Checking in (D4, LE)

[Matsu Kogo]

"Indeed, it seems I do," he smiled a smile that probably qualified as anything but charming. "I am glad to know you, Kogo-chan."

She smiles. "As am I." She notices the change in his smile. "Is something the matter?"

[Shinjo Akil]

"No, nothing is wrong," he shook his head, "at least, I do not think so? I am just thinking how fortunate I am in this moment." Then he considered and nodded. "I should tell you that at the moment, Doji Fukawa had informed me that I was the one she holds in highest regard in regards to a potential husband. I do not wish to mislead you into expecting that I will choose you when it seems that there is a good chance I shall be selected instead of selecting."

[Matsu Kogo]

"No, nothing is wrong," he shook his head, "at least, I do not think so? I am just thinking how fortunate I am in this moment." Then he considered and nodded. "I should tell you that at the moment, Doji Fukawa had informed me that I was the one she holds in highest regard in regards to a potential husband. I do not wish to mislead you into expecting that I will choose you when it seems that there is a good chance I shall be selected instead of selecting."

Ahhh. I was wondering... The sparkle leaves her eyes for a moment. "I thank you for your honesty Akil-kun, though it is around unpleasant news. " She pauses, seeking to quiet herself before responding. "I suspect I had not quite understood how the choosing was to be accomplished at this event." She pauses again, using the exercises she was taught to control her emotions. "I said that there was no victory without challenge or edge, did I not? Perhaps this is the sharp side of my words, coming to bite me."

[Shinjo Akil]

He nodded, "I wanted only to make sure you were in no way misinformed," he took a breath, "no matter what happens, I will hold you in highest regard, Kogo-chan. Even if destiny allows not for us to be married, I would hate for this miai to be the last place we see each other."

[Matsu Kogo]

He nodded, "I wanted only to make sure you were in no way misinformed," he took a breath, "no matter what happens, I will hold you in highest regard, Kogo-chan. Even if destiny allows not for us to be married, I would hate for this miai to be the last place we see each other."

She bows, her hair covering her eyes for a moment. "This one thanks you for your regard. I am sorry that I am less able to find words for this moment. It is not the outcome I hoped for."

[Shinjo Akil]

"I know," he frowned, "A lot can still happen, of course. There are still five days left in this miai. But thusfar I have proven rather adept at coming up just short of being held in higher regard by those judging these events." He considered. "She... is a good woman. I would say I hold her in high regard as well. But... I know it is not the happiest thing to hear."

[Matsu Kogo]

"I know," he frowned, "A lot can still happen, of course. There are still five days left in this miai. But thusfar I have proven rather adept at coming up just short of being held in higher regard by those judging these events." He considered. "She... is a good woman. I would say I hold her in high regard as well. But... I know it is not the happiest thing to hear."

She nods. "It is the same with me. I am usually just shy of something. It is why I have been working to improve horseback riding, in hopes that it may put me above others who are not experienced." She shakes her head. "You have made me no promises here Akil-kun. I make none in return. I am...unsure of how to proceed in such a moment." She reaches down and twines her fingers into Noburu's fur, seeking comfort. "It is not what I wished to hear, it is true. And....I am glad for your sake she is one whom you could respect and hold in regard." She swallows for a brief moment. "I must think on this."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Of course, I understand." He nodded, "I am sorry."

[Matsu Kogo]

"Of course, I understand." He nodded, "I am sorry."

She shakes her head. "I am sorry too, that my boldness has put you in an uncomfortable position. It is not the first time a Matsu's fire has burned her. And it is not the first time a Crane has come where a Matsu wished to be." She looks out towards the rain, unable to meet his eyes in this moment.

[Shinjo Akil]

"As I said, I do hope that we will be able to see each other after this miai, no matter what happens." He looked out to the rain as well. "I liked kissing you."

[Matsu Kogo]

"As I said, I do hope that we will be able to see each other after this miai, no matter what happens." He looked out to the rain as well. "I liked kissing you."

She looks at him, thinking that she has finally understood what he is implying. "I enjoyed it as well. It was my first." She moves away from him for a moment, feeling the touchiness of her pride swelling. "I must be off. I hope to hear your playing tomorrow."

Though it will definitely not be as sweet as I hoped it would be.

[Shinjo Akil]

"I will definitely be ready to play," he smiled, bowing to her politely.

I feel like I am an idiot. Am I an idiot? I am an idiot.

[Matsu Kogo]

"I will definitely be ready to play," he smiled, bowing to her politely.

I feel like I am an idiot. Am I an idiot? I am an idiot.

She bows to him, slipping her On back over her face like a mask. Mother was right. I am a fool.

"Good night Shinjo-san."

She leaves, Noburu swishing her tail and looking back at Akil for a brief moment.

/exit

[Shinjo Akil]

"...Good night, Matsu-san," he frowned, looking over to Setem. He stared at his horse for several long heart beats, then makes his way back towards his yurt. Maybe the cold rain wasn't a bad thing.

/scene