#and how rin both resents it and takes advantage of it...

[nohara-rin-dot-mp3]

[in kakashi gaiden] when obito is trying to convince kakashi to rescue rin, he's all like "remember all those times she healed us"

not "she is our friend" or "she was in your care, leader" or any other argument

is obito appealing to kakashi's "rational" side by pointing out rin's "usefulness", or is rin's healing genuinely the first thing that comes to mind when he's looking for reasons?

i think when it comes to looking for reasons, yeah, it's the first thing to come to mind- but it's not why he want to save her, if that makes sense?

like, to me, this moment happens because obito tends to use masks a lot too (everyone in team minato is trading personalities around like trading cards). and he's appealing specifically to the kind of shinobi that kakashi is- so he needs an argument that kakashi would cave to. but also- crucially- obito style masks means that he kind of believes it too. it's not the root (haha) of his desire to save rin; it the justification he's slapping on top of it for kakashi and himself, to a lesser extent.

it's also really interesting that obito taking *off* all masks is what convinces kakashi to take off his OWN mask, and all of that of course has fascinating implications towards how a theoretical "rin unboxing" situation would go... but i digress.

i think that as much as rin dislikes the identifier of mednin, no one really defines her by it- if anything, it's usually just another reason that they see her as a kind girl. rather than a moniker in and of itself, it's a contribution to the Greater Mask. it's also interesting, because if someone genuinely only came to save her because of a pragmatic reason like that, i think she'd be more comfortable with it than kakashi and obito coming for her for what she views to be the wrong reasons- they don't know who she really is, so they can't love her, so they don't want to save her, ect. very interesting to me.

[flowersforone]

So yeah, Yashahime’s first season ended last week and it was an experience. Overall my feelings are mixed, it’s nothing compared to the original manga but it’s not complete shit either. My main beef is how it kind of destroys the original happy ending, at least for Inuyasha and Kagome. The ending is perfect in terms of story telling, the themes of the story, and character development. Like those two worked so hard to be together and Inuyasha waited three years for her, and now you’re not going to have them raise their child. Come on those two deserve happiness, and Inuyasha deserves a family of his own.

 So I’m just going to admit that, that when I heard that Inuyasha was getting a sequel I sort of wanted or expected a mixture slice of life slash action-adventure. Basically like that bonus epilogue with ne-no-kubi, but with the kids being older. Like the original cast's kids are just starting to have adventures of their own, and they tag along to help and make sure the kids don't make the same mistakes they did. Sometimes they meddle in their lives, or are just embarrassing, and they might even argue, but despite all that they still love their kids. In the original series that gang was like a big semi-functional family, as much as they teased each other and argued they still were genuinely friends who cared for each other and I really wish Yashahime capitalized on that. Oh well I won’t hold that against it.

So umm I think that Yashahime could of been written in a way that still mostly preserves the happy ending, but there’s still a plot and shit. First off I’d make Moroha slightly older like 15-16ish, so there’s a more of a maturity gap between her and her cousins and she ends up as the sort of “middle child” of the new generation.   Inuyasha and Kagome could of raised Moroha until she was 12-3, and they suddenly disappear without a trace. She has some knowledge of their disappearance and she knows that it’s somehow linked to Sesshomaru, who she knows is her uncle. She also knows that she has cousins, and she and Setsuna would have already known each other, but the relationship would be muddled because of Setsuna’s memory loss. Obviously Sango and Miroku take Moroha in and help her as best they can, but she still goes into debt because she’s constantly training, she buys an exorbitantly expensive weapon or two and because she’s spending money to search for her parents. She doesn’t want to be a burden on her parent’s friends so she sets of on her own. This also means she’s instantly recognized by Kohaku and Hisui, and that she’s already friends with Kin’u and Gyukoto (who need more screentime.)

Anyway the series should start out with Moroha, because let’s be honest with ourselves how many of us watched Yashahime just because of her. She already a character the audience is emotionally invested in and that should be used to the writers advantage. But she’s not going to be the only main character, because Towa and Setsuna are going to be just as important.

Speaking of character I’d have Kin’u and Gyukoto have more important roles, because they’re adorable and having them with an extremely close bond would contrast with Setsuna and Towa’s relationship. It’s free angst and good for showing how different both sets of twins are.

I’d still have Setsuna and Towa be separated, but I’d definitely have Rin around raising them until the fire. That way she has a more active role in her daughter’s lives and then she would get sealed away trying to protect them or even Sesshoumaru. I’d make it so Rin choose to be sealed in the tree for a good reason.  Setsuna would still lose her memories and Towa would still remember both her sister and their mother. Which would give a little more substance to the conflict and give Towa multiple reasons to stay in the past. Not only does she need to restore Setsuna’s memories she also has or wants to find their mother. The girls would also know their father, and maybe Towa could have a few memories of them being all together. Sesshomaru wouldn’t be that close to his daughters, it would be more like when someone’s parent is in the military or is away for months at a time. (That dynamic is really hard to describe, but you’re close to them, but not really because they’re only like a part time parent.)This way Towa would love her father, but at the same time she resents him because he wasn’t always with his family and he wasn’t there for them when the fire happened and his family needed him. 

So Kirinmaru and Zero are still the strings that tie all this together into a neat package. Sesshomaru convinces Kirinmaru to leave his brother alone. Which is how Inuyasha is able to raise his daughter, but he’s only able to convince for so long before Inuyasha gets sealed away.  Which circles back to Moroha.

Yeah these are just some rough ideas, I might post more later because this is just the tip of the iceberg that is things I would change about Yashahime. Actually I might take these ideas and make them into a fanfic or something. It’s been ages since I wrote fanfic and even longer since I wrote any Inuyasha fanfic but It’s sure tempting. Or I could take the slice of life concept I mentioned earlier and make that into a fan fiction...because do I have plot ideas for that. Or both is good. I have to learn to focus on writing but eh.

[kusunogatari-a]

[ Return ] [ @abyssaldespair​ ] [ Uchiha Obito, Suigin Ryū ] [ Death mention ] [ Verse: White Hands of Healing ]

The summit isn’t for a few days. In the meantime, he has Danzō’s every move watched, waiting for the time to act. Logic tells him it can’t be until after the summit. After he makes his intentions known. Surely the coward will flee, try to make it back to Konoha…

But he won’t be making it back.

Sasuke is eager to exact his revenge upon part of the council that condemned Itachi. Obito will allow it. But this particular battle is one he’ll have to have a hand in. Danzō, after all, has a debt to pay to him, too.

For every blemish he left upon Ryū’s flesh, Obito will give him ten in turn...until he’s little more than a mangled mess of gore. The councilman has been a target for quite some time, given his method of operations. But never did Obito think the prospect would be so eagerly awaited.

Getting into the meeting isn’t easy. Testing Sasuke’s abilities for what’s to come, Obito lets him blaze a trail, but as always, the younger Uchiha is stubborn and too short-sighted. Nearly turned to dust by the Tsuchikage, it’s Obito who pulls his unconscious form to safety, addressing four of the five Kage in a moment he’s waited for for years.

Of course Danzō has fled, knowing of Sasuke’s intentions. But it’s his the coward had best be wary of.

As expected, they refuse his ultimatum...and he declares war, fading into his own dimension to find Karin tending to his accomplice. From there, it’s a matter of hunting the false Hokage.

They find him on the samurai bridge. Obito makes short work of his Root underlings - as much as he wants to make them pay as well, he decides to take them as insurance. Tossing them into his dimension...he then turns his attentions to Danzō.

Sasuke may not like his interference...but he’ll leave the councilman alive enough to let the younger Uchiha have his fill of violence.

Between the pair of them, Danzō stands no chance. With a rather spectacular finish...the bastard dies at last. Taking the body with intent to harvest Shisui’s eye, Obito leaves Sasuke to finish up. The eye, however, is destroyed...a pity. Kotoamatsukami would have been useful. And before he can head back to Ame to tie up Konan’s loose end and retrieve the Rinnegan at last...Zetsu reports that Sasuke is in trouble.

And of course, the trouble happens to be none other than his previous team. Including friend-killer Kakashi...and the Kyūbi.

Despite his intentions to leave the past in the past and look toward the perfect future...there’s still a stirring of resentment in him at seeing Kakashi. The man - boy - who killed Rin. Took his hope. Led him to this path.

And yet maybe he also has something to thank his teammate for.

But now is not the time to confront him - Obito is sure it will come during the war. For now, he takes a rather addled-looking Sasuke back to receive Itachi’s at-first refused eyes. Something must have happened during his absence to change the teen’s mind.

Once the operation is over, and Sasuke has little more to do than heal...it’s then he’s confronted by Kabuto...who reveals he knows he’s not Madara. An unexpected hiccup, but...to keep his plans in place, he agrees to the man’s terms, tentatively agreeing to work in tandem. It might work to his advantage, though...he’s far from happy someone has the power to revive the old bastard. With that settled, and finally finding a moment to himself, Obito decides to make one last stop before returning to Ame.

He told her he’d come back when the deed was done.

...he can only hope she’ll be more whole than when he left her.

Though he’s only been there once, Obito makes the jump to the ruins of her home village on his first try. Today, the valley is foggy - so much so, he can barely see ten feet from his face. A gentle rain pours, soaking into the shoulders of his cloak as he follows the worn road. Ahead, yet unseen, he can sense her chakra. Though still muted from its previous vibrance, it’s brighter than before. A small hope sparks in his chest.

As the manor looms from the mist, the weather seems to lift ever so slightly. Coiled nearby, keeping a watchful eye, is a rain-dappled Suigin. A silver orb moves in its socket to look to him, but she offers no comment.

Sitting along the edge of the front first floor balcony, dressed in a downy grey yukata with bare feet hanging from the edge, is Ryū. A cup of tea is held in hands atop her lap, gaze distant as she looks lost in thought. Though not quite as gaunt as before, there’s still an odd frailness to her frame, a heavy exhaustion in her posture.

And then she sees him.

Slowly, eyes widen. Unfurling from her melancholy like a drying bloom given water, Ryū brightens as much as her body will allow. A hand sets her tea aside upon the engawa, and - without anything else holding her back - she finds her way to her feet with intentions to run.

Intentions which, apparently, she can’t quite yet achieve.

Before she can collapse, Obito flickers to her side, earning a soft sound of surprise as he simply scoops her from her feet. Arms find a tentative hold around his neck, and pale cheeks flush a pretty, startled pink. “O-oh!”

“You should be resting,” he murmurs, giving her a look.

Her head ducks sheepishly. “...I know. I just...got ahead of myself.” Softening, she burrows her brow to the crook of his neck. “...I missed you so much…”

“...and I, you.”

Without a word, Suigin rises with a rustle of scales, stalking off into the trees and leaving the pair alone.

“...I think she’s giving us a little privacy,” Ryū giggles wispily.

Obito gives a hum in reply, taking her previous seat and keeping her atop his lap. Even so, his grip is careful. “...how are you feeling?”

“Much better. Still...a little shaky, but I’m doing well. Suigin-sama has been very...attentive.”

At her tone, he perks a brow.

“...maybe a little stifling,” she adds, giving a demure smile.

Another hum. Now that he’s here...he’s not sure what to say.

In the silence, Ryū lets her eyes fall, expression following suit. “...she and Fubuki told me what happened. What you did. And...I wanted to apologize.”

...he’s so stunned, he can’t muster the words to refute her.

“I know I must have worried you so badly. They told me you came for me. I...I knew you would. I just...clung onto that, and waited, and -!”

“Ryū.” Obito cuts off her rambling with the single syllable. He cups her cheek, still tinged yellow from a fading bruise. Only a few small scars mar her face - one along a brow, another through her top lip, a burn along her jaw. But no matter their size, they still bring a weight to his chest. “...there isn’t a damn thing I want you to apologize for. Nothing. It’s me who should be begging your forgiveness. I let this happen, I -”

Her head shakes in his hold. “...we both knew there were risks. And I don’t want you to feel guilty, Tobi. I knew what could happen, and I kept on anyway. I was willing to take that chance. Because...I don’t think there’s a pain anyone else could give me that would be greater than losing you.”

A lump in his throat cuts off any retort.

She gives a soft smile. “...please don’t feel bad. I told you before - I’ve had more happiness with you than I have the rest of my life before meeting you. And to me, that’s worth any price. Did shishō tell you about...about the numbing?”

“...she did.”

“I hardly felt a thing! Only...well, only when my chakra would run out. But they were usually almost finished by then. I just had to pretend so they wouldn’t catch on. So really, it wasn’t that bad.”

He gawks at her. “...you were tortured…! Ryū, you -!”

“I was. But I just knew I had to be patient. I had to wait them out. Because...I knew you’d find me.”

“If not for me, they’d never had taken you at all…”

“...true. But Tobi -”

“If I knew there’d be no consequences...if no one else would ever find out what we had, and condemn you for it...it would be best for me to leave.”

Ryū’s face goes slack. “...b-but…”

“...but...there’s no turning back now. And I have to take responsibility for this. This, and anything else that might happen because of me.”

“Tobi, I -!”

“And,” he cuts in, tone losing its edge and lowering. His hand guides her forward until their brows brush. “...maybe despite my logic...I don’t want to let you go. Selfish, isn’t it?”

“If that’s true...then I’m just as guilty,” is her murmured reply. “Besides...hasn’t this all been rather selfish from the start…?”

Obito can’t help a soft snort. “...I suppose you’re right.” Silence falls for a time, the pair of them simply taking in the presence of the other. But eventually, he can’t help but ask, “...how are you, really?”

“...I’m tired,” Ryū admits. “More tired than I’ve been in my life. Suigin-sama says it’s from the toxin. It’s meant to keep the victim physically weakened. And since I missed the next day’s antidote when you brought me here, it did a bit more damage than it had been doing. But she says I just need rest.”

“...and your wounds?”

“Almost all mended!” Shifting, she rolls up a sleeve, baring a myriad of marks. “...she had to work fast, so...the scars are a bit more noticeable than they could have been, but I don’t mind. It’s just tougher tissue.”

Hesitantly, almost as though afraid he’ll reopen them, Obito gently grips the limb and brushes a thumb over the blemishes, raised and ragged from the rest of her skin. A lump settles in his throat he has to swallow before speaking. “...was anything broken?”

“No...everything was more superficial. I...don’t know how long I was there, but they must not have reached that point before you came.”

He gives a curt breath, but doesn’t retort. “...you should be able to go back to Konoha soon. The man who did this is dead.”

To his honest surprise, she doesn’t really react. “...I see. Dan..zō?”

“Yes. Leader of an unofficial group of ANBU-level shinobi. And temporary Rokudaime, while Tsunade is comatose. Given that his operations weren’t sanctioned by the village, I’m willing to bet no one else knew of whatever accusations were made against you. In a few days, we’ll see about getting you back home.” Of course, the little house had been in shambles, torn apart by Ryū’s struggle against Root. “...we’ll have to find an alibi for you. Perhaps claim a kidnapping you’ve since been saved from.”

Her brow furrows. “...what about the shinobi under his command? Will they tell anyone about me?”

“...I don’t know. Root officer loyalty is mostly forced, though a few were truly devoted to the man. Given how things are going...I’m not sure they’ll have time to bother with you. With Danzō dead, there’s going to be enough for them to deal with. And if things look dour...you can always come back here.”

“...I guess so.”

Another pause falls between them, each lost in their own thoughts. Obito still can’t help but question if his presence will do more harm than good...but for now, he has a debt to pay, regardless of her refusal. Sighing heavily, he embraces her more fully, practically enveloping her. “...I’m just so glad you’re alive...”

Pinned against his chest, Ryū softens. “...I’m all right.”

“No, you’re not.”

“...but I will be.”

He only gives a curt hum in response.

“...can you stay very long…?”

...he shouldn’t. If the war is to begin, he needs to eliminate Konan, and take back the Rinnegan. “...for a little while. Not long. I have something pressing to attend to.”

“Oh…”

“Besides,” Obito replies, letting his tone deepen slightly. “You’re still healing. I don’t want to hurt you…”

Cheeks flare red, giving his chest a reprimanding slap. “T-that’s not what I meant!”

He chuckles, hardly feeling her beratement. “I’m teasing you. But yes, I can stay - only a little while. Is there something you wanted?”

“Not...specifically…” Ryū avoids his eyes. “...I just...don’t want you to turn around and leave so fast. I miss you…”

Still hearing the exhaustion in her tone, Obito thinks for a moment before suggesting, “...how about a nap?”

“But then you’ll leave while I’m asleep.”

“And then I’ll be back again soon.” He’s going to be busy...but maybe one last time before things pick up. Just to be sure she’s on the mend.

That she’ll make it to the end.

“...okay,” is her quiet reply, giving another squeak as he stands with her in his arms. Already knowing the way, he takes her to the manor’s master quarters and sets her along one side of the bed. Unable to stay for long, he only shrugs out of his cloak before laying atop the sheets beside her, curling protectively.

Ryū gives a quiet giggle. “Are you my turtle shell…?” she asks, clearly addled.

He snorts against her hair, allowing a hint of a smile. “...I suppose I am.”

“Mm…” Already she’s fading fast. “...then...nothing can touch me…”

“...nothing at all.”

It’s not long before Ryū concedes to sleep, body eager to rest. Even so, Obito lingers a while longer, slowly tracing over whatever scars he can reach as rain hums against the manor.

In a way, now...they match. But no matter the scarred skin, to him, she’ll always be beautiful.

Eventually, he pries himself away, giving her one last kiss upon the temple and watching her lips curl. He takes up his coat, moving back down the stairs only to see the sage, again in her human guise.

“Fubuki has just returned from Konoha. Tsunade has awoken.” Eyes glance as though able to see her student through the ceiling. “...tomorrow, I will take Ryū back and weave my story to the Godaime. Hopefully my presence will deter the bastard’s followers from bothering her further. But surely there is more for them to worry about.” She looks back to him, gaze unyielding. “...apparently...a war has been announced by a masked man of Akatsuki.”

Obito stares back, having no reply.

“...I will tell her nothing. I cannot know if she will learn more herself. To me, the only thing that matters is your debt...I will not dash at her happiness. At the very least, this will likely make her a far lesser priority, so long as no one seeks to use her as leverage. I will attempt to undermine their suspicions of her connection to you alongside our alibi. Perhaps that will be enough to dissuade them.”

“...thank you.”

“If you seek her again after tomorrow, you’d best go to Konoha first. She will likely be there, unless I find threat enough to take her back. Should something else go awry...you know where to take her.”

“I do.” After a pause, Obito swallows his pride and gives the beast woman a deep bow. “...thank you for doing what I could not.”

Suigin considers him. “...I suppose I must say the same.”

Rising and giving a curt nod, he phases back into his other dimension. Determination clenches fists at his side. He’s almost there.

“...to Ame, then.”

     OKAY so I actually got this done in...relatively good time, woo!      Dunno if anyone will really notice beyond Meg and angel, but I took down the drabble ‘Reality’ cuz...I’m a dumb and mixed up the order of Konan’s death, and Danzō’s. So it was in the wrong spot, AND because of Stolen being canon now, I have a few details to change in it anyway. So the next post will seem a bit familiar, but with changes! It’ll be up as soon as I get the edits done~      As for THIS one...it’s a wee bit short, and maybe a bit tame compared to the one before =‘D But Meg was right, it was good to have some follow up, especially leading back into Reality once I get that revamped. So this is sort of an intermission drabble. There’ll be more in the repost, I promise lol      And I guess that’s...all there really is to say? Not much left to this, I think. Ryū, in WHoH, doesn’t really have much involvement in the war. Especially now that she’s a little hecked up. So we might, depending on what Meg wants to do, go from Reality to...the tentatively last one? We’ll see! Tho something tells me someone doesn’t want it to be over, me included xD      *skips off to finish my edits*

[lady-of-disdain]

Ok, normally I wouldn’t respond directly on a post like this, but I found it in the Kamisama Kiss tags, so if you’re going to tag it for Kamisama Kiss fans to read, then you’re going to get a Kamisama Kiss fan response.

This post is straight-up PROPAGANDA!

Nanami was 17 when she met Tomoe, that picture you’ve posted is from an episode when she was temporarily turned into a child due to a spell. 

I can’t speak for the middle pair, because I’ve never seen the anime they are from (and if it involves a relationship like sessrin, thanks I’ll pass) but Nanami and Tomoe’s relationship is NOTHING like sessrin. Sesshomaru knew Rin since she was 8. Rin adored and worshipped Sesshomaru, and he had a HUGE impact on how Rin grew up, which would make him taking advantage of her hero worship of him since she was a small child abusive. (That is if sessrin even ends up becoming canon, still not confirmed 😘)

Meanwhile Nanami met Tomoe when she was nearly a legal adult, and the two got along like oil and water at first. Tomoe resented her being the new master of his shrine, and Nanami hated how mean he was to her because of it. However the two had to learn to get along to make the shrine prosper, and eventually a relationship grew of that. ON TOP of that Kamisama Kiss subverted many typical shojo manga tropes that I won’t get into so as to avoid spoilers.

If you’re going to use screen caps out of context though OP why not use some of when Tomoe was turned into a kid at another point in the show and Nanami was still her normal age while you’re at it:

(Which by the way, I find it hilarious that both of the main characters turn into child versions of themselves at two different points in the story due to two different situations)

To any anime fans out there who don’t like the gross anime trope of adults watching small children grow up then marrying them: Don’t worry about Kamisama Kiss. There is a minor almost non-con scene where Tomoe has to rescue her however, so if that would be triggering maybe skip this one.

However, if that doesn’t bother you so much, and if you like Inuyasha, you will likely enjoy this anime too. I will recommend the manga over the anime though, as the anime is unfinished, but both are enjoyable! :)

No eh visto muchos anímes en mi vida. pero los pocos que vi como #nantsu no taizai y # kamisama hajimemashita señalan que el amor y cariño entre los personajes principales estuvo presente desde que las chicas eran niñas y el destino los unió a sus amados😂, tanto como Tomoe, Meliodas y Sesshomaru respetaron el hecho que todavía eran niñas y que esperarían a que cumplieran la mayoría de edad para estar con ellas, si tanto se quejan y arman escanadolo mencionando la relación sessrin como vulgar y algo pedofilo, entonces supongo que también le dan hate a las otras parejas bueno en fin la hipocresía

[julietandcinderellavocaloid]

Broken Juliet Chapter 7

"I just don't know what to do." Rin spoke into her palms, face buried in her hands.

After the Sunday service, Brother Fukase asked Rin if she would be willing to stay a few hours to help him reorganize some files. As Rin couldn't work on the farm anyway due to the village's no-work on Sunday law, it wasn't as if Leon could prevent Rin from volunteering her time when she shouldn't be using it in his farm. Rin took advantage of the time away from everything, and Brother Fukase took advantage of the time to talk to Rin about what had been weighing so heavily on her heart that she barely paid any attention to the service.

"Now, I really do like Nero," Rin continued to mumble. "I might even love him. But what if Luki's right? What if simply by being with Nero, I'm bringing him down?"

"Then I suppose you have to let Nero be an adult and make his own decisions," Brother Fukase stated, not unkindly, as he pulled out a record file from the previous year. He bopped Rin on the head with it, and when she looked up, he offered the file.

Taking the pile of documents from the pastor, Rin began to sort through them as she admitted, "I'm afraid Nero's going to wake up one day and realize that Luki's right. What if he doesn't want to be with me anymore? Worse yet, what if he realizes this after we get married? We'll be stuck with each other by then. Would it be worse to lose him, or to live with him when he resents my very presence?"

"I believe you might be overthinking this," Brother Fukase replied after a few minutes, during which time Rin took a few calming breaths and began to work in a futile attempt to take her mind off her anxieties. "All of your worries are based on what Luki said. Did Nero say anything similar or acted in any way that might imply Luki may be right?"

Face burning, Rin struggled to admit, "No."

"Then what makes you think Nero will change his mind about you one day?"

"He said so himself that his wants might change one day, that it's unlikely he'll want the same things in ten years that he wants now."

"And you fear that you might be one of those wants that will inevitably change?"

Too ashamed to admit it, Rin nodded.

Sighing, Brother Fukase set his own file aside and said, "I won't bother reassuring you of things I can't promise. You're too smart to believe what I say simply because I say it."

"I'm just too analytical," Rin muttered.

"Which isn't a bad thing," Brother Fukase replied. "However, what I can tell you is to stop and ask yourself whom you believe. Luki, who has always gone out of his way to make you feel miserable about yourself, or Nero, who finds worth in you and shows his love for you daily? I can't guarantee that Nero will never change his mind about you, but at the same time, Luki can't guarantee that Nero will in the first place. I'm sure Nero himself can't say anything for certain, even if he fully believes right now that he will always love you and will always want to be with you. People are complex, selfish beings, and we're quite fickle too. However, will you still feel the same way about Nero in ten years? What if you're the one who wakes up one day and doesn't want to be with him anymore?"

"Do you think I'm going to be the one to change my mind?"

"Rin, I think nobody knows what the future will hold. Loving might be a mistake, but so can not loving. Both are chances you'll have to take without knowing for months or even years if it was the right decision. When it boils down, it really comes to which you will regret more. Would you rather regret loving Nero, or giving up on him before he can hurt you?"

Digesting Brother Fukase's words, Rin worked silently through folder after folder. His words simmered in the back of her mind. Whenever Rin took a short break to rest her eyes, she brought what was said back to the front of her mind to ponder it further. She would stick her hand in her pocket and feel the pendent Nero had given her as she thought about it all. Ever since he had given it to her, Rin carried the pendent everywhere, and she didn't deny how happy she was to have physical proof of Nero's love for her.

"I just don't want to get hurt," Rin confessed as she and the pastor came to the last of the documents. Many had already been shredded or thrown away. Rin tried not to think about how some people could toss out others just as easily.

Even without speaking on the topic for the past few hours, Brother Fukase didn't have to ask Rin what she meant. "Getting hurt is a part of life, whether or not we like it. Even when it feels like it, getting hurt isn't the end of the world. If we treat our wounds right, they make us stronger than we were before. If we know the person who hurt us truly loves us and never meant to hurt us, it can be an opportunity to work through an issue and make that relationship stronger. On the other hand, if the person who hurt us can't or won't admit to their faults, chooses to blame you for their feelings and actions, or even takes pleasure in hurting you, then you know that's a relationship from which to walk away. Not that it will be easy, of course. If you want to live, you have to risk getting hurt. If you never put yourself in the position to get hurt, you won't truly live. Tell me, Rin, are you the kind of girl who would rather live and risk getting hurt, or stop living to never get hurt?"

A smile, albeit a small one, grew on Rin's face. Setting the file she held aside, Rin said softly, "Sometimes I wish you were my father."

"You have a Father who loves you more than I do," Brother Fukase gently reminded her. "Although I won't deny that I think of you as my spiritual daughter."

Unable to stop herself, Rin studied her blood rose tattoo. Had a cerulean butterfly been placed there instead . . . Rin never tried to dwell on how different her life would have been. Maybe her father would actually love her, or maybe he would still believe her to be the curse who took away his son and wife. Leon may have fathered Rin, but he wasn't her father. Not the way this older man who took pity on an eleven-year-old Juliet all those years ago was.

"If it's any consolation," Brother Fukase then said, bringing Rin's attention back to reality, "Nero had asked my blessing for your hand in marriage. Not Leon's. Regardless to whom he will have to pay the bridal price, Nero knows you enough to know whose blessing you would want most."

"Nero asked for your blessing?" Rin, filled with both excitement and disbelief, breathed the words. "He wants to marry me? Did you give him your blessing?"

Laughing, Brother Fukase replied, "Yes, he did. Yes, he does. Yes, I did."

"And you just gave away the surprise like that?"

"Actually, he asked me to talk to you first to gauge your reaction at the idea of marrying him." Brother Fukase picked the file back up and seemed to inspect it with a new purpose as he smiled. "Looks like you're not the only one afraid the other will change their mind."

Although Rin didn't volunteer to help out of hope for monetary gain, Brother Fukase still gave Rin three coins for her afternoon of work. One coin hidden in Rin's shoe, she gave the other two to Leon without his first having to ask. It was better to keep her father in a good mood when Rin wanted some personal time.

"There's my girl." Nero greeted Rin with a kiss on the nose, which never failed to send Rin giggling after he ran to meet her halfway on the property. "How was your afternoon with all that reorganization?"

"Tiring, but it's done." Rin linked her fingers with his. "Brother Fukase told me something interesting today?"

"Oh?" Nothing about Nero's demeanor gave away that he spoke with the pastor on potentially marrying Rin.

Sensing an opportunity here, Rin said, "But never mind that. I was thinking about your little cottage and potential family."

"Were ya now?"

"Yes. Turns out, I want something different."

This got Nero to halt in his tracks, causing Rin to stop when her hand pulled against his. She turned to him to see his smile fall. When he spoke, his words had a strangled sound to them.

"What is it that ya want instead?"

"To see Artemis outside of this tiny village. To ride in a hovercraft at least once in my life. To make a friend or two with fellow Juliets, even if they are short-lived friendships." Leaning closer, Rin whispered in Nero's ear, "Then to settle down in a cottage and start a family with the man I love."

Before Rin could pull away, Nero wrapped his free arm around Rin and crushed her against himself. Rin cried out in surprise, but she didn't try to push away. Her hand still clasping his, Rin sank into his body and soaked up his warmth. There was safety in Nero's arms. Whenever he held her like this, Rin couldn't believe there was anything left of which to be afraid.

"Ya stinker," Nero said into the top of her head. "Ya had me going there for a second."

"Oh, those are real wants," Rin replied, rubbing her cheek against Nero's collarbone. "It would be nice to have adventures before settling down, even if it can only ever be in a dream."

"I was afraid ya were going to break up with me."

"Quite the opposite, my love." As much as she didn't want to, Rin pulled away from Nero, but she only pushed back a little so she could make eye contact with him. Feeling more confident and sure of herself than she ever had in her entire life, Rin declared, "To marry Akita Nero."

Her words stunned Nero into silence. When her want finally registered, he grinned and replied, "To marry Kagamine Rin."

"The answer is yes."

"I didn't even ask ya yet."

"You don't need to. The answer is still yes."

"Would ya please just let me ask?"

"Okay, fine."

"Kagamine Rin, will ya marry me?"

"Hmm, I don't think I will."

"Rin!"

"I'm kidding! Of course I will marry you!"

Throughout their whole exchange, Rin and Nero couldn't stop smiling and laughing like idiots. Nero leaned over so his forehead touched Rin's. For a minute, they stood together like that – Nero's arm wrapped around Rin's waist, Rin's forehead pressed against Nero's, and their hands joined at the sides. Their breaths mingled in the air. All the doubt Rin had felt the past few days was gone as if it had never been.

"Can I . . . can I kiss ya?" Nero then asked so softly Rin wouldn't have heard it if she wasn't already so close to him.

Opening her eyes, Rin giggled at the sight of Nero looking so flustered. His face and neck were beet red, but he still maintained eye contact as he awaited her answer. He left the choice as Rin's to make and Rin's alone.

Rin didn't have to think about it before she answered, "Yes, Nero, you can kiss me."

Slowly at first, Nero drew closer. Unsure herself, Rin did the same. It was clear right before it happened that neither of them were experienced in the art of kissing.

Do I close my eyes or keep them open? If I close them, how will I make sure I don't miss his lips? Oh, God, where do I put my teeth?!

Yet the moment their lips met, thought went away as instinct took over.

Rin fell forward, her eyes shutting as well. It was just a simple, innocent kiss, but Rin's heart exploded in her chest all the same. She breathed Nero in as she was filled with a sense of . . .

Nothing.

The kiss was over quickly. Nero pulled away and now kissed the top of Rin's head. Eyes still closed, Rin tried to process what was happening to her.

Her excelled heartrate had less to do with feelings of ecstasy and more of the lingering anxiety from preparing to kiss. Rin knew kissing wouldn't completely change her feelings, but she knew she was supposed to feel something in the moment. Instead kissing left her feeling nothing at all.

Oblivious to her internal turmoil, Nero said against her forehead, "I love ya, Rin."

Despite how she felt, Rin didn't doubt herself the slightest as she returned, "I love you too, Nero."

"Two hundred and fifty coin!" Rin exclaimed in the barn that night after Nero had come to her "room" after talking with her father. "Nero, that is too high a bridal price for me."

"Don't shout or you might attract attention," Nero said, placing his hands on Rin's shoulders and rubbing up and down.

"He's only charging such a high price because he knows you'll pay it," Rin continued to argue, although she did lower her volume. "The average bridal price for an Alice is one hundred and seventy-five; my father shouldn't be able to charge any higher than that for a Juliet."

"Technically, he can charge whatever he wants," Nero gently reminded her. "He could use your caste as an argument that as his property, he can charge whatever price he deems necessary as if my marrying you is a business deal."

"But it isn't!"

"Of course it isn't, but even if we went to the law, whose side are they going to be on?"

Knowing Nero had a point, Rin pressed her head against his chest and moaned, "It'll take you years to earn that much! Not to mention what Father is already taking out from your pay for your food and lodging."

"Rin, neither of us are marriageable age yet," Nero said, wrapping both arms around her small shoulders and resting his chin on the top of her head. "It's already going to take years."

"You'll be eighteen this November, and I'll be eighteen in a year-and-a-half. That's not years."

"Yes, but the legal marriage age in most other districts is twenty-one. If we're going to leave this village as husband and wife, we need to at least be that age. Otherwise, officials in other districts won't see our marriage as valid and try to return you to your father. We have enough time for me to save up for us to marry, move away, and begin life elsewhere. Sure, a lot of it will be just scraping by, especially in these tough times, but we have plenty of time to prepare. We can practice scraping by now."

"As if we aren't already." Pushing away from her fiancé, Rin climbed onto her mattress and dug her hand into the small hole in the side. She pulled out her bag and stretched out her arm to hand to Nero. "I have been saving up since I was thirteen. For the longest time I dreamed about running away, and when this bag was full enough, I was going to do it. Now . . . you need the money more. Father won't give me a coin to contribute to our saving for our future, but I can offer everything now."

"No, Rin." Nero reached out, but only to push the bag back towards Rin. "You shouldn't have to spend a single coin on your own bridal price."

"But it'll be ages before you save up enough for both the bridal price and to move away." Rin offered the bag again. "Please, Nero, let me help."

"You can help by keeping the bag yourself and filling it with whatever you can." Nero again pushed the bag back to Rin, and she didn't try to offer it a third time. "The bridal price shall be mine to bear. You can contribute by helping save for our moving away. After all, hovercrafts aren't cheap to ride, and that is on your list of wants."

Smiling in spite of herself, Rin set the bag aside and said, "Okay, I'll do that. However . . . it just seems too long a wait. Will we still feel the same when we're in our twenties?"

"Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, the time feeling like only a few days to him because he loved her so much," Nero replied, cupping Rin's cheek. "Believe me, Rin, the time will fly by, and we're going to be more in love then than we are right now."

Unable to stop the smile from growing on her face, Rin said, "I believe you," and even though it wasn't her favorite thing to do, Rin leaned forward and kissed Nero on the lips.