SORRY I'VE BEEN AWAY! I've been working, and actually considering writing a novel! I hope to get the idea settled and get started soon so perhaps you guys might like it or at least take interest. I know it's not Obiyuki, but it will be a romance novel.
Thank you all for waiting, as well as the new followers/favs that have joined (I see you, dw). Here it is, what we've all wanted!
EIGHTY-SEVEN - The Moment We've Been Waiting For
It didn't take long for Shirayuki to utilize those oranges.
A few days have passed, and Mukaze's recovery has been beautiful. The amount of pain has reduced to bearable, and he is able to walk without his daughter and Kazuki's assistance. The Mountain Lions and all the soldiers have recovered and returned to their posts. Even Ryu is relieved his suturing skills and limited chemistry knowledge worked for Mukaze's fairly speedy recovery. After many cups of oranges and orange-incorporated meals, Mukaze has decided that he doesn't really like oranges all that much.
Obi joined Shirayuki to watch Mukaze and the Mountain Lions retry their farewell from Wistal Palace. He thanks the court herbalists for all their work for treating his wounds as well as ensuring the rest of the Mountain Lions were safe and healed. Ryu managed to pack another bag of medication for Mukaze if the wounds do hurt a lot again as well as tea and treatment for his unknown condition. But he seemed to feel immensely new.
"I'll be seeing you two soon, yes?" Mukaze asks both Obi and Shirayuki.
"Of course, father," Shirayuki says happily, "please send us letters if you're feeling unwell, and I'll go over there as promptly as I can." Mukaze pulls his daughter for a hug and plants a kiss on the top of her head.
Mukaze then lets her go and winks over at Obi, "I'll be expecting some good news from you."
Obi nods, "definitely. Get there safe, okay?" Mukaze pulls him as well for a hug, molding into the image of father and son. Shirayuki couldn't help but smile widely, feeling as though she and Obi were already married and he was part of the family. Soon enough, she thought to herself.
During the few days of Shirayuki being busy tending to her father, Obi had been practicing his proposal. Kiki, Mitsuhide, and Zen were more than happy to assist as Obi kept practicing his proposal stance to Zen. Although he always seized an opportunity to flirt with Zen, it was very hard when Zen constantly batted him away or lectured him upon each bad proposal attempt. Obi claimed that Zen was 'losing his appeal' and Zen was ready to duel him in another proper sword fight.
"Obi, you need to say it much more gently," Zen groans, his palm slapping his forehead. He walks up to Obi, straights him up, and gets on one knee. "Do as I do." Zen breathes out, looks up and into Obi's eyes, and offers his hand to act as though the ring was there. "Shirayuki, please allow me to make you happy for the rest of our lives."
Mitsuhide snorts behind him, in which he earns himself a jab in the side from Kiki. Obi looks down at his Master, forcing his cheeks to go pink. "M-Master…" he puts his hand out and begins to fan his face with the other, "it would be my honor." Zen gets back on his feet after Obi's struggle with his 'female voice' impression and punches him in the stomach. "Z-Zen, I was joking…"
"She's going to say 'yes' no matter what you say," Zen comments, an annoyed vein popping from his temple, "but you could at least put all your effort into proposing to her." Obi chuckled, wincing in pain as he stood up straight once more and plopped himself to the ground. "What're you doing? We're trying again."
"Master, I appreciate you wanting to help me," Obi begins, "truly, I do. But you're a bit too…"
"Too…?" Zen raises an eyebrow, forcing Obi to be cautious with his words.
"Intimidating," Obi answers honestly, looking away from his master shyly. Zen emits a heavy sigh and joins Obi on the floor. He has never seen this man genuinely intimidated by him until now. It made Zen realize that perhaps he was being a bit too harsh or being a bit too much over proposing to Shirayuki. "I know I'll propose well, I just need you to believe in me a little more…"
As Zen places his hand on Obi's shoulder, attempting to ease him, the door of his quarters receives a gentle knock. Mitsuhide waves at Kiki and goes to the double doors, opening them quietly. It was a guard, "yes?"
"G'day, Sir Mitsuhide," the guard greets. Mitsuhide nods and beckons for the man to go on. "I have a message for The Prince and his Knight." The two men look up from the floor, helping one another on their feet once more.
"What is it?" Zen asks, fixing his attire from dust and wrinkles.
"The house you have requested is now under Sir Obi and Ms Shirayuki's names," the guard informs. He then lifts his hand, and right there dangling from his index finger: the key. "It's just right below the castle, by the lake."
Obi gulps, "y-you're kidding?" He looks over at Zen, "you didn't have to get it exactly by the water…"
Zen shrugs, "I just told them if they could, you'd take it. It seems like they found exactly what you were looking for." He smiles softly, having Obi flush up a bit. He still wasn't used to having such good friends and people willing to do things for him out of the kindness of their heart. It always took him aback whenever Zen, Mitsuhide, and Kiki do kind gestures to him that they don't have to do, especially considering the impact they've done on his life.
"Thank you, Master…" Obi says quietly. He then turns to the guard, "thank you as well for informing us." The guard bows before passing Obi the key and the official parchment of ownership. He holds the paper up curiously.
"That's proof stating that it is your house," Zen hums. He points to two lines with x's beside them. "You and Shirayuki just have to sign it, and I'll be the witness." The two go over to Zen's desk to sign while Kiki and Mitsuhide see the kind guard outside.
As Obi finished signing the parchment and handed the inked quill to Zen, he slouched a bit. "Zen, are you sure I can't pay you back for this? I'd hate to feel like I'm freeloading or taking advantage of my friendship with you."
Zen chuckles as he happily signs the parchment, "Obi, you've done more for me and this kingdom than most men would do for their own family. Everything you've done here had more than enough funding for this house, I promise you." Zen then turns and chuckles, "but I suppose I will be having to pay you and Shirayuki from now on as you two won't be living in the castle grounds anymore."
Obi would reject his offer, but he did have to help purchase food and furniture for their new house. "Can't try to deny that one," Obi chuckles nervously, "we've got to buy furniture and food and such."
"Actually," Zen interjects. He lifts the parchment and drags his eyes from left to right. "I believe it's already come fully furnished." Obi raised his eyebrows.
"Were there previous owners?"
"It's a brand new house," Zen hums, "I paid for a fully furnished house." Obi's eyes begin to coat with tears while Zen just shrugs it. As soon as he noticed Obi's emotions, Zen was baffled, "O-Obi? Why are you-?"
Before he knew it, he was pulled into Obi's embrace. Mitsuhide and Kiki could only watch and smile warmly. Zen didn't know what to do, seeing as Obi isn't affectionate to anyone but Shirayuki. He always managed to get the best of Obi, but this wasn't his normal way of expressing his gratitude towards him. But Zen chuckles and returns the hug, patting his back.
"Master," Obi says quietly, "I hope you know that I really do love you… becoming your staff and being under your wing was the greatest turn my life could've taken." Zen pats his back some more, helping him quickly subdue his tears and sudden emotional state.
"I love you too, Obi," Zen chuckles. He pulls away from the man and softly punches his chest, "even when you annoy me constantly." He then urges for him to wipe away his tears, "don't get too soft on me, though. We've got a lot of work to do soon."
Obi fixes his face and tilts his head, "what's happening?"
"With Izana over at our new territory, he's going to need a lot of supplies sent over," Zen begins as he passes back the ownership scroll to Obi. "We have to ensure our new citizens that we aren't fascist nor are we trying to harm them."
Obi crosses his arms, "what will be my responsibility, Master?"
"I want you and Mitsuhide to walk a few supply runs halfway," Zen informs. "I don't want anything happening to those supplies or my men, and I know I can trust the two of you to ensure the delivery and the safety. Izana already has his men on the other half of the way." He then smirks and reaches over to pat Obi's pocket. "But before I send you two to do that, I have to make sure you go as an engaged man."
Obi nods, "understood. I think…" Obi takes out the small box of rings from his pocket and holds it lovingly, "I think it's time I get that done."
Kiki and Mitsuhide join the two and smile. "You've got a plan already?" Kiki hums curiously. Obi nods.
"I'll be needing everyone's help," Obi insists. He then chuckles and looks over at Zen, "Master, I'll be asking for one more thing, if that's okay."
"Anything," Zen says assuringly.
"Shirayuki, can you pass me the microscope?" Ryu asks quietly. Shirayuki reaches one of the shelves and slides the microscope off of it. She hands it to the young boy happily and watches as he prepares a small herb to be observed under the complex device.
"What are you studying, may I ask?"
"I'm just observing these mint variants," Ryu explains, gesturing to the series of vials with differently grown mint leaves. "I've been seeing how it would grow if they were put in different growing situations. They're still livable conditions, but I wanted to know which condition grows them the best."
Shirayuki nods curiously, "why the interest in mint all of a sudden?"
"The chefs made ice cream with mint," Ryu stated, "they put chocolate in it as well and it was… quite good." Shirayuki giggles at Ryu's appetite as she turns back to her desk to resume working. But as soon as she took a seat, the door of their shared office was knocked.
"Come in!"
Garak appears in the doorway, a smirk on her face and a cup of wine in her hand, "g'day, you two. Hard at work, I see?"
Shirayuki turns and nods, eyeing Ryu as he didn't seem phased by Garak's appearance. "He's been working pretty hard since this morning. We might need to call for a snack break a little early today." Garak laughs softly, swishing the wine in her cup before taking another sip. Shirayuki widens her eyes, shocked by the drink. "You're drinking wine?"
"The ban has been lifted," Garak hums. "Zen threw out all the wine we had in the castle and immediately ordered another crateful proceeding it. He didn't want to keep the castle from drinking wine for so long." She then offers Shirayuki the cup, "want a sip, dear?"
Shirayuki smiles but quickly waves her hands, "no thank you. You know that alcohol and I don't see… eye to eye much." Garak understood, amused by the girl's low tolerance. "Anyways, did you need something from us?"
"I actually need you to pick something up down by the docks," Garak says, "I'd go do it but Yatsufusa and I scheduled an experiment for today and we can't do it another day. You don't mind, do you?"
Shirayuki shakes her head, "of course not!" She stands up and takes off her work apron. "Is there anybody in particular I'm seeking?"
"Don't worry, Kiki and Mitsuhide will be taking you there," Garak said. "They've done these runs before, they know exactly what I'm asking for. Just meet them out front as soon as you can, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Shirayuki obliges. Garak twiddles her fingers farewell and smirks widely before proceeding her leave. Shirayuki ruffles Ryu's hair and tells him that she'll be right back before she, too, heads out the door and goes towards the front door of the palace.
"Shirayuki." Kiki welcomes the red head as she gently walks down the stairs of the castle. The two aides stood at the very bottom of the stairs, greeting her kindly. But before Shirayuki could greet them with words herself, she couldn't help but notice what was covering the path down to the front gates.
All she could see were red petals perfectly in the lines of the path in front of the castle. Yure Shigure was a beautiful flower, and this reminded her of when she had seen a bunch of them in the Wistal Palace Garden. It was a gorgeous lick of red that shined against the sun and sat calmly on the ground as wind attempted to blow a few petals onto the grass. She couldn't help but reach down and grab a small handful of them.
"What's all this?" Shirayuki wondered happily, smiling widely as she rubbed the smooth pretals in her hands. She loosened her hand a bit and let them slide between her fingers until they were all off.
"You'll see," Mitsuhide says quietly with a smile. He goes beside her and holds up his arm, awaiting to hold her hand as though she were a princess. She plays along, placing her hand gently on his arm while Kiki came from behind her and placed a small flower crown made of Akegi Shigure. She then joins Shirayuki on her free side and gives her a reassuring smile.
"If you'll come with us," Kiki asks kindly, "someone wants to show you something."
Shirayuki obliges and walks down the beautiful red path, unable to contain her genuine adoration for how lovely it looked. The guards they walked past could only smile and wave at her, reminding her that she is indeed appreciated and an important member of the staff in Wistal Palace. Mitsuhide kept hold of her, ensuring she didn't slip or trip from the petals as the three made it down to the gates. Shirayuki was quite surprised to meet Zen at the gates though.
"Zen," she breathed out, "what are you doing here?"
Zen smiles and offers his hand, watching as Mitsuhide walks over and transfers Shirayuki to be guided by the Prince. "Good evening, Shirayuki," he greets kindly, "please, come with me." Shirayuki looks behind to see that Mitsuhide and Kiki still planned on joining them, just staying behind.
Shirayuki tugs her hair behind her ear and nods, "okay."
The path of petals resumed as the 4 took a detour to another path towards the right of the town. Shirayuki hadn't been familiar with it and looked around curiously, noticing the series of fruit trees and cherry blossoms. It's been a while since she's been surrounded by nature and the beautiful secrets it has to provide. A few pink petals landed on her hair and she couldn't help but giggle in glee. The wind was quiet and gentle, but at that very instant, seeing Shirayuki's hair dance in the air with pink petals ornate, Zen's heart dropped.
It was the first time he noticed how long her hair had gotten.
It has been so long since they first met that he almost forgot that her hair was very long before he first encountered her. Zen had to force himself to look away before he got swallowed up by Shirayuki's suddenly long locks of hair. They were uneven, but it gave him an idea of how she looked before they met and she became one of the most important people in his life.
As much as he always missed her during moments like these, Zen couldn't help but appreciate the honor of still being in both Shirayuki and Obi's life. It was quite complicated and had more than a lot of road bumps, but he felt honored to be asked by Obi to help him do one of the most important things he'll ever do in his life. And honestly, Zen couldn't be bothered with his jealousy anymore. He was more than elated to help their joining, and that's all that matters in the end.
"Where are we really going?" Shirayuki asks Zen, smiling after realizing they weren't going to pick up whatever Garak was seeking. Zen wordlessly shrugs, and keeps his eyes ahead, gesturing for her to look over as well. And when she did, she was in absolute awe.
The large lake that resides beside the town was a warm orange due to the sun set. Gentle waves danced on the water, but contained small little ripples. There was a little bit of sand on the coast of it, with all sorts of shells and starfish ornate on it. It was gorgeous, and so much to take in. But Shirayuki was also taken aback when she spotted a familiar nuisance sitting on the newly done dock right at the lake.
Zen lets her go and allows her to walk over to Obi, having Zen and his aides watch from behind.
"Obi?" Shirayuki's sweet voice whispers right behind him. Obi turns to see her, welcoming her with a kind smile before patting the space beside him.
"Take a seat." He brings his hand up and she takes it gladly, assisting her to sit on the wood carefully so she didn't fall or drop down too harshly. He looks back at the sunset and smiles widely, "do you like it?"
Shirayuki looks at the water as well and nods, "it's beautiful- I've always adored the beauty of Clarines, but this feels so different…"
"That's good to hear," Obi says with a relieved sigh. Shirayuki adjusts her sitting, relying on her hip as her legs are pushed together to one side. She giggles at him, looking at how inviting his amber eyes were, as well as his lips. "I hope you never get tired of seeing this view."
"I don't think I will," Shirayuki says quietly, studying the way the water connected to the ocean with that bridge being made by the 2 mountains beside one another. "Everything about this feels magical, like a dream I never want to wake up from."
Obi chuckles, "it's funny you say that. That's exactly how I think about you." She looks over at him, wide-eyed and flushed. He confidently looks over at her and smiles widely. "You became the dream I never knew I wanted until I got the honor of being your personal knight."
"You always know how to make a girl speechless," Shirayuki says quietly, her cheeks burning from the flattery. "With those skills, I'm surprised you're not a womanizer."
Obi pretends to be hurt and holds his chest, "I take that offensively, Shirayuki! That really hurt!" Shirayuki laughs hard at that one, her hair getting in her face. Obi reaches over and moves them to each side, wanting a clear view of her pretty face. "I have to ask you 2 things, if you have the time, love."
"For you? All the time in the world."
Obi smiles warmly before beckoning Zen over. Shirayuki watches as the Second Prince walks over, joining them at the dock. Zen has his arms behind him as he leans down and smiles at Shirayuki. Then, in an instant, he whips out the parchment and a quill, with Obi explaining, "can you sign this?"
Shirayuki looked at Obi dumbfounded, completely taken aback by his question. She thought he was going to pop the question, or something under those lines. She signs it obliviously before she decides to read it. She then reads it and realizes what it is. "O-ownership of our house? W-we have a house?"
Obi chuckles, "did you not notice it?"
Turning to his right, he gestures to the fairly large home built on the mountain. She quickly rises from the docks and rushes towards the house, ogling it. It was a simple, rustic home with everything you'd ever really want in it. The base of the home was tall, with brick walls and glass windows. The second floor had a balcony, held up by outside pews that also helped structure the patio at the front. The patio continued to the second part of the house to the right of the base, which was connected by a roofed bridge from the second floor. The windows were made with beautiful carved wood, with flowery patterns ornate on it. Hung all around the house were lanterns that had already been lit and illuminated the house happily. It even included a shed.
Shirayuki was already in tears because of this, her stomach fluttering over her new home. She hadn't lived in a house since she ran away from Tanbarun. It was everything she could've asked for and more.
"Obi, it's-!" As she turned to face the man, she met eyes with him, but he wasn't standing. Before her, the man she loves the most was kneeled on the floor, his eyes shining with pupils bigger than the moon. The light of the sun set kissed half his body beautifully, but his entire entity had been focused on her. "O-Obi…"
"I'm so glad you like the house," Obi hums with a smile, "I'm sorry I didn't have the both of us go home shopping together, but with the situation with father and my work for the castle, neither of us had the time. But I know I wanted to get us this house as soon as we could."
Obi's close to tears, but he had to keep himself from it so he could deliver all the words he wanted to tell his true love. "My entire life, I had no family or anybody that took care of me or wanted me around. I was a mindless orphan, taking life loosely without any true goals except for survival." He chuckled, "I had no future, and took up the life of a criminal."
"I don't blame anyone but myself for my terrible choices," Obi admits confidently, "I chose that life because I believed I had nothing else going for me. I became an infamous thief, and nobody knew anything about me but my cat-like eyes." The man could simply shrug, "there was nothing to be excited for, and every single day felt the same. I accepted eternal sadness and cared for absolutely nothing and nobody."
"And then," Obi begins with a relieving sigh, "I met you. I was assigned to make you meet an awful fate, and you have no idea how much I thank the Gods that I missed my shot. I thank the Gods that rather than arresting me, Zen took me in and kept me out of trouble. I thank the Gods that I have Mitsuhide and Kiki to keep an eye on me and spend good times with me. I thank the Gods and everyone here for believing that I was capable of changing my ways and becoming a good man."
Shirayuki's face was already flooded with tears but kept listening to Obi's sweet words. "I didn't think the world had something so special in store for me. I didn't think I'd make such amazing friends, and defend one of the greatest kingdoms in the world. And really," Obi looks up, staring into her tear-coated emerald eyes, "I didn't expect the world to introduce me to you."
"O-Obi, I-"
"Shirayuki, don't," he gently hushes her. He reaches into his pocket, revealing the legendary box he's been dying to reveal. "Since I was old enough to think, I never even thought about love. I had no plans on falling in love, and somehow you've become my whole life's schedule. I plan on loving and cherishing you every single day for the rest of our lives, Shirayuki," Obi insists confidently. "Do you remember that I had two questions to ask?"
"Mhm," Shirayuki nods through the relentless tears.
"Well, here's the second one." Without hesitation, he offers the box to her and opens it, revealing the beautifully crafted ring. The ring itself was entirely made of platinum, illuminated a deep orange against the sun's rays. The base of the ring was led up by leaves, that were too, made of platinum. Being hugged by the leaves was a gorgeous yellow sapphire, perfectly shaped into a moonlight flower. Its many petals bloomed open, its supporting petals made from diamond. "May you, Shirayuki, do me the honor of loving you, cherishing you, and protecting you for the rest of our days?"
Shirayuki couldn't speak, but nodded her head enough times to potentially snap her neck. She rushes towards him and puts out her left hand, clearly shaky from the emotion and excitement. "O-of course I will! I l-love you so much, Obi…"
He takes out the ring, pleasantly surprised himself by the beauty of it before taking her soft hand and sliding the ring gently around her ring finger. She immediately jumps into his arms and causes the two to fall over. They both laugh, both in tears while their lips finally met up and they shared their first kiss as fiances. As they did, Zen and Mitsuhide smiled happily. They were more than elated for their joining, and were grateful to have witnessed it.
But when they noticed Kiki was silent, the men turned to face her and were surprised to see her with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"K-Kiki," Mitsuhide was shocked, "are you crying?" She rolls her eyes and looks away, wiping them quietly before resuming her usual composure.
"Some sand got in my eyes," Kiki attempts to blame, "it's always colder and more windy at night, so seeing as we're by the lake…"
"Of course, Kiki," Zen teases, "of course."
As the happy couple helps one another up, Shirayuki couldn't help but want to subdue her emotional tears a little faster. So she looks down at her ring finger, attempting to contain her wide smile, and says worriedly, "oh no, Obi…"
"Hm?" Obi questions.
"T-the ring," she begins, "its…"
"What's wrong?"
"It's the wrong size," Shirayuki says with a pout, "it's too big."
"Damn it, really?" Obi rushes to her and grabs her left hand, observing her ring. "How could it be too big? It can't be-" that's when he touched it and realized it was the perfect size for her finger. "Shirayuki, you can't joke with me like that," Obi frowns, "it's not good for my heart."
Shirayuki giggles before pulling him into a hug, "I'm just messin' with you. It's the perfect size, and the most perfect ring. I wouldn't want any other even if it were too big." Obi holds her tight and plants a kiss on her forehead.
"You're silly," he spews. "I love you, Shirayuki."
"And I love you, Obi. Now, and forever."