TWENTY-THREE – Him
21 Days Until The Wedding
Obi woke up the morning of his trip with a bitter taste in his mouth and a horrid pain in his stomach.
It wasn't the entire idea of going on a trip to two kingdoms on his own, but rather the idea of leaving is Mistress. He lied on his bed, the mattress feeling like a brick as he revealed his eyes to the whiteness of his ceiling. His forehead still burned with her kiss, his heart still racing just recalling those precious lips upon it. His hands were growing clammy as he forced them into fists recalling her touch. He closes his eyes once more to get absorbed in the thought of her for just a bit longer.
He'll be missing that genuine, small smile that lifted up her chubby cheeks and made her eyes squint with lovely crinkles at the ends of them.
He'll be missing her button nose and how it looked so adorable and fitting for her face.
He'll be missing those large, emerald eyes, finding them to be his favorite shade of green despite the forests he's scavenged through and taken in.
He'll be missing those sweet words she gave to him, in which he took so greedily but had no regrets.
"Obi!" Strong knocks on his bedroom door was heard and produced by his supervisor as Obi opened his eyes. "I have your proper attire—you better be up and ready before noon!"
Silence came quickly as Obi took in the man's words and hadn't responded. He dragged his legs off of the mattress and sat up, his hands firmly down on it as he shrugged a stretch. Goosebumps began crawling all over his exposed torso, having little mountains grow on his abs and his perfectly sculpted pecs. His hands, uncovered, reached up to touch his permanent scars. It's been quite some time since pain lingered, but history has already been written down and he cannot change that.
All he could do was simply move forward from that time.
"Obi, if you aren't awake—" Mitsuhide began to threaten as he hammered his fist upon the poor wooden door.
"Or what?" Obi snickered, rising from the bed to walk over to the door. His usual pants hung loosely on his waist, having it slightly lower due to the tossing and turning of his sleep. The grey entity exposed the beginning of the two lines that gradually went lower to create is very evident V-line. Scratching his belly a bit, Obi touched the cool, golden doorknob and gave it a twist before exposing himself to the early bird Mitsuhide. "Aren't you going to give me a good morning kiss, Mister Mitsuhide?"
"I'd rather drop dead," Mitsuhide responded, his hazel eyes dulling as he pursed his lips in disgust. Obi smirked from his falter and waited for Mitsuhide to shove the box of his attire into his stomach. "Get dressed so you can get some food in you and properly prepare for your trip."
"How do you know I hadn't done my preparations last night?" Obi teased, having Mitsuhide give him a bored look.
"The guards informed us that you and Shirayuki were running around the corridors last night," Mitsuhide enlightened, having Obi's cheek merely tint pink as he returned back into his room and grabbed his black, long sleeve shirt sat on his desk chair. "Rumor has it you two spent the night together."
"And somehow, Miss isn't here," Obi muttered sarcastically as he tugged down the black shirt. "I know that you know that that's not true."
"Of course," Mitsuhide assured with a smirk as he walked into the room. His sword clattered a bit against the sheath and the side of his thigh as he scanned the room. "Though you shouldn't be embarrassed for having a bit of fun with her last night."
"I'm not," Obi said, a fond smile playing at his lips without even realizing it. He walked over to his drawer and retrieved several pairs of black underwear from it.
"Mind spilling a bit then?" Mitsuhide asked, his tongue obviously emitting curiosity. Obi smirked, amused at the fact that the aide requested details. It was only funny as the attempt was adorable.
"I can't," Obi admitted flatly. His back was to the aide, but he felt the frown form upon the turquoise-haired sir behind him. "M'sorry, Mitsuhide."
"And why not?" Mitsuhide muttered, slightly saddened by this.
"Because I'm selfish and want to keep it all to myself," Obi said bluntly, closing his drawer to stand up straight and turn to stare at the aide. He gave him his signature smirk, the one full of mischievous and mystery. "Can't help it."
Mitsuhide rolled his eyes before taking his leave from the man's bedroom. Obi listened to the door shut, finding silence once again sit with him as he prepared for his trip. It wasn't too complex, though everyone deems it as such. He was a light traveler, only carried changes of underwear and money for food. But it was a rather daunting task and he wanted to do whatever it takes to satisfy his Master.
He sifted around his closet in search of a small leather bag, one which took the basic structure of a money pouch. He opened it quickly, filled it with his underwear and the invitations, and quickly tugged the strings to shut the bag. Tossing it on his unmade bed, he lazily strolled into his bathroom and took his time in washing himself. As he did, Obi preoccupied himself happily with the thought of seeing his Miss after his trip.
"Let's eat breakfast together, Miss!" Obi surprised the young woman at work in her office. She jumped in the stool, turned around and smiled up at Obi.
"Oh, Obi!" Shirayuki exclaimed, standing up from her office. Obi watched as the red-haired herbalist put her vials down on the rack and shut her evidently tampered with book. She closed several containers worth of substances and herbs that Obi couldn't dare pronounce or recite their chemical builds. Shirayuki then clapped her hands clean of all, non-sticky substances and turned to Obi once more. "Let's eat!"
"I've brought all the food over to Miss Garak's office so we can all eat with half pint," Obi commented. Shirayuki nodded and then allowed everything to connect in her head.
"Is that why you didn't pick me up from my quarters this morning?" Shirayuki observed, having Obi nod as the two walked side by side to the superior's office.
"I'm sorry for that, by the way," Obi said sincerely. "Before doing that, I had to get ready for the trip." That's when Shirayuki then realized and halted the two. She backed away from him, having Obi question her silently before noticing how her eyes scanned him up and down.
He was in his professional attire, which was preferably black and somewhat snug. The black suit was ornate with grey streaks threaded along the shoulders of the garment. Gold buttons lined up along the right side where a grey streak resided, going down right to the hem of it. His left was covered by a black, cape-like garment that remained attached to the entire entity by the gold streak that went all around the clothing at the edge. His pants were as well grey, but much darker than his usual bottoms. Then his feet were swallowed by fairly short black boots, obviously fixed up a bit to accommodate.
"You really do know how to clean up for such a flexible man," Shirayuki joked, producing a wide smile from Obi before he resumed walking. She was quick to trail to his side once again.
"Master would not be happy if I went with my usual attire," Obi commented, having Shirayuki giggle at that fact as the two strolled to Garak's open office. Shirayuki walked in first, finding Ryu already there and sat with a book in his face. "Morning, half pint." Shirayuki grabbed the book from overhead as Ryu turned to see the previously-rogue man nearby.
"Oh, you finally got Shirayuki," Ryu said, his voice at its usual low and raspy self. Shirayuki giggled, ruffling his hair a bit before taking her seat across from him. Obi joined the seat beside her, which resided right across from the young prodigy. Finally seated, that's when Shirayuki finally got to stare down at the amazing table housing food.
Along with a stack of clean plates with clean utensils and glasses were two large platters of waffles and pancakes. Steam came from both cooked items, seeing the hotcakes especially steam up as it fogged view of their fairly brown color. There was a large bowl with scrambled eggs as well as 2 other plates worth of pouched and boiled eggs. Then there was bacon from variety of meats, which was fine considering all the fat was removed. Then bowls of berries of all sorts came into play, creating a scene that Shirayuki believed deserved to be painted. Several drinkable substances remained in large glasses, seeing as there was simply water, orange juice, and milk.
"Dig in!" Obi allowed, having him distribute the plates and utensils as they all dug in. In just short minutes, each plate had been full of delectable food.
"Shirayuki, can you pour me some juice?" Ryu asked kindly, having Shirayuki smile brightly before standing up to get the container of juice. But before she could even lift it, Obi stopped her. He took the container of milk instead and poured it into his cup. Ryu and Shirayuki both looked puzzled at the boy.
"Half pint, your bones will grow weak very soon," Obi began. "You don't run around, or climb trees. Your bones will give out at some point."
"I'd have medicine for that if that time nears," Ryu says quietly before bringing the glass to his lips and drinking down the lactose. Shirayuki shook her head at Obi, finding the man silly in his actions as Obi shrugged in triumph. Those two very much loved Ryu, having them oblivious to how parent-like they are over the young boy. "So how long do you think you'll be away for?" Ryu asked, putting his glass down to reveal a milk mustache right above his upper lip.
"Hopefully not too long," Obi said with an amused grin, having Shirayuki point at her upper lip to Ryu for him to clean up. He quickly grabbed his napkin and wiped his upper lip, looking down to find nothing as the napkin was white as well. "It'll be 3 days, hopefully."
"Where are you going?" Ryu asked, having Shirayuki think of the same question as she took a bite of her pancakes.
"First, I'll be headed to Tanbarun," Obi admitted as he took a large bite of his pork bacon. Shirayuki turned to the black-haired boy in sudden interest. Why would Zen be sending a personal invite to Prince Raji? "And then, after that, I'll be coming back to the country to end up in Wilant Palace."
"Oh?" Ryu asked, some sort of surprised expression painting his face. He looked up, the expression still fairly bored but his aqua eyes were wider than usual. "There's where I'm to be soon for further study and research."
"Oh really?" Shirayuki jumped, staring back at Ryu. Ryu raised an eyebrow from her reaction.
"Did Miss Garak not tell you?" Ryu asked calmly, seeing Shirayuki shake her head as he tilted his head down.
"How long will you be there, Ryu?" Shirayuki continued.
"A few months," Ryu replied quickly. He then tilted and diverted his indirect stare to Obi as he nibbled on a small piece of bacon. "Might I ask you for a favor, Obi?"
"Of course, half pint," Obi said with a grin.
"Mind getting me a few specific herbs from over there?" Ryu asked quietly. "I want a head start in what I'll be interacting with. I'll ask Miss Garak to write a note to the pharmacists residing at Wilant to give you permission to do so. I'll also send it off with Shirayuki as she has created a medicine bag for you to take."
"Ah, yes!" Shirayuki exclaimed, dropping her fork on the table as she turned to Obi. "I'll bring it to you right before you leave, I promise." Obi smiled at her, feeling immensely grateful for knowing such a wonderful girl like Shirayuki.
"Thank you," Obi said genuinely, having Shiryauki's emerald eyes glimmer as she returned a smile. Ryu slightly widened his eyes at the two, seeing the way their eyes shined once locked to one another. He had always speculated that Obi held something for Shirayuki that was beyond his job and the friendship he had with her. Ryu doesn't know much about any feelings really, but he knows that whatever Zen feels for Shirayuki has always been evident in his eyes. That bright shine in his eyes, the way his pupils expand as he smiles.
Obi has the same exact reaction when staring at Shirayuki.
"Is it good?" Garak interrupts, having all pairs of eyes stare up at the pharmacist before them.
"Good morning!" They all cheered, though Ryu still remained low and quiet. Garak found herself taking the seat beside Ryu and had Obi pass her a clean plate. Few utensils later, and her plate was practically filled with everything left over. "So Obi, how's the trip looking for ya?"
"Smoothly, I think," Obi began, his face expressing thought as he began moving around some of his pouched egg with the teeth of his fork. "It doesn't take a day to get to Tanbarun, so I'll be there by nightfall."
"That's good," Garak replied, taking a piece of a hard-boiled egg and eating it quietly and quickly. "It should take a day, though, to get to Wilant from there, so be sure to get rest early so you can leave from Tanbarun early." Obi nods, but Shirayuki looked at Garak in surprise.
"Is Wilant Palace really that far?" Shirayuki asked ponderously.
"It is," Garak said with a firm nod. She pushed back a bit of her curly, tortilla-colored hair and swallowed down her chewed food. "Hence why I don't go there as often as I used to for research. When I did, I stayed there for long periods of time to do all the research I needed to return here without lacking anything. It's quite stressful, truth be told."
"Sounds like it," Shirayuki said quietly, returning back to eat one of her strawberries. Garak then noticed the way Shirayuki's face dropped in some sort of woe, seeing how she only took one bite before placing the sweet down. The pharmacist figured it was the distant Obi would be from her once he went up to Wilant.
"But it is quite close to the castle, so by the third day, Obi should be here a little after noon," Garak began, smiling confidently to reassure Shirayuki. The young herbalist raised her head and flashed a small smile, seeming a little more lifted. Then Obi tossed his napkin on his plate and stood from his seat.
"Alright, I better get going now," Obi said through a yawn as he raised his arms to stretch them. "Master wants to speak with me before I start heading off."
"Understood," Garak commented, having Ryu and Shirayuki nod as Obi began to carry all the dirty dishes. But before he could get far, Shirayuki grabbed his forearm and halted him from doing anything else.
"We can handle it, Obi, don't worry," Shirayuki said quietly, having Obi look at her kindly.
"But I can do it, Miss—"
"I know you can," Shirayuki whispered, her emerald eyes glowing as she held her knights build forearm. She took the plate from his hands with her free one and gave him a reassuring smile. "But I'd like to do this one thing for you before you go."
Obi smiled at her, his heart exploding with pure temptation to hug her and do something further than just that. It was everything about this girl that he can't get enough of. Her strong will, beautiful heart, lovely physical existence. He could not find a single flaw in this girls being, and that absolutely frightened him.
To be in love with the perfect girl.
"Take care, Miss Garak," Obi said with a respectful nod, having Garak smirk at him before returning the nod. Obi went over to Ryu and scooped him from his seat. Shirayuki and Garak couldn't help but be amused at how shocked Ryu can get from such a mere motion. "You too, half pint. Be sure to watch over Mistress for me, okay?"
"Okay," Ryu said firmly, his voice ever so quiet and rasp. Obi grinned at the young prodigy before putting him down on the floor. Ruffling the dark brown hair, Obi checked his attire to ensure no splotches or stains of food he might of accidentally caused from eating. Shirayuki eyed him as well, making sure he wasn't dirty from the back. Seeing as nobody said anything, Obi turned to Shirayuki and gave her a sweet smile.
"Remember I leave a little before noon, Little Miss," Obi reminded, having Shirayuki nod.
"I know," she gushed, smiling widely as she tilted her head. Obi watched her red locks slightly move from her head motion. They looked so shiny and inviting, like a freshly picked apple from the best tree. "I'll bring everything to you and say goodbye before noon."
"Thank you, Miss," Obi said warmly, his amber eyes glued onto the beautiful girl. He wished he could stare at her forever, and watch the way those plump cheeks turned a light hue of pink and the way her green eyes shined against the morning sun. He wished that he could keep admiring her button nose and the way her soft lips moved with every word she utters through her soothing voice. "I'll be seeing you two."
With one more wave, Obi took his leave from the office to head to Prince Zen.
"Obi, you're promptly," Zen uttered, looking over to his personal messenger before him.
Light from the sun came pouring in as Zen opened his curtains. Everything seemed to remain as it usually is. The desk was exactly dead center between the walls left and right of the room. The books, though collected dust, still continued to remain color splashed and their spines continued the same direction with the titles turned the same way. And of course, Kiki and Mitsuhide were by the front door, their usual stance lax but still prepared to fight when necessary.
"Of course, Master," Obi began with his usual mischievous smirk. "I wouldn't waste a minute longer in not seeing your dashing face."
"You are a piece of work," Zen growled, having Obi chuckle a bit at his own silliness as Zen pinched the bridge of his nose. Obi understood fully well that this was not a time for jokes, but he felt like lightening the mood a bit. Especially considering the sudden depression that has popped up due to the trip. "Anyways, do you have the invitations with you?"
"They're in my bag, straight and intact at the horse down in front of the castle," Obi informed. Zen nodded, gracious at how efficient and productive Obi was. He stood tall and proud before his Master, too, with his hands holding one another right in front of his belly where the white streak worth of a belt hugged his upper waist.
"You have already been down to the horse?" Zen asked, a hint of shock sliding off his tongue. Obi simply nodded. "You really are productive…"
"Never anything less, Master," Obi replied respectfully. "I believe it's almost time for me to head out, Master."
Zen briefly revealed his pocket watch, having Obi wince at it. It was the very watch that Shirayuki asked for before she and Obi went to see Prince Raji. The golden structure appeared to be renewed, glimmering happily as it held the replaced glass that protected the purpose of the watch. Obi knew why Zen hadn't thrown it away, and Obi wasn't sure how to feel about it.
"I believe you're right," Zen began quietly, returning the chained watch into the inside pocket of his blazer. Obi merely blinked before watching as his Master walked around his desk and joined right by Obi's side. "Let's take our leave then. Kiki, Mitsuhide."
"Yes, sir," the two aides said in sync as they opened the doors for the Prince and his messenger.
They all arrived at the ground level of the castle, right by the front gate. The pairs of feet walked upon the bricks that were several shades of gray. There was a brown stallion prepared for Obi on the sand-colored dirt. The horse had already been prepared with a leather saddle and had most of Obi's items clipped on it. Guards were moderating outside the gate, with one keeping the horse at bay with a lead. Obi hadn't wanted to cause any commotion, but he felt Izana's presence overhead, the exact same way he was when Shirayuki had went to Tanbarun.
"Would you like any guards to accompany you?" Zen asked kindly, having Obi playfully turn to Zen and flash a fake expression of offense.
"You think I'm incapable of protecting myself, Master?" Obi began, placing his hand on his chest. "I'm hurt."
"Ha ha," Zen spewed sarcastically, having Obi place his hands behind his head as he grinned at the Master. Unlike many, Obi refused to be fazed by Izana, even when his dark blue orbs were attempting to burn into him. Surely, he had immense respect for the Wistalia family, but Izana surely didn't frighten him as much as he thinks he does. "Oh, uh—Mitsuhide. The money."
"Don't spend it all on alcohol," Mitsuhide began as he walked over to Obi and offered a small, brown pouch. Obi smirked at him, making Mitsuhide slightly uneasy as he grabbed the pouch from his hand.
"Don't worry, Mitsuhide," Obi assured the turquoise-haired aide. "After trying Miss Garak's Roka alcohol, I don't think I can turn to any other than hers." Mitsuhide found humor in that and chuckled, having Obi chuckle as well. Mitsuhide then clung one hand around the back of Obi's neck and lightly smashed his forehead upon Obi's.
"Be careful, okay?" Mitsuhide muttered, his voice kept low enough so only the two could hear. Obi could see his hazel eyes fill with worry, having his amber eyes widen. He knew these kind individuals cared for him, but the extent was beyond him to imagine. "I know you've been on your own for practically all your life—I see that. But I just want to make sure you know that you'll be on my mind, okay, Obi?"
"Y-yes," Obi stuttered, sweat dropping from such serious, sentimental words. Especially from an easily flustered guy like Mitsuhide. "I'll be coming back very shortly, I assure you Mitsuhide."
"Good," Mitsuhide hummed, pushing Obi away to ruffle his raven hair. Obi rolled his eyes at such a childish motion. "I'll be quite upset to spend more days away from my favorite monkey." Obi shoved the aide playfully, receiving a hardy laugh from him before he backed away right back at his place behind Zen. It was now Kiki's turn.
The blonde girl walked up to him and gave him a very stern stare. Obi had to admit—of all the people he's met, Kiki was surely one of the few who really intimidated him. Those ice cold blue eyes alone made people shiver in their very shoes. Seeing as Kiki was a woman who very much resided her biggest points in strength made Obi pretty scared of her. The title for being the most intimidating went to Shirayuki, though.
"Don't be stupid," Kiki said simply, her monotonous tone shocking Obi with the kind words. Her arms were folded in front of her chest, having Obi's peripheral vision burst in purple as he stared into her eyes. "I won't be watching you, so don't be too wild."
"Will do," Obi nodded, receiving a small smile from Kiki before she as well returned to her spot behind the Prince as well. He gave her a small smile as well before meeting eyes with the Prince. Obi watched as Zen walked up to him, his lips tightly shut and pursed with those azure orbs dim but alive.
"I know you'll do just fine on this trip on your own, Obi," Zen began, having Obi listen attentively without doing anything silly or playfully flirtatious as he typically would. "Upon your return, come to my office immediately. But please be wary of your surroundings and send my greetings to my mother. Keep in mind to address her as 'Miss' rather than 'Queen.' It'll reflect on me greatly." Obi smirked at his words and nodded.
"Of course, Master," Obi said quietly, glad to be doing such an important service for the man who changed his life. "Thank you for trusting me as well as the concern. I will return without a hair even touched and pride from Miss Haruto."
Zen smiled from Obi's kindness and gave him a firm nod. Obi was quick to bow to him, closing his eyes to rest them for a moment. There was so much hope and trust in his Master's eyes that it was only a little overwhelming. The messenger could feel his heart race a little faster than a moment prior to Zen's words, and he wasn't too mad about it.
"Do me proud, Obi."
With that, Obi straightened up and gave his Master a smile. Zen couldn't help but smile back in appreciation of that smile. Obi was one of only 4 people who could receive the best of him. Obi didn't know it, of course, but Zen was glad he didn't. Though, Zen had a feeling Obi knew but didn't need to say a word on it.
Zen returned back with his two aides, all 3 pairs of eyes staring as Obi gave them all a polite nod before walking over to the horse. One of his gloved hands was quick to be placed on his horse's upper leg. He gently gave him a rub, ensuring that the animal knew he'd do it no harm and was appreciative of his service. Obi was prepared to hop on until eyes spotted a dew of red in his peripheral.
Obi turned to look over to see Shirayuki making her way down the stairs from the castle and headed his way. He could see the determination all over her creamy face as she rushed over. In her hand, a bag dangled all around as her boots clinked with every step she took closer to him. He watched the way her red hair danced with the velocity in which she ran. He smiled right then, seeing how set she looked on reaching him. But Obi then found his own heart dashing as well, his amber eyes widening when getting a better look of her hair.
In the distance, in that apple head of hair, Shirayuki's ear was the ride to the very hair ornament Obi had gifted to her a while back, and Obi's heart couldn't help but run a marathon.