(D1, EE) Awkward Sinceritea

[Shiba Jiro]

In an effort to take the first step to normalize it, he brushes his hands against hers in the exchange. Sure, public displays and overt touching were not going to be a thing. But there should probably be at least some comfort between the two of them where physical touch was concerned.

"It is yours to make that decision. But there are worse fates for a symbolic bond that giving them to the fortunes' care. If you decide to do so, I would be glad to be there or not as you wish or think appropriate."

"Also, don't worry too much about balance. The greatest balance we can reach is an emotional one. The material is immaterial for the most part."

[Isawa Natsuko]

Her hands freeze at the touch, and after a moment careful finish drawing back, the damaged one hidden beneath her sleeve a moment later. "Careful. It...can be dangerous to surprise us. Some manifestations of the void are hard to predict."

Hands and art hidden within those simple orange sleeves, she adds, "balance is important though, in many things. It seems...appropriate." She offers a single nod to emphasize the point. "Thank you for the tea."

[Shiba Jiro]

"I didn't mean to surprise you. But I have faith that you have you are in control. You would not have been sent here if the people in charge didn't also feel comfortable with it as well, no?" he smiles at her.

"I won't try to stop you from doing what you wish, only tell you that the only thing I hope for when giving you something is for you to like it. And even then, it is a hope i have, not an expectation I put on you. I want this relationship to be pleasant, harmonious and productive for us." He smiles warmly.

[Isawa Natsuko]

She nods, frowning slightly. "I trust myself, so please trust my warning." With a long inhale and slow exhale her tense shoulders ease, bringing her hand back to the table, closed into a loose fist, she opens it, palm up, as her eyes lift to his. "There are ways I am not trusted, so I have to be more careful. You may not be a guardian. But there will be guardians. Perhaps you are to be a refuge."

"I am still unsure what I might be for you. But I will figure that out." The general lack of strong inflection keeps these statements gentle. Thoughts that come and go while one is meditating, perhaps.

"Tea does not seem a bad start," she offers before rising.

[Shiba Jiro]

"I think this was a good start," he says with a nod. "And please don't forget to consider what it is that you want from me in this partnership." He rises across from her and returns the bow.

"Thank you for meeting with me this evening. I am glad to have spent time with you."

[Isawa Natsuko]

She bows. "Thank you for inviting me. I have a lot to think about." The butterfly appears from within a sleeve. "And thank you for the butterflies." The last is said with a retreating hint of shyness as she turns to make her way from the tea house.

/exit?

[Shiba Jiro]

"You are welcome. I look forward to our next meeting," he says offering a bow.

/Scene, thanks!