Event-less Afternoon (D3, EA Open)

[Usagi Tomoe]

"They better," she huffed jokingly, "or I might get angry."

"But I bet you're hoping for some sort of wrestling test or something to prove yourself even more? I know an athletic obstacle course or something would just lead to bruises and a broken nose for you."

[Soshi Yuuru]

He chuckled, "So much confidence in your friend."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"You, good sir, are the biggest klutz this side of the River of Gold," said the other klutz on that side.

[Soshi Yuuru]

"The pot speaks... and what does it say?" He smiled.

[Usagi Tomoe]

"E-enough with your clever remarks, monkey!" her cheeks turned a bit red.

"I'm just overeager sometimes. That's what sensei said!" Probably part of the reason why he gifted her with a pet tortoise. The other reason because its shell would probably be hard enough to survive her tripping and falling on it.

[Soshi Yuuru]

He chuckled, "You're cute when you're flustered, you know that?"

[Usagi Tomoe]

Tomoe pouted, her cheeks still red. "I... you're just teasing me now!"

[Soshi Yuuru]

"Do you really think so? Or would you like to think I am?" He smiled handsomely.

[Usagi Tomoe]

"Th-that's..." she stuttered, temporarily made speechless.

"You're mean."

[Soshi Yuuru]

He chuckled, "I don't think so. You just have the misfortune of knowing one of the few straight-forward Scorpion."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"It's mean because... because you flirt with me like that and we're here to marry others." she blushed still.

[Soshi Yuuru]

He smiled but a bit more intently than before and nodded gently, "I'm not here to distract you from that little bunny. You're special to me for what you've done for me, and a lot of what I'm looking for you already have."

He looked into her eyes while he spoke, "So you'll excuse me a bit if I compliment you and tell you how great I think you are on occasion? There is a part of me that wishes the circumstances were a bit different... A better man would probably press it down and hide it... but I'm not all that noble unfortunately. I promise not to get in the way of you finding someone that you deserve and will treat you well. Somebody a bit more noble than I hopefully."

His smile was warm and reassuring if not a bit forced into that shape because of the bitter-sweet nature of his promise.

[Usagi Tomoe]

A part of her wanted to say she liked him too, even if he teased her and she was sometimes never sure if he was doing it for fun or being sincere, but he made her laugh and had always stood up for her for the time they had known eachother.

"I like you too, Yuuru..." she admitted with a fierce blush and a smile. "You'll always be dear to me. Even when you make me want to shove you into the River of Gold."

[Soshi Yuuru]

He smiled, "As long as you're there to bring me back. I'm fine with getting a little wet."

He reached up his hand gently and brushed her cheek and smiled, "You're a great woman Tomoe-chan. And you'll only get better as you age. It's been my pleasure to know you and be your little project."

[Usagi Tomoe]

Tomoe placed a hand over his. "Please... you're sounding like we're never going to see eachother again."

"You're fun, but sometimes frustrating, but you've grown into a fine man, Yuuru-kun. You always make me smile and feel better, and... I'm glad you're here. I still want to be your friend, even after we leave this place and go to the new parts in our lives."

Daringly the Hare quickly gave the Scorpion a small peck on the cheek.