of Hiragi-sama, misfortune would only be the result of it."

The elderly lady sighed in agreement. The decision of such a significantly life-changing matter that would affect the disciples under Hiragi-sama and the very clan of Fujiwara fall upon no one but himself. If even the elders of the clan failed in persuading him to marry, what could a petty sex slave such as myself do any different? It would be foolish of anyone to think of otherwise. One thing that left me pondering on was the fact that Hiragi-sama rarely associates or gets involved with the rest of his relatives if not at all. Why was he left to build his 'empire' at such a young age? Had he not have a guardian to guide him through?

"Would it be too much for me to ask you of your green tea?" I suggested as I fixed the sleeves of my junihitoe.

She simply grinned and said, "Of course not. Everyone is welcomed to have the green tea that I prepare. It is my only joy."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

"Shall we get moving then?" I carefully stood up, trying not to loosen up my junihitoe.

"Ah I seem to have forgotten to collect the green tea powder from the pantry," Murasaki-san said in realization as she hastily walked out of the room. "Please go on without me. It shall take but a mere few minutes."

I walked out into the corridor leading out into one of the many gardens in the manor. The sight of two humming birds fluttering around the peach coloured orchids caught my attention. I have always adored birds, especially humming birds. They symbolize the simplicity and importance of life that men would never understand for they are kept prisoner to their hunger for power. My heart sank in envy. Oh how beautiful freedom is. It is true, however, freedom was also not a guarantee for a beautiful life. I had learned that in the hard way...

"S-sir, would you please spare me a bite of that bread?" I said softly, clutching my stomach that was screaming for any bit of food. "Even a small piece would do."

The man dressed in shabby blue hakama that was sitting down by the inn gave me a revolting look. "Be gone, girl. The sight of you is an eyesore," he hissed in disgust as he hid the bread in his robes.

"Please sir. I have not eaten for 3 days," I went onto my knees, clutching onto his hakama desperately. Deep down inside, I knew that with the nobility charging the villagers for extra taxes would prevent anyone to waste food on filthy beggars like me however, I did not wish to die. So I must strive, try to fight for survival.

With a swift and painfully agonizing kick on my already bony chest, I fell down onto the dry and rocky ground, scraping my pale and dirty skin. Tears started streaming down my dirty and bony cheeks as the blood from the wounds slowly and painfully bled out. The man walked away in frustration while the rest of the villagers avoided any eye contact with me, hoping that I would not seek them for food. Hunger and poverty seemed like a price far too painful for freedom.

After managing to escape from that dreadful abandoned house that my once master had locked me in 2 years ago, I had been left to fend for myself on the unforgiving streets of whatever this place was called. Sometimes, I would regret my decision of doing so even though I knew that by me continuing to live with him would mean death. I was locked and tied inside an old abandoned house in the forest. He would starve me for days but come back with only a bowl of porridge in his hand. The man seemed rather odd for he would continuously rape me and cry for forgiveness afterwards. I was scared for my life. Then I had witnessed something terrifyingly horrific. In a door that seemed to have been always sealed off was the human remains of countless children, some still left rotting to the very bone.

It was a sight that haunted me until this very day, sending chills down my spine whenever I recalled of it and haunting me in nightmares in my sleep. I clutched onto the sleeves of my junihitoe in attempt to stop the trembling of my hands. As I walked further down the corridor, I heard a faint sigh not too far in front of me that caught my attention. I lifted my eyes towards the figure of a familiar man leaning down onto the wooden railing. Brother, I whispered in my head as my eyes glimmered in happiness at the sight of his silk blonde hair falling down the sides of his mask.

"The sun has barely dawned and you are falling asleep," I smiled as I pulled down my kouchiki to hide my teary eyes. There was so much left unsaid that I no longer knew where to start. "It has been a long time since we have seen each other. I trust that besides the lacking of sleep, your health is well. Once I heard of your arrival here, I had thought of greeting you however..."

The atmosphere between us was that of strangers, wearily speaking to each other, careful not to appear vulnerable to each other. Gazing straight into his barely visible cerulean eyes that was shadowed by his mask, accompanying by the mask he wore that hides his expressions made him appear like a completely different man. Different from the gentle and kind Len I had always known in my memories. My chest felt somewhat painful at facing him now. Although my heart skips in joy at the mention and sight of him, it kept reminding me of how I would never be able to be reunited with him as before.

"Yes, I am well. Thank you for your concern," I heard him say rather formally, "I would love to continue on chatting with you but there are urgent matters I must tend to."

My head shot up in surprise, accompanied with a rather hurtful ache in my chest at his words. "So soon?" I uttered in hurt, unintentionally. "Forgive me for speaking out of turn. Do not let me hold you here any longer."

What a terrible lie, I bit my lip. Who were I to fool with such words and a cracking voice that was obviously pleading for the otherwise? I focused my eyes onto the golden paper fan tucked in his hakama on his hip in attempt to avoid eye contact with him. What exactly am I doing? I said bitterly towards myself. "Well, I suppose I too should be on my way before he notices my absence," I uttered with a sadden smile and slowly walked by his silent figure. "I missed you, onii-sama," I whispered soft enough as I walked past him, hoping that he would hear it.

With a sudden and swift yet firm tug on my arm, I was forced to turn around only to meet with a mask-less Len leaning into me close enough that we could feel each other's warm breath on our lips. I stiffened in shock, not daring to move as I stared into the gentle and apologetic cerulean eyes of him that were fixated on to my parted lips. For a moment, time stood still...the swift breeze gently bending the branches of the trees, the gentle chirping of little sparrows on the trees. It all seemed to have silenced, as if leaving us completely alone, not wanting to disturb that moment. I could feel myself struggling as I tried hard not to breathe heavily, as my body heated up with the sudden quickening of my heartbeat.

I began to panic as I realized the golden-haired boy started to lean closer towards me, pulling me into him gently by my arm, gradually closing whatever gap was left between us. At that very moment, a horrifying reminder came to mind...The figure of this gentle and affectionate Len that was carefully inching himself into me suddenly manifested itself into a shadowy figure with raven hair, his eyes hidden behind his bangs and an sadistic grin plastered across his face. My body began to tremble, as did my eyes widened in fear. The piercing ringing in my ears drastically grew louder, masking the little noises around us.

At the sight of this, Len pulled away as he carefully dropped my arm down. Without a word or even bothering to face me, he put on his mask once again and walked away down the corridor in silence, seizing whatever was forcing those memories to come to mind. I clutched onto my junihitoe at my chest rather tightly as I struggled to breathe with the ache and fear in my heart. For a moment I asked myself, was I afraid of Len? I knew very well however, that that was not the case. Nevertheless, the fact that that horrible image suddenly revealing itself to me at such a moment was puzzling.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

"Your eyes are not closed. Do you not feel tired, sister?" he whispered, his grip on my hand tightened. "You must have enough rest. The mistress will not be pleased with reddened and weary eyes."

"I can say the same thing to you," I faced him as I pouted in annoyance. "All I do is serve those old hags but you...you have to work tirelessly at the paddy fields. Even with such a tiring task, you manage to completely discard your health by not having enough sleep."

"On what basis do you have to be claiming me of such?" he said coldly, avoiding the topic.

I lay on my side as so I could properly face Len's irritated face that hid in the shadow of the dark room. "Brother, before you start worrying about my eyes, it would be best that you focused on yours for once," I uttered in frustration and angrily closed my eyes. As the silence between us grew, I slowly fell into the bliss of slumber.

. . . .

The soft and warm sensation that was gently and carefully pressing down onto my slightly parted lips slowly pulling me away from my sleep. Before I could open my eyes, I heard Len's soft voice whisper against my lips, "I love you..."

My eyes shot open, completely waking me from my slumber. I slowly sat up and noticed the tears that were streaming down my face and dripping down onto my Kosode kimono. I buried my face into the palm of my hands, bursting into tears. "Len...Len...onii-sama," I whimpered softly. I knew of his secret feathery kisses long before but thought nothing of it until now... My head was spinning with conflicting thoughts. "I don't know what I am doing anymore, onii-sama..."

Alright, now a little question from yours truly,

"Why do you think Rin does not hate her master even though he violates her the same way as the rest of her previous masters and why does she keep on persisting that she should be grateful towards him?"

= _ = I came to a realization from this chapter that my skill in writing 'beautiful' romantics scenes was not even at the level of a 12 year old. GAH I shall read more literature books to improve this .

Your reviews, favourites, alerts motivate me to write more 0w0 And I'm even more grateful for your evaluation, suggestions and critiques cuz it help me improve! So yeah~ REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW