[It's been a week or so since Leo arrived in Hoshido and since Oboro began helping him in the mornings with his clothes. The Hoshidan style yukatas had been so unfamiliar to Leo and he had struggled so much that hid retainers had brought her in to teach him how to properly layer the pieces and tie the knots.
Leo likes to think he picked up the skill rather easily (Oboro's been a very good sport, a very good teacher)but after the first couple goes at it on his own, he still wanted her to check his work and so she's continued to visit him in the mornings to assess his dressing. But something unusual has arisen from this now daily routine, and it's that Leo has begun to genuinely enjoy speaking with Oboro and the quiet time spent with her in the mornings.
It's been... really nice. He feels like he's able to be more relaxed with her in the mornings. He's sleepy and she's not on duty yet so, while there will always be that line of formality they can't cross due to their difference in stations, their time together is never quite as tense as it sometimes is when she's by Takumi's side. And Leo finds himself missing Oboro's presence when she can't tend to him. Because of course sometimes she's busy with actual retainer duties and Leo understands that - that's part of why he likes her ---
Leo suddenly pulls the knot of his obi too tight and makes himself wince. Don't, he warns himself. Just don't.
He looks at himself and the work he's done on autopilot in the mirror and is surprised to see... that it's perfect. He extends an arm and none of the sleeve is caught, the obi looks decent and isn't falling off him, even the collar isn't wrinkled. He's finally put himself together without Oboro's help. She might actually be proud of him when she comes in to see him today. This means she wont have to come by in the mornings anymore. It'll certainly be a relief for her, he's sure.
The thought immediately brings about a sense of unease - disappointment - that lays heavy in Leo's stomach.
And without thinking, he unties some of the trickier knots and ties them again. They're incorrect this time.]
[ Before his arrival in Hoshido, most of what Oboro knew of Leo came from Takumi. She imagined him to be an arrogant asshole who always makes a point to argue with her lord, and tries to insist he's better than her lord (which he's obviously not, and definitely can't be with that attitude).
But then Niles and Odin ask for her help and she begins to see just how wrong she is about him, and maybe Nohrians in general. He's flawed in an endearing way, a man just doing his best to be a worthy prince of a nation viewed so poorly, even if sometimes he gets a little tangled in his clothes. She sees the spark of energy in his eyes as he talks about magic and his other passions, his embarrassment clear as day as she lightheartedly teases him, and it makes her realize how human Leo is. And maybe that's just another reason on the ever-growing mental list she likes seeing him in the mornings, when most of the castle is still asleep or just beginning to stir - despite their differences, she... wants to spend time with him. See more sides of this prince that always looks so composed during the day and foolishly challenges her lord to shoji matches.
(Any inkling of affection or romantic attraction gets shoved aside without any extra thought because no, why even waste her energy fantasizing about that, he's a prince of their ally, and she's just a retainer. She could never... ...........)
For Oboro, this morning is just like any other. She has a long list of tasks for the day, and she's promised to spar with Hinata later, but before any of that she stops by a room she's become very, very familiar with over the past week or so. ] Prince Leo? It's me. [ A pause. ] You're not still asleep, are you?
Ah. No, I'm awake. [Leo calls to her. He shakes all the thoughts of Oboro shuffling around in his head so he can focus on the Oboro in front of him. There's no point in thinking about it right now. No point in thinking about anything.
He slides the shoji screen door open for her (something else he's gotten better at - he'd been much to timid previously, afraid he was going to tear the doors if he used too much force) and then takes a step back so she cant enter the room and take a look at him.]
I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. [He feigns pride.]
[ Oboro bows quietly, polite and proper as usual, before stepping inside the room and getting right to (unofficial) business. ]
Hold out your arms? [ Once he does, she closes the gap between them and drops to her knees to better inspect his yukata. Nothing looks immediately caught, backwards, or out of place... and on further inspection, besides those few incorrect knots, he's got it down!
She smiles warmly up at Leo, actual pride in her voice. ] Very well done, Prince Leo! You'll be a pro at this in no time. [ She points to the few mistied knots. ] Do you need me to show you these ones again? [ and if so, give her your hands???? ]
[She's actually proud of him. Ow. He feels a little guilty for purposefully messing them up now.]
If you could. [Seems he doesn't feel guilty enough to be out with it though. He'll just go along with her, let her show him again, and then Leo will show that he can actually properly do the knots. Right.
That's what he's thinking when he offers Oboro his hands and even as she guides him through the motions again. It's all very familiar at this point, especially Oboro's warmth and suddenly as they're untying the knot again so he can do it himself, he's struck with the worrying though that he may not see her in the mornings after this again.
There's.. no way she would just hang out with him. That's ridiculous. They're both too busy and though she may be civil with him, Leo knows how Oboro truly feels about Nohrians. Why would she associate with one more than she needs to. His stay in Hoshido is halfway over as it is. It wouldn't hurt to keep up this facade for just a bit longer. His sister is always telling him he could stand to be a bit more selfish at times...
Leo, very consciously, beefs tying the knots again. ]
[ As Leo reties the knot, Oboro watches him with a quiet, careful eye. It honestly doesn't make sense to her, why he keeps making the same mistakes. Even she knows Leo's not a careless person, so why... ................
Maybe it's just overthinking. Goodness knows she feels like she's overthinking this - and she's not even the type to overthink in the first place. So she'll help him through this again. ] I think I see what's happening.
[ She unties the knot once more, reties it partially, then takes his hands once more. ] Right here - you're doing this [ a motion ] when it's supposed to be this. [ another motion ] Does that make sense?
Hang on. [ Before Leo can get too far with that (unknown to her, faked) messed up knot, she stops him completely, hands tightening a bit around his. ] Watch me closely, Prince Leo.
[ And she does it again, but as she goes through the motions she wonders aloud. ] I don't get it - if not for this knot, you'd have this down perfectly... [ Once she ties the knot twice, for good measure, she undoes it and takes a step back. ]
Would you try it one more time? [ And she's really got her eye on him this time, but on him in general, not just his hands. ]
[He isn't sure what to do now. Leo holds the fabric loosely in his hands and chances a glance up at Oboro before quickly looking back down at his hands.
Oboro's watching him, he can tell. He can feel her eyes on him. So he supposes the gig is up. She'll see right through him if he fakes it again.
He ties the knot proper this time, but doesn't say a word.]
[ Oboro is pretty good at reading people. With Takumi's moods, she has to be - and as a tailor, she trained herself to better understand the difference between a client's actual approval and an unwillingness to take up more of her time than necessary.
So her previous thoughts of something being wrong return to the surface, and instead of heaping a load of (admittedly, still deserved) praise, she folds her arms in front of her and asks point blank. ] Is something the matter, Prince Leo? [ If he were as lost as he seemed, wouldn't he be happier now, to finally understand? ]
[ 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?) ]
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.
[ 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.
[ Leo's an idiot, because yes, getting her to stay is that easy.
A warm smile returns to Oboro's face. ] Sounds like a plan to me! I've still got some time on my hands, so would you like me to bring you some tea now? [ A little eager? Perhaps. But hopefully it's not something Leo minds. ]
That sounds lovely. [He's just as eager after all.] You needn't bring it, though. I'm awake enough that I'll walk with you. [More time to spend together rather than her running back and forth. And for good measure, he will continue to be honest:]
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Leo likes to think he picked up the skill rather easily (Oboro's been a very good sport, a very good teacher)but after the first couple goes at it on his own, he still wanted her to check his work and so she's continued to visit him in the mornings to assess his dressing. But something unusual has arisen from this now daily routine, and it's that Leo has begun to genuinely enjoy speaking with Oboro and the quiet time spent with her in the mornings.
It's been... really nice. He feels like he's able to be more relaxed with her in the mornings. He's sleepy and she's not on duty yet so, while there will always be that line of formality they can't cross due to their difference in stations, their time together is never quite as tense as it sometimes is when she's by Takumi's side. And Leo finds himself missing Oboro's presence when she can't tend to him. Because of course sometimes she's busy with actual retainer duties and Leo understands that - that's part of why he likes her ---
Leo suddenly pulls the knot of his obi too tight and makes himself wince. Don't, he warns himself. Just don't.
He looks at himself and the work he's done on autopilot in the mirror and is surprised to see... that it's perfect. He extends an arm and none of the sleeve is caught, the obi looks decent and isn't falling off him, even the collar isn't wrinkled. He's finally put himself together without Oboro's help. She might actually be proud of him when she comes in to see him today. This means she wont have to come by in the mornings anymore. It'll certainly be a relief for her, he's sure.
The thought immediately brings about a sense of unease - disappointment - that lays heavy in Leo's stomach.
And without thinking, he unties some of the trickier knots and ties them again. They're incorrect this time.]
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But then Niles and Odin ask for her help and she begins to see just how wrong she is about him, and maybe Nohrians in general. He's flawed in an endearing way, a man just doing his best to be a worthy prince of a nation viewed so poorly, even if sometimes he gets a little tangled in his clothes. She sees the spark of energy in his eyes as he talks about magic and his other passions, his embarrassment clear as day as she lightheartedly teases him, and it makes her realize how human Leo is. And maybe that's just another reason on the ever-growing mental list she likes seeing him in the mornings, when most of the castle is still asleep or just beginning to stir - despite their differences, she... wants to spend time with him. See more sides of this prince that always looks so composed during the day and foolishly challenges her lord to shoji matches.
(Any inkling of affection or romantic attraction gets shoved aside without any extra thought because no, why even waste her energy fantasizing about that, he's a prince of their ally, and she's just a retainer. She could never... ...........)
For Oboro, this morning is just like any other. She has a long list of tasks for the day, and she's promised to spar with Hinata later, but before any of that she stops by a room she's become very, very familiar with over the past week or so. ] Prince Leo? It's me. [ A pause. ] You're not still asleep, are you?
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He slides the shoji screen door open for her (something else he's gotten better at - he'd been much to timid previously, afraid he was going to tear the doors if he used too much force) and then takes a step back so she cant enter the room and take a look at him.]
I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. [He feigns pride.]
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Hold out your arms? [ Once he does, she closes the gap between them and drops to her knees to better inspect his yukata. Nothing looks immediately caught, backwards, or out of place... and on further inspection, besides those few incorrect knots, he's got it down!
She smiles warmly up at Leo, actual pride in her voice. ] Very well done, Prince Leo! You'll be a pro at this in no time. [ She points to the few mistied knots. ] Do you need me to show you these ones again? [ and if so, give her your hands???? ]
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If you could. [Seems he doesn't feel guilty enough to be out with it though. He'll just go along with her, let her show him again, and then Leo will show that he can actually properly do the knots. Right.
That's what he's thinking when he offers Oboro his hands and even as she guides him through the motions again. It's all very familiar at this point, especially Oboro's warmth and suddenly as they're untying the knot again so he can do it himself, he's struck with the worrying though that he may not see her in the mornings after this again.
There's.. no way she would just hang out with him. That's ridiculous. They're both too busy and though she may be civil with him, Leo knows how Oboro truly feels about Nohrians. Why would she associate with one more than she needs to. His stay in Hoshido is halfway over as it is. It wouldn't hurt to keep up this facade for just a bit longer. His sister is always telling him he could stand to be a bit more selfish at times...
Leo, very consciously, beefs tying the knots again. ]
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Maybe it's just overthinking. Goodness knows she feels like she's overthinking this - and she's not even the type to overthink in the first place. So she'll help him through this again. ] I think I see what's happening.
[ She unties the knot once more, reties it partially, then takes his hands once more. ] Right here - you're doing this [ a motion ] when it's supposed to be this. [ another motion ] Does that make sense?
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[Oboro's hands are on his still but he fights them to do the incorrect motions once more.]
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[ And she does it again, but as she goes through the motions she wonders aloud. ] I don't get it - if not for this knot, you'd have this down perfectly... [ Once she ties the knot twice, for good measure, she undoes it and takes a step back. ]
Would you try it one more time? [ And she's really got her eye on him this time, but on him in general, not just his hands. ]
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Oboro's watching him, he can tell. He can feel her eyes on him. So he supposes the gig is up. She'll see right through him if he fakes it again.
He ties the knot proper this time, but doesn't say a word.]
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So her previous thoughts of something being wrong return to the surface, and instead of heaping a load of (admittedly, still deserved) praise, she folds her arms in front of her and asks point blank. ] Is something the matter, Prince Leo? [ If he were as lost as he seemed, wouldn't he be happier now, to finally understand? ]
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I think I fully understand it now, so that's all there is to it, right? To this? [To them.]
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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?) ]
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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.
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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.
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Leo straightens.] I... would like that. [He would like for Oboro to make time for him. Gods, how miserable and desperate does that sound.]
Perhaps we could just.. sit down and have some tea in the morning? Together?
[Why does he feel like an idiot now? Because it was this easy?]
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A warm smile returns to Oboro's face. ] Sounds like a plan to me! I've still got some time on my hands, so would you like me to bring you some tea now? [ A little eager? Perhaps. But hopefully it's not something Leo minds. ]
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That sounds lovely. [He's just as eager after all.] You needn't bring it, though. I'm awake enough that I'll walk with you. [More time to spend together rather than her running back and forth. And for good measure, he will continue to be honest:]
I want to.