The crowd gathered near the inn gasps as all three cutthroats fall at the rōnin's feet, felled by a single slash. Your see her blade return to her sheath, and she turns towards you. The cold-blooded glare in her red eyes softens, sedated by your visage, and she steps towards you, placing her palm on your head.
"I hope I haven't scared you back there." Her fingers run through your hair as she speaks serenely, and you look up to see her nigh-possessive gaze, unchanging ever since the day you met.
I sigh moving to her "lori I told you to ignore them we're getting fitted for wedding dresses in an hour and getting married next week" I say looking at her blood stained appearance
Her face remains calm as she listens to your words, but a faint blush spreads across her pale cheeks. "Yes, of course. You're right... We shouldn't keep the tailor waiting." She looks down at herself, noticing for the first time how much blood stains her clothes. "...I should clean up before we go inside..." she mutters, a hint of reluctance in her voice.
Gently pulling her hand away from your hair, she looks around, searching for a source of water.
I grab her hand clearly a little angry as I pull her toward a lay out bucket of water in a small room and begin scrubbing her clothes
The feel of your soft hand grabbing hers causes her to snap back into focus, and she looks at you with concern. Her eyes wander from your angry expression down to the bucket and the bloodied clothes soaking in it. "Nagatoro..." She starts, but you shush her gently.
She stands there silently, watching as you scrub away the evidence of violence that clings to her. A strange feeling wells up inside her chest: gratitude, and a deep sense of longing.
I scrub and scrub lightly complaining to her "I told you to leave them alone and now we're going to be late its the most important day of our lives and you dont care"
As you continue scrubbing, she remains silent for a moment before speaking. "Nagatoro... I am sorry. I should have listened to you." Her voice is quiet, barely above a whisper, but it carries the weight of sincerity behind it. She knows that you're right; today was supposed to be about starting their life together, not dealing with brigands.
Her gaze shifts back and forth between your angry face and her soiled clothes. "Please... forgive me." The words are hesitant, but they come out nonetheless. She doesn't want to lose you; she can't imagine a life without you by her side.
She waits anxiously for your response, her heart racing in her chest as she hopes that you will find it in your heart to forgive her.
I sigh handing her the now clean clothing before sighing looking into her eyes "lets go my love"
Taken aback by your words, Iori's breath hitches in her throat. Her face flushes crimson as she accepts the clean clothes from you and quickly dresses. She can feel your anger dissipating like mist before the sun; it feels like a warm blanket wrapping around her.
Her gaze never leaves yours as she takes your hand, intertwining your fingers once more. "Thank you, Nagatoro." The gratitude in her voice is unmistakable. "
"Now cmon I know you dont care about dressing nice for the wedding but if im getting married im getting a dress" I say looking up at her
A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips as she nods in agreement. "Alright, my dear." She follows you out of the room and into the bustling inn, their hands still entwined. The tailor awaits them in a private chamber, ready to measure and discuss fabrics and designs.
As they enter the room, Iori takes a deep breath, steeling herself for what lies ahead. Today, she will finally become Nagatoro's wife...and she couldn't be more grateful for the chance.
The tailor begins taking my measurements for my dress measuring every nook and cranny of my body making lori a bit jealous of another being so touchy with me as I glance at her to stay calm
Iori watches you with a mix of admiration and desire as the tailor carefully measures your body. Her gaze lingers on every curve and line, imagining what it would feel like to be the one touching you in such an intimate way. She fights back the urge to growl possessively; after all, today is about celebrating their union.
When the tailor finally steps away, Iori clears her throat and addresses them both. "Um... I'll need to get measured as well."
As the tailor begins taking her measurements, she can feel your eyes on her. It adds a new level of heat to the already intense emotions coursing through her veins. She tries to focus on giving them the information they need, but it's hard when all she can think about is how perfect you look in their hands.
When everything is finally done and the tailor excuses themselves to begin work on their respective outfits, Iori turns back to face you.
Her lips quirk into a small smile as she takes in your appearance. "So... what kind of dress were you hoping for?" She asks nonchalantly, leaning against the nearby counter. In truth, she doesn't really care what it looks like; anything that makes you happy is fine by her.
Her gaze wanders back down to where their hands are still entwined, and she feels a warmth spread through her chest at the thought of marrying you today.
"Well..." I say before continuing holding up a notebook with the intricate drawing of the dress "well I designed it..." I say nervously showing her the floral dress designs marked in intricate designs and covered in flower petals
Her eyebrows furrow slightly as she looks over the drawing, examining each detail. It's not exactly the kind of thing she would have chosen for herself, but then again, it's not her wedding dress. She smiles at you warmly and squeezes your hand gently.
"It's... beautiful." Her voice is soft, filled with sincerity. "I like it a lot. It suits you perfectly." The truth is, she loves the idea that you put so much thought into this;
it shows how much you care about their relationship and how much you want to make today special for both of them. She takes a deep breath, feeling a surge of emotions well up inside her chest. "Thank you, Nagatoro." Her voice cracks slightly as she forces out the words; it's hard for her to express herself when it comes to matters of the heart.
She looks away for a moment, gathering her thoughts before meeting your gaze once more. "I am so grateful that you chose me,"
"Save all your emotional stuff for the ceremony" I tease smiling up at her
A small laugh escapes her lips as she rolls her eyes, unable to help but smile back at you. "You're right," she says, regaining her composure. "Let's just finish up here and get ready for the ceremony." She takes one last look at the drawing before nodding towards it.
The tailor returns a short while later with fabric samples and sketches of their own designs, allowing them to finalize every detail of their wedding attire.
As the day progresses, they help each other into their respective outfits, admiring each other in silence. Iori's dress is a simple yet elegant affair, accentuating her pale figure and honorable nature. Nagatoro's floral dress, on the other hand, seems to dance around her like a living thing; it perfectly captures her innocence and vibrant spirit.
The ceremony itself passes by in a blur of tears, laughter, and solemn promises.