Summary: Tobirama reads the introduction of his new book and Sakura calls him a giraffe.
Chapter 1: An Introduction
With a deep despairing sign, anxiety nearly overwhelms him (not just the pit of his stomach, but throughout his entire body and soul), he counts and reconfirms he has accepted a total of thirteen wedding invitations this season (the barest minimal filial requirement).
The nuptial season is about to start, and between the whole of his tribe, the Senju Corporation is required to attend many, many, many, of these events to display their support in family, business, and clan life. To show the backing of their firm and all the encompassing responsibilities that falls under "and whatever else is deemed necessary by management."
He is a full functioning adult and a man in the eyes of the world, nevertheless, he is still very much under his father's thumb as a dutiful son. (His father being 'management.')
Clicking send, his finalized schedule and confirmations are forwarded to his longtime friend and battle buddy (and small piece of grace in these herculean trials), Haruno Sakura. Met through a mutual acquaintance's union commemorating with renewal, the two of them were thrown at the singles table and left to build camaraderie as outcasts from the established couples. And after a somewhat rocky start, as his personality usually guaranteed, a mutual respect and companionship bloomed.
They started with acquaintanceship, joining each other when it became apparent they were both at the same event. Then a quid pro quo, sharing in company on the higher stake events, until finally they only attend events as each other's wedding-beard. It has been years now that they had begun coordinating to attend all the events as a fake-together-couple for a coveted seat in the "adult section" of the reception. (Which allowed for his reticent and taciturn personality to remain unoffensive and for her to remain unmolested from that type of gentlemen.)
He now considered her one of his closest friends. And sometimes, his best friend. Depending on the circumstances (undoubtedly true when she functioned as his reserved plus one, less true when she functioned as his plus one who was prone to a boredom induced hysterics enacting plots from romcoms).
Surprising to him, her clan responsibilities are less prominent, but she willingly chooses to attend all these events as she is friends (actual and true) with most of those pushing their invitations with their hands and hearts open for love and money. The reality is somewhat shocking that he is there by ceremony and she by relationship, as he could never manage to keep so many friends (or rather, never willingly manage). And she often attends more of the additional celebrations, showers and hen nights and rehearsals.
The thought of that social energy exhausts him on the slightest consideration.
The responding ding confirmed that her schedule matched his, and he is the more relaxed for it. He will meet her at the first Saturday of the season open, arriving himself on Friday as a man who plans for delays.
He is not a talker, and he doesn't speak with casual ease like his brothers. But he is able to positively actively converse, and (astonishingly) have fun when chatting with Sakura. Sadly (and strategically), they've been holding off on talking with each other for a handful of months in order to stockpile topics and ensure they will have ample to talk about in the coming days of constant company. And he misses the outlet, misses sending articles and links and the like of their daily texts.
'See you soon.' He types for her and continues with his workday, a little less apprehensive about this flying this Friday to start the marathon of remote work and events. (Although, not entirely without apprehension as he has been drinking more water than usual. A habitual technique for when he sweats excessively.)
He tries to ignore her responding 'ding' in favor of work (and to show restraint, because he is a man of control), but gives up and quickly checks to see 'can't wait to see you!' with a signature blossom. That lifts him enough that he carries a soft, nearly neutral, smile for some time after.
Recounting that he was a reserved and contained man; leaping, joyous hugs are generally off his list of acceptable or enjoyable endearments. All the same he allows for some rule breaking (not that he truly has much say) and gets them regularly from his brothers, occasionally from a rakishly drunk friend, and always on first reacquaintance with Sakura. (He even sometimes returns the hug, depending.)
She doesn't run or sprint to him, like in those romance movies, but she does quicken her step to gain velocity for her vertical jump into him. "Tobirama," she breathlessly exclaims, all bright smiles and lustrous pink cheeks and tentacled arms.
"Sakura." He returns, with warm cordiality and without looking deeply in her eyes. He does look fleetingly and momentarily. Any profound eye contact would give her ample ammunition to tease him. She shows great passion for their lovers role-play and takes every opportunity to turn their performance into a scene worthy of a romantic feature (hence the not leap).
"It's wonderful to see you again, I've missed you and that sourpuss expression." She swings lightly, like a pendulum, his neck acting as the fixed point. "What have I done this time, and so soon?"
His face morphs into a variation of 'put upon' and 'barely able to stand under her weight.' "I'm happy to see you as well, but you are pulling me down too hard."
She swings again, lighter this time, with a laugh. "Can't help it. Your neck is an easy target."
"And your limbs too short to hit its mark. Mercy."
She starts bouncing like an over excited toddler, "then lift me higher you great giraffe, for a proper hug."
He does not lift her up but moves so she can more comfortably wrap her arms around him in a closer, less dangling hug. Which makes him look silly, neck stretched (not nearly long enough for a giraffe) and back bent for their shoulders to align, and once she has a good hold, he straightens bringing her with him and hits her with impression he knows will set her off.
"Baa. Should I baa? I have never thought about what sound a giraffe makes. Do you think they sound like a goat?"
She had been smiling and constantly giving minuscule, delighted noises, but she outright laughed in a boisterous manner when he bleated. He knew that to be a point of weakness for her; his deadpanned, dry, and sarcastic delivery was enough to set her off into a fit of giggles. Combine that with something as ridiculous as bleating, and she was a goner. (Although he would never, ever, do something so silly in public. Normally.)
He continues while she attempts to rein in her joviality. "At the very least an extended relation?" Can he make her laugh so long she starts snorting (which has happened before, but is no easy task as she finds it embarrassing)? Currently, she is swinging between laughter and giggling, eerily like how she hangs on his neck. "Ah. And during family reunions, they all must have lengthy conversations."
"Oh my god, you dork!" She laughs, kisses his cheek, and drops down to the floor. Merriment plastered on her face - represented by a sparkling smile and twinkling eyes.
He turns one way and takes her baggage and turns the other to offer his arm. "Well, come on little goat. Let us flock to the trough and then I'll show you to your pen."
Luggage bags, full bellies, and bonbonnieres in tow (presented to guests in the lobby during the hosted bruncheon and accompanied with a crispy new hardback), Tobirama opened the way for Sakura and then crossed the threshold of their temporary home. He relishes the satisfying click, closing the metaphorical door to his social responsibilities. The dining area being so loud, his ears are still buzzing.
He walks her to her designated room and deposited her suitcase on the rack and then mirrors her retreat in momentarily retiring for personal refreshment.
Casually dressed with book in hand, he leaves his self-assigned space and sits in the lounge chaise under the window, content to wait on Sakura. This location was a specialty extended stay hotel was one of the few that offered a kitchen with bar, dining area, and common living area. Normally, he would reserve a room with a joint door (or at minimum be on the same floor) to maintain privacy (particularly in the water closet), but this set-up was far better for them to keep in company as Sakura wouldn't have to panic hide her unmentionables when he paid her a visit. Plus, they would have extra space and available storage for healthier meal planning.
The biggest drawback and inconveniences with this idea is the single communal bathroom, still, it is as fancy and advanced enough in amenities to be in excess, so the pros outweigh the cons.
"I'll be reading while waiting."
"Baaaa, baa, ba ba, baaaa."
"Nonsensical girl." He calls back, a light chuckle appearing when he hears the additional muffled baa from the bathroom.
Opening his new copy of "Signs a Healthy Relationship is Ready for the Marriage Carriage," (which has the lovely crunchy sound from the fresh binding) he starts by reading the introduction. It is roughly a dozen pages of self-fulfilling, 'if you are reading this, you must be considering marriage' verbiage. But in truth he did not choose the book as it was a favor meant to pass on the couple's good fortune, and he did not think he would bother finishing it, therefore he cannot conclude that he had been considering marriage by such as assumption. He had opted to skim enough for a basic understanding, wishing the gesture would be received as a sign of respect to the happy couple. He had also hoped to be able to discuss the book at their reception with other attendees, showing he genuinely appreciated the gift and its usefulness in capacitating his conversation repertoire. But now…
He felt it required elucidation. And, reasonably, further elaboration of his own intentions for his full understanding.
Which then made him wonder; when would he consider getting married? It was an expectation of a son from an illustrious family, there was no if in possible consideration. But when self-propelled, what is it that prompts this choice?
He is around several women day in and day out whose company he tolerated, but dating is something else entirely and often regulated to a chore and undesirable activity (specifically when badly matched). Not that he doesn't enjoy spending time with his past girlfriends, it's just he wants to spend a particular type of time with them. Working, reading, relaxing, watching documentaries, expanding his mind and understanding, swimming, and going outdoors are all fun for him. Even the occasional event was enjoyable. But overall, going out to socialize regularly is tedious, as is the way when you start dating. He is prone to liking intimate and quieter groups. Certainly not cafeteria like meals, like the open bruncheon they just attended.
And he values his isolation, his private time for reflection.
Adding a partner to his preferred lifestyle is as reactive as bicarbonate with carboxylic acid; messy, smelly, and pointless in most cases (unless you are a child armed with paper mâché and an academy assigned science project). As adults, it is harder to compromise, and the older one gets the less flexible one becomes.
As an introvert and naturally antisocial person, with blunt tendencies… well, he has the additional handicap and he needs someone else to spearhead the relationship's progression without being overbearing and annoying (while he simultaneously needs to be what his partner wants as well, truly narrowing the vast ocean of fish to a placid lake of fry).
Does that mean he will end up alone? In truth, all his breakups were (mostly) amicable. Mutually agreed and affable and without regret with either party, his past relationships had a natural life that fizzled out to nothingness without those bitter emotions. Infatuation and fiery passion were the emotions best enjoyed by the young and inexperienced, not something he felt in any meaningful quantities these days.
Perhaps he is meant for making connections, where he can visit and retreat. Where when his company or the company of others becomes tiresome, someone is able to drawback. But something so binding and committed as matrimony, there is no escape and no vacations.
He hears the shifting in the plumbing and then the showers stop, anticipating her, he moves to open the window to dissipate the shower steam for the clearing of the mirror. He doesn't even finish before she speaks up.
"Hey Tobi, can you…" her head peeking out. "I guess I'm a bit predictable," she remarks with a slender smile when she sees he already opened the window in their shared space.
(If he where that type of gentleman he would remark on her figure in that puny hotel towel, but he isn't, so he doesn't, even if he notices it.)
He can see her hair is getting longer again. He likes her hair long, she tends to style it in a curly side sweep (thing) he thinks makes her look like an enchanting elf. He likes it short too, she looks like a petite pixie fairy out of a children's fairy tale. Although, with pink hair (and those eyes) she will always look magical or otherworldly.
"Ready?"
Her curious tone inadvertently prompts him back to his previous metal exercise, was he considering marriage now that the book has brought forth the question? Like an illusion of frequency, the more he thought about it, the more it appeared in his mind? Was this the sign that he was maturing out of bachelorism and into a family provider (while reclining in a rented place with no meaning or significance)? Unlikely, but not improbable.
Without answering her, he stood to take his turn in the shower.