Serious Steps <Shai City, North Pole>

[ryota]

Ryota led Misui away from the celebration as quickly as possible, though he was sure to keep careful steps on the ice so as not to fall and drag down his sooth with him. That would ruin the mood entirely if the two came crashing down on the floor, and would either rouse anger or amusement, depending on either one's reaction. Considering the on-edge feelings of either party, the former would be the more obvious possibility. They weren't about to laugh, so much as start questioning everything about their leave from every angle. Complex emotions, rather than simple, seemed to prevail.

They walked slowly away from the crowd, though the playing background music still earned a few backward glances from the warrior. He hated to leave the merrymaking so soon, but it was really for the best. Renji, Misui's widowed father, after Ryota had found him among the celebrants, was told to regroup with the family at Misui's home, their goal, and was surely taking every step to ensure it would happen. Not the most important news was given him, just the fact that serious matters needed to be discussed and the family was key. Of course, Misui was the final judge.

Squeezing the hand he held, glove meeting glove and pressing down softly, Ryota turned to Misui and smiled sheepishly in poor attempts to brighten her mood. He had taken a turn for the stupid in going ahead without her, but he hoped and prayed for forgiveness in that short time. Now that they were told to leave so soon, Ryota gave her all the time in world and all possible room to take things in and make her own decision, which he would respect. Where she was bright and ready to leave before, he would let her change her mind if she wanted. "How're you holding up, snoogy?"

[misui]

She had assured herself she knew what she wanted, she wanted to live with Ryota and start a family and become a wife and a mother, both in time but why when it was just with in reach did she feel knots forming in her stomach and doubts flooding her mind. This was what she wanted, it was presented to her in such a neat tiny little box, all she had to do was open it and go with the flow but the thought made her sick to her stomach and her knees go weak. Leaving home seemed to final and perminant, too much so. There would be no prolonged good byes, no acceptance of her life here ending so a new one would begin.

It seemed fair that she would have her concerns but was it fair to Ryota? He'd get to go home. She should be happy with him, that would be what a good wife to be would do, at least she thought so Ryota stopped them and he turned to face her smiling and she looked at him for a moment her eyes soft and worried like a turtle seal pup but she wizened up and put on a smile for him however weak it was. After all she was a strong and independent woman, if she couldn't put on a smile what could she do? Still her insides were knotting and only tugging tighter making it painful to breath.

" Snoogy?" She asked with a bit of a smile quirking on her lips. That was a nick name that wasn't going to last, it sounded odd, not at all romantic but the thought was appreciated. Misui took a breath just to give her time to collect herself and she held Ryota's hands, giving them a light squeeze. She wouldn't worry him. This was a decision she had already made, regardless of her anxiety over it. She'd never go back on her word, ever. " I'm alright, just a little over whelmed by it all, that's it... I'm sure once we're on our way tomorrow I'll calm down." Now that she said it everything seemed like it was real, like she really would get over it. " I've just never been outside of the city before."

[ryota]

He at least found relief in how she smirked, but also felt a likeminded fear in his beloved's apprehension toward the outside world. Ryota remembered that feeling, more than two years ago venturing beyond that little chunk of ice and that simple life and diving head-first into enough adventure to settle anyone's appetite. To the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed young man of eighteen, it certainly did just that. Although he didn't quite want it to end, he knew it was just as worthy a cause to rebuild his home as it was to keep it safe. Gazing off to nothing after he saw her smirk, he smiled much like Misui did - only, where hers was from humor, his was beaming with hope...but don't be mistaken; there were no tears of pain shed by his eyes.

"I've been there," he spoke rhetorically, an ambivalent meaning regarding his time spent away from his home and outside the Northern Water Tribe's stronghold as well. Whatever he truly meant, though, he was glad to be equipped as a fine emotional support to Misui in her time of need. Put simply, he knew exactly how she felt. "It was scary to me too, leaving home, but..."

Stopping his footsteps, he brought himself around to her front, looking her in the eyes and tilting his head a bit. Slowly, his mouth gaped a bit and a smirk tugged at its edge. "It was all worth it. I can rest in peace knowing each battle I fought wasn't in vain, and, well..."

Raising her petite hand in his grip, he delivered a swift peck, eyes shut. "If I never left, I'd have never known you. Miracles show themselves at funny times." Chuckling a bit, he brushed the back of his hand against her neck, never breaking his gaze upon the incredible, almost angelic glow she bore. "And I think I'm witnessing one now."

[misui]

She looked at him trying to seem like she was alright when really her nerves were fluttering about in a manner than would put a snowy cat owl to shame. Why couldn't she just be happy with this change? She wanted it, she knew it did. Anxiety was normal but it would have been better if he didn't make such a big deal over her reservations, she might have let it go and it would be behind her. Though there was no reason for her to put blame on him when the true problem was with her. She let out a small sigh and looked back to Ryota her entire being screaming the uncertainty she was feeling, a little wrinkle between her eyes was formed by her knitted brows and her lips were in a slight frown.

Yes it was true that Ryota had left his home, his family friends and his entire life behind, this was part of why she felt so guilty for feeling as anxious as she was, after all he had given up much more than she did and yet here he was concerned for her well fair. Her gaze dropped to the floor and she shifted closer to him as he moved in front of her. It was comforting to be close to him at least and as he placed a kiss on her lips she lit up, it was only a little.

He was sweet and knew how to cheer her up. A soft smile appeared on her face and and he said possibly the sweetest things she'd ever heard. Her expression just melted and she leaned into him back in her little Misui and Ryota world. Everything would be just fine, she knew that, nothing would happen to her while Ryota was around, he would protect her.

" Ryota..." She whispered gently and tilted her head up to give him another kiss tenderly. Nothing would come between them, ever. Breaking off the kiss she looked at Ryota just dazzled by him. " This opportunity is something that won't come around again, we'll be together, I know it will work out."

[ryota]

"Just making sure, dearest," he said, gazing further into her eyes. After that, now that his mind and soul were at rest, he neither saw anxiety and unrest in Misui's soul or a reason to believe she was uncomfortable. No, the only thing he believed was what she said just now, looking no further into any underlying meanings. He did understand if she was scared, though.

"If I could, I'd let you rule the world. If you wanted to change your mind, that'd be okay," he reiterated, to reassure the healer her feelings weren't disregarded. The southern warrior spoke with sincerity, making known in rather trite ways how far he'd go to prove his love. The highest respect and honor he held was for Misu, jewel of his life.

Ryota started leading her along and back to her home, slowly and surely taking her by the hand, but walking slowly enough to make sure she stayed mostly by his side. They were in no rush, despite how antsy Misui's family may be over this news - especially since they had no clue what it was! If they were jumping the gun on marriage, maybe, or if Ryota was announcing he would stay up north to start a family. Little did they know what Misui and Ryota's future had in store. Ryota knew he had to be considerate this time. "We can't be late..."

[misui]

Misui nodded in agreement, though as soon as she found herself looking down the street towards her own home the worried began to spring up in a rather jarring way. What if they were caught by a firenation vessel, they could be killed. It wasn't as if their war ships didn't have to force to completely demolish a small water tribe vessel. It would be dangerous leaving the North Pole.

In all honesty it also worried her in various other aspects, what about the wedding, it could be years before she came home, surely in the south pole they'd want to start their family and there would be a lot of time together with Ryota. She knew that in the most general sense that it would mean more time with the warrior. That in and of it's self would have consiquences if they continued on like fools in love. How would people react to a child out of wedlock? She wanted her family to attend her wedding, but she also wanted Ryota's family around. Was an engagement pendant enough?

There'd be plenty of packing as well... that was a concern, what would she bring? There was little time for those frivolities as she walked into her home where her father, brother, brother in law and sister were waiting. Her father was the first to speak looking at the two of them with a little apprehension, there was something on his daughters face he didn't much like. " You both wanted to speak with us..."

[ryota]

It was funny sometimes, how Ryota had so many important things to say, yet lost them all when Misui's father asked just what weighed on their minds. Mentally, he had to scramble to gather his thoughts effectively. As the man, he'd have to speak first, right? Why was he just now wondering how to be a good husband? Was he not sure enough before that? This wasn't good.

"Yes, we wanted to tell you," Ryota paused a bit, holding his breathe in his throat. During that time, he tried to hold Misui close as an emotional support. His hand never left her waist. "We wanted to tell you...we're going south, to my home." Ryota motioned to himself, sheepishly smiling a bit, then extended his hand to Renji.

"Your sister tribe." Before he could even expect a reply though, since Renji would probably be overjoyed if they were leaving in oh say, a few months, Ryota had to make things clear. "We're leaving tomorrow afternoon with Master Paco on a ship with other people," and still he couldn't get Pakku's name right.

Caution was indeed thrown to the wind right there. Dawdling, he knew, would only make it worse though. "We thought it would be a good place to start our family..."

[misui]

Renji was quick to take this all in, he knew Misui intended to go south, he accepted that but to leave so soon seemed a little hasty. He kept his peace for a moment thinking about it. So long ago he was in love too and it made you do crazy things. Unpai huffed and was the first to speak up. " I say go, it'll be better than having Misui mope around here for a year." Her husband put a hand on her shoulder trying to give her a stern look which she tossed right back with a bit of fire to her blue eyes.

Renduin looked at his older sisters and crossed his arms before looking at his father, honestly he didn't know what to think, still being fourteen he didn't exactly know how much say he got in anything, he wasn't an adult yet. Renji ignored his eldest daughter and looked at Misui honestly for a moment. " Is this really what you want?"

Misui was so very happy Ryota's hand was on her side other wise she may have broken down but he provided the support she needed and she took a small breath to compose herself. " Yes... We might not get another opportunity like this." Her father remained silent letting everything settle, there wasn't much he could do. Both Misui and Ryota were adults, he couldn't keep them forever, it was their family to start not this.

" Alright, then I suppose we have some packing to do." Misui smiled a bit and leaned into Ryota, there was a small solace in knowing her family supported their decision.

[ryota]

That...well, it was certainly surprising in every way. Knowing what he had perceived in Misui long ago (or as 'long ago' as the relatively short time they'd known each other would permit), Ryota fully expected a verbal duel of sorts, having to defend his and Misui's decision to the core. He'd stick by her side no matter what, even if her family wound up hating the two of them, but this eventuality couldn't have been better. Ryota, the entire time, was speechless.

At the end, he smiled. Misui's family accepted her choice and that was that; no further worrying about that detail (other than a few goodbyes they'd need to say), and they could focus on every other loose end that needed to be tied up. First item of business, which Misui gladly pointed out - packing. Being female, she no doubt had plenty of things to pack from what Ryota knew of the opposite sex. He was willing to wait, of course, since their departure was a good time away if looked at through a smaller perspective. Yes, he could be parient indeed.

"So...to your room?" Ryota held out his hand, hoping she would know what he meant. Where else would she pack? Meanwhile, he looked around and Misui's family members and smiled. "Thanks for supporting us, folks..."

[misui]

Misui nodded to Ryota a little happy that her family was so supportive, she expected this much from them, they had raised her and she knew what would be coming. Her father was always supporting his children to chase their dreams and accept the obsticals that came with their decisions. Now he was willing to let his second daughter go with nothing more than an assurance she was making the right choice for her. She was lucky to have a father who was so understanding. He'd always taught them to follow their own paths, not what someone else thought would be right for them

Unpai started off to find a sack for Misui's things, she'd need to pack clothes and various other belongings after all. She was wrapped up in the logistics of it, it wasn't every day people left for the earth kingdom, did her sister have everything she needed or would they have to go shop for supplies? Honestly would she need to pack her furniture? No that would be too much for a catamaran headed south. " What are you going to do about the wedding?" Her father finally asked looking at the pair of them evenly.

Looking at her father the youngest daughter found herself silent, she knew it was on the list of things they needed to sort out but she found herself floundering. Unpai stopped in the doorway looking at the young couple expectantly, she too was curious about that detail. " Well..... we..." Misui stammered and looked between her father and Ryota. " I honestly don't know."

[ryota]

Details always seemed to get in the way, but it was more than obvious when a pair of lovesick and love-blind lovebirds were arranging everything - and really, it was even more so when one half of the couple was Ryota, who rarely thought things through in the first place. Apparently, he was just as stumped as Misui, who admitted so just then. Shrugging his shoulders, he was apparently much less worried about the situation. "I don't know either...I-I think..."

He paused, scratching his head. "We'll figure it out on the way, at least," he said like an assurance, and of that he was confident. Again he put off the though like it was unimportant, like it was only in the future and not to be attained until it actually happened. Honestly though, the thought did scare him a bit, which may have been a reason why he tried not to think of it. If it was the most important day in his life, just how would he feel then? Granted, it would all be worth it. Misui would be his forever, and he would belong to her. Wherever they lived, they would be happy. "I think we'll be down south by then..."

Yet, he couldn't help but feel guilt knowing Misui's very own family, who she loved and grew up with, wouldn't be there on the happiest day of her life. If the war and geography in general didn't part their tribes so far, it would be simpler to meet a compromise. As that wasn't the case, Ryota said nothing as he looked over to Misui.

[misui]

Misui's father nodded somewhat and though a little disappointed he smiled at the pair. " Well enough, once the war comes down promise me you'll visit." The girl couldn't stand it any longer, she went over to the man and hugged him tightly trying her best not to cry. Love meant sacrifice and for her it meant leaving her family behind so she could start her own, it seemed unfair but the war would eventually end and they would find a way to be together. "I want to see my grandchildren" He added to Misui's embarrassment, her cheeks turning a couple shades past blushing and her eyes opening wide.

"Dad!" She exclaimed causing the man to chuckle and release his younger daughter. Untai merely rolled her eyes at the tender family moments and went off to be useful, producing two bags for her effort before vanishing into Misui's room to start packing things up for the trip. Placing things in her litter sisters bag that she thought they would need , brushes, furs shoes clothes. She left the room for a second before coming back without being noticed and carefully in the folds of some lighter half yukata's she placed a wooden box. And then covered it with the rest of her things. Misui would go through it later and no doubt re-organize everything. She was neat like that, but she hoped the box wouldn't be found until later. Even though she was the younger sister Untai felt that she deserved it more than she did.

Back in the den Misui had moved back to Ryota's side trying to calm her cheeks. It worried her how tuned in her father was to her, was it that obvious to the rest of the family?

[ryota]

Now why did she have to go and do that? Having seen Misui cry and hug her father, all emotional and whatnot, Ryota's eyes had become rather misty as well - although the watery gloss over his cerulean pupils was nothing spectacular, which wouldn't really make anyone nearby notice. Thank the universe; Ryota would hate to start bawling for whatever reason and take away from the poignancy of the moment, where father and daughter were on excellent terms with their having to part. Even if they didn't see each other for years to come, and Ryota and Misui's children were married and had offspring of their own by the time Renji finally met them, the southern warrior would uphold his word no matter what. It was a promise, just like the one he made to Misui.

Cradling gently that thought in his mind, Ryota put his arm around Misui's side as she moved nearer him, for what pleasantly felt like the millionth time that day, and one of countless times he'd done so since the two first encountered each other. Who could blame him? He couldn't keep his hands off the lovely maiden who destiny chose to unite him with! As far as more underlying meanings went, he was clueless. Renji was just speaking hypothetically as far as Ryota was concerned, and there was ultimately no big deal. He just smiled and nodded, agreeing they would one day bear the grandchildren he was talking about. "That will be a great day," he referred to the blessed arrival of their firstborn slowly and quietly, looking to Misui.

[misui]

Misui smiled ever so gently when Ryota put his arm around her his hand settling in the curve of her hip so perfectly it seemed like they were made to be united. Perhaps that was why people grudgingly called their sides love handles, with the odd thought clearing she looked up at Ryota as he added to her father's thoughts of grandchildren. It was slightly embarrassing to speak of such things even when she knew married girls younger than her would be having their second child by this point if not a third. It just seemed like it was all coming together and the next step would ultimately be them creating a new life, a little boy or girl. They'd alluded to it but now it was real, tangible, she could all but feel her body readying it's self for motherhood and it still caused her face to flush at the very mention. At the very least raising children was nothing new for her, she'd all but raised her younger brother, not to mention the horde of nieces and nephews her sister managed to spawn.

Speaking of her sister, Misui's brother in law shook his head giving Ryota a rather empathetic look. " Watch out for these women, your wedding night will bear fruit, guaranteed as well as every night after that." Unpai wandered back into the den and shot her husband a rather unsavory look even though her hands were delicately in her sleeves she gave off the aura of a woman who could and would strangle the man. "What is that supposed to mean?" She asked him in a dangerous tone and the man shut his mouth before muttering quietly. " All I'm saying is that Sahkyo woman are welcoming to the role of motherhood..." Short of cuffing the man she rolled her eyes and looked back to the happy couple. " Ryota you should stay for dinner."

[ryota]

Um...wedding night...right. Not like he'd say that straight to Renduin himself, but it was certainly worn on his face and thought rather loudly inside Ryota's head. If what Misui's brother-in-law, Unpai's husband said was true, then they were in for a little surprise a few months after they arrived in the south. If they weren't married by then, everyone would do a little more than stare and gossip. In fact, who knew just what they would do and how they would receive Ryota and Misui if her belly was bulging quite noticeably when they exchanged wedding vows? That was a little hard for Ryota to swallow.

Then when Renduin continued something other than what he originally implied, Ryota felt a slight relief. Misui might not be pregnant anyway, but he didn't exactly stop thinking about that subject. He was quite notably nervous, which was rather evident when one considered how he wasn't saying much at all. When time came that Misui asked him to stick around (which seemed like an instant after Renduin's little excuse was made), Ryota shrugged a bit.

"I...I don't have anywhere else to go. So...sure!" Ryota smiled to his sooth, though if the matter of her possible pregnancy came about again, that grin would be wiped from his face. It was a lot to stomach at that moment. A move southward was one thing, but a baby not long after...yep! Pretty intimidating.