After a Duet (Day 7, LE, Yuki's Yurt)

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki still looked quite flush and her hair was disheveled. She kept her eyes on the ground as Hirase sat. She saw the neutral face, and recognized it from when her own parents used it.

"Ano... it really wasn't Butaj-san's fault... It was my fault, don't be mad at him." She paused. "I had smoked some to calm my nerves after the day, help me relax and... get my mind off of things, and Butaj came in with pilav, so I had some, but it was too hot and water wasn't helping so he gave me kumis, which did. Then we were getting comfy, and he gave me a kiss and I just..." Her blush grew in embarrassment. "So it wasn't really Butaj's fault."

[Asako Hirase]

"I wasn't going to blame him." Hirase's tone was a bit gentler than the expression, at least. "I was going to blame you." One corner of his mouth briefly lifted. "You should have never been alone in here with him, even if you were planning nothing more than a discussion and tea. When it became clear you were going to take altering substances, then it became even more imperative that you put some kind of barrier between you; a social one of publicity would have been easiest."

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki flumped down on the furs, which caused the notes she'd been given to float up a bit, and perhaps gave a better view to the book she'd been lent.

"Hai, hai. It just all happened so fast, and after the songs today..." She trailed off, smiling a little as she remembered it.

[Asako Hirase]

"It's a healthy reaction." In fact, Hirase was happy for her that it seemed Yuki's nascent passions would be a match for Butaj's,Fortunes willing. "Now that you know what to expect, however, you know you'll need to take steps. It would be best for both of you. Being roused to performance readiness and then denied can become painful, after a time, and I know you wouldn't want that for either of you."

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki nodded and patted down her hair a bit. "Hai, I will keep this in mind... and probably put away anything that may reduce my inhibitions for awhile." She looked down at the box.

[Asako Hirase]

"Likely wise." He smiled, teasing. "Or at least don't mix the two types, neh? Kumis can sneak up on you. I should know." He laughed, quietly. "Both times I've visited the Unicorn tents, I've left with a rather healthy level of inebriation. A Moto's fault both times, insofar as they provided the beverages." Dark eyes sparkled with merriment. "I wish I'd thought to bring shouchu...then the geta might be on the other foot."

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki blushed. "I didn't... really know I had that in me." That confession only caused the blush to grow worse, then she nodded. "Hai, no more mixing." Yuki giggled. "Maybe once we get back to Phoenix lands you can do that to Butaj."

[Asako Hirase]

"I still hope not to be going back." His tone grew wistful. "Though it looks unlikely that hope is achievable." Then he forced a smile for her. "But I will certainly arrange some for you two as a wedding gift, regardless."

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki smiled a little. "Well, I still hope for that too. I just, thought you might go back home before the wedding."

[Asako Hirase]

He shook his head, slowly. "I hadn't intended it. Many miai end with weddings, after all, and I came prepared. Even if I wanted to go back, I would have difficulties. I surrendered the house I was in to my replacement; I even surrendered the cat." He paused, then said, "Please don't tell Ichiro that, though." Then, going on, he said, "I brought him along for that reason. I wanted to be ready to integrate at once."

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki blinked at that. Wow, he really hadn't intended to come back at all. She hadn't even realized it all this time. "Well, if you do get married I know what I will get you for a wedding present. And if you do not, you are welcome to stay with my family until something can be decided on." She nods at that.

She then started to laugh.

[Asako Hirase]

Something that might best be called 'deviousness' flashed over his features, though in her inebriated state it might be easy to miss.

"Paying a call on your family would have....advantages."

As she laughed, he raised a brow. "What?"

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki was caught in a fit. "No, I just... I just thought of what it will look like to my family if I come home with you and Butaj. They'd probably think you were my betrothed." She burst out into another fit of laughter.

[Asako Hirase]

Based on the very little information he had on her family, yes, they were probably that stupid.

"That would pass very quickly; my affection for you is clearly fraternal. His is even more clearly anything but." Hirase chuckled a bit. "He will be a shock to many. A good one, I think, in the long run. We can be as hidebound as Imperials, sometimes, and trapped in our books. It is important for someone of flesh and bone to introduce new ideas now and then."

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki smiled. "That's why some will be confused at first." She giggled more. "Though, I think Father will be a bit surprised to learn I will be staying with the family, at least for awhile." She paused. "He'd had hopes that I could find a new life among the Unicorn."