[D4, EA] Lunch to Go (Open/Expecting)

[Shiba Haru]

The smile returned to Haru's face. "So how WOULD you compare the two of us? I gather from what you say that I don't have an easy, charming manner." he said playfully.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Hell naw, you're too tense! An' a bit hung up on your brother, like th'two of ya are equal halves'a the same guy, but you're not, an' y'oughtta bear it in mind."

She cocked her head to the side.

"Too serious fr'yer own good. 'Specially since you got nothin' nailed down yet."

[Shiba Haru]

Haru laughed a bit louder than is polite.

"I have been called a lot of things but never "to serious" by anyone other than Jiro."

He wiped at his eyes as he finished chuckling.

"I am hung up on my brother yes, we share a soul and are reaching the point where we will separate, it is a difficult time for me especially. But all the joy has not left my life, you just caught me at a difficult time. To be honest I was angry with my brother after that dinner where we all met, I felt jealous of his monopolizing your time while I was trying to introduce myself to everyone at the table. by the time that was done you two were already in deep conversation that I didn't want to rudely interrupt. That seems to have been my first mistake, I could have gotten to know you a lot better a lot sooner and I regret that I haven't."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Well, we're talkin' now."

She shrugged.

"An' if you're so hung up on sharin' a soul with him, when you know he's gonna leave... maybe you need t'figure out who y'are. Y'seem a bit off-balance, think your brother's come up every time we talked. An' usin' your question like y'did... I think y'need t'worry less 'bout him, an' more about yourself."

[Shiba Haru]

"You're right, I need to think about myself a bit more and not dwell on my brother. I had another question I wanted to ask related to your question earlier while we were still playing the game but it is rather personal."

He rubbed his face in reference to his response.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Call it the real one. Y'were winnin' th'game after all."

[Shiba Haru]

Haru leaned in, his voice getting softer as he spoke.

"How does a guy like me get together with a girl like you and..."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

She cocked her head to the side.

There was something to be said for the direct approach, but...

"I honestly dunno. Anywhere else, I'd say, 'pick a spot, give'er a try, an' we'll see.' But here... everythin's more... complex."

She paused.

"An' I dunno how much is bein' hung up on your brother, possibly 'cause I can't have 'im, how much is not wantin' t'do somethin' shitty t'you like settlin' for ya, an' how much is bein' overwhelmed by... alla this."

She leaned closer, her own voice getting quiet as she breathed the next sentence to him.

[Shiba Haru]

"Now who's the one who can't keep bringing up my brother?" he said with a mischievous grin.

"Like I said earlier everyone needs practice and I think we could make great "sparring" partners while here. But if you're worried about public perceptions and your image...like a Crane would, I understand."

It was a dirty move but he was feeling amused and wanted to see how she reacted to the comparison.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"When in a Crane Port, Shiba-san... besides."

She lowered her voice a bit.

"Those who spend time wi'me are gonna be judged fer that, an'I can't have a bad rep draggin' 'em down wherever they end up."

[Shiba Haru]

"PFFT. My performance so far has sealed my fate I think, if anything I would drag you down in the estimation of others. You really don't seem to appreciate the impact you've had on this place. But I accept you answer, I will not push such a thing. Maybe we will meet again in the future, maybe when you become Topaz Champion you will decide to visit Shiba lands and I can show it's splendor. There is the small cave a few hours from my home, it sits near a lake and is very peaceful and private."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Sounds lovely."

Even if we're both more likely to end up in some weird-ass posting neither of us saw coming.

"But I think you'd like th'Isles. S'very... warm there."

[Shiba Haru]

"I hope I can experience that with you some day."

He leaned back and relaxed.

"Well that certainly covers the honest questions portion, did you have a secret you were ready to share?"

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Dunno. Not sure I've got any secrets. Readin' trashy pillowbooks hardly counts. Pretty sure everyone does that."

[Shiba Haru]

"Ok then well, did you want to talk about your family? I've already told you one secret, it may not seem like a big deal to you but if she knew I was talking about I would already be dead I assume you. Beyond that..." He took a deep breath. "I am terrified of Tanukis." He awaited the laughter.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

She... cocked her head to the side.

"Tanukis? Why?"

And remained quiet on the family front.

[Shiba Haru]

"I just don't trust something that clever that also has thumbs like we do, something really unsettling about them. Plus the giant balls don't help."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Huh. Given the ah, direct nature of some'a this conversation that you'd feel kinship with that last bit..."

[Shiba Haru]

"I do pretty well for myself but I can't compete with that. I'm actually surprised you haven't asked about the differences or similarities between twins in that regard. Given what I've learned about you so far you must be curious."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

She shrugged. Grinned.

"Kinda academic, innit?"