Hosts. This was a lot shorter and shallower than I thought it would be without all the stuff I cut out... Sorry. It's not very impressive. But because I promised I'd give it to you, here it is. I hope you all enjoy!
A quick intro: This happens a year before chapter one of True Grit. :)
A Bolt of Blue
13, Ponon, year 631
Ronin slid four silver coins across the counter, unable to keep a smile from his face as his wife gasped.
"Oh, Ronin…" Tina breathed, cheeks turning pink as she touched the bolt of blue fabric. It was the same lovely color as her eyes. That's why Ronin chose it. That and he'd seen her eying it wistfully as they passed the shop window on their way to the market.
"Don't say anything of the cost," Ronin said, kissing her cheek as they wove around the shelves toward the shop's exit. "You deserve something special. It's been a while since you had a new dress." He traced a quick line across her collarbone with his finger, eyes twinkling. "Maybe you could lower the neckline a little with this one…?"
Tina gave him a look, hugging the bolt close to her chest. "Maybe. Still, Ronin…I think Kora needs new clothes more than me. She's almost grown out of-"
"Absolutely not," Ronin said, pushing open the big wooden door. They stepped out into the busy street. "I'll buy fabric for Kora soon. She'll fit in her dress for another few months. But I bought this fabric for you, and you alone. Do you understand me, woman?"
"Yes, sir." Tina rolled her eyes and bumped him with her shoulder. He bumped her back. They smiled.
"You spent a lot of money on this," Tina said. "A whole month, at least, of-"
"What did I say, Tina?" He helped her onto the cart, then clambered on after her, taking the reins. "Don't worry about it. You deserve a treat."
Tina quieted herself. Ronin flicked the reins, and their shaggy old horse plodded back into the middle of the crowded street. The bed of the cart was full cart of veggies, harvested by Ronin himself that week on one of Cyrus' farms. A labor of love. It kept food on the table, plus some on the side to sell for other essentials- like extravagant gifts for his Tina. And the kids, of course. Speaking of kids…
"Maybe you should leave a little extra room in the bodice this time, Tina," Ronin said.
Tina turned to him, frowning slightly. "Why? I haven't gained that much weight."
"No, no," Ronin chuckled. "That's not what I meant."
Tina's eyes flash with confusion, then she flushed. "You…think we're ready for another one?"
"Why not?" Ronin steered the little cart around an elderly man who was crossing the street.
"Ronin, we've already got our hands full with three, I don't know if I can handle a fourth."
"No, you can't. But together…"
"We'll be outnumbered two to four. I've had nightmares about that scenario more than I care to mention."
"Kora's a big help around the house. She could start learning how to cook, and Erin could help me some more with barn chores."
"And what about Mitsu?" Tina asked. "Hosts, Ronin. I finally got her out of diapers not a month ago. And now you want to jump back in for a fourth round?"
"I wanted to jump back in months ago," Ronin admitted with an impish grin. "Kids are like an addiction. I can't get enough of their cute little smiles and snuggles."
"Uh-huh." She sighed, sitting back in her seat, fingers absently stroking the fabric. "Well, this gift makes more sense now. You're trying to butter me up."
"What?" He drew out the A sound a lot longer than necessary. "No. The fabric's just 'cause I love you. This…other thing…" He took the reins into one hand and touched her fingers. "…also. Because I love you."
"And…"
"And, because I love kids," Ronin laughed. Then he gasped, taking the reins in both hands again as he dodged a young woman with a handheld cart of baked goods.
"Mmm." Tina set a hand on Ronin's leg, smiling coyly. "Fine. We can try for a fourth. On one condition."
"What's that?"
"That your driving skills improve."
"Deal." Ronin kissed her quickly. "We wouldn't want your poor, pregnant self falling off the cart."
"Right into the mud," Tina sighed. "It'd probably be my first day wearing my new blue dress- with slightly more cleavage- and I'd fall right into a big puddle."
"You'd be a sight, to be sure." Ronin chuckled again, turning his eyes to the road as Tina scoffed. "By the Hosts, I love you so much..."
So...this was going to be basically the intro to a much longer scene in which a bunch of conflict happens, but the conflict ended up not...happening...anymore. But I thought it was important for you all to get at least a little glimpse of their relationship now because you're not going to see Tina for a little while yet, and the flashbacks that I'm going to do with her in TG are going to be significantly less...fluffy.
So...yeah. I know this isn't much, but reviews are still appreciated. Thanks for reading, and I hope you all have a great week! :D
