Sake and Stars [D9 LE, expecting]

[Iuchi Yukarin]

She tilted her head a little, "Well... I mean... whatever sounds right to you; My oniisan always calls me Rin-chan in private, but my oneesan calls me imouto. And I don't mind their different way of approaching things. So I won't mind what feels right to you."

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

"Hmmm." Tomonaga said. "I'll have to think about it. But I kinda like saying your full name. Yukarin." He nodded, then gave her a smile. "And I kinda liked Tomo, as well, when you said it. Maybe without the -sama, though."

[Iuchi Yukarin]

"Mmm... but you're such a elegant and sharp person, and seem so... together; It feels like something you DESERVE, if you know what I mean..."

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

Again, Tomonaga laughed softly. "Well, okay, I won't argue with how you see things. Maybe that's why I've never called you Yukarin-chan, even as we keep getting closer. It's not that you're not adorable, because you are, but you're also such a complete person..." He shrugged, not entirely sure of himself.

He tilted his head, looking at her. "Is that how you see me, Yukarin-san?" He asked, his voice soft. "Elegant, sharp? Together?" His cheeks were just a touch pink; he sipped his sake.

[Iuchi Yukarin]

"Mmm!" she gave a nod after drinking some more sake and lowering the cup, "You are... well... like one of those samurai noblemen from a story. Very honourable and courteous and sincere. It's like you give me something to aspire to and admire, in addition to your charmingness."

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

Tomonaga smiled, looking thoughtfully into his cup. "That... really means a lot to me that you think of me that way. I think I should aspire to that image, myself." He took another sip.

His eyes went up, seeking hers. He leaned forward. "But Yukarin-san, I hope that doesn't mean that you think that I'm above you or anything, because I'm not. I look at you, and I see intelligence, and humor, and kindness." He smiled. "The beauty doesn't hurt, either. So... believe me when I say it goes the other way, too."

He slid closer then, moving to sit next to her rather than across from her. He leaned back slightly, inviting her to lean against him.

[Iuchi Yukarin]

An invitation she gladly took up; The evening in the shade was a bit chilly, "I won't pretend it doesn't feel that way sometimes; That you're above me that is, or I'm not worthy of you. Your praise of me is honestly internalized... but it also slips off quickly. I just FEEL plain and ignorant and foreign amongst everyone else here, somehow."

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

As she leaned against him, Tomonaga put his arms around her. "You're cold." He murmured softly. Gently, he squeezed her, although the strength in his arms was tangible, as was his warmth.

"No, not at all!" He said, his brow creasing as he looked at down at her face. "Yukarin-san... there are any number of amazing talented people here. But none have impressed me as much as you. That's why I sang for you, that other day. And if that didn't make my feelings clear enough, well, let me do so now."

[Iuchi Yukarin]

Yukarin shook her head, "Your thoughts and feelings are not in doubt, no. I was surprised by others singing about me and what they sang of... but not with you."

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

"Mmm." Tomonaga murmured. Was that good, or not? Regardless, reminded, he bent his neck to kiss the top of her head.

"It sounds kind there is something in doubt, then? You want to tell me about it?"

[Iuchi Yukarin]

"We all have doubts... don't we? Or... were you asking about doubts in regards to something... I mean... very specific?"

She looked slightly up at him as she asked this.

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

"Yeah, I guess I am." Tomonaga said. He smiled down at her. With their faces so close, it would be easy to kiss her... wait, more taking first.

He cleared his throat. "I guess I'd like to know, Yukarin-san... if my feelings aren't in doubt, is there something that is? And I mean of us. Because 'us' is something that I've been thinking about a lot, lately."

[Iuchi Yukarin]

"It is something I have been thinking a lot about too, believe me."

She offered a small smile, "All yesterday when I was sick under the blankets, just me and Fuwafuwa, I was thinking about my future, and what OUR future could mean..."

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

For a moment, Tomonaga's face showed confusion, but then realization dawned. "Of, of course. Fuwafuwa was your puppy." He gave her an amused look. "I named mine Dash. But hey, next time you're sick, let me know! I'll come keep you company."

His eyes softened at her words. "I like the sound of that." He said. One of his hands came up to stroke her cheek. "Yeah, that's pretty much what I've been thinking about, too." His smile grew. "Would you like to share your thoughts with me, Yukarin-san? Or do you want me to go first?"

[Iuchi Yukarin]

"Hai... Fuwafuwa was a very polite puppy. And... if you could go first, I think I will have questions. I know I already do."