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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[ Of course, Kokomi has no idea whatsoever that Gorou's brain is now telling him that he's blown it; to the contrary, whatever it is he thinks he's messed up, she is feeling the same way, telling herself that her selfishness in keeping him tied to such an important duty is what has led him to be in such a situation. Someone as kind-hearted and sweet as he is should have more chances than none, and it's with the guilt from that that she finds herself trying to focus on the goldfish and not... well, everything else.

After all, did he not bring her out here for her to clear her mind? She is doing him a disservice if she does not at least try to do that.

And so she quiets her thoughts and focuses.

Some of the fish are familiar to her, she notices, being endemic to her own waters, but there's one in particular she's never seen before— a type of medaka, based on its shape, but with a color the pale blue of Cryo. Kokomi narrows her attention in on that particular one, moving the net carefully through the water so as not to frighten it—

—Her first attempt has it spot her and dart out the way, but on her second movement of the net she's able to catch it, and when she does she greets it with a warm smile and a kiss on the nose before the stall-keeper puts it in a small glass bowl for her, and the bowl in a paper bag for carrying. ]

I am sorry for the size of your home, friend. [ She says it in a whisper as she straightens up, peering in at it. ] As soon as we return home, you will have oceans' worth of water in which to swim.

[ And then, as if bolstered somehow by the success— or perhaps by the new friend she's made, Kokomi turns back to Gorou. Her smile fades just a little, but this time holds true— and genuine, not like the fake one she wore before she played. ]

I am sorry to you also, General. I would never wish for your duty to take precedence over your ability to live a normal life. You have already given so much for Watatsumi Island. If you wish the time off, you need only ask.

[ She offers her arm to him again, a silent invitation for them to move to the next event on his internal schedule— after all, saying it out loud may take away from the rest of what she's just said. ]

(A medaka that near seems infused with Cryo? He didn't expect that whenever he had his eyes on the fish before his ears and tail lifted from being so pleased by her catching it. It's normally tricky to do it but it's good to know he didn't have to worry in the end after all; this does leave however the thoughts of him needing to figure out how to go about explaining he likes her later.

It's enough that he does near blush again at her words, her movement once he with care links arms with her again. Next he can try and find food if she's hungry which he should consider knowing that they'll be walking a lot, keeping up energy with festival food is always nice though he isn't sure she'd want to eat the fish based ones so he'll scratch those off.)

Excellency, really it's fine, my duty to me is just as important and... admittedly there is someone I thought about though I'm not sure if she'd notice. I'm honestly just happy being at her side even if she doesn't. (Maybe not a direct admission with his wistful smile gracing his lips but the only woman he's typically around is Kokomi anyway, Gorou knows that much since he avoids Guuji Yae, barely gets along with Sara, and Shinobu has long since admitted that he's more a brother to her as well. With the amount of time around her and even after getting to know them he just knows that his heart is set only on one, the girl beside him that he felt was far more beautiful than the ocean of Watatsumi once he starts his walk with her further.

Next then... Taiyaki since that's something he thinks would be far more pleasant to taste for the time being. Sweets were one of the better parts of these things aside from the other foods.)

Since I saw a Taiyaki stand and wasn't sure how hungry we'd get, I thought maybe we can get at least something to snack on while we look around further. A-at least since I can always try and see if I can win any bigger prizes from other stands if any of the stuffed toys and the like catch your attention.

(His aim and arm is good after all if she wanted to get anything from wanage throwing or even other games of similar nature since he's certain that he could do it with his smile gradually turning into being brighter. Seeing her cheered up from something he got her on top of her new friend would be nice.

He can carry whatever she wants him to get for her with ease anyway if she does have something catch her fancy. Who knows, maybe this can work in the bigger picture of letting her have some manner of confession from him on his feelings toward her being bigger than he lets on.)

[ Her smile softens and broadens both as he links their arms together once more, and with that done she falls into step alongside him, listening with curious ears to his words. Her brows lift in surprise when he does speak, and with the motion comes a feeling almost bittersweet, a realization that she knows less about him than she would have previously assumed—

(but isn't that how it is supposed to be? He is her general, after all, and she his priestess; they are comrades, she is his leader, they are not friends in the way she might otherwise like to imagine they could be)

—and, after that, another fresh wave of guilt for allowing his duty to potentially keep him away from someone with whom he might like to spend time. After all, while Gorou's own assumption, based on his words, seems to be that the woman in question doesn't share his interest, she does not see how that is possible— how anyone could miss those things that make him as special as he is.

(Yet another irony lost on her.)

She shakes that thought off, though— there's no point in trying to force him to take time off to spend with this mystery lady, especially not right now— and nods instead at the idea of both the taiyaki and the other games, a contented smile on her lips. Perhaps later she'll ask him more about it, if she can find a way. It might not be her place, but she wants to see him happy his personal life too, if it's possible. And as he is a citizen of Watatsumi Island, is it not in some way her responsibility?

So lost is she in her thoughts that she doesn't really notice the way he stumbles over the words when he offers to win her a prize— nor does she consider that such acts are usually offered on dates. ]

Taiyaki sounds lovely. It has been quite a while since I've had the opportunity to taste it. And of course I would be disappointed if I did not have the chance to see your perfect aim in action with these games!

(Had she known that he meant her, it would have been more ironic though Gorou himself was shaking off those thoughts to enjoy this moment now. He owes her his happiness too instead of him being lost in thoughts and struggling to put to words his feelings toward her. He half wishes Kazuha was there to give some manner of sagely advice but he knows his friend was off elsewhere in his adventures; he'll write him later if he has to figure out something.

The Taiyaki stand is their next destination then, something he's hopeful about is that they'll have plenty time to enjoy themselves together knowing that he can't quite help the fact he's trying to maybe get out his feelings more in the end. Pining after her like this has been all over his mind; with thoughts of more throughout it all mixed into wishful thinking in hope she sees one day how far his own heart goes.

However it seems he hadn't accounted for something in the end after all once he spots a familiar large figure, two familiar figures.

The largest being one half-oni himself, Arataki Itto, who was in the middle of trying to sweet talk his way into getting an extra thing of Taiyaki to try and bring it back to his grandmother who couldn't make it. So that means that the second would be Shinobu, who he's sure just finished eating her own because he thought he caught glimpses of her wiping her face off before adjusting her mask.

Not good.

He was hoping that he could get Kokomi's energy back up first knowing her social battery differs drastically in these scenarios but this might throw a wrench in that. Especially if Itto were to turn around and even—:)

BROOOOO, YOU'RE HERE!

(Damn it, too late! Itto already in a wide yet happy grin was on his way over much to Gorou's dismay to the point he just barely released Kokomi's arm in time before the giant of a man hoists him to the sky. The hound in Gorou's case was near yelling from that sudden movements but that's unfortunately Itto for you.)

I-ITTO!?

Dude! I thought you were busy, when did you get here!?

(Poor Gorou is going to have to explain a lot later, unfortunately.)

[ The truth of it is that if Kokomi had any idea that she is the person in question, she would have no idea what to think. Her life and duty being what it is, she has never stopped to consider anything like it, particularly when it comes to herself. It's one thing to look out for her people and friends and be sure they have a chance at happiness, but for her...

Well, dating is not something for which she has the luxury of time, is what she decided some time long ago.

(Never mind that her rules for the people under her command are so vastly different, that she would expect them to follow their hearts at all times...)

Knowing none of this, though, she proceeds onward side by side with Gorou. And so as it is, they're partway to the taiyaki stand when the world is shattered by possibly the loudest voice she's ever heard, and her General is being snatched out of the space beside her and hoisted into the air— for a moment she tenses, and reaches for the place just outside of reality where she keeps her Everlasting Moonglow, ready to defend the man who has come here to defend her—

But in the next moment she realizes that this isn't someone from whom Gorou needs protection, and she relaxes. To the contrary, the tone in Gorou's shout is...

...is it possible the two of them are friends?

The stunned expression on her face betraying her despite her best efforts, Kokomi looks between her General and the tall oni holding him in the air, her eyebrows slowly lifting even further under her bangs. ]

...I am afraid I am at a disadvantage. Is this gentleman a friend of yours, General?

Ah? Hey, Gorou, you never told me you knew a girl this cute, who is she? Better yet, you manage to score a cute girl like this, way to go bro!

... that's Sangonomiya Kokomi.

HUH?

(Somehow Gorou wasn't too surprised by this turn of events though he was currently being held 'hostage' by his best friend, said best friend and half-oni in the middle of holding him near upside down from whenever he was spinning around with him earlier out of excitement from seeing him. The soft yet stern tone of the woman behind Itto was none other than Kuki Shinobu who was normally there at his side to bail him out of trouble before unleashing her own brand of punishment on Itto anyway.

Though it took Gorou a moment to clear his throat and tug himself out of this setback that this caused him. He almost seems apologetic to Kokomi about the turn of events given he didn't expect to run into them; not this soon anyway given that he near thought they were playing with the children not getting food themselves.)

T-this is... Arataki Itto, he's the friend I told you about that tends to be very loud, behind him is—...

Shinobu, Kuki Shinobu.

(Gorou can't say he surprised she introduced herself on her own right as Itto set down his canine friend with a wide grin. The two of them seem to be thinking over something, that can't be good if Itto of all people is thinking though he isn't going to tell Kokomi that.

If anything that'd likely make it worse! He didn't need her to think that his friends were insane and though he won't tell her in front of them; they knew that he had feelings toward her past the norm for general and priestess. Something that Gorou was grateful for this time about since Itto was choosing to not let slip something that important.

Regardless with him now freed, Gorou takes back up his position next to her while the two of them seem to be quietly chatting amongst themselves as if mulling over something.

Gods, he hopes they aren't about to 'help' him.)

[ She looks from one to the other, a slight smile on her lips— a genuine one, too, if somewhat confused— and then bows to each of the new acquaintances in turn. ]

As you said, I am indeed Sangonomiya Kokomi. It is a pleasure to meet you both— you seem to be important people to Gorou, so if there is ever anything I can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to let me know.

[ With introductions done, said new acquaintances seem content to talk with one another, and Kokomi can't quite help the way her eyes shift to watch Gorou, who in turn has his intense gaze trained on the pair, something of a pained expression evident on his features, a worry in his eyes that she's unable to place exactly, but—

Kokomi's eyes travel back over to Kuki Shinobu, watching her interact with Arataki Itto, watching Gorou's eyes on the two of them, and a strange, heavy feeling strikes her in the gut.

Is it her, then? The girl her General mentioned?

She's gentle in the way she lays a hand on Gorou's forearm, tries to catch his attention with a small smile, nudges her head toward them to indicate their presence. And when she speaks, her voice is soft, sweet with understanding: ]

If you want to spend time with your friends, General, you should. Opportunities like this one are not easily come by. Besides, there are enough people around that I can comfortably ensure my own safety.

[ It's the right thing to say, she knows it, but that doesn't explain the sick feeling leftover in her stomach as the words leave her parted lips. ]

... ah? Excellency, it's fine, I promise.

(Because he didn't want time with them. Were he more interested in time with Itto he'd have accepted his offer originally, right now there's only one person that he's focused on right as his gaze softens into something more relaxed toward her. Something more at ease with the thoughts of Itto's brand of help dissipating to give her back a part of him that rarely anyone can say they've seen from him the way she gets it; to a degree he's use to letting his men see it but her is another story.

Something that he can't help knowing the way that he felt toward her differs than the way the others felt toward her out of their own.

Maybe it's her tone, maybe it's the way she doesn't notice that causes him to internally wonder where this came from. Normally he doesn't overthink on it but it's almost as if he swears he detected jealousy; that can't be right, can it? Something he's swearing Shinobu is side-eyeing them over before the two of his friends both seem to quietly reach an agreement on what to do for his painfully obvious pining.)

Yo, bro, we're gonna go ahead and head out! Knock her dead for me, yeah? Remember, you are a friggin delight, a damn fine person and you got this!

Anyway. Good luck, Kokomi, he's been torn up more than you think.

(Poor Gorou nearly gawks at Itto's 'pep talk' more than Shinobu's encouragement toward Kokomi. Gods, why him, though he's forcing himself to not focus on them entirely once they both turn to leave as if they made their best choice to silently push them without interrupting further. Likely after Shinobu pressed Itto into not doing anything else or else he'd face her wrath again right there in front of them; something he thinks would not be a good thing for Kokomi to witness either.

He'll have to explain later more on them, more on the Arataki gang too, which he isn't interested in saying now. Now there's something else in his head he's thinking of more, the jealousy he near thought he detected from Kokomi... that still can't be right, could it? This can't be. He has to be imagining it but for the time being he'll file it back just in case if he did hear right.

Gorou has more important things to do anyway, giving her his utmost attention being one of them.)

I'm sorry about how loud Itto is, a-and about really his way of encouraging people... he actually became an unintentional best friend of mine but he's well-meaning despite his loudness and winning snacks off children to the point Shinobu gets a migraine often.

[ If Gorou had mentioned the thought of a detected jealousy, of course Kokomi would have denied it. After all, in her own mind the strange leaden feeling twisting her stomach into knots isn't even jealousy— it is merely a feeling the cause of which is unknown, and in her mind surely comes from the strangeness of meeting new people, especially one such as Arataki Itto, whose approach was enough to put her on edge from the very start. After all, for as brilliant as he mind can be in matters of strategy, when it comes to her personal life she can be relatively clueless and naïve— the result, perhaps, of having given up her personal life in the name of her duty.

Perhaps that also is why she's left blinking at the departing duo, their words doing a lot to tell her that Shinobu is not the girl in question, but doing absolutely nothing to inform her that she herself is. To the contrary, per Itto's words she wonders if maybe they will come across said girl tonight, and per Shinobu's she—

Well, to be honest, she's not yet entirely sure what to think of Shinobu's words.

(Although they will no doubt resurface once more in her mind a little later, playing back in slow motion as she examines the events of the evening from a more objective standpoint.)

Right now, though, she's left to blink at their departure, turning back to Gorou with a quizzical smile as her General apologizes on the oni's behalf, and with a slight laugh the priestess of Watatsumi Island shakes her head. ]

You need not apologize for the friends you have made, General. Both of them seem very kind-hearted, even if the gentleman shows it in a rather brash manner. Their care for you was very evident in their parting remarks, no? What was it he said... [ a single, pale finger taps thoughtfully against her lips, although the quirk of playful amusement at their corners betrays her ] you are a "damn fine person", and people such as that tend to surround themselves with fine people. Am I mistaken?

[ It's a diplomatic approach, to be sure; Arataki Itto is certainly not Kokomi's cup of tea, with his loud and brash approach to... apparently everything. But he and his companion clearly care for Gorou, and that's enough for her. ]

(It helps likely that Gorou is choosing to keep his mouth shut on the thought. Something to think about more later once he considers for now that fixating on it would simply cause his feelings to start flaring again with his quite truthfully painfully obvious pining that was mentioned earlier in his own mind. Part of him wondering what else they might have to unfortunately deal with.

That might be best left to figure out later though he has a small feeling he might be in the midst of the Gods deciding to torture him soon. He can feel it already in his gut that is a possibility even if their god and archon herself wouldn't go this far, right?

(Ironically he should be more worried about the possibility of Guuji Yae discerning his feelings toward Kokomi.)

Regardless, there is a small smile, bordering sheepish in his own case again once he finds himself relaxed. The fact that she's not minding helps though he almost gaps at her cussing similarly to Itto for a moment there only to remember that they were essentially off the clock so to speak.

He'll let that slide then, for now, unless Itto somehow rubs off on her without being here.)

You're right... though if we run into him again later and spot General Kujou with him, we can probably watch their duel if you'd like. I would cheer him on more but we know how she fights and she knows her way around oni. (Surprisingly to him anyway though he did not know of her background entirely. He could only guess that she had to fight them in the mountains before which is not wrong per-say. Given he did remember that tengu came from the mountains typically.

With that aside, they had to focus elsewhere which is why for the time being with his smile returning brightly and his laughter coming back he quickly directs his attention to the Taiyaki stand.) Shall we get our snacks then, Excellency?

[ Honestly, she's not really the type to cuss at all— if any of the others were here, they would be just as surprised as Gorou is now, even with how tame the word is compared to some things she's heard from others, especially on the field of battle. It isn't so much that she has an issue with people using language like that, just that she has always chosen not to do so... although if she's honest, it's worth it just this once to see the momentary surprise on Gorou's face when she quotes his friend word for word. After all, there was something about his manner when they met one another that troubles her.

Still, it seems that the moment has passed; both of them are smiling now and laughing, especially her at his mention of a potential duel between Itto and Kujou Sara. After all, having seen the Tenryou Commission General more than once on the field of battle herself, she knows her to be a formidable fighter, and she simply cannot imagine the tall oni going toe to toe with her in such a way. ]

Snacks sound wonderful, yes. [ In front of the stall, her eyes flicker over the different types of taiyaki they have, and widen in turn— of course she has had adzuki taiyaki before, but there are so many unique types here that she had never even considered... ] Is there a flavor you would recommend? Some of these seem quite... interesting.

[ The one catching her eye right now is lavender melon custard, but she's honestly not sure if that would be any good at all... ]

(Right time to think, he almost wants to grab the lavender melon one too... maybe they both can try it together then? Might as well that way if they both don't like it then it'd be a mutual moment of laughter again about it being a terrible idea before getting Adzuki again.) Mm, let's try the lavender melon custard? If we dislike it we can just get a flavor we both liked before. (And it might honestly make it something memorable more than her trying it alone since it isn't as if he minds trying any flavor together with her. It's why he finds himself getting two of it to share between them for the time being.

He only hopes it tastes good because he still recalls Shinobu secretly mentioning she once used slime on fried lavender melon in an attempt to change the taste of it to something different. A fact which Gorou honestly wonders if it counts as borderline evil given she fed it not only to Itto but the whole gang.

Even if he hasn't exactly told Kokomi they were in a gang exactly, that... can be much-much later if he were honest. He didn't need her to think he's breaking the law now whether it be intentional or unintentionally doing so thanks to being associated with them; the thoughts aside he soon enough holds out her share of the Taiyaki to her while holding in hand his own.

Here's hoping this tastes good otherwise he's going to wonder who even thought this was a good flavor combination.

Especially if it comes at the cost of her battery lowering quicker.)

[ Her eyes widen a little when Gorou suggests the lavender melon custard... is it possible that her attention to it betrayed her wishes? Lavender melon can be a strange taste at any time, with its fragrant bitterness, and she hardly wishes to put him through something that might end up tasting horrible just to sate her curiosity. She nearly protests, but then he keeps talking and offers them both an out, an alternative if the lavender melon doesn't work out—

(and really she doesn't want him to spend that much, but if it comes down to it, she can always give him bonus salary one month to cover the difference, can't she?)

—so she smiles and nods, letting him get it for them and accepting when he holds it out. ]

Thank you for the meal, [ she says, and ] Good luck! [ and then she bites into it, her eyes closed to allow herself to experience the taste completely—

It's certainly not a bad taste, but certainly odd, just as she expected, with the melon's strange aromatic bitterness making for an interesting pair with the creamy custard, not to mention the flaky pastry around it holding it all together... Kokomi chews and swallows carefully, her eyes opening after a moment to find Gorou's gaze. ]

Mm... it is interesting. What are your thoughts, General?

(His own tasting of it after she takes her bite is definitely not what he expects too, surprisingly not too bad? Odd perhaps, but not that bad given he's tasted the bitter melon before straight without anything dampening the bitterness. Needless to say he did not enjoy that escapade of his after whenever he had to wash his tongue of the taste repeatedly. He wouldn't wish that on just anyone.

A momentary swallow later, he's mulling over how to respond given his eyes likely watered a little from the reminder of his previous experience.) Not what I expected either? Not bad, but the flavors definitely different than the usual. (Though if he knew she planned to cover this by giving him a bonus he would have ironically been wanting to deny it left and right.

He didn't want her to think she had to give him the extra money though he's grateful for her wanting to either way.

He doesn't always shell out like this but he wanted to give her memories of this time something special to look back on. Even if he didn't realize that he accidentally guessed she was eyeing it to try it since he had looked at it personally and did think it would be something different to try.)

I think I prefer this to the time I ate lavender melon straight. I was told that my face looked like I was fed a lemon and comparable to an unhappy pup. (Even if that thought was embarrassing, by the Archons, he didn't want to find out what it looked like truly if someone had a Kamera at the time.)

[ Of course, for a moment Kokomi isn't really sure why Gorou's eyes are watering; in fact it's not until he explains the story that she gets it, and she can't help but laugh, a bright and warm sound on her lips that, while definitely at his expense, is far from mean-spirited or unkind. It's really just as simple as that she can imagine it too clearly, can see in her mind's eye the unhappy, puckered look on his face as the taste of the fruit spreads through his mouth. ]

It is true that lavender melon does have quite a... unique taste. [ She can't stop giggling; at this rate she can only hope that he understands her intent, that he can see she does intend cruelty by laughing. ] But I think in the case of this taiyaki, the custard and pastry work together to subdue its sharpness. [ Her giggles finally subside, and she offers him a bright smile. ] I enjoy this more than I anticipated. Perhaps we should purchase some more before the festival's end to take back to Watatsumi Island with us? Although I am sure they are much better when they are fresh like this...

[ She's lost in thought deeply enough that the next firework makes her jump, laughing in the next moment at her own expense as she shakes her head, her eyes turning to the sky, and the taiyaki temporarily forgotten. ]

Is the main event due to start soon? Or are there more things we should be doing first?

(Thankfully for her, Gorou is by no means offended since he told her that to make her laugh. This was his intent, to cheer her up some more from whatever depressing thoughts take hold of her mind a bit longer; to let her feel joy together with this being something precious even to him he can say he'd always feel such bliss knowing that he got this moment with her. A moment of reprieve, a moment of respite that the two of them so desperately needed from being far from home even if his feelings run deeper than her own might.

It's why when she speaks of Watatsumi, of taking some back with them that he idly wonders if he can ask the stand owner how he made them. Maybe he can do that and pick up some lavender melon as a way of giving her a treat whenever he has opportunities at night to bring her some manner of snack to remind her that he's always going to remember tonight fondly. Her jolting and laughter from being surprised by the firework even getting a wide smile and laugh from him too.

From how the sky looks at her question they are nearing time for the main event. Though there's always the chance they'll run into more people on the way there knowing that the fireworks are something people rarely miss, something that people of all ages get joy from just by watching Yoimiya giving her all for the sake of their happiness too.)

I think it's starting soon, but we can look around on the way there for anything else that we can do last minute. (Like getting masks for fun even if the two of them might not wear them for long. He'll just have to remember to keep his as a souvenir for later to look back on. Something to give him strength with knowing he spent this time with someone he held dearly to him.)

[ As much as Kokomi is looking forward to the main event, she has to admit that she is somewhat glad that that most recent explosion wasn't the start of it. Truth be told, even with the sudden intrusion of strangers (to her, at least, even if they are friends to Gorou) into their evening, she is enjoying herself more than she anticipated. With the beginning of the night having been so lonely, such fun emerging from it is something she could never have predicted, even with all her strategic skills. It is, of course, thanks to Gorou and his never-ending determination, and for that she is unspeakably grateful... it's just that the sooner the main event starts, the sooner it is over, and their night together with it.

And so she's grateful that there's time for them to do more on their way to find a good viewing point... even if she doesn't know exactly what "more" there is, between the medaka in the paper bag she holds and the bittersweet custard taste of the taiyaki still lingering on her tongue.

Lucky again that she has Gorou with her. Where she has been entirely clueless for this whole festival so far, he has known exactly where they should go and what they should do. It's a piece of knowledge that causes a question to surface in her brain, something lingering and confused— although right now she's barely even aware of its existence, let alone able to puzzle out its meaning.

She offers him another smile. ] Then, General, I place myself in your capable hands! Whatever ideas you have for us to do, I am more than happy to try them before we settle in to view the show.

(Like before he links their arms together with care, a decision made to for now make their way to the mask stand next. Maybe they can get a good one and perhaps they might spot a prize that Kokomi herself could want to go with the Medaka that she caught that Gorou could attempt to win for her. Hopefully with it making use of his excellent aim and eyes since he'll be certain to let her look around on the way to mask stand.

His own smile bright and wide, maybe without knowing just how she's starting to slowly come to her own realization about things. Things that he still holds near and dear wordlessly though wondering if he might one day be able to tell her the truth of his heart. Maybe if this was a fairy tale he could; with the fireworks as he once thought earlier.

But he's finding himself getting off track as eyes start to skim over the stands for anything interesting. Anything that they could try for before they make their way to a decent spot to relax at before the fireworks begin their ascent; they may want to have a good enough spot but it's still the joyous memories that make for the occasion too.

Something else that he certainly wants to not forget too between them.)

If anything I do hope that they have fitting masks for us too, since I'm not sure if you'd want to run around with a fox mask while we look around a bit further.

[ It's almost natural at this point, the way her arm loops through Gorou's as they make their way toward their next destination, and while he doesn't tell her exactly what that destination is, it's obvious enough from the sight of it as they get closer, from all the people she can see ahead of them wearing all sorts of decorated animal and youkai masks. In their approach, she's able to look around the other stalls, many of them types of food and games like senbonbiki; and there's one that catches her attention in particular, a stall with a collection of uchiwa in different patterns and styles.

Gorou is talking, and he says something about a fox mask and she laughs— to be honest, she doesn't think she'd mind wearing a fox mask compared to some of the other options there are (and besides, she doesn't think they'd have fish or jellyfish as options)— but then withdraws her arm from his for a moment, the slight smile on her lips bordering on mysterious. ]

Will you allow me to meet you there in just a moment, General? Something caught my eye at one of these stalls... I assure you I will be safe. Perhaps you can look at the masks to find something that might suit us both in the meantime?

[ It's against every single rule she has for her on this trip, but they've already broken a lot of rules this evening, have they not? And Kokomi can't help but think it might be nice for them to have something to remind them of the trip— little does she realize of course that Gorou is thinking the same thing with regards to the mask. ]

(It's the pause in her step that makes him blink whenever he spots the smile on her lips. He's confused really on what she might be planning but he does at least opt to trust her; knowing that the mask stall isn't too far away were anything to happen. That and Gorou thinks that Itto might be nearby from how the crowd is saying something about Sara and him fixing to have a contest at one of the other stands so that helps too.

The thoughts aside, he at least with a tentative nod of his head is going to give her this opportunity knowing that they've broken multiple rules tonight as is.) I only ask that you shout, Excellency, were you to be in danger. I can grab us fox masks then or canine ones depending on what they have. (Canine being more likely due to foxes reminding him often of Guuji Yae and he'd prefer this to be a pleasant memory more than a very frightening one for him.

Especially since they haven't ran into her by some miracle which he will be grateful about. Were that to happen he would surely tense but part of him is assuming she's with the Shogun herself as she typically would be; likely attempting to get her to play some manner of game with her.

He doesn't envy whatever stall keepers have to deal with the two of them knowing just how strong she even is to begin with.)

Edited 2023-01-23 09:32 (UTC)

I promise. [ She means it, too— if something were to come up while she's separated from him, she would call for him as loud as she could.

Thankfully though, it doesn't come to that and her time away from him is relatively uneventful, made up of a short conversation and exchange of money with a stall-keep who kindly helps her find the things for which she is searching. When she returns to Gorou's side by the mask stall, it's a few Mora lighter and a pair of fans in her hand: one, a sensu in teal and gold, and the other a uchiwa in blue, patterned with swimming goldfish.

It's with a bright smile that she reaches out to hand him the former. ]

I hope you do not mind that I purchased this for you. This whole time, we have been wearing yukata, and yet we are both lacking the appropriate accessories... Besides, I thought having some souvenirs of our trip would be nice. [ She pauses, eyeing the masks as she finally realizes that he's had the same idea with buying them, and then chuckles. ] More souvenirs, that is.

[ They may not have been meant to leave the Tenryou Commission, especially not just as the two of them, but Kokomi can't help feeling more and more that she's glad they did. She and Gorou rarely get to spend time together on a personal level— she rarely spends time with anyone on a personal level, if she's honest— so it's nice to relax with him, to see him in a different element than that to which she's become accustomed.

It has certainly helped the homesickness, too. ]

(So that's why she was gone, similar thoughts which makes him amused to learn this. Seeing that they're in their colors he's pleased that he left that much of an impression tonight that she wanted something in teal and gold for him; it might not be the deeper part of his feelings in the open but it's enough to make him feel proud. He'll definitely be energized more once things are said and done, especially at knowing he eased her worries.

With the sensu in hand from her and him holding out the mask to her since the kitsune masks were close enough despite the small reminder, all in all he's pleased. He'll just need to remember to double back to ask the Taiyaki stand owner how he made it with lavender melon though he has a few ideas once he finds himself grinning.

A pleased pup now even, he'll treasure not only the mask but the sensu itself. He doesn't mind at all with the way he finds himself laughing a little. Similar thoughts aside, he'll consider tonight a success even if he won't be able to tell her like he wants to.)

Masks and sensu and uchiwa, I'll still treasure whatever souvenirs we bring back tonight proudly. (Ah. He near slips but he reins it back in just enough. He's positive that later the others will throw a fit but that's nothing that he would say makes this less worth it, he didn't suggest this after all to simply stand there idly and let her feel homesick.

Maybe if there's more time they could go by the beaches here on Narukami Island after slipping away on another evening like this alone. Without the eyes and ears of everyone on them.)

There's hopefully good spots still open, I'd be surprised if we did run into Yoimiya though knowing her since the fireworks are suppose to be her and her father's duty. (Though he has a gut feeling he shouldn't be surprised if they did after running into Itto earlier with Shinobu; that might happen but they'll have to see then in the end.)

[ Sadly, her thoughts on the uchiwa coloring aren't necessarily linked to what he's wearing right now, but his outfits in general; perhaps it would disappoint him to know that the impression he's left isn't quite as significant as he's imagining it to be... although perhaps it is significant in a different way, one that she has never considered before— and isn't considering now, either, as she takes the mask from him with a bright smile and puts it on, wearing it on the side of her head the way she sees others doing. ]

Me too. They will be a nice reminder of our time together.

[ Again, that strange feeling of not wanting it to be over, of almost dreading the main event of the fireworks for what it represents: the end of their evening.

Despite this, she manages to keep a smile on her lips, something playful against the strangeness of the emotion, as she links her arm through his again, letting him lead her toward where they have to go— and her arm tightens just a little at the sight of the crowds, the throngs of people getting thicker and thicker around them, and Kokomi is starting to wonder if it's worth this to find a good spot for them to sit when a voice cuts through the noise: ]

Ooh, wait wait... heeeeey, puppy guy! Aren't you Arataki's friend?

[ As if summoned by his thinking they wouldn't have a chance to meet up with her, none other than Naganohara Yoimiya appears in front of them, a bundle of unlit fireworks in her arms and a bright smile on her face as she looks from one to the other. ]

And this must be your friend too, right? Your girlfriend? Hehehe...

[ Kokomi stares at Yoimiya for a moment in silence, her brows lifted high under her bangs, a slight color in her cheeks and a wordless shake of her head as she tries to figure out how to address this newest face in front of the two of them. ]

(Him and his thought processes. He hadn't expected that but perhaps he should have known by now even as he keeps his arm linked with Kokomi's to ensure she stays close to him throughout the thickened crowds around them. He didn't expect that on one hand but half did expect it on the other; someone who knew him due to his association with Itto given the two are best friends.

Though he half thought Itto was the reason why it was out there given circumstances.

No use crying over spilt milk anyway, since he can make this work and hopefully not cause some manner of energy drainage on Kokomi's part. Especially since Gorou isn't sure how to explain her entirely.)

W-we're um... this is her Excellency, Sangonomiya Kokomi, actually. Your Excellency, this is Nagonahara Yoimiya, she's more one of Itto's friends however since they've known each other longer.

(He probably was going to have to explain later how exactly he managed to leave with her but they didn't need to know that he willingly sneaked out with her while everyone was asleep. Though he is blushing as he keeps his eyes shyly on Kokomi without realizing at her being called his girlfriend; something which he has yet to dare notice.

Puppy guy was definitely not a nickname he thought he would leave the evening with too but it could be far more worse for him anyway. Some of his nicknames could get downright vicious in varying degrees.)

We were actually on our way to get a spot found to watch the show.

(Is it obvious he's trying to not focus on the part where she called them boyfriend and girlfriend knowing his hearts pounding now at it?)

[ Yoimiya isn't stupid. She's not, you know, Sumeru scholar levels of intelligent, but she likes to think she's got a pretty good head on her shoulders. It's for that reason that she takes Sangonomiya's blush and Gorou's aversion of the subject for what it is: a clear confession on both of their parts, albeit one each of them seems to be trying to avoid. And that's... well, that's practically a travesty! Young love should be celebrated, shouldn't it?

And if there's one thing Yoimiya knows how to do, it's celebrate. ]

A spot to watch the fireworks, you say? It just so happens I know of the best place for it. Why don't you follow me, okay~?

[ She's as fast as a firework on her feet, and Kokomi is left to blink, following along with Gorou as quickly as her own feet can carry her through the throngs of people; like before, she notices the change in his demeanor, and this time she feels a little guilty: surely her General's life would be easier if he wasn't being mistaken for being her romantic companion. While it's not exactly a surprise that some people see them that way, given the amount of time the two of them spend together, it must make it even more difficult than the matter of time alone when it comes to approaching the girl he does like...

If they weren't moving so fast, she might stop to apologize.

But there's no time for that, because soon they emerge at a spot clear of people— due largely to its having been roped off as a fireworks storage area, although at this point there isn't much left in said storage crates, she can see from here. Yoimiya turns to them both with a smile, and spreads her arms to indicate the space. ]

Ja jaa~n! Here it is, a space just for the two of you! I'll tell the Tenryou Commission you're allowed to be here, so don't worry~! Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

[ Without even so much as a goodbye, Yoimiya starts to head off once more, but she pauses on her way past Gorou, her lips close to his ear as she speaks once more, this time her words for him and him alone: ]

I'll make it extra special for your first date with her, puppy guy~ Have a nice night!

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