Chapter 2
The next day, Dazai woke up in disbelief of what occurred and only believed their memories upon feeling the sting of his bruised hand. So everything happened, huh?
They walked downstairs, cheery and opened the long curtains in front of his siblings, jolting them from whatever they were doing as breakfast was prepared, and exclaimed upon examining the sunny and vibrant weather, “My what a splendid day, we shall go promenading!”
Gin looked up from his sketchbook and Ryuu looked up from his book exchanging looks of misery. The two were already weary from yesterday’s ball. Suddenly the youngest Oda-Sakaguchi began running up to the brunette excitedly, “Is it true? Have you begun courting a duke or was Lady Montgomery making a fool out of me?”
Osamu should’ve known their delightful cook who had a passion for describing romantical tales would have mentioned any signs of the family’s romance to Yumeno who was always enthralled in her stories ever since the family hired her a year or so ago. Osamu threw up his hands in a dramatically ‘bashful’ manner. “Why yes, dear Q, I shall admit it. The small yet surprisingly handsome Duke Nakahara was so miraculously enamoured by me that in just two days he begged me to court him. And as he was so easy on the eyes, for someone but a school boy’s height, I graciously accepted and he shall join us on our Brunch promenade~”
“I shall meet him, how marvellous!” Yumeno exclaimed jumping up in joy.
Before Osamu could further set the scene of their fake relationship, the heavy banging of their door thudded angrily across the ground floor of the house. Tsujimura must have opened the door as immediately a familiar frantic yelling echoed around the building. A gentleman with a ponytail blonde hair, glasses and tacky brown but well-tailored suit stormed in holding up some paper in his hand, “Dazai! What is this?”
Osamu grabbed it and began reading:
Lord kindaichi's society paper
Dearest reader,
It appears your author has been ‘put in their place’ as one would say.
It appears underestimating Prince Ranpo’s judgement on choosing Liege Gin Akutagawa was a foolish endeavour. The diamond, I had formerly considered a social recluse unfit for such prestigious shoes, was spotted on the dancefloor at Lady Koyou’s ball for mere hours dancing with all sorts of members of the ton including the second eldest tachihara, the gentlemen Michizo, and Lady Ichiyo Higuchi- who did not fall over or pass out, a remarkable improvement indeed. I would love to see a future soirée at the Oda-Sakaguchi household as it would be most promising.
I candidly must concede that speculating the mental well-being of the Oda-Sakaguchis was incredibly ill-mannered and I was happily proven wrong as Viscount Osamu Dazai stunned in a green gown that made heads turn. Among those heads was our Duke Nakahara as mid-way through the festivities they walked arm in arm and danced for the remaining hour as if none of us were watching. Oh, how the author could sense the duke’s passion for Dazai and was proven right in this instance!
It also serves to mention that a now former member of the community, Alan Bennett (more commonly referred to as Ace within the ton) was seen a mere half an hour before the courtship asking Dazai to dance with him, was then later reportedly seen littered in blood and bruises saying he was to leave Yokohama by morning. Coincidence, I should think not!
I shall hope your days in such lovely weather remain splendid, dear readers!
Yours sincerely,
Lord Kindaichi
“Oh yes, I am courting the duke, problem?” Dazai smirked playing oblivious to annoy his dear friend.
“Yes! He has a criminal record and there are implications of him harming another gentleman. I implore you to break off the relationship immediately!” the blonde screeched as if his head would explode at any moment.
“But that is merely information from a gossip column, Kunikida~ How dare you withhold my love and happiness over baseless rumours. I should expect better of the King’s own right-hand man!” Osamu cried out wiping away crocodile tears as their youngest sibling hugged him in comfort.
“…Fine but I shall chaperone you. I do not wish for such a man to beseech you and your family’s great name.” Kunikida sighed not wishing to condone the relationship further.
And that is how Kunikida, unfortunately, ended up walking with the Oda-Sakaguchis during their promenade. Osamu held Yumeno in his arms (Yumeno had also put on some of their best clothes including their purple kimono with a yellow obi, pink parasol and sunhat -making them rather look rather dapper) as the Akutagawa duo stood side by side in matching black outfits- Ryuu in yukata and Gin in an empire dress and spencer coat paired with a grey bonnet, sharing a parasol and book hoping to be anywhere but Yokohama garden park.
Kunikida stood behind the group in full attire (including a ridiculously large top hat) shaking his head in a horrified manner, “That outfit seems entirely improper, Dazai! You should at least have a waistcoat on!” he exclaimed tutting.
He was complaining that Dazai was wearing just a flowing shirt and pants paired with a shawl without a hat, blazer or waistcoat. “Relax Kunikida~ I’m wearing gloves. Besides it is far too warm to be so dressed up you’re just dripping in sweat!” the brunette said brushing off the complaints as they could not care less.
As they walked by the pond, Osamu spotted two gingers feeding the ducks. “Ah my dearest beloved has beat us here!” he exclaimed instantly making Yumeno excitable.
“Chibi~” Dazai yelled across the path to grab the duke’s attention much to Kunikida’s horror.
Chibi was wearing a red kimono with black lining and a grey obi but of course, was still wearing the ridiculous hat while holding a giant picnic basket (with a parasol sticking out) and his sister was in her usual pink and purple kimono but she was wearing a hat tilted on her head and was tied up in a low bun and she smiled gracefully, “Ah Dazai-san, we should have some tea together after we walked around the park!” she exclaimed pulling both Yumeno and an Osamu into a hug.
Chuuya just stared as the Viscount placed his sibling down. He was admiring the outfit they had on -the flowing white and open shirt displaying the bandages underneath, tan high-waist pants, a light blue shawl and small laced gloves- that made him look extravagant and Nakahara just could not bear to look away. “My you really are a schoolboy’s height!” a dual-haired child exclaimed as Osamu snorted.
“I’m taller than you, aren’t I?” the ginger said attempting to not show his annoyance for the sake of the ruse.
Chuuya grabbed the brunette’s gloved hand and kissed it gently making the young child squeal in excitement at the romance, knowing they just had to report back to Lady Montgomery late. Dazai was instantly taken aback by Duke Nakahara’s actions and reminded themselves it was all a matter of contrivance so no one would question the ‘courtship’. Yumeno then ran off with Ryuu and Gin to investigate the birds as Kunikida peered at Chuuya curiously “So Duke Nakahara, tell me about your criminal record.” Kunikida said bluntly pulling out his notebook and pen as Dazai slapped his palm onto his face.
“Well, it was only a drunk and disorderly back in Paris, so no matter honestly; who is not drunk in Paris? It seems to have been blown out of proportion.” The hat rack replied chuckling, completely unaware of Kunikida’s idealistic nature.
Dazai felt the glassed-up eyes glaring at him furiously, “Dazai you said it was a “baseless rumour”? This is not a man you should date! Whatever would your father think of me allowing this relationship?!”
Dazai pretended to cry, masking the annoyance of Kunikida bringing up Ango, “You are just so cold-hearted Kunikida~ I knew once you became aware of the incarceration you would forbid me from seeing my beloved slug! Oh whatever would this Viscount do if he could never see their dearest chibi again?” they exclaimed clinging onto Chuuya’s arm for further theatrics praying to cause a scene that Kunikida would desperately want to avoid.
“Alright, alright! I allow this courtship then but I will keep an eye on the Duke and his character.” Kunikida conceded as Osamu instantly stopped crying.
“Man yer such a bore.” Chuuya said rolling his eyes and grabbing the red and orange parasol from his bag and opening it, “Shall we walk around Dazai?” Nakahara entreated holding out his hand to which the beanpole accepted.
“Excellent idea boy! I and Lord Kunikida shall watch over the others and we can meet up at the café in a while!” Lady Koyou exclaimed hitting Kunikida with her parasol and guiding him away from the ‘lovebirds’.
As they walked off Chuuya commented, “You truly are talented at orchestrating gentlemen, I find it rather impressive.”
Dazai just smirked snatching the parasol and lifting it above both their heads and intertwining their arms, “We shall go to at least seven balls this season.” They announced.
“No, I refuse. Far too many”
“Do you wish for our subterfuge to work or not or has your hat shrunk the brain you had yesterday evening?”
“That is entirely hypocritical considering your constant insults make our scheme less believable. I shall go five as the purpose was for me to avoid the marriage-minded individuals not be surrounded by them for dreadful hours on end.”
“I only taunt those worthy of my time so your nicknames shall have to stay I am afraid~ but I suppose five shall do as long as you send flowers later today- expensive ones of course.”
Chuuya looked up at Dazai, “Whatever for?”
“Anyone truly courting me would buy out of every florist in Yokohama, my dear chibi. Plus, it will make Kunikida feel guilty for questioning your intentions.” Dazai sighed matter-of-factly.
“Rather vain, don’t you think, my dear sequoia tree? But of course, I shall find the most perfect pansies, heliotropes, camellias- you name it.” Chuuya said pleased with the jab he had come up with.
“Ah my beloved hat-rack, you catch on incredibly easily. And remember no one should become the wiser about our arrangement or about Ace last evening.” Dazai spoke clenching tighter to the parasol.
“Of course, how is your hand by the way?”
“Perfectly fine but should I inquire about your own. ‘bloody and bruised, leaving Yokohama by the morning’, whatever did my brutish Duke do to the poor man?”
“I have done nothing of the sort, I am a respectable gentleman after all. Although, one of my servants may be a retired boxer- I shall have to ask iceman on his whereabouts yesterday.” The Duke replied smirking not wishing to reveal the gritty details.
“What a loyal dog, Chibi. Protecting me and keeping your hands unscathed~” Dazai sang, mocking a deed he very much appreciated.
“Yeah, yeah wait until you see my dog, for some reason, Anee-san told me she would prefer walking around without him today,” Chuuya informed rolling his eyes.
Dazai frowned at the mention, “Probably because Lady Koyou is aware that the Oda-Sakaguchis are not the fondest of dogs.”
“What? You hate dogs!” Chuuya exclaimed exasperated.
Dazai totally could have been truthful about their fear of dogs but instead settled on, “No they’re alright but both Q and Ryuu are terrified of the creatures so we just have a kitten called Rashumon that the twins bought for their birthday.”
“Oh, what kind of cat?” Chuuya inquired, interested in Dazai's family.
“A Norwegian forest, she’s pretty big and my oto-san picked her up after a trip to China-” Dazai stopped mid-way through the sentence in reminiscence of their oto-san.
Sensing the issue Chuuya changed the subject, “We should probably head to the café now but also what flowers do you suppose I could get your siblings? I figure I should try and win over their graces.”
Dazai nodded, “Well Gin would appreciate wisteria or peonies, Yumeno would like spider lilies or something creepy and Ryuu he’s not particularly fond of most plants but maybe a tea plant of some kind as he enjoys tea.”
“You are quite fond of your siblings. It must be hard raising them” Chuuya observed while making a mental note of what to buy.
“I suppose I am. We were all adopted from rather… difficult backgrounds, so I make sure they all are cared for which is why marrying well is important so I can rely on someone.” Dazai admits.
“You are a very commendable person for someone I deemed vain and egocentric.” The duke notes vocally. “I would love to hear more about your family.”
“Well, where to start? Ryuu is very passionate about tea, reading and antique paintings and trinkets but hates socialising so I am extremely grateful he puts in the effort, even if I do not show it. Gin is also fond of reading, the twins both have an interest in “gothic literature”, and she also likes silver so I try to get him silver jewellery and trinkets whenever I can. And then Yumeno as innocent as they look absolutely loves the occult and owns this one battered doll with spikey teeth and a missing leg which is their favourite so if anyone bought anything creepy or oddly jarring they would adore it. They also are partial to dark sugars so we used to go out almost every week with oto-san and Father to buy them chocolate.” Dazai ranted, clearly passionate over the siblings they doted on.
Dazai also noted that mentioning Odasaku seemed less painful around the Duke which was a peculiar inspection, indeed.
Once they made it to the Lupin café, Yumeno instantly ran towards them hugging Osamu, “‘Samu, you were gone forever! Can we get ice cream, Kunikida-san said I wasn’t allowed, but please can I? It’s too warm!” Q pleaded desperately clutching onto the brunette’s arm.
“Why of course you can! In fact, you should go tell Kunikida to write down that ice cream actually has healing properties that prevent sunburn.” Dazai said as the child erupted into cheers and ran towards Kunikida.
Chuuya looked confused at first before Dazai smirked and then it clicked. The two scheming partners went to order tea and ice cream for everyone, before seating themselves at the table as Kunikida was scribbling away in his notebook, “My Kunikida do not tell me you fell for that nonsense fact~” Dazai guffawed at the blonde’s naivety.
The blonde snapped his pen in anger, “Dazai, you rock for brains!” Kunikida roared.
Meanwhile someone else in Yokohama - a certain heterochromia, uneven grey-haired boy- was currently in a very troubled predicament. Atsushi Nakijima was fresh from a wretched orphanage and horrid foster system with his recently acquired sister and her demonic rabbit- snow but he was now facing a quandary; finding a job.
He had worked at the ports for some time but the long hours and small pay made caring for Kyouka near impossible so he had to quit. For a while, it seemed like the siblings were down on their luck (unbeknownst to his sister) but Atsushi was determined to gather his luck. He had introduced himself to higher society but was not entirely ready for the extravagancy for certain and he had applied to a considerable amount of jobs. They needed finances expeditiously for Atsushi had been far behind on paying Kyouka’s tuition for school and etiquette classes, so he was thankful that Lady Koyou had been so considerate and kept ‘her favourite student’ on.
Atsushi’s last hope was Lupin café so after leaving Kyouka with a friend and allowing her to go promenading with her good friend Kenji Miyazawa and his cousin, he set out across Yokohama. Once he got there it was about noon and the café was completely packed. It was a warm day so Atsushi was entirely out of breath and sweaty. “Atsushi-kun? Is that you?”
Atsushi spun around to see Lady Koyou sitting with a large group of people he recognised to be her brother, the diamond’s family and a blonde man. “Oh hello, Lady Koyou and company!” he exclaimed bowing.
“My Atsushi, you look incredibly fatigued, would you like a glass of lemonade?” Koyou exclaimed offering a glass to the boy.”
“If you don’t mind, I walked all the way here from the fishing pier.”
“My that is a walk~” a brunette, whom Atsushi believed to be Viscount Osamu Dazai, exclaimed.
As they conversed a man with raven hair and white tips came over to the table and stood behind Atsushi. “You are in my way.” A hoarse and cold voice said behind Atsushi making him jump.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Atsushi apologised bowing frantically.
The man simply said nothing shoving him and coughing into his handkerchief- what a discourteous man, Atsushi thought. Dazai then stood up, “Well now Ryuu has returned, we shall have to depart my dearest hat-rack.”He exclaimed placing his hands in the Duke’s.
Atsushi found it bizarre that the ginger seemed to have no apprehension for the jibe and just simply nodded and kissed the Brunette’s hand as all but the gingers stood up. As they walked away the Duke turned to his sister, “Shall we head off, Anee-san? I have business at the florist.”
“You do what you need and bring the carriage over, I would like to catch up with Atsushi for a bit.”
Atsushi wished to sink and die right then and there as the humiliation of his money troubles was a topic he wished to avoid. He was grateful that she decided to wait for her company to leave before bringing up his debts to her. “I take it you are seeking a new job then?” she observed.
“Yes! I hope to pay off my debts as soon as I can. Sorry for the wait.” Atsushi announced feeling as if he already leeched off her kindness enough.
“Do not trouble yourself too much, Atsushi-kun, I understand your circumstances are not easy. I have a proposition for you; if you come every week to my house regarding labour I could remove a month’s debt in return. And then in a month, you will have repaid your debts and can save up your money for other things.” She propounded to resolve the situation.
“You are too kind, Lady Koyou! I can come by every Saturday morning and work.” Atsushi replied, terribly glad that he had a way out of his current predicaments.
“Ah it is no trouble, Kyouka is my favourite student after all.” She said dismissing the praise, “And if you need any help sorting out clothes for this season, I shall be able to sort you out.”
Lady Koyou was truly an understanding and charitable woman.
Upon returning to their home, Dazai instantly set out to play the piano his dear Oto-san had bought him many years ago. Yumeno set off to the kitchens to ‘help Miss Lucy with cooking’ but Dazai was aware it was merely to gossip about his relationship with the Duke. He did wonder how the two would be able to break off their courtship without hurting Q’s excitement. “Must you play so loudly?” Ryuu whined trying to read Mysteries of Udolpho as Gin sat next to him reading The Italian.
“Forgive me, I only wished to practice some pianoforte. You’ve been ever so grumpy since we met that boy before~” Osamu teased, noticing the dynamic between the boy and Ryuu.
Ryuu rolled his eyes, “Shut up I’m reading.” He remarked as the bandaged brunette simply smirked.
Their maid, Tsujimura, strode into the drawing room bowing before announcing, “The princess and prince have arrived to join you in conversation alongside Lord Kunikida.” Osamu nodded giving her the signal to allow them in.
Only Ranpo and Yosano entered and Dazai figured they likely gave Kunikida a job so they could gossip while he was distracted. “I hear you have had several dances with a duke?” Ranpo said grinning wildly.
“Oh your Highnesses, he was quite taken with Viscount. The entire party was. All eyes on both Osamu and Gin, they both had such exquisite gowns on.” Lady Lucy answered as she and Yumeno came in with a bundle of biscuits.
Deciding not to answer, Osamu grabbed a cupcake, “My you lot are such gossips~” they complained before taking a bite of the food.
The prince ignored them as he grabbed a handful of the sweets and began eating “Are you certain the entire party was not simply eyeing a tear in his dress?” he teased after swallowing two biscuits within seconds.
“Or some missteps they may have taken on the dancefloor?” Ryuu chimed in no further annoyed with the interruptions in his reading earning Dazai throwing a cupcake wrapper at him.
“I do wonder; might we count on the Duke to attend Gin’s soiree or any balls us royals shall attend? Or perhaps at the grand picnic?” Princess Yosano said smirking.
“I should think it a fair chance. Though they are not exactly many balls to attend.” Osamu replied.
“You should leave that to us. I have a list of places I think should be lovely hosts.” Ranpo said as Kunikida entered the room hurriedly.
“I should like to know more about the Duke, has he revealed more of his intentions for you? I act in your best interests and inquire for more information.”
“His intentions? To date the Viscount of course!” the princess exclaimed.
“Geez Kunikida, you really have it out for my beloved chibi, it is so heart-breaking~” Dazai sang pretending to cry.
“I do not believe such a character worthy of your time. And his affections seem rather one-dimensional. Has he even bought you anything to signify your courtship?”
“Do you expect him to whip out a lover’s eye the moment he asks for courtship? Go easy on the Duke.” The purple-haired woman counter-acted.
As if on cue, Tsujimura entered with a posse of delivery men and announced “Numerous delivery of flowers has arrived. Should I prepare some vases?”
“Of course but you can bring them in the meantime,” Dazai responded glad the slug stuck to his words.
Kunikida looked exasperated as the delivery men slowly passed out the bouquets and shrubbery. Ryuu was handed a pot of camellia sinensis and a guide to growing and making tea which he was rather confused about, Gin was handed a bouquet of peonies and wisteria which they smiled at and Yumeno excitedly grabbed the plant pot containing a Venus fly trap admiring it intently. Osamu was then handed an obnoxiously large bouquet of morning glories, pansies, heliotropes and red camellias.
“Look affection, thoughts of lovers, endless love and passion” Dazai said happily listing such deep-thought meanings (almost half forgetting the flowers were a ruse), before looking at Kunikida, “Expensive ones as well. And he sent my sibling’s plants of their tastes because he listened to me and yet you doubt his intentions?”.
Kunikida looked down in shame for doubling back his statements, “Perhaps I was rather prejudiced on my opinion of him, but I wish to look out for you as you are a dear friend and I know your parents would deeply appreciate it. I shall take my leave.” He bowed and went outside to prepare the royal carriage.
The royals then said their goodbyes, congratulating Dazai on his courtship (definitely plotting on social events) before leaving the Oda-Sakaguchis to plan their soiree. It was supposed to be an intimate affair so they mostly moved the abundance of plants to windowsills and bedrooms before re-arranging the drawing room so there could be a large table of food, an abundance of audience seating and an area for performances as Gin’s suitors would be showing off their poetry and such.
Osamu then meticulously created a menu making sure that the snacks and platters were alongside the desserts which left Lucy very stressed and they made sure to add on to her week’s wages a tip to show his gratitude. They then had to convince Yumeno to stay in bed which required a large bribe and then prepared Gin for the evening. He picked out a lovely grey dress for her and helped plait his hair and rolled it up into a pun and added a comb to their hair. They then put on their grey yukata and clipped his hair back out of his face so they could be the presentable older sibling.
The event then began soon after and apparently, many of the men in Yokohama did not take to the poetry or novel reading as suggested. Most of the suitors were absolute buffoons playing out-of-tune instruments, singing off-key, dancing the cotillion or quadrille by themselves and all in all foolish.
Chuuya had shown up in support so the two watched the displays of magic and gymnastics from the dining table in hushed whispers, “So did blondie change his mind seeing the flowers?” Chuuya asked grinning.
“Not entirely but he sure feels foolish for questioning you. You will probably need to attend the Grand picnic with my family as well.” Dazai said grabbing a piece of cheese.
“Seriously! So much socialising for a false relationship.”
“Shush, Chibi and enjoy the festivities~” The Duke sighed.
Gin was bored out of his mind and so woefully wanting to escape the situation until she saw a particular ginger gentleman make his way to the front of the room. They recognised from the night before as Gin ended up agreeing to dance for the sake of being a good ‘diamond’. His name was Michizo Tachihara and he was a particularly acceptable man- for a companion. Gin had no interest in him beyond a good conversation and it was the same with any man but it was not ‘proper’ for a diamond to say that. “I’m not the best at poetry or speaking, but apparently we weren’t doing that so I must have missed the memo.” He said laughing at his joke awkwardly as he pulled out a sketchbook and flickered through it. “But alongside what will be a terrible poem, I drew the lovely liege and I hope it suffices.”
He presented a sketch of Gin when the Prince first labelled the ravenette as the diamond, which made Gin feel rotten as they knew the only reason people were interested was that she was desirable and not for his many talents.
As he began to recite one of Lord Byron’s poems (making both Gin and Ryuunosuke want to gag) Gin tried to stay focused but truthfully his eyes were somewhere else. Gin had the pleasure last night of asking one Lady Higuchi to dance as she was extraordinarily beautiful.
Yet at Gin’s own soiree, the woman and only suitor she desired were instead talking to his brother. They felt a strong burning jealousy even though she knew Ryuu would never be interested in her, she assumed the blonde woman preferred him.
The diamond only was brought back into the room as everyone began clapping so she joined in. After that, a man was rolling a hoop and Gin was very unsure what was so talented about it and watched as their older sibling stood next to the man attempting to smile at the display they witnessed, “How about a pause, yes? Please grab refreshments and food before the rest of you continue… such amazing talents.” Osamu said smiling and ushering people to the other side of the room.
Gin took that as an excuse to go out into the gardens and sit on a swing the family attached to a tree when they first got there about 9 years ago.
Gin knew they should just accept the situation as living in the Suribachi City slums again was a fair worse state to be in. The diamond had snuck a small bottle of whiskey from Oto-san’s old cupboard on their way and began to undo the lid. They swigged a bit before grabbing their pocket size “the fall of the house usher” and began drinking and reading.
He heard someone stepping on twigs and assumed it must be one of the party-goers and froze. “Go on then, chastise me.” Gin said giving up on attempting to find an excuse.
“Why ever would I do that?” Ryuu replied grabbing the bottle and taking a swig himself.
Gin contemplated telling the honest truth, “I do not wish to be the diamond; I suppose I yearn for something different, brother.”
“How do you mean?” Ryuu asked unsure of what his sibling meant.
“Just different, I suppose. I watch Osamu prepare for all those balls, with all of those dresses, kimonos and the many suitors and I am exhausted and I truly believe I am capable of something more than being the most desirable. None of them suitors care for my mind or interests.”
Ryuu sat silently for a moment, “Then I would say… you’re not the only one. I too worry for Osamu sometimes they carry too much pressure but he will understand if you tell them how you feel.” He advised pausing and suddenly riffling through his pockets, “Though the notion of people not caring about your mind is simply not true. Higuchi gave me this before saying she was too nervous to recite it aloud.”
He hands his sibling the paper and they unravelled it excitedly. “She spoke of me?” she asked delighted they misread the encounter they had watched before.
They opened the paper to reveal a poem:
She falls with grace, his hair like a night
A gothic beauty in their flight
Her eyes are closed, their thoughts unknown
A mystery in the darkness sown
His hair cascades in waves of black
A cloak of shadows on her back
Her spirit free, his heart unbound
A fallen angel, lost in thought, and always with a book.
Her beauty shines, in shades of black
A gothic deity, never to lack
Their presence felt, his soul so bright
A beacon in the darkest night
She falls, he tumbles, they never stop
A graceful dancer, he always rocks
Her black hair flowing, their spirit one day free
A gothic diamond for all to see
Gin had never been more delighted at any poem before, for one suitor saw them for who he is.
After the party, Osamu turned to Gin who stood close and was nervous to speak on what they had to stay. “Osamu, I feel I can not be the diamond. I fail to play the part I am asked to and I fear I shall only let you down.” Gin confessed tears rolling down their face.
Osamu simply hugged her in response, “Forgive me for the burdens you are facing. You shall never disappoint me though.” He then lifted her face upwards to look at him smiling as they gave their advice, “If you are feeling you are playing a part, then do not. Be yourself. You shall be my diamond, regardless.”
And that is all Gin ever needed to hear.