[D8 LE, Expecting] The Wind and Shore

[Shiba Jiro]

"Same's true for food," he said with a grin.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Ah, but th'one I'm used to, t'other... not s'much."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Well, I suppose either is improved significantly by the right company," he says with a chuckle, more a statement of belief, and not a flirtation.

[Shiba Jiro]

"Well, I suppose either is improved significantly by the right company," he says with a chuckle, more a statement of belief, and not a flirtation in tone.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Truer words, Jiro-san."

[Shiba Jiro]

He closes his eyes, smiles, and sighs while nodding in agreement with himself and her confirmation. Try as he might, it will take time for his feelings to subside from their intensity. And he doesn't feel bad or guilty about them.

He looks at her with a smile. It seems like a forced one, but not fully. Like he wanted to smile but had to reign it in a bit. There was definitely a danger there of being unable to tell himself no if he saw her again in the future. And he had no intention of avoiding such a meeting. Just had to hope he was strong enough.

"So very much."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

She spoke quietly, but not whispering.

"So. In' th'int'rest'a keepin' us both outta trouble.. might be best I move along back t'my quarters, an'you... move along back t'yours."

[Shiba Jiro]

"I think that's a terrible idea. But what I consider a good idea has not really been all that helpful I think."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Nor I. But if things're t'change, we need t'change."

She didn't sound particularly happy about it, but... one did what one must.

[Shiba Jiro]

He nods at that, his tone far from pleased as well. "Yeah, you're right."

I didn't know that you could miss someone that you are currently talking to, he thought, with a sad smile. There's a poem in there, and I really shouldn't write it.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"So."

She rose and bowed.

"Seein' as I interrupted you, p'raps I'll leave ya to it?"

[Shiba Jiro]

He rises as well and offers a bow. "You didn't interrupt. Your presence has never once been an interruption. Thank you for every moment you've shared with me Kasumi."

His eyes looked to hers and it was clear his emotions were a storm beneath the surface.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

And Mantis knew a thing or two about storms.

But she couldn't offer him any sort of comfort. Not now.

"It has been my pleasure, Jiro-san."

She firmed her jaw, gave a formal bow, and turned on her heel.

[Shiba Jiro]

He would write her. It was already forming in his mind what he would want to say, but would have to change. He wondered if she felt similarly. He didn't know, hoped she didn't and could let go easily. Because the alternative, that this was as unpleasant for her, isn't what he wants for her.

He watches her go, with difficulty, but also resolve.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

Kasumi didn't look back as she made her way toward the Mantis quarters.

Because if she did, she was pretty sure her On would fail her completely.

She simply made her [/exit]

And if she retired early that evening, nobody saw fit to comment.