A wandering Matsu, I (D9, EE, Expecting)

[Shinjo Akil]

"I suspect even if she didn't, I wouldn't be," he looked to her and smiled brightly. It's OK. You don't have to say it.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo looks down, her On cracking again as swiftly as it had appeared. How...how does he do that? How does he know? "I...ano....I...." She looks at her feet, unable to speak. She opens her mouth a few more times, but nothing comes out and she shuts it and returns to looking at the ground.

[Shinjo Akil]

He just continued to smile as he was wont to do. "If you do join the Unicorn, I am certain I will be visiting here on occasion. When they deem it time to give you a horse, we will be able to ride together."

[Matsu Kogo]

She seized the topic with an unmistakable force and slight relief. "Yes, how is that done in your family? I am sure it is a process in order to achieve that sort of status, especially among the Otaku. I am sure I will need to learn more in order to do my future steed justice." She looks at him, then away, then back. As if her eyes can't quite look away.

[Shinjo Akil]

"Well, it may be odd since you are not a Born Unicorn." He put his finger on his chin. "Setem and I have been together since I was born, and there was not a lot of marrying between the Unicorn and the Senpet or Ra'Shari that I remember..."

[Matsu Kogo]

She watched him from the side of her eyes now. "Perhaps I will merely have to keep borrowing other's steeds or riding behind another. Hopefully whoever my husband is does not mind."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Oh I cannot imagine so," he shook his head, "someone as good as animals as you should have no issues finding a horse to get acclimated to. Even if Noburu might not like it," he looked over to Noburu and smiled.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo smiles. "She has been...understanding so far. I suspect she would adapt. And it would be of great help if I do lead a pride one day, to be able to better keep up with them." She imagines it for a brief moment. "Do you imagine you will visit your family often? I suspect you will be quite busy when you first arrive in Crane lands. There will be a great deal to learn."

[Shinjo Akil]

"I hope at least once a year will be possible," he nodded, "if they cloister me in Kyuden Doji forever I will begin to miss traveling."

[Matsu Kogo]

She looks serious. "Doji-san said...she would not keep you in a golden cage. Hopefully, that will be true."

[Shinjo Akil]

"I trust her implicitly," he nodded, "this is just a new experience for me. Obviously."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo nods, slightly absent minded in it. "Yes, of course." He trusts her. He loves her. But he loves me? How does that work? "What do you plan to do first in Crane lands?"

Do you like pain Kogo? Why do you keep asking these questions?

[Shinjo Akil]

"I, er, have a feeling we will be..." What's the right word?. "...Busy. With. Marriage stuff."

Nailed it.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo's face fills with red again. "Ahh...yes. I see. Of course. " She looks off into the distance.

Noburu comes over to bump her leg again, as if asking if she is all right. "You incorrigible beast. What do you want now?" Noburu purrs up against her, looking at Akil as she does. "Such an affectionate creature...when she chooses."

[Shinjo Akil]

He nodded a bit. "She's a pretty beast. That said, I have a feeling what she would have in mind for me would be something other than... Affection."