cut my vacation short aha xx thank you guys for the favs, follows + the sweet reviews (my favs are the reviews aha)

TWENTY-TWO – Why Does Her Heart Feel This Way?

"Wait, what?"

"I'll… be leaving for a little while, Miss," Obi admitted, revealing a sad smile as he sat in Ryu's stool in the shared office. Shirayuki had been working on a medicine for burns, content that her mind was relatively blank. But then her immediate knight had come and spilled the news of his leaving. It wasn't like he wasn't going to tell her, and Shirayuki knew that. It's just something that doesn't make her necessarily overjoyed.

"Where will you be going, if you don't mind me asking?" Shirayuki asked quietly, having Obi smile gently at her consideration.

"I'll be leaving to send two wedding invites personally to specific people," Obi admitted, knowing fully well that he was able to tell his Mistress these things. One was due to the fact that Zen hadn't specifically said he couldn't tell his trips purpose to people. And another thing to point out was the fact that if he were confronted, he could defend himself with the fact that Zen hadn't said a thing about what he could and couldn't say to whoever he did speak about it to.

"Oh?" Shirayuki pondered, slightly surprised at this. She was curious as to why Zen specifically requested Obi to send specific invites to specific people. This entire specification of this trip had begun making Shirayuki feeling uneasy. "Do you know how long it'll be?"

"I would hope not too long," Obi admitted, sweat dropping a bit as his right hand reached to scratch the back of his black head of hair. "I came here to tell you that, as well as to ask something of you, Miss."

"Hm?"

"Might I have a bit of medicine to take with me?" Obi asked with a sweet smile, having Shirayuki tilt her head in slight confusion. "Maybe not for me, but I fear encountering other travelers with severe wounds at short notice."

Shirayuki smiled widely, nodding at his kind request. Those words Obi had uttered gave her heart some warmth, something she hasn't felt since the announcement of Zen's engagement. She loved how considerate Obi has become since he arrived to Clarines and has been an assistant since then. But then again, with the way he said those words, Shirayuki speculates that he's been like this for a while now but nothing has tapped at it until his arrival into her life.

Obi would confirm her speculations if she conveyed it to him.

"When are you to leave?" Shirayuki asked, feeling awful for shooting him so many questions.

"Tomorrow, slightly before noon." Shirayuki took note of this mentally, nodding at the tall man before her. Obi's face lightened, and Shirayuki found herself going agape.

Obi's facial expressions are rather strange depending on person. She couldn't determine all of them, seeing as she isn't there for his other more… aggressive expressions, but she has become quite comfortable with the one he gives her. It's always this warm, kind smile, the one that you get when someone just cannot get enough of you. It was always real, and held this incredible amount of emotion that couldn't be expressed in words as none would do it any justice.

To further, it was also his eyes that cause Shirayuki's heart to pause at times. Those amber orbs of his do soften at the two aides and the Prince, but they always had a certain glow when it came to Shirayuki. She didn't want to admit it, but she was immensely sure that she has been the only one to see his beautiful eyes look as though the sun was shining down only at him. They looked like dollops of sweet honey with poppy seeds in their centers.

"Miss, I… want to run something by you, if I may," Obi began, having Shirayuki raise her eyebrows to refocus herself into the conversation. She nodded, having Obi know that she was all ears. "Will you be alright without me around?"

He finally asked. Shirayuki had been building up to tell him how she felt about the trip. Though it is obligatory and she knew her words would change nothing, she wanted to tell him how much she'd miss him.

"If you're asking my mind, I have to be alright with it," Shirayuki said, diverting her emerald eyes down to the skirt of her work dress. "But if you're asking my heart, I'd have to say no. I'm sorry."

Obi widened his eyes right then, and Shirayuki knew she caused such a reaction. Her cheeks flared up into a hue of crimson red as she clenched her delicate hands into fists. She didn't know what it was exactly, but her heart couldn't stop racing and her stomach kept fluttering for some reason. She yearned for explanation or some sort of medicine for this, but Shirayuki had a feeling this couldn't be treated with herbs.

"What're you apologizing for, Little Miss?" Obi responded warmly, having Shirayuki quickly tilt her head up to look up at Obi. His warm smile remained the kindness and sweetness rotting her heart as he stared at her. "It feels nice that Mistress feels this way about me."

Shirayuki's tender lips parted, and Obi knew he was in for it. He was internally melting from such a stare, seeing as she looked at him with incredible awe. And she couldn't help it, really. Everything this boy did was giving Shirayuki a hard time believing he would be leaving, if just for a few days. But they felt so incredibly long for her, and he has yet to leave the castle to go on his trip. It was practically scaring Shirayuki: the reliance she had over Obi's existence.

"I still am sorry," Shirayuki whispered, her mouth feeling dry with the extension of her throat. "You're still here but I already miss you."

Right then and there, Obi swiftly abandoned his seat and got on one knee. He was in proposal position, having Shirayuki's heart completely freeze as Obi placed his right hand over his heart as the left arm hung loosely to his side. His head was tilted down, eyes shut with fear that she'd be able to see the pink hues playing at his cheeks. She did see them, but she refused to utter a word during this moment.

"I swear I will be back before you even know I'm even gone, Miss," Obi promised, tilting his head up to look at her astonished face. "For you, I'll fly in the sky, fight through the flames, and walk on water. I will do everything I can to get this task done as quickly and productively as possible."

Shirayuki's breath hitched, words unable to be conjured from her as she looked down at her knight. But her parted lips quickly formed into a smile as she as well abandoned her stool and got on her knees before Obi. Obi stared at her, ponder painting all over his face as she took Obi's hand from his heart. Her smooth hands held his damaged ones, allowing her to feel his past as she held his hand. Then, without any warning for the boy's heart, she planted a gentle kiss on the top of his hand.

"M-Miss-!" Shirayuki brought her head up to see Obi completely red to the ears. She smiled softly at his reaction, seeing how embarrassed and at a loss of words he was. She found it unbelievably adorable, and she enjoyed the fact that she made Obi this way. "Y-you just…"

"These," Shirayuki began, taking hold of his other hand to hold the both of them between the two. "Are the hands that have protected me for so long. Thank you so much for doing such an amazing job, Obi." He nor she knew why she had been thanking the man, but they both held a strong smile for one another before Obi rose from the ground.

"Let's get you off the ground, yeah?" Obi began, reversing roles as he held her hands and lifted her up with little effort. Shirayuki giggled as he did, feeling her knees slightly throb as her legs were now straight and standing. "3 days. Just give me 3 and I swear I'll be right here with my arm up and ready to follow by your side."

"I don't doubt it," Shirayuki says, smiling up at Obi. "But please do take your time if you must. I'd rather you not come back battered up and exhausted."

"With you believing in me, I can go weeks without a wink of sleep," Obi said warmly, having Shirayuki giggle as she escaped his hold and playfully hit his chest. Obi chuckled, knowing his words were sweet but exaggerated. "Okay, I can go a week but that's still plenty, Miss!"

"A day is enough to me, Obi," Shirayuki said warmly, having Obi grin widely as he looked down at his little red-haired Mistress. She looked so elated, even though her eyes still remain to be unpleasantly pink and puffy. Her face was still bloated but her smile punched away her features of sadness. She looked absolutely beautiful right now, and Obi was beyond happy.

"Hey," Obi began suddenly, having mischief slowly pour into his amber eyes as he looked into Shirayuki's emerald orbs. "Wanna do something fun?"

Shirayuki was a little hesitant at first. Although she liked Obi greatly, he was quite the extremist in his definition of 'fun.' The boy is a tree hopper, joke making, energy ball of insanity that nobody can keep up with. He was just like the wind: it'll make you aware of its existence but be gone before you could acknowledge it. Obi saw her reluctance and quickly offered his gloved hand.

"Do you trust me?" Those four words mean absolutely everything. And, without any pause, Shirayuki put both hands on his and then grab it to give it a reassuring squeeze.

"Of course I do."

"Why are we running?" Shirayuki called to Obi, who was in front of her and leading the way. His hand was hold hers, the two connected strongly with completely certainty that it'll remain. Obi chuckled at her question as he dashed the two down the corridor.

"Because why not?" Obi responded, having Shirayuki shake her head and giggle at the crazy man guiding her.

The two rushed passed guards, having them easily realize they're no harm from the red bolt that was Shirayuki's hair. Shirayuki has refrained from staring at them ever since the announcement of Zen's engagement due to the fact that they won't leave their eyes from her. If she were to lift them up, she feared that they would flash her eyes of pity, and she didn't want any of that. They all knew nothing could be done just as much as she knew.

"Aren't you going to get tired?" Shirayuki called as Obi dragged them up the stairs. Obi glanced back and gave her a toothy grin.

"You're talking to me, Little Miss," Obi said cockily, having Shirayuki giggle some more as they dashed down the corridor. As they did, Obi found Elizabeth and a guard slowly having a stroll, likely taking her back to her quarters. So Obi called out to her, having her turn to see the two runners coming. "Good evening, Miss Elizabeth!"

"Good evening, Miss Elizabeth!" Shirayuki exclaimed as well, having Elizabeth wave slowly as they rushed passed her and her guard.

"Good evening, you two!" Elizabeth called out, seeing them wave with their free hands as they quickly dashed down the corridor and took a left to enter another one. Her guard was in shock, unsure as to what to make of the two runners. But Elizabeth found herself laughing from those two. She now realized that she will always find something new about them so long as they remain together.

"Are we almost there, Obi?" Shirayuki asked Obi as they dashed up the flight of stairs. Obi merely looked back, flashing the signature smirk as the two reached the top of the flight and took a right. Shirayuki noticed they were at the outskirts of the castle, which were the corridors with the exposed windows with no way to shut them. She kept staring at the pillars, having them look like a repetitive movie clip.

He then halts the two, having Shirayuki hold her tongue between her teeth as Obi hopped on the railing and leaned against a pillar. He looked around, but then tilted his head up towards the sky. Shirayuki stared at the man, seeing him completely awestruck. She glanced over his shoulder to notice the sky and realize why he was stuck in a trance. Then, without warning, Obi jumped up and Shirayuki heard a fairly loud thud above her.

"Obi?" She exclaimed, rushing to the railing. Leaning against it, she looked up to see Obi's feet dropped to hang loosely on the roof. Obi put his hands on his lap with his head tilted to continue seeing the beauty that was the sky. And so Shirayuki decided to join him.

Her emerald eyes looked back at the sky and couldn't help but to admire it. The galactic blues and purples of space were slowly taking over the sky as the dollop worth of the sun was descending. The marigold yellow of it was gradually becoming orange and exploding into a fine marmalade hue with an apricot fade. The heavy ball of fire was exchanging with the moon, the grey C-shaped planet finding itself floating up into view. Light yet evident stars were decorating the sky like freckles, those small bright splotches playing a big role in the unknown that was space.

"It's beautiful, no?" Obi began, smiling fondly at the view.

"I wonder," Shirayuki hummed, having Obi smirk from her words. Obi then stood up, having Shirayuki tilt her head to stare up at the mysterious man. His eyes sparkled right then, the sun kissing the side of his face with a beam of orange. He then offered one hand, having Shirayuki raise her eyebrow at him.

"You coming, Miss?" Shirayuki studied his hand, seeing the old gashes and bumps worth of callous ornate on his palm. She was always a little hesitant when doing the wild things Obi chooses to do, but the trust she had in him was beyond her sanity. She took his hand with one and held onto his wrist with the other. And, with astonishing ease, Obi pulled her up with that very arm and managed to get her safely on her feet without almost falling.

"This is insane," Shirayuki noted, her voice sounding ever so small in such a high height. Obi smirked, offering his arm out to her.

"This isn't even the best part," Obi assured, having Shirayuki shake her head from his words before taking his arm and allowing him to stroll her to wherever he leads. He made sure to go slow, the pairs of feet cautiously walking along the egg-white roof beneath them. The two shadows danced upon the strong structure, the night making them darken and grow as the sunset dissolves. He led her higher, higher than she's ever been before on these very castle grounds. "How're you holding up, Miss?"

"I'm fine, thank you," Shirayuki responded quietly, flashing him a reassuring smile as he led her up to a flat area of the roof. Beside it, was a cone-like structure with pink bricks ornate on it. He led her in front of him, making sure she makes it on first before he could. He then let her go before falling on his bottom to sit, his feet resting on the descending roof they had just climbed. Shirayuki looks down at him, seeing his wide, amber eyes admire the night finally exploding in the sky and covering all light with its own.

"You know, Miss," Obi began calmly, keeping his gaze upon the navy blue and wistful purples of the night sky. "I didn't think you'd actually come with me tonight."

"Huh?" Shirayuki hummed. "And whys that?"

"Because you know how I am and the places I end up in," Obi said with a mischievous smirk. "I thought you'd be a bit afraid even though you're one of the most boldest girls I've had the pleasure of meeting."

Shirayuki smiled at that, incredibly honored by his sentimental words.

"How could I be afraid?" Shirayuki responded almost inaudibly, but her words were as loud as ever in Obi's heart. His heart was racing, feeling his hands slightly tremble just by her mere existence beside him. "You used to be a solo kind of man. But now, seeing as you've brought me up here tonight with you, I realize that you've developed an immense trust in yourself. You're capable of being wary of another heart, and I trust you very much."

Obi felt his cheeks heat up, finding it harder to breath after hearing those words. Shirayuki was surprised herself, but she felt no regret in saying those words. They were true after all, and she wanted him to know. And there's still so many words that she wants to tell him, but bombarding him on one go would be too much for the cat-like knight. So she'll just have to use this as one way to express part of her feelings for Obi.

"I… thank you, Miss," Obi said softly, his amber eyes shaking as he looked up at the stars above them. Shirayuki moved to lean upon the cone-shaped roof and crossed her arms over her chest as she looked up at the night sky and pondered immensely about space and the stars and everything that the world still knows little of.

"I really don't want you to go," Shirayuki whispered, her heart hammering her chest as she uttered those words. Obis hands clenched on the edge of the platform he was seated on, knowing how unstable he's becoming from the moment he got them stuck in. He wasn't sure if he loved it or felt far too overwhelmed by it.

"And I really don't want to leave you, Miss," Obi admitted, a sad smile painting on his lips. "But I promise I'll be right back. My road always leads back to you, and I don't think that'll ever change." Shirayuki smiled at this and felt her own cheeks sear.

"Wherever I go…" She began, trailing away to allow her words seep into thin air. But Obi was not going to allow it to stop there.

"I'll be sure to follow by your side," Obi finished, swallowing harshly, knowing how much his heart can't take. He's never felt like this—he's never been so fortunate to. And Shirayuki was over her head just as much, not knowing as to how these words have come to be. But maybe she does know, even by a small fraction.

It wasn't from Zen's unexplained rejection, but from Obi's persistent support. It was not only a job for Obi, but rather a pleasure and something he desired to do. He never had to go find her when she lost herself in the far, distant woods. He never had to dance with her when they both know how horrid of a dancer she was. He never had to stay so many nights with her and listen to her painful cries to sleep. He never had to bring her breakfast, or make jokes for her smile, or even stand up to a higher rank for her. He never had to give her this sense of safety through a physical item such as a scarf when it's already deeply engraved in her heart. He had no obligation to do any of those things, but he did them anyways because he absolutely wanted to.

"I'd like it," Shirayuki began, clenching her hands softly around her biceps as she closed her eyes. Obi listened as she let out a firm sigh, noticing no shakiness to it. "If that never changed."

Obi knew right then and there that a promise that has been distilled in the air for a long time is finally being confronted. He didn't know if she had wanted this as well, as he says it so often but she merely replies with a 'yes' or a kind smile. But Obi yearned for a solid, clear answer—one that gives him a guarantee that she is okay with this and wants this. And with these words, these words that are gradually becoming the world to Obi, he knew that they would remain with him for a long while so long as she continues painting the path.

"Okay," Obi responded, nodding as he felt his bottom lip quiver. He could feel it: emotion trying to dig its way out of his protective shell. "Yes."

"Cool," Shirayuki said simply, smiling confidently as the moon was slowly reaching its peak. The white dollops of small stars rested around the moon, supporting it in lighting up the grounds with its dim, yet bright rays. In the distance, the town of Clarines was indulging in the night. The buildings with windows allowed light to pour out into the busy streets of the town to guide everyone on their very path, whether they be large or small. This very state made Shirayuki very proud to be able to reside here, even if her time is now limited. These sights are unforgettable, and this town left Shirayuki with a memory that can't be taken by anything or anyone.

"You know, Miss," Obi began, his teeth biting the end of his bottom lip to keep from exposing his emotion. "When I come up here to see the night sky and space, my mind always seems to drive itself back to you."

"Yeah?" Shirayuki asked, her lips slightly parted in curiosity to his words. "Whys that?"

"Because when I look at space and the stars," Obi began, letting his lip go to smile softly. "They remind me of how much of a mystery you are, even if you claim to be such a straightforward person. Because though I know you, sometimes you do things like a comet would do in space. It would just come, like a calm bolt of fire, having you surprised yet pleasured to see such a beautiful thing before it disappears so immediately. Except, with you, those brief moments stay forever with me."

"Hey, if we're using space to call me mysterious, that would mean you're just as much space as I am," Shirayuki commented, joining him on the edge of the platform. She took her seat, having Obi glanced over as she eagerly stared up at the stars.

"How so, Miss?" Obi questioned, genuinely curious of her statement.

"I've read in books that they're things in space called black holes," Shirayuki began quietly. "They are mysterious things that take in whatever gets near, even light, and gives nothing but wonder in return. It's very much like you, taking in our words but giving us nothing. It provokes my mind very much to know who you are, Obi."

"I wonder," Obi began, a smirk crawling up his lips as he looked at Shirayuki. She turned to stare at him as well, the two locking eyes as the moon casted a strong light upon the two. They exchanged gentle smiles, not even surprised by their sudden closeness. Obi was inches, only mere centimeters, away from that girls' face. How would her lips feel on his? Would they feel as soft as her hands are? Would they be as sweet as she smells? Oh, if only he could just…

Suddenly, without warning, Shirayuki cupped his face between her small, kind hands and pulled him down to plant her lips on his forehead.

They were so soft and cold, like a cool petal of a lovely flower was placed on him. But this was a much better sensation, knowing that were was warmth to it beyond the physical coldness of it. This was a kiss of trust and care, a kiss that really gave Obi an idea of where this girls' heart was. It made his heart practically race, currently agape with wide eyes looking down at the occupied platform of the white roof.

"How…" Obi whispered, his voice dissolving immediately as Shirayuki let him go.

She stared at him puzzled as he lifted his head and looked distantly at the skirt of her dress. It was just as white as the roof. He lifted one of his hands to his forehead, the tips of his index and middle fingers pressing down on the spot in which she kissed him. He could feel the warmth that remained of her action, feeling the very splotch slightly more moist and smooth than the rest of his forehead. He then placed his hand down and stared at his fingers, seeing nothing but his pale skin with red flesh stains in his fingers. He then clenched his hand closed with a fist, smiling fondly at it before lifting his head up to meet with her emerald eyes.

"How can I go now when I definitely want to stay?" Obi struggled, having Shirayuki see a sad smile printed on his lips as his amber eyes looked shakily into hers. Shirayuki giggled, moving a bit closer to bump her forehead upon his. She listened to his breath suddenly hitch, but then let out a gentle sigh as he leaned his forehead upon hers. They were connected once more, their hearts racing with a warmth taking over the two from the mere contact.

That was when Shirayuki knew right then that her path was officially altered, and she hadn't minded that Obi would be strolling along with her.