Let the Dice Fall (D9 EE, expecting)

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

Tomonaga's eyebrows went up, which only served to highlight his liquid brown eyes, still alight. "Amaya-san." He said softly. "I was there, too. I'm certainly not going to forget what happened anytime soon. I'm just hoping that it led to more fond memories for you."

[Ide Amaya]

She chews her lower lip, trying to keep her breathing slow and steady, she looks away, her cheek almost touching the little weasel perched on her shoulder, the little weasel who has been still and silent as a miniature gargoyle. "I have not forgotten, I will not easily forget such a thing."

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

Tomonaga watched her for another few moments, his own breathing just a little rough. "That pleases me to hear you say so, Amaya-san." He said.

After a few moments, he spoke again. "I... did what I did because I... well, I felt that you needed it, and that it would please you, and help you with your intended." His lips twist. "But... I would be lying if I denied that I also did it because I wanted to. I hope I don't offend you, but whatever else happens, it will certainly be a fond memory for me."

[Ide Amaya]

She shyly meets his eyes, peering up through long, dark lashes, "I am neither offended nor displeased, Tomonaga-sama. And you will always be kept kindly in my thoughts, especially as I doubt this will be the final time we spend together."

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

Meeting those lovely eyes of hers, Tomonaga slowly smiled. For a few moments, he said nothing, letting the little bit of contact linger. "Amaya-san..." He said, his voice rough. His chest rose and fell noticeably as they shared their glance.

He cleared his throat, straightening. "That's right!" He said with a casual smile. "After all, I've promised you a taste of my sake. And you offered me a chance to visit you in Imperial lands, to try to trade it! Speaking for myself, that's too good of an offer for me to pass up."

[Ide Amaya]

On firmer ground, she lifts her chin to look at him fully, "precisely. But you will always be a welcome guest in my home, successful trade or no."

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

Tomonaga smiled. "Why thank you, Amaya-san. That sounds great."

His voice grew a touch softer. "And, if you should ever find yourself in Yasuki lands, please, come look me up. I'd be happy to have you as a guest." His smile grew just a tiny bit. "And, of course, my home is not so very far from the ocean. Hardly any distance at all on one of your horses. I'd love to show you, if I had the chance."

[Ide Amaya]

She smiles, "I think I should like that, to see if it is all you have promised."

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

"Ah, well," Tomonaga began, the charming crook appearing in his smile once more. "Speaking as a merchant, it's very bad form for me to make a promise that I'm incapable of keeping. If I raise your expectations, it's because I'm positive that they will be met." He leaned forward again, his brown eyes intense. "So, if you have the chance, come visit me. I'll show you the ocean. And I promise you, it will be everything you imagined."

[Ide Amaya]

"Oh, that will never do," there is a hint of teasing in her voice, "as I have said, my imagination is a poor substitute for the real thing, I shall be hoping for so much more than just what I can imagine."

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

Tomonaga's eyebrows went up in appreciation. "Oooh, that's a tall order. Better than you can imagine..." His tone was playful, matching her teasing. "But even if, as a merchant, I shouldn't make a promise I can't keep... if a customer has a desire I think I can fulfill, well, I should move heaven and earth to do so." He nodded. "It's a promise, Amaya-san."

[Ide Amaya]

"Your word is your honour, Tomonaga-sama, and Satsujin here is witness," she reached up and stroked the little creature's fur.

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

Smiling, Tomonaga reached out his hand to the little creature once more, letting it smell him. It also brought his fingers very close to brushing against Amaya's cheek, no more than a hairsbreadth separating them. "Well then, my word is given before witnesses. Errr, a witness, anyway. Close enough. I'll be doubly sure not to break it."

[Ide Amaya]

The weasel placed his front paws on Tomonaga's fingers and proceeded to give the Crab's hand a rather thorough investigation with his pink, twitching nose. Amaya's breath is soft and warm on his wrist. "It seems he's starting to trust you," she says softly.

[Yasuki Tomonaga]

The sensation of Amaya's breath on his wrist was pleasant. Tomonaga could feel his pulse quicken ever so slightly. The memory of the kisses from the day before was rather forefront in his mind.

And yet, it was undeniable that there was a time and place for everything. And as much as it might have been great to kiss her again, right before he went to confess his feelings for another woman didn't really feel like the right time.

Besides, Satsujin was watching.

Tomonaga withdrew with a smile. "I'm glad for that." He said, rising to his feet. "I'm generally good with animals, but lately not so good with weasels. Maybe my luck is turning around."