The Greatest Dream Ever (Open)

With Okane's birthday party fast approaching, Kitsuki had thrown herself into planning the greatest display of love and affection that had ever been attempted in ninja history. When she wasn't running Kirigakure, she was designing her outfit, planning Okane's gift, and prepping other niceties that were sure to win him over. The Heavenly Emporium was a fantastic place to get work done. She loved her homeland but Kirigakure was a dangerous place. Kit didn't feel physically threatened but the conspiracies, subterfuge, and political intrigue made it hard to enjoy herself, especially when it concerned someone she felt strongly about. Her crush on Okane was a point of vulnerability that could be used against her by her enemies if she wasn't careful. Therefore, she decided to do most of her prep work at the Emporium's Municipal Library.

She worked towards the back section of the building on a large desk with books covering almost every inch of it. Sheets of composed music along with accompanying music theory books, sketches for her custom outfit, reference and research materials for rare alloys, and of course, guides on how to win a man's heart. It was all rather embarrassing but fortunately few ever bothered Kit in this section of the library. It was more or less isolated. She worked herself to exhaustion and the area was so quiet and peaceful that she couldn't but fall asleep right there. The cane she kept had slipped from her grip and landed next to her chair. Kit lay her head over her crossed arms and resolved to just "rest her eyes" for a few minutes. Before she knew it, she was in the midst of a blissful sleep.

As Kitsuki slept, she dreamt. The dream began as most dreams do, with her in the middle of a scenario with no idea of how she got there. The scene constituted itself around her and Kitsuki found herself in a beautiful wedding gown with a bridal veil. She was wearing just the right amount of makeup and she was holding a bouquet of her favorite flowers. There was a moment of confusion and she looked around to find herself standing on the same raised platform that Lily had used back when she was taking her measurements.

"Are ya just gonna stand there or are ya gonna pick sumthin ya like?"

Kitsuki whirled around to see her big sister Katsumi sitting in a nearby chair. The Princess saw herself in the mirror and was delighted at how gorgeous she looked. She still didn't know why she was in a wedding gown though.

What? she either thought or said. As if reading her thoughts, Katsumi replied: "Ya know...for the wedding? We don't got all day ya know!" That's right the wedding! The moment instantly shifted and Kitsuki's mind was flooded with images of dates between her and Okane, an unforgettable proposal, and months of wedding planning. The scene melded and rapidly transitioned as she found herself suddenly walking down a long aisle. She was being escorted to the altar by her father and standing there at the front where the two men that she adored most in the world. Headmaster Sukimori was wearing a priestly robe. He would be presiding over the ceremony. This was rather ironic as Kit knew that he was an atheist and was fairly skeptical of organized religion. Nevertheless, her brain was obviously reconciling her desire for a traditional fairytale wedding with the need to place her mentor in a central position. The Headmaster was smiling as though not at all untroubled that he had been de-throned from his status as her primary crush. Kitsuki looked to her Dad and saw how he beamed with pride as they walked to where Okane waited.

Kitsuki turned her head to the side and saw that the pews were filled with so many people. It was as if the entire village had come to see her marriage. There were so many people she recognized, some were friends, a few were enemies, but all of them seemed happy. She saw Hana, Chigetsu, Arisu, Katsumi, Emiki-chan, Ryosei, Toshiyuki, Irui, Rini, Kiyoko, Kensai, Nozomi, Akihiro, Esen, Ikomiki, Kyoji, and Lily. Even Sayuri and Sero were present. Kit's marriage to Okane was only part of what made this dream so memorable. The other factor in the equation was how peaceful everything seemed. There was no violence, no drama, nothing that could spoil the moment. For that one instant, the world was all about love and togetherness. Before she knew it, Kit was standing in front of Okane. He appeared one hundred times more handsome in her dreams than he did in person. It was as if a sculptor had carved his body from pure gold. Everything about him was perfect, his alabaster skin, his long black hair, his immaculately groomed yet masculine hands. Kitsuki looked up to him and her eyes began to water as he lifted the veil.

"Kitsuki Kurahasa, do you take Okane do be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Kit hesitated for a moment. This was a big decision and she had skipped over the whole dating-courtship phase in her dream. She wavered for a moment and sought reassurance from the one thing she knew she could always count on. She turned to the front row and saw her guardian Angel Zizz sitting there. The creature looked very much unlike her normal self. The Chronokinetic Universal Builder was about the size of a tall woman and her wings were neatly tucked in behind her. She was wearing clothes too, an elegant golden dress with pearls sewn into the hem. Zizz smiled and gave two thumbs up.

"You go girl!" she whispered.

Kit turned back to her Headmaster and then to Okane.

"I do"

When she looked into Okane's eyes, she saw nothing but unconditional love. He had shed the coyness that he exuded and was now her's completely and totally. There'd be no more games, no more flirting, no more uncertainty as to where she stood. They would be together forever. When Headmaster Sukimori turned to Okane and asked him: "Do you Okane Tomi take Kitsuki do be your lawfully wedded wife?" She already knew what the answer would be.

"I do"

The Headmaster-Priest shut his holy book and smiled as he looked at the two of them.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Now for the moment she had been waiting for since the moment she had laid eyes on him. Okane leaned forward while she closed her eyes and puckered her lips.

This is the best dream eve-

With Shin gone to the Summit, Mitsu was once again friendless in Iwagakure. There were plenty of people to talk to; shopkeepers, accountants, guards and the like. But as much as she wanted to have lots of friends, she was still plagued by her unusual fear of groups of people. She was starting to understand on some base level where this fear was coming from. But understanding it didn’t make it go away. So she still avoided large groups, still jumped when someone spoke too loudly or moved too quickly, and she still cried.

She had been given permission to take care of Shin’s house while he was gone, and she stayed there as much as she could, which was almost all of her waking hours and all of her sleeping ones. When she had first laid eyes on Shin’s home she had imagined sitting in the large front window and looking out at the people as they walked by. And finally she got that opportunity. She spent hours in the evening with a hot cup of tea in her hands and wearing nothing but one of Shin’s shirts, just sitting and watching out the window. She had been lonely enough that she had taken to sleeping in his bed and wearing his shirt, it made her feel as though he was still there. That shirt was the only thing she didn’t clean in the house, dreading the day when she would stop being able to smell him on it. When the sun was out she would be in the front of the house creating a flower garden. She loved flowers and plants and nature, and she figured that if those things made her smile, then maybe they would put a smile on his face too. Roses and lilies, peonies and violets.

When the opportunity presented itself for her to board the Heavenly Emporium one day, she took it. Although Iwagakure had an extensive library, she needed a change of scenery anyway and the excuse to ‘go purchase some new books’ was not that far fetched. She decided against wearing only Shin’s shirt when heading to the floating city, choosing instead to don a less gossip worthy ensemble. It still included Shin’s black shirt, but it was worn over a small white skirt that nearly blended in perfectly with her unnaturally pale skin and white hair, and her pinkish hued eyes stood out all the more for it. She was polite and friendly as she walked through the town, keeping to herself and only offering a smile if someone managed to make eye contact with her. Which didn’t happen often as she kept her head down while she walked. She knew her way around, more or less. When she had been here for negotiations with the Kaifeng family she had spent some time familiarizing herself with the technological marvel.

Finding her way to the library was a piece of cake. If that cake was made of ‘you failed the last time you were here you idiot’. She swore she could feel people judging her as she walked; whispering and pointing. . . staring. By the time she made her way to the library she was practically in tears over her imaginings. She was glared at by a stern looking librarian as she sniffled her way around tables and piles of books, finally passing through a doorway and into the back most section of the library. She assumed she would be alone and started walking towards a nearby table when her brain finally caught up with her. She was not alone, and the table she was walking towards was not empty. The table was covered in papers and books and there was a woman seated in front of it, who seemed to have been studying for too long as the dark haired woman was fast asleep. Mitsu would have just turned and left, but as she made to leave she noticed a golden cane laying on the floor as though it had been dropped. Never one to allow people to suffer if there was something she could do about it, Mitsu picked up the cane. In this case ‘suffer’ would likely have been ‘mildly inconvenienced’, but it was all the same to Mitsu - she had to help people. The cane had a nice weight to it and Mitsu could imagine herself twirling it as she danced, it probably would have been wonderful. But instead she would very gently place a hand on the sleeping woman’s shoulder and try to wake her in her musical voice. “Excuse me, I’m so sorry to wake you. You dropped your cane and I wanted to make sure to give it back to you.” She would speak as soothingly as she could, worried that the woman might awaken with a start.

Before Kit could complete the thought and seal their love with a kiss, she felt herself being pulled out of the moment. It was the familiar sensation would had when waking from a dream although mercifully in this case, it wasn't done suddenly. The voice calling her back to the reality was soothing. The sort of natural melody that Maestro Ko would have appreciated. Kitsuki could hear the notes in ever syllable and though she was disappointed that the dream had ended early, she couldn't have asked for a more gentle awakening. She slowly opened her eyes and looked around. She felt the wet slick of fresh drool from the corner of her mouth and immediately became self-conscious of her slack-jawed sleeping.

With lightning quick reflexes, Kitsuki produced a handkerchief from her inner jacket pocket and dabbed the corner of her lips. She hastily mopped up and tossed the evidence into a nearby waste basket. She cast a few furtive glances around her and hoped that no one had seen her in such an unseemly state. No one except the kind pale woman that was handing her cane to her. Kitsuki was pretty defensive about her possessions so the fact that the woman was holding her cane, even if only to give it back, filled her with dread and suspicion.

How could I be so stupid!? While I was slobbering over Okane in my dreams someone could have made off with Amicus Curiae!

Banditry was prohibited in the Heavenly Emporium but she would be foolish to rely on the city's security. Kit's cane was the stuff of legends and it might prove too tempting a prize for even the most well behaved of rogues. This lady, however, didn't appear to have such intentions. Kit's concerns faded as she looked into Mitsukira's eyes and saw a remarkable degree of innocence. Either that, or she was the finest sociopath to ever grace the floating city. Kit gently took the cane from her and rose to her feet so that she could properly thank the woman.

"Thank you...I must have dozed off..." she rubbed the last bits of sleep from her eyes. The dream was magical, but it was just a dream. She'd tuck it in with other happy memories and leave it there. It was time to face reality. Kitsuki smiled at the albino kunoichi. With one hand resting on the pommel of her cane, she offered the Good Samaritan a handshake.

"Princess Kitsuki Kurahasa of Kirigakure...its nice to meet someone who isn't a ruthless opportunist" she said this jokingly and with a twinkle in her eye. There were so many cut-throats in the ninja world whenever you met a kind soul, it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Mitsu took a step back as the sleeping woman woke up slowly, removing her hand from her shoulder while holding out the cane. Mitsu noticed the bit of drool at the corner of the woman’s mouth but said nothing. Mitsu wasn’t even trying to be polite, it was just not something she thought was particularly noteworthy. While others might seek not to embarrass the woman, Mitsu didn’t see anything to be embarrassed about. As the woman moved quickly to take a handkerchief from her jacket pocket, Mitsu flinched and took another step back. She immediately cursed herself at the automatic reaction. ‘It’s just a handkerchief Mitsu, no one is trying to hurt you. Relax.’

Mitsu would offer a smile as the dark skinned woman thanked her, admiring the way she stood with her cane. Mitsu could tell the cane belonged to her, she wouldn’t have needed any confirmation other than the way she stood holding it. She looked completely at ease, like she’d stood that way a thousand times. When she was offered a handshake, Mitsu would extend her own hand to greet the woman and then a look of shock and horror would spread across her face as she immediately retracted her hand and dropped to her knees. ‘She’s royalty?! Why, oh why do I mess everything up?’

She heard Kitsuki introduce herself as a Princess and she felt ashamed and guilty. So of course, in true Mitsu fashion, she apologized profusely. “My apologies Kitsuki-hime, I didn’t know who you were. I. . . not that it matters, and oh Universe. . . I touched your cane. I’m so sorry, please don’t be angry. I meant no disrespect.” She wasn’t yet crying, that would come later most likely, but she was mortified. She was in the presence of royalty and she had woken her up by touching her, had been holding what was probably some important royal relic and now she was making a scene in a library. So basically it was a typical day for Mitsukira. She kept stammering as she realized that also not at least giving her name so that the Princess could admonish her was equally rude. “Mitsukira Tatsudashi of Iwagakure, your Highness. Please forgive me.” She would remain kneeling and looking down at the floor unless given leave to do otherwise.

Kitsuki noticed how frightened Mitsukira acted when she reached into her inner jacket pocket. ⵜⵀⵉⵙ oⵏⴻ ⵙⵓⵔⴻ ⵉⵙ ⵊⵓⵎpⵢ Zizz mused. The tiny Angel was but a speck in Kit's hair, yet her thoughts "rang" through Kit's head loud and clear. She probably recognizes me. The brute that blew her own Mizukage to pieces in front of a city.... Kitsuki was used to these kinds of reactions from others back in Kirigakure. She didn't think it was a function of Mitsu's timid nature. As narcissistic as it came across, she automatically assumed that the fear was directly related to the stories of how she had violently deposed the Mizukage. There were probably all sorts of false and defamatory stories about how the fight went down. Stories that had made many people afraid of Kitsuki, no matter how nice she appeared or how polite she behaved. It made it hard to make new friends and she was running quite low on old ones to reach out to.

That didn't mean the WASP would stop trying. Every day was a new opportunity to make a positive impression. She'd try the same with Mitsukira, hoping against hope that she could lower the girl's guard and get her to realize that the person standing before her wasn't a monster, but a saint. At first she thought her joke and smile had won Mitsukira over. The albino moved to shake her hand but then suddenly dropped to her knees to bow. Mitsukira was under the impression that Kitsuki was the sort of royal who would cut off your hand for touching their property, slice out your tongue for speaking to them without being spoken to, and throw your family into sulfur for failing to bow in the first instance.

Kitsuki was no such thing. In fact, she wasn't really a "royal." She was of relatively humble birth. Kit's family might have been fairly rich, but they were not landed nobles and she had no lineage of high birth that she was aware of. Kit's title had been bestowed for political purposes and was now more of an eccentric formality than an accurate description of her background. She did like it though. It had a nice ring to it, at least when it was coming from her own mouth and not others. Kit shook her head and her afro-pig tails went flying.

"No no please, get up you don't have to...." Kit realized her voice shot up an octave too loud. Even though they were in the back of the library, people could still hear them. A few annoyed faces from various sections of the library turned towards them and an aggressive Shhhh! was thrown in their direction. Kitsuki stooped down and gently grabbed Mitsu by the arm with her free hand. She aimed to pick her up from off her feet. The gesture was symbolic of how Lords and Ladies at court might help their subject to a standing position after a show of submission. It was meant to signify that a good ruler accepted surrender graciously and helped their foes back on their feet once tribute was paid.

Once your enemy kneels, you should consider helping them back on their feet....otherwise no enemy will ever kneel again. It was a wise lesson from her Headmaster.

Kitsuki whispered in Mitsukira's ear. "You don't have to kneel Mitsukira Tatsudashi of Iwagakure and you didn't disrespect me at all. You were as polite as you are radiant" Kitsuki smiled and dusted Mitsu off. Hopefully the compliment would soothe her nerves. Clearly this one had a very low self-esteem, that, coupled with her probable fear of Kitsuki, was making her act out. "And don't worry about my cane....you did the right thing returning it to me. I'd rather someone honorable hold it and return it to its rightful owner than a thief steal it...."

Mitsu was terrified. Being terrified was a constant state of being for her now, or at least for the last year. The Princess hadn’t made any threatening remarks or gestures, but that was always the worst. When it wasn’t readily apparent that she was in danger, that was typically when she was most in danger. She silently begged the Universe to have mercy on her as she knelt in front of Kitsuki. She was just so tired of being afraid, tired of worrying constantly about all of her actions and words. Today of all days when she had come to escape the things she feared in a place she thought would be safe, she didn’t want to need to fear.

And for once, the Universe answered loud and clear.

Mitsu couldn’t help but flinch as Kitsuki touched her; she hadn’t been looking at the woman and so she didn’t notice her move to lift her from the ground and dust her off. She allowed the Princess to help her rise, all the while trying to will her body to relax as Kitsuki whispered in her ear. Once standing she would offer a smile to Kitsuki, moving away from her so that she was just out of arms reach but not so far as to appear repulsed. Despite her innate fear of everything and especially people being close to her, Mitsu found herself in the Universe’s loving embrace as it thrust Kitsuki towards her with a kind manner and a friendly smile.  

Her first thought was to apologize for making a scene, but she realized that that course of action would only result in her making another scene. Clutching her hands together in front of her she did what Mitsu did best. She was honest. “I uh. . . I wanted to apologize but I know that if I actually start it’ll just be loud and I’ll probably cry. So please don’t take offence, but I’m going to hold off at least until we get out of the library. Um, I didn’t mean to disturb you though, so I can let you get back to. . .” She would look curiously at the books and papers that covered the table where Kitsuki had just been sleeping, leaning over the table to peer at everything without actually touching any of it. Mitsu wasn’t nosy usually, but she had come to the Heavenly Emporium to give herself a distraction and a table covered with mysterious notes, drawings and sheet music seemed like just the thing. She perked up as she saw the music, and the serious and strained look on her face evaporated as a glowing smile overtook her. Mitsu couldn’t read sheet music, but she knew it to look at it. “What are you doing? And can I help? I’m in desperate need of something to focus on other than. . . other things. Oh! Mitsu. Please just call me Mitsu.” She was beaming now as the gentle words of Kitsuki paired with thoughts of music and dance soothed her troubled soul.

When Mitsu flinched at her touch, Kit backed off. She didn't want to force her assistance on the Iwa citizen. But when she looked in Mitsukira's eyes, she could see that it was less that the girl didn't want want to be touched and more that she didn't want to be harmed. Kitsuki wasn't sure what had happened to her, but her guess was that she had a nasty run-in with royalty in the past and the experience had traumatized her. Eventually though, Mitsukira would allow her to help her up and she even returned her smile. She kept her distance though and Kit was more than willing to respect that.

Mitsukira proceeded to meekly explain herself to Kitsuki. She didn't interrupt or tell her that she was being silly. She merely listened and demonstrated nothing but openness and understanding. There was no use telling Mitsu that she had nothing to fear or that she was being overly apologetic. If she did, Kit would only succeed in making her more neurotically guilty and fearful. Mitsu was about to leave Kit to her preparations when she noticed just what it was that the Princess had been working on. Kit didn't stop Mitsu from peering over her notes. She knew to do so would crush the girl's confidence and on the off-chance Mitsu knew Okane then Kit was sure she could get this one to keep a secret. Kit watched as Mitsu's fear turned to curiosity. She's kinda like a child... Kit thought to herself. She'd only seen children go from inconsolable to excited so quickly. She wasn't sure what in Mitsu's life made her the way she was, but the Princess accepted her all the same for it.

Mitsukira asked what the notes were and if she could help. The correct answer was "No." Kitsuki's piece was incredibly complex. It would take Mitsukira months if not years to get the rudiments of music theory down. Composing orchestra music was next-to-impossible unless you played at least two instruments, had studied the subject professionally, and were guided by a skilled mentor. If Mitsukira didn't meet these qualifications (and she didn't or she'd have recognized their content right away) then she was not likely to be of much substantive help. Kitsuki, of course, would never say this. She was afraid that their initial encounter would end with yet another person being afraid of her, but Mitsu appeared to cast aside her doubt. She was genuinely interested in a subject that Kit held dear and she wouldn't throw cold-water on this stranger's curiosity. In fact, it might be helpful to get a laywoman's ear on what Kit was composing. Kit didn't know if Okane was a fan of classical music and the audience was certain to consist of the uninitiated. Kitsuki's concert needed to wow the spirit of both the critics and the average joe. The fashion pieces could also use another eye and given what Mitsu was wearing, she had enough taste to know what would look good and what would look like garbage.

She might have trouble expressing herself honestly though....oh well...I'll just read between the lines and even if she praises everything so long as she feels comfortable and not a nervous wreck, I guess that's fine too.

Kit stood next to Mitsu (not too close) and pointed to the sheets of music. "That's a musical piece that I'm composing for an upcoming concert" she pointed to the sketches for her outfit. "And that's a sketch of what I plan on wearing. I design clothes and make music. Its kind of my thing" she said with a friendly shrug. "And yes, yes, I'd love to have a second opinion on my work but....just keep everything between you and me. All of this is a surprise for someone very special to me and I don't want them finding out. It would spoil it all."

Kit didn't have the guts to say exactly who she was referring to. She needed to know more about Mitsu first.

"Oh and please call me Kit. None of the Princess Kitsuki stuff"

When Mitsu asked if she could help, she had been fully expecting Kitsuki to say no. Usually people turned her down when she offered her help with things. Especially important things. Mitsu was almost always trusted only with carrying things or some other menial task that even someone like her couldn’t mess up. In fairness though, every time she had been entrusted with a more important task - like ending a war - she had failed abysmally. So maybe it was justified after all, her being relegated to grunt work. ‘Maybe Chen is right about me. . .’

Her doubt only lasted a moment and her look of worry was replaced by a look of pure joy as Kitsuki explained what she was working on and even said she wanted a second opinion. Her pink eye lit up and she would clasp her hands together excitedly beneath her chin as she nodded and practically jumped with glee. “Really?! I can help you? Thank you, I mean to say uh, thank you for trusting me. Or including me. Or both really. And you want to keep it a secret. . .”

Mitsu’s brain caught up then, and she paused for a second on the word ‘secret’ as she felt a knot form in her stomach. Mitsu did not like secrets. So far all the secrets she had were rooted in pain. She had three secrets and they gnawed at her soul constantly, adding a fourth seemed like a terrible idea. But when she went over exactly what Kit had said she felt less like it was a secret and more like something kind and fun. Taking a deep breath she would continue in her overly excited tone. “Okay, um. I can not tell anyone about your surprise as long. . . this is fun right? It isn’t going to hurt anyone or anything?” She didn’t see malice in Kitsuki, but Mitsu didn’t see it in most people and that had been a terrible failing of hers in the past.

Assuming Kitsuki indicated in the affirmative to Mitsu’s questions, she would relax a little and lean against the table that Kitsuki had been working at. She was surprised to hear the woman insist she be referred to by a shortened name. She shouldn't have been surprised at all, seeing as that was the very thing she constantly told others and had even done so just now, but she was surprised all the same. Mitsu had a fairly low opinion of herself that had been carefully crafted over years spent in Iwagakure, and it cast a long shadow over all of her interactions. Her eyes would widen slightly and she would nod, trying out the name in response to Kitsuki’s request. “Kit. Alright, I must admit it feels a bit weird, especially since I know you’re a princess. But it isn’t my place to decide what you should be called, that’s your choice. So Kit it is. . . . Kit and Mitsu are just in the library talking about music and fashion. Yup. Totally normal.” Each sentence that she spoke had a large pause between it and the next one, she was struggling to get past the idea that she could just call Princess Kitsuki Kurahasa just Kit. She eventually laughed at the silliness of herself and shook her head. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be disrespectful. Just need to get used to it is all. And I will. I'll get used to everything eventually.” With an elaborate pirouette Mitsu would turn back to the papers on the table, looking at them once more and even picking up one of the sketches of Kitsuki’s outfit. “This looks fancy, I like it. What are you making all of this for? I mean. . . you already said it was a surprise for someone, but is it a show? A party? Something more. . . intimate?” She would glance over her shoulder towards Kit as she teased, checking to see if she’d gone too far in the ‘totally be friendly with a princess’ department.

Is she...special? Kitsuki was growing concerned about Mitsu's rather eccentric behavior. She didn't really pick up on her cue to settle down and her phrasing went beyond the pale of what even a child would say. She was so timid and innocent that Kit couldn't help but wonder what her deal was. The Iwa shinobi reminded her of her friend Emiki-chan, but whereas Emiki-chan was bold and self-assured in her ignorance, Mitsu had a profound lack of self-confidence. It made the interaction awkward and a lesser woman would have shuffled off and away from the socially challenged albino. Kitsuki wasn't like that though. She saw the joy in Mitsu's eyes when she said she could help. She could hear the light-heartedness in her voice. While she wasn't the most socially sophisticated person Kit had ever met, Mitsu's heart was in the right place and that was enough for this Princess.

I won't judge her. There are too many bad people out there with silver tongues.

When she asked if the secret would hurt anyone, Kit smiled and shook her head. "I promise this is a good surprise. Nothing dangerous or bad." she clarified. Mitsukira clearly had trust issues and Kit figured that the best way to guide her away from that was to constantly re-affirm that she was safe. This was not a conspiracy, it was just some fun event planning. Mitsukira started repeating her shortened name and talking it over like she was telling a story. Kit nodded but said nothing. She was unsure of how to react to Mitsu's weird behavior. When Mitsu executed the pirouette though, Kit took notice. She was something of a dancer herself but unlike music and fashion, she was extremely self-conscious about it. The thought of dancing in front of others made her cringe, despite the fact that she was fairly good at it. Mitsu had no such compunction and Kit found the small act endearing. What she said next though, provoked a flustered reaction. Kitsuki had been leading the conversation from the moment they met, but when Mitsukira asked her if it was for something intimate. She blushed and found herself stumbling over her own words like a high schooler. "NO!" she said an octave too loud. "Its not like that! No, its uh um. I'm n-not, w-we're not. We're just friends!" sJust friends...she thought sadly. The dress was gorgeous and it showed just the right amount of cleavage, but Kit had also made it ultra-classy. She was just trying to look nice and not seduce him.

ⴰⵜ ⵍⴻⴰⵙⵜ ⵏoⵜ ⵛoⵏⵛⵉoⵓⵙⵍⵢ
Quiet you!

She had to hand it to Mitsu though. For someone who came off as ditzy, she sure knew how to hit the nail on the head. Kitsuki wasn't about to confess her feelings about Okane to a stranger however and so she composed herself. "Its just...something for a friend. It will be a lot of fun though and I want to look cute for it." She scratched the back of her head as the honey hue of a blush remained on her mocha-brown cheeks. She wasn't used to thinking of herself in sexual or even attractive terms. It never stopped her from wanting to look pretty though. "I have a few different designs, maybe you can help me p-" Kit had heard a shuffling from the front of the library earlier, but just as she was about to move on from the subject of her crush, the source of the movement inserted itself into their conversation.

Standing before them was a short no-nonsense librarian with  hair wrapped in a tight bun and a book in her arm. For some reason, Kitsuki was reminded of the day she met Chigetsu.

"Perhaps you'd like to read King Fazia's Collection of Essays on the Virtue of Silence hm?" she said in an annoyed tone. "I'm going to ask you both once and only once.....be quiet. This is a library and people are trying to study." She turned to Kit and looked her up and down. "Princess Kurahasa I expected better from you. You are a Lady of the WASP are you not?" Kit didn't respond but her expression was like a ghost. The last thing she wanted was for word of this to get back to her sensei. "Please act like it...and you!" The old librarian turned to Mitsukira. "I could hear you from across the continent. Lower your voice or leave. Final warning." The librarian then shoved the book into Mitsu's hands and marched away. Several patrons gave the two girls satisfied looks and went back to their work. Kit couldn't bear their smugness and so she began gathering her things. Staying at this point would only turn an awkward situation into a straight up parody.

"Maybe we should continue talking outside" she whispered.

Mitsu was very slowly becoming more comfortable in Kit’s presence. It helped significantly that she had something to focus on, like the sketches of a very beautiful and classy outfit. Mitsu was relieved to hear that the surprise Kit had mentioned was a good one, she’d had quite enough bad things in her life and found herself getting excited about helping to do something actually good. When she asked Kit if it was for something more intimate she had been teasing, but she certainly hadn’t expected such a firm denial of the idea. Kit raising her voice had initially caused a slight flinch in the pink eyed woman's features, but as Kit continued to over explain the nature of the relationship a mischievous twinkle would reignite itself there. Mitsu knew that most people viewed her as naive and unintelligent - she’d been told as much more times than she could count. But when it came to people’s emotions, she was no slouch and more observant than she was given credit for. She could hear the intensity behind Kit’s words and as she continued talking she saw the blush on Kit’s cheeks. This wasn’t just a friend, but Mitsu could also see that Kit was struggling with the idea and so Mitsu smiled comfortingly and tried her best to reassure the stammering princess. “Don’t worry, Kit. I said I would keep your secret, and I will. I wasn’t trying to pry. . . well I was, but I wasn’t trying to make you uncomfortable.”

Mitsu listened attentively as Kit began to explain the details but was abruptly cut off as a woman with a book and a glare that could wither flowers made an entrance. Mitsu was mortified, her complexion paled to the point where she looked as though she might be made of wax and she stared wide eyed at what her subconscious inaccurately told her was a current threat to her well being. She hadn’t realized that she was expected to be quiet, she’d rarely ever been told to lower her voice, in the libraries of Iwagakure no one had ever told her the same. Her own parents had never expected her to mute parts of herself, she’d always been encouraged to express herself freely. The stern look and voice instantly reminded of her last interaction with Chen and as a book was thrust into her hands she took it while simultaneously trying to pull away from the angry woman. Thankfully the librarian walked away as quickly as she had arrived and Mitsu was left awkwardly standing with a book clutched to her chest and silent tears pouring from her eyes.

When Kit whispered to her she jumped a little but she nodded all the same, her heart was pounding and her breathing was labored but she managed to gasp out a few quiet words. “I’m sorry, I can help you carry things if you like.” If Kitsuki wanted her help, Mitsu would help gather things up and take them outside the library. If not Mitsu would wait until Kitsuki was ready and follow behind her. Either way Mitsu was subdued and kept her eyes downwards, hoping to avoid angering anyone else.

Kitsuki was glad that Mitsukira respected her boundaries. The subject of her crush on Okane was a sensitive one. She hadn't actually told anyone about her feelings for the man and she certainly wasn't going to open up to a stranger about it, no matter how nice they seemed. Mitsu apologized for prying and promised not to further poke the topic. After their conversation had been interrupted, Kit knew that they'd need to take it elsewhere. She turned to gather her things when she saw that Mitsukira was clutching the book for dear life and crying. The Princess's heart sank as she realized how fragile Mitsu was.

There's no way she can be a member of Iwa's military.


Kit put a reassuring hand on Mitsu's back and smiled "Yes, I'd like that...Make sure you put these designs in this folder and those in this one." It honestly didn't matter a single lick which designs went where but Kitsuki figured the instructions would give Mitsu something to focus on rather than the shame of being publicly lectured. With her acquittance's help, Kit would head to the front desk and check out what she needed from the librarian's assistant. She made a point to avoid the mean old woman lest she invite further abuse. Kit could take it but it was now obvious that Mitsukira could not.

Once she had what she needed, she'd push her way out of the library's double doors and skip down the steps.

Freedom!

She turned to Mitsukira who was hopefully walking behind her with the rest of her stuff. "Sorry about that. They can be pretty strict in there..." not wanting to dwell on the subject she continued. "I have a suite at the Stag Tower! We can keep working there. Maybe order something to eat too. You interested?" Kitsuki smiled and gestured for Mitsu to follow her. She felt fairly comfortable showing this timid Iwa citizen her home away from home. She was confident that she could protect herself from any traps unlikely though it may be and if there was anyone that could use a good day it was certainly this young woman. Who knows maybe she has some really good ideas I could use.... Assuming the invitation was accepted, Kitsuki would lead Mitsu to her quarters back at the tower.

[Exit]

Mitsu focused on organizing things the way Kitsuki asked her to. Surprisingly, Mitsu was rather good at organization; she owed that to her understanding of the natural order of the Universe and its Grand Design. Everything had a place, no matter how apparently random that place seemed to be, and she tried to put everything back where it belonged. Sometimes that didn’t make sense to other people, and they viewed her actions as chaotic, but she could see the Weave and how it aligned with all the things that it was made from. She couldn’t actually see it, it was more of a sensing of it - but it was still what she relied on to bring order to the chaos that she constantly found.

When she and Kitsuki finally made their way out of the library, Mitsu breathed an audible sigh of relief. There were people outside, but at least there were no walls or ceilings to cage her in with them. When Kitsuki apologized for the people inside, Mitsu shook her head in denial. “No, they were right. I was being too loud and breaking the rules. They didn’t do anything wrong. I did.” Mitsu was not being gracious or humble, she sincerely believed that she deserved that treatment. She was however grateful when Kitsuki changed the subject and invited her to continue working at her suite in the Stag Tower. Mitsu’s pink eyes would light up with joy and she would clasp her hands together as she answered excitedly. “Oh yes, I would like that very much.” She would follow after Kitsuki, excited at the prospect of doing a perfectly normal activity with a perfectly normal new friend.

[Exit Thread]