[Jakurai has this wish that relationships weren't so short lived here. He also had never really seen himself...practically seeing three different people and all three of them being okay with that. Color him impressed that he even agreed to that. Megumi was certainly very important to him though, and he felt himself very tenderhearted for her in particular. They had cultivated this relationship from the very bottom. An accidental text turned into a working relationship....turned into, well, essentially a relationship.]
You say that with so little confidence.
[Jakurai knows, is aware, and is fine with not being Megumi's only. It's just how it is here, right? The design of this place makes multiple partners a thing.]
It is more than fine, of course. These feelings seem to have been with you in your heart for quite some time. Life is all about discovering what it means to follow your heart, your gut, and you head. If you feel this way for us, for me, then I want to...as your partner, give you the confidence to be able to say it proudly.
[He leans over, giving her a small kiss on her forehead. A rare occurrence for Jakurai to even be the one initiating the affection.]
As for the cake...you don't need to do any of that for me. Simply spending time with those I cherish is all I really need. My birthday has never been anything that important to me.
See...before coming here, Konoha-san. I had never witnessed or met a jinba in my life. If I am to treat one, I believe that I should learn everything I can. Do you need both human medical care and equestrian care? I do not have a license to practice veterinary care, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't do what I could.
[He takes a sip of his drink, slow and thoughtful.]
Ehe... That's true for most humans here, it seems.
[Bowls in hand, Konoha starts ladling generous helpings of simmering meat and vegetables into them, topping them off with a few round balls of steamed rice.]
Back home, my village didn't have a jinba doctor... so my parents called a human doctor when I was sick with, you know, like a cold or something... and an animal doctor if I turned a hoof... but I guess it's complicated?
[She pauses to sort of pat along her torso with the hand holding the ladle, food momentarily held hostage by distraction.]
Jinba have two of a lot of things, I guess... organs, I mean. And some of them are connected and some of them aren't... my boss said so.
[ It is just the way this place is— they could wake up one day and not have the friends they'd spent all their time with. Growing with and learning this strange world together, only to have them disappear and losing every memory like it never existed.
She doesn't want to be afraid of it, she wants to live in the moment and acknowledge those bonds as they form. She's not sure when Jakurai became so treasured to her, all that she knows is that somewhere along the way, he did. Their conversations and bonding, watching his expression light up when he enjoyed something or grow serious in thought... and his kindness. His kindness above all may have drawn her in the most.
And she wants to make him happy, without fear.
So when he kisses her forehead, her ears flatten over the sides of her head as she accepts it, feeling a surge of emotion in her chest when he does. He's usually so restrained, that having him do such a thing is precious. In response, she only lowers her head to push her forehead against his chest. ]
You're important. That's all that matters here, love. Having a party just gives me— and everyone who cares for you, a way to show you that in celebration. Not that it'll stop otherwise.
[ She smiles to herself, trying to bite back her emotions and failing. He's really... ]
And if you won't be ashamed of it... then neither will I. I want to call you my partner... A boyfriend? Not just a lover or colleague...
[ A boyfriend sounds a bit too simple for what she feels... so maybe that works, or perhaps. Why do they need labels... she laughs a bit quietly as she shakes her head. ]
Just be honest about... everything. Good or bad. That's all I ask. I want to share in your joys, and work through any upsets I can help with.
[ She doesn't demand or ask for more at any time. Others will be able to help him better at times and she'll be happy they have. She pulls back, only to place a hand on his cheek and look him in the eyes. ]
But we have to eat together as much as we can. You're depriving yourself of a lot of deliciousness you know! And the only time I'm demanding anything is when you overwork yourself.
[ Because food is a form of love, after all. She pretend-glares, before pulling his head down and bumping their foreheads together. ]
Though I think I'm falling for that as well, about you. Don't take advantage of it or I'll really pout!
[ when jakurai returns to the office, there will be a gift waiting for him: the complete poetical works of friedrich schiller, a giant of romanticism and one of germany’s most celebrated writers of all time, he also used to be a medical doctor and used his poetry and plays to promote key ideals of the enlightenment, celebrating the beauty of life and the importance of withstanding tyranny in all forms. ]
I thought you would appreciate his works and his philosophy. Happy birthday, doc. - Kogami.
[Aah, Jakurai really does find himself to be quite a lucky man. To have someone at his side as receptive and accepting as Megumi is. She's never judged him, questioned him, so much as given him a sour face that was unwarranted. He doesn't think anything in this entire world could make him embarrassed or ashamed to say that she was his partner.]
I do appreciate the sentiment. Normally I am just happy to be given a warm regard on my birthday. The nurses at home always made sure to do such things. I am certain if allowed it, Doppo-kun and Hifumi-kun would celebrate with me as well. But I have not allowed that idea to form in either of their heads. They have lives and things to do.
[Jakurai easily follows her pulls, resting his forehead against hers.]
I will call us whatever you want to call us. Most importantly, you are my partner. That is a term I like to think fits us very well.
[He does laugh at her quip about his eating though.]
You will not be the first nor last person to tell me I look like I do not eat a proper amount.
The nurses here will end up doing the same, they adore you. If our prismagram didn't say enough.
[ It's full of "Dr. Jakurai Sightings", sneaked shots of Jakurai just... being himself and offering some good advice. Then again, they post mostly about their handsome men working there, with a sporadic "Dr. Megumi Says..." — not that Megumi discourages it. Have charm, get business, right? And her colleagues— they certainly embody charm.
She smiles in amusement, though his words trouble her... and she leans in and kisses the corner of his mouth, followed by another over his lips herself. ]
Partners, then. Boyfriend when I'm feeling particularly affectionate. And you know— I'm sure your Hifumi and Doppo would happily make time for you. Don't decide what they should be doing for them, aye?
[ It's not fair for him to decide if they should or not. Their love and affection for him is their own! So she smiles and pokes her nose with his, wanting him to feel just as loved by her. ]
We'll start you with a course of cuddles and a main dish of kisses. [ She jokes, though she pauses as her ears flick up. People are cheering in the streets below... she pauses and checks her device for the time, her eyes widening. ]
Hells. It's almost midnight. Were we out here that long?
[ That means the new year is on them... and she sits up properly, extending a hand to him to stand as she urges him to the side of the building rooftop. The celebrations are in full swing, and it's a few minutes to countdown... she smiles a bit. ]
Almost looks like how it is back home, whenever we were in Kugane. Ready to ring in the new year, love?
[Ramuda trots past the doctor and heads to the table and sets the box down then the bag. With the box he pulls off the lid and shows the cake he got him for his birthday. It was a nice cake with some flowers and matenrou colors.]
Page 14 of 24