[D1 EA, Expecting] Too Windy Outside

[Shiba Jiro]

"I'll take your word for it, and assume the credit given is appropriate. So you helped out a Phoenix ship in trouble? What happened?"

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Well. Came up on 'em after a storm had dismasted 'em and sent a few over the side. I spotted Asako Akari-sama in the water, goin' under with her layers of silk takin' on water. I went in with a line t'fish her out, an' Cap'n Kaito offered more general sorts'a help to th'crew. Took 'em in tow and headed for th' shore."

She... blushed.

"So Asako-sama gave me the tea set."

[Shiba Jiro]

"So charming, clever and heroic. Kasumi-san, you are absolutely amazing," he says, his smile beaming. "Thank you for caring for my clan's people in their time of need."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

And there was a blush. Evidently this Mantis had yet to learn how to properly swagger.

"Well, it was Cap'n Kaito's call t'assist. Just did m'part."

[Shiba Jiro]

"I have a feeling that your part didn't necessitate jumping into the water to save someone since you are now going through gempukku and weren't technically an adult with certain expectations for duty. So I won't hear any of that 'my part' talk." He smirked at her.

"Humility is all well and good, but you saved a person's life and they got to see their family again thanks to you. You're great."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Oh, I'm absolutely great, but I got m'reasons for treadin' lightly..."

[Shiba Jiro]

He laughed a bit at that. "Well, I'm glad we're on the same page about how great you are. Wouldn't want any misunderstandings about that. And if they're personal reasons that you don't wish to share, then I don't wish to pry. But I'm also glad to listen if it's something you want to talk about, now or in the future."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Oh, m'reasons are simple."

She adopted a stage whisper.

"M'in a town fulla samurai."

[Shiba Jiro]

He smiled gently and matched the whisper, leaning in slightly. "But you're in a conversation with me, Kasumi-san. I'd rather know you, not what others might expect of you."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Well, this is our last grasp at not havin' to be completely proper representatives of our clans."

She was evidently having difficulty keeping a straight face.

"'Cause I'm gonna be so good at that."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Well, the nice thing about friends is that you don't always have to be proper with them all the time. I definitely don't mind if you want to relax with me. But I am also glad to help you out if you want to spend time practicing courtly things in private with no pressure."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"T'practice courtly things, I'd need t'know what they are."

She made a face.

"S'far, my best bet seems t'be keepin' m'mouth shut and standing somewhere outta the way."

[Shiba Jiro]

"And that's something I can help with. But I expect to be taught some of those songs you're hesitant to share in return," he says with a smirk.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Think I could teach you a couple of 'em. But only a couple. Wouldn't want your blushing bride hearin' you warbling some'a what I know..."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Oh? If they're that good I definitely need to learn them. I'll just have to refrain from singing outside of the company of Mantis," he replied.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"I suppose we'll see. You know 'Bless 'Em All'?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"I'm not familiar," he says, shaking head.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Well. Then I can teach you the 'safe' version, an' then we can talk about the, ah... real one."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Definitely would love to learn it."

"Familiar with 'Early in the Mornin'?" he asks.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Oh yeah! Y'know the verse with the rusty razor?"