CALL ME OUT

[precto]

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Comments

[ritsu_kouyou]

[Akiha looked from the sunset to Sion.]

You are thinking too far ahead. We will have to reach this point again. And there will be other factors involved.

...and certain appearances I must maintain. So 'moving in' won't be happening. You will have to keep your own living space in the basement. But you may keep a few things in my room and stay as many nights with me as you wish unless there are guests or anyone from the branch families visiting.

You understand, right?

[computations]

Not quite. What type of appearances must you keep?

[Mostly because she doesn't get it.]

[ritsu_kouyou]

Our kind of relationship is not acceptable in Japan and, though I am the head of my family, I am still considered under age. I must placate the branch families by comporting myself as a proper lady and not displaying anything they would consider deviant behavior. Also, as long as I continue to appear as if I will one day marry, they will seek my favor. Especially after I dismissed my engagement. If I don't, they will try to remove me and shift the power from the Tohno.

[computations]

I...I see. While I understand your reasoning, I still am not fond of it.

[ritsu_kouyou]

It's only until I turn twenty. Then it doesn't matter and they can't take anything away from. Especially you.

[computations]

Three years?

I can wait that much time but...

[ritsu_kouyou]

But what?

[computations]

My birthday wish is that you must make up for all three years while we are here.

[ritsu_kouyou]

...how am I supposed to do that?

[computations]

As much as you read those romance books, I would expect that you would have several good answers.

[ritsu_kouyou]

[HOLY CRAP, DID AKIHA'S FACE TURN BRIGHT RED JUST THEN.

And then she looked down, trying to not feel seventeen.]

[computations]

Akiha? What is the matter?

[ritsu_kouyou]

Noth-- [Akiha's voice squeaked as she started to talk, so she stopped and cleared her throat.] N-nothing. I'm just feeling terribly...

[virginal]

...unprepared.

[computations]

Perhaps you should get prepared. Once the sun sets and we return to our room, it would make a great time to start.

[ritsu_kouyou]

[W-wow...]

Y-you're being unusually forward about this...

[Akiha cleared her throat again. She wasn't sure if she was ready for this step.]

We... we'll need to stop at a store so I can pick a few things up first.

[computations]

It is my birthday. Rituals say I am allowed to be, correct?

What all do you need?

[ritsu_kouyou]

Y-yes, but-- [BREATHE, AKIHA.]

I'm not sure! I'll have to look and see what I can put together since you're giving me little time to prepare! A multi-unit shopping center would be b-best.

[computations]

Judging from your reaction, I am expecting that you would prefer to go alone, yes?

[ritsu_kouyou]

Yes! [Her voice squeaked again, making her face turn red again.]</i<

[computations]

When we head back to the hotel, we can split up. How does that sound?

[ritsu_kouyou]

A-as long as you show me a good place to get a variety of things, including clothing, food and other amenities.

[computations]

There are plenty of places in Cairo to shop that I know of.

[ritsu_kouyou]

Then, pick one near the hotel that has specialty shops and I will... make due.

[computations]

Of course. I will use the time to arrange other things.

[ritsu_kouyou]

Y-yes. You do that.

[She starts to get up, lost in her spinning thoughts, not realizing the sun hadn't quite finished setting yet.]