Puits d'Amour
Perspective, Pt 1
Sora and Meiko climbed the stairs at Café du Ciel, moving carefully with their trays. Yamato, Jyou, Osamu, and Koushiro sat around the living room table in Sora's flat. Yamato and Koushiro hurried to take their burdens, shadowed by Jyou. They placed the tea and pastry trays on the table while Sora swapped her shoes for slippers.
"Thank you, Meiko-chan." Sora sat on a floor cushion at the table between Yamato and Koushiro. Meiko bowed, then excused herself to return to work downstairs.
It was afternoon, roughly tea time in countries with that tradition, hence the light refreshments. But Sora's bedtime was only an hour or two away, so she prepared herbal tea without caffeine in addition to the oolong. Soothing jazz played in the background, and Sora smiled, charmed that Yamato had helped himself to her records- had made himself comfortable in her space.
Having four men around her table, regarding her with polite expectation, was a bit unnerving. The room seemed full to bursting. When Sora hesitated to open the meeting, Yamato began, "Sora-san, Koushiro-kun, thank you again for agreeing to see us."
"It's my pleasure. We're here to plan your trip to campus, correct?" Koushiro asked. "Or would you rather visit the Tachikawa headquarters first?"
"I'd like to start at the company, since it's more private," Yamato replied. "But first, I have questions about Eimi-chan's situation, if I may."
Sora poured the tea, starting with the prince and working around until she reached her cup. She switched to herbal tea and settled in for what could be a long discussion. As far as Koushiro knew, they were here for the prince's benefit. He might have declined an offer to think tank his situation with Eimi, either out of politeness or embarrassment.
Koushiro hesitated and turned to her, looking baffled and a bit off-balance. Sora offered a reassuring smile. "I'm afraid I told Yamato-san a bit about Eimi-chan's situation, but when he asked questions... Well, I figured you know the most, short of asking Eimi-chan herself."
Osamu twitched, then carefully lowered his teacup. "You mean Anami Eimi, right? The girl who performs here?" Everyone regarded Osamu with mild confusion. He seemed puzzled, almost wary, and Sora had no idea why.
After a pause, Koushiro replied, "Yes. Have you seen her perform?"
A tiny snort escaped Osamu- dismissive, maybe even condescending. "Ah, no. But Kenny told me she sings here. Gods, I was shocked to hear that she attends Nagano University. I didn't think she'd ever escape home."
Thinking lines furrowed Koushiro's forehead as his expression went rapt, signaling that his impressive mind was churning. "You knew her before she came to Nagano?"
Sora felt a rush of sympathy. It could be jarring to learn what a loved one's life was like before you met them, as she recently found from her father. Discovering that someone's world was far larger than what you saw could be disorienting- and a little lonely.
Osamu bared his teeth, an expression that wasn't quite a sneer. It was closer to a wince, suggesting that he was wildly reluctant to respond. After a long pause, he began, "We… come from the same town. I don't know her personally, but everyone back home knows of her... family situation."
Why, Sora wondered, was Osamu so reticent? Was he ashamed of where he came from? Unwilling to connect himself to Eimi, even this much? Or was there something about Eimi's situation that he did not want to reveal? She drank her tea, wanting its soothing influence.
Yamato scowled. "Surely, whatever happened can't be that big of an issue."
"I understand that her father was fired from a government position for misconduct," Koushiro said. "But Eimi-san acts as if she's a pariah because of it, even after moving to a new city, where she is supported by a scholarship and independent of her family."
"We're hoping to help her let go of the impression that she's stigmatized," Sora continued. "It seems to be something that she imagines, or at least amplifies."
And this time, Osamu gave them an odd look, one suggesting that they had collectively departed from their senses. "What? No, she's right, I'm afraid. Her father abused his government position to do..." His upper lip curled back, but he quickly recovered and took a swig of tea. "Objectionable things."
"Such as?" Jyou prodded, looking uneasy.
Osamu gazed into his cup, frowning. "Some things don't bear repeating. The court records are public, if you really must know. They circulated our province- and the surrounding ones. It isn't so metropolitan a place as this; people in small towns are bored and nosey."
"Have you seen these court records?" Yamato asked Koushiro. Sora's stomach tightened as Koushiro shook his head. What could be so bad that Osamu didn't want to discuss it? Did she even want to know? She sensed that she would prefer not to. What could that feel like for Koushiro?
"I apologize," Koushiro said, looking miraculously calm. "I still fail to see the issue."
Osamu jerked his fingers through his poofy hair. "The issue? Her mother and older brother were also fired from unrelated jobs following the scandal. I heard her brother fled to find a job somewhere the gossip from our home province wasn't of interest- somewhere far off. I don't know if her parents were able to find new positions, but I do know that families from our area can't withstand the sudden loss of their incomes."
The gathered nobles offered nothing but shocked silence. Sounding strangled, Jyou finally implored, "But- Surely, there's no reason to fire someone because a relative had a scandal."
Osamu's hard smile made Sora shudder. "Families like mine don't have noble names or money to hide behind. Things that you can't imagine happening to your family can easily happen to others. So, yes. The Anamis lost their incomes, families who were once friends shunned them, and charitable organizations were likely mysteriously out of whatever it is they offer when an Anami requested help."
Despite the tea, Sora's throat was dry. "Are, are they okay?"
Osamu shrugged. "Can't say. Don't know them. People talk, is all. Kenny was so relieved that the daughter found an opportunity in another province. I told him to keep his distance from her, for our family's sake, but… Well, you know him. He's too good-hearted."
Osamu smiled at the mention of his brother, but Sora's gaze bounced to Koushiro, who no longer looked composed. He seemed more shocked than offended, but surely, hearing that someone from Eimi's hometown wanted his family to stay away from her was upsetting.
Yamato's hands were tight around his teacup. "What did her father do that was so bad?"
Osamu's grin abruptly vanished. "Please, Yamato-san. It isn't fit to say."
Koushiro was too pale, his red eyebrows and hair vivid against blanched skin. Sora brushed his wrist. "Are you alright, Koushiro-kun?"
His shoulders flexed, what looked like a brittle attempt to relax them. "I... All this time, I thought Eimi-san was..."
"You thought she was mistaken about the severity of her own situation?" Osamu cocked an eyebrow. "Do you know how condescending that is? She's had an awful time. Who even knows how her family is managing."
Color returned to Koushiro's face, but it was a sickly, grayish pink. Sora placed a hand on his shoulder. "Koushiro-kun is trying to be helpful to Eimi-chan."
Osamu gazed at the collection of worried and irritated nobles. "I don't- Why concern yourself with a girl from a common family, stigmatized or not?"
"Do you listen to yourself when you speak?" Yamato asked, calm but firm. Sora almost grinned when Osamu twitched, but her focus was on Koushiro, who was visibly rattled.
"I'm not concerned about where she came from. We- Um-" Koushiro looked at Sora, distressed and clearly hoping for support.
Sora patted his shoulder. "Koushiro-kun has been trying to court Eimi-chan for a long time. She hasn't accepted his suit for fear of damaging his reputation."
"You've got to be joking." Sora couldn't decipher Osamu's expression, but her best guesses were shock and disdain.
"Why would he joke about that?!" Sora knew she was bristling, felt the anger rushing from her mind out, tightening and heating her body. Maintaining calm and dignity under all circumstances was part of her training as iemoto heiress. Sora had the most difficulty calling on those skills when she was offended on behalf of someone else.
It was true that Koushiro had a chance of attracting a wife from a family more noble than his, given his accomplishments- although sadly, his mixed genetic background and adoption might complicate that. Osamu wasn't wrong to point out that he could possibly select a more expedient spouse, in terms of class status. But to judge Koushiro's choice to his face… She gripped his shoulder defensively and fixed Osamu with a scorching look, eyes glittering with fury. She wasn't aware of it, but she learned it from her mother, the very same woman who also taught her control.
"True enough," Osamu replied, his jaw stiff. "And maybe the people of Nagano will never know or care about the Anami's situation. But if I were Eimi-san, I'd be desperate for any chance to improve my social and financial status. The only reason to demur is because she's seen what her situation has done to her relatives. From the outside, she seems to care more about you than her own standing, Izumi-san. So don't act like she's dramatic or unreasonable. You might not have to worry about where you came from, but most people do."
Koushiro drained his cup, and Sora refilled it with shaking hands. Koushiro murmured his thanks, watching the dark liquid flow. The table took some time to process, or at least, to try to. There was a certain kindness to Osamu's speech- his confidence that Eimi cared for Koushiro had to be reassuring, since she had kept her distance and avoided his suit for so long. But then, there was something… self-righteous and condescending about it, too. Sora wanted to intercede, but wasn't sure how. After all, it sounded like there was truth behind Osamu's words.
"I'm grateful for your input," Koushiro murmured.
"Koushiro-kun," Sora objected. How could he thank Osamu for lecturing him and insulting Eimi?!
Koushiro was probably trying to smile, but his lips barely nudged up. "But I am. It's true that I can't think like someone from Eimi-san's province. After all, I was born in Innisfree."
Osamu jerked, nearly sloshing tea. "Oh? I thought the Izumis live in Nagano."
"My adoptive parents live in Nagano's suburbs," Koushiro corrected. "My biological parents lived in Innisfree. I admit that I don't concern myself with heritage and social standing, as mine is such a mix of loss, chance, and luck. But I'm beginning to understand that I've approached Eimi-san's problems with too narrow a perspective... Which I can't afford to do with so much at stake."
"You- You were adopted?" With some satisfaction, Sora noted that Osamu's puffed up attitude had punctured, leaving him faltering. How could he have failed to notice Koushiro's mixed heritage? Perhaps he assumed that his adoptive father, the parent without a noble Hakone background who took his wife's surname upon marriage, was also of mixed descent?
Yamato's snort indicated that he was wondering the same thing. "Didn't do much research on the Izumis before deciding that Koushiro-kun's success is all chance, I see."
"But I am lucky," Koushiro insisted. His sad smile tugged at Sora's heart. Watching Koushiro downplay his brilliance was infuriating, but she was beginning to understand that his modesty was linked to attributing his success to the support of others. And when his appreciation and humility were juxtaposed against Osamu's bitterness... They were more endearing than ever.
"Eimi-chan is so lucky that you're interested in her," Sora teased, smiling. "We need to figure this out."
"Oh! Ah..." This time, the color that flooded Koushiro's face was rosy, not ashen. "T-thank you. But it's true that I've been fortunate. I've never had to worry about how my schooling would be funded, or about any scandals, or... Well, I suppose my first significant worry is this situation with Eimi-san. I'm sure most people can't make that claim."
"You're right," Osamu replied, and Sora couldn't decide whether she was impressed or annoyed that he regrouped so quickly after shoving his foot in his mouth. "We can't. We worry about where food will come from, or how we'll pay for medical or housing expenses. Or how to avoid losing everything else if we lose our jobs or health. Or how we can fund our education to better our situation- or if that's even possible."
"Or how someone else's mistake might follow you," Koushiro murmured. "I clearly need to rethink my approach..."
"What were you doing before?" Osamu asked. Sora had no idea if he wanted to help Koushiro or needle him. She tried to catch Yamato's eye, wanting support. He looked at her when she inched towards him, his gaze sharp, his mouth a tight line. She couldn't tell what he was thinking, but he certainly seemed alert.
Koushiro's gaze fell to the table. "We met in a music composition class in our first semester. Eimi-san was much more advanced in songwriting than I was, and she was generous when I asked for help. I found myself spending more and more time with her on campus, but when I asked to court her... The dynamic changed."
"She wants to protect you, I'm sure. Nothing else makes sense. In her precarious position, most people would seize any offer of safety, which your name and success would provide." Osamu's tone was crisp, almost business-like, but thankfully, he seemed to have softened. Sora wasn't sure what to make of him. He understood Eimi's position far better than they could, and his claims aligned with what she knew about the lives of the commonborn. His perspective was invaluable, and yet… Well, his bitterness, however understandable, was off-putting.
Koushiro opted not to comment. "Eimi-san acts the most like she used to when we're together in public, so I come to the café when she's here. She seems happy to see me, but I... I do wonder if I should stop... If I'm bothering her."
There was a sting in Sora's chest. She only knew Koushiro from the café, but he came anytime Eimi was there and he was free. He was pleasant, modest, and good-hearted, and watching him interact with Eimi was heartwarming. She liked him very much, and hated to see him unhappy. "She cares about you. Everyone can see that. Right, Yamato-san?"
"I don't like commenting on what other people are thinking," Yamato replied. "But… well, yes. I thought so."
"Me, too," Jyou added.
"It's the only thing that makes sense," Osamu said. "If she liked you less, she'd accept."
Jyou's brow furrowed as he crossed his arms against the table. "That's infuriating. It must be difficult for you, Izumi-kun."
"That's why we need a plan," Yamato said. "Ichijouji-kun, we want to convince Eimi-chan to record her music for distribution. The Tachikawas have offered their equipment, and Koushiro-kun has offered his recording expertise, but she declined. We're hoping that, if I ask, she'll accept. Do you think Eimi-chan would feel more free from this stigma if she finds success on her own with her recordings?"
"She wouldn't be finding it on her own." And there it was again- that sneer that made Sora want to turn around and walk away, rather than deal with Osamu. "Her education was sponsored by scholarship. She works at a café frequented by the adult children of noble and wealthy families. There, she was offered a recording session for free, which is usually expensive. And now there's a prince pushing her to take opportunities she won't seize herself."
"That's true," Yamato replied, and Sora whipped towards him, outraged, but something about the intensity in his eyes warned her to let him finish. "That reminds me of another person I know who went to the same university on merit scholarship and was offered a career by the palace. And whose brother was also offered a scholarship."
Sora knew she shouldn't make things harder for Osamu, but she couldn't help grinning as he flushed. "I earned those opportunities! I chased them down and fought for them! Nothing was handed to me!"
There was a hardness around Yamato's mouth, suggesting that his teeth might be grinding. She heard the deep, calming breath he drew, almost felt the flow of air. Then, his face relaxed- but the stony quality to his gaze remained, and reflected in his voice. "I'd argue that Eimi-chan did the same, and with a serious stigma in her way. The fact that people want to help her doesn't mean she doesn't work hard. You both placed yourselves in positions to meet, befriend, and work with people who can offer you opportunities. The difference is that you make constant jabs about how other people's success came only from luck or their birth."
Frankly, Sora thought Osamu needed to hear this for his own good. His reputation suggested that he was genuinely talented, but his abrasive behavior and open contempt for anyone whose situation was better than his could only hinder his chances of improving his status. And yet...
Well, he was correct: some people were born into easier lives than others, including everyone else in this room.
"We really do appreciate your perspective," Sora said, both because she meant it, and because she hoped to give Osamu time to collect himself before he said something regrettable to his employer. "None of us understood how serious Eimi-chan's concerns were until now."
Slowly, Osamu shifted from outraged to fuming, clearly cognizant of the need for restraint, but struggling to achieve it. "I see your point," he nearly snarled. "But I won't grovel or bootlick to nobles to better my situation."
"Eimi-san never has," Koushiro said. "We want to help her because we care about her."
"No one's suggesting that you become a sycophant," Yamato added. "But being disdainful of other people's accomplishments won't improve your standing. Not in the palace, at least."
And if that's not a clear message, I don't know what is. Sora wasn't aware of the exact nature of Osamu's job, but he seemed to be Yamato's attendant. That gave Yamato direct control over the progression of his career in the palace- and the ability to terminate it, or at least bring that possibility to someone who could.
Osamu showed a remarkable number of teeth when he said, "Understood."
Jyou snorted with laughter, then seized his tea, clearly wishing to mask his slip. Sora understood his reaction, but she couldn't help being sympathetic to Osamu. If she wasn't the Takenouchi heiress, then she probably would not have achieved her dream of opening Café du Ciel and working with her friends.
"Do you think the plan will work?" Sora asked, pulling attention away from Osamu's scolding.
Osamu drew a few deep breaths, then splayed his hands flat on the table. "It might. I can't say, without knowing her. The issue isn't whether or not she can support herself with her music; her fear is her family situation catching up to her in Nagano. And the more people who casually discuss it, the more likely that is to happen."
Koushiro jerked, then looked to Yamato with wide, alarmed eyes. "I meant to draw support, not undue attention to Eimi-san's situation."
Sora's insides seemed to ice over. "I, I've told a few people about it, too."
Osamu winced. "Best to impress the need for secrecy on them, as soon as possible. Anami-san isn't volunteering this information, I trust?"
"Only to me, that I know of, when she turned me down." Koushiro's voice was tiny, his shoulders scrunched. "I told Iori-kun and Sora-san when they inquired after what changed between Eimi-san and me."
Every head turned to Sora, who suffered an intense urge to vanish. "I, I told Yamato-san and Mimi-chan..."
Osamu rubbed his forehead, emanating impatience for these clueless, sheltered nobles. "Okay, well, tell them not to bring it up. The best way to fight her stigma is to keep it quiet."
Koushiro scowled as his brow furrowed. "Thank you for explaining all of this, Ichijouji-san. But, if I may… While this is skipping several steps, wouldn't marrying me counteract that stigma? I pointed this out to Eimi-san, but she seemed to think it wouldn't."
Osamu shrugged, not quite masking an incredulous huff of laughter. "I'm not sure. That could become its own little scandal- the famous inventor of minor nobility marrying the stigmatized common born! That's a headline to the right kind of person."
"But if she's perceived as a composer and musician instead..." Yamato offered.
"I think that's your best chance scenario," Osamu replied. "But who knows how the public will respond to her recordings, if you can convince her to make them."
"I'm so sorry, Koushiro-kun," Sora said. "I shouldn't have mentioned Eimi-chan's circumstances to anyone. And it sounds like the situation is more difficult than I thought..."
"I didn't know, either," Koushiro replied. His gaze was downcast, his shoulders slumped; all Sora could see from this angle was his fluffy red hair. "I assumed that standing by Eimi-san would prove that this stigma wouldn't deter me. If I had taken her more seriously..."
"Don't be too hard on yourself," Jyou said, with endearing kindness. "I can't imagine how frustrating it is to know that the only thing in the way of a romantic relationship is a stain on her reputation that someone else put there..."
"Agreed," Yamato sighed, scowling.
In the silence that followed, Sora found herself observing Jyou. All she knew of him was that he was the third Kido son. But Yamato spoke highly of him as a medical coordinator, a personal assistant, a friend, and a person. While Sora recognized the potential advantages of befriending a Kido, she found that Yamato's glowing opinion of Jyou interested her far more, as did the encouragement he offered Koushiro.
"This may not be the time, but have you been in love, Kido-san? Are you seeing someone? You seem so compassionate to Koushiro-kun's situation." Perhaps teasing wasn't the best way to open a friendship, but she couldn't seem to help it. Something about Jyou's vivid expressions and sometimes twitchy movements seemed to invite it.
"Er-" Sora smiled as pink pooled in Jyou's cheeks. "I, I suppose- I thought I was, but- Er, I've been interested before, but I can't say I've been in love. And, ah, I'm single."
For just a moment, Yamato's eyes narrowed, focusing on Jyou. Then, he was grinning, and Sora wondered if she had imagined that assessing, worried look. "He's a softie," Yamato said, ignoring Jyou's protest. "He's the type who would dote on a significant other."
"Can we not," Jyou sighed. Even Koushiro, polite to a fault, laughed at Jyou's frazzled defeat.
"Aren't you interested in Tachikawa-san?" Osamu asked. "I can ask Kenny if she's seeing anyone."
"She isn't," Sora helpfully supplied. "And she's generally receptive to a casual date." Normally, she would never hazard how someone might respond to an offer for a date, but Mimi was an exception. As long as both parties understood that the outing was simply an opportunity to enjoy each other's company, then Mimi was happy to date almost anyone. Casual dating was growing more common among the middle and lower classes, but nobles often faced strict rules and restrictions surrounding courtship. Hence, Sora couldn't predict how open to it Jyou might be.
Jyou raised both hands. "Look, we're here to figure out Eimi-san's situation, right? Koushiro-kun, shall we plan the details of the tour of the Tachikawa facility and convincing Eimi-san to record?"
After another generous dollop of teasing, the conversation shifted to the arrangements that Sora hoped would free Eimi from her stigma and Koushiro from the barrier between them.
XXX
Yamato was ready to leave the meeting at Sora's flat far before it ended. Osamu had frayed his patience to the point where it was difficult to concentrate on scheduling the outing to the Tachikawa's facility. Jyou must have sensed his frustration, bless him. He stepped into the role of an assistant sparing the prince the trouble of worrying over mundane itineraries. This left Yamato free to focus on handling his emotions, a task he often struggled with.
When the goodbyes began, Yamato's mind tuned back in. Like adjusting a radio, the static faded and words became clear. Sora was speaking to him, but he only absorbed the end of her sentence. "I beg your pardon?"
Sora's tiny smile made Yamato wonder if she had noticed him drifting off. "I asked if you would mind staying after for a bit. I'd like to lend you some records, if you're interested."
"Oh!" A moment ago, all he wanted was to leave, but excitement rippled over him- which, frankly, made for a damned nice change. "I'd like that."
Koushiro exchanged farewells and thank yous with everyone, and Osamu and Jyou offered to wait in the restaurant below. Soon, Yamato was alone in the living room with Sora, and breathing far more easily. If he were with Jyou, he would have collapsed at the table and buried his face in his crossed arms. It was likely wise to show more decorum with Sora. He dredged up a smile, aware that he had to look exhausted.
"That was an education," Sora murmured as she approached. Yamato almost grunted, but caught himself.
"Agreed. I don't often deal with people from Ichijouji-kun's class. Or rather…" Yamato trailed off, unwilling to implicate himself further. The palace had an enormous staff, composed of people from all walks of life. But he rarely clapped eyes on employees from poor families, who chiefly cleaned, ran errands, performed repair work, and kept the grounds. They were offered room and board in the old palace as part of their compensation; otherwise, they couldn't afford to live in Nagano. And then, he wondered dourly, who would tidy the gardens?
Choosing his words with care, Yamato began, "Ichijouji-kun is where he is because of his intellect and accomplishments. While I knew everyday people in Autun, this is the first time I've worked directly with someone from…"
Sora lifted her hand to her chin as she considered, and the sleeves of her exquisite kimono caught Yamato's eye- and reminded him that he was dealing with an iemoto heiress, someone far closer to his rank than most. "Hm… Ichijouji-kun doesn't seem to, ah… Know how to foster connections that might… help him." This time, Yamato couldn't resist a snort; that was a subtle way to say that Osamu was basically human-shaped sandpaper. "But I think Koushiro-kun is right. Working closely with him will teach us far more than working with someone from a higher class."
"Ifwe're not at each other's throats," Yamato sighed. "I didn't win points with him today."
Sora seemed to consider a response, but elected not to comment. "I do have records to recommend to you, but I really wanted to thank you for caring about Koushiro-kun and Eimi-chan. You have a lot on your plate, and… Well, I hope you don't mind my saying so, but I'm surprised that you made time for them. And impressed."
And suddenly, Yamato's face was warm, although he wasn't sure if Sora's praise or his failure to have earned it flustered him. "You know I'm visiting the café to foster connections. While I don't wish any trouble on him, helping Koushiro-kun seems like an expedient way to do that."
Sora leaned in and stared at him, brow furrowed with concentration. His cheeks heated even more as he absorbed the fascinating color of her eyes, a mahogany shade between red and brown. After a brief inspection, a tiny smile curled her lips. "Hm. We'll leave it at that, then."
She was teasing him- it was infuriatingly obvious. Yamato scowled and looked away. "Well, you're helping them, too."
"They're my friends. I'm not as close to them as I am with Taichi and Mimi-chan, but I see them frequently, and I like them very much. Although…" Sora's gaze fell from his as she cupped her hand to her cheek. "Hmm… I do wonder if I'm being vicarious with them."
"What do you mean?"
Sora heaved an impressive sigh. "I'm sorry. I don't want to burden you with my problems."
"Tell me." It came out authoritative- the voice of a prince accustomed to being obeyed. Chastened, Yamato softened his tone and added, "Please." Maybe it wasn't his business, but he wanted to know what was bothering her.
Sora shrugged. "It's common, I suppose. My mother has been bringing me lists of potential marriage candidates. So, when I see people in love struggling to connect…"
"I'm sorry." What else could Yamato say? The first priority of a noble, especially the heir apparent, was to continue the line. If anything, Sora was older than most nobles were when marriage talks began. "If I may, do you have someone in mind who isn't on this list, or…"
Sora managed a half-hearted smile. "No. I want to focus on my business- and myself."
"I admire that. I feel the same- although my parents have broached the topic, as well."
Sora's head jerked up. Her eyes widened, then went sympathetic. "I see… There must be even more pressure for you. I heard that the King and Queen-"
This time, the widening of her eyes was clearly fear induced. It wasn't wise to repeat gossip about the royal family to a prince. "It's alright," Yamato said quickly. "My parents married out of duty. I likely will, too. I'm hoping my brother, at least, can marry his choice, but… Realistically, he'll also face restrictions."
And suddenly, Sora's hands curled into fists. "I know it's childish to whine. I know that the advantages I've received come at a price. But I want- I want to marry my choice, like my mother did."
Yamato blinked. "Really? Did she find love among the nobility?"
"My father is from a semi-noble family. My grandmother, the previous grandmaster, didn't approve of the match, but my mother found a way to bargain for her happiness."
Sora's smile was proud- and a little fierce. Yamato found himself voicing the errant thought that passed his mind: "You love her. Your mother."
Her expression wiped clear, as if it had been erased from a chalkboard. Color pooled in her cheeks as she glanced away. "I- I do. But it's… complicated."
Yamato knew he had bodily thrown himself into a minefield. A hasty retreat was the most prudent option, and yet… How could he fail to acknowledge something he knew so intimately? "I understand," he murmured, aching inside. He wanted to add more, but he wasn't sure what was appropriate to share. Regardless, talking about his family situation hurt too damned much.
Sora was looking at him- or staring, more like- but he couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze. He twitched when her hand brushed his. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a difficult topic."
Yamato had no idea how his hand ended up around hers. It wasn't inappropriate, not really, especially since she touched him first, and yet… Well, when was the last time he held someone's hand, outside of an introductory shake? When his brother was a little boy, most likely. He wasn't prepared for how good it felt to be connected to someone- or how hard it was to let go.
But he squeezed her hand and released her, as if it was meant as a gesture of support. He desperately grasped for a cover or explanation- but Sora's warm smile calmed and reassured. "Maybe we can be like my mother, and fight for our happiness."
There was an inexplicable lump in Yamato's throat. "I'd like that. But I'm not sure if I'm… If I can…" Royalty lived for their country, at least on paper. Some kings and queens served, while some expected to be served. Yamato wanted to belong to the former group, a strong, reliable, hard-working king.
But he also wanted to be Yamato. And right now, so far from home, from Takeru, and from everything he knew in Autun, he wasn't sure he even knew what that meant.
And once again, Sora looked fierce- a glitter of passion and focus in her eyes, the confident set of her shoulders and posture. Yamato was forcibly reminded that an iemoto was a leader, not just of her family, but of an entire discipline, a pillar of Hakone culture. In a firm voice that allowed no trace of uncertainty, she declared, "You must fight for what matters. That's what my father says."
Yamato hesitated; how could he react to that? She said something similar the last time they met. He didn't know what was troubling her then, but now, he was beginning to understand. Sora was fighting for Sora, the entity separate from the iemoto heiress.
Was Yamato brave enough to fight for Yamato? Or would he live as the prince, and then the king?
He couldn't hope to untangle that question fast enough to respond. Oh, he knew what he wanted- but not how to achieve it. "He sounds wise. I don't know what fighting could look like for a man in my position, but… I'll remember that."
Sora extended a hand. "I'm taking that as a promise."
The handshake was solemn, but when Sora smiled, Yamato found himself grinning, too. He had no idea what to say, but she spared him by approaching her media console. "Let me show you some records. You can borrow whatever sparks your interest."
"You're too kind." Yamato knelt beside her, feeling a camaraderie he hadn't expected- and appreciated more than he could articulate. He hoped Jyou and Osamu were comfortable downstairs, as he was in no rush to leave.
Author's notes: I have no idea what public services were available in Japan in roughly the 1930s, but this is Hakone, not Japan. We have to take Osamu's word on what life is like for common born people. This is not meant to be historically accurate xD
So I added the scene with Yamato and Sora last minute, and suddenly this chapter was over 9k words long! That's why there will be one more update before this story goes on temporary hiatus. Here's what will happen:
Roughly September 10th: Update to Puits d'Amour
The rest of September: Work on other stuff, like content for Koushiro week in early October (a Tumblr event I'm hosting)
October: Plan Puits d'Amour content for Nanowrimo
November: Write 50,000 words of a first draft for the next chonk of Puits d'Amour updates
December and January: Edit the 50,000 words, especially as part of Camp Digimonth, a digimon content creation event I run in January
Late January/early February: Begin posting more Puits d'Amour!
I am on Tumblr (also ahiddenpath), and I post updates/teasers/info about what I'm working on! Please follow me if you'd like to stay up to date! :D
Thank you so much for reading, I'll see you again in two weeks! Please do leave a review for me, I'd appreciate that so much!