"Okay, okay, okay," Medb said to herself, pacing back and forth in their small, cluttered home recording studio. "I've got this." She adjusted the headset and took a deep breath, glancing over at the script for the umpteenth time. The words 'Kase-san and Morning Glories' were scribbled in her messy handwriting on the cover page.
Her wife, Scáthach, peered in from the hallway, curiosity piqued. "What's with the theatrics?" she asked, unable to hide the amusement in her voice. Medb rolled her eyes.
"I'm trying to get into character," Medb replied, her tone serious despite the smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. She cleared her throat and began to read, attempting to mimic the gruff, tomboyish tones of Tomoka Kase. "Hey, Yamada," she rumbled, her voice a stark contrast to the soft giggles she usually had. "I'm gonna make you mine."
Scáthach's laughter echoed through the room, causing Medb to falter. "What?!" Medb exclaimed, tossing the script onto the floor. "I'm being serious!"
"Oh, I know you are, love," Scáthach said, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she stepped into the room. She picked up the script, skimming through the pages. "It's just... you're so not a tomboy."
Medb pouted. "But I can do it. I've been practicing." She bent down to retrieve the script, her determination unwavering. "I'll get it right."
Scáthach leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her wife with a blend of affection and amusement. "Alright, give it another shot. But remember, the director said you should capture Tomoka's spirit, not just mimic her voice."
Medb nodded, taking a moment to compose herself. She knew Scáthach was right. Tomoka was more than just a character; she was a symbol of courage and vulnerability, wrapped in a rough exterior. Plus, she had a certain je ne sais quoi that made her utterly charming.
With a deep breath, Medb began again. "Hey, Yamada," she said, her voice now a little softer, a hint of playfulness in her tone. "I'm gonna make you mine." Scáthach's laughter grew louder, and Medb couldn't help but crack a smile. This was going to be harder than she thought.
"Come on," Medb whined, "I can totally be a badass tomboy." She flexed her arm, showing off the muscles she'd been working on at the gym. Scáthach's grin only widened. "Maybe in another universe," she teased, "but for now, stick to what you know."
Medb huffed, crossing her arms and tilting her head. "Fine, I'll try again. But you have to promise not to laugh." Scáthach nodded solemnly, her expression a mask of seriousness that didn't quite hide the mischief in her eyes.
Medb took a moment, focusing on the essence of Tomoka Kase. The strength, the tenderness, the way she could be rough around the edges but had a heart of gold. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let the words flow out of her. "Hey, Yamada," she said, her voice a perfect blend of gruff and gentle. "You're gonna fall for me, whether you like it or not."
This time, when she opened her eyes, Scáthach was smiling, but the laughter had subsided. "Better," she said, "but you still sound like you're flirting with a fruit salad." Medb sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Okay, okay. One more try."
With a newfound resolve, she stared at the script, channeling all her energy into becoming Tomoka. "Yamada," she began, her voice firm and steady, "I've had enough of your indecision. It's time to face the music." The room fell silent, the tension palpable as she delivered the line with a surprising depth of emotion.
Scáthach's smile faded, and she stared at her wife, surprised. "Wow," she murmured, "that was... actually pretty good." Medb beamed, feeling a rush of pride. Maybe she could do this after all.
"Thank you," she said, her voice returning to its natural tone. "I'll keep working on it." Scáthach stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Medb's waist. "I have no doubt you'll nail it," she whispered, planting a kiss on her cheek.
They both knew that the path to mastering Tomoka's voice would be fraught with challenges and laughter. But with Scáthach's encouragement and Medb's stubbornness, they were ready to tackle it together. And who knows, maybe along the way, Medb would discover a little bit of her own inner tomboy.
