So You're After My Money? (D6, EM)

[Iuchi Yukarin]

"Mmm... I know; I wasn't saying it as a bad thing per say. It's just a difference. Both anxiety producing and exciting at the same time. But it's very clear you are dependable and all the other things I have been looking for. Fortunes know I asked enough to make sure of that much."

[Soshi Yuuru]

He brushed her ear gently with the tip of his thumb. He then smiled reassuringly and said, "I kind of like that feeling personally. The moment before a jump over a deep ravine... the moment you let go of a branch and reach out for the next one... or the moment before a passionate kiss..."

He smiled and looked deeply into her eyes, "I'm not asking for a life time of devotion yet. Just one more step in the exploration process. Will you take that step with me?"

[Iuchi Yukarin]

"As long as that step isn't off a cliff, obviously. But truly... I suppose I'm not a fan of that feeling, and that's the wildness I was talking about. Going to the edge of a cliff or top of a mountain or moment before a kiss wouldn't be so bad, though, as long as someone reliable was holding me..."

It was a fine line trying to put thoughts into words.

[Soshi Yuuru]

He smiled handsomely. It was in ambiguous answer, he was looking for more of a green light, but he decided it'll have to do.

He pulled his body up beside hers and moved his hand to the back of her neck, "I could be that man. I'd like to be him."

He gently tilted her face upwards towards his with his hand while his other arm wrapped around her waist gently. He leaned in and closed his eyes covering most of the remaining distance between their lips, but paused for only a moment to allow her to refuse his advancements one last time...

[Iuchi Yukarin]

Which was something that didn't happen; Her kiss was cute and gentle, the kiss of a young maiden and not an experienced woman. She broke it soon afterwards, blushing, "You did say you would carry me up a mountain just to see a beautiful view together. I could hardly refuse such a noble and... romantic offer..."

Her hands gently held his shoulders as she softly said that.

[Soshi Yuuru]

His kiss too, while passionate, was not of a man with many lovers. He smiled and gently massaged her neck with his thumb and index finger while his other hand gently scratched her lower back. "I am pretty noble... from time to time." He chuckled and opened his eyes to look affectionately into hers.

He smiled handsomely and gently kissed her on the cheek, "And for any woman who'd be my wife... there'd be plenty of romance and support."

He chuckled, "This morning has gone wonderfully. I thought I may have left this yurt zeni-less... but instead I feel I've gained a great deal more than I've spent."

[Iuchi Yukarin]

Yukarin chuckled softly, blush still tinging her cheeks, "Why would I take money from someone I am considering sharing finances with in the future. Besides, I'd always heard the Scorpion considered information the most precious commodity; And I certainly received plenty of that."

[Soshi Yuuru]

"I'm just making a bit of an investment... one that I really am beginning to hope pays off big dividends." He smiled and kissed her on her forehead. He then leaned in and kissed her again tenderly on the lips, only for a moment.

"Whether it be coin or knowledge, I'm willing to give of everything I have for the right match. I'm not one to hold anything back from those who hold my trust. Keep that in mind when you think about me... Maybe choosing me is a bit of a wild choice, but who ever gets me... gets someone who is devoted to making sure his wife is happy, accomplished, and loved. Someone to be at their side no matter what trials and stressful times lie ahead."

[Iuchi Yukarin]

Maybe it was a mood killer, but... "You say that for myself. And I think similarly for you. Are... there any of my clanmates you have met that you would also be willing to give your everything to in your trust? Or would any other simply be someone to fulfill your duty with?"

[Soshi Yuuru]

He smiled and ran a hand through her hair, "I've talked to several, but there's no one like you Yukarin. I speak the way I do because I don't wish to pressure you into anything you aren't ready to commit to. You're a truly beautiful woman, smart, funny, caring, and easy to talk to. I wouldn't be surprised if there were several men chasing after you. It's how these things work or so I'm told... I'm making my pitch. Like I said, I don't require you to commit your undying love for me now, but I will offer mine to the woman whom I marry. And to be honest... I really hope it's you. It's the direction my heart is telling me I should pursue, and my mind sees no issues with my heart. In fact it continues to think of many great possible futures together... it's excited by the prospect of being with you."

He kissed her gently on her forehead, "But... call me old fashioned... I will reserve my undying love and devotion to the woman I marry. It is only fair to be completely loyal to one's companion. Whether that person is you or not... depends largely on what you decide you want. I won't force your hand. I respect your decision making capability."

He put his hand on her chin and then kissed her gently on the lips again, "But I hope you'll keep letting me make my pitches until the time for choosing has come. There's still much much more I'd love to learn about you."

[Iuchi Yukarin]

"I would like little more than for you to continue to do so... arigato."

Yukarin closed her eyes as he kissed her and she answered him, only opening them after the moment passed, "And you are right; I have certainly seen interest from maybe a half dozen men so far. Every one with a pitch. But... well, you have the right of it; My heart is excited by you, but I will not let it commit until I know what situation I will be ending up in. That said, I will do what I can to try to make sure that situation and my desires end close at hand together."

[Soshi Yuuru]

He smiled, but this one hid a bit where the others hadn't. "I wish you the best in your search."

He then gave her waist a gentle squeeze, "May your heart and mind bring you back to me."

[Iuchi Yukarin]

She was about to reach out and put a hand over his heart when a memory flashed back, and her hand lowered again, "It will. At least once more, and likely many more.

A soft smile before Yukarin scooted back so her tush was back on the cushion fully, "I seem to have let the rest of my tea cool off."

[Soshi Yuuru]

He smiled, "I have some more if you'd like it. I think I may have been equally responsible for its cooling."

[Iuchi Yukarin]

"Not that's a bad thing per say, with the weather being as hot as it's been; It was more of a statement about the passing of time and distraction than a negative judgement."

She downed the rest of the tea in the cup after saying this.