THIRTEEN - Finally, the Awaited Exchange of Words

"Miss Kiki, welcome!"

Obi, to his shock, found Kiki stood at the doorway of Ryu's and Shirayuki's office. Shirayuki turned on her stool and looked over, her eyes brightening up at the sight of the blonde aide. She stood tall in her purple attire, giving the two that rare, genuine smile. Shirayuki was quick to grab Ryu's stool and pull it closer to her desk so Kiki could sit.

"Please," Shirayuki pointed at the stool, having Kiki nod before taking her seat on the stool. Shirayuki sat back down on hers and rested her hands on her knees. Obi closed the door quietly as the two ladies stared at one another happily. "It's so nice to see you."

"You too, Shirayuki," Kiki replied quietly, smiling at the kind girl before her. Kiki finally got a good look at the girls face and allowed her smile to dissolve into a frown.

Shirayuki's eyes, through bright and content to see Kiki, were still pink and puffy. She doesn't stop crying, does she? Her skin is much paler than usual. If Kiki had to guess, her diet is existent but weakening. Her smile, genuine, but still slightly broken. And Kiki found herself respecting Shirayuki much more than before for holding up through such a tough time for her.

"How's Mitsuhide?" Shirayuki asked, her eyes full of ponder as she noticed the lack of the turquoise-haired aide. "Assuming he's guarding the Prince while you're gone?"

"Yes," Kiki said simply, looking distantly at the graham cracker-colored floor. Kiki then looked around the office, seeing papers and scrolls ornate around. Vials were held up by metallic racks on both Shirayuki's and Ryu's desks. "Where's Ryu?"

"He's right down here," Obi replied, smirking as he walked over to the said boys' desk and moved the curtain. Ryu was finally revealed to everyone, seeing his knees bent and cozy with a big pillow and a fluffy quilt. He looked over to find himself exposed, those aqua eyes widening in great shock. His dark brown hair was a big mess, as usual, as his small hands held a thick, green book.

"Good morning," Ryu croaked, his voice raspy and weak due to just waking up. Everyone smiled down at the Prodigy, having him close the medicine book and setting it down beside him. Crawling out from under the bed, he stands up and begins rubbing his eyes. "How're you Shirayuki?"

"I'm well, thank you. And yourself?"

"Sleepy," Ryu said, giving her a soft smile before nodding at Kiki. She nods in return, having him turn to Obi to stare up at him. Obi smiled down at the boy, finding it endearing how he interacts with Shirayuki. Ever since Shirayuki's heart was broken, Ryu has been more wary about her and ensuring that she wasn't crying.

"You up to getting ready, half pint?" Obi asked, smiling softly at the boy who gently nodded. With a quick motion, Obi carried the stoic in his arms and opened the door behind him. Standing at the doorway, he glanced behind to see the two ladies. "I'm off to get this one ready. See you two in a bit."

With that, Obi used his foot to close the door behind him and his footsteps filled in the silence until they were finally too far to be heard.

"How are you, really?" Kiki was quick to show concern, having her lean forward to place her hands over Shirayuki's on her knees. Shirayuki's hands clenched from the touch, having her lips straighten as her emerald eyes lowered down to her skirt. "I know you've been getting that a lot lately, but I really want to know."

"It… It hurts a lot, Kiki…" Shirayuki whispered, biting her bottom lip. She desperately wanted herself to keep from crying. Kiki felt her hands clench harsher, her nails denting into her knees. The only thing stopping them from digging through was her silk dress. "But I'm holding up okay."

"Are you?" Kiki questioned, attempting to catch Shirayuki's gaze. From the glare of the window, Kiki could see her eyes shiny, a coat of fresh tears covering her emerald eyes. Shirayuki noticed and shook her head so her hair could cover her face. "Shirayuki, it's okay to cry."

"I've already shed so many tears, Kiki," Shirayuki choked. Grimacing, Shirayuki quickly reeled one of her hands to rub her eyes. Kiki rested her hand on her knee now, staring sadly as the red-haired girl sniffled. "I just want it to stop."

"I know it hurts right now, but I promise it'll be okay," Kiki tries to reassure, having Shirayuki tilt her head back up to smile weakly at the blonde. She uses a hand to move her red hair away from her face, finding Shirayuki's face just as red as the hair. "I hurt for you as well, Shirayuki. We wish we can do something about it, but this is beyond our hands."

"I understand, Kiki," Shirayuki said. Her smile, though weak, was still existent with sincerity. Tears still streamed down her creamy cheeks, the light caramel skin glistening from the water full of woe. "Thank you for being so kind to me. This is Zen's choice, and we must respect it.

"Yeah," Kiki choked out, hating the reality of everything. If only Zen told her beforehand or at least soon. That way, at least, Shirayuki would hurt with comprehension. "I still think you're the ideal bride for him." A smirk printed on Kiki's lips, causing Shirayuki to laugh softly.

"I'm glad to have your blessing," Shirayuki continued, receiving a quiet laugh from Kiki before she went over and leaned her forehead against hers. She took Kiki's hands in hers and squeezed them. "Take care of him, please."

"Isn't that your job?" Kiki joked, but Shirayuki gently shook her head. Tears continued to well up in her eye sockets as she stared into her blue eyes.

"I don't think so," Shirayuki whispered. "Not anymore anyways."

"Goodnight, Miss." Obi stood straight, holding onto his Mistress' arm as they stood in front of her room. Shirayuki smiled, letting him go gently as she turned to look up at him. As usual, he shed the warm smile that only existed because of her. And she smiled in return, her eyes closed to reveal the cute crinkles at the ends of her eyes.

"Goodnight, Obi. Thank you for walking me back." Obi nodded and bowed, extremely in love with her gratitude. As he was bent down, she suddenly weaved her hands into the back locks of his hair. He flinched a bit, but quickly eased to it as she gave it a gentle ruffle. "Sleep well, please."

"I w-wish the same to you, Miss," Obi began, standing up straight once more once she removed her hand from his hair. They exchanged one more genuine smile before Shirayuki opened the door to her room and slowly made her way inside. But she sneakily peeked out the doorway to watch Obi take his leave. He rubbed the back of his head with the gloved hand before putting it back down. He looked at it wistfully, then allowed a smile to curve his lips.

How winsome. Shirayuki always found it nice to see Obi smile. He was always such a serious man, doing all his tasks with such a stern expression. Shirayuki found her heart warm at the concept of her managing to make him smile, regardless of the situation. Especially at how kind Obi has been to the girl. Saying she was gracious was an understatement.

Shirayuki was quick to remove Obi's scarf and laying it gently on her night table. She grabbed a hair tie that sat beside it and put up her short hair in a ponytail. As she did, she couldn't help but resume staring at it. She felt so bad for taking it from Obi, but there was this odd sense of comfort that came with it. So much so that she has yet to offer it back to him and has practically taken it for herself. She placed one hand on it, with the other residing on the table. She rubbed its wool-woven texture, taking it in her fingers to bring it up to her nose.

It still held Obi's scent. Although combined with Shirayuki's now since she's had it for weeks, it still retains Obi in it. It smelled so much like nature, like cut grass and petrichor. Shirayuki smiled at how somewhat stretched out it's been, and several spots have been stitched back together from cuts. She could tell it's been with Obi for a very long time, making her wonder, still, about his past.

Shirayuki was suddenly interrupted by a strong knock at the door.

"Coming!" She put the scarf down and quickly went to the door. With her hand on the cold, gold knob, she twists it open and reveals the knocker of the door. "Z-Zen?"

The Prince stood tall before her, having Shirayuki step back as he let himself in. He wasn't in his usual attire. His torso was hugged by a navy blue shirt with gray pants and his sword right behind him in a sheath. His face was stern, those azure eyes full of wonder and desire.

"Shirayuki," Zen breathed, shutting the door behind him as Shirayuki stood in shock. She stared up at the boy she loved so dearly, feeling her heart pound. His was hammering just as much, practically threatening to escape his chest. His lips parted slightly, hers taking part in the same action as they met eyes. "Shirayuki…"

"Wh-what are you doing here?" Shirayuki stammered, her eyes studying the boy in the dim room. She realized she forgot to turn on the lights, but used the moonlight pouring in as her guide. "Y-you shouldn't be in here, it's not right—"

"Shirayuki, I want for us to talk," Zen requested, plead in his eyes as she stared, horrified. "What I said in the ballroom, I didn't say it right. I want to say something better now. But I want you to listen to me, and listen to me good, okay?"

Shirayuki stood there, frozen. Her mouth wouldn't move, vocals failing to produce words. So Zen simply took it as a yes.

"I love you Shirayuki," Zen began, walking up to the girl. He finds her hands and takes them into his. The familiarity of her small, smooth hands washed relief over him. It was so overwhelming to feel at ease again. "I love you and only you. You're the only one made for me."

"But what about—" Shirayuki tried.

Without consent, Zen quickly smashed his lips upon hers. Shirayuki's eyes were wide open, staring at her closed-eyed lover. His lips were cold, but they were familiar and inviting. She felt some dry skin on those chapped lips, but nonetheless his lips melted perfectly into hers. They were meant for her—no, they were made for her.

Shirayuki squeezed his hands, emotion taking over her common sense as she kissed him back. Her eyes shut, but they hadn't lacked in creating tears for her to let go of. Zen squeezed her hands back, feeling their connection resonate as their lips were attached and dancing.

Lord, I missed her, Zen thought. Missed those lips and how plump they felt on his. Missed that tongue, the pink delight dancing with his in ease. Missed these hands, how much he loved to hold them and caress them with his thumbs. Missed that red hair, the way the locks tickled his cheeks. Missed that smell of roses and maple syrup and everything sweet. Only Shirayuki had his mind ranting all about her, running in circles to conclude that she was the center of his feelings.

Zen then let's go of her hands and places them on her shoulders. He detaches his lips from hers, looking at her face. It was in shock, her emerald eyes glistening with tears shining upon her cheeks. She was completely flushed, her face as red as her hair. Her bottom lip quivered, shared saliva danced on both of their lips. Her chest heaved, slightly exposed now that she has the scarf removed. And in all honesty, Zen preferred it that way.

"I love you," Zen whispered, both of his hands gently holding the nap of her neck as he tugged her forward. Their foreheads touched, and a sudden static strike Shirayuki. His eyes were shut, having her proceed to shut hers. "Do you… love me too?"

"Yes…"

Shirayuki couldn't lie. Even if she didn't want to admit it, it had to leave her. She was desperately in love with her Prince, whether she wanted to be or not. Even with this broke heart, it still released affection for the white-haired fellow before her. It was beyond her that she began to shake.

"Goodnight, Shirayuki." With that, Zen let her go and escaped through the door. Everything went still around her, silence taking over the room as she stood. Her hand quickly rose to her lips, rubbing along both lips from left to right. She had no idea what to think or do.

Quickly, the girl collapsed to the ground. Tears streamed faster down her cheeks as she kept touching her lips. There was no way to comprehend. Shirayuki only knew one thing: her heart won't stop beating tonight.