TWENTY-NINE – Them

19 Days Until The Wedding

They both hadn't realized how much they yearned for this prior to the kiss.

Shirayuki didn't know how badly she wanted her soft, supple lips upon Obi's. Obi didn't know how badly he wanted his Miss to nurse his lips with hers. Her smooth, plump lips gently nibbled Obi's bottom lip quickly. He felt her hum upon his, vibrations spreading adoringly on his gracious. Upon the taste of iron entering Shirayuki's mouth, she had realized how sly she was and quickly detached. And oh, what a sight Shirayuki had provided for him.

Those emerald eyes were the widest he's ever seen them in a long time. Especially when those puffy eyes seemed to have deflated and her creamy color was returning to those under-eyes. Her chubby cheeks were splotched in a rouge tint, knowing how much they were searing her. Her lips were wide open, evidently shocked from her own doing with the light shining against them due to the brief swap of saliva. On her bottom lip was a very light and small smear of his blood, having him raise an eyebrow at that.

"I—I am so, so sorry!" Shirayuki shrieked, reeling her hands from the nape of his neck to cup her mouth. Obi smirked at her, looking into her brilliant green eyes. She noticed his cheeks just as flushed, but he didn't seem too fazed by it at all. In fact, he relished it.

"I must say, Mistress," Obi began, suave in his tongue as Shirayuki studied his face. "Of all the remedies you've produced, this has been deemed my favorite of all."

"B-be quiet," Shirayuki replied quietly, evidently embarrassed by everything. She quickly brought her sleeve to her lip and wiped a bit to remove the smudge of Obi's blood. Shirayuki felt incredibly embarrassed that she had done such a thing to her knight. Would he find her disgusting now? Disgusting and far too eccentric to be something special to him?

"Though, I also must say," Obi continued, his voice deepened as he studied her eyes. "It would complicate things in my head and heart if you used that to heal anyone else." Shirayuki blushed even more and Obi snickered at this. That made Shirayuki's heart skip one single beat.

Obi seemed… okay about what she had just done. Could it be that Obi may have a special place dedicated to her in his heart? He wasn't expressing shock, though he was pretty awestruck. He was smiling, even when his cheeks burned with the surge of blood. And… with the way he was staring at her, she could swear that his gaze was solely full of admiration and affection.

"Let me get you an actual remedy for your lip…"

Obi bent down to let Shirayuki down with ease. He listened to the heels of her boots collide with the wooden ground as she stood for a brief moment. But as she brought her foot to rise towards her desk, she lost balance. Obi swiftly caught her before the nasty fall, reminding him of Fort Lax almost immediately.

"Are you alright, Miss?" Obi asked, concern rolling off his tongue as he held his Mistress. One arm wrapped around her torso, with the other offering to hold her hand. She took it, of course, as she felt incredibly off balance.

"Y-yeah, I just," Shirayuki began, squeezing Obi's rough hand in fear of falling. "My legs just aren't working right now..."

Obi chuckled a bit, scooping her bridal style to gently place her back on her stool. Shirayuki watched him silently as he grabbed Ryu's stool and carried it to sit it right beside hers. Obi then took his seat, his posture lacking as he slouched a bit. But it didn't matter, as Shirayuki once again got stuck in his eyes and couldn't help but admire the honey dews. She hadn't realized how much she missed those cat-like, feeling her heart run a marathon just to looking at them.

"I missed you, Miss," Obi finally said, having Shirayuki feel her cheeks flare up as she looked at him. His words were genuine, with his eyes full of longing. She knew that he felt exactly the way she did.

"I missed you, too," Shirayuki replied quietly with a small smile, having Obi smile widely at this. Shirayuki then felt her heart flutter once more, forcing herself to turn to her desk and tamper with it. Obi watched as she shifted through the drawers and fished out the items she needed to treat his lip. Although it didn't really much (especially after the lip contact she gifted him), he was completely fine with getting her undivided attention. Obi then leered at the needle and thread that sat on her desk, the thread similar to the color of his scarf. He was curious.

As she allowed a small cotton ball to absorb a medicinal cleanser, Shirayuki couldn't help but keep diverting her eyes back up to Obi. His upper cheeks were still tainted with a soft pink, his eyes diverted down to her hands as she prepped. His head was tilted down with a pout formulated on his lips. It would seem from an outside perspective that he would be in some sort of sorrow. But, Shirayuki still sensed his elation and warmth as he braced himself for his care.

"Ah, Miss, that stings," Obi flinched as Shirayuki dabbed the cotton ball upon his lower lip. She noticed the blood clear to expose a small, but evident sliver in his lip. It was good he hadn't busted it, or else it would feel even worse.

"Maybe you shouldn't be running when going upstairs," Shirayuki playfully scolded, having Obi smirk as she continued dabbing it. She really did like it when he smiled, having her lips convert from a frown to a gentle smile. He really did love it when she smiled.

"It's your fault, though," Obi said with a snicker.

"How is that my fault?"

"You made me miss you a lot, Miss," Obi replied warmly, having Shirayuki's breath hitch briefly. "I was so excited to even reach the castle because I knew you were inside and waiting for me."

It was always such a wonder as to how Obi was able to perfectly formulate his words. It was the structure, the way he said it, the tone—it was all just perfect. Shirayuki could feel her stomach flutter from such words, goosebumps rising all over her arms and neck. She even stiffened, keeping her arm still in the air with the cotton ball in her hand. And she stared at Obi well and good, to know that he was the person she definitely needed in her life. But her heart was having difficulty in comprehending that.

"Miss, earlier…" Obi began, trailing off as he brought his hand up to his bottom lip. Shirayuki felt her cheeks flare up once more, her lips tempted to return back to his. She quickly swatted his hand away and began dabbing once more. Obi winced.

"H-have you greeted everyone else yet?" Shirayuki began, having Obi widen his eyes to realize what Shirayuki was doing. She was far too embarrassed and shy to confront her own actions. Obi understood this and grinned. She was so precious to him; he was astonished at himself for being able to contain his overflowing feels for her.

"I haven't, actually," Obi informed.

"Oh?" Shirayuki breathed, looking curiously at Obi's lip as she tossed the cotton ball in the disposal. "Not even Mitsuhide, Kiki, and Zen?"

"Nope," Obi said simply. "Upon my arrival, a maid came up to me and said those 3 were handling a very serious case. An intruder managed to slip into the castle last night?"

"O-oh, yeah," Shirayuki attempted to play, but Obi found suspicion in her stammering. She shifted a little bit, rising the scarf a little more to her chin as she turned away from Obi to get a cream for his cut. As she did, Obi noticed 1 of the threaded areas of the scarf. His brow rose seeing the somewhat broken flow of the scarf with the evident threads. It tapped his curiosity along with her reaction about the intruder. "It was good that he was caught. That's why Zen is discussing it with the Court for his punishment."

"Ah, makes sense why he can't see me tonight," Obi replied simply, having Shirayuki raise an eyebrow as she grabbed a small container with a transparent cream.

"Were you to meet up with him tonight?"

"Yeah, I was hoping to get a 'good job' and a goodnight kiss from Master," Obi joked, smirking as Shirayuki began opening the small container. She emitted a small giggle, shaking her head as her immediate knight shrugged. "But it's okay, I already got the goodnight kiss down."

Shirayuki blushed, allowing Obi to snicker again. He could see her act mad, which entertained him. The cute little pout, the huffing, the diverting of eyes somewhere other than his. But his amusement soon dissolved when he felt her index finger swipe along his bottom lip. He felt tingles jolt all over his body at random points, unsure as to why. It was always known to him that any touch of hers was like a kiss from a real angel. He could never get over them. But this time, it was a kiss that was definitely intentional.

She tugged herself towards him, and planted her sweet lips on his. Obi most certainly could not have pulled her with the way he was holding her. And Shirayuki had always been the girl always reticent with the requests of her heart. Especially if it seems selfish or to her immense benefit. But, of all people to share such a moment, Obi couldn't really register in his head that she'd gift him such a wonderful thing as to place her lips on his.

"There we go," Shirayuki hummed quietly, seeing the sliver of his lip as well as his rest of it coated with the remedy. They shined so brightly, the rouge colored lips beckoning her back. She got so fixed for a moment that she forgot the mere tip of her finger still remained at the center of his bottom lip. "S-sorry." She reeled her hand back, looking distantly down on the floor with worry.

"Let's go see everyone else, yes?" Obi asked, hoping to ease her anxiety down. He hadn't known why she was so nervous, but it made him a little distraught. Shirayuki's face lit up a bit and nodded, before looking down to her lap and biting her bottom lip.

"I uh… still can't feel them," Shirayuki admitted quietly, having Obi chuckle.

"Alrighty, then." With that, Obi stood off his stool and placed it back by Ryu's desk. He then turned around before her and bent down, his elbows resting on the bent knees. "Hop on, Miss."

"You're really good at this stuff," Shirayuki said with a giggle as she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around the boy once more. Obi backed up and held her legs firmly under his biceps. His hands once again held the under of her thighs, with were luckily covered by her fairly long dress.

"At what exactly, Miss?" Obi asked with a smirk. He then rose, lifting the girl up from the stool as she held onto Obi tighter. He felt her fingers clench around his jacket, feeling his heart bounce at such a small motion. He makes sure his grip on her was secure, but not too tight.

"At that," Shirayuki replied, having the two share a laugh. Obi began to walk out slowly, carrying the light girl out of the office and towards Garak's office. As he did, he felt Shirayuki lean her head against his spine just below the nape of his neck. There were so many of these small things that are making Obi explode more than usual, and he swore it would be the end of him.

He could barely pay attention to anything as he walked down the corridor towards Garak's office. His Mistress kissed him. Her beautiful, supple lips that were those of an angel kissed his. His cold, chapped lips were blessed to become one with hers. His mind still couldn't take that in with ease. Both his mind and his heart only knew one thing: they yearned for more.

I really am greedy, huh?

"Obi!" Garak chirped his name, grabbing him back into reality as he stood at the doorway. He shot her the signature smirk as he walked over to a chair nearby to let Shirayuki down. He felt so empty without her still clung onto him, but he quickly shook it off to walk up to Garak's desk to greet. "Finally, someone who can actually hold a glass."

"Miss Garak, it's almost going to be midnight—" Yatsufusa tried, but she completely ignored her partner.

"Want a glass or two, Obi?" Garak offered, pulling out one of her several bottles of alcohol. She shook it teasingly beside her, having Obi chuckle a bit as he reluctantly took one of the glasses from her desk. "That's my boy!"

"I'm hooked," Obi admitted, watching as Garak poured the orange-colored poison dance into the glass. Shirayuki shot Yatsufusa a sympathetic expression as he dropped his face in his hands in defeat. The apprentice under his wing patted his back, feeling for him as Obi gulped down his glass. Shirayuki diverted her stare to the boy, watching how he smiled widely when clinking his glass against hers for another refill.

He looked so nice in his messenger/knight attire. Shirayuki remembered fondly of their trip to Tanbarun, how he wore the black suit everyday as he guided her around with Prince Raji. Obi was a rather dashing man when he tries. Even though he still looked quite dangerous, there's still a heartwarming charm to him that makes Obi so… Obi. But if Shirayuki knew him well enough, she knew as fact that Obi wants to be rid of the silly attire.

And, as if her mind spilled to his, Obi put his glass down and began unbutton his jacket. She watched attentively as he went down his torso. Everything went mute, even though she could see their mouth moving, exchanging words of sorts. Reaching the last gold button, Obi pushed away the hem of the jacket before extending his arms behind him. Shirayuki watched him pull at his sleeves, allowing it to fall away from his arms.

"Did you get to enjoy any of the alcohol over there at Wilant?" Garak asked, snapping Shirayuki back into the conversation as she poured Obi yet another glass. "The pharmacists over there really know how to make some good alcohol with the herbs they have."

"I didn't get to stay long, Miss Garak," Obi admitted as he picked up the glass. "I only stayed long enough to do as asked of me and take a shower before taking my leave."

"Huh," Garak breathed, shrugging before taking a sip of her alcohol. "Were you in some sort of rush?"

"Just a bit," Obi breathed, glancing back to catch Shirayuki's gazing at him. He gave her a curt smile, which made her smile back. But, of course, her chubby cheeks tinted just a bit pink. "I'm glad to be back though. Where's half pint?"

"He's at the lab," Shirayuki hummed. "He said he wanted to see if he could breed a few herbs."

"I better be seeing him either soon or tomorrow," Obi declared with a playful huff. "I missed half pint very much." And, right on cue, the young prodigy found himself right at the doorway behind Obi.

"Oh Obi, you're finally back," Ryu said quietly, having Obi turn around and smile down at the young boy.

"Oi, half pint!" Obi chimed, putting his glass down to pick up the boy. Ryu looked somewhat terrified as Obi lifted the boy over his shoulders and sat him there. With his legs around Obi's neck, Obi held him at his knees as Ryu nervously held the attendant by his head. "Have you gained any weight? You're as heavy as 2 feathers now."

"I don't know, I haven't checked my weight lately," Ryu replied literally, having Garak chuckle a bit as she drank down her glass. Shirayuki smiled at the two interacting, see how content Obi was with Ryu on his shoulders. Even Ryu cracked a small smile. It was then that Garak turned to her and studied the scarf.

"Oh, Shirayuki," Garak called, having Shirayuki divert her attention to the superior. "You've finally fixed the scarf I see. It looks great."

"Ah yes, thank you," Shirayuki replied quietly. She felt her heart race from nerves, not really eager in entering with conversation. Especially with Obi in the room. "It hurt but I got it done."

Obi flinched when he saw her fingers poked and ornate with cuts and gashes. They were swelling, the red of flesh evident behind her skin. It was obvious that they were irritated, and it shocked Obi that he hadn't realized quickly. It made him almost want to cry, seeing how much she went through for such a stupid scarf he bought for such a cheap amount. Surely, it was his favorite, but it was no lavish, silk product. And for that, Obi found himself beyond moved.

"How did the scarf get cut anyways?" Obi asked quietly. "I saw the threading of it earlier, but I didn't question it just yet."

"Oh, have you heard about the intruder yet, Obi?" Garak began, having Obi divert his attention back to the pharmacist to nod. Shirayuki panicked, having her wave manically at Garak as the apprentice and Yatsufusa stared at her, puzzled. Garak raised a brow at this before quickly going back to locking eyes with Obi. "I… ask Shirayuki about it later, yeah? Both the intruder and the scarf."

"Alright…"

Obi was suspicious, Shirayuki whined to herself. He was far too smart, smart enough to probably have everything already puzzled together. Maybe not down to the last detail, but enough to know that this case involved her and should not be shrugged off like she's doing. There was now too much on her mind that was making her stomach suffer tsunamis. The kiss, the intruder, the scarf. It was all too much for her to endure at this time of night.

"Shirayuki, you can remove the bandage now," Ryu hummed, having Obi turn over to eye her curiously. Obi's return just went from a high to a complete all-time low. Shirayuki nodded shyly, removing the scarf to reveal a large white patch right below her head, before her neck. Obi watched intensely as she removed the bandage slowly to reveal a red scab, long but not deep. Shirayuki saw Obi watch, his shimmering eyes going immediately dull.

"I-I'm going to bed now," Shirayuki began quietly, indicating for Obi to put Ryu down to walk her. As he did, she bowed to her fellow co-workers. "Sleep well, Miss Garak, Yatsufusa, and Higata. And make sure you don't get too distracted in your work, Ryu. I need you in bed by the correct time."

"Of course, Shirayuki," Ryu murmured, watching as Obi plucked the young boy from his shoulders and placed him down slowly. As he did, Obi reached for his jacket and let it hang loose in his arm. With his free arm, he brought it up in the air, offering it to Shirayuki.

"Goodnight, all," Obi muttered, his eyes now attentive to the exit as Shirayuki grabbed the scarf and awkwardly made her way to hold his arm. "Shall we, Miss."

Silently nodding, the two walked out of the room, having the others in the office stare at them with immense tension remaining. She could feel his distraught right beside him, knowing he was upset that she was being very quiet and secretive. But Shirayuki has been known to attempt trying not to worry people. Though, she was being very hypocritical in claiming that she'd tell him about the scarf when he asked. She did, but she wanted it to be just the two of them without a crowd to start a scene.

Knowing Obi, he'll probably throw a lantern.

"Here we are, Miss," Obi mumbled, his eyes still on the floor as the two stood in front of her room. Shirayuki bit her bottom lip in woe, not really liking this mood change in Obi. She didn't like him sad or frowning like that, especially upon his arrival. He seemed so content to see her again, it made her heart swell to ruin his mood like this. "Goodnight, Miss." He tried reeling his arm away from her, only to have Shirayuki grab his arm with both hands. He turned to look at her, slightly stunned at this action as Shirayuki studied his infamous black sleeve of his undershirt.

"Stay the night," Shirayuki requested, having Obi's heart dart as she tightened her grip on his forearm. "Please."

Obi froze, looking at the girl's cheeks flare up in pink. Her green eyes twinkled, still the same stunning face she always holds regardless of her mood. But she had looked very sad, feeling Obi's own heart throb to see her this way. She had been like this after Zen's engagement announcement and he was forced to endure that every day. But even then, Obi couldn't dare adapt to that look. Especially if it was caused by him.

"Yes," Obi agreed, succumbing to her sweet request. "Of course I will, Miss."

Within minutes, the two were in Shirayuki's room. Shirayuki was on her bed, her legs closed together with her petite hands residing upon her knees. Obi sat on her desk chair that was pulled out of her table to be just a few feet across from her. An awkward silence was held for a moment, until Obi decided to break it.

"What… exactly happened when I was gone?" Obi asked quietly. "I know you don't have to, but I would really like to know."

Shirayuki gulped at his kindness and nodded shakily. "Well," she breathed, her hands trembling upon her knees. She quickly converted them to fists to try and still them. "An intruder managed to slip into the castle late last night as I was putting Ryu to bed. I was by the window at our office, when I heard some rustling outside. So I hopped over and decided to check, only to actually get grabbed by the intruder—"

"Wait." Obi began, his voice going cold immediately. He tilted his head up for Shirayuki to see his eyes darken to an ugly fawn color. His pupils were thin slivers, quickly contracting as he met up with the worrisome dews of green. "He grabbed you?"

"He first had no idea who I was," Shirayuki said quietly. "He just grabbed me to ensure I wouldn't get him caught. But then he saw the red hair, and admitted to being the son of one of the Claws of the Sea."

Obi's facial expression was absolutely terrifying. His jaw tightened strongly, with the help of his gritted teeth. It was easy to see the fangs shine from it, but gently move as he forced the two rows of teeth to collide. His eyes, dark and cynical, practically oozing danger and motive to kill. But his lips, shiny and healing, couldn't help but to tremble in anger and urge to deliver harm.

"He… was actually choking me with the scarf, you see," Shirayuki whispered, bringing one shaky hand up to the warm object. "And I was having much trouble to breathe. So after a few moments, I distracted him quickly before kicking him in his parts and fled from him. But then he took out his sword and… and…" Shirayuki found that she was breaking down quickly, trauma reentering her system as she squeezed the scarf tightly.

"What did he do?" Obi growled, encouraging her to continue. He had to know. He had to. But Shirayuki looked at the floor distantly, her eyes producing a coat of tears. Obi tightened his hands into fists in desperation. "Please tell me, Miss!" Obi barked desperately, having Shirayuki swallow down her cries before taking a deep breath.

"He began to attack," Shirayuki whispered, feeling salty tears steam down her flushed cheeks. "S-so I used the scarf to delay the impact and move it farther from me. B-but the end of his weapon managed to catch a cut a bit since I faced up to prevent him cutting my face."

"…And then he was going to do it again," Shirayuki continued, bringing her trembling hands up to wipe away the scared-filled tears. "A-and the scarf had already been ripped and useless, so I was prepared to welcome my fatal exit of this world. I didn't want to die, but I was too stiff to run and too scared to think of anything…"

Obi's eyes were fixed completely on Shirayuki, his blood boiling as she spoke with such fear in her words.

"I honestly th-thought it was the end for me," Shirayuki continued to whisper. "But Ryu woke up from the interaction and dashed i-immediately to Zen… and he came and saved me b-before the man could have another g-go at me."

Obi remained silent, having Shirayuki internally panic before she continued to blabber.

"A-and I just didn't want to t-tell you with th-them in the room," Shirayuki cried, tears now escaping her eyes like waterfalls. "Because I'd g-get like this and I-I don't want them to s-see that. And I'm s-so sorry for ruining the s-scarf, I swear I di-didn't mean to. And I feel s-so bad because that's like pushing y-you in front of me. I'm so s-selfish and I'm just really so sorry!"

And with that, the only thing that filled the room was Shirayuki's strong whimpers. And Obi forced himself to endure that for a moment to allow everything to register and sink in. He listened to her words, her broken and heartfelt words. He can already feel her hot, moist face just aching to be relieved of the trauma and the pain. His fists were clenching tighter, so much so that his nails were near-close to dig into his palms again.

But then he let go, and regained himself.

"Miss." Shirayuki tilted her head up to watch Obi swiftly abandon the chair and found himself on his knees on the ground. He was fairly tall, so he wasn't so much lower than her. She looked at him, her sight blurry but her mind finding it easy to piece his face for her. She knew his mouth was hung low, his veins popped from his temples, and fire danced in his eyes. "If I may…"

She noticed him look at her neck, having her nod before tilting her head upward like before. Obi watched her take a harsh gulp, seeing her throat move from the motion. Obi let out a shaky sigh before bringing his rough hand up to her neck, having her flinch slightly when his fingertips touched the midpoint of her neck. He grazed his fingers up to the bottom of her head, only centimeters near where her wound resided. With a little push, Obi brushed along the scarring gash, seeing Shirayuki wince a bit as he felt the dry scab struggling to keep her flesh together.

Obi quickly retracted his hand, forming it into a tight fist as he held it to his heart. He looked down to the floor, pain stabbing him all over as he studied the floor. He forced himself to keep in the damned tears, but this hurt he was feeling was putting up a strong fight. One of the strongest fighters right now: guilt.

He wasn't there to protect her.

He wasn't there to save her.

He wasn't there to hold her at her worst hour.

"Miss, I am so sorry," Obi choked, having Shirayuki pause her crying immediately to listen to Obi's pained words. "I am so sorry that you had to go through so much terror once again."

Shirayuki heard those words only once to immediately stop her crying.

She poured herself off the bed and glomped Obi, having him fall back as she fell on him. Obi felt a static go through his bones as Shirayuki wrapped her arms around his neck and dug her face in the crook of it. Her legs her together and bent over his stomach, forcing herself in fetal position on top of him. He found himself lose breath as he felt her tears smear upon his strained neck.

"No!" She yelled into his neck, her lips tickling it kindly. "You were on a job request from the Prince and there was nothing you could have done! You cannot blame yourself for any of this because we didn't predict this and you had something to do that I or anyone couldn't stop you from doing—even if you and I wanted to!"

"Miss—"

"Don't you dare say another apology because I am not taking it, Obi!" Shirayuki cried into his neck, Obi's heart hammering his chest as she held him tighter. Not enough to choke him, but enough to know that she didn't want to let him go. "You don't owe me any apologies—you don't owe me anything. It's me who owes you so, so much, Obi! So please, please don't blame yourself ever!"

Everything went quiet again, the only thing to be heard was Shirayuki's shaky, heavy breaths. Obi could feel his chest threatening to open as Shirayuki lied on top of him. With her chest upon his as well, he could feel her heart beat, too. It was going so very fast, so much so that it began to align with his. That painted a big smile on his lips when noticing this.

"Miss," Obi began quietly, having Shirayuki hum an 'mm?' upon his neck. He almost melted at the vibrations it sent through his body. "Please look at me."

"No," Shirayuki hummed, her voice muffled by Obi's tough neck. That's when Obi sighed and chose to take matters into his own hands. He wrapped his strong arms around her, completely ignoring his respect, to sit the both of them up. Obi opened his legs to gently drop the girl to the floor so she wasn't sat on his lap. He then took one of her hands and tucked it under his shirt and planted it on his chest where his heart was. She gasped, but Obi remained calm, even with the hand of his one and only was touching his skin. He then guided the other to her chest and gave her a warm smile.

"Our hearts," Obi whispered, grinning all silly as the moonlight licked the left side of his face. Shirayuki noticed his eyes soften, his pupils dilated, and his lips no longer frowning but curved and smiling. "They're in sync with one another."

"Obi…" Shirayuki quietly said, sniffling a bit as the result of her crying. Obi closed his eyes, placing his hand over hers that was residing on his chest. He opened them again, swallowing a bit with his Adams Apple bobbing.

"If you think I'll be upset over the scarf, you really need to get your head twisted on properly," Obi said with a light snicker. "The way you see the act is completely wrong because I'm in fact very glad you used it. I would rather the scarf be ruined then you dead, Little Miss. I'd rather be dead then come back here tonight, knowing your heart was no longer beating and I could no longer see your beautiful smile that lights up rooms every time you step into one."

Shirayuki's hand stopped shaking, and Obi smiled at this. He gently scooped her hand into his and squeezed it lightly.

"Don't cry anymore, please," Obi began softly. "When I saw how your eyes looked tonight, I was so ecstatic. I guessed you stopped crying, and I don't care for what reason. I'm just glad your eyes are feeling much better now."

"I wanted to be strong…" Shirayuki whispered, meeting his honey dew eyes with ease. "I wanted to be strong for you, Obi. So when you came back to me tonight, you saw it and felt happy."

"Miss," Obi began, squeezing her hand a bit tighter. "I see it every day, and I feel more than happy to see your beautiful face and how tough you are."

Shirayuki smiled widely at this, having her quickly wrap her arms around his neck and pull him close. Obi didn't dare flinch at this gesture: he was adapting to this. But his arms remained to his sides, his hands upon the floor as he allowed her to hold him. As she did, he could intoxicate himself with her scent again. The strawberry sweetness that never fails to make him grin so much, his lips get stuck and his cheeks hurt.

"I'm so happy you're back," Shirayuki whispered against his ear, tickling the lobe with her hot breath. "I'm so, so happy for this…"

"And I am just as much happy to see you again, Mistress," Obi hummed, leaning more back, forcing her to lean on him in this obtuse angle. He then saw her red hair move when he leaned back, having his eyes rise. "Hey, that reminds me!"

Shirayuki watched curiously as Obi raised his right hand and dug it right into the pocket of his pants. She watched as she briefly fished around before taking out his hand in fist form. She looked at it, wondering what he could be bearing in that very hand. But she watched as he brought it up to her ear and opening his hand. She finally knew when she heard the quiet bell sound chime in her ear.

"I can finally return this to you, Little Miss," Obi said quietly, slowly pushing the tail of the hair ornament between Shirayuki's head and ear. Shirayuki studied Obi's face as he ran his hand down her hair before dropping it back onto the floor and to its position once again. "Thank you for lending it to me."

Unable to control herself, Shirayuki grabbed the boy's face by his cheeks and pulled his face close to hers. She moved herself forward, placing her soft lips once more on the boys'. Obi hummed an 'mfph!' from the sudden motion, but quickly relaxed as she passionately held his bottom lip between her lips once again. This time, the kiss had been much different.

Obi wasn't as tense as before. The suddenness of the girls being was finally catching onto him as he nibbled on her top lip. He indulged in the smoothness of it, adoring how small and perfect it was between his. He also couldn't help but melt as Shirayuki tugged at his bottom lip adoringly. He was glad the medicinal cream Shirayuki swiped along his lips softened them. Obi wanted her to enjoy them, even if it was she who wanted to lock lips with the boy regardless of their condition.

Shirayuki was practically melting into this kiss she ensued. She hadn't known what it was, but she just wanted to kiss the boy so much until her heart was satisfied. But her heart doesn't seem to be sated anytime soon, having Shirayuki adore Obi's lips. And she could tell he enjoyed it, as she opened her eyes to see his closed and his cheeks flared up with calm blush. What made her hurt a bit was the fact that Obi had been the one to detach first.

"You," Obi began, huffing and panting a bit to regain his breath. "Need to explain this," he hummed as he studied her lips briefly before meeting her emerald eyes again. "Before I can no longer restrain myself and keep this going."

"I-I'm sorry!" Shirayuki chimed, letting Obi's neck go to sit up a bit and cup her cheeks with her hands. Her cheeks were heating up, embarrassment stabbing her head as she expressed her shyness. "I-I'll stop if you don't want it—"

"No no," Obi began, sitting up to grab her by her delicate wrists. He held them gently, wanting to study her beautifully flushed face before him. "I love this. I'm just really… lucky and surprised." Shirayuki giggled, having Obi smile warmly as she abandoned his hold to place her hands flat upon his. No holding, but just flat together.

"Trouvaille, right?" Shirayuki pronounced, having an influx of adoration strike Obi almost immediately.

"When you say it," Obi whispered, looking into her dewy green eyes. "It sounds so beautiful. I'm so lucky to have found you, Miss."

"We were lucky to have found each other, Obi," Shirayuki whispered, sharing a heartwarming laugh as she grabbed Obi back in for a hug. And Obi could only melt from this pleasant gesture.