sempiternals | are we crawling, and falling?

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are we crawling, and falling? | @houndfangs

[ It's late, and Sangonomiya Kokomi should be asleep. Sleep deprivation, after all, can lead to any myriad number of issues, none pleasant nor conducive to a successful diplomatic trip— which, considering her current status as on a diplomatic trip, is a problem more pressing than usual. Not only are there the physical issues that on their own are something of a concern, but there's also the threat of weakened mental acuity and heightened emotional instability. So, really, going to sleep would be the best option, and if her body would just listen to logic and obey her, then all of this would be much easier.

Unfortunately, said logic does nothing to make it easy by calming the actual issue at hand, which is that sleep is doing its very best to evade her.

And that's why she's currently in the courtyard of the Tenryou Commission Headquarters, where she and her retinue are generously being housed, watching the stars and the full moon, her ears tuned to the sounds of the city around them. And really, she's not meant to be out here on her own; the peace is still new, the wounds still fresh enough that she promised her people that she'd keep a guard on her person at all times...

But it's late, and she didn't want to wake anyone for what is essentially a pity party.

......

She misses the ocean.

It's not that the capital is far from the shore, but unlike Watatsumi, it isn't one with the water that surrounds it. The smells in the air are those of festival foods and fireworks, the sounds those of people talking and celebrating the turn of a new year. At home, it would be the calming scents of salt and sand, the soothing hush of the rolling waves.

With a sigh, Kokomi takes a seat on the wooden stairs, her eyes trained on the sky.

Strange, isn't it, how with the war over, there seem to be so many little things for which she no longer knows how to prepare. ]

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[ In response to her weak joke, Gorou continues, telling her more of his feelings and explaining his reasons behind deciding to tell her despite his fear, and all Kokomi can do is stare at him, feeling more and more helpless for each word that passes his lips. This is meant to be the easy part, is the miserable thought at the front of her mind. This is the part where she knows and her choices just became so much easier, her paths all laid out by planning and strategy...

But he is afraid of rejection, and what if she makes it worse by allowing herself to believe in feelings that she somehow has misunderstood?

Her heart feels as if it is in her throat. Kokomi's eyes drop from the earnest, sincere gaze fixed on her, her hand coming up to the ribbon tied at her breast, hovering just above her Vision as if it will somehow slow the fluttering panic of her heart. Her fingers are trembling. ]

General. I... [ Her eyes flicker towards the magazine, and for a moment she considers picking it up, showing him the letter she wrote by way of explanation. The coward's way out, as it were.

She is no coward. But she should err on the side of caution, for the sake of his feelings. ]

Your observations were not incorrect. I was experiencing feelings of jealousy... not only toward Miss Shinobu, but also whenever I thought about your feelings toward— um, that girl. [ Oh, the irony, to have felt such jealousy toward herself without even being aware of it! ] To be honest, I have thought about that a lot since that night, those feelings, and... [ She pauses for breath, her eyes fixed back on the floor of the small, comfortable cave. ] ...And I have reached the conclusion that I may also hold feelings for you. Only I am not entirely sure. I have no wish to hurt you...

[ Once again, she trails off. What does she say from here? Every single strategy she planned out ended with her either telling him or not, and now she's told him and she's realizing very quickly that she should have been more thorough in her planning, should have worked out exactly what she needed to do in this moment...

She finally looks up at him, the anxiety no doubt written clear all over her face. ]

I am... not sure what to do or say next.

Admittedly, I do understand if it doesn't turn out to be that you might not feel similar. I only thought it might be taken the wrong way, I'm not saying this due to our ranks but as me in the end; this is my heart speaking, not my duty.

(Duty is something completely different to matters of the heart, some say their duties should be assisting their wives, their children, or their fellow men and women under the same flag. The same home they wish to protect, perhaps even devote themselves to keeping safe for the sake of those that are precious to them in general. Gorou may devote himself to Kokomi but there's a difference in the emotional part of it and his role at work.

His emotions seek more to be with her, his job seeks to do what he must for not just her but everyone under him.

The fear of being rejected is certainly something he'll always have but it's different in this regard; he saw it more as he's scared it would be rejected in how he actually meant it. Though now he's getting off track from the current situation once he notices she seems anxious, uncertain now in general. Thinking over something isn't difficult, he's already given her the advice so he'll take things slowly with her.

They're still both very new to all aspects of this admission knowing he himself kept quiet for so long on his romantic thoughts toward her. Really it was more his fault that he did keep quiet about it but there's still the fact that they can face some manner of issues given differences in roles and power. Gorou didn't mind their rank difference but there would be others who would find fault in it.)

Mm, we can go slowly about it is what I think. Ease into it, find our way through it instead of rushing like some our age do; I just don't want you to think you have to speed into anything with me.

(It'd be easier to say that he would rather them take their time in general. Her feelings do need sorting out as well as the fact Gorou didn't desire to make it seem as if she needed to be quicker or anything. Whatever pieces of him she gets can come as they feel ready and comfortable.

That much he feels certain on.)

[ As his words continue, it's all Kokomi can do for a few minutes to look at him in awed silence and admiration. New to this they both may be, and yet for every part of her that is anxious and unsure, worried for him and his feelings, he's there and two steps ahead, knowing exactly what they need— the same way, she thinks with color rising to her cheeks, that Ms. Hina knew without question what Kokomi needed to do.

Meanwhile, she— usually the person who excels at strategies and plans, who knows exactly what to do in practically any situation that could arise— has been hopelessly clueless and unsure, hesitant in every action and afraid.

It is almost shameful.

With a small, embarrassed smile, Kokomi sets her book down on her desk, making sure to cover the magazine's contents for now at least— perhaps later, when she's more sure of herself, she will admit to him that she sought help from an advice columnist— and then takes a small step in his direction, offering a nod in response to his words. ]

I... am tempted to agree, General. [ A pause. ] Gorou. I think... your advice is very sound.

[ Once again, she is somewhat at a loss, unsure what exactly to do with herself. Going slow is one thing, but... what exactly does that entail? Even there, she is somewhat clueless. The only thing of which she is really sure is... ]

Um... if we are going about this slowly, then does that mean... would it make sense for me to ask you on a date? [ Once again, she pauses, feeling the words out, considering them and rolling them over in her head despite the fact they've already been spoken to the noonday air. ] Or, ah... is this something I should wait for you to ask me? [ Another slight, embarrassed smile. ] I apologize. It seems that with this sort of thing, I am... ah, embarrassingly clueless.

[ She has never felt so out of her depth before. ]

I thought it'd help. (His success as Miss Hina is credited to all of it. If there's one thing he's good at, it's giving advice, all the right advice and right words after placing careful analysis on the situation. Obviously he didn't want to reveal that was him that gave her the original advice due to thinking that someone was suffering just as he had been, but, he can reveal this little detail and secret of his later.

New territory is one thing, both of them being completely blind and uncertain on where to go about things is another. Gorou himself even knows that once he realizes what she said, blushing cheeks on his part aside, he near thinks he should be careful on some of these things. Might as well so that things don't get taken the wrong away then.)

It's fine if you want to ask me too, Kokomi, but it's fine that you're not use to this. As much as I'm out my depth, unknown territory so to speak, I'm comfortable still knowing it's with you despite it. (That being the truth, always being the truth of it whenever his ears for a brief moment twitch out of happiness though he's trying to not show it to remain composed. She'll likely catch on quickly his ears and tail give him away easily.

Easily enough that it's going to be a miracle if he doesn't wind up having her mess with them as a means of recharging her energy. Although that ironically doesn't sound like a bad idea.) It also means you can touch my ears and tail without permission? (Not that he's joking, that much is serious but he is attempting to cut the tension down in the air to help her feel more relaxed.

It's up to him anyway so she doesn't stress herself out heavily into a migraine or something. Ironically enough something he didn't know she already did, he hadn't gone over everything in her book but enough to have an idea on what was going on while she slept.

He'll consider the fact she got a nap as enough of a price to pay for having to strengthen and steel up for his resolve to not crumble in telling her.)

[ Just as Gorou has no intent of telling her about Miss Hina now, nor does Kokomi— again, that is something that can come later— so she feels safer with her book of notes placed on top of the magazine, and the joke that follows from him only helps her to relax more, her smile turning from awkward into something sweeter, a hint of pink on her cheeks as she looks at the way said ears and tail seem to have perked up as he talks. It's tempting to reach out and ruffle his ears right now, but she holds back, not wanting to immediately take advantage of such a new permission.

It's equally as tempting to promptly ask him on a date, now that he's said it's fine, but... something makes her hesitate just for a moment, her eyes trailing over his shoulder to the noonday sun high overhead the island.

Kokomi straightens a little taller and takes a deep breath, her smile shifting momentarily into something a little less familiar, more distant. Did he not come to give her his report? She should hear it first, and then—

Hopefully he understands her purpose, but if he doesn't, she can at least explain herself afterward, right? ]

...General, you said you came to give me a report, correct? Has anything of consequence occurred during the patrols that should be brought to my notice?

[ She finds herself hoping against hope that the answer is no. If that is the case, then there is nothing left between them this afternoon but time— perhaps she will ask him on a date. They could get something to eat and while away the hours here in this cave, or head out to one of the neighboring islands... perhaps she could even take him down to Enkanomiya.

(Her stomach, she notices absently, does a strange little flip at the thought.) ]

I almost forgot actually before we made plans but nothing occurred yes, Excellency, patrols have all gone smoothly. Obviously we'll still need to be on guard but we should be okay.

(Professionalism first, he can swap to using her name again after once things are more casual and relaxed again. It helps he seems to have caught on fast but he did realize quickly she might want time with him knowing that he did bring it up to her. It's surprising to see she wanted it with him that fast but Gorou being Gorou fully intends to make the most of this.

She wouldn't have brought up the report otherwise. Then again if he had more grave news he would not be this delighted and casual; meaning whether she wishes to while away the hours in her secret hideout or take him to the isles if not Enkanomiya, there should be ample time before they ought to head back. It helps that Gorou knows that he's often times found with her if not in his usual spots so the others might assume they're off planning if they don't attempt to interrogate him later.

He'll make sure that they find his story believable for the time being just so they don't have to worry about insistent poking and prodding on what's going on between them if the truth were to come out early.

Going slow was his suggestion not only to let them ease into it but to also gradually prepare themselves for the questionable gazes and the like they're going to be receiving later. The comments as well knowing that there is a difference between the comments on the streets of Inazuma and those of the people of Watatsumi. His men and the others included among their ranks.)

So, plans and the like should be okay unless something comes up while we're out in which case I'm happy to enjoy what time we have together either way.

(Best to make sure she knows he won't be upset if business comes to interrupt them knowing that there's always something that can draw their attention in some manner.)

[ She smiles as he not only picks up immediately on the intent behind her question, but segues smoothly between his personal and professional tones, giving her the exact information she needs while still calling her appropriately by title— it's not as if she doubted him, not when he's always been the very best she's had, but her own loaded nerves in this moment are making it somewhat difficult for her, and she can only be impressed by him yet again. ]

Thank you, General. You are dismissed, and the rest of your day is yours to do with as you wish.

[ There's a pause, and once again her smile turns to something gentler, more genuine even as it's shyer— apparently it's not so hard for her to switch between the two modes after all, even if she doesn't realize it yet— a shyness echoed in the tone of voice she has when she continues on: ] ...Although I was wondering if perhaps you would like to spend at least some of it with me.

[ Perhaps it is a little silly, she thinks, to ask him formally on a date when he has already made it clear he would like to spend his time with her, but in the wake of this new development between the two of them, it somehow feels like the right thing to do. And besides, she knows him well enough to be certain he will not judge her for just a little silliness, especially now.

The question, of course, is what they should do. The pull of Enkanomiya is strong, but it seems like a lot for a first date, especially when they have agreed to take things slowly. Slow in Kokomi's mind means familiar, new but not strange; the other thoughts of staying here and talking, or walking around the other islands, would be ideal for that.

She wonders which he would prefer. ]

(Good thing he's fine with these things taking time; he wouldn't have suggested going slow otherwise once he does smile a little in response to her own. Given the time he can probably make her favorite this time or his own for lunch; that way she can get some manner of energy back in her once he idly goes over which might be better. A meal for two that he loves maybe for this time and he can try her own cooking next time then in that case.

It's a pleasant thought to do this actually since that would be a good start once he finds that red hue creeping up on his cheeks at the thought.) Of course! I can make us lunch as well if you're hungry or in need of a pick-me-up. (No need to hide he's thinking about that given she did get a pleasant nap until afternoon. Well, that and he's going to assume that overthinking drained her enough earlier based off what he skimmed.

For now Gorou is pleased enough to sit there with her if she rather not eat for a little longer. He would in fact not judge her as she thought and knew, though had he known she wished to bring him to Enkanomiya he'd have planned out something for some other time for that. The hound wouldn't mind visiting it with her whenever the chance comes up.

He can say that much for sure in any case about it.)

Lunch... [ It's as she utters the word that Kokomi's stomach rumbles, the realization setting in that between her morning rounds, her excessive planning, and her accidental nap, she hasn't eaten at all today. A blush comes to her cheeks, a bemused smile on her lips, and her gaze falls from Gorou's for just a moment as she nods. ] Um... it seems that I am quite hungry, actually... So, if it is not too much trouble for you to make food for us, then I would be happy to accept.

[ And if that is that case... ]

Should we stay here this afternoon, then? I know it is not anything special for a first date— [ especially compared to the festival to which he took her just a few short weeks ago ] —but it might be nice to just rest here and talk with one another, if you would like that.

[ As always, she thinks, he knows what she needs even before she does, realizing her need for food before it was even something able to register in her own mind. She's not exactly sure how he always does it, but it's something to be admired, something for which she counts herself lucky—

And something that gives her a small pause, the priestess looking at him quietly for a moment or two before she speaks once more: ]

Gorou. If we are to try this, then... [ Another pause, Kokomi mulling over the words for a moment, trying to figure out exactly how to say what it is that's on her mind. ] ...We need to be equals.

I can make my favorite then if you're okay with Tonkotsu Ramen. (Victorious Legend as it's called, his men often times spoke of it being heavenly in it's taste and it's aroma. Something which has spread around was the fact he's quite good at it; there were even occasions that Itto asked why he didn't want to get into being a chef much to Gorou's surprise about it.

Though the thought of them staying together there is fine by him, truly, he wants to stay with her and that much is certain in the way his tail starts wagging though he's attempting to play it cool.) That's okay with me, anything is truthfully. (That and he was glad the festival despite the interruption was memorable for the two of them to the point he considers it one of his best nights ever.

Next time he'll be careful to not draw about too much attention again if they have the chance another time. Though it's her words after that gets him to focus again on the now instead of before. Equals. He'll have to remember this too then knowing it's easy for him to be casual and to be at ease with others.

Her being another story knowing that this would take time but it isn't something he can't manage all the same too.)

I can start using your name more often then when we're alone, among other things, it'll take time but I'm more than willing as new as it all is. (That's a promise on his part too though unsaid on the 'promise' of it.)

[ Kokomi's brows lift in pleased surprised at the suggestion he makes tonkotsu ramen for the two of them. She has heard, after all, of his special recipe— several of the men have mentioned to her that after a long, hard day of battle, Gorou's cooking feels to them like they've come home— and yet she has never had the chance to try it. She can see the swish of his tail betraying his excitement, but it makes two of them because she finds herself having to force an air of calm over the thought of him cooking such a meal just for her benefit.

The smile trembles on her lips in an attempt to grow wider despite her best efforts. ]

That... truly sounds wonderful, if you do not mind. I have heard a great many stories of your excellent cooking skills, Gorou.

[ Her own skills in the kitchen are, in her opinion, somewhat less than impressive, but she promises herself to return the favor at some point. Maybe for a picnic to Enkanomiya— ah. Another little shiver of delight as the thought surfaces in her mind, brain apparently insistent on having her take him there sooner rather than later, no matter how abrupt it may be for a pair taking things slowly.

She distracts herself with his promise, allowing her smile to broaden just slightly as she nods. ]

I would like that. And... if there is anything I can do, too, to make it easier... please let me know.

Of course! I don't mind anyway, though I like to think I'm still learning even if I do get told that or hear the praise people give it.

(Humble as ever, that much is for certain in the way that he's enjoying himself by now. Gorou has enough plans to make sure his heart goes into this fully knowing it's the first time she's not only trying it but they're eating together; he's gotta do this right or else he won't be able to let himself live it down. By that determination in his eyes he's pumped himself up something fierce as he's often done on the battlefield proper in the past during the vision hunts.

First he just needs a fire and everything else, getting to work on it was going to be something he'll enjoy a lot more knowing she's the one eating this. The tiny Itto in the back of his mind seems to be cheering him on as if going 'HELL YES' at his drive going through the roof.

Not that actual Itto wouldn't either, knowing him, he'd be there chanting Gorou's name or attempting to beatbox as a back drop for his confession.

... actually the thought was both horrifying and amusing.)

I'll let you know then, Kokomi, if anything comes to mind too. (Best to answer that before he gets too carried away from thinking about his best friends shenanigans.)

[ The priestess can't help but smile in response to the answer given by her companion; the determination in his eyes shines through and yet his answer remains as humble as ever. He considers himself to be still learning, and yet the praise her men offer is high indeed— ]

If that is the case, I cannot wait to sample it for myself. You will need a place to cook, I suppose? I can prepare a space for a portable stove if you allow me a short time.

[ It's Kokomi's turn this time to read Gorou's mind... although perhaps it isn't anything that special, given that it is somewhat obvious that one needs a pot and a fire over which to cook food. While there is no permanent firepit set up in this space specifically, with the hideout shaped in such a way that the smoke would hang in the air and make it hard to breathe, the mouth of the cave opens to a wide flat space— a small cooking fire, she thinks, should go relatively unnoticed.

And so, smiling at his agreement to let her know if he thinks of anything, Kokomi moves to do exactly as promised, choosing a place near enough to the opening of the cave that the smoke will flow out to the open air without revealing their location to every single person on the island.

Not that it matters if someone is to find them here, not really. She is not ashamed, not in the slightest... she simply wishes to spend time with him and him alone. ]

(After everything is set up with him making sure that he has everything needed down to the ingredients, Gorou crackles his knuckles then gets to work with making sure they'd have enough for seconds if they were still a bit hungry. Making something savory like this is good enough for him, though he has a feeling she might find the shapes he makes in it adorable. Paws and shiba inu dog heads with tails, part of why it takes a bit longer than how most do it is because of his special touch with that.

Eventually, he finishes up their meal for two and fills the bowls with ease for both of them. The aroma quite mouthwatering once he sets them down at the table with a smile, thankfully they have everything needed so they're not eating this like savages. Not... that he hasn't ate like one before but he rather not do that if he can help it much as the thought is also amusing.

That wide smile and his ears perking up shows enough how happy he is to get this chance, this opportunity, to be able to treat her to his cooking. Maybe he can later pick up more recipes to learn with if she did love it that much but he'd need to figure out what preferences she has in her meals.)

There's a bit extra also in case if you still feel hungry any too after this. (Best to mention that, that way she knows as well once he takes up a seat. Like her by now, he isn't minding this either, if the others question him on it or bring up anything about it by now he doesn't quite care much for their thoughts of how unusual this might be.

Really he just wants to spend time with her too alone, nothing outlandish, just time with the person he likes most.)

[ Later, Kokomi might wonder why it's so easy for her to find herself just sitting and watching Gorou as he works to cook for the two of them. Usually, apart from her much-needed moments of rest, she's someone who likes to keep herself busy; in this moment however she finds herself content just to sit and observe, not even feeling as if she needs to select a book from the growing pile of them in the hideout to flip through while she waits.

And so she sits and watches him, enjoying the serious determination that burns in eyes the color of a warm sea as he cuts and shapes the garnishes into a form not just pleasing but cute, and tonkotsu ramen isn't a quick dish to prepare by any means yet the time flies by quicker than she expected, and soon enough he's serving their meals into bowls, a little extra leftover in the cooking pot. ]

It looks delicious, Ge— Gorou. [ With the meal set out, she sits across from him at the table, and she admires it for a few moments in silence; part of her almost wishes she had a Kamera on hand to keep this memory as one for later on, but she will simply have to commit it to her mind instead. ] Thank you for the meal.

[ Even with how hungry she is— even more so with the delicious aroma of food wafting under her nose, tempting— she speaks the proper words before she lifts her utensils to start tucking into the meal; as she chews, he'll see her eyes close in contentment, a soft exhale of pleasure meeting the air once he's swallowed, and her eyes open again to look at him, a hint of embarrassment on her features at the way she lost herself momentarily in the joy of his cooking. ]

W-Well, it seems that looks did not deceive me... This is truly an outstanding dish.

(Watching her at first is something he does since he is wondering if she might like it, this is the moment of truth anyway, his cooking is something he is still learning more and more with every day. So, whenever she looks so pleased enough she near forgets her manners it causes his tail to start wagging behind him, like it was thumping nearly in the air instead of the ground.

He did it! Success! But he's not minding that she almost forgets her manners, he finds it amusing, cute actually of her once he starts to eat his own share of it with a wide grin. His ears were perked up anyway like he just received a treat in general by now; he knew that one day learning this would be helpful.)

I'm glad you like it, Kokomi! (He's trying to not let his joy betray him entirely but is failing, really he can't say he cares that he did fail at hiding just how happy he is to hear all of this. For now he can only hope that he gets to feed her more meals she might like later on; maybe she'll have other dishes she'd love to try.

He's more than willing to cook them is something he thinks, any time or any place that there's the opportunity of it floating about. Really cooking for someone he likes is the best feeling he could ask for from today or so he thinks.)

But if you do get other dishes you'd like to try as well come to mind, I don't mind learning to make them.

[ Where she worries about her decorum, she spies from the corner of her eyes the way his ears perk and his tail wags, something that brings an affectionate smile to her lips. How, she wonders, did she get so lucky as to have the attention of someone like him? It's still something she can't quite believe, something she thinks she'll need more time to dwell on later; while the possibility was always there, written into her book, she hasn't really allowed herself to consider it as real— what that means for her.

And yet here he is, not only thrilled that she's liked something made just for her, but also offering to try other things for her benefit, spending the time to learn and improve his skills for her to enjoy. ]

I will be sure to keep that in mind, Gorou. But also... I would be glad to cook for you sometime, too. I do not think I can make anything quite this elaborate, but... I would still like to share it with you.

[ There are a lot of things she wants to share with him. Not only her cooking and her hideout, but her innermost feelings and thoughts, the home of her heart that is Enkanomiya... (and perhaps later she will look back at these feelings and realize there was never any reason for her to doubt herself at all.)

It's without even thinking— perhaps a first for someone like her— that she reaches out, fingers coming to the top of his head, idly stroking over his ears, a show of gratitude and affection both. ]

(As nice as decorum is, Gorou found moments like this to be all the more endearing. A moment that makes him feel so pleased by the way that she likes it, in the way that she wants to try and cook for him too just as he would too for her. It's the thought of it that makes him blush, that makes him smile about it near permanently to hear knowing that they both have something they'd like to do similarly with one another. Cooking for a person dear to them... he might one day cook with her too, that would be nice in itself.

Or that's what he's thinking even if he still finds himself learning in the end the ropes no matter how much he's heard that he's a good cook from the others. There's always still much to learn about it in the end and he figure that he shouldn't get too ahead of himself; not whenever that can be a bit bad depending.)

That sounds lovely then Kokomi, it's fine since even if it's not elaborate like this I'd still eat it and enjoy it.

(Since it's from her, is what he doesn't say though he didn't know she intends to take him down to Enkanomiya yet, he knows that he cannot help but grow fonder of her now that they were able to be so open finally despite their ranks as general and high priestess.

He would speak more but whenever she starts to rub into his ears with affection in it that he goes from speaking to nuzzling into her hand like a pup giving a loved one much affection itself too. Her hand feels so nice on them that his ears can't help but melt from it with him.)

[ Admittedly, there's a little part of her that worries if his agreeable nature, wanting to try her food, is at least partially left over from his work as her general, a feeling as if he needs to work somehow to please her even though she would never require that from him. And despite herself she finds herself hoping it isn't the case, that his promise to try is something on which he's already actively working, because the most important thing for her is for Gorou to be himself; after all, it's him she's found herself falling for, not the him he is for her benefit.

...Hm. "Falling for". The thought may have just been a wandering one, but it's one she'll need to pick apart later, analyze it and understand it for what it is.

For now, though, she's a little distracted; only as his head starts to rub against her fingers does she realize what she's done, and her eyes widen, for a moment moving as if to draw back, an apology on her lips— an apology immediately silenced by his contented, eager reaction, and Kokomi's heart swells at the way he practically nuzzles against her hand.

A faint, pretty splash of pink highlights her cheeks, and it's after a little longer that she withdraws her hand, an apologetic smile on her lips. ]

I, um... apologize for taking advantage of that new permission so soon. [ She's not about to tell him she did it without thinking, but at the very least she should make up for it in some way. ]

No, no! You can keep doing it, it was actually, um... very nice... (Had he known of what she was thinking about, he would have readily told her that he was doing it because he wished to. That and the thought of them cooking, learning together, was quite pleasant to him even now as he finds himself imagining it again. It would be nice. The two of them in the kitchen together again.

Honestly he was distracted from the thought by her attention to his ears, considering that not only made him melt but realize he really did have feelings that went deeper than he would have thought before. Nobody could get him to melt the way she did by petting his ears; they all couldn't get far enough to earn that trust with him where Gorou allows them to not only pet them, but to pet his tail too.

It goes to show he cares more for her than he would have thought even as he near looks puppy like in how his tail wags at the thought of receiving some manner of attention like that from her. Enough to make him wonder just what he's doing since he didn't want to seem too eager but might be blowing it a little.

Either way, he can't help the blush on his cheeks either from the thought of it.

He can only hope that she keeps taking advantage of said new permission since he just clarified that he liked her doing it already. Not... that it wasn't obvious in the way that he nuzzled her hand, but still.)

Ah... then I am glad. If you truly do not mind...

[ The smile on her lips broadens, the flush on her cheeks lessening somewhat as she calms down from the worries she held over her having done so without even a thought. And for him to encourage her to keep going? Kokomi can't quite help herself; she reaches out again, and this time the touch is a little more purposeful, gentle strokes of her fingers over his ears, threading through his hair, scratching over his scalp.

Something about the reaction he offers to such touches serves to boost her energy, makes her feel brighter and warmer and more excited, bringing her back to those wandering thoughts she had just moments ago, thoughts from which his initial reaction distracted her. It makes her feel good, nice, the way he reacts to her, the way his cheeks pinken like hers, the way his head tilts and nuzzles, the way he is so quick to assure her that what she was doing felt nice.

She wonders how he would react, how it would feel, if she caressed his tail in the same way. And she wonders too what she can offer him in the same vein as this, something a little more intimate than they usually share without pushing too many boundaries between them for something that's meant to be moving slow.

Kokomi honestly, truly does not wish to hurt him. He is far too important to her for that. ]

Is this still alright? [ It's a soft question spoken between the movements of her fingers, wanting to ensure that she is continuing on in the right way for him. ]

(Gentle nudges are what she's met with, gentle nudges and nuzzling into her hand as she scratches across his ears. His ears are one of the better spots to get him to relax with if he trusted the person well enough; she counted completely in that regard of trust and care since nobody else could say they were allowed to touch his ears nor his tail that was wagging about happily at the affection she gives and he returns.

How puppy like of him. Although Gorou would growl at others referring to him in such a way, his bias toward her does help were she to do that with any sort of comparisons. Were he any younger if she did scratch his tail, his leg would be thumping on the ground in a similarity to a sweet spot found on ones dog too. Although currently he's just pleased enough he gave her this trust.

Her getting energized from it is a bonus for him were he to know even as he melts further at the sensation of her nails working, scratching away itches and the like in his ears which twitch quite happily at her.

For now, he knows that setting boundaries is important enough in the early stages which is why he offered that if she wishes to that he's comfortable with her taking advantage of this. A start to intimacy or physical affection that didn't push too fast too soon between them though he's not sure what he can do for her that wouldn't push the boundary too soon.

Likely will have to think more on that later then.)

It is! (The sight of him melting is likely adorable too into this; comfortable and relaxed against her soft hand.)

[ It's a relief to know that it's still okay for her to continue petting his ears, because the motion continues to be something that boosts her energy as much as it seems to make him happy, the way his tail sways quickly from side to side and the twitching of his ears telling her even beyond his words that she's doing the right thing. It's easy, like this, to find the best spots on his ears and his scalp, the places that seem to hit just right, and the perked-up reaction when she finds one helps to soothe her own tiredness right away. And with his express permission, his clear enjoyment... that makes it okay.

Boundaries.

Her eyes keep drifting to his tail, though.

Kokomi finds herself shifting across the space between them, another movement made nearly on instinct alone, and the hand not currently buried in his hair moves to his tail, a feather-light brush along the fur her hesitant first touch. It's soft and plush under her touch, something she can feel even through the lightweight material of her gloves, a temptation all of its own. But it's an awkward motion to make, patting his head and tail at the same time, so her fingers withdraw from his scalp for the time being to focus on the fluffy appendage; she is careful though to stay towards its far end, not allowing herself to draw too close to where the base joins his body.

Boundaries. ]

And this? [ Her voice is soft, her touch careful and slow, wanting to be certain it's completely okay with him before she allows herself to sink completely into this. As it is, she feels almost like she's been caught up in a spell, drawn ever closer and deeper, and it's important each step of the way to make sure he's alright too. She does not want to take advantage of his feelings, after all, not when her own are still unknown.

Boundaries. That is what they are for. ]

I know you said before that I have permission, but you may withdraw it at any time.

[ She glances up at him, meeting his eyes with a gentle smile on her lips. ]

(Boundaries isn't even something that he's remembering at the moment since it's not straying into something moving too quickly. As far as he knows, this is just them relaxing and it isn't like she'd go near the weak point near the base of his tail to begin with intentionally now. Or that's his assumption, if she strays near it then he can mention it as a means of letting her know she might cross a line too quickly for them were she to direct attention there.

Though his ears did remain perked up, his tail soon settles for her in her lap just to assist whenever she starts to direct her attention there more. By how he's melting this is a heavenly feeling. Relaxing and all around enjoyable to the point that Gorou wouldn't mind if this was how their day went.

A relaxing time together where she gets to not only recharge with being affectionate toward him but one where he gets to see expressions from her he doubts the others knew of.

Boundaries aside, he's doing good at not crossing them too knowing that too quickly would make this more difficult. Adjusting to feelings or not, it's best to learn and ease into it as he's often times told those that came seeking his advice as Miss Hina. They all can learn gradually even as her words register now, ah, he nearly got caught up in the slow petting along his tail.)

S-still good... don't worry, I'll tell you if anything might push it! (Like the spot at the base of his tail. That area is more sensitive in comparison to the rest of him that is more at ease; he rather her not scrape up against an erogenous zone unwittingly if she does get a little too lost in it.

As long as he doesn't get similarly lost.

It would be a problem if he did this soon given that they're doing good so far already enough. Normally Gorou is quite go with the flow off duty but some things are important and one of them when it comes to someone he likes, he realizes, is that he rather them feel at ease and ready.

No regrets since he himself would not want to have them either.)

[ As of right now, the only thing that keeps Kokomi's hands away from the sensitive places at the base of Gorou's tail is not knowledge, but care. Lacking any intimate awareness of his physiology, she's focused on being sure not to get her fingers too close to his buttocks, which at their previous angle meant it was easier to just steer clear of his tail's base altogether. His movement though, allowing his tail to settle in her lap, gives the priestess a little more freedom of movement— meaning that her hand does drift just a little closer, though still not so much that she's at risk of touching him inappropriately.

(Little does she know she is already very seriously at risk.) ]

Okay. Thank you.

[ Perhaps it is strange to thank him, but when it means she needs not worry so much about what she is doing, she thinks that can only be good for both of them. It is nice, after all, and she is certain that her energy is being boosted from something as simple as this. But said boost comes hand in hand with something that feels a little heady, a sensation with which she is markedly less familiar.

And where sure unsurety might usually be enough to have her backing away, it is nonetheless a good feeling, and so Kokomi stays close to him, continuing the attention to his tail.

Something else she will have to consider later on. ]

So you like to cook, and get your priestess in trouble with her guards— [ a slight hint of a playful smile on her lips, showing him she is merely teasing ] —and you have friends in Inazuma City too. What other sorts of things do you like to do with your time, Gorou?

[ If this is, for lack of a better term, a first date for them— or perhaps a second in Kokomi's mind, as she secretly finds herself counting the festival as their first— then isn't it right that she gets to know him a little better? Most of what she knows of Gorou comes from his role as her General, and while she has tried her best to learn about her people, there are a great many of them and favoritism is a moral crime she cannot allow herself to commit. She knows, then, less than she should like. ]

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are we crawling, and falling? | @houndfangs

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