Uniform
The moment Kurogane had accepted the position of head ninja, he knew that he had made a drastic, and possibly sanity-threatening choice. The look of sheer delight that lit Tomoyo-hime's face immediately made him want to withdraw his answer. It was much too happy for something so trivial. It was not as if she could be so ecstatic over him always having to protect her, he had been doing that regardless. Nothing should have changed except for the fact that now he was officially in her service. Nothing has changed, he reminded himself, over and over again like a mantra. Reassured, he pushed his unease into the back of his mind.
A fortnight later, he found out why she had seemed so… happy. He stood there by her side, back straight, eyes narrowed, scanning the crowd below them that had all stopped their doings to watch them in return. Tomoyo-hime had been dressed just as any other day, though she had opted to use the more formal hair ornaments that befit her status. Just as he had expected, she was dressed in formal attire, not that she ever wore anything but the formal wear. What he had not expected was for her to show up that morning at his door with the horrid uniform that he now donned. It seemed like his lips would forever be twisted into a scowl of displeasure. Stiffly, he walked her down the grand staircase, two paces behind her and eyes watching the audience for any suspicious looking persons. He resisted the urge to tug on his collar; in fact, he would bet his life's savings that the Princess had sprayed on an extra helping of starch just to spite him.
The affair was tedious and uncomfortable for someone like Kurogane. Being rather socially inept, he was thankful that protocol didn't require him to converse with any of the other guests; he only had to follow Tomoyo-hime about. A few candle marks after the dinner, he followed his charge into the gardens where she obviously sought some fresh air. Finally out of sight from the crowd of nobles within the palace, he slumped, succumbing at last to the urge to adjust his clothes. She giggled at him, and in return, he shot her an annoyed glance.
"I don't think this is funny at all." He sad, voice dripping disdain as her smile only broadened.
"It's protocol. I couldn't have the leader of my ninja's coming in here in ragged training clothes, now could I?" She teased.
"You gave me this position for this purpose didn't you? Just to see the look of discomfort on my face." He accused, mumbling as he tugged on a strap and stood fidgeting. "It looks atrocious."
"I think you look stunning."
He only grunted in reply; however, she noted that he straightened. Giving one final on the hem of the shirt before clearing his throat, his head rose and he stared forward towards the palace. "Well, we should probably go back inside now; they're more than likely looking for you."
"You're right." She cast him a long knowing glance which he ignored. With a soft smile, she noted that he had stopped his complaints. She bit back a chuckle as a smug smirk began its way onto his face.