I do not own Mushoku Tensei, only the characters Asher, Ruby, and Paula.
Asher's Perspective (A few years later):
"Alright, let's see if I can aim this properly."
Currently I'm at a forest area, close to the Magic City of Sharia. Here, I practiced my swordsmanship and magic. Occasionally, I use gadgets; complex shooters with gears, spy glasses that help me make out things in the distance, caltrops that stuns an enemies movement, and other such things that help me in battle. But at that moment in time, a special device needed some testing, before it could be greenlit for further field use.
"Just gotta raise my arm up to that tree branch. Then lift up my wrist just a bit to activate the mechanisms and…"
Around my lower arm on my left hand was a leather gauntlet, but it wasn't just any ordinary piece of leather. On it was a tool that shoots out an arrow head. But this arrow had a long, thin, very strong wire that retracts it if shot out. Basically, a grappling hook.
Thwip!
The range of its effective use was at least 15 meters. A pretty reasonable distance in my book. I'd say it's long enough to bridge most gaps between buildings, and zip line through the city if I wanted too.
Thunk!
It hits exactly where I wanted it to hit, and a second later I could feel gears lock into place on my gauntlet to make sure it wouldn't shoot out any more wiring. I gave the metal chord a decent tug to make sure it was anchored properly to the branch.
Tug tug.
I'd say that's secured, "success!"
"All the gadgets in Zanoba's workshop are so amazing. lily-nee is a real genius for coming up with this. It's going to sell well with all the other adventurers. And Julie, I really need to thank her for picking this out for me. It was really fun learning how to use it with her. I wish I had this on me when I was saving that kid."
A few weeks ago I had secretly accepted a search, and rescue mission posted at the adventurers guild. I was in the middle of learning tracking skills, and I really wanted to test them out, but the main thing that hit me was the age... The missing child was the same age as me when I got chased by that boar, and fell into the river. All the other posters were being snatched up, but this one was left alone. Despite the reward being low, someone should have still taken it. Imagining that child abandoned to fend for himself without someone to save him was too sickening to accept. And the terror. Sometimes I get to hear stories about big brother Ars, and his disappearance when he was younger. I couldn't even begin to imagine how desperate this kid's parents must have been feeling.
There was no time to lose.
After meeting up with the mother, and hearing her story, the child's trail had led me to the forest. In the beginning- Casual footsteps, further on- broken branches, several more feet- hoof prints, later- shoe marks turning into an erratic run, and even further- wolf tracks joining the mix. My sweat was cold, and my heart was pounding, but the tracks ended at a large tree whose branches rose up high into the canopy- there was no blood.
"Hmnn… resourceful kid. I don't see any more of his prints anywhere though, but this tree… There's some mud on it. I guess I need to keep watch for some funny looking monkeys who've wandered too deep into the woods"
My search continued for an hour or two longer, but the kaw-ing of a large bird had caught my attention, and the human screams only added to my investigative hunt.
I had finally found him, but I wasn't the only one who wanted this kid. Making leaves rustle, and twirl in a violent wave of wind, a giant drill bird the size of a man was diving, and circling near the green canopy. The kid was in danger, and I had to get to him quickly…
Horrifyingly at first, I couldn't get up there in time to slay the beast or bring the child down. Instead, he lost his balance and fell like a rag doll from the treetops. Fortunately in the end I managed to catch him, and minimize the impact of gravity through wind magic. But that whole thing could have turned out much worse. A slip up on my part could have left him "crumpled up on the floor like a sack of potatoes, or painted red like tomato sauce. You know a huge puddle covering the ground, just a giant splatter of red paste." His words, not mine. But even worse… If he had stayed up there, and if I was too slow, heaven forbid, I dare not think what that bird could have done to him. The grappling hook would have made things so much easier.
"Still, I think it needs a little adjustment. These gears… am I just imagining it, or do they get stuck for a bit on release. I don't know, sometimes I feel a small delay. I wonder if Lily or Julie are at the workshop." I pulled back the grappling hook, and automatically, the wire retracted back into the grappling hook. "I should probably get going before it gets dark. They might close if I don't make it. I don't want another lecture from Lily-nee for bringing broken stuff in at the last minute."
A while back, I brought in a tool she made that shoots out smoke. The release mechanism was jamming, and I couldn't get it to open. I had just bought it at the time, and although I wanted to bring it up with them, a part of me felt worried. They were really busy that day, and I really didn't want to trouble them, or add to their stress. Secondly, I had just bought it, so If I brought it in the same day I took it out, I was worried they would label me as irresponsible? I was probably "too rough with it," or I was "doing something stupid." "How else do you break something the second you get it?" I didn't want them to think of me as that guy, but at the same time, I really needed the device for one of my missions.
So, after agonizing over it, my selfishness won out, and I decided to inconvenience them. I brought it to her just as the shop was closing. Sis, and Julie were already leaving. Naturally, when I told her the situation, she got cranky, and told me that I should have brought it in before closing hours so she could have fixed it earlier. "Oh dear my poor brother… Why were you so scared of returning faulty equipment? A tinkerer relies on failures to find solutions. That's how we make improvements. We always welcome a technological challenge. So don't worry about sending us equipment when there are issues. If It's really a bother I'll tell you right there, and then as your big sister. But for now… just give us those problems that need fixing."
She also said; " I know Time is precious, and I don't want you thinking you can use mine as your own, but don't you know you're causing me more trouble by doing it last minute. We had just finished cleaning up. Now I'm going to have to go back into the shop, and take out our tools." It felt like Nee-san had a lot more things to say, but Luckily, Julie was understanding, and quickly settled the lecture Lily was about to give me.
ring* "Hey, anyone in today?" I entered the shop an hour or two before closing, and was expecting my sister to be there, but both her, and master Zanoba must have gone out for an important errand. It was just Julie, and me in the shop.
"Welcome back Asher. What do you need to buy this time?" She was as attentive as ever.
"Well I don't really need any more equipment per se. It's just… this grappling hook feels kinda rough on the release sometimes."
"Rough in what way?"
"Ummm… Sometimes it feels like the gears are kinda… stuck? Well not really stuck… hmnnn… they're this jitteriness sometimes. "
"Ahhh I see. Maybe we need to switch some of the cogs out. Or add a bit more lubricant. Sometimes depending on the size of the cog, and the length of its teeth, they're too loose, or too tight.." I could hear the excitement in her voice as she continued talking and speculating about the problems. I could tell she really loved what she did. "...You gotta find the right one that fits you know. And you don't really know until you actually test it out. Oh look at me talking your ear off. You didn't come here to figure out how to make it. You came here to get it fixed. Sorry. I just get really into it sometimes."
"No it's ok. I found it really interesting. It makes sense. The cogs, and uhhh their sizes. How the teeth get stuck on each other. Ummm… you know when they're too big. It's like… when you… umm… the wheels kinda… hahaha. Ummm… I think I get it, but I can't really put it into words. Haha…" I could see a bit of disappointment in Julie's eyes. Obviously I was lying through my teeth. If you don't know something you should just say you don't know something. Because of my half assed response she probably thought I didn't care a single bit about what she said and was just trying to be polite. "Wait.. Sorry I don't think I actually get it. Fully that is, but… I really did enjoy listening to you, and… I don't know- It's nice seeing you so expressive, and share something you really love."
"Thanks Asher. That's ok it's not something you should feel bad about. I did throw a lot at you. I guess I didn't really explain it properly either. Besides it's nice just having you take an interest in our work."
As I handed her the gauntlet, she went to her table and began working on it right away. She quickly grabbed a screwdriver and started unscrewing the cog. Once she removed it, she reached her hand out to a box and pulled out a different cog. Once she screwed on the new piece, she grabbed an oil canister and dapped a little on the cog. She wiped it down with a rag and proceeded to walk back to me.
"Here you go, I've changed the cog out with a smaller one. You should give it a try once you're outside. If it ever jams again, don't hesitate to come by. I'll adjust it for you anytime.", she said with a smile.
That was pretty impressive, to be able to change it out so quickly. Her hands moved with practiced proficiency. There was purpose behind every gesture, and despite how fast her hands were moving they were so smooth I could see what was going on. It felt completely effortless. Talk about efficiency. And she was so sweet about it as well. There was this adorable, but focused smile on her face the whole time. And when she handed it to me, the smile had a slight twitch to it like an extra bit of magic being put into a charm.
"Wow… You're so sweet Julie. Like an angel"
A faint blush appeared on her face.
"Crap! I said that out loud."
She paused for a moment. Like she was working up her courage as she set foot in a realm she hadn't before like the way one would test the waters with their toes. "Were you supposed to say that too?" she was giggling slightly, and there was a bit more red on her face, but I could tell she was very pleased with herself.
Now it was my turn to blush. "Uhhh… ummm… By the way. Where's sis, and Zanoba. Haha."
I don't know what it was, but there was a slight change that happened. And I saw a small smirk appear on Julie's face. "Nice deflection." Teehee* "They went out to order more materials for the shop, and apparently there's some devices they wanted to test out in the field. Why?" she paused again, readying for another thing to say. "Are you tired of me already?" Her teasing was just too much. But two could play at that game. I wouldn't take her taunts lying down. I had some pride as Dad's son.
"No. I just wanted to check in on my sister. Can't a family do that? But that's great news. She seems to be having fun, and I get to have you all to myself." My eyes were defiant, but my heart was also racing. I wasn't used to these types of conversations, but looking back at Julie I could tell she wasn't either. My words were devastating. They were a complete assault on her heart.
The faint blush was no longer there. Now, her whole face turned red, blushing madly like a fully ripened strawberry. But regardless of that, she was ready to throw down.
Maybe I went a little too far.
"A- all to yourself hu~uh?" Her voice cracked awkwardly, in this cute endearing way like seeing the serious efforts of a child doing her best, and with that the previous sheepishness returned, but I could tell there was a wolf hidden there. cough* "Well.. I-" she was stumbling on her words, but soon inspiration hit, and she regained her confidence. "Why would you want that? What are the two of us gonna do?"
Ah… maybe I shouldn't continue this. But I have already fallen into her trap, so it can't be helped. "W-well, there is a lot we could do with all this alone time we have on our hands. M-maybe I should just spin you around the shop like I always do when you make something groundbreaking, or maybe play with your hair like I did when I was younger... You know, when you would hold me in your arms back when father brought me here. The possibilities are endless."
Those used to be very fond innocent memories, but with the context of today's romance, they had quickly transformed into a corrupted thought more perverse in nature then it was meant to be. I could see Julie's face redden once more. What was she thinking about? As I thought about it I couldn't help but imagine certain sights as well. Hands combing through luscious hair, a late night dance, Naked bodies embracing one another!?
But my thoughts were cut off as Julie prepared her next attack.
"I see… so you like it when girls hold you in their arms."
We saw each other's eyes, and realized we were both thinking the same thing. She had read right through me, but we were both hurting now.
"Umm… gulp* Yeah… it's like a nice hug. You know… like how friends, and family do. cough* Isn't it great having a happy ol hug. haha."
The flirting was too intense for me, and I was hoping this verbal retreat towards familial territory would sway her away from the passionate flame of romantic inquiry.
"As friends, I see…", Her voice wavered slightly into quietness, and it was audibly saddened. Was it an expression of disappointment? I was hoping to release some tension, and sway her away from flirtatious teasing, but I didn't mean to make her sad.
Wait…
Why was she disappointed? I thought we were joking. Unless… She wants "that" type of relationship.
Wait wait, calm yourself Asher. Don't get ahead just yet. Maybe this is just another ploy on her part to get my guard down. If so, I won't fall for it.
But what if it was real? Well, only one way to find out.
Go for the attack.
"Well… if it's you, I would hold you forever and never let go, because you're special to me. Yup, even more than a friend."
And if she asks what I mean as more than a friend, I'll just say family. Just to play it safe.
"I-I see. I d-didn't realize you were in-into dwarf women. Especially someone who is so much older than you. I don't k-know if I suit your n-needs."
What's this? Julie is responding back! Could it be? Does she actually like me?
"Don't say that! You suit my needs perfectly!"
Ah… I've gone ahead of myself. What if she doesn't… I was so nervous.
Julie turned her head away from me in a panic. It must be true. She actually doesn't like me.
Crap, I've really overstepped my boundaries.
"I-I see…", she said faintly.
The feeling of shame had taken me. And with them came statements all too familiar. It was the same questions I always asked myself, and the same answers I always ran away from.
Why am I always so bad with stuff like this. I always get ahead of myself, and for some reason misunderstandings just keep happening. I just don't get people. I can't understand them, and I make a fool of myself each time. Gahhhh… when will I stop being garbage.
-It's better to apologize and say it was just a tease.-
"I'm v-very sorry Julie. I went too far with my jokes this time. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." I said as I lowered my head.
She was silent, and I was scared. How badly had I screwed things up? Would she be able to talk to me after this? Would I have to leave the shop? I couldn't handle this oppressive awkwardness. Why wasn't she responding?
But something completely different happened. She turned around smiling. She wasn't angry. She was smiling.
"Uncomfortable? Of course not. In fact, If what you said about.. cough* needs being suited perfectly is true, I'm looking forward to seeing you more often."
She… Maybe she was into it.
"Really? If you want, maybe we could see each other when... you're not working as well" My brain froze for a bit as I registered what I had said. "What are you talking about Asher? Are you asking her out on a date?" I thought to myself.
Still blushing, "l-like a date?" Julie said.
I could feel this tightness in my face, like my nerves were squeezing in on themselves. "Well… not exactly a date. I just mean every once in a while, we could do things b-besides work stuff." Ah, what was I saying?
"That k-kinda sounds like a d-date Asher-kun." Her face continued being flustered, but she looked cute like that.
"A-ah… well, it kinda does sound like that huh? B-but, it's not… really. B-ut if you don't want to, I understand. You're probably busy anyways, sorry for asking."
That disgusted self loathing tightness in my chess had returned.
I was too scared to take the risk of being rejected, and instead of asking for a date, I was just running away, but the worst part of this whole thing was the fact that I was completely aware of it. I knew that I was being a coward, and I knew there was a chance, but even so… I was giving up before I even got the chance to see if things would work out. I was completely fine with picking the losers way out.
But rather than being judged, or getting your heart broken, isn't the neutral option so much better? We get to enjoy talking to each other, and test out new equipment. We get to laugh, and play around. We get to stay friends…
"Hey Asher. They're not bad you know… dates that is." She must have seen how troubled I was, and wanted to help. "Ahahaha umm… You just had this look on you, you know. Haha'' Although Julie was stumbling with her words, and didn't know exactly how to say it, the message had still carried over.
"Hahaha, yeah dates are nice aren't they?" It was now, or never "Sorry Julie. I lied. The truth is, I would like a date. Would you go on a date with me?"
There, I said it.
As soon as I said it, Julie's face turned an even deeper shade of red, and I could've sworn I saw steam rising above her head.
"A-A-Asher-kun! D-do you even know w-w-what you're asking!" She yelled with an embarrassed tone. I couldn't tell if she was happy or not, frankly, I don't know what to expect.
Ah… I can feel this cold chill of nervousness again. I might stutter my words more often if this keeps up. But I can't stop now, I must push forward!
"O-of course I k-know what I'm a-asking. I wo-wouldn't have said it otherwise."
One more time!
"I know that I'm pretty young, and yeah I occasionally make a lot of awkward mistakes, but what I said isn't a mistake. I'm still old enough to know what I want, and I'm mature enough to know exactly what I mean when I say this. Julie! Will you go on a date with me?" I stuck my hand out, hoping she would accept. "So… how about it Julie-san? Do you want to grab a bite to eat, or explore around town?"
Julie could see how serious I was, and after taking it in, she too had that same look.
"I was a bit worried whether you actually liked me or not, and I was hesitant about believing it because my age is ummm… you know, but… when you ask me like this, how can I say no?" Julie smiled again, and took my hand in hers. We could both sense a bit of nervousness in the handshake, but it was firm, and we could both feel the tenderness in each other's gentle soul.
"You know doing a handshake like this. It feels more like a business deal more than anything. Ahahaha."
"Yeah. Usually, when it comes to romance don't they hug, or even… ahahaha ummm… kiss?"
"Uhhh.. yeah they do don't they? Ahah. But… I think this fits us."
"Yeah. I like the way it turned out."
But as we stared into eachothers eyes once more our little moment of peace was cut short.
Ting cling* "We're back!" The shop doors opened with Mr. Zanoba carrying a mountain of packages, and Lily trailing behind with two bags in her hand. There was a sweet scent of pastries coming out of them. Both of them were in high spirits, while the two of us were now struck in an embarrassed panic.
Very flustered we separated from each other, and Greeted the new arrivals.
Julie was leaning over the counter with her body a little off balance, and her words slightly jittery. "Oh! Uhh… Welcome back Master Zanoba, and Lily."
When it was my turn I gave a deep, and quick bow- "Uhh.. yeah. Welcome back sis, and Mr. Zanoba."- but in my haste I accidentally did it, not only to Mr. Zanoba, but to my sister as well. Uhhhggg. Why did I do that? Who bows to their siblings as a greeting?
Instantly, the two of them picked up on this fact, and the strangeness of our disturbed reactions to their arrival.
"Ho ho… what's this? My little brother bowing to his big sister? I thought it was Sieg that you usually idolize. What did I do to deserve such an honor? Not that I mind it at all." Lily said while grinning, and twirling her blue hair.
"It is quite odd of you to do that young master. We are quite close so such formalities on your end are not obligatory." Zanoba explained. He then looked at Julie, "oh, Julie… are you feeling okay? Your face is a little red, are you having a fever? Do you need some medicine?" He said with a worried tone in his voice.
Julie shook her head quickly, "n-no Master! I'm f-fine, it's nothing at all. I was just surprised that you two came so quickly - wait… I m-mean…"
Lily-nee raised her eyebrow, "what, didn't expect us to come back? We said we were only gonna pick up a few things then return in a little bit. Why? Did we interrupt something?"
Lily-nee was smiling. She already had an idea about what was going on, but she continued to poke at us nonetheless. sigh* You show a bit of weakness, a small opening or two, and then all you're met with is a vicious attack on your pride. Why is everyone in this family so mean? "I can't catch a break."
"Julie too was sweating nervously. Although Lily is usually caught up in her machines, and gadget's, it was hard to resist watching Julie's cute reactions whenever they appeared. An awkward turn of the head, a deep red face embarrassingly buried into a pillow, the wailing of an abused mind who's not used to love, but constantly being reminded of the inevitable circumstances that follow it- Lily would throw everything at her. With the new opportunity of this blossoming flower of romance opening for all to see, the next few weeks would offer ample opportunity for even more reactions to take place. And I for one would be not be a bystandard in this excercise of torture. I too would have to face the turmoil of my sister's investigations."
That's probably how Ruby would have put it. She's one of those poetic types after all. As for me… I'll just go with the simpler term of hell. This is why you can't let your siblings find out about your crushes. They just hold it over you, and break you down. "Sigh* It's going to be a long next couple of months." I really hope she doesn't tell Ars.
"By the way Asher..." Lily-nee was leaning in real close to me while Mr.Zanoba was having a chat with Julie "I didn't know you had your eyes on my dear friend over there. How long have you, and Julie been a thing?" She was looking at me expectantly. I really didn't want to go into the details. She would just keep poking fun at me, and then she would probably bring the rest of our family into the mix. Ars would have a field day with some lewd jokes, and mom would probably keep trying to get involved. She really enjoys that kinda stuff.
"W-What do you mean, how long? cough*" I was trying to look away. Although I had finally asked out Julie on a date, and I really wanted things to work out… It was still a little embarrassing telling my family about my love life. Besides, the experience was still fresh, and I was still trying to gather my thoughts. Couldn't they let me do things at my own pace? I just wanted to savor the feeling.
"Don't play dumb with me. I saw the way you two were looking at each other. But maybe the two of you were too absorbed in your own world to notice us outside the window?" I couldn't believe it. She saw it all take place from the start.
"What! I-I don't know what you're talking about… we..."
"Oh come on you sneaky dog. Here I thought you were an innocent kid, but this whole time you were craving someone older than you." A part of me really wanted to just run away, and change the topic, but she kept cutting me off.
"Wait... no we were just..." There was no way I could hide. How is the rest of the family so good at stuff like this. They're such fast talkers. Dad is always so smooth with his words.
"Tsk tsk tsk… stop trying to skirt your way out of it. Say it already. You guys are dating now aren't you? And… Did you two do it yet?" The pressure was too much.
"GAh!! Stop!!! No more…" I let out a pathetic moan. "I give. I give." It was time to raise the white flag.
"Hehehe. You should have done that from the start"
"To be honest… We're not really a couple yet. I just asked her out on a date today. It just happened a little bit ago."
Lily-nee then looked ecstatic while suddenly jumping a bit. "So you do have a thing with Julie! My sweet little brother, you've grown so much. Honestly, I didn't expect you to be interested in dating girl's, especially someone way older than you. I mean, despite having all those girls fawning over you in school, you still reject them every time. I thought to myself… maybe there's something wrong with the equipment below the belt. And then there was Queen Ariel's youngest daughter, even though the queen had proposed it, you respectfully declined the engagement. I honestly assumed you were ga-"
I then pinched my sister's lips shut to stop her from talking. It was already getting unbearable to hear.
"That's enough sweet sister, You're dragging it way longer than it needs to be, and I told you, I just asked her on a date. We're not going out." (although I would like that)
Lily gently slapped my hand away, "anyway, since when did you have your eyes on Julie?"
"I'm not telling you." I said bluntly.
"Eh!? Why not?" She frowned at me. "I'm your big sister, you're supposed to tell me things like this. If you want I could help you get closer to Julie."
"I don't need it. I've already got it covered. Besides, I don't remember you having any dating experience. In fact I can't say I've ever seen you with anyone."
Lily then made a shocked expression, "So mean! Do you really have to hurt your cute big sister like that? Haven't I always spoiled, and taken good care of you since you were a baby?"
I could feel my eyebrow raise up, "wasn't it Sieg-nii that took care of me? Also, if memory serves, I'm pretty sure Chris-nee was the one who enjoyed spoiling me and Ruby. You only gave me your magic tools to play around with."
She then began squirming a bit, "even so, I did bring you along to the workshop sometimes and watched over you. I still took care of you when Brown Mama couldn't sometimes. Also those magic tools were really important to me. Some of them were pretty fragile. You can't exclude me, that's unfair"
That's true, Lily in a way, took care of me during childhood. Even though I'm still very much an amateur, she showed me how fascinating magic tools could be, and how to build most of them or at the very least how to tinker with their components. She even brought me closer to Julie, so I can't really put her aside.
"You're right, I'm sorry. You were a very good big sister to me. I really appreciate you taking care of me." I said as I patted her head. Normally, she doesn't like it when someone does that, but for right now, she didn't mind.
She smiled warmly, "that's better. Now, are you gonna tell me?" She smiled greedily ready for the details.
I could only smile uncomfortably, "another time, it's too embarrassing to talk about. I'll tell you when I feel ready."
She sighs, "well… as long as you tell me about it in the future. It's fine though. The challenge of prying it out of you is also pretty fun."
Looking back at Julie, and Mr.Zanoba I saw that she too was facing some trouble. But maybe trouble isn't the right word. I guess it's the type of bind you find from an over eager parent who's looking over their child with a slight cold, but thinks it could be a deadly disease ready to take their life right there, and then.
Usually Julie's the one taking care of Mr.Zanoba, and Lily, but I guess this time it was Mr.Zanoba's turn. Although, what he thought was a developing fever with a hot forehead, reddening face, and a whole host of other symptoms that are easily misunderstood, was actually Julie's rising embarrassment.
I guess I wasn't the only one sensitive to penetrating eyes, and probing questions.
"... Really master i'm perfectly fine. There's nothing to be concerned about."
"No no Julie. It's important to check these things out in the beginning before the problems grow. It would break my heart if you were to be bedridden, and I'm sure master Rudeus would also feel concerned. Aren't you always the one telling us to take better care of ourselves. Come now dear, it's our turn to make sure you're keeping in good health. After all, you're family. There's nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your family struggle."
Oh dear. I know Mr.Zanoba means well in all, but Julie's in a real predicament. How is she supposed to fix his worries without digging a bigger hole for herself later. It's a shame that he's caught up in a major misunderstanding. And as for Julie, I completely understand those defeated eyes. How can you turn down such heartfelt words?
I really should help her, but at the same time… Seeing Julie so flustered like that is too cute. "Sorry Julie. I think i'll enjoy the show a little longer."
"See Julie. Look, your forehead is burning up. I really think we ought to head on over to the pharmacy, and buy some medicine." Mr.Zanoba who had set down the packages was already grabbing a jacket for her to wear, and getting her ready for the check up.
As for Julie, her mouth was alternating between open, and closed as she struggled between two different options. Option one: Play along, and go to the doctors for no reason. Not only will it be a long walk, I'm sure it would be embarrassing too. The doctor would be examining an illness that wasn't there, and Julie would probably feel really bad for dragging people into it. Option two: tell the truth. For Julie, and I who've never been in a relationship before, I think it's a bit hard saying those lovey dovey types of things, but I think it'll be less hectic than the whole doctor's visit.
"Wait master. There's something I have to say. I was really hoping to wait a little longer before saying it. I wanted it to be a surprise, but it looks like the reveal is happening sooner than intended. I'm not sick. Instead… umm.. You see, me and Asher… The reason why my forehead was all hot. Ummm… Sigh*" Julie took a second to breath "Well, we're sort of dating now. Ummm.. It's nothing official yet, we're just testing things out, but… yeah. Technically we're dating."
Ah, she said it anyway. Well… guess it's better to get it over with.
Zanoba-san stood there in silence, staring at Julie blankly, then began looking my way. He said nothing for about a good minute which made the atmosphere slightly tense. It wasn't until Lily broke that awkward silence. "Well now Zanoba-san, guess my little brother has become quite the man. Asking out a mature woman twice his age. But don't worry, I'm sure he's mature enough to take care of her. Isn't that right, Asher-kun?"
She tapped me with her shoulder which brought me out of my nervous trance. "Y-yes! Of course!" I patted myself down and walked slowly to Zanoba-san. I bowed my head right away. "I understand that Julie-san is like a daughter to you, and that I'm only just sixteen, but I promise I will make Julie very happy, please, give us your blessings." (Also I'm already past 15, so I'm technically an adult. I don't think I'm too young to try.)
There, I said it.
Mr.Zanoba was still stunned by the statement. He looked at Julie, and then back at me. Multiple times over as if trying to make the connection in his mind. "The two of you… dating?"
We both looked back at him, and nodded our heads.
"They're dating... The two of them… Dating."
All three of us, Julie, Lily, and me, stood there in silence as we kept watch on master Zanoba muttering to himself. It was just audible enough to hear his voice, but not loud enough to make out what he was saying.
"Oh wow! What a glorious day indeed! Oh master Rudeus do you see… Come look, your son, and Julie are dating! Oh wait you're not here. But ahhhh!!! How grand it would be for you to see. I can hardly believe it. Ha hah! " Mr.Zanoba twirled around in glee, he was absolutely ecstatic. "Master Asher, be sure to take good care of her, and Julie my dear girl, be sure to find happiness between the two of you. Ha hah! I'll be sure to tell the rest. Let's buy a cake for celebration!"
I was worried for a second whether Mr.Zanoba would reject our relationship, but I guess I didn't need to. I forgot how fanatic he is about dad. Of course he would be happy. If I'm dad's son, then of course I'm going to be raised right. "There are still a lot of things I'm lacking, but I will be sure to meet these expectations…Unfortunately for now, it's getting kind of late. I think it's time for all of us to turn in for the night."
"Well then, it's already getting late. Why don't we head to the cake shop real quick and just grab some small pastries. I actually have plans later tonight." I suggested. I really do have something planned later, I need to meet with someone.
"Of course Master Asher! Right away, I'll just set these supplies to the side and we'll be on our way." Zanoba said, putting his fists on his chest before grabbing the bags, and walking to the other room.
"Let me help you Zanoba-san, it'll be a lot quicker if I do." Lily said, following after him.
With me and Julie alone again, I went to her side and wrapped my arm around her. It's a little awkward since she's pretty small, and it might be too soon to do this,but I wanted to hold her. Seeing this, she couldn't help but continue blushing. At this point, she should be on fire. She leaned her head into my waist.
"I g-guess we're officially together now, a-according to them. P-please, take good care of me." She said softly.
I held her closer, "of course, I'll be in your care too."
And so… we started going out.
Sort of.