EE7 In search of the elixir of life

[Asahina Sakura]

"Um." A considering pause. "I don't know if now's the time? Given your woes, um, I don't.. maybe it's not.. Just speaking of Benten-no-Kami... I mean, I think you know? Kind of?" she flustered.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Oh, Seppun-sama?"

She grinned.

"Far worse things y'could have on yer mind, Sakura-san."

[Asahina Sakura]

"Hmm," she blushed and hid her own shy smile behind her coffee cup. "The feelings are mutual, it's just, I don't, I mean, I haven't, um. It's new? for me? Usually, I mean, I don't know if you've noticed, uh, talking... to people, anyway, is not... It doesn't come easily."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Y'do fine. An' he don't seem t'mind your conversation, based on what I've seen."

[Asahina Sakura]

"No, no, I guess he doesn't? He's um, good to talk to."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"So. Bein' as I've barely spoken to th'guy... what's he like?"

[Asahina Sakura]

"He's kind. Patient. Um. Focused."
Sakura blushed a little, thinking of how he looked at her so intently. "He's a storyteller, and cares deeply about doing what's right for those around him.
He's, uh, devoted to learning more about everything, and puts significant thought into every action."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"An' how does he make y'feel when he looks atcha?"

Kasumi's tone was one part genuine curiosity, one part vicarious joy, one part envy.

[Asahina Sakura]

She thought for a long moment.
"Seen," was what she'd settled on. "Often I'm um, just a vessel? Or a conduit? To commune with the kami? Seppun-sama... he sees me."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Good."

In a way, it was what talking to Jiro was like- not that nobody saw Kasumi, but most of them only saw the occasionally-rambunctious sailor, not necessarily the person.

"You're gonna want ta hang onto that if ya can."

[Asahina Sakura]

Sakura gave a thoughtful smile and tilted her head to one side. "I intend to...?" It wasn't a question.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Knew I liked ya, Sakura-san."

Some part of Kasumi raged in jealousy at those of her friends who were finding romances that weren't instantly a Problem, but it was a very small part.

"So, y'want someone t'say... haul th'pair of you out t'sea together?"

[Asahina Sakura]

Obliviously, she let out a small chuckle, "No, that's not necessary, Kasumi-san?"

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Y'sure? I know a boatload'a guys..."

She winked.

[Asahina Sakura]

"I- Um!" she blushed furiously red, "We're um, meeting? with my brother? after this. And if all goes well, I mean, if he approves, then he'll write a letter of endorsement, um, to our lords? and families? And um..."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

That earned a fresh grin.

"Well. Let's hope all parties agree, eh?"