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[Takumi has never been more conflicted in his life. He's been overthinking his crush on Oboro since the beginning but he's always been sure of one thing. He wasn't going to confess (ever) but especially not before Oboro had figured out what she wanted to do. Not before she had gotten her sewing business off the ground. For as attached as she is to him, Oboro doesn't actually need Takumi. She's wonderful and amazing and he's always wanted her to be her own woman. It would be so unfair to her if she was dragged down by him or her obligations to him as her lord or lover.
But here she is, right now, telling him that she loves him. He's kissed her, intentionally or not, and now she's telling him she loves him.
He sucks in a breath, slow but still a little shaky.] I - I don't want you to forget about it. I love you too, Oboro, more than anything. But I don't know- this isn't how I wanted this to go.
But here she is, right now, telling him that she loves him. He's kissed her, intentionally or not, and now she's telling him she loves him.
He sucks in a breath, slow but still a little shaky.] I - I don't want you to forget about it. I love you too, Oboro, more than anything. But I don't know- this isn't how I wanted this to go.
[Leo snorts. This one's the easiest of them all.
He's going to meet Niles at the (horse) stables. Got it. At least this means he probably wont cry. Niles has seen him at his most vulnerable and while ugly sobbing too, but he can usually keep it together around him.
Leo stands on his tip toes to give Camilla a kiss and bid her farewell, and then he goes on his way. When he arrives at the stables, he calls out to the only person he is expecting to see there.] Niles? Are you with Eve?
[Eve is his horse. I've just decided that.]
He's going to meet Niles at the (horse) stables. Got it. At least this means he probably wont cry. Niles has seen him at his most vulnerable and while ugly sobbing too, but he can usually keep it together around him.
Leo stands on his tip toes to give Camilla a kiss and bid her farewell, and then he goes on his way. When he arrives at the stables, he calls out to the only person he is expecting to see there.] Niles? Are you with Eve?
[Eve is his horse. I've just decided that.]
[Having Laslow as a retainer was difficult sometimes. Xander never has a problem with Laslow when it comes to duties or missions to send him off on. The man works hard, he's efficient and ever loyal. In that aspect, Laslow is wonderful and easier to manage than Peri, honestly. The difficulty with Laslow comes when Xander gets reports of the man being a salacious flirt in taverns late at night. The reports don't only come from taverns, either. Xander has heard it from the castle staff too. Laslow, despite the endless rejections, was just a straight flirt - with every gender! This sort of behavior not only reflect badly on Xander, but it also made Xander BURN with jealously, which is something he never wanted to feel. If he's learned anything from his siblings laid to rest, it's that a prince and jealously are not a good mix.
But putting his petty jealously aside, Laslow's reputation sullying the Nohr family name is a genuine problem that needs fixing.
If this only happens on Laslow's down time... then clearly Xander just has to give him more to do. Overworking him isn't an option, though. If he's going to give Laslow something to do in the evenings, it shant be something strenuous. it has to be something more casual that wont leave Laslow exhausted and something that Laslow might even enjoy.
Xander's drawing a serious blank until he remembers something that has continuously been mentioned but only in passing.
Laslow is a dancer.
Xander is not a dancer.
He's had lessons, but only the basics when he was a child. And since the tension with Hoshido, he hadn't gotten much of a chance to exercise those lessons. He's gotten rusty.
He explains as much to Laslow one evening. They're alone in the ballroom after dinner and though his story is all true and Laslow has no reason to say no to his proposal, he still feels nervous.]
What do you say, Laslow?
But putting his petty jealously aside, Laslow's reputation sullying the Nohr family name is a genuine problem that needs fixing.
If this only happens on Laslow's down time... then clearly Xander just has to give him more to do. Overworking him isn't an option, though. If he's going to give Laslow something to do in the evenings, it shant be something strenuous. it has to be something more casual that wont leave Laslow exhausted and something that Laslow might even enjoy.
Xander's drawing a serious blank until he remembers something that has continuously been mentioned but only in passing.
Laslow is a dancer.
Xander is not a dancer.
He's had lessons, but only the basics when he was a child. And since the tension with Hoshido, he hadn't gotten much of a chance to exercise those lessons. He's gotten rusty.
He explains as much to Laslow one evening. They're alone in the ballroom after dinner and though his story is all true and Laslow has no reason to say no to his proposal, he still feels nervous.]
What do you say, Laslow?
[Books have been going missing from shops and libraries across multiple towns: brave knight Gerome has not missed the gossip about it. He hasn't been formally assigned to the task of finding out who is doing this, but he is endlessly curious about it. Books and the circumstances around the thefts are such an odd thing, Gerome can't help but want to look into it.
Given that it always happens at odd hours, a lot of folks think the culprit is a simple thief. However, the fact that gold is sometimes left for the books or sometimes the books are rightfully returned, makes Gerome think otherwise. There's also the sheer number of books that are still missing to be considered. There's no way someone in town could keep that many books, and keep amassing more, without anyone noticing.
Even if the culprit is someone who resides in one of the towns, the books have to be somewhere outside. So, Geromes travels outward with his trusty Minerva at his side. He has no idea where he's going. There's no obvious or trail aside from his suspicions, but when he happens upon a cave up in the mountains, his gut says to take a look. A house may not be able to hold thousands of missing books, but a cave should be able to.
Gerome instructs Minerva to wait at the mouth of the cave and heads in with a lantern and his axe at the ready. It's not too far long of walk through the cave before he finally catches sight of something besides the jagged rock walls surrounding him. He sees the light of the torch deep in the cavern first, then he hears the turn of a page, and then, rounding a slight corner -
- he sees the giant dragon.
A dragon very different from his sweet Minerva, but just as beautiful.]
Hoy, dragon. [He at least wants to announce himself so he doesn't spook a large dragon and ends up dead.] I come with good intention.
[Please don't eat him, unless it'svore in a sexy way.]
Given that it always happens at odd hours, a lot of folks think the culprit is a simple thief. However, the fact that gold is sometimes left for the books or sometimes the books are rightfully returned, makes Gerome think otherwise. There's also the sheer number of books that are still missing to be considered. There's no way someone in town could keep that many books, and keep amassing more, without anyone noticing.
Even if the culprit is someone who resides in one of the towns, the books have to be somewhere outside. So, Geromes travels outward with his trusty Minerva at his side. He has no idea where he's going. There's no obvious or trail aside from his suspicions, but when he happens upon a cave up in the mountains, his gut says to take a look. A house may not be able to hold thousands of missing books, but a cave should be able to.
Gerome instructs Minerva to wait at the mouth of the cave and heads in with a lantern and his axe at the ready. It's not too far long of walk through the cave before he finally catches sight of something besides the jagged rock walls surrounding him. He sees the light of the torch deep in the cavern first, then he hears the turn of a page, and then, rounding a slight corner -
- he sees the giant dragon.
A dragon very different from his sweet Minerva, but just as beautiful.]
Hoy, dragon. [He at least wants to announce himself so he doesn't spook a large dragon and ends up dead.] I come with good intention.
[Please don't eat him, unless it's
[ Niles is, indeed, with Eve - but he's not the one that'll respond to Leo's call. Instead, he'll hear an equally familiar voice belonging to a man that, as far as everyone knew, was supposed to be too busy with meetings and other kingly obligations to do anything special for this very important day. ]
Yes, we are.
[ When Leo rounds the corner, he'll see not only Niles, but Xander as well, tending to a fussy Eve that starts behaving the second she sees her owner. Die maybe? ]
Yes, we are.
[ When Leo rounds the corner, he'll see not only Niles, but Xander as well, tending to a fussy Eve that starts behaving the second she sees her owner. Die maybe? ]
[ The realization hits suddenly - the same one Leo had earlier in the morning, before she even arrived to check in on him. If he can get dressed on his own, without her guidance, then-- ... .............
A selfish feeling rises within her, one she feels she has no right to have. Still, she keeps her voice steady. ] What do you mean? [ Is it over? This comfortable space they've been building together, their slowly-growing friendship?
(Does she have to put her hopeless affection to rest?) ]
A selfish feeling rises within her, one she feels she has no right to have. Still, she keeps her voice steady. ] What do you mean? [ Is it over? This comfortable space they've been building together, their slowly-growing friendship?
(Does she have to put her hopeless affection to rest?) ]
[ Laurent hears Gerome's approach long before he comes into view, but it's not until he can see the brave knight that's ventured into his abode that he slips a bookmark between the pages and closes the book he's reading with a delicate claw.
He's no stranger to humans. Many have been good and honest, seeking a deeper understanding of the world around them, or guidance in general. But some, unfortunately, have not been so kind - some have come to him, weapon in hand, wishing to strip the scales of his body, sever his head from his neck, all for the sake of gold and glory. Dealing with those kind of humans never felt good.
So he regards Gerome - axe by his side, mask hiding his eyes, but words gentle - with a critical eye. A clawed hand scratches against the stone floor, and he opens his mouth... and speaks? ] If what you say is, indeed, the truth, then I ask you lower your weapon and reveal yourself. For as you are, I'm afraid I cannot accept the validity of your words. [ HE UHHHH SURE IS A TALKING MAGIC DRAGON ]
He's no stranger to humans. Many have been good and honest, seeking a deeper understanding of the world around them, or guidance in general. But some, unfortunately, have not been so kind - some have come to him, weapon in hand, wishing to strip the scales of his body, sever his head from his neck, all for the sake of gold and glory. Dealing with those kind of humans never felt good.
So he regards Gerome - axe by his side, mask hiding his eyes, but words gentle - with a critical eye. A clawed hand scratches against the stone floor, and he opens his mouth... and speaks? ] If what you say is, indeed, the truth, then I ask you lower your weapon and reveal yourself. For as you are, I'm afraid I cannot accept the validity of your words. [ HE UHHHH SURE IS A TALKING MAGIC DRAGON ]
[Ah. It speaks. And in a language he can understand. Gerome had grown up hearing stories about mythical dragons who granted strength, wisdom, anything a feeble human could ask for. The legends were an integral part of being a knight, it seemed, because only those true of heart would ever meet such a dragon and that was the ultimate goal for a knight. Gerome had strived to meet that goal: become true of heart, a truly dependable knight for the castle he was ever loyal too. However, meeting one of the legendary dragons had still felt so out of the realm of his imagination purely because he didn't believe the legends.
Now, though, there was a talking dragon in front of Gerome and asking him to put down his weapon. His childhood self would certainly be chiding his current self for ever beginning to doubt the legends.
Gerome moves slowly, holding one hand up in his defense so the dragon wont think he's moving to attack. He places his axe down at his side rather than propped against the wall of the cave so he can show just how much he doesn't want to fight this beast. Bending down to grab his axe would take much more time than picking it up from the wall; Laurent could gulp him up in that single instant.
Next is the mask, which he doesn't hesitate to untie. It was of no significance to him in this realm. He'd had to wear it once for a job and when he'd come back the princess had commented that it looked mysterious. Charming. A good look for him. He'd been enamored and continued to wear it since. So, it certainly feels strange being barefaced in front of someone, even a dragon, again, but it's of no bother to Gerome. He drops it on top of his axe.]
My name is Gerome, from castle Ylisse. Is this satisfactory?
Now, though, there was a talking dragon in front of Gerome and asking him to put down his weapon. His childhood self would certainly be chiding his current self for ever beginning to doubt the legends.
Gerome moves slowly, holding one hand up in his defense so the dragon wont think he's moving to attack. He places his axe down at his side rather than propped against the wall of the cave so he can show just how much he doesn't want to fight this beast. Bending down to grab his axe would take much more time than picking it up from the wall; Laurent could gulp him up in that single instant.
Next is the mask, which he doesn't hesitate to untie. It was of no significance to him in this realm. He'd had to wear it once for a job and when he'd come back the princess had commented that it looked mysterious. Charming. A good look for him. He'd been enamored and continued to wear it since. So, it certainly feels strange being barefaced in front of someone, even a dragon, again, but it's of no bother to Gerome. He drops it on top of his axe.]
My name is Gerome, from castle Ylisse. Is this satisfactory?
[ Oboro should feel happy. And she does - but his reservation makes her nervous. Scared. Because now that a reality's opened up before her where maybe, maybe she could be with Takumi as more than just his retainer, she selfishly doesn't want that ripped away. Not like this.
So she rests a hand over his, hopefully to ground him a little, and asks quietly: ] What do you mean?
So she rests a hand over his, hopefully to ground him a little, and asks quietly: ] What do you mean?
[ As flirtatious as Laslow gets, Xander is one of the few people he never flirts with. Not from a lack of interest (who wouldn't fall for a handsome man like Xander? he's exactly his type.) but because his feelings run too deep, and he fears something he knows he shouldn't say slipping out between honeyed words. Nohr isn't his home, but as the days go by it feels more and more like it - and he doesn't want to jeopardize this, his place within the castle and his relationship with Xander, by speaking too easily.
Because he loves him. He truly does. The rare moments where Xander's dropped his guard around him and smiled are among Laslow's most cherished memories... so as long as he can stay by his side as his ever loyal and reliable retainer, that's good enough for him.
But the idea of dancing with Xander, admittedly, brings a small but warm smile to his face. ] Of course, milord. I would be happy to be your dance partner. [ The proposal makes sense to Laslow - it wouldn't be any good if the crown prince made a fool of himself on the dance floor, after all. He just has to wonder if he's allowed to enjoy this, too. ] Where do you want to start?
Because he loves him. He truly does. The rare moments where Xander's dropped his guard around him and smiled are among Laslow's most cherished memories... so as long as he can stay by his side as his ever loyal and reliable retainer, that's good enough for him.
But the idea of dancing with Xander, admittedly, brings a small but warm smile to his face. ] Of course, milord. I would be happy to be your dance partner. [ The proposal makes sense to Laslow - it wouldn't be any good if the crown prince made a fool of himself on the dance floor, after all. He just has to wonder if he's allowed to enjoy this, too. ] Where do you want to start?
[That doesn't quite answer his "why him" question. But whatever.
Whether Inigo thinks he's worth learning about or not, Vero does realize he's been going about this the wrong way. He's been doing a disservice to Inigo as a person by assuming Inigo was only acting as a prince and by reacting to him out of thirst.
Inigo is a person, too, and if he wants to be friends then Vero can do that.
Vero bites down the urge to apologize again.] Okay. Okay, then let's .. sit with me? Please? We can make a game of it. You ask me one question and then I ask one?
Whether Inigo thinks he's worth learning about or not, Vero does realize he's been going about this the wrong way. He's been doing a disservice to Inigo as a person by assuming Inigo was only acting as a prince and by reacting to him out of thirst.
Inigo is a person, too, and if he wants to be friends then Vero can do that.
Vero bites down the urge to apologize again.] Okay. Okay, then let's .. sit with me? Please? We can make a game of it. You ask me one question and then I ask one?
[And Keaton is OFF in the direction the arrow flies. He only skids to a stop when the arrows vanishes, and then he takes to the bushes trying to find it. But try as he may, the arrow is gone. It's hard for him to understand when he's seen Takumi's arrows very visibly pierce through enemies, though. So there should be a physical arrow??? But it's gone??
Keaton runs back to Takumi empty-handed but with his tail still wagging wildly.] I can't find it?! [AGAIN.]
Keaton runs back to Takumi empty-handed but with his tail still wagging wildly.] I can't find it?! [AGAIN.]
[ For several (probably unnerving) moments, Laurent silently stares at Gerome. With the mask off, he can see many things in his eyes: his strength of heart and his courage, his loyalty to his sovereign and the forthrightness of his words. Like this, Gerome couldn't hide anything even if he tried - and he certainly isn't trying to hide a thing. ] Yes - I thank you for your cooperation, Gerome of Ylisse.
I am Laurent, the dragon of wisdom. [ He settles into a more relaxed position, a signal that he too means no harm. ] Tell me - what is it that you seek? For what purpose are you here?
I am Laurent, the dragon of wisdom. [ He settles into a more relaxed position, a signal that he too means no harm. ] Tell me - what is it that you seek? For what purpose are you here?
[ Another smile, brighter this time, lights up his face, and he goes ahead and takes a seat in the armchair across from him. ]
Sounds good to me. [ And, as for his first question - he gestures to the books Vero's picked out for himself. ] What are you reading?
Sounds good to me. [ And, as for his first question - he gestures to the books Vero's picked out for himself. ] What are you reading?
[ As awkwardly as their last meetup was, and as grave the situation is, Chance still looks genuinely happy to see Vero. He rests a gentle hand on his shoulder and gives him a small smile. ] Hey. It's good to see you're doing well.
[ He glances at the clock on his phone - 11:58 PM - before sliding it into his back pocket. ] And you're just in time, too. The Dark Hour should start any minute now...
[ The world around them moves normally for a few moments more before stopping entirely, locked in time as the night sky takes on an unusual green tint. Around them, the streets morph into something less... familiar, less of a city and more like a desolate dreamscape.
But the atmosphere isn't the only thing that's changed. Chance now stands before him with a mask covering his eyes and forehead (complete with cute lil rabbit ears sticking out of the top), and golden armor covering the entire length of his arms. His honestly forgettable outfit is replaced with ornately decorated thigh high boots, a light blue coat that splits down the middle, coming to a stop around the back of his knees, and tight black bodysuit beneath it. The look is completed with a large quiver full of arrows strapped to his back, and a large, formidable bow in his grip. (basically he's got a similar vibe to eleonora from tms because i'm gay and predictable.)
He nods his head down a newly formed path. ] If you're ready - there shouldn't be any strong Shadows in this area, but we should still be careful.
[ He glances at the clock on his phone - 11:58 PM - before sliding it into his back pocket. ] And you're just in time, too. The Dark Hour should start any minute now...
[ The world around them moves normally for a few moments more before stopping entirely, locked in time as the night sky takes on an unusual green tint. Around them, the streets morph into something less... familiar, less of a city and more like a desolate dreamscape.
But the atmosphere isn't the only thing that's changed. Chance now stands before him with a mask covering his eyes and forehead (complete with cute lil rabbit ears sticking out of the top), and golden armor covering the entire length of his arms. His honestly forgettable outfit is replaced with ornately decorated thigh high boots, a light blue coat that splits down the middle, coming to a stop around the back of his knees, and tight black bodysuit beneath it. The look is completed with a large quiver full of arrows strapped to his back, and a large, formidable bow in his grip. (basically he's got a similar vibe to eleonora from tms because i'm gay and predictable.)
He nods his head down a newly formed path. ] If you're ready - there shouldn't be any strong Shadows in this area, but we should still be careful.
[ ... He does feel a little bad, knowing that finding an arrow from Fujin Yumi would be impossible. But Keaton doesn't seem immediately disheartened? So he knocks another arrow and draws back the string. ] Then, here we go!
[ FCHOO. And while Keaton's off looking for the arrow, Takumi will quickly bolt back to camp to get a bow with some actual arrows that have a chance at getting found. He's not a complete jerk, thanks.
(hopefully he didn't actually hit something this time, though...........) ]
[ FCHOO. And while Keaton's off looking for the arrow, Takumi will quickly bolt back to camp to get a bow with some actual arrows that have a chance at getting found. He's not a complete jerk, thanks.
(hopefully he didn't actually hit something this time, though...........) ]
[Keaton bolts after another arrow with no luck yet again. His somewhat logical conclusion is that Takumi must really be putting some OOMPH behind his shots which is SUPER impressive. So when he returns to Takumi again, he still isn't disheartened. He's actually rather sparkley-eyed.]
Takumi!!! You're shooting them really, really far! It's time to get serious; I'll get it this time!
[He is a bound and determined boofer.]
Takumi!!! You're shooting them really, really far! It's time to get serious; I'll get it this time!
[He is a bound and determined boofer.]
[Leo had prepared himself for Xander to not be around today. He was fine with it - he understood that Xander was busy. He would expect nothing less of his diligent king. Besides, that Xander had even gotten him a gift - a beautiful, beautiful gift that he is going to wear as often as possible - was more than enough for Leo. There was no doubt in his mind that, despite not being around, Xander had not forgotten him on this day. He was still in his brother's mind.
All that mental prep and talking himself out of being disappointed falls to shambles when he actually sees Xander there in the stables with Niles and Eve. Leo feels his breath catch and suddenly he's not so confident in his ability to not cry yet.
Because he feels so relieved and happy to see Xander, and he feels the rush of it all at once. He hadn't realized just how much he wanted to see Xander today.]
Xander. [He hopes to all the gods and dragons above that his voice is steady.] I thought you were in meetings all day today.
All that mental prep and talking himself out of being disappointed falls to shambles when he actually sees Xander there in the stables with Niles and Eve. Leo feels his breath catch and suddenly he's not so confident in his ability to not cry yet.
Because he feels so relieved and happy to see Xander, and he feels the rush of it all at once. He hadn't realized just how much he wanted to see Xander today.]
Xander. [He hopes to all the gods and dragons above that his voice is steady.] I thought you were in meetings all day today.
[Leo frowns. How dare she play dumb.]
I can dress myself properly now. You don't need to come check on me in the mornings anymore. [Perhaps it's dramatic to say, but the words feel like acid on his tongue. Vile.]
I'm sure this has taken away from your morning duties, so you must be relieved. [He stops himself there. That may be what he's thinking but it's not what he wants to say.] I... have to admit, though. I'll miss our morning chats.
I can dress myself properly now. You don't need to come check on me in the mornings anymore. [Perhaps it's dramatic to say, but the words feel like acid on his tongue. Vile.]
I'm sure this has taken away from your morning duties, so you must be relieved. [He stops himself there. That may be what he's thinking but it's not what he wants to say.] I... have to admit, though. I'll miss our morning chats.
Well, for starters, this is definitely not how I imagined our first kiss. [Takumi can at least laugh at himself for this much.
With Oboro's hand over his, he does feel grounded. Oboro has always made him feel so comfortable and safe - more than anyone else has in years. He can be honest with her, he can be himself with her, he can be bratty and ornery and spiral in anxiety around her, and he knows he will never be met with judgement from her. She's always been too good for him in that way.
But that just means he can be honest with her now, too. There's no point beating around the bush with er when his feelings are out in the open now anyway.]
I know I keep saying it [or thinking it] but you really are amazing, Oboro. You're amazing all on your own and I don't want to hinder that.
I feel like I've always been your number one priority and sometimes - sometimes when I know and see what you're capable of, I wish I weren't! That - this [He makes a wide sweeping motion in the direction fo their abandoned sewing.] should be your priority.
And oh - gods be damned - if I courted you before you established yourself and you were only known as "Prince Takumi's wife," I'd be furious! I could never forgive myself. You are so much more than that!
[He's rambling. He's absolutely rambling, but he's never known any other way to get his thoughts out. These are the thoughts that have been on his mind for ages.]
With Oboro's hand over his, he does feel grounded. Oboro has always made him feel so comfortable and safe - more than anyone else has in years. He can be honest with her, he can be himself with her, he can be bratty and ornery and spiral in anxiety around her, and he knows he will never be met with judgement from her. She's always been too good for him in that way.
But that just means he can be honest with her now, too. There's no point beating around the bush with er when his feelings are out in the open now anyway.]
I know I keep saying it [or thinking it] but you really are amazing, Oboro. You're amazing all on your own and I don't want to hinder that.
I feel like I've always been your number one priority and sometimes - sometimes when I know and see what you're capable of, I wish I weren't! That - this [He makes a wide sweeping motion in the direction fo their abandoned sewing.] should be your priority.
And oh - gods be damned - if I courted you before you established yourself and you were only known as "Prince Takumi's wife," I'd be furious! I could never forgive myself. You are so much more than that!
[He's rambling. He's absolutely rambling, but he's never known any other way to get his thoughts out. These are the thoughts that have been on his mind for ages.]
[Yeah. Gerome's younger self would be losing his marbles right now. It's a miracle present Gerome isn't (outwardly) losing his marbles.
Gerome still feels he needs to tread carefully, though. He hasn't offended Laurent thus far, but if it turns out Laurent is related to the book thief in some way, he may end up in the red. Who is he to ask an ancient dragon x times his size to stop taking the books? Or at least procure the books in a less shifty way? He's pretty sure Laurent can do whatever he wants.
Nonetheless, Gerome eyes Laurent's abandoned book.] Mmm. Books have been mysteriously disappearing from many of the villages around the mountain. We have one witness who says it was a shady character in a cloak, but... [He meets Laurent's eyes.] You wouldn't happen to know anything about this?
[He is the dragon of wisdom after all.]
Gerome still feels he needs to tread carefully, though. He hasn't offended Laurent thus far, but if it turns out Laurent is related to the book thief in some way, he may end up in the red. Who is he to ask an ancient dragon x times his size to stop taking the books? Or at least procure the books in a less shifty way? He's pretty sure Laurent can do whatever he wants.
Nonetheless, Gerome eyes Laurent's abandoned book.] Mmm. Books have been mysteriously disappearing from many of the villages around the mountain. We have one witness who says it was a shady character in a cloak, but... [He meets Laurent's eyes.] You wouldn't happen to know anything about this?
[He is the dragon of wisdom after all.]
[ Hearing his thoughts out loud - how much he's been worrying about this, about her - brings tears to her eyes. Because she knows she'd be more than happy to just be courted by Takumi at all, but... his heart's in the right place. She'd be lying to him, and herself, if she said she didn't want to be a tailor anymore, and while being a prince's wife wouldn't necessarily stop her from working, she's always, always wanted to rebuild her parents' business. Honor them in the best way she knows how. And maybe it's a bit stubborn on her part, but she'd rather get her business started through her own efforts, not by virtue of being a member of Hoshido's royal family.
But it's that same stubborn streak that drives her to wrap her arms around him tight, sniffling over his shoulder, refusing to let him go so easily. ]
You're so kind, Lord Takumi... That's one of the many reasons I love you. [ She blinks back her tears as best she can, but a few still get away from her. ] There's so much I couldn't do if you weren't there with me... you've always encouraged me, and given me the strength I needed to keep moving forward. So even if I fulfilled my dreams, it wouldn't be the same without you.
[ A shaky breath. ] I. I want to be with you, for the rest of my life. So please, don't say you're holding me back... I need you, Lo- T-Takumi.
But it's that same stubborn streak that drives her to wrap her arms around him tight, sniffling over his shoulder, refusing to let him go so easily. ]
You're so kind, Lord Takumi... That's one of the many reasons I love you. [ She blinks back her tears as best she can, but a few still get away from her. ] There's so much I couldn't do if you weren't there with me... you've always encouraged me, and given me the strength I needed to keep moving forward. So even if I fulfilled my dreams, it wouldn't be the same without you.
[ A shaky breath. ] I. I want to be with you, for the rest of my life. So please, don't say you're holding me back... I need you, Lo- T-Takumi.
[ She's almost ready to let him be, without a single protest - because who is she, a retainer, to argue with a prince of another nation? surely he has other things to do in the mornings than this - but then he expresses his remorse and now, more than ever, she wants to stay.
And she'll say just that. ] This may be out of line for me to say, but... I've liked spending time with you, too. And I'll keep making time for you, if you want. So if that's your concern, you don't need to worry. I'm not going anywhere if you don't want me to.
And she'll say just that. ] This may be out of line for me to say, but... I've liked spending time with you, too. And I'll keep making time for you, if you want. So if that's your concern, you don't need to worry. I'm not going anywhere if you don't want me to.
[ Xander laughs, soft and light, and steps towards Leo. ]
Yes, I was supposed to be. But I postponed all my afternoon meetings so I could play a role in the celebration. [ He's never been the most physically affectionate person - unlike his sisters, it's not something that comes naturally to him. But now he pulls Leo into an embrace without a hesitation, resting one hand on his back and the other on the back of his head. ] There is nothing in this world that could've kept me from being here, Leo.
[ Especially when he knows what's coming up next. But that's Odin's surprise, and no one else's. ]
Yes, I was supposed to be. But I postponed all my afternoon meetings so I could play a role in the celebration. [ He's never been the most physically affectionate person - unlike his sisters, it's not something that comes naturally to him. But now he pulls Leo into an embrace without a hesitation, resting one hand on his back and the other on the back of his head. ] There is nothing in this world that could've kept me from being here, Leo.
[ Especially when he knows what's coming up next. But that's Odin's surprise, and no one else's. ]
[ Uuuhghfdkjghvdfkj Keaton's an idiot, but maybe Takumi is too for warming up to this game of fetch so quickly.
He swaps his bows and, once again, gets ready to let an arrow fly. ] Yeah, yeah. One more time!
[ Except he'll continue playing until Keaton's worn out, but shh, let him have his cool lines. And though the arrow will actually be visible this time around, Takumi still makes an effort to shoot it deep into the woods because surely Keaton doesn't want Takumi to make this easy, right??? There's no stubborn and childish competitiveness here. Nope. Nuh uh. ]
He swaps his bows and, once again, gets ready to let an arrow fly. ] Yeah, yeah. One more time!
[ Except he'll continue playing until Keaton's worn out, but shh, let him have his cool lines. And though the arrow will actually be visible this time around, Takumi still makes an effort to shoot it deep into the woods because surely Keaton doesn't want Takumi to make this easy, right??? There's no stubborn and childish competitiveness here. Nope. Nuh uh. ]
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