Work Text:
It always took quite a while to get Orfevre dressed properly for the cold. Journey never complained, of course. If anything, that childish fussiness was overwhelmingly charming. She hoped in her heart of hearts that it would never melt away by the passage of time. Thus far, her wish had been granted.
Truly an ordeal from head to toe. Orfevre's socks, tights, or stockings had to be carefully adjusted so the seam did not bother them. Then their boots were put on with utmost care.
Orfevre always managed to find something to complain about with shoes. They were too tight. They were too warm. They were too light. They were too heavy. Journey had managed to find the least offensive pairs, but it seems winter boots were particularly abhorrent to their majesty. No way to avoid it. Journey could only shush and soothe her sister as she bundled them up.
Today, Orfevre donned a long skirt, and it had taken extensive bargaining to get Orfevre to wear fleece-lined tights underneath. Journey was relieved, however, that they would remain warm on their outing. The skirt she'd procured looked appropriately royal. A slight smile tugged at Journey's face before she remembered the task at hand.
After checking that the tights still lay properly, much to Orfevre's chagrin, Journey began looking through the wide array of winter coats available. Choosing one that would suit the outfit, weather, and bother Orfevre minimally was no laughing matter. It was only natural Journey handled it. The task of dressing Orfevre had been handed to Journey at a fairly young age. She was the only one who seemed to know their highness to a T. As it should be.
After much consideration, Journey took out a heavy wool coat with silk lining, presenting it with barely raised eyebrows.
"Will this do, dear Oru?" she asked, voice gentle and smooth.
Orfevre looked positively ruffled. It was a sight only their aneue was granted. An uncharacteristic pout graced their royal face. How charming. Of course it was the norm for these two, but anyone else would struggle to recognize the girl in front of Journey as the triple crown winner. Journey did her best not to show her amusement and cleared her throat when Orfevre did not respond.
"…You know I dislike wool," Orfevre said in a near-whine.
Journey couldn't hold back a soft chuckle. Orfevre let out an offended noise in response. Truly, her sister must be the cutest in the world. How could it be she was so lucky to have Orfevre all to herself?
"It's frigid outside today," Journey reasoned. Her face was steeled to a gentle but concerned expression. It was particularly effective when Oru was in this kind of mood. "I couldn't forgive myself if you got sick. It matches your lovely new skirt so well too, don't you think?"
Journey gently held the jacket beside the skirt to punctuate, raising the skirt's fabric slightly to Orfevre. She looked again at her sister.
They huffed in response, but grunted affirmatively. "Alright," they said shortly.
That ill temper should wash away once they were out the door, Journey figured. Orfevre was likely overheating in all of these layers. It was difficult for her not to bundle Orfevre excessively. They almost looked like the layered desserts they loved so much that way.
A gentle, patient smile returned to Journey's face in response. "Very good, Oru," she praised, putting Orfevre's arms into the sleeves and buttoning the jacket. She smoothed it carefully once it was on.
Without even allowing Orfevre a say in the matter, she deftly wrapped a scarf across her sister's neck. It was tied elegantly, laying in such a way that gave the impression it was an accessory rather than there for warmth. Of course, that was part of it. In the end, however, every accessory allowed to grace her sister's body had its purpose.
As a final move, Journey deftly put custom winter ear covers onto her sister. Typically, this sort of thing was only worn by younger uma musume… It wasn't really meant to be adorned by adults. However, Orfevre seemed quite attached to them. They were the singular winter accessory that they gave no complaint to. If anything, her beloved Oru had whined quite extensively when they were supposed to stop wearing them.
Journey's outfit was much less ornate and only took her a few moments to put on, albeit Orfevre fussed every second that passed. Journey gently ran her fingers through her sisters hair, kissing her cheek gently before pulling them up from where they'd been seated.
The day had been planned down to the second. Journey wouldn't allow for anything but a perfect outing for her beloved Oru. A proper winter date for them both. Viewing light displays on their way to a Christmas market, then to a cafe. Of course, she already had a Christmas cake in the fridge for when they got back. She'd spent weeks making sure not a single thing could get in their way.
Journey couldn't, however, control Orfevre's moods. Not completely, at least.
While she'd expected Orfevre to settle down, it didn't seem to be happening anytime soon. If anything, her sister seemed more bothered as they made their way through the various light displays. Pinned ears and swishing tail turned to more nervous behavior. Orfevre seemed jumpy, ears swiveling and tail pinned. The grip on Journey's hand became crushing.
Oru was surprisingly silent in a way that became quite concerning, so Journey scrapped the idea. Perhaps the brightness was anything but pleasing to their sensitive eyes? It took Journey embarrassingly long to notice, and she cursed herself as she pulled Orfevre down a side street away from all the lights.
That sensitivity could be difficult to anticipate. It varied day to day, so there was little helping it as they made their way to a cafe the two were regulars at. Journey hoped the familiarity would be soothing. Perhaps she'd been too greedy in her plans for their date.
Orfevre seemed to calm significantly as they walked. If anything, their ears perked up when they spotted the cafe. It made Journey quite proud how well she could read them.
To Journey's surprise, Orfevre tugged her quickly ahead in seeming excitement. She couldn't help a giggle leaving her lips as she nearly ran to keep up. Soft laughter came from Orfevre in reply, making her heart warm.
Orfevre dragged her sister into the cafe with little regard. They nearly knocked into another couple, but her sister remained unaware. Ah, they truly were perfect.
Oru's shoulders relaxed as she took long strides towards the dessert display. Journey gently let go of their hand. They turned back to her with a bewildered expression. However, just as quickly Journey was beside them once again. She gently shook their shoulder, smiling widely.
"What would you like today?" Journey inquired, voice low. A near whisper making it feel once again that the world belonged only to the two of them.
Orfevre's eyes darted across the display case, clearly torn. They fiddled with their jacket, restless.
"How about just nikuman for now?" Journey suggested, earning her a betrayed look. She chuckled. "We have cake at home," she reminded.
Orfevre seemed torn, but shook their head as though banishing the thought. They nodded. "Alright," they said, voice soft. Despite agreeing, they sulked somewhat.
Journey watched Oru dejectedly save the two of them a spot out of the corner of her eye as she paid. It truly was too cute. The other uma musume seemed much more at ease here.
It didn't feel like a particularly special gathering, but then again, perhaps every moment spent beside Oru was special enough. Grabbing a tray with their food and drink, Journey walked carefully to their table.
In the end, the visit was somewhat uneventful. Orfevre was unusually quiet… Journey surmised they were already quite tuckered out. As the two of them ate, she tried to figure out the best course of action.
"Did you not like the lights?" she asked softly. Last year, Orfevre had beheld them with a sense of wonder. Journey wasn't entirely sure what had gone wrong. If she knew, she could make sure to narrow it down the next time.
Orfevre shook their head. "It was too loud," they admitted sheepishly. While Oru held themselves together much more in the public eye, Journey heard the pout in their voice.
She nodded understandingly, reaching across the table to entertwine their fingers. Her fingers gently brushed over Oru's knuckles.
Orfevre's avoidant eyes finally met Journey's. Somehow, it had escaped her notice, but they seemed almost near tears. Journey had to avoid stiffening in reaction. Protecting her precious sister was her life's purpose, after all. Only she was permitted to hurt Orfevre in such a way. Yet, this was fully unintentional.
Journey stood up abruptly, the scraping of the chair filling the room. Oru looked confused as Journey pulled them from their seat. Journey held Orfevre tightly, much more than was acceptable in this setting. In a rush, they made their way out of the warm cafe and into the chilled December air.
"I'm sorry, Oru," Journey said softly, uncoiling from her near-punishing grip upon her sister. Orfevre shook their head quickly, but Journey nearly hissed at the motion. Orfevre stopped immediately, biting their lip nervously.
"You should have told me sooner," Journey said, tone almost accusing. Yet it held too much affection. Despite Orfevre being much taller, they shrunk at their sister's words. They nodded wordlessly.
"It's alright," Journey affirmed. She hugged Orfevre tightly, her sister melting slightly beneath her. Whether it was the touch or her words, it would be impossible to tell. "You're such a brave girl, aren't you?"
Orfevre nodded hesitantly. Journey's fingers weaved through Orfevre's carefully arranged hair, gently running through it. Orfevre took in a deep breath, then exhaled deeply. Journey smiled. There it was. Proof that her sister was always under her thumb. Oru's strings were only hers to pull and conduct, after all.
"Let's go home, okay?"
The walk home was silent but peaceful. However, Orfevre seemed to sag with relief when they reached the entrance way of their house.
With just as much care as every piece had been assembled, Journey carefully untangled their sister from their winter wear. Leading Orfevre to their room, she further undressed them. It was wordless. It was like clockwork. It was love.
As Journey went to the adjoined bathroom to run a bath, Orfevre sat limply upon the bed. Like a puppet without strings. A beautiful doll who belonged only to her, she contemplated as she poured the bubble bath in. A gentle lavender scent filled the room alongside Journey's humming. Journey unbuttoned and took off her own top. She sat it upon a side table, folded perfectly. Then she stirred the water, bubbles rapidly filling the tub with her practiced motions.
"Come here, Oru," she called. Almost as though to an animal. Her sister's eyes, drowsy and nearly empty, lit up at the demand. They stood and strode quickly to her side with ease. Towering above their sister, kneeling, they would easily seem in control. Yet they looked at Journey for further instruction. Journey smiled.
Journey continued to undress, folding the rest of their clothing. Then, they helped Orfevre into the tub before joining them.
It was a huge tub, truly a luxury. A porcelain clawfoot tub easily able to fit two adults with room to spare. Orfevre deserved nothing less. Journey sighed in relief, stretching with her hands above her head. Perhaps this was the better decision, after all.
"You're so clever," she complimented. Orfevre looked slightly confused as to where it came from, but didn't question it. Their aneue always knew best, after all. It made Journey proud how well her little sister knew that.
"Aneue is even moreso," Orfevre spoke softly, cupping Journey's face within their hands.
Even their hands were so much larger than Journey's own, warm and wet with bathwater.
"If someone as intelligent as you says so, it must be right, hmm?" Journey teased back, taking Orfevre's face in her own palm. She nearly climbed into her sister's lap as she moved closer, pressing their lips together gently. It was chaste, yet Orfevre shivered beneath her touch. Journey's heart would surely burst with how cute they were.
"Yes," Orfevre replied breathlessly, ghosting their hands over their lips. Their face was slightly flushed. It was hard to say if it was from the warm water or the kiss that caused it.
Journey scooched away, reaching for the glass she used to wet Oru's hair. Orfevre was certainly old enough to do it herself. Journey hoped she never did. She scooped warm bathwater into the cup, pouring it atop Orfevre's hair while holding a hand above their bangs to ensure her face didn't get wet. It was a pet peeve Orfevre had kept since childhood.
Truthfully, this wasn't a terribly convenient way to go about it. Orfevre's hair was long and dense, but Journey didn't mind. It went on like that for a while until Journey determined the hair was sufficiently wet.
It was almost silent aside from their breaths mingling and pleased hums from Orfevre's behalf. They didn't need many words with one another in the end.
Journey poured a bit of shampoo into her hand and began carefully working it into Orfevre's long locks. Again, it was an endeavor. However, the excuse to be so close and dote upon her sister was always a pleasure. When Journey massaged their scalp, they let out something akin to a choked moan. She chuckled. They could be rather sensitive like this.
Once upon a time, Orfevre had protested bathtime. Journey could easily remember a young and indignant Orfevre crying and shrieking about the matter. Yet now it was one of her favorite things to do. Albeit, they still bathed with their sister at this age… Could they be blamed, when they loved one another so much?
Journey smiled softly as she rinsed Orfevre's hair. Orfevre's hand reached for the washcloth, but Journey gently reached out to put her hand atop theirs and shook her head. Wordlessly, Orfevre's hand dropped. Journey took the cloth in turn, dunking it under the water and wringing it before pouring on some of Orfevre's favorite soap.
It was easy to direct Orfevre as she pleased like this. Pliant beneath her hands, they lifted both arms as Journey washed every inch. Once those were done, their neck and chest. Then their back. Both legs. From head to toe, Journey touched every single inch of her sister like this. Only she could have the pleasure. She'd never let anyone else.
Once Journey rinsed her sister off, she finally got to washing herself. Unlike Orfevre's routine, Journey rushed through the steps. It wouldn't be acceptable to bore her king this way.
As expected, Orfevre was looking at her with a soft pout when she finished. The cooling water couldn't be appealing, either. The bubbles long since popped. The moment was over.
Journey got out first, drying herself quicky before giving Orfevre her hand. Journey first towelled off Orfevre's hair, then wrapped it up momentarily. Then she wiped down Orfevre's wet body. She'd take more pleasure in it, but her little sister was clearly fussy today. So she did her best not to pause too often and not to linger excessively as she dried Orfevre off.
"Was the bath to your liking?" she questioned, wrapping a robe around Orfevre and hanging the towels to dry. She got into her own robe as she asked. Grabbing the house slippers, she put them upon Orfevre's feet before her own.
"It was," Orfevre said simply. That kind of day. That was fine. Every word was cherished. Every syllable. Orfevre was always enough.
"I'm glad." Journey took Orfevre's hand in her own, dragging them to the bedroom. She once again gently guided Orfevre to sit upon the bed before rifling through Orfevre's closet.
In the end, comfort took first priority this time around. Typically, style and outward appearance took some level of precedence when deciding Orfevre's outfit. However, tonight it would only be the two of them. At least, aside from various servants that consistently scurried around the Gold family home.
It was a nice change of pace. Quite rare the two of them got to just stay in.
It took Journey quite a while to find pajamas best suited to the current plans. After all, Orfevre would not merely be retiring to bed in them. They were to spend time together and dine as well. The wooden floors could carry quite a chill, too. Many factors came into the decision.
After much thought, Journey took out a light cotton underlayer to begin.
Her sister complied as Journey slid the simple white shorts up their legs.
Orfevre's legs were muscular and firm beneath her hands, but plush with a thin layer of fat. After all, Journey always ensured Orfevre ate enough.
It was routine enough that Orfevre raised their hips off up wordlessly as the garment was pulled up around them.
Getting the camisole on was a simpler affair. It had been perfectly tailored to Oru. Her sister hated adjustable straps, after all. Journey would not tolerate anything less than absolute comfort for her dearest sister.
Journey did not pause, however, getting out dark red silk pajamas from Orfevre's vast closet. They were relatively simple in contrast to most of the ornate garments.
The only notable trait would be the 3/4th sleeves. At times, Orfevre could be quite fussy about longer sleeves. Journey was quite proud of how often they tolerated them nonetheless. Today was a time to relax, though. No need for appearances.
Journey raised Orfevre's arms with only a slight touch as suggestion. So very sweet and obedient. Well trained. She truly couldn't be luckier…
Slpping the delicate silk sleeves onto her sisters muscular arms, Journey relished the contrast. In such simple dress Orfevre's regal presence was lessened… and Journey's little sister became clearer.
The pants were put on with equal ease, causing Journey to hum in satisfation.
Leaning down, Journey pressed a soft kiss to Orfevre's cheek before gently breathing in their ear. Her sister jumped slightly, but did not protest. Journey took the ear within one hand, stroking it lovingly.
"You're so good for me, Oru," she whispered softly. She watched Orfevre's expression just barely change at the praise. She had become adept at noticing such a thing. A slight quiver of the mouth or eyebrows… Nothing got past her.
Orfevre swallowed just a bit more audibly than normal.
Journey couldn't help her smile widening slightly for a moment.
Sometimes her sister seemed like such delightful prey. Ah, but this wasn't the time for such a thing.
Journey stepped back and brushed imaginary dirt off her robe. Then schooled her expression into something more gentle.
"…Of course," Orfevre finally managed to reply lamely. Journey ran her fingers through their hair carefully, fondly. It was a perfect reply to her.
She dressed with much less fanfare. No need to be so careful, no need to think so deeply.
And as expected, Orfevre was fidgeting by the time Journey returned. She fought her urge to chuckle. So cute. Unable to function on her own…
Journey clasped Orfevre's hand in her own, pulling the much larger uma musume up. Of course, it would be nigh impossible if Oru was uncooperative. That was no issue, though. As much as Journey would do anything for Orfevre, Orfevre would do anything for Journey.
The two of them slowly padded through the halls of the mansion. It was even emptier than usual. Most of the staff were off on holiday, after all. Only "bare essentials" were left - if you could call such luxury that.
As they made their way down the grand staircase a few maids scrambled out of their way and out of sight. They knew the consequences of getting on Journey's bad side.
Journey was quite glad. Nobody was allowed to see her little sister so vulnerable. Nobody but her.
Journey led Orfevre into the kitchen, humming as she did. Pulling out a stool, Orfevre was sat at the counter. Journey proceeded to rummage through the fridge and found the Christmas cake without much issue. It was a custom order from Orfevre's favorite bakery.
She didn't miss how Orfevre's eyes glittered when the cake was set down.
"Do you like it?" Journey asked. She knew the answer, of course, but she wanted to hear it.
"Yes."
With that, Journey got back to work finding appropriate cutlery and dishes to serve the cake. Once she placed those down, she found a large knife and cut out two slices. She placed both upon their plates with finesse.
The cake looked simple but surely would satisfy Oru's sweet tooth.
Journey could sense her sisters impatience. Rather, anyone with a keen eye could see it. Orfevre couldn't seem to sit completely still, eyes darting between the cake and her sister.
This time Journey couldn't hold back soft laughter. Orfevre pouted, but it melted away as the cake was placed in front of them.
Orfevre went to feed themselves but Journey's smaller hand quickly covered their larger one once more. They immediately went limp, allowing their hand to be pressed to the table.
Journey shook her head, letting Orfevre's hand go. She instead picked up her own fork, delicately cutting a bite with her fork. Then she lifted her fork, holding a hand underneath as she held it to Orfevre's mouth.
It took no instruction for Orfevre to open their mouth. Journey took note of the subtle flush on their cheeks, though.
The room was silent as Journey fed Orfevre the cake. One bite at a time. Each bite carefully portioned.
"Is it good?" Journey asked.
Orfevre nodded. All semblance of control had long since shifted hands.
"I'm glad," Journey replied. "But you should properly use your words, shouldn't you?"
Orfevre looked ashamed, ears drooping slightly. Ah, adorably pathetic.
"…It is delicious. Thank you, aneue. You always pick the best sweets for me."
Journey gently ran her hand underneath Orfevre's chin. The other instantly relaxed. They had done well.
"Your aneue always knows best, doesn't she?" It was said as a question, but clearly a statement.
"Of course." Orfevre answered nonetheless.
Journey gently wiped some icing off of the corner of Orfevre's mouth. There were only two bites left. Journey's cake laid untouched.
"Open wide," Journey instructed needlessly. The command was followed with ease.
Watching her sister slowly savor the cake was more satisfying than eating it herself. It was clear how much enjoyment was taken from every bite. It showed on Oru's face clear as day. There was also an amusing level of impatience, given this process slowed them down considerably.
As Orfevre slowly chewed the last bite (they wouldn't want to be scolded, after all), Journey stood up. She spoke briefly to a maid before taking Orfevre's hand back in her own. The room was tidied as they walked away, Journey's slice placed back in the container. Only a show of solidarity and nothing else.
Orfevre didn't seem to notice, to Journey's delight. She wasn't nearly as much of a sweet tooth. Given the cake was picked for Orfevre, it'd likely be near inedible for her.
Journey guided the two of them to a couch. Orfevre looked up at Journey inquisitively, head tilting just so. Their eyelashes caught in the light of the Christmas tree beside them. In general, the gentle glow that enveloped them made them look ethereal. The effect upon Orfevre was more dazzling to Journey than any gem or metal. No jewelry could highlight her precious sister so gently.
It seems Journey took too long taking in the view, as Orfevre made a soft noise of displeasure.
Journey sat down beside Orfevre before climbing shamelessly into her sister's lap. Orfevre's eyes widened slightly, but they did not protest. Orfevre leaned down submissively as Journey took their face within her hands. She relished it for a moment before pressing their lips together. Orfevre closed their eyes, but Journey kept her own open, cherishing the sight.
Journey kissed Orfevre's lips gently before moving lower, kissing their neck before gently biting. Her mouth trailed their jawline, kissing as she returned to their mouth once more. One hand massaged Orfevre's scalp as another rubbed their waist, and she relished the way Orfevre's breath quickened.
Finally, Journey pressed their mouths together once more. Her hand moved from their scalp to below their chin, holding them gently in place as her tongue gently brushed their lips. Orfevre opened their mouth quickly, almost desperately. Journey took it slowly, however. Carefully brushing their tongues together, relishing Orfevre's gentle whimpers.
They tasted sweet, but this was a much preferable way to enjoy Christmas cake. Lingering flavor of vanilla, sugar, and strawberry seemed to fit Orfevre perfectly.
However, the clock was ticking towards midnight, and Journey had noticed signs of exhaustion for a long time now. It would be best not to push Oru any more.
So even if her sister keened desperately for more, she lessened the intensity. Slowly, the kisses transitioned back into something more chaste.
Albeit Orfevre initially whined, they seemed to relax as their sister gently kissed their face. Their eyelids, their cheeks, their jaw, their chin. She began to play with their hair once again, noticing how their tense posture loosened. Perhaps she'd gone a bit far, but it was hard not to. Truly, her sister was too precious.
Orfevre's face was a soft pink, their breath heavy. Journey took their hands in her own, softly pressing kisses to each finger before putting them back down.
"You did so well today," she praised. Oru let out a gratified sigh. That was all she needed. No need to push them further.
The clock chiming for the hour, Journey stood. It was well past Orfevre's bedtime, but that could be forgiven for such a special day.
"Let's go to bed, okay?"
The two of them once again went hand in hand through the halls. They would seem a maze for those unaware, but Journey knew every inch of the place. After all, she couldn't possibly let Orfevre get lost.
Orfevre climbed into bed, and Journey carefully pulled the sheets upon them before tucking them in. Orfevre could hardly seem to keep their eyes open - they'd been yawning incessantly the entire walk.
Journey turned to turn off the light, but a hand tugged at the back of her shirt instead. Ah… She really was blessed.
"What is it?" she asked softly, so quiet it would be nearly unheard to non-uma musume.
"Sing for me..?" Orfevre asked childishly, voice heavy with sleep. Despite their clear weariness, it seemed they wouldn't rest without being taken care of one more time.
Journey nodded, sitting on the side of the bed without protest.
Skillfully she sang a lullaby, one long-loved by her little sister. There was likely no need to try so hard, but Journey sang as though she was performing to the most cultured audience. Her vibrato echoed across the walls of the room.
In spite of the effort put in, the song was sang quietly. Gentle and sweet. It was as though nobody else was meant to hear… Given they truly weren't. A moment and song only for them.
Of course, Orfevre nodded off long before the song was finished. They snored softly as Journey sang, but Journey sang regardless.
Once the song finished, Journey pressed a soft kiss to Orfevre's forehead. Even though Journey should go to her own room… She carefully slid in beside Orfevre, drifting off to sleep near instantly surrounded by the warmth of her dear sibling.