For what it's worth. (Day 6, LE, Expecting)

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue lit up. "Ah! Taira-dono, my Clan utilizes magistrates as well. As I said, a heimin will always be heard. That extends to magisterial duties too." She nodded enthusiastically. "You are a Compassionate man, Taira-dono. I am sure that you would do well as a Unicorn Magistrate."

[Soshi Taira]

"And you would make a good Yoriki, if you had the chance."

Chuckling he added, "I'll hope we get the opportunity. I don't know what else I can do, but I'll give it my all."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"I am not sure about that, Taira-dono. I am not known for leaving people alive." Yue shrugged. "The tetsubo is not made for knocking out enemies."

Still, she continued smiling. "I am certain that the Unicorn would find a fitting Duty for you."

[Soshi Taira]

"True, but you were a quick study in grappling."

Smiling, he shrugged. "Either way, we'll find a solution, so long as we make it past the final hurdle."

Reaching, he rested his hand on hers, a tentative contact.

"I'm glad... glad... you hold me in enough esteem that I can try. I'll not give up."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Who would tend to the home?" she asked. She was not worried about it as much as simply curious. The thought had occurred to her. "I am unsure how well I could handle the administration. I have not lived in one," she said with a small smile.

She blinked and looked at his hand upon hers. "Hai. I believe you are the best husband for me here. My hope is that I am the best wife for you."

[Soshi Taira]

"If we aren't, we can become the best. People change, after all."

Raising an eyebrow, he examined her face, seeing if it bothered her that he wanted to be close... even if it was a small, simple closeness.

"As for a home... I imagine that would come down to our duties... and when we had children. I expect it will be alternated, based on our duties. That was how my family was. Father was around when my mother had to travel, otherwise she watched over us while he served in the governor's palace."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Her discomfort was sourced from her inability to reciprocate the same feelings. She was uncertain of her ability to satisfy him. And yet, she did not fight him. She simply hoped that it would not lead to a path that shes could not follow. "Sou desu ka. I believe you will be traveling more often than I. You are a yoriki." She then lightly shook her head. "You may be called to be a healer at a permanent residence. I cannot be certain."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira observed her face, her expression, and then said, softly. "Yue-hime... I do not ask for passion... but my goal is that some day, my touch can be comfortable. Reassuring."

He sighed, and gently squeezed her hand, before removing his, and leaning back, casting his gaze into the darkening sky.

"I know your heart doesn't burn for me, but I hope you can talk with it, and perhaps reach that middle ground. I do not ask more than that, I wish only to be able to be a source of peace... of solace."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

The Shinjo looked away towards the moon instead of him. She took a few, deep breaths and then nodded. "I am trying, Taira-dono. I already find your presence to be comforting." She let out a small chuckle. "I am unsure why wrestling was different. I did not know of your affections then. However, it was more," she trailed off, her cheeks a bit red.

Yue shook her head. "What matters is that I am here with you now."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira nodded, and then gave a dry chuckle. "I know this won't be easy, I know we'll both need time to know what to do... just understand that I choose you, knowing full well that it will not come quickly to us. So do not feel guilty, just... I don't just touch out of passion, but it... it's one of the ways I know to show that I care. One way being a doctor has been fortunate for me, it gives me a reason to touch the patient, to offer assurance... so don't feel like I am always expecting more."

Leaning the rest of the way back, he lay on his back, hands behind his head.

"Do you think I should grow out my hair? I could talk to the Crane, get advice on looking womanly." That was offered in a joking tone. "I suppose I might be traveling, but as the Unicorn settle into some cities, there will be the need for a local constabulary."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue leaned back with him, her one hand resting on her stomach. "I heard that touch was not ordinary in the Empire. However, I understand that it is a source of comfort. That is true for both the giver and receiver."

She gave him a small smile. "I am unsure if that will help," she replied plainly. "I do not want you to change." She then closed her eyes as she thought on a matter. "I do not know what a 'constabulary' is."

[Soshi Taira]

"As you wish... it was just a thought."

He chuckled. "And a constabulary is an office, basically. One for magistrates and their staff. Also, touch is... not for public display. What is done at home, between friends and family, is not a matter of public concern."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

The Shinjo nodded. "Sou desu ka. Hai! I believe a 'constabulary' would be created for the Unicorn lands. Your experience would be most helpful for one." She nodded. "What is considered public, Taira-dono?" Her eyes went around the whole plain. "We are not inside a yurt. However, there is no one else around."

[Soshi Taira]

"I would consider this... somewhat private."

He chuckled.

"Yurts may not be so private, if rumors are to be believed. Often samurai in the empire must wait until they return to their homes, though many may sneak into places they hope are private..."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue let out an audible groan at the mention of rumors. "I did not need to hear such things about my sister." She then simply sighed. "However, I should not be surprised. My biggest concern is why others thought that a yurt was private enough for such actions."