๐ป๐๐๐ 1
Word Count: 2,643
Your husband-to-be had a level of energy and happiness you found foreign.
He was bright, and his smile seemed to never fade. You found yourself nervous in his presence, and yet, it never seemed to stem from him. You felt comfortable being near him, despite having just met him that day.
โI hope the voyage was a calm one.โ
You were seated at a table across from him, drinking a warm teaโ something you never had at home, it was rather delicious.
You looked up from your cup, โIt was.โ
Despite your two word response, he beamed in response, โThatโs good! Sometimes we get bad storms at our port so I was worried, but Iโm grateful that the weather seemed to agree with your arrival.โ
You two were sat in a room that seemed to have entirely open walls, letting you see outside, nature just a few inches from you.
There was a garden, lush and beautiful, trees reaching high and flowers in full bloom. You had a garden at your home, tended to and cared for. But it paled in comparison to this one.
Looking at it made you feel warmโ the buzz of the insects, the singing of the birds. It felt warm, it radiatedโฆ love. It was well kept, cared for deeply.
โDo you enjoy gardening?โ
You turned, embarrassed at having been caught staring outside so absentmindedly.
โOh,โ Your gaze lowered back to your cup, โIโm not much of a gardener, no. My mother used to take me for walks in our garden when I was younger. I justโฆโ
You looked back outside, the swaying of the branches almost hypnotizing, โThis gardenโs justโฆ so beautiful.โ
He chuckled, and you found that the sound was as warm as his smile, loud and room-filling, but rich, โWell thank you. I spend most of my free time tending to it, Iโm planning on adding a vegetable section next season.โ
You turned, almost shocked at the revelation that he was the one tending to the plants. He kneeled down in the dirt, standing in the hot sun for hours on endโ he had no gardener?
โYouโฆ tend to the garden yourself?โ
He nodded, a soft smile forming on his face, โI have a bit of help from one of my friends, youโll meet him soon, heโs quiet, but heโs a good man. Iโve found peace in gardening, taking care of things and helping sustain life that isnโt just my own.โ
The way he spoke of it; so simple but he made it sound beautiful and rewarding. Your father once yelled at one of the gardeners for coming inside with dirt on his clothes, threatening to fire him should he ever let that happen again.
And yet Umemiya, the lord of this estate; regularly went out with no regard for cleanliness or what-not. He was a strange man indeed.
โYouโre free to wander in the garden whenever you may want,โ He continued, taking a small sip of his tea, โAnd if you have a favorite flower, or vegetable you wish for me to grow, let me know and Iโll till an area just for those.โ
โOh,โ The startled noise left you before you could stop it, and your cheeks warmed at the look on his face, morphing from a simple happiness to something more soft, something deeper.
โI,โ Did you have a favorite flower? You had never been given flowers to know if one smelled nicer than another, never studied them enough to know symbolism in the petals.
You didnโt need to say that, the look on your face must have said enough, and he nodded, more to himself than you.
โIf you think of any, please let me know.โ
โI will,โ You murmured, voice soft as you, for the first time since arriving, smiled genuinely at him.
For a moment he felt mildly stunned, the looks on your face thus far had been apprehensive at best, and neutral at worst. Your smile, however small it may be, was breathtaking.
โOh!โ You jumped, slightly startled at the exclamation, both your attention turning to the newcomer who was staring in.
She was young, brown hair tied neatly back, wearing a kimono that bore the same colors as Umemiyaโs, but was more toned down. Umemiya lit up at the sight of her, and you briefly worried youโd have to deal with concubines or courtesans. Your sister had gotten lucky to have women with respect for her, and grew meaningful relationships with them, but you had heard horror stories from the workers back home.
โKotoha!โ He stood up, moving towards you, offering his hands to help you up.
His hands were warm, his palms wereโฆ soft. Your father had always had a rough grip, tight and demanding. It felt natural, almost, as he held your hands, helping you stand.
Umemiya introduced you to her, โShe just arrived earlier!โ
The woman, Kotoha, smiled at you, and you were once again struck by how kind everyone you had met here was.
โThis is Kotoha,โ Umemiya continued, โMy little sister.โ
He sounded rather proud as he introduced her, and you noticed her roll her eyes, though her fond expression didnโt fade.
โIโm glad to finally meet you,โ She looked you over briefly, โUme, have you not let her go to her room to rest?โ
The question seemed to catch him off guard, and he paused, before his eyes widened as if he just realized since you had gotten off your boat, you had spent your time with him.
โOh my,โ He turned to you, โYou must be exhausted, Iโm so sorry! Kotoha will show you to your room, feel free to freshen up and rest.โ
The smile on his face seemed never ending, as bashful as he was seeming now, and he moved to clean up the cups of tea. You stood there, brain catching up slowly as Kotoha moved, ready to show you to your room.
โAre weโโ
Your voice felt loud in the room, and both turned to look at you. You cleared your throat, feeling the warmth in your cheeks grow.
โI meanโฆ our marriage. Are we not officiating it tonight?โ
They both paused in their movements, looks fading into a mixture of shock and confusion.
Umemiya spoke slowly, โYou just docked from a long voyage, to an entirely different country. I imagine you need time to rest and recuperate, I hadnโt planned our ceremony for another week.โ
You were the one who appeared shocked now, hands ringing in front of you, โWhatโ why wouldโโ
Kotoha moved, hands gently laid on your bicep, smiling comfortingly at you, โIโll walk you to your room, we can talk on the way.โ
She turned her attention to her brother, โMizuki and Momose wanted to talk to you, I imagine theyโre still talking with Hiragi.โ
He opened his mouth as if to argue, but thought better of it, nodding in agreement. He bid you a goodnight, and soon it was just you and Kotoha.
She nudged you forward, โThat cat I saw in your room, I assume theyโre yours?โ
You swallowed, allowing her to slowly steer you down the hallway, โYes. Her nameโs Cherry.โ
โSheโs cute,โ She hummed, โHer coat reminds me of Sakura, have you met him yet?โ
You racked your brain for a moment, โOh yes, he was one of the three who escorted me here.โ
She laughed quietly, but didnโt move to explain what about that was funny to her, โI imagine you have a few questions?โ
โWhyโฆ does your brother want to wait?โ
She hummed, โWell, like he said, you just arrived to a new place, you donโt know anyone here, we all imagine youโd be rather tired. He doesnโt want to force anymore stress onto you.โ
All of your siblings had been married within hours of meeting their betrothed, the weddings had been large and loud. Even as young as you were when your oldest brother got married, you remember how tired and justโฆ sad his wife had looked.
As if sensing your thoughts, Kotoha sighed, pausing her steps, and you followed suit, turning to look at her.
โUmemiya and I arenโt blood related,โ Your eyebrows shot up at the reveal, โMy parents died when I was very young, and his died when he was a bit older; mindless violence that wormed its way into our city. We were taken in by the same couple, they were kind, took in a lot of orphaned kids. He went through a lot ofโฆ dark thoughts growing up, but ultimately, he had a goal. Protect the town he loved, and protect the family he had grown to cherish. He dubbed me his little sister, and he thinks of almost everyone youโll meet as his family.โ
The story laid before you began painting your husband to be in a bright light. Heโd been kind thus far, talkative and energetic, but so different than the men you had met in your household growing up.
โThe point is; Ume is genuinely a nice guy. Heโs giving you time to adjust, because he knows ultimately this isnโt something you had picked for yourself. He wants you to be comfortable, he wants you to grow to be happy here,โ She smiled, and though they werenโt blood related, you saw the resemblance in their smiles.
Bright and welcoming, kind and gentle.
Warm.
You nodded, hesitantly, but far more comfortable now than you had felt earlier. She took that, though, and continued to lead you to your room.
โI know this is all scary,โ She stopped, moving to open a door where you saw many of your stuff dropped off, Cherry meowing once she saw you, rolling over on the bed, a futon, you believed.
โBut please know that everyone here will be nothing but kind and welcoming to you. No one here has a cruel bone in their body, Umemiya the least.โ She smiled, โIf you have any questions or need anything, you can ask anyone you run into, theyโll help you.โ
She bid you a goodnight, leaving you alone in your new room. You knelt down, petting Cherryโs fur, her purrs comforting you as your mind whirled and ran.
You moved in a sort of haze, brushing your hair, changing into the sleep clothes you had brought, before snuffing out the candles in your room, burrowing into your futon, Cherry snuggling into you.
You slept for what felt like days, and yet when you opened your eyes you still felt rather groggy. The sun was rather high in the sky, indicating it was no longer morning. Cherry was seated by the window, watching the birds and butterflies float about, tail flicking.
You sat up, feeling an odd mixture of well rested and exhausted.
Your mother had warned you that the times were different and it would take a toll on you, but feeling it was different than hearing about it.
Allowing yourself more time to sit there, you worked your way through the previous events. Once you felt ready to move, you were up, haphazardly making your bed, changing into a thinner dress; the weather here was rather warm.
The hallway was empty, the floorboards beneath your feet cool. You allowed yourself time to explore, taking in the art that decorated the walls, the floral arrangements around the corners. It was so familiar but so different than what you were used to.
You found yourself back in the room from yesterday, staring out into the garden. It was just as beautiful as it was yesterday, but now, alone, you were able to study the little details more. There were nests in some of the trees, those pink flowers you had seen near the docks decorating the branches. There were sections, you realized; flowers, vegetables, what looked to be herbs. It was precariously laid out, and it took you a moment to realize there was someone in the garden. He appeared to be digging up the weeds.
His hair was rather long, down and almost messy. Even from where he was crouched over you could tell he was tall, maybe even taller than Umemiya.
He had mentioned yesterday that he had a friend who often helped with the garden, and you wondered if that was him. Part of you thought you should introduce yourself to him, he was friends with your husband-to-be, but the louder part of you told you to lay low.
Kotoha said everyone here was welcoming, and that may be true, but you were still an outsider. Perhaps their definition of welcoming would differ for you.
โOhโ good afternoon!โ You turned, Umemiya strolling in, wearing a more casual outfit than he was yesterday.
He smiled, charming and light, and you found yourself feeling a bit more comfortable, smiling back at him.
โAfternoon?โ
He nodded, โI wanted to let you sleep in, I figured a trip like that would have been rather exhausting.โ
You hummed, not agreeing but not quite disagreeing. He continued, unfazed.
โI have a bit of free time until later this evening, would you like a tour of the grounds? I have plenty of people to introduce you to, but we can start small.โ
โOh,โ You swallowed, hands suddenly sweaty.
โYou can refuse if youโd rather rest still, if youโd like to bathe, Kotoha can take you to the onsen, I imagine itโs different than what youโre used to.โ
Washing up did sound nice, but you also knew regardless of how much you pushed it off, youโd have to meet everyone sooner than later.
โIโฆ later tonight. Maybe,โ You hated how timid you sounded, but Umemiya was asking you questions and giving you options, giving you choices.
Those were simple things you had never been offered back home, especially by the head of your household; your father.
โIโd like to see the grounds.โ
He nodded, offering you his arm.
He was patient, hesitation clearly palpable, but you took his arm. The smile you were rewarded with made your knees feel weak, a strange feeling, one not brought on by fear.
He led you into the garden, the grass still cool with dew, and the stone path warmed by the sun.
The man in the garden stood once he noticed Umemiya approaching.
โThis is Sugishita, he helps me with the garden when Iโm not able to get to it, so you may see him quite a bit.โ
As if just noticing you, Sugishita started, before collecting himself, bowing towards you, but not saying anything. Umemiya laughed, as if it was a normal thing to witness.
โIf you have any requests for the garden and Iโm not around you can come to Sugishita,โ The man in question nodded aggressively, before pausing.
He seemed to be having some type of internal struggle, and his cheeks turned a light shade of pink, before he turned quickly, fiddling with one of the bushes near him.
Before you could send a questioning glance towards Umemiya, Sugishita turned back around, gingerly holding his hand out towards you.
In his hand he was clutching a purple flower, one you didnโt recognize, so you assumed it wasnโt native to your home. You reached out, tentatively taking it from him. Before you could thank him, or subtly question the action, he bowed once more, before scurrying further into the garden, cheeks now red.
You looked down at the flower, the petals were thin and dainty, and it smelled rather sweet. You looked up, not surprised at the smile still adorning his face, but slightly so at the soft look.
โI see our azaleaโs are growing nice and strong,โ He reached out, gently taking the flower from your hand, before moving, placing it behind your ear.
He kept his movements soft and slow, as non-aggressive as he could show, before he pulled his arm back, happy with his work.
โNow, letโs continue.โ
A/N: this will definitely be more than two chapters, considering you guys havenโt even gotten married yet! I have minor ideas, so it may end up being 3 or 4 parts! stay tuned! ๐
also! be so prepared for so much flower symbolism, I love flower meanings!
ฯฮฑเซจฦญ ฯษณฮต
ฯฮฑเซจฦญ ฦญษฆเซจฮตฮต
ive got thoughts about how so much of dandadan revolves around the ways women are hurt by society but i dont have the power to articulate that rn
one thing I love about Mashle is how Mash makes friends
cause heโs just? nice to them?
and itโs not even heโs just nice to them
itโs him understanding when people do thingsโ lemon sabotaging him in the entrance trials, finn messing with his textbooksโ that they have their reasons, just as he does, and he doesnโt hold it against them
itโs him helping people even after they fought/attacked them because โwhen oneโs in trouble, we all areโ and these people he helps have never had someone like that in their lives and see genuine good people exist
itโs him being against bullies and those picking on the weak, stepping in when he doesnโt necessarily need to, because people using their power/strength for bad reasons isnโt how his pops taught him
itโs him trusting that, no matter what, people have something in them thatโs good and kind and he genuinely brings it out in people
heโs also just a cream puff loving, muscle building, door destroying idiot whose so kind and adorable people canโt even stay mad at him ๐ญ
๏ฟผ
I'm sorry but this is such bullshit. Y'know how many times service workers have had the most deplorable fucking shit said to them over the phone? Never did jack shit about their threats but ofc they'll hold this woman for bullshit amounts of bail money because of shit she said after having her fucking Healthcare denied. fuck off dumbfucks
AHHH EPIC THE MUSICAL AND WIND BREAKER IM FREAKING OUT!!! you have cooked once again
ah thank you! Iโm way to obsessed with Epic and my brain went โyou can do something with thisโ and wellโฆ I did!
any of my moots wanna move to a cute lil cottage somewhere not in the us and raise animals together
any animal will suffice
we can all bring our pets too
lots of land
Link to this Tweet here
Link to the tweet here for the image above
Link to the White house
If you need further help in a quick format, here is one, but i urge you to also add in the details for requiring an investigation, not just recount.
Ship bingo! I couldn't find any that fit my preferences so I made my own. Feel free to reblog/repost!
โห๏ฝกโเญจโงเญงห ๐บ๐ซ๐ฝ!๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐น๐๐๐ ๐๐ หเญจโงเญงโ๏ฝกหโ
The winter chill this year was far harsher than it had been years prior. The town was covered, coated in a thick snow, blanketing the buildings and dead trees. The falling snow had lightened considerably, a soft flurry now. The air was crisp and biting, almost painful to breath. Even just the brisk walk from your farm to the clinic proved to be more annoying than anything. You stepped into the clinic, an unsettling feeling taking over as you took in how quiet it was. Normally Maru was up front, greeting you, the two of you chatting before you went off to see your husband. And sure, the clinic was never hustling and bustling, but this time of year there was at the very least soft music playing throughout the waiting room.ย
Now it was just eerily silent.ย
โHarvey?โ You called out, pushing the door open, voice laidened with concern.
You knocked once, just to fully announce your entry, the wood creaking as you pushed it open. Harvey was inside, hunched over his desk, papers scattered about him. His normally well put together appearance was more dishevled now, hair messy, and the part of his face you could see through his arms appeared pale. It took a moment for him to notice you, but when he did, he sat up, pushing his glasses up.
โHun?โ You stepped closed.
His shoulders were slumped, posture off; you could hear the whistle of his breathing from where you stood. He looked the definition of drained.ย
โHey,โ He greeted you, voice gruff, โIโm just going over some files. Do you need something, dear?โ
He tried to cover the cough that followed, and you felt a pang in your chest. He may be the doctor in your relationship, but it was beyond evident that your husband was sick.ย
โYes,โ You said softly, crossing to stand right before him, โI need you to come home.โ
He tried to stand, pushing himself up from where he was seated, his legs wobbly. He winched, coughing some more, body trembling from the force. You steadied him, feeling the unnatural heat emanating from his body. He shook his head, looking ready to argue.ย
โDonโt even try that,โ You chidded gently, forcing him to sit before he got dizzy, ignoring the weak attempts to resist, โDear, youโre running a fever. You canโt work like this.โ
โIโm fine,โ He tried sounding put together, โItโs just a cold. I canโt leave the clinic unattended, especially during the winter.โ
You frowned, running your fingers through his hair. His skin was burning under your touch, his hair unkempt and sweaty.
โYouโre not fine,โ You argued, keeping your voice light, โIf anyone needs something, they can contact Maru. Iโll call and let her know youโre out of remission.โย ย
โI canโt justโโ
You interrupted him, voice more firm than it had been before, โHarvey, you need to go home. You canโt work like this.โย
He sighed, though it sounded rather rough; he knew there was no use in arguing with you over this. Even so, he tried.
โI can just finish up some paperwork,โ He trailed off, his argument hanging off his lips as his body sank further into his chair, exhaustion clearly taking the reins.ย
โIโll just stay here, finish up a few thingsโฆโ he trailed off, his eyelids heavy as his body sank further into the chair, exhaustion clearly taking over.ย
โCome on, weโre going home, and youโre going to rest, no arguments.โ
He looked like he wanted to protest, but whatever words he had died on his lips. He didnโt have the energy to fight you on this, instead opting to sigh weakly, allowing you to help him up.
โFine,โ His voice was even quieter now, โBut Iโm coming back when I feel better.โ
You smiled, cupping his cheek, thumb brushing against his cheek bone,โOf course, dear. Now bundle up, weโre going home.โ
You were glad you had overdramatically bundled yourself up, being able to take off your own scarf to wrap about your husband, the cloth muffling his argument to this movement. Once you deemed him bundled up securly, the two of you left, locking up behind you. You knew Maru had a key, and youโd call her once you got Harvey settled into bed. The walk back took longer, your husbands walk sluggish, and you were worried heโd stumble and fall. Nothing like that happened, thankfully. Once you two got inside, Harvey looked even worse, cheeks red, and you werenโt sure if this was due to the cold or his fever. You helped him to your bedroom, making sure he laid down, propped up on the pillows.ย
โBedrest, no arguments,โ You said, tucking the blanket around him snuggly.
You moved to the kitchen, grabbing the phone to call Maru as you poured some water into the kettle, already pulling out all the ingredients to make some green tea with lemon. You informed your friend, who wished your husband a speedy recovery, before you two hung up. You debated making some soup, but youโd rather him rest for a bit before you woke him up to eat. The house felt colder, and as you waited you moved to the fireplace, replacing new wooden blocks on the hearth to make sure it was burning as hot as it could without risking catching anything on fire.ย
Once the kettle went off and you steeped the tea, you wandered back into the bedroom, Harvey perking up even just a little when he heard you come back in. He gave you a weak smile when he saw the tea cup in hand.ย
โYou donโt have to go out of your way,โ He started, voice hoarse but so familiarly loving.ย
โI do, actually. It was in the vows. In sickness and in health,โ You replied, sitting next to him, โBesides, I owe you for all the times youโve taken care of me after a bad run in the mines.โย
He chuckled weakly, accepting the mug from you with a quiet thank you. Sipping the tea slowly, you noticed how his hands were still trembling, though less so. He hurried to take his glasses off when the steam fogged them up. For a moment the room was quiet, the only sounds the fireplace crackling in the distance.ย
โThank you,โ He whispered, the mug now half empty, and you moved to place it on the side table, โIโm not used to being taken care of, I suppose. Doctors truly do make the worst patients, and all that.โ
You smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead, the warmth on his skin still present, โWell get used to me taking care of you, it comes with the marriage territory.โย
He leaned into your touch, eyes closing for a moment, the clear exhaustion evident on his face, โIโm so lucky to have you.โ
It was silent after that, a comfortable, warm silence, โI think Iโll make some soup later, bring you some more tea and water. You need fluids.โ
He nodded absentmindedly, already starting to drift off, the warmth of the bed and the tea, and you presence relaxing him greatly, โAlrightโฆ promise me something?โ
โAnything.โย
โWhen Iโm better, weโre going to go on a winter date,โ His voice was thick with sleep, eyes still shut as he spoke, โWe can take a walk in the snow, maybe get some hot cider at the saloon.โ
You smiled, chuckling quietly, โI promise.โ
He smiled, faint and tired, his breathing slowing down as he finally fell asleep. You watched him silently for a few moments, your heart swelling unbearably in your chest. Your husband was far too kind and too good sometimes, you were truly the lucky one to have him.
Inspired by @vinomino and their Kaji arranged marriage one shot
Word Count: 2,236
It was safe to say that your future had been planned out the moment your mother had learned she was pregnant with you. There had been two outcomes.
The first one, and your fatherโs preference, was you were born a son, not the eldest, but another heir he would be able to ensure takes over some political aspect he would hand off when he passes, someone to speak with the same ire that he holds, someone to wield his power as harshly as he does.
The second, your motherโs fear, was you were born a daughter, a much less powerful pawn, but a pawn none-the-less, someone to be married off to the highest bidder, so to say.
It appeared that the gods wished to laugh the day you were born, your father leaving the delivery room once he learned you were a daughter, the second, of his five children, and the youngest of all.
Your mother named you, your older sister, though a mere four years older than you, took a shine to your chubby cheeks and quiet giggles.
As you grew the normal childlike curiosity that your older brothers had been allowed was punished out of you, instead lessons regarding lady-like things filled your days.
Your entire life, the mere sixteen years you had lived them, all lead up to today; learning who you were to be wed to.
Your sister had been married four years prior, though the man was quite older, she got lucky; he was respectful, he was powerful and rich, he had concubines, but from the letters you got, all the women were rather kind, treating your sister with respect. You were happy for her, if not a tad bit envious.
You had met many of your fatherโs business partners, men his age who leered at you for far too long, and you had to fight the urge to take refuge in your mothers arms like you would as a child.
Your name was called, and you lifted your head, hands folded in your lap as your father continued reading whatever letter he had been sent, and you waited, with a level of patience youโd been forced to learn. Your mother looked anxious, face pale and eyebrows pinched.
โI have found a husband for you,โ He spoke without looking your way, and your mother lowered her mug of tea, hands trembling ever so slightly; you were the last child in your home.
โHeโs from the East hemisphere. Heโs recently come into power, but his people seem to follow him almost blindly. Heโs got strong connections, many that shall be beneficial regarding trade of resources and weapons.โ He finally looked up from the letter, gaze as bored as if he were discussing the weather and not his final childโs future, โHe and I have been in contact for a few weeks, you shall sail out at the end of this week. I expect to hear from you the moment your wedding night is over.โ
He said nothing more, barely bidding you and your mother a goodbye or a goodnight as he left, handing the papers off to be dropped in his office. Once he was out of earshot you turned to your mother, tears building in your eyes.
โMotherโ the East hemisphere?โ Your voice shook, and she was quick to move from her seat, hurrying over to you, her own trembling hands caressing your face, smoothing your hair.
โI know darling,โ She tried smiling at you, but with her own budding tears it looked rather forced, pained even, โYour father barely spoke to me about it before he told you. If I had knownโฆโ
The sentence lay empty because you knewโ she could have fought and screamed at your father, but it would have all been for nothing. She took a shaky breath, taking your hands and pulling you to stand, arm in arm as you two walked back to your room.
โI donโt know much about him,โ She admitted, โOnly the parts your father cares about. Heโs powerful and wealthy, he has connections and access to things we do not.โ
โItโs transactional to him,โ Your voice was quiet but cold, you werenโt his child you were his pawn, โNothing more.โ
She nodded apprehensively, โBut some of the servants have told me he reads as a kind man, his words are thoughtful. I shall let you know more as soon as I find it.โ
She kissed your forehead, leaving you alone at your bedroom door.
That week flew by, far faster than you could have ever hoped. Your clothes were packed away, any jewelry and makeup you wished to bring as well. Soon your roomโ your old roomโ lay bare, sans the bed. You were grateful that you had been allowed to bring your cat, a cuddly girl you found in the garden when you were thirteen, Cherry.
Your send off was a blur; your brain was in a fog as your mother held you, silently sobbing. Your oldest brother, who still lived nearby, his wife and his children had come as well. He was almost a stranger to you, stiffly wishing you a safe voyage, and a happy marriage. Your sister in law, pregnant with her fourth child, kissed your cheeks, telling you she hoped for your health.
Your father merely sent you off with this: โDo not disappoint me.โย
Your days at sea were long, the ocean still. You had witnessed storms destroy the docks in your hometown, and feared the worst, but she allowed you a peaceful voyage.
You spent your time playing with Cherry in your bunker, writing letters youโd send off to your mother the moment you were able, and imagining your life ahead.
All you had learned about your future husband was that he sounded kind, that he spoke of you respectfully and promised your father youโd be safe in his home. Your father hadnโt even asked about that, only caring to learn of what benefits heโd receive. But your future husband had made sure to discuss more about ensuring your safety and wellbeing.ย
You had slowly started growing used to the rocking of the sea when you all docked upon land, and you were ushered from your bunker, Cherry purring in your arms as you walked on shaky legs onto the docks.
It wasโฆ beautiful there.
So similar yet different than you were used to. The trees there were in bloom, pink petals and flowers floating around in the warm breeze. You stood for a moment, observing the land around you, the workers bustling past with your few boxes of things, mostly crates of gifts from your father to your future husband and his clan.
โAre you alright?โ
You jumped, blinking as you turned your attention to the small group of men standing before you. You were always grateful that you had been privileged to learn a multitude of languages throughout your life, and nodded slowly.
โYes. I apologize itโsโฆ quite beautiful here.โ
The man before you smiled softly, bowing slightly as you stepped closer, โIโm Hiragi Toma, Iโll be escorting you to your new home.โ
You smiled, swallowing back nerves, โThank you, Hiragi. Itโs a pleasure.โ
He held his arm out, indicating you to walk forward, and the leftover group shifted, allowing the pair of you to walk through them.
โI imagine you have questions,โ His voice broke you out of the beginning of your thoughts, and you looked down to Cherry, who looked up at you with a slow blink.
โMany,โ You admitted shly, โButโโ
โAsk away,โ The pair of you had gotten to what appeared to be a carriage, but there was no roof, and only two horses appeared to be pulling it.
He helped you in, taking a seat across from you, as two more men piled in, one with light blonde hair, and another with dual colors; a feature you had never seen in person.
โAsk?โ
The horses pulled off, and the four of you lurched lightly, Hiragi raised an eyebrow at you, โYes. We may not be able to answer them all, but we can answer a few I imagine.โ
Your lips pursed, petting over Cherryโs fur to calm the spike of nerves you felt.
โWhatโs wrong?โ
You cleared your throat, โForgive meโฆ My father had taught me not to ask questions.โ
The dual-haired man snorted, and your attention turned to him, before your gaze flickered back to Hiragi.ย
Hiragi offered you a soft smile, โI find we handle things differently here than most other places, even on this side of the world. If you have questions you are more than welcome to ask.โ
โMy husband,โ You blurted out before you could stop, โWhatโsโฆ he like?โ
The three stared at you, and silence fell, the only sound of the horses walking.
โYouโฆ hadnโt read any of his letters?โ
โIโm not allowed to read letters my father receives, itโs private information Iโm not privileged to witness.โ
Hiragi shook his head, and the blonde next to you clicked his tongue, โAnd here we thought you were so stuck up you werenโt responding to him.โ
โKaji,โ Hiragi hissed his name, face pinched, before he sighed, โI suppose that answers some of our questions then. His name is Hajime Umemiya, heโsโฆโ
He trailed off, as if unsure what to say or how to describe him. The other man, who the more you studied the more his hair reminded you of Cherryโs fur, decided to step in.
โHeโs strong.โ His voice was firm as he spoke, โTook his position like it was absolutely nothing. I aim to pass him one day.โ
โAnd take his wife in the process?โ Kaji questioned, and that notion had both of your faces burning red.
โNo!โ He leaned forward, โI want the spotโ not his damn wife!โ
Kaji rolled his eyes, โSure.โ
โI have no intention of ever getting married, and if I did!โ He pointed a finger in your direction, โIโd want a wife who can hold her own in a battle! Not someone weak!โ
As harsh as his words were, and you did your best to hide a wince, he wasnโt wrong. Your brothers had all been trained mentally as well as physically, but you and your sister could only watch in curiosity, never allowed to train with them.
โSakura!โ Hiragi moved, a hand smacking the side of his head, โYou donโt insult guests in front of them, and especially a lady!โ
He turned to you, forcing the others head down in as much of a bow as he could in the carriage, โI apologize. On behalf of both of them.โ
You shook your head, โItโs okay! Really!โ
He sat up, letting go of Sakura, who looked annoyed and embarrassed, turning to stare along the scenery.ย
โHe isnโt wrong though, Umemiya is a very strong man. He rose in power quickly, and he helped clean up our nation more than many before him. Weโve had connections with past rivals, new trades and relationships flourishing under him,โ He smiled at you, eyes soft as if he were aiming to calm your racing heartbeat, โBut he didnโt get there alone. Heโs a man who rules for his people, and everyone loves him, respects him. Heโs got a soft heart, and is protective of those he holds close. Heโs not cruel in anyway of the word, either.โ
You nodded, leaning back into the seat. Hiragi seemed trustworthy, he seemed kind, if not a bit tired.
โHe had been writing to you once he and your father finalized your betrothal.โ
โI- I never received any of the letters.โ
โI imagine your father kept them, though I canโt guess why. Umemiya imagined something like that was the reason, he had faith you werenโt turning your nose up at him when others thought that to be the case.โ
Safe to say your father just didnโt care enough to give you the letters, seeing no reason behind them.
โHeโs rather excited to meet you,โ Hiragi continued, โBeen bouncing around this whole week.โ
You giggled lightly at that, โItโs hard to imagine a grown man this excited over marriage.โ
Kaji scoffed, โHeโs still a kid at heart,โ Muttering something that sounded like โannoyingโ under his breath.
Hiragiโs eyebrows furrowed a bit, โHeโs freshly eighteen,โ Your eyes widened at that fact, โAnd your sixteenth birthday was a few months ago, correct?โ
You nodded, and he smiled, โYou donโt have to worry about him, I doubt your father realized he wasnโt as old as he thought at first.โ
The carriage stopped moving, and someone rushed to open the door, Sakura and Kaji hoping out, followed by Hiragi, who paused and waited for you, holding your hand to help you down.
His voice was low as the carriage door shut behind you, โYouโll be safe with him,โ You turned to look at him, but he was looking forward, โI promise. Heโs a good man.โ
You followed after the three, the gardens outside of your new home beautiful and breathtaking. Standing at the entrance, clad in a beautiful looking kimono, as you learned on your voyage over, stood a man, tall and smiling. His hair was as white as winter snow, and it almost appeared ethereal against the setting sunlight.
โWelcome!โ His voice was loud and booming, and Hiragi sighed from in front of you.ย
As you grew closer you realized that this man was Hajime Umemiya; your husband.ย
ฮฑ/ษณ: I started this with no plot in sight, and as I was writing (cause I always have a lot to say) realized... this won't all fit into one one shot. So then I was like-- okay two parts? Three parts? We'll see!
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ฯฮฑเซจฦญ ฦญษฆเซจฮตฮต
|22 yrs| be self indulgent, live to make yourself and your life happy
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