Lord Takumi... [ Oooooooh she definitely can't keep a grin off her face now!!! ] Thank you. Your faith in me means the world to me.
[ She wraps up getting the measurements, then takes a step back. She's absolutely, undeniably on cloud nine right now. ] Do you want to see the sketches I've drawn up? It'd be nice to have your input before I got to work.
Anything would be a big help to me. Besides, I want to make sure my design gets the Lord Takumi Seal of Approval.
[ Wink! ] Hang tight - I'll go grab my sketches. [ Oboro bows politely, then is quick to go back to her quarters, grab the paper and the fabrics she plans on using, and return to her lord's side. She's only gone for a few minutes tops - can't leave him alone for too long! ]
So, this is what I'm thinking... [ Her plans on paper are very detailed, with notes on everything she could think of that would go into making the yukata, but the verbal rundown she gives is kept simple. She'll use this fabric with this and add some accents here and here to really make the colors pop, blah blah blah, I'm Nil and I definitely know things about sewing. ]
[Oboro's explanations are simple but Takumi is still looking over her detailed notes. Once again, he's amazed even if this is an entirely different language to him.
Overall, Takumi likes what she's come up with. She knows his tastes well enough that she hasn't picked anything he instantly disapproves of. Unfortunately that only doubly confirms his doubts that he'll be of any help. And he voices that.] That, uh, that sounds good to me. I think those [he points to some accents] will look nice.
How do you make those, anyway? [Is it magic? Gotta be magic.]
There's more than one way to do it, but I was thinking of hand-stitching those. [ She moves her hands in a motion vaguely reminiscent of sewing. ] The fabric's gorgeous on its own, but I want to make this extra special for you. And it won't be too hard - it'll just take some time, is all.
[ A pause. She's sure he has more important things to do, but- ] Do you want to watch me work on it? I could show you what I mean.
Can I? [He sounds unsure.] I'd love to w - learn but I don't want to be a bother. I know I don't exactly love it when people are over my shoulder while I'm training. [But he does genuinely want to watch. He wants to learn. Basic sewing is a good skill to have. And this way he can be a bit closer to Oboro; he wants to know more about what she's passionate about.]
[ Even though his answer is laced with uncertainty, a bright and warm smile comes to her face. ]
Lord Takumi, you are never a bother! [ you're her lord and her entire world???? she'd move mountains for you???????? ] And, to be honest, it would make me really happy to teach you. [ Being able to spend time with Takumi, outside of their usual duties... it feels like a dream. Is it selfish to want that? ]
Do you have time now? [ She's suddenly very, very eager to get started. ]
Were she a little bolder (and her arms not full of fabric) she would take him by the hand and lead him back to her room. But as is there's almost a little spring her step as she makes her way to her space that's honestly more sewing room than bedroom.
She pulls out a couple pillows for them to sit on, then gets comfortable with some fabric scraps and all the necessary supplies at her side (but only after Takumi's gotten comfortable!!). ] If something doesn't make sense, stop me, okay? [ She hands over a needle, some thread, and a larger scrap of fabric. ] First, I'll show you some basic stitches. [ And then she does! Nice and slow, so Takumi can follow along much easier than Leo. Incredible. Look at her go, completely in her element. Wao. ]
[Takumi has already said it before, but Oboro's amazing? It's a only basic stitch but still, she does it so easily and so confidently. All while giving him instructions?? Instructions that are clear and that he can understand? Amazing.
His stitches are a little wobbly. Some are a little longer than others and stray away from the straight line he was trying to sew, but they're decent stitches for a beginning and he doesn't stab his thumb with the needle, so Takumi would call it a success.] Like this?
[ Without thinking, Oboro scoots closer to Takumi, so close that when she takes hold of the fabric gently to get a better look at his work, her head presses against his and she's more or less leaning against him.
And, of course, she's all smiles when she sees said work. The stitches aren't perfect but for a complete beginner, they're really good???? ] Exactly like that, Lord Takumi! Looks like you're getting the hang of it pretty quickly. [ She's!!! So proud!!! Of her lord!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ]
[AAAAH HA HA HA.......... Takumi had asked Oboro to show him how to sew with the genuine intention of learning the craft. But it's awfully distracting when she presses her head against his like that.
And when she smiles at him like that? Takumi's struck.
He can't help but stare at her while she gushes proudly over him and for once her words aren't embarrassing and overwhelming because they're just noise in his ear. He's too busy drinking in her every expression, the sound of her voice, all the feelings she makes swell within his heart. He's had a crush on Oboro for ages and he's managed to keep it on lockdown but this might just be the breaking point for Takumi.
When she simmers down, Takumi also moves without thinking. He leans in and shifts his head in just the slightest so their noses bunp and then he's pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.
And a whole split second later, he's pulling back.] Uh -
[ The entire world comes to a screeching to a halt when she feels Takumi's lips oh so gently on hers. He's warm and his lips are surprisingly soft and it all seems too good to be true. Her deep and hopeless crush on him has always felt just that - deep and very, very hopeless, but she's remained completely devoted to him to all the same.
But their first kiss - their honest to god real first kiss - is over in the blink of an eye. He's pulling away before she even finishes processing the feeling of him and apologizing as though he's done something wrong. And though her mind's reeling and her face is rapidly turning beet red, she grabs his face to keep him from pulling away too far. ] - No! No, Lord Takumi, you don't- I--
[ ... but then she realizes she's holding his face and she quickly pulls her hands away as though struck by lightning. ] Sorry... But what I'm trying to say is that I. [ Oh god, is she really about to say this? She doesn't think there will ever be a better time than now, but still, oh god. ] I love you. I've loved you for so long... so I don't want to forget this.
[ Her shoulders sag a little as she pauses, trying to collect herself a little because-- ] But- but if you really want me to, then consider it forgotten.
[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.
[ 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?
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.]
[ 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.
[He knows he's held her back, even if she doesn't realize it. There's the whole matter of Hoshidan retainers not really being allowed to hold side jobs. Takumi's never cared about it, but with it being so frowned upon he's sure its something Oboro has thought about.
But gods... it's hard to say otherwise when Oboro's wrapped so tightly around him, saying all the things he's only dreamt of hearing.
Takumi holds her in return, and rubs her back in a soothing motion.] Alright...
Then, please... let me continue to support you. Allow me to be there right at your side, not just as your lord but as your lover, from now on. [He kisses by her ear.]
[ His hands are warm on her back, his breath tickling her skin as he speaks those soft, sweet words right by her ear - and she feels her heart swell, and swell, and swell, with all the love and affection in the world.
Oboro slowly lifts her head from his shoulder, and though there are watery streaks of tears on her face she kisses his cheek with a warm, shaky smile. ] Nothing would make me happier.
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As if that's even possible. L-letting me or your parents down, I mean. There's no way.
[He's watched Oboro over the years. He's seen her talent grow and grow to something beyond what her parents ever taught her.]
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[ She wraps up getting the measurements, then takes a step back. She's absolutely, undeniably on cloud nine right now. ] Do you want to see the sketches I've drawn up? It'd be nice to have your input before I got to work.
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[Given how he doesn't know a lick about fashion. But he's also not saying no.]
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[ Wink! ] Hang tight - I'll go grab my sketches. [ Oboro bows politely, then is quick to go back to her quarters, grab the paper and the fabrics she plans on using, and return to her lord's side. She's only gone for a few minutes tops - can't leave him alone for too long! ]
So, this is what I'm thinking... [ Her plans on paper are very detailed, with notes on everything she could think of that would go into making the yukata, but the verbal rundown she gives is kept simple. She'll use this fabric with this and add some accents here and here to really make the colors pop, blah blah blah, I'm Nil and I definitely know things about sewing. ]
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Overall, Takumi likes what she's come up with. She knows his tastes well enough that she hasn't picked anything he instantly disapproves of. Unfortunately that only doubly confirms his doubts that he'll be of any help. And he voices that.] That, uh, that sounds good to me. I think those [he points to some accents] will look nice.
How do you make those, anyway? [Is it magic? Gotta be magic.]
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[ A pause. She's sure he has more important things to do, but- ] Do you want to watch me work on it? I could show you what I mean.
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Lord Takumi, you are never a bother! [ you're her lord and her entire world???? she'd move mountains for you???????? ] And, to be honest, it would make me really happy to teach you. [ Being able to spend time with Takumi, outside of their usual duties... it feels like a dream. Is it selfish to want that? ]
Do you have time now? [ She's suddenly very, very eager to get started. ]
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He nods quickly, giving Oboroa very honest smile.] Sure. Lead the way.
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Were she a little bolder (and her arms not full of fabric) she would take him by the hand and lead him back to her room. But as is there's almost a little spring her step as she makes her way to her space that's honestly more sewing room than bedroom.
She pulls out a couple pillows for them to sit on, then gets comfortable with some fabric scraps and all the necessary supplies at her side (but only after Takumi's gotten comfortable!!). ] If something doesn't make sense, stop me, okay? [ She hands over a needle, some thread, and a larger scrap of fabric. ] First, I'll show you some basic stitches. [ And then she does! Nice and slow, so Takumi can follow along
much easier than Leo. Incredible. Look at her go, completely in her element. Wao. ]no subject
His stitches are a little wobbly. Some are a little longer than others and stray away from the straight line he was trying to sew, but they're decent stitches for a beginning and he doesn't stab his thumb with the needle, so Takumi would call it a success.] Like this?
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And, of course, she's all smiles when she sees said work. The stitches aren't perfect but for a complete beginner, they're really good???? ] Exactly like that, Lord Takumi! Looks like you're getting the hang of it pretty quickly. [ She's!!! So proud!!! Of her lord!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ]
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And when she smiles at him like that? Takumi's struck.
He can't help but stare at her while she gushes proudly over him and for once her words aren't embarrassing and overwhelming because they're just noise in his ear. He's too busy drinking in her every expression, the sound of her voice, all the feelings she makes swell within his heart. He's had a crush on Oboro for ages and he's managed to keep it on lockdown but this might just be the breaking point for Takumi.
When she simmers down, Takumi also moves without thinking. He leans in and shifts his head in just the slightest so their noses bunp and then he's pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.
And a whole split second later, he's pulling back.] Uh -
[AAAAAAAAA]
SORRY. I didn't -- forget I did that - I'm sorry!
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But their first kiss - their honest to god real first kiss - is over in the blink of an eye. He's pulling away before she even finishes processing the feeling of him and apologizing as though he's done something wrong. And though her mind's reeling and her face is rapidly turning beet red, she grabs his face to keep him from pulling away too far. ] - No! No, Lord Takumi, you don't- I--
[ ... but then she realizes she's holding his face and she quickly pulls her hands away as though struck by lightning. ] Sorry... But what I'm trying to say is that I. [ Oh god, is she really about to say this? She doesn't think there will ever be a better time than now, but still, oh god. ] I love you. I've loved you for so long... so I don't want to forget this.
[ Her shoulders sag a little as she pauses, trying to collect herself a little because-- ] But- but if you really want me to, then consider it forgotten.
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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.
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So she rests a hand over his, hopefully to ground him a little, and asks quietly: ] What do you mean?
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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.]
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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.
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But gods... it's hard to say otherwise when Oboro's wrapped so tightly around him, saying all the things he's only dreamt of hearing.
Takumi holds her in return, and rubs her back in a soothing motion.] Alright...
Then, please... let me continue to support you. Allow me to be there right at your side, not just as your lord but as your lover, from now on. [He kisses by her ear.]
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Oboro slowly lifts her head from his shoulder, and though there are watery streaks of tears on her face she kisses his cheek with a warm, shaky smile. ] Nothing would make me happier.