New Life

Not long after, Kimiko would feel herself lifted a bit, before Ignis slipped into the tub behind her, so Kimiko was sitting between Ignis' legs, and leaning against her, Ignis' breasts pressed against her back. "Ahh...it does feel good to relax in the bath..."

"...Mn...? ...Hhheeeeehh~?!" Kimiko squirmed a little as Ignis entered the bath, but froze completely due to the soft feeling at her back. 'N-n-n-n-n-n-naked...! T-t-t-t-t-touching...!!' Her entire face was glowing bright red.

Ignis noticed this, and rested her chin on top of Kimiko's head. "It's alright, Kimiko, nothing to be embarrassed about. Me and Karin shared the bath all the time, and I've shared with Monica before. I'll bet Monica and Karin have shared before as well." She wrapped her arms around Kimiko's waist, smiling. "Just relax, sweety."

"...Mm..." Kimiko nodded. She relaxed physically, but her face was still in a deep flush. She couldn't help but feel like her back was the most sensitive part of her body at that moment. With Ignis' arms around her waist, Kimiko grew even more quiet. "...O...okay..." She didn't particularly sound uncomfortable, nor did she move away.

Ignis went silent, breathing steadily as she relaxed, clearly very comfortable. If Kimiko were to turn a bit to see Ignis' face, she'd see that she was completely content.

Kimiko was quiet a bit longer before taking a peek back at Ignis, wondering why she hadn't said anything in a while. She looked down at her knees and took a deep breath to further calm her self. If Ignis could stay so calm in this situation, why shouldn't she do the same? Kimiko leaned back onto Ignis to fully recline. Her face was still red, but she was relaxed completely.

Ignis popped an eye open, and smiled as she saw Kimiko relaxing. She tightened her arms around Kimiko's waist slightly, then closed her eyes fully again. She was quite happy right now.

Kimiko soon forgot her worries as the bath worked its magic on her. She felt as if she was bathing with her big sister. In no time at all she was humming a song to herself; the same one she'd sang earlier in the day. It was one of her favorites. Every once in a while she would slowly lift a foot out of the water only to dip it back in, just to feel the contrast in temperature.

Ignis' smile grew, and she began to softly sing the lyrics to the tune Kimiko was humming.

Kimiko stopped her humming. She didn't want to interrupt Ignis, but her joining in had surprised her. "...I didn't know you knew the song, too... Your singing voice is really beautiful..." Kimiko wished she could sing half as well as she.

Ignis stopped as well, and chuckled. "A little useless talent I'm lucky enough to have. Its good for entertaining loved ones, at least."

Kimiko's cheeks ran hot at the last bit. She was really starting to feel at home, here. "...I don't think it's useless... Especially if you use it for l-loved ones... That only makes it invaluable, I think..." Kimiko fidgeted a little in her seated position. She was working up the will for something.

"...U-uhm....... Eh..... W-will you..... Will you sing me something...?"

Ignis blinked at that. "...You want me to sing you something? ...Well, alright. What would you like me to sing, sweety?"

Kimiko suddenly couldn't think. "...Um... I-I don't know... I'm sorry..." She hadn't thought of a song in particular for her to sing.

Ignis smiled, leaning back. "Mm, that's alright. I'll think of something for you...." After a long moment, she began to softly sing.

"I believe if I’d knew where I was going, I’d lose my way.
I believe that the words that he told you are not your grave.
I know that we are not the weight of all our memories.
I believe in the things that I am afraid to see.

Hold on.
Hold on.

I believe in the lost possibilities you can’t see.
And I believe that the darkness reminds us where light can be.
I know that your heart is still beating, beating darling.
I believe that you fell so you can land next to me.

Hold on.
Hold on.

‘cause I’ve been where you are before,
And I have felt the pain of losing who you are,
And I have died so many times but I am still alive.

I believe that tomorrow is stronger than yesterday.
And I believe that your head is the only thing in your way.
I wish that you could see your scars are linked of beauty.
I believe that today it’s okay to be not okay.

Hold on.
Hold on.

‘cause I’ve been where you are before,
And I have felt the pain of losing who you are,
And I have died so many times but I am still alive.

This is not the end of me,
This is the beginning."

Kimiko listened faithfully to the song, her fingertips making subtle movements throughout. She could almost hear the instrumentals as Ignis sang. It was a while ago, but she'd recognized the song. When she was finished, Kimiko smiled brightly. "...Hee...! As I thought... Oneesan has a wonderful singer..." It made Kimiko incredibly happy just to listen to her. "...And I like that song... I think I can remember most of the chords..."

Ignis blinked. "Remember the chords... the song goes to piano... can you play piano, Kimiko?"

Kimiko nodded hesitantly. "...Yes, but I'm not very good... I never had a teacher or took lessons... I just sort of.. played..." She'd never played for anyone so she was still self-conscious about it.

Ignis thought about that. "Hm.. I see..." She trailed off, relaxing again.

"...Thank you... for the song..." Kimiko reclined once again. "...Hee... I might ask you for more later, so be ready..."

Ignis chuckled. "Noted."

Kimiko got comfortable as time wore on. The day wasn't tiresome but it was already filled with memories to treasure. She completely lost track of time and soon dozed off on Ignis.

Sleeping in the bath wasn't the best of ideas, but Ignis chose not to wake her for now. When it was time to get out, however, she gently roused the girl. "Kimiko, we should get out now, sweety."

Kimiko awoke slowly with a yawn. "...Mn... Sorry, Oneesan..." She stood tiredly before moving to towel off.

Ignis smiled. "No worries, Kimiko." She climbed out of the tub as well, joining Kimiko in drying off. "It was nice, sharing a bath like that again. Seems... more relaxing."