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Ryoma stared at the blank paper in front of him. He had been staring at it for the past hour, but nothing was coming to him. It was still dark outside, but he couldn’t sleep, perhaps feeling too anxious.
He had been tasked with an important job: coming up with a name for his unborn child.
His deadline was fast approaching, as the baby was due any day now.
He looked at the pile of crumpled paper around him and sighed. Nothing seemed good enough; nothing was fitting. How could he sum up his hopes and dreams for this child in a single name? He wondered how his parents ever did this.
Ryoma stood up and stretched. Maybe some fresh air would help him clear his head and give him some inspiration. He headed up to his favourite spot for thinking: the roof of the castle.
It was still dark. Ryoma gazed down at the lantern lights from the castle town below. The lights twinkled like stars. Hmm… maybe something star-themed? Scarlet likes stars.
“Can’t sleep?” A voice came from behind him and broke him out of his thoughts. Ryoma turned around, and saw Scarlet slowly making her way up the stairs.
“What are you doing up here?” He quickly rushed to her and helped her up the last few steps.
She grinned, “You disappeared. I figured you’d be up here.”
Ryoma still looked worried. Despite the fact that she kept telling him she was just fine, he couldn't help but worry.
“Here, take this, it’s cold up here.” He took off the coat of his haori and wrapped it around her. She happily accepted it, cozying up to the warmth.
“Is everything alright?” she asked, a glint of worry in her eyes.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just… looking for some inspiration,” he answered, pulling her into his arms, and gently patted her tummy.
She laughed and patted his hand. “I see. You’re running out of time, mister.”
He made a face. “That’s why I’m up here, clearing my head. Don’t worry, it’ll come to me… I promise.”
“I love this view,” she said, gazing out at the city spread out below them, bathed in the morning twilight. “It feels like I’m flying.”
She turned her head to look up at him, and pulled him closer. “And I love seeing it with you.”
He kissed her hair. “Me too.”
Whenever he was stressed or uncertain, Ryoma would come to the roof and look at this view. From up here, he could see the land he ruled below him. It reminded him of what he was doing this for.
They stood in silence for a while, enjoying the view and the gentle morning breeze.
“Are you nervous?” Scarlet’s voice broke the silence.
“Heh,” Ryoma chuckled, “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t.”
“You’d make a great father,” she brushed his face, “After all, you’re an amazing older brother.”
Ryoma shook his head, “That’s…not quite the same…But… I suppose there are similarities. What about you? Are you nervous?”
“Terrified,” she laughed, “I’m an only child. I’ve never even been very close to a baby before, I have no idea what to do.”
He brushed a strand of hair out of her face, “I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
“I hope so…”
“You will be,” he kissed her cheek. “You’re very adaptable. Look at how well you’ve adjusted to living here and becoming queen.”
He paused, threading his fingers with hers, “I’m… I’m glad you’re here Scarlet. Thank you, for being with me.” He looked away, and added softly, “I know you’ve sacrificed a lot…”
Scarlet turned around to face him.
“Ryoma, I told you before, didn't I? I didn’t sacrifice anything.” She placed her hands on the side of his face and looked at him with steady eyes. “I’m here because I want to be. I’ve always wanted a family, and now, I’ve found it.”
He closed his hands around hers and kissed her gently. He was grateful to her. She had been a positive presence in his life. Even though he was uncertain about this new chapter in his life, he felt better knowing he wasn’t alone, that they were about to embark on it together.
“Do you…think it’s a boy, or a girl?” she asked, patting her belly.
He looked pensive. “Did you ask Orochi to do a divination?” She shook her head.
“I hope it’s a boy,” she said, smiling to herself. “I hope he grows up to be a responsible, kind, and reliable older brother like you.”
He smiled and held her closer.
They watched quietly as the sun rose above the horizon, spreading light to the world below.
“Shinonome…” Ryoma muttered.
He gasped. Yes, that’s it! The morning light. This moment when the world is just waking up, when the sunlight dawned upon the world. He hoped that his child would shed light on the world around them.