The Taisho fire

Impromptu

Ok, so brace for impact. A little action, at last !

"Come, my lady, we shall take a turn in the Eye."

Gwen's eyes widened as she secured her long fingers in leather gloves. The chill of the night settled upon her shoulders; after the overheated restaurant, her muscles tensed in protest. She had expected Tōga to drag her home, buzzed as she was, not to push them further away on the Thames' banks. She lifted an eyebrow as he tugged on the fabric of her gloves to help her.

"Really ?"

He let go of the hem to grab her hand instead.

"If you are willing ?"

His voice was slightly insecure, and the very sight of his uncertain features caused her mind to blank. Taishō always looked so confident, but in this moment, he seemed almost boyish. His adorable expression was her undoing.

"Hai, that would be nice. What spurred this on ?"

Golden eyes turned to the sky suspiciously before they returned to her assorted with an easy grin.

"Well it's not raining, we might as well enjoy it."

"Umbrella effect."

Everyone knew that if you took an umbrella, it wouldn't rain. But leave with a perfect blue sky and no umbrella, and a downpour materialised just above your head. Laughing at her silliness, Gwen laid her head over her companion's shoulder.

"It's a dog's night", she whined with a shiver.

His arm circled her to pull her close, bringing welcome warmth to her side. A kiss was dropped at her temple, a tender token of affection that usually spoke of years of habit. Except that it had only been a few months. Strange, how they fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. With Tōga by her side, Gwen felt thoroughly and utterly complete; already, she couldn't imagine a life without him. And even though he was one of a kind – his yōkai inheritance would ask her to lie to her family – she would protect his secrets to the end.

Provided he didn't perform any crazy feat in front of her little brother.

"No jumping out of the carriage, eh ?", she said. "I've had my fill in that building."

"Wouldn't dream of it", he purred in her ear.

His low voice caused her shoulders to shiver; Tōga perfectly knew the effect he had on her. Sneaky, insufferable Inu...

They progressed leisurely, reaching the Thames and following counter current along the Queen's walk. Words were sweet, but unnecessary; Gwen had never found anyone that understood her with barely a look. Perhaps it was his yōkai nature to be aware of every single change in her demeanour, but she had to admit that it was comfortable.

The sight ensured Gwen discerned his moods just as efficiently.

It truly was a blessing.

The London Eye dominated murky waters, carriages illuminated, rotating so slowly that even the river seemed agitated in comparison. Gwen stared, wondering if the last time she's gotten into one of those oval glass eggs was really four years ago with her little brother.

How time flies.

But time had brought her an incredible present in the form of the man that strolled by her side. Her man. Who would have thought she would, one day, happily walk beside a reincarnated yōkai ? In the city lights, Tōga's hair shone so brightly that it would have competed with the moon itself – had it been visible. And those eyes, light hazel that gleamed with golden intent, never failed at weakening her knees.