EIGHTEEN – Intoxication

"These are pretty clean and exact scrapes, Shirayuki," Garak declared. She had been dabbing a piece of cotton into Shirayuki's cuts with a medicinal liquid, infection-preventing and is quick to heal. "Are you sure this was a scrape?"

"I just fell and didn't see what I fell on because I started crying," Shirayuki lied, dabbing her puffy under-eyes. "I'm sorry to be troubling you with this; I could've done this on my own."

"Oh, it's no worries, Shirayuki!" Garak said, smiling kindly at the girl as she took a square bandage and placed it on the girls' knee. Garak flattened it down with her palm and rubbed it a bit to secure it was stuck on there. "It didn't seem like you had a choice, considering Obi carried you here."

Obi stood straight and nodded, standing between the two women with his arms folded in front of his chest. Shirayuki was on one wooden seat while Garak was across from her, one of Shirayuki's legs on Garak's lap. But Obi watched as Shirayuki dropped her foot back onto the floor and stood up. She winced at the slight pain of straightening her leg as she scraped her knee when it was bent. Obi still didn't believe it was a scrape.

"Thankfully these were mere cuts, nothing too major," Garak said simply as she stood up and returned to her desk. Shirayuki nodded, going to her desk as well. She noticed vials on a special red-colored rack with serums and herbs in them.

"Are these the ones I'm to study, Miss Garak?" Shirayuki asked politely.

"Ah, yes," Garak said with a nod. "But how about you wait a moment here, Shirayuki?" Shirayuki nodded, confused by the woman's request. The light brown-haired woman turned to Obi and grinned. "Do you mind carrying these vials back to her office? Seeing as she can't walk too well just yet and I want to clear my desk."

"Of course," Obi said with a nod, guiding Shirayuki to take a seat before grabbing the vials and leaving Garak's office. Once he did, Garak smirked at Shirayuki before standing up and checking the glass cabinet behind her. Shirayuki stared at the older woman, pondering what she was seeking. But then Garak fished out a large, glass bottle with a transparent brown substance.

"Um?" Shirayuki hummed, unsure of everything as Garak planted 3 glasses on her desk alongside the bottle. Garak keeps her smirk lively as she pops open the bottle and begins to pour some in the 3 bottles. "Miss Garak, what are you… doing?"

"Helping you," Garak replied, sliding over one of the cups, allowing ripples to decorate the brown liquid. Shirayuki stared down at it, seeming to fear it a bit. "I know you don't have a high tolerance, but I really hate seeing your eyes like this."

"I dunno," Shirayuki hummed, feeling her cheeks flush from embarrassment. She was thankful to Garak for trying to help, but Shirayuki couldn't find herself drinking such a drink. The last time she did, Obi had the unfortunate duty to make sure she hadn't done anything stupid. Garak shrugged, taking her cup before beginning to walk to the exit door of her office.

"It's alright, I'll just leave that there for you if you change your mind," Garak said simply as she sipped her serving. "I have to go find one of the guards. He's been waiting 10 months for a sip of this." With that, the older woman left Shirayuki alone to contemplate.

Should she? Shirayuki got distracted with thought until she noticed the other cup filled. Probably for Obi, Shirayuki mentally assumed. She sometimes wished for his tolerance, seeing as he can chug it with content rather than passing out. But she wasn't sure if she wanted to get drunk. Surely Obi would ensure her safety, but she didn't want to burden him with such a task. But he promised to protect her and—

"It's much sweeter than the fermented roka beverage you had a bit ago." Shirayuki turns to find Ryu upstairs at Garak's private library. His usual bored face was glued to a burgundy colored book as he began to descend down the stairs. Shirayuki watched as he took Garak's seat behind her desk and tapped on the bottle. "The strength is beyond the both of us though, but this is Garak's favorite whenever she's in tears."

"Miss Garak… cries sometimes?" Shirayuki asked quietly, widening her eyes from shock of this news. She hadn't known that her kind higher up could even cry, considering how strong and fearless she's brought herself up to be.

"Yeah," Ryu said dully as he kept his eyes on the book. "She used to have a husband, and apparently he disappeared a long time ago."

"Oh wow, I didn't know…" Shirayuki whispered, frowning over the fact that even Garak has lost someone. But her case must be more severe, since disappear can mean a lot of things. Shirayuki is at least glad to see Zen to ensure he is safe and doing well.

"Yeah well," Ryu said simply with a shrug. Shirayuki slightly smiled at the boy, knowing how he has difficulty to really express sympathy. He does express it, but it's rather dull and very hard to see. "Anyway, this could help with your tears, too, Shirayuki. I really hope it proves to be efficient for you."

With that, Ryu hopped off the desk and took his leave as well. Shirayuki was now alone, silence drowning her as she stared at the cup. Should she just do it, regardless of how weak her tolerance is? Obi will definitely be around, and maybe it'll help her sleep suffice hours. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

She's tired of relying on maybes.

"Little Miss?" Obi called softly, returning to Garak's office to find his Mistress. But he noticed she wasn't in the seat she was in when he had left. He looked around, then noticing the alcohol resting on Garak's desk. One was full, and the other was empty with residue of the alcohol. He guessed that Garak gulped hers down and Shirayuki was quick to refuse hers. "That's Miss for you," Obi said fondly in a soft tone. But then he heard a giggle in the room, making his heart freeze.

"Obiiiiiii," Shirayuki slurred, having Obi divert his eyes to find her up the stairs at the library. There was his Miss, hanging from the balcony of the top of the stairs at her knees. Obi felt himself go pale, looking as her hair hung loosely with her head. "Look, I'm a monkey!"

"Miss!" Obi exclaimed, his nerves kicking in the adrenaline as he dashed up the stairs. He disregarded his respect for her as he grabbed her by her waist and placed her on her two feet. He was quick to reel his hands to place them on her shoulders, staring at Shirayuki more clearly. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were light and lost and the entirety of her entity was all sorts of dopey. "Miss, what were you doing just now?"

"I jes told you, I was a monkey!" Shirayuki exclaimed, a pout dressing her face as she looked up at Obi. "Is like you don't listen to me, Obiiiii!"

"Did you drink some of that fermented roka?" Obi asked softly, having Shirayuki nod vigorously and loosely. Obi shook his head, smirking at the intoxicated girl as he held her still. He feared she was going to fall back. "Did it taste any good?"

"It was super duper shweet, Obi," Shirayuki slurred with a wide smile. "Theresss a cup full for you down over there."

Obi nodded, putting his arm out the way he does so Shirayuki could place her hand over his. But to his surprise, Shirayuki took his hand in hers. His heart completely froze, feeling her silk-like fingers weave through his own. He felt those gentle, cold fingers against his rough skin and callouses, wondering how she could stand it. But as he looked at her, he could tell she was set on being guided that way.

"Uh-uhm…" Obi stuttered, still flustered over holding the girls hand. He couldn't get over it—how can he? The girl he adores so much is holding his hand, holding his hand. The hand of purity and love held the one of a monster. "Th-this is quite uh…"

"Let's go already, Obi!" Shirayuki slurred impatiently, speeding down the stairs while tugging Obi along. Obi had tailed along, a wide smile playing at his lips as the girl dragged him over to the desk and offered him the drink. "A toast!"

"But yours is empty, Miss," Obi said with a chuckle. Shirayuki grabbed her empty class and eyed it for a moment until putting her finger to her lips and hissing a 'shh.' Obi shook his head before clinking his glass with hers. "Cheers."

Obi gulped his with ease, placing it down to watch Shirayuki pretend to gulp down hers. But she thought she had some, causing Obi to chuckle even more when she placed it down harshly on the desk. He then felt her squeeze his hand, and that made him flush up.

"Has anyone tolt you that you look like a tomato when you drink roka?" Shirayuki spoke, putting her free hand over her hand as she giggled. "You're so red, you look kinda like my hair!"

"Trust me, it's not the roka," Obi commented, smiling fondly at the girl as she laughed freely. She seemed so happy and was full of giggles. It made Obi much happier than he should be. Especially when this happiness was artificial. "How're you feeling?"

"I feel so good!" Shirayuki exclaimed, putting her arm up as she hopped. "I wanna go ousside! Can we go, Obi? Pleaaase?"

"Anything for you," Obi obliged, leading Shirayuki out of Garak's office and into the corridor.

When Obi had guided the two outside, he hadn't realized it was night time. The sky was navy, ornate with white dollops of stars and night-dwelling clouds. The grass the two walked upon looked as dark as moss with a crunch every step they took. Shirayuki was walking messily, but she was still following steadily without difficulty. As she did, she was ranting on and on about horses.

"You haff to teach me how to ride one, Obi," Shirayuki said in a somewhat demanding tone.

"Do I?" Obi questioned with a smile.

"Yes you do," Shirayuki murmured.

"But why when you could just ride with me on a horse?"

"Because!" Shirayuki exclaimed, no real reasoning behind it. Obi chuckled, slowing down so the girl could walk beside him with ease. It felt so right: a night stroll, hand in hand with the girl he's been in love with since the Master had taken him in as an assistant. It was a night Obi definitely wasn't going to forget, even if he wanted to. ''Hey, Obi?"

"Mm?"

"How come you don't call me by my name?" Shirayuki asked, having Obi flush up again as she stopped the two. He turned and looked at Shirayuki directly, seeing her pink cheeks and curious expression. Her eyes twinkled in the moonlight, seeing her green orbs shine like a four leaf clover on a bright day. Obi felt ever so fortunate for this night. "Is it an ugly name or somethin'?"

"No, of course not!" Obi denied quickly, his heart racing as he squeezed her hand. His eyes softened a bit, staring at the lovely girl before him. Her big green orbs filled with woe, something he never wants to see being caused by him. "Your name is probably the most beautiful names I've had the pleasure to hear."

"Then why don't you say it?" Shirayuki asked, impatient for the answer. Obi chuckled softly, looking at the curious girl. She looked like a child, begging to know where babies come from. Obi used his other hand and patted her gentle, red head.

"It's not my place to say your name, Miss," Obi said gently. "It's a privilege I am not allowed to have unless something changes. But I doubt it'll happen."

Obi hurt himself saying such words. He wanted to be hopeful and optimistic, but Zen caught her before Obi could even put himself in the picture. He wanted to say her name so badly, to utter it loud and proud, knowing the very circumstances changed and it's all okay. But what can he do? He has seen the way Shirayuki looks at him, how much she loves him and wants nothing more than to be by his side, always.

"What is it?" Shirayuki asked curiously, having Obi raise an 'eyebrow' as she spoke. "I'll do anything to change it!"

"Ah, I'm sure your mind would," Obi said, ruffling her hair a bit. "But your heart is too busy keeping everything the same. And I think it's as stubborn as you, Miss." Shirayuki frown and weakly shoved Obi's shoulder.

"I'm not stubborn!"

"Oh yes you are."

"Not!"

"Are."

"Not!"

"Are."

"Not!"

"You're so stubborn," Obi said softly, looking as Shirayuki seemed to have exhausted herself. He then watched as Shirayuki began falling forward a bit. He was quick to grab her other hand and held her up, seeing as she held his hands tightly. "Miss? Are you alright?"

"Can you carry me?" Shirayuki asked sleepily, squinting up at the boys amber eyes. "I don't wanna stand no more." Obi nodded, reluctantly letting go of her hands to turn his back to her. He bent down, waiting for her to hop on. He felt her arms hang onto his shoulders, with her thighs going to his sides. Obi grabbed her by her thighs and rose, carrying the drunken girl with ease.

Obi carried the girl through the night, the two dissolving into the darkness. But she managed to do it, sober and drunk. She shut off the rest of the world, of reality and the bittersweet idea of it. All he could listen to were her steady breaths as she leaned her head on his upper back, close to his nape. He felt her heart beat pound against his spine, the gentle beat becoming silent music. Her body felt warm against him, feeling completely calm from it as her intoxication simmered down. Shirayuki was still awake, but the gentle silence between the two on their stroll was all too perfect to start breaking with words.

"Obi?"

Ruining the night was the devil himself: Prince Zen. Obi looked up, noticing he was coming from the open corridor that led outside. He was stood straight, a cold, stern expression playing at his face. Lips were straight and pursed, his attire a simple navy blue shirt and gray pants. He had his sword, of course, as he eyed Obi and Shirayuki up and down.

"Obi," Zen greeted Obi simply before diverting his azure eyes over to Shirayuki. "Is she okay?" Concern played at his eyes, and Obi almost let out a brutal, cold laugh.

"She's drunk," Obi replied simply, feeling Shirayuki shift her head so he could now feel her breath on the nape of his neck. It caused goosebumps to grow, and he found his heart hammering his chest.

"Again?" Zen asked, gritting his teeth. He was judging Obi on his way of protecting the low-tolerance girl. "Why?"

"I don't know, let's find out," Obi began, taking a gulp before glancing back at Shirayuki. "Miss, why did you drink?"

"Because Ryu said I'd stop crying if I did…" Shirayuki murmured, her words trailing off due to her groggy state. Zen winced, having Obi enjoy the fact that he hurt from her pain. "But no matter what, the pain won't go away…"

"Sh, please don't cry," Obi cooed, hoping her shaky, broken voice won't cause any tears. Shirayuki then shifted her head and dug her face into the back of his shoulder. Sniffling ensued, and Obi knew that the girl was definitely going to cry again.

"Let's try not to run into Zen, okay?" Shirayuki asked softly, having Zen's heart throb. "He might grab me again and call me his and give me bruises. And then I'd have to cover for him so Obi doesn't see and get really mad. That wouldn't be fun…"

Zen met Obi's eyes, and found that very rare look of murder in the dews of yellow. It genuinely frightened Zen, seeing Obi's dangerous side within his eyes. Those very eyes that are the color of fall yellow when the seasons change. The color of the sun going down after day of happiness. The softness in them was now replaced with this intense vexation, and Zen knew that Obi had reason to be.

"Let's take you to go to sleep, okay Miss?" Obi asked her quietly, diverting his eyes to the floor. He didn't want to keep staring at the swine before him, after hearing the girls' words. She ran into the corridor to reach Obi before he could reach her… to cover for that guy. To Obi wouldn't get angry. "Goodnight, Master."

"Goodnight… Obi." Obi was quick to walk away from the Prince, feeling his eyes on them as he entered the corridor to get inside the castle. As Shirayuki began breathing heavier, a volcano was developing inside Obi. It was prepared to erupt anytime now, having him struggle to restrain himself. His Master touched her, held her without her consent. He gave her a bite mark she didn't ask for. He forced her to believing she was his, even though that no longer is the case.

"Please stop asking me…" Obi heard Shirayuki whimper in her sleep, having him question mentally as he reached her room and opened the door. He entered, extremely wary not to hit Shirayuki against any wall as he closed the door behind him. He made sure to lock it before walking over to Shirayuki's bed and gently placing her down. "Please stop, Zen…"

Obi looked down at her, slowly removing his scarf from her neck before setting it on her nightstand. Her cheeks were moist with more tears, a sight that Obi has painfully found himself used to. He grabbed a blanket over her, but Shirayuki kept shifting on her bed in pure discomfort. It bothered and somewhat scared Obi.

"I do love you, I swear…" Shirayuki whimpered, breathing heavily as sweat began to collect on her forehead. "Why do you keep asking me? Please stop, please."

Was he asking if she loved him? Obi studied the girl, thinking about her words and the way she let them out. Those painful cries, the cries of desperation. The voice of plead when someone doubts you, the yearning for someone to stop doubting something you're overly sure of. But why would he question her so much if he knows she does?

Wait. Wait, wait, wait.

Master is taking advantage of Shirayuki. Obi's patience was lost like a pebble being dropped into an endless ocean of vexation.