The Proposal (for Shen)
I think this got lost in the wash somewhere. No worries, though... I don't care if this gets voted on or not because it's about the fic, not the contest. :)
Title: The Proposal
Author: Imanewme
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Humor
AU/Canon: Cannon-ish
Characters: Kouyuu, Shuurei, and Reshin, with cameos of Shouka, Shuuei, and Ryuuki
Word count: 1,923
Summary: When Reshin puts down an ultimatum that Kouyuu propose to Shuurei, Kouyuu flounders to deal with the situation.
Notes to requester: Dear Shen, I hope this meets with your approval. Kouyuu is a pleasure to write. Thank you for the opportunity to have a little fun.
“Kouyuu.”
Kouyuu stiffened at the sound of Reshin’s voice but did not turn around immediately. He finished the last stroke on the parchment and put down the quill.
“Yes, Reshin.”
Reshin snapped his fan shut and strode to where he was sitting. As Kouyuu began to rise, Reshin tapped his fan on his shoulder in a silent command to remain seated.
“You’ve given the matter some thought, I assume?” Reshin didn’t wait for an answer. “It’s a reasonable proposition, after all, and you’re a reasonable man.”
Kouyuu flinched. Reshin’s eyes narrowed in response.
“You do not agree?”
Kouyuu struggled to keep Reshin’s gaze but his eyes darted away.
“Look at me.” Reshin lay his fan against Kouyuu’s jaw, turning his attention back to him.
“I” Kouyuu began, but Reshin would not relent control of the conversation.
“You have another week to consider it.” Reshin lowered his voice a little, “I don’t want to have to order you to marry Shuurei.”
Reshin’s eyes softened and smile played about his lips. “Ah, my beautiful niece. She’s so cute and sweet and smart so.. perfect. If she were my daughter in law, I would get to see her more often, maybe every day.” His face snapped back to serious. “You don’t deserve her, but I couldn’t bear to see her married off to that emperor,” Reshin hissed, “you should be grateful for the honor.”
He tapped his fan on the top of Kouyuu’s head. “One week, Kouyuu. Think carefully.”
Reshin was gone in a swish of silk. Kouyuu let out a breath and turned to his parchment.
“Marriage,” he muttered to himself, “who needs it?”
Rubbing his eyes, he sighed. He had no use for love but knew his adoptive father would not allow him a choice in the matter. His shoulders relaxed when he realized he had one more week of freedom before he would ask her. After that it was up to the gods. Maybe they would be merciful and she would decline.
“Kouyuu, wake up.”
“S…Shuurei!” Startled, Kouyuu jumped to his feet, almost knocking over a bottle of ink. Shurrei giggled as a couple of pieces of parchment floated to the floor.
“Kouyuu - dono, are you all right?”
Shuurei bent over to pick the parchment up from the floor. A lump formed in his throat. This was the woman he would propose to in one week. He mentally tallied what he knew of the girl: intelligent, driven, hard working, strong, pretty… Kouyuu’s face burned at the unexpected thought.
“Kouyuu, you look a little sick,” Shuurei put down the parchment and reached up to touch his forehead. Kouyuu pulled back from the contact and blushed even more.
“N..no!” he stammered, “I’m fine. I… I… I… I have to go to the bathroom!” he blurted out then ran out the door. Once in the hallway, he plowed into Shuuei. He stumbled backwards and fell into the floor.
Shuuei laughed and pulled Kouyuu up by his arm, dusting him off playfully. “If you have to go to the bathroom, Kouyuu, you’re going to want to go that way.” Shuuei pointed in the opposite direction. “Do you need help…”
“Shut up, pervert! I can use the bathroom by myself!” Kouyuu stomped off.
Shuuei looked at Shuurei and shrugged. “What was that about?” he asked.
“I don’t know.”
Kouyuu stumbled into one of the many palace gardens and sank into a bench near a pond. Shuurei almost touched him! Was she… flirting? Panic rose in Kouyuu’s chest. This was bad. If she was flirting with him, she may take him up on his proposal next week. He groaned loudly and put his face in his hands.
“Kouyuu, what’s wrong?”
“Your majesty!” Kouyuu jumped to his feet, but Ryuuki motioned for him to sit.
“Go ahead and sit. Now, what’s bothering you, Kouyuu? Is it anything we can help with?”
“I don’t want to get married!” Kouyuu blurted out then groaned again.
Ryuuki scratched his head thoughtfully. “You don’t have to get married if you don’t want to, Kouyuu.”
“But Reshin-dono…”
“Ah. Your father wants you to get married?”
Kouyuu nodded and Ryuuki clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Tough luck, Kouyuu. Senator Kou is not someone to cross.” Ryuuki shuddered at the thought. “But you’re his son, Koyuu, surely he wants you to be happy?”
Kouyuu groaned. “No, you’re majesty, he’s pretty determined. He wants me to propose to Shuurei within a week.”
“S… Shuurei! You can’t!” Ryuuki squared his shoulders then pouted. His face fell and he sank onto the bench next to Kouyuu. “I’m not your father, so I won’t tell you you can’t marry her. Besides, you don’t want to anyway, right?”
Kouyuu nodded and the two sat in silence.
“I know!” Ryuuki blurted out. “You’re just going to have to make her hate you.”
“What?” Kouyuu looked up, stunned. “How do I do that?”
“I don’t know, really.” Ryuuki scratched his head. “She always rejects us, so maybe you should act like us.”
Kouyuu considered the option. It seemed easy enough. The young king practically threw himself at Shuurei on a daily basis. The plan was do-able. All he needed was a little coaching.
“Thank you, your majesty!” Kouyuu jumped to his feet, excited.
“You’re welcome?” Ryuuki’s voice trailed off as he watched Kouyuu rush from the garden.
“I need a plan,” Kouyuu muttered while walking briskly down the palace corridor. “If I only knew how to talk to women.”
“Women?”
Kouyuu jumped, startled by Shuuei’s voice.
Shuuei’s eyes narrowed then softened. “I had no idea you were a budding ladies man. Perhaps you could use some pointers?”
“Like I’d take lessons from you!” Kouyuu crossed his arms and scowled.
“All right then, Kouyuu. I was going to give you some free advice but since you’re not interested…”
“Humph, you probably don’t have any good lines anyway.” Kouyuu stomped off. Shuuei followed on his heels.
“Oh, you wound me!” Shuuei put a hand over his heart and feigned looking hurt. “I’m just going to have to give you some pointers whether you want them or not… just to save my reputation, of course.”
Kouyuu huffed and crossed his arms. “Well, fine. Go on then. How do you woo a woman?”
“Well,” Shuuei scratched his head thoughtfully. “It depends on the woman I want to woo. Who am I helping you with Kouyuu?”
Kouyuu looked away and pouted. “I can’t give you an example. There is no woman.”
“You’re a terrible liar,” Shuuei grinned, “but I’ll play along. Okay, tell me what kind of woman you might want to approach. Is she smart?”
“Oh, smarter than most,” Kouuyu admitted. “Or, I would woo someone smart if there was someone,” he corrected quickly.
“Okay, so she’s smart. Does she like … music, perhaps?”
“Yes, let’s say she does. If there were such a woman,” Kouyuu squirmed.
“Splendid!” Shuuei’s eyes sparkled. “All you have to do is sing to her.”
“What? Sing? I can’t sing…. Brilliant! It’s perfect! I’m such a horrid singer, it’s sure to work! Thank you, General!”
Shuuei shook his head, confused, while Kouyuu walked away, muttering. Whatever he was up to, it was sure to end in embarrassment for the young scholar. Hopefully he wouldn’t miss the show.
The next day, Kouyuu arrived in the archives much earlier than usual with a small bamboo flute tucked in his robes. Pacing, he prayed that he wouldn’t have to wait too long to execute his plan.
His prayers were answered. Shuurei arrived within minutes.
“Kouyuu-dono, do you never go home?” Shuurei teased. Before he could answer, she was brushing some lint off his shoulder. Kouyuu jumped back, nearly tripping on a chair.
“Shuurei… I… well…”
“What is it?” Shuurei wrinkled her eyebrows. “Are you sure you’re not sick?”
“N…no. Well. Just sit here.” Kouyuu pulled the chair out and gestured. Shuurei took the seat and stared at him.
“Now or never,” he thought. He pulled the flute from his robes, played a few shaky notes and began to sing.
“Shuurei, my eyes are blurry ‘cause I’ve been staring at you.
“Shuurei, you’re making me worry that you’ll give your heart away.
“Shuurei, I’m burning like curry; you make me crazy
“Shuurei, I’ll stand before a jury and pledge myself to you
“Shuuri, I’m in a hurry, will you marry me?”
With a few more notes and a flourish of his hand he bowed deeply, shaking.
Seconds went by in silence, then the Kou princess started laughing.
“Oh Kouyuu,” she breathed between giggles, “how… how long did it take you to come up with this?”
Kouyuu looked up. “Well, what’s your answer?” he demanded.
Shuurei’s eyes grew wide.
“Seriously?” she whispered, blushing. “Kouyuu-dono, you know I can’t get married right now.”
“Oh thank the gods,” Kouyuu sighed in relief. “I mean… that’s good news. I mean..”
Shuurei stood and placed her hand over his mouth. “You need to quit while you’re ahead, Kouyuu.”
He nodded and she removed her hand. “You really don’t want to marry me, do you?”
“Don’t tell Reshin-sama!” Kouyuu blurted, then grabbed Shuurei’s hands. “Please, I beg you.”
“Reshin-sama…?” Shuurei shook her head softly. “Parents do the strangest things sometimes, don’t they, Kouyuu?”
“I’m sorry.” Kouyuu didn’t even know why he was apologizing. It just seemed right at the time.
“How about I just tell you ‘no for now’?” Shuurei pulled her hands free and crossed her arms.
“Thank you,” Kouyuu managed to squeak before running out of the archives.
Shuurei stared at the doorway for a few moments then put her hands on her hips. “You can come out now, Shuuei.”
Shuuei stepped from around the corner.
“Did you hear…” Shuurei began.
“Every word,” Shuuei admitted and laughed. “Nicely played, my lady. Nicely played.”
Shuurei looked worried. “Do you think he’ll be all right?”
“He’ll be fine,” Shuuei assured her. “He practically lives in the land of embarrassment; this is nothing.”
“Thanks for letting me know this was coming,” Shuurei smoothed out her robes and shook her head, “I can’t believe his father gave him an ultimatum.”
“Well, I’m not sure that’s what happened exactly, but if it is, you’ve given him an out for now,” Shuuei admitted.
That evening Reshin met Shouka in the archives.
“Brother.” Reshin spun around to face his elder brother.
“You shouldn’t have sent Kouyuu out to propose like that, Reshin.” Reshin’s face fell and he remained silent.
“Shuurei declined Kouyuu today.”
“So it is true.” Reshin gazed out the window then turned his attention back to the elder Kou. “Are you angry with me?”
Shouka didn’t respond immediately. Finally he shook his head. “No, Reshin. I’m not angry with you but…” Shouka took a step closer. “I don’t want to hear about something like this again. Shuurei will make her own decisions, Reshin.”
Reshin pouted but nodded in understanding.
Thankfully, Reshin took the news from Kouyuu well. Much to Kouyuu’s surprise, no rumors of the incident circulated. Two weeks later when he finally went back to the archives, no one mentioned that unfortunate morning.
One night before leaving Shuurei approached Kouyuu.
“Kouyuu-dono?”
“Hum?” He looked up from his work.
“You have a nice voice,” Shuurei smiled when his eyes flew open. “Maybe I can hear it again sometime?”
Kouyuu pursed his lips but nodded.
“Thank you,” Shuurei bowed and left.
Kouyuu put a hand over his abdomen, wondering what the fluttering in his stomach meant. He put away the ink and extinguished the lamp. He would have to explore that some other day.
Title: The Proposal
Author: Imanewme
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Humor
AU/Canon: Cannon-ish
Characters: Kouyuu, Shuurei, and Reshin, with cameos of Shouka, Shuuei, and Ryuuki
Word count: 1,923
Summary: When Reshin puts down an ultimatum that Kouyuu propose to Shuurei, Kouyuu flounders to deal with the situation.
Notes to requester: Dear Shen, I hope this meets with your approval. Kouyuu is a pleasure to write. Thank you for the opportunity to have a little fun.
“Kouyuu.”
Kouyuu stiffened at the sound of Reshin’s voice but did not turn around immediately. He finished the last stroke on the parchment and put down the quill.
“Yes, Reshin.”
Reshin snapped his fan shut and strode to where he was sitting. As Kouyuu began to rise, Reshin tapped his fan on his shoulder in a silent command to remain seated.
“You’ve given the matter some thought, I assume?” Reshin didn’t wait for an answer. “It’s a reasonable proposition, after all, and you’re a reasonable man.”
Kouyuu flinched. Reshin’s eyes narrowed in response.
“You do not agree?”
Kouyuu struggled to keep Reshin’s gaze but his eyes darted away.
“Look at me.” Reshin lay his fan against Kouyuu’s jaw, turning his attention back to him.
“I” Kouyuu began, but Reshin would not relent control of the conversation.
“You have another week to consider it.” Reshin lowered his voice a little, “I don’t want to have to order you to marry Shuurei.”
Reshin’s eyes softened and smile played about his lips. “Ah, my beautiful niece. She’s so cute and sweet and smart so.. perfect. If she were my daughter in law, I would get to see her more often, maybe every day.” His face snapped back to serious. “You don’t deserve her, but I couldn’t bear to see her married off to that emperor,” Reshin hissed, “you should be grateful for the honor.”
He tapped his fan on the top of Kouyuu’s head. “One week, Kouyuu. Think carefully.”
Reshin was gone in a swish of silk. Kouyuu let out a breath and turned to his parchment.
“Marriage,” he muttered to himself, “who needs it?”
Rubbing his eyes, he sighed. He had no use for love but knew his adoptive father would not allow him a choice in the matter. His shoulders relaxed when he realized he had one more week of freedom before he would ask her. After that it was up to the gods. Maybe they would be merciful and she would decline.
“Kouyuu, wake up.”
“S…Shuurei!” Startled, Kouyuu jumped to his feet, almost knocking over a bottle of ink. Shurrei giggled as a couple of pieces of parchment floated to the floor.
“Kouyuu - dono, are you all right?”
Shuurei bent over to pick the parchment up from the floor. A lump formed in his throat. This was the woman he would propose to in one week. He mentally tallied what he knew of the girl: intelligent, driven, hard working, strong, pretty… Kouyuu’s face burned at the unexpected thought.
“Kouyuu, you look a little sick,” Shuurei put down the parchment and reached up to touch his forehead. Kouyuu pulled back from the contact and blushed even more.
“N..no!” he stammered, “I’m fine. I… I… I… I have to go to the bathroom!” he blurted out then ran out the door. Once in the hallway, he plowed into Shuuei. He stumbled backwards and fell into the floor.
Shuuei laughed and pulled Kouyuu up by his arm, dusting him off playfully. “If you have to go to the bathroom, Kouyuu, you’re going to want to go that way.” Shuuei pointed in the opposite direction. “Do you need help…”
“Shut up, pervert! I can use the bathroom by myself!” Kouyuu stomped off.
Shuuei looked at Shuurei and shrugged. “What was that about?” he asked.
“I don’t know.”
Kouyuu stumbled into one of the many palace gardens and sank into a bench near a pond. Shuurei almost touched him! Was she… flirting? Panic rose in Kouyuu’s chest. This was bad. If she was flirting with him, she may take him up on his proposal next week. He groaned loudly and put his face in his hands.
“Kouyuu, what’s wrong?”
“Your majesty!” Kouyuu jumped to his feet, but Ryuuki motioned for him to sit.
“Go ahead and sit. Now, what’s bothering you, Kouyuu? Is it anything we can help with?”
“I don’t want to get married!” Kouyuu blurted out then groaned again.
Ryuuki scratched his head thoughtfully. “You don’t have to get married if you don’t want to, Kouyuu.”
“But Reshin-dono…”
“Ah. Your father wants you to get married?”
Kouyuu nodded and Ryuuki clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Tough luck, Kouyuu. Senator Kou is not someone to cross.” Ryuuki shuddered at the thought. “But you’re his son, Koyuu, surely he wants you to be happy?”
Kouyuu groaned. “No, you’re majesty, he’s pretty determined. He wants me to propose to Shuurei within a week.”
“S… Shuurei! You can’t!” Ryuuki squared his shoulders then pouted. His face fell and he sank onto the bench next to Kouyuu. “I’m not your father, so I won’t tell you you can’t marry her. Besides, you don’t want to anyway, right?”
Kouyuu nodded and the two sat in silence.
“I know!” Ryuuki blurted out. “You’re just going to have to make her hate you.”
“What?” Kouyuu looked up, stunned. “How do I do that?”
“I don’t know, really.” Ryuuki scratched his head. “She always rejects us, so maybe you should act like us.”
Kouyuu considered the option. It seemed easy enough. The young king practically threw himself at Shuurei on a daily basis. The plan was do-able. All he needed was a little coaching.
“Thank you, your majesty!” Kouyuu jumped to his feet, excited.
“You’re welcome?” Ryuuki’s voice trailed off as he watched Kouyuu rush from the garden.
“I need a plan,” Kouyuu muttered while walking briskly down the palace corridor. “If I only knew how to talk to women.”
“Women?”
Kouyuu jumped, startled by Shuuei’s voice.
Shuuei’s eyes narrowed then softened. “I had no idea you were a budding ladies man. Perhaps you could use some pointers?”
“Like I’d take lessons from you!” Kouyuu crossed his arms and scowled.
“All right then, Kouyuu. I was going to give you some free advice but since you’re not interested…”
“Humph, you probably don’t have any good lines anyway.” Kouyuu stomped off. Shuuei followed on his heels.
“Oh, you wound me!” Shuuei put a hand over his heart and feigned looking hurt. “I’m just going to have to give you some pointers whether you want them or not… just to save my reputation, of course.”
Kouyuu huffed and crossed his arms. “Well, fine. Go on then. How do you woo a woman?”
“Well,” Shuuei scratched his head thoughtfully. “It depends on the woman I want to woo. Who am I helping you with Kouyuu?”
Kouyuu looked away and pouted. “I can’t give you an example. There is no woman.”
“You’re a terrible liar,” Shuuei grinned, “but I’ll play along. Okay, tell me what kind of woman you might want to approach. Is she smart?”
“Oh, smarter than most,” Kouuyu admitted. “Or, I would woo someone smart if there was someone,” he corrected quickly.
“Okay, so she’s smart. Does she like … music, perhaps?”
“Yes, let’s say she does. If there were such a woman,” Kouyuu squirmed.
“Splendid!” Shuuei’s eyes sparkled. “All you have to do is sing to her.”
“What? Sing? I can’t sing…. Brilliant! It’s perfect! I’m such a horrid singer, it’s sure to work! Thank you, General!”
Shuuei shook his head, confused, while Kouyuu walked away, muttering. Whatever he was up to, it was sure to end in embarrassment for the young scholar. Hopefully he wouldn’t miss the show.
The next day, Kouyuu arrived in the archives much earlier than usual with a small bamboo flute tucked in his robes. Pacing, he prayed that he wouldn’t have to wait too long to execute his plan.
His prayers were answered. Shuurei arrived within minutes.
“Kouyuu-dono, do you never go home?” Shuurei teased. Before he could answer, she was brushing some lint off his shoulder. Kouyuu jumped back, nearly tripping on a chair.
“Shuurei… I… well…”
“What is it?” Shuurei wrinkled her eyebrows. “Are you sure you’re not sick?”
“N…no. Well. Just sit here.” Kouyuu pulled the chair out and gestured. Shuurei took the seat and stared at him.
“Now or never,” he thought. He pulled the flute from his robes, played a few shaky notes and began to sing.
“Shuurei, my eyes are blurry ‘cause I’ve been staring at you.
“Shuurei, you’re making me worry that you’ll give your heart away.
“Shuurei, I’m burning like curry; you make me crazy
“Shuurei, I’ll stand before a jury and pledge myself to you
“Shuuri, I’m in a hurry, will you marry me?”
With a few more notes and a flourish of his hand he bowed deeply, shaking.
Seconds went by in silence, then the Kou princess started laughing.
“Oh Kouyuu,” she breathed between giggles, “how… how long did it take you to come up with this?”
Kouyuu looked up. “Well, what’s your answer?” he demanded.
Shuurei’s eyes grew wide.
“Seriously?” she whispered, blushing. “Kouyuu-dono, you know I can’t get married right now.”
“Oh thank the gods,” Kouyuu sighed in relief. “I mean… that’s good news. I mean..”
Shuurei stood and placed her hand over his mouth. “You need to quit while you’re ahead, Kouyuu.”
He nodded and she removed her hand. “You really don’t want to marry me, do you?”
“Don’t tell Reshin-sama!” Kouyuu blurted, then grabbed Shuurei’s hands. “Please, I beg you.”
“Reshin-sama…?” Shuurei shook her head softly. “Parents do the strangest things sometimes, don’t they, Kouyuu?”
“I’m sorry.” Kouyuu didn’t even know why he was apologizing. It just seemed right at the time.
“How about I just tell you ‘no for now’?” Shuurei pulled her hands free and crossed her arms.
“Thank you,” Kouyuu managed to squeak before running out of the archives.
Shuurei stared at the doorway for a few moments then put her hands on her hips. “You can come out now, Shuuei.”
Shuuei stepped from around the corner.
“Did you hear…” Shuurei began.
“Every word,” Shuuei admitted and laughed. “Nicely played, my lady. Nicely played.”
Shuurei looked worried. “Do you think he’ll be all right?”
“He’ll be fine,” Shuuei assured her. “He practically lives in the land of embarrassment; this is nothing.”
“Thanks for letting me know this was coming,” Shuurei smoothed out her robes and shook her head, “I can’t believe his father gave him an ultimatum.”
“Well, I’m not sure that’s what happened exactly, but if it is, you’ve given him an out for now,” Shuuei admitted.
That evening Reshin met Shouka in the archives.
“Brother.” Reshin spun around to face his elder brother.
“You shouldn’t have sent Kouyuu out to propose like that, Reshin.” Reshin’s face fell and he remained silent.
“Shuurei declined Kouyuu today.”
“So it is true.” Reshin gazed out the window then turned his attention back to the elder Kou. “Are you angry with me?”
Shouka didn’t respond immediately. Finally he shook his head. “No, Reshin. I’m not angry with you but…” Shouka took a step closer. “I don’t want to hear about something like this again. Shuurei will make her own decisions, Reshin.”
Reshin pouted but nodded in understanding.
Thankfully, Reshin took the news from Kouyuu well. Much to Kouyuu’s surprise, no rumors of the incident circulated. Two weeks later when he finally went back to the archives, no one mentioned that unfortunate morning.
One night before leaving Shuurei approached Kouyuu.
“Kouyuu-dono?”
“Hum?” He looked up from his work.
“You have a nice voice,” Shuurei smiled when his eyes flew open. “Maybe I can hear it again sometime?”
Kouyuu pursed his lips but nodded.
“Thank you,” Shuurei bowed and left.
Kouyuu put a hand over his abdomen, wondering what the fluttering in his stomach meant. He put away the ink and extinguished the lamp. He would have to explore that some other day.