Log Horizon and all it's characters belong to Touno Mamare, who is clearly not me.
R+R please!
*SERIOUS FLUFF WARNING*
Chapter 4: Commence Operation; Awkward!
The sun had barely risen above the skyline when Minori rose from her bed. She hadn't slept a wink, but felt alert; albeit incredibly nervous.
Henrietta and Marielle had both promised their co-operation and support, but what exactly they had planned she did not know.
However, the part that she would play, Minori had decided on shortly before making her resolution to her new accomplices.
That was; get Akatsuki to the ceremony. Even if she had to drag the girl by her hair; Akatsuki was going to be there.
Henrietta and Marielle had told her to leave Shiroe to them; "…even if we have to drug his tea and carry him out!" Henrietta had declared; they were determined to get him there.
Minori had begged them not to go that far, but their promises had been most insincere, and the resultant, "Trust us" from the pair had been anything but trustworthy.
Minori dressed herself and headed down to the kitchen to grab something to eat.
While downstairs she asked Nyanta and Serara, who were both diligently cooking away, if either of them had seen Akatsuki or Shiroe this morning.
Nyanta observed that he hadn't seen Akatsuki for some time and Shiroe was probably in his office as always.
It was as she thought; Akatsuki almost certainly was avoiding everyone and had no plans to go to the hanami.
Minori grabbed herself several freshly baked bread rolls and some butter before excusing herself.
It was time to execute the plan.
Akatsuki had slept badly.
Her tumultuous heart wouldn't let her rest as it demanded to be acknowledged.
Shiroe coming to her room to give her back the kimono she had left behind, had thrown her into a state of agitation which kept her up throughout the night.
She felt all the absurdity of shutting herself away from the world for so long; so childish.
And this hanami celebration hung like a ton of bricks over her head; and perched delicately on top was Shiroe's note.
She lifted the note from the kimono, which had been discarded onto the tatami mats beside her futon, and brought it before her eyes. She knew it word from word; had studied each pen stroke, seeking to find a deeper meaning within its short sentences.
"I hope to see you tomorrow at the ceremony…" it had said.
"I'm looking forward to it." He had written.
Shiroe wants to see her there; she should absolutely go.
But could she bring herself to do it? Certainly not in that ridiculous outfit, Akatsuki thought, glaring at the still-wrapped kimono.
Perhaps she could spend the entire time invisible; masking her presence and avoiding scrutiny. Then, perhaps, she could find Shiroe and… Akatsuki paused in this thought. And what- thank him for bringing back the kimono you're not even wearing?
Even in her head it sounded ludicrous, and Akatsuki buried her head into her pillow.
Suddenly there was a knock at her door.
Akatsuki, fearing it could be Shiroe again, remained silent and dragged the covers of her futon over her head.
"… Akatsuki-san..? Called out a light, feminine voice in trepidation.
It certainly wasn't Shiroe at her door; that voice belonged to Minori.
She called out again; this time in a more decisive tone:
"Akatsuki-san… I'm coming in."
Akatsuki, cursing herself for not locking her door, heard the handle turn and Minori's light step follow.
She felt her covers being yanked off from over her, and she didn't resist.
Minori chided her for still being abed on such a nice morning as she prepared tea from a stash Akatsuki frequently hid in her room.
Akatsuki rose and felt herself obliged to simply acquiesce to Minori's demands and sit at her table as a simple breakfast of bread, butter and green tea was served before her.
Akatsuki opened her mouth to thank the girl who now sat before her, but Minori raised her hand, and said:
"Akatsuki-san, I need a favour."
Akatsuki was slightly taken aback at the serious way in which Minori spoke, but promised all she could do in completing this favour; whatever it may be.
Minori breathed out; trying to control her nerves.
Looking Akatsuki dead in the eye she declared:
"You are going to the hanami ceremony."
It had been a while since Shiroe had slept in his own bed.
The Round Table and other matters of business had kept him confined to his office, and more often than not, falling asleep there, to be woken the next morning with a stiff neck and glasses askew.
But as the hanami approached and all its planning left in Marielle's hands, the Round Table had decided, unanimously, to allow for a bit of downtime for its members and so lessening it's workload on Shiroe.
He rose and stretched out his arms, yawning loudly.
He was wearing a simple white shirt and baggy, oversized trousers, thinly disguised as pajamas.
As he sought his glasses from a table, he remembered what was to occur later in the day.
He had no choice but to attend; Marielle would not give him any other option. He intended to find some kind of menial job to do and just continue to complete it until the celebration was over; or perhaps, he could just stay for an hour or so before returning to the safety of his guild. Either way, he felt it was imperative to stay away from everyone he was friends with.
Shiroe approached his closet and opened up the folding doors, stifling another violent yawn.
He opened his eyes and reached into the closet, but suddenly froze.
Something was wrong; something terrible, horrible had happened! He couldn't believe his eyes!
Someone had stolen all of his clothes.
Two figures hid in the shadows of the guild hall, panting hard.
Neither of them had succeeded in creating a Magic Bag, so they had been forced to stuff all of their unwitting victim's clothes into a large wicker basket and haul it back to the Crescent Moon Alliance.
"For someone who seems to wear the same thing every day, Shiroe-sama certainly has a lot of clothes…" exclaimed Henrietta between pants.
Marielle grabbed her side of the basket.
"Hurry up!" she cried, "We have so much more to do!"
"You're really into this, aren't you?" said Henrietta looking sideways at her friend.
"Of course!" sang Marielle, "Now let's go before he realizes-!"
Henrietta hurriedly grabbed at her handle as Marielle began gleefully skipping into the hall. This caused the basket to overturn and the ill-gotten clothes sprawled across the ground.
The pair argued over whose fault the delay was as they hurried to gather everything again and hasten into the hall.
Akatsuki was alone. Minori had just left to source the hair brushes , pins and makeup she would need to make Akatsuki's outfit complete, and she would return fairly soon.
Akatsuki knelt at her table, staring down at her empty tea cup. She had done nothing but sit very still and listen to Minori's speech; the subject of which had been quite fantastical.
That Shiroe, the object of her affections, could be in love with her; that her feelings were unknowingly being reciprocated: it was inconceivable.
And yet, Minori had sat before her and stated all of these things and she did not seem to by lying; Minori just wasn't that type of girl.
She had been told of everything that Minori seen and heard between Shiroe and Naotsugu that day; of every observation Minori had noticed between Akatsuki and the very Shiroe they were speaking of. These reflections caused Akatsuki to start in embarrassment and blush in spite of herself.
Finally Minori revealed her collaboration with Marielle and Henrietta to try to get Shiroe to participate in the event.
When questioned why she was doing all of this, Minori had simply answered in the same way she answered Henrietta:
"I just want Shiroe-san to be happy."
Without warning, Akatsuki's door opened and Minori came in.
Moving over to the mirror, the pair knelt silently as Minori lined up all of her gathered utensils.
She moved to brush Akatsuki's long hair when she caught Akatsuki's eye in the mirror's reflection.
"Minori…" Akatsuki whispered a small smile on her face, "Thank you."
Minori simply grinned in response and began to smooth out the older girl's hair.
Shiroe was having a very bad morning.
Having torn open every drawer in his room, he realized that every single space had been ransacked and the only clothes he had were the pajamas he was currently wearing, and a single sock which was hiding under a chair.
As to whom the criminals were Shiroe had some idea, but exactly why they had done it; he couldn't be sure.
Sneaking out of his room, he sought his study where, thankfully, his cloak was still there hanging off the back of his chair.
Even after the addition of the cloak, Shiroe didn't feel like facing the stares he would get if he were to leave his guild, so he had no choice but to return to his room.
Upon turning the corner, he saw little Serara nervously rocking back and forth outside his bedroom door.
Shiroe called out to her and she jumped in surprise, nearly dropping a package she was grasping in her arms.
Serara proceeded to shove the parcel hurriedly into Shiroe's hand while squeaking out an apology and speeding off down the hall.
Shiroe looked down at the package as he closed his door in bewilderment.
There was a note attached that simply read:
"If you need help; ask Naostugu."
"Why would I need Naotsugu's help?" Shiroe wondered aloud.
He went to place it on a table when he froze.
The brown paper… it looked strangely, oddly, ominously familiar…
Shiroe impatiently tore open the package to reveal what it held.
Upon seeing the contents, Shiroe realized what the two thieves had in store for him.
"But how exactly do you wear one of these?" he wondered again.
The sun had begun to hang quite low by the time Shiroe finally joined the festivities.
Having struggled for hours with the wearing of the kimono he was practically forced to wear; trying, giving up, having another go, failing then finally burying his pride and calling Naotsugu amongst rapturous laughter; he arrived.
Adventurers and People of the Land alike were sitting, singing and laughing together under magnificent cherry trees. Japanese sweets and Western cakes were liberally spread between the festival goers; mixed with generous amounts of green tea and Japanese sake, which were drunk with equal measure.
A loud voice suddenly called out over the festivities.
"Shi~ro~e~!"
He turned to see Marielle, her face flushed red with sake, waving her arms wildly to get his attention.
He smiled slightly and made his way carefully towards the group; taking care as to not step on any fingers.
Once he reached them, Henrietta began a lengthy apology to Shiroe for her conduct, declaring that he would never have had worn anything other than his usual garb; which would have been such a waste!
After Shiroe accepted her apology, Henrietta further bemoaned the fact that she had had very little time to prepare his kimono; which is why it was quite plain.
The kimono's deep navy fabric was covered in tiny diamond hatch-marks in a lighter slate blue. It suited him quite thoroughly. His thin obi, tied low to the waist, was black, covered in a water pattern in silver thread. On his feet he wore heavy wooden geta, supplied by an amused Naotsugu.
"Why Shiroe, you look like a real man!" slurred Marielle, "Really…. Manly…" a sly grin slid onto her face.
As Henrietta admonished her friend for such a speech and urging her to go back to Naotsugu (who looked particularly sour after hearing her comments), Shiroe scanned the assembly.
… She isn't here, he thought; feeling slightly disheartened.
Feeling a sudden poke at his shoulder, Shiroe turned to see Soujiro, who had escaped the clutches of his numerous admirers, to thank him for this party. He passed a sake dish into Shiroe's hands and filled it with a generous hand.
Soujiro managed out, "You should enjoy yourself too!" before being dragged back to his impatiently waiting gaggle of fans.
It would be considered incredibly rude of him not to drink the sake; however Shiroe hesitated as he was not in the habit of drinking and consequently had a low tolerance for it.
Nonetheless, he gulped it down in a swift motion.
"I'll take that if you'd like." Came a quiet voice from beside him.
Shiroe started and looked down to find Minori smiling up at him, offering out her hand.
He passed the dish to her, gratefully.
"Shiroe-san." Minori said gently.
"Hm?"
"She's not here."
"Who isn't?" He tried to look nonchalant.
"Akatsuki-san."
Shiroe looked away; his face tinting.
"But," she continued, "She's waiting for you."
She kept her gaze on his face to read his expression. He flicked his eyes back to her; they begged her to reveal Akatsuki's location; he was in earnest.
Minori sighed inwardly and described to him a place close by, but secluded; quiet and away from prying eyes.
Shiroe thanked her sincerely and hurried past, leaving Minori alone.
She stared after his retreating back, tears filling her eyes.
"Goodbye."
The sun was now setting; casting a brilliant orange glow over the land.
Akatsuki had been kneeling under a lone cherry tree, one that few knew of. Beside her were O-dango mixed with pink cupcakes and her favourite anpan on a large china plate, along with a teapot and cups.
Everything had been carefully thought of and displayed; Akatsuki felt all the good luck of having such friends as she had and could sense them cheering her on.
However in this moment, she was quite alone and utterly despondent.
It will soon turn dark, Akatsuki thought.
She stood with great difficulty, as the long, flowing sleeves of her kimono were rather heavy and prone to getting in the way.
She picked up a long, thin candle that sat near her and lit it. Careful to keep the delicate silk away from the flame，she lit the surrounding lanterns.
As she reached to light the last one, a rustling disturbed her.
Akatsuki was unarmed; such a costume wouldn't allow for the concealment of weapons, nor did Minori allow it when she noticed a few kunai knives hidden in a sleeve.
All she could do was turn to face the noise; her arm still outstretched and candle in hand.
Her eyes opened wide; she would not need to defend herself:
Shiroe had burst through a thicket of bushes, trying to recover his breath and clinging desperately at his obi which had come lose in his haste to get there.
"M-my lord!" Akatsuki exclaimed.
Shiroe, right hand still clamped onto his obi, pushed his glasses back up his nose and looked up.
What he saw made him catch his breath.
Akatsuki was wearing a kimono of deep teal which blended into a rich navy at the hem.
The heavy silk was adorned with images of plum blossoms in white and the deepest rose; petals dancing down the sweeping sleeves and circled from the hem to her thigh. Bunches of chrysanthemums, in shades of cream and lilac, tied together with shimmering ribbons of royal purple edged with gold, sat among the blossoms.
Her obi was glistening gold; the heavy brocade silk decorated with outlines of glimmering butterflies in silvery, white thread.
The cord that held her obi in place was pure white and held a sprig of cherry blossoms in place as decoration.
Her purple-black hair, normally seen falling down her back in a long ponytail, had been tamed into a large pin-cushion like bun; low to the neck and sitting under her right ear. Holding it in place was a long, golden pin whose end was covered in dangling cherry blossoms in delicate soft pink silk and edged with gold.
She looked more beautiful than Shiroe could ever have imagined.
Akatsuki broke the silence.
"My lord! Y-you're… staring again…" she whispered, glancing away in embarrassment.
Shiroe flinched, colour rising to his cheeks.
"Ah, I'm sorry…" pausing, he added shakily, "Your kimono… I-it suits you…"
Akatsuki blew out the long candle she was holding. Thinking he might just be humoring her, she mumbled;
"No it doesn't…"
"Y-yes it does! He affirmed, "You look so beautiful!"
Akatsuki was taken aback at his words and it seemed Shiroe was too, as both parties blushed a deep crimson.
An uncomfortable silence ensued as the pair wondered how to approach the situation.
Gathering her courage, Akatsuki spoke first.
"Y-your obi… shall I fix it for you?" she asked tentatively.
Shiroe started, suddenly realizing that his kimono was now hanging slightly open; to the point where a sliver of chest to just above his navel was exposed.
Shiroe nodded in assent and slowly made his way into the lantern-light. He slipped out his geta and stepped onto the rug so that he was facing her.
Quite unable to look him in the eye, Akatsuki asked quietly that he might turn the other way.
Shiroe obliged, unsure of what to say.
Akatsuki began to untie the obi, taking note of the folds in the knot so that she could tie it properly for him. Meanwhile, Shiroe fiddled nervously with his collar, trying to make himself look more presentable.
He felt the obi tighten as Akatsuki pulled at the fabric to begin her knot.
He glanced over his shoulder to watch her progress; fortunately she was too absorbed in tying that she didn't seem to notice his scrutiny.
He felt her slight fingers brush against his back as she tucked the remaining fabric beneath the new knot. He forced himself to breath normally as his heart raced.
So consumed he was on trying to regulate his own breathing, he didn't notice that Akatsuki had swept around him, so that they were now facing each other once more, and was now employed in straightening the obi.
She hadn't said a word since she started; as she was far too nervous and utterly surprised at herself for being as daring as she was being now.
Slowly, Akatsuki reached up to fix his collar; a part of which was still tucked in on itself.
Shiroe was startled, but did not dare to move.
Akatsuki, herself, couldn't believe her audacity; what must he think of me? She flicked her eyes up to his face and froze.
Shiroe was staring at her with an earnest, steadfast gaze; his expression slightly soften when their eyes met, causing Akatsuki's blush to deepen.
A breeze tempered with the chill of nightfall whispered through the blossoms however the pair didn't stir.
Nothing seemed to matter; they were the only two people in the world.
Akatsuki, in an almost dreamlike state, felt her right hand release itself from Shiroe's collar and gently caress his cheek.
Allowing her heart to guide her and standing as tall as her toes would allow, she guided his face forward and brushed her lips against his.
Shiroe's eyes widened in astonishment. His heart swelled; Akatsuki's kiss was a question; tentatively asked, and he felt determined to answer her.
Sweeping his arms around her kimono's billowing sleeves, Shiroe pulled Akatsuki closer to him; one hand grasping at her waist, while the other settling on her neck…
Time seemed to slow; the universe caught its breath and was hushed.
Nyanta smiled. With his superior vision, he had observed all that was occurring away from the party.
"Congratulations-nya." He whispered under his breath, and then out loud he called for Henrietta, to whom he made the important communication.
They quickly decided that it was best to leave the new couple alone, and Henrietta hurried away to put a stop to "Phase 2" of the matchmaking plan; a step which included the stage, a trophy and a lot of peer pressure.
Nyanta smiled again and returned to the party.
Eternity seemed to pass before they broke apart.
Akatsuki was astounded; that she could initiate such an act! That Shiroe would respond in the way he did!
He had answered her completely, wholly; without reservation or hesitancy.
Without breaking their fervent gaze, Akatsuki detangled one hand from Shiroe's collar to her own head, where his hand lay buried in her long tresses. She noticed that his hold had made a mess of Minori's careful and painstaking attempt at getting her hair to conform to the desired style.
She began to laugh in spite of herself.
Shiroe, slightly disconcerted, asked her why.
She laced her fingers with his; eyes glittering with mirth and happiness. She told his of what Minori had done and how long it had taken for her to dress for this moment.
Shiroe smiled and released her waist, slowly raising it to her ruined hairstyle and locating the pin. He tenderly slipped it out, allowing her hair to fall naturally along her back.
"It looks better this way…" he whispered, not quite realizing what he was saying until the words left his lips.
And then the moment ended. Reality crashed down around him as he realized what he had just done.
He had kissed her! Without explanation, without permission, without even speaking a word!
He saw his right hand; still cupping her face tenderly. He tried to retrieve it; he opened his mouth to apologise, when Akatsuki stopped him.
Gently, she removed their hands from her neck; fingers still entwined, and brought it before her. Shiroe could feel her trembling slightly; her breath was unsteady.
"I-!" Akatsuki cried, but couldn't go on. Her heart begged her to complete her sentence, but her head could not find the words.
Blushing profusely, she whispered that her feet ached from the awkward stance she had adopted to kiss him.
Shiroe stuttered as he suggested that they sit down nearer the lantern light.
Akatsuki broke away from him; angry at herself for letting go of the perfect opportunity to confess.
Shiroe couldn't be sure what caused him to say it; he simply remembers watching Akatsuki's figure walking away from him, feeling as though he should just profess his affections, when he felt himself making the declaration in form:
"I-I… love you…"
A breath of wind wrapped itself around Akatsuki, causing her robes and hair to billow around her. It chilled her, but she thought nothing of it. She turned slowly to face him; eyes glistening in the sunset and a smile of pure happiness gracing her face.
She held out her hand to Shiroe, who was still coming to terms with his unwitting revelation. He took it gently, assured by her smile, and allowed himself to be guided towards her.
The pair settled down; Akatsuki taking care not to step on her kimono, and they began to divulge about the day's events; all of the conspiracies, plans and realisations that had brought them to this moment.
The sun fell below the horizon, casting its last rays across the sky, turning it a rich indigo. The air took on a chill, bringing them closer together. Akatsuki entwined her finger with Shiroe's.
"I love you, too." She whispered, a radiant smile graced her features.
Shiroe pulled the girl into a tight embrace, capturing her lips again.
Nothing was wanting; all that mattered was that they were there, together, surrounded by the fragrant cherry blossoms that rocked that rocked to and fro.
Several weeks later and Shiroe was still slave to his paperwork. Having been distracted from his work for so long meant that there was a pileup of documents to be signed off, stamped or reviewed that rivaled a small mountain.
This had not changed, and probably would never change. Akiba and its people, both Adventurer and People of the Land, needed him and his Round Table.
Despite all of this, one thing had indeed changed.
Shiroe smiled to himself and placed down his quill.
"Are you tired, my lord?" spoke a voice from the rafters.
Shiroe shifted his glasses. He had tried to get her to stop referring to him as 'my lord' and start using his name, but it was early days and old habits die hard.
Stretching out his arms, he shifted his gaze up to the petite figure smiling down at him; sitting precariously among the beams.
"I'm not tired," he replied, "but I could definitely have a cup of tea."
Akatsuki chuckled to herself and lowered her body so that she hung from the rafters above like a bat; her eyes level with his.
"Certainly." She whispered, poking him on the forehead with her finger, before jumping down. Shiroe suddenly dragged her onto his lap; faces barely inches apart. Akatsuki was startled, but quickly relaxed; bringing her hand up to his face and gently caressing his cheek.
Without warning, Shiroe's office door swung open with an almighty crash.
"Golden Week!" cried Marielle, "Three days off! No work! Holidays! Golden Week! I want to do-!"
Henrietta cut her short by covering her friend's mouth as Naotsugu quickly carried her out.
"Sorry to disturb you two!" Henrietta exclaimed, bowing in apology.
She swiftly closed the door and arguing could still be heard as the trio made their way down the hall.
Shiroe and Akatsuki, still frozen in their passionate embrace, looked back to each other and began to laugh.
Things often change; for better or for worse. But some things never, ever change.
And there it is! The end; in all its fluffy glory! Am I happy with this... again, not really. *sigh*
Anyway, a HUGE thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, followed and liked this little fic of mine!
I truly hope you enjoyed it