lovefujitez | [Prompt # 9][Sainkoku Monogatori] Patience is Golden

Title: Patience is Golden
Day/Theme: 9. Clay not fit to receive so golden a sacrifice
Series: Sainkoku Monogatori
Characters: Santa, Kou Shureii, Shi Seiran
Disclaimer: Characters mentioned in fic are not mine
Rating: PG
Word Count: 522

If there is something Santa could boast about to the group of men maniacally watching over one Kou Shureii, it's the fact that he knew the girl longer than any of them. Yes, Ou Keichou, better known as Santa, is Shuerii’s one and only beloved childhood friend. Although in Shureii’s love chart, he wouldn’t rank first two, since those slots would permanently belong to her father and Seiran. However, he is confident he’d at least be among the top five. He would like to be number three on the list, and he plans to be so.

Santa has grown from being a mere minion of some gang in Kiyou. While Shureii was away on official work as a provincial governor, he apprenticed and work for a well-respected sake maker. He is one of the youngest masters in the industry, at age eighteen Santa mastered the art of making wine and sake. He is now ready to take responsibility for a wife and raise a family. For years Santa had his eyes set only on Shureii.

“Listen to me for a moment, please? I want to make a proposal.” The young gentleman demanded, as he watched her continue writing, so focused in her work. He didn’t understand why Shureii busily pre-occupies herself with research. Shureii returned to Kiyou as an official without designation after she was relieved of her governorship at the Brown province. She’s practically on vacation. She couldn’t just sit home and relax! However, Santa knew his best-friend wouldn’t sit and do nothing. She'll always find something to study and investigate.

“I’m busy Santa. I need to investigate why salt prices are going up. I have all these other reports to finish!”

Surely, Santa hoped he faired higher in priority, but it appears like his friend wouldn’t waste turning a gaze to look at him. He realized that he needs to be more than a master distiller and sake maker for this woman in order to catch her attention.

Just like aging sake, it takes a special clay vat to produce a fine, smooth tasting wine.

“I’m leaving for the Brown province soon and work with the merchant guild with their research projects on alcohol,” Santa announced. Being a master distiller, he was invited to participate in the guild’s project.

He saw Shureii’s brush abruptly stop.

“I will be away for a long time Shureii, but when I return, I will ask you to marry me." Santa noticed the blush forming on Shureii’s cheeks, and it made his heart flutter. “Wait for me Shureii. I guarantee you. I am worth waiting for.”

“Santa you’re an idiot!” Shureii replied.

“When I come back, I want to hear you say my real name, Keichou.” Santa stated.

With those words, Santa left the Kou house quite confidently after he managed to let Shureii know of his intentions. He caught a glimpse of Seiran, threateningly glaring at him. Santa’s heart jumped fearfully and quickly. He bolted out of the Kou residence. Santa wondered if he’ll ever surpass Seiran in Shureii’s eyes. Maybe, maybe not, but for Santa it would still be worth his while to try. He’ll patiently wait for that golden opportunity.