”I’m fine…”

He grinned and looked down at her as she blushed once more. It was so amusing for him that he wished he could make her blush all day long, but it would then probably look ridiculous and he would not be doing his job. However, that did not mean he could not do this whenever possible, especially if no one else was around. She must like him either physically or as a person, why else blush when he pulled her closer to him? This enlarged his already obvious ego and he was tempted to tease her because of her last reply, instead, he looked down at her when she took a deep breath. He wondered what that was about, was it because she was nervous? Or did this have to do with her cheeks turning red again? He looked down at Ku, even his friend seemed to be having fun but he hoped he would not be teasing him about offering Mariko to ride like this. Yet, he sensed that it would be best if he rode with her fro two reasons, one being she was still rather shaken to be riding on her own, and secondly, it would be easier for him to protect her if he were sitting right next to her so, he opted for riding beside her. In any case if he made her ride with no saddle on her own she would kill him once they arrived to the destination. And, well, he had to admit this also felt somewhat nice although he was not entirely sure why. Now he was being silly so he decided to turn back to the landscape. He shrugged the thoughts away the moment they reached their destination. He had to help her climb down.

“Oh…You heard that…Well, perhaps if you smile for me, I won't mind doing this again…”

Well, of course he heard that! One had to be deaf not to when no other sound was audible at night. But he avoided facepalming this time and simply looked into her eyes. Her deep amethyst eyes. He heard her words and though they were standing truly close to one another and he could easily steal a kiss if he so wished to get the upper hand and make her blush once more. He knew that would never be a reason he would want to kiss someone. Her words, however, what she said made him grimace, although that was almost unadvertised since he soon turned his back on her and walked toward the rock. Could she not understand it was not that simple? Why…he did not even know how to smile anymore, he had lost so much back then and in any case you had to feel happy and warm inside in order to smile right? How on earth would he amount to that? Now on earth could he explain this? He did not wish to appear rude, despite his usual demeanour and he simply replied, “I guess you do need to learn to ride a horse, I could teach you at night if you would like that.” But then, she had seemed so happy during their little ride, surely that meant she enjoyed spending time with him as well as the parading circus the other two Seishi were?

He had to admit he did not expect her to allow him to pull her closer like he did or even lace their fingers together. She actually seemed to respond positively. He still did not understand why he had done such things, at least she would not chastise him for it he deemed. Now he had to be more guarded just in case his body got any more ideas and he could not convince it of doing otherwise. He cleared his throat as he stood up from sitting on the rock removing his boots and then ensured the trousers were high enough so that they would not get wet once his legs crossed the streams. He was glad to see she was doing the same, that would save them some time.

"Where are we going anyway, Eri-san?”

He smirked and took her hand in his and led the way silently for a moment, “It would no longer be a surprise if I told you. We are almost there.” He then began to stand on rocks that were constantly being touched by the water streaming down the small waterfalls and he relaxed feeling the coldness. He kept on walking until they reached what looked like a small hill. He slowly climbed up before they reached a valley of flowers and a beautiful grotto with a waterfall and a small stream that was flu or rocks. He moved toward the stream and then once inside he began to follow the flow of the water, and it was then he stopped. He waited for Mariko to be standing right next to him and he smiled looking down, they could see everything form there, and not only that, but there was beautiful vegetation down the stream, flowers of various colours that still shone with the moonlight and even some carps Koi could be seen trying to swim up the small waterfall.

He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the gentle caress of the wind on his face, hair and clothes before he turned to look at Mariko. He wanted to know what she thought of this and if she was enjoying this, hopefully all memories of the bandit were gone. A few night creatures flew past them and the music of the landscape was just too beautiful to ignore. Looking down he realised their hands were still holding each other and he lifted his hand with hers fora moment and looked down at them. He felt that warmth in his hand again and he looked at their hands briefly. Before he turned to look at Mariko and he unlaced their fingers but allow chis palm to remain on hers stretching their fingers together. Her hand was so delicate and small compared to his own, yet she did not give any sign that it displeased her. With his other hand he caressed her cheek for a brief moment, “Mariko-san…” he breathed. Why was he feeling so weak all of a sudden?

His eyes shone like flames of fire and he felt his heart rate increase and he did not know why. He was probably scaring Mariko but he moved to stand closer to her, his eyes never leaving hers. It was then a carpa Koi splashed at them and he closed his eyes and moved a way slightly. But their hands were entwined once more and he blackly looked at them for a moment, what could al this mean? It was almost as if the forces of nature pulled them closer together and he did not understand why. He slowly and regretfully unlocked their fingers and said, “Sorry…” He moved to a rock to sit, it was big enough for them both to sit he supposed but he would not invite her after his pathetic display of weirdness. He deemed she would probably leave him siting there now…She disliked him, or at least she kept letting him know that every single moment they spent together…

Mari could've slapped herself. She'd been teasing when she said if he smiled more, she'd like to do it again...maybe even hoping to tease a little smile out of him. That would've worked with just about any guy back home. Too bad she kept forgetting that he wasn't 'just about any guy back home'. He was unlike any guy she'd ever known before, and that put her at somewhat of a disadvantage as to how to deal with him. She had just opened her mouth to tell him she hadn't meant it the way it had sounded when he spoke up again.

“I guess you do need to learn to ride a horse, I could teach you at night if you would like that.”

She felt just a little disappointment at his suggestion, but she couldn't readily identify why, so she pushed the thought aside. Learn to ride, huh? could be useful, especially on longer trips. It would make sense. "Alright." She agreed. "Sounds like a good way to pass the time..." Besides, she'd be learning on Ku, right? So what could go wrong? She joined him and asked where they were going.

“It would no longer be a surprise if I told you. We are almost there.”

Mari let out a small laugh. "Tama-kun could tell you I'm terrible when it comes to waiting for surprises." She couldn't remember if she'd told Eri anything about her brother or best friend back home. She knew she'd talked Rindou's ear off about it, and Dazanshi had been there-though he may have been passed out-but she couldn't recall if she'd told Eri anything. Not that she was sure Eri even cared to hear about her family and friends. He'd probably think she was being annoying and talking too much again. Thinking of her brother made her subconsciously reach up and touch the necklace she wore, the mate to her brother's. She pushed the thoughts of home away and took his offered hand so he could lead her on to whatever the surprise was.

As they walked, she couldn't help but give a small giggle. The water tickled her feet. She raised her skirts just a bit more to keep them dry, and looked at all the lovely little things they passed on their way to the 'surprise'. When at last Eri stopped, she moved up beside him, and without thinking, interlaced their fingers as she looked around them. Her eyes sparkled with wonder in the moonlight as she took in the beautiful surroundings. She glanced up at him for just a second, and though she was sure she'd imagined it, it looked like, for the briefest instance, he'd smiled. She thought of teasing him about it, but she didn't want to spoil what seemed to be a peaceful mood...and for some reason every time she tried to tease him, the mood was spoiled.

Instead she looked back at the surroundings, watching the koi carp swim. Her attention was drawn back to Eri a moment later when she felt him lift their joined hands. He moved their hands to where their palms touched and their fingers were stretched out together, and she, for the first time, realized hos different they were. His hand was bigger than hers, and strong, whereas the most hard work she'd done had probably been when she and Tama had moved into their apartment. She really must seem like some spoiled little fragile thing to him...

"Mariko-san..."

He reached up and caressed her cheek, and she was mildly surprised. She was speechless, but not scared or uncomfortable. She simply wondered what he would do next. He moved a little closer, and seh noticed his eyes were going that strange, magical glowing thing, as they had done back in her room. She still wondered if he knew they did that, or how fascinating they were to look at.

The moment on tension was broken when a carp splashed them, and Mari honestly wasn't sure if she was annoyed or grateful to the fish for its interference. Eri stepped back and slowly pulled his hand free of her own, apologized, and moved to sit on a nearby rock. It was big enough for her to sit by him, but since he'd move away, perhaps he didn't want her to.

She thought perhaps she'd best give him some space, so she turned to look around for a moment. Her eyes spotted the flowers that looked so lovely in the moonlight, and she carefully made her way over to them. She spotted several lovely colors, and plucked one at random, sniffing it and smiling at the sweet aroma. She glanced back at Eri, and wanted to share the loveliness with him, so she turned and started to where he was sitting. She was half way to him when she realized the flower was light blue, and got a sudden idea. She wasn't sure where the idea came from, but perhaps it would break the thin layer of ice that always seemed to form between them.

She reached where he was sitting, and smiled at him before reaching up and tucking the flower behind his ear. She then turned, still smiling, and sat down next to him, staring up at the moon above. "Thank you for bringing me here, Eri-san..."

”Alright… sounds like a good way to pass the time…”

Sometimes he wondered what Mariko could mean when she did or said things. It seems much easier to tell what she was thinking or feeling when in the company of others, she seemed to be so tense and uncertain with him at times. If only she knew that he was trying his best not to be so distant to her, to be more talkative if not more understanding… But he could not do this on his own, he needed her help. But then again due to his current reputation and the view other shad of him she probably thought he preferred things to remain that way. But whew as so wrong, he knew that if he built a bond with her and the other Seishi they would be much stronger, but he was not sure how to do this or what to say. Well, it did not matter, he would still do as promised and always keep her safe, whatever the cost. He watched her as she got ready for their little barefoot walk and then looked at Ku for a moment. He could have almost sworn his friend had rolled his eyes at them before he continued to graze in peace. But he sighed and then took Mariko’s hand.

“Tama-kun could tell you I'm terrible when it comes to waiting for surprises.”

Who was this Tama person? He raised an eyebrow and tried to think of all the moments h head spent in Mariko’s company but he still could not remember her mentioning him even once. He did not utter another word however, he had to keep his senses alert in case anyone attacked them, he also needed to guide her safely since they were not wearing any footwear to protect them should they trip over or something. He also needed some time to think things over, to consider everything that had been happening since he came across the miko. It was strange but in reality people could change your life completely. He knew that even though he was still an Imperial samurai, his duty would be mainly placed on the safety of the Byakko no miko and though he understood the burdens, he knew that no one else could do this task for him nor would he want anyone else to do it. He knew he could keep her safe, and he would do so for as long as he must.

He heard her giggle as they walked on and he felt a warm sensation tingle through his body. Was he pleased that she was enjoying herself? Probably he was. And then they finally reached their destination. He eyed her for a moment and thought that he had enjoyed enough silence for now. So, he would try to learn more about Mariko, “You mentioned earlier a certain Tama-kun, who is he?” He ad tried to start a conversation of course, although, it did not come out as he had planed but it was better than nothing, right? She probably told the other Seishi everything about her life in her world and those she loved, but he wanted to understand her better. He wanted to know why she was the way she was and what pleased her and made her angry. He probably would use it to tease her but he would never try to harm her though. He eyes her for a moment as she looked around like a small child in a beautiful park and he smirked. He was about to call her a child but decided against it, for now, they would enjoy this little experience. No one had to know…

Eri leaned his weigh on his arms that rested on the rock he sat on. He silently watched Mariko while she looked around and he then looked back to the stars and for a moment closed his eyes. He had not frightened her but, she had seemed so confused when he had… His hand still felt the softness of her cheek as he looked at it from behind him. What had happened to him at that moment? His breathing was back to normal as was his whole self, but back then he had felt as if he were someone else. The sudden rush of emotions and the gentleness… He was relieved that Mariko had not been frightened and left him there. His eyes opened slowly and he sighed, sometimes it was hard for him to express what he was thinking or feeling. But then again he had lived so many years training as a samurai, they did not teach you anything about being, well, human. And perhaps he had decimated every moment of his life to train to avoid thinking about the past and what this new enmity with Akhram could symbolise, people always hid in away from their fears, but he knew that perhaps it was time to overcome them. Otherwise they would destroy him.

His eyes opened up and he looked at the stars once more, before he watched Mariko as she explored the place like a small child would. She was taken aback by the colourful flowers and she moved closer to them trying to pick her favourite. He was glad he had come up with this idea, it seemed that she was back to her old self now. He grinned watching her move from one place to another, her hands gently caressing the flowers and a smile decorating her lips. He had to admit that, as strange as it sounded, despite usually enjoying the peace and tranquility of solitude, her presence did not affect this silence and calm. She seemed to compliment it and he felt truly at ease. She finally began to make her way to where he sat, he had felt her eyes upon him while she still struggled to pick a flower. Although, he did not expect her to come back to where he was and join him. He hoped she did this because she wanted to sit next to him and not because she felt pity, he did not appreciate that feeling at all, especially when it revolved him. He needed no one’s pity.

He looked back at the stars while she approached and it was almost as if she could see Mariko’s constellation surrounded by the Seishi she had gathered so far and he sighed. They still had to find a few of them, but it did not matter, he was sure they would all enjoy this experience for as long as it lasted and he hoped a long time from now…

"Thank you for bringing me here, Eri-san…”

He finally registered Mariko moving toward him with a beautiful flower the same colour as her hair, it suited her, he thought. But then he was a bit confused when she moved closer to him and then ticked the flower behind his ear. Now probably some would think it a bit demeaning for a lady to give a man a flower but, in his kingdom it could mean so many things, for one, it could signify loyalty between an Emperor and his men, or the appreciation or gratitude of a lady toward a man. his hand gently moved toward the flower and he wondered what this could mean for her, but then her words hinted at the possible meaning it could have. So she did enjoy herself after all?

He was relieved. The last thing he wanted was to make this experience miserable for her after almost being raped by a bandit who had tried that same thing before. But then, he had an idea, and as she came to sat next to him he stood up, fixed his vest and cloak and with as much gentleness as he could muster he offered her his hand. Being an Imperial samurai was a good advantage in many things, one of them being that he was fully aware of the customs of the area and the dancing and music that was in fashion. Once she held his hand he gently moved her back to the soothing and soft bit of the stream and he slowly pulled her closer to him and placing a hand on her waist and the other still holding her hand he began to slowly guide her through a gentle rhythm. It was what he could gather form the music of nature and though no one was playgoing a song he could still mentally hum a nice gentle melody to go with his movements.

At times he would twirl her around and their foot would gently cares and splash the water at times, creating elegant rip lets falling form around them, it was a magical dance and the moonlight caressed them as they danced. Eri’s golden eyes shone even brother and his hair swung elegantly with every turn, every step. his eyes did not move away from hers and they softened lightly while he guided her with precision. It could be said this was another thing he learned in his life at the palace. Sometimes the ladies would be rather bold and request a dance with him, so in order not to look like a fool he had learned al he could form practicing on his own and watching others.

It was almost like he felt light again. He had no other cares in the world and his duties as a samurai were far form reach. For a moment he felt like the young man he once was, enjoying life and living to the fullest. He even felt… was this joy? No, it could not be…He had not experimented anything like this in such a long time. They turned and he gently followed the last bits of the song. He twirled her around one more time before he stopped and looked into her eyes, not wanting to miss the reaction from this beautiful Priestess. Would she slap him and walk away? He gently released her and took a step back, he did not want her to feel uncomfortable once more or even confused. That was not his intent.

“You mentioned earlier a certain Tama-kun, who is he?”

Mari looked over at Eri. So she hadn't told him yet, then. Well, that was one question answered. "Jealous?" She couldn't help but tease, though her eyes sparkled with mirth, so she hoped it wouldn't take it the wrong way. "Well, no need to be. Tama-kun is my brother." She thought of him again, and sighed. "Tamakyo Yukihara, a whole ten minutes older than me, and still wants me to call him 'Nii-san'(big brother)." She shook her head. "We...we've never really been apart before now, at least not where we couldn't easily contact each other." She'd started to say 'call', but remembered they didn't have phones here. "He and I live with my best friend, Sai-chan, back in our world." She smiled, thinking of the pair of them. "I bet she's driven him nuts by now...she's sort of a handful most of the time." When they got back to the inn, she might see if her phone still had a charge...if so, she could show him a picture of the three of them. "We're a band, the three of us." Did they have 'bands' here? "You know, musicians." She smiled. It was such a contradictory feeling to think of them here. It made her happy, because she loved them both, but it made her sad because they were so far away...and as far as she knew, they had no idea where she was.

She decided that, for tonight, she would only focus on the happy. So she wandered around for a bit enjoying the lovely surroundings. She had placed the flower behind Eri's ear on a whim, and was glad that he didn't seem to mind, though there'd been a moment when he reached up to the flower that she thought he might remove it. He didn't, and for some reason she felt relieved that he didn't, though she wasn't sure why.

When Eri stood and offered her his hand, Mari was curious. Were they leaving already? She had hoped they could stay a little longer, as it was so peaceful there. Still, he had said they'd be leaving early in the morning, so he might want them both to get some rest. She wouldn't argue if he did want to leave. He'd been far too nice to her that evening for her to do so.

She wasn't expecting him to start dancing with her, but it took her only a moment to pick up on the motion and fall into step following his lead. Her instinct was to place a hand on his chest, but she still had to hold her skirts up to keep them dry. She wished again she'd worn her clothes from her world instead, then this wouldn't be an issue. The first time he twirled her, she couldn't help but laugh softly. She was having more fun than she'd had...well, perhaps since arriving in this world.

The song that Eri was humming was lovely, and seemed to suit the natural sounds all around them, and he was quite the skilled dancer...at least, so far as Mari could tell. To be honest, this wasn't the sort of dancing she usually did when she'd goof off at home or-very. very rarely-go out with Sai. She had never seen this as interested...but now she thought it might just be fun to learn after all.

She wasn't sure, but she thought Eri seemed to be enjoying himself as well. His mood seemed to have lightened, and if she wasn't mistaken, he was...happy. Had she done something to make him happy? Or was it just that he enjoyed this place so much, he could even be happy with her? Either way, he was sharing this moment with her, and that made her smile even brighter.

She was fascinated by the brightness of his golden eyes, and amused by the swirling of his long hair. Her own swirled as well, though it wasn't as long as his. She couldn't help but think that the two colors looked nice together, despite what one might expect. That thought made her blush faintly, and she was sure he'd notice and tease her for it...he seemed fond of doing so.

All too soon, the dance ended with one last twirl. She looked up into his eyes for a long moment, and could still feel the smile tugging at her lips. He released her hand and stepped away, and she blinked a couple of times. Had he decided to distance himself because the dance was over? Or did he think she'd feel uncomfortable again? She didn't want him to worry about that, not after all he'd done that evening for her. Without thinking, she reached out and captured one of his hands in her own.

"Eri-san..." She wanted to thank him, but saying 'thank you' again really didn't feel like enough. Not by itself, anyway. Acting purely on impulse, she moved closer to him, and leaned up, stranding on her tiptoes to gently kiss his cheek. "Thank you for this evening. It has been..amazing." She said as she leaned back, taking a single step away, although she didn't release his hand just yet. She'd let him pull away if he wished, but she hoped he'd realize she was trying to be sincere in her gratitude.

Why had she kissed him, though? She felt her cheeks grow warm, and looked down at their joined hands instead. Just accidentally 'threatening' to do so earlier had caused him to freak out and run off...she could only imagine what actually doing so now would do. Another lecture on propriety perhaps? Or would he just storm off and leave her on her own to find her way back to Ku? Still, it wasn't like she could undo it now. What was done was done, and all she could to was try to repair any damage later. She just hoped she hand't ruined the fun moos they'd had going since arriving here.

”Jealous?”

He crossed his arms around his chest and closed his eyes with a humph. “Why would I be jealous of someone I do not know? I was merely curious.” Seriously, Mariko could sometimes put him on edge and he did not appreciate that. But he decided to ignore this for the time being, otherwise all this effort to make her forget the last incident would prove futile. He would let her enjoy herself and then take her back, it was getting quite late to be honest. He looked up at the sky, it was a cold night but for some reason he did not feel cold at all. It was all so strange but he shrugged it off when the miko spoke once more. Thought this time it was not to irk him, but rather to answer his initial question. She could be so collocated at times, why did she now just answer to his question in the first place instead of tossing him such an absurd comment? Oh well, he supposed women were a bit like that…

“Well, no need to be. Tama-kun is my brother…. Tamakyo Yukihara, a whole ten minutes older than me, and still wants me to call him 'Nii-san'(big brother)…We…we’ve never really been apart before now, at least not where we couldn't easily contact each other….He and I live with my best friend, Sai-chan, back in our world…I bet she's driven him nuts by now...she's sort of a handful most of the time…We’re a band, the three of us…You know, musicians.”

He watched her silently while she spoke and could sense all the emotions he had stirred within her with his question. There was joy, mirth, bitterness and longing. He almost felt bad for having inquired after her brother, he just wanted to have a longer conversation with his miko, he guessed. He was a man of few words but, he was a good man and he cared for those he protected. At least he did in this case…He figured, if his family had abandoned him he would not turn bitter or he had still been a loved child and so he would never abandon those dear to him. He decided never to do the same thing his parents did, he wondered sometime, if Mariko knew this fact, would she feel less respect toward him? Would she be more rude and laugh at him? He blinked before he realised she was smiling although she had finished talking. “I am sorry you were taken form your loved ones and if this serves, I will do all at hand so that you can return to them sooner rather than later, I will work harder so we find your other Seishi and you can summon Byakko.” His eyes glowed as he bowed his head for a moment, “You have my word, Mariko-san.”

He was glad though that she seemed to be enjoying herself tonight. While he watched her play around like a young child he decided he would do as promised, if she truly missed the people she left behind he would do his outmost best to help her return to them, surely if she had never been without her brother, it would be hard for the both of them to be apart for so long. It was then his eyes flashed at something he remembered and he looked at her necklace. The moment she moved to sit beside him and place a flower behind his ear, he looked down at her chest, where her necklace was, and he slowly lifted it in his fingers looking at it, “Did Tamakyo give you this necklace?” He might be able to tell her something, it might not be much but, it would help her see her brother a bit sooner, even while she gathered the Seishi.

He was not entirely sure if Mariko would appreciate this silent dance, with no melody but what their feet created as they moved about. But the moment he twirled her around she giggled and her smile did not leave her lips for as long as they danced. And this made his eyes shine brightly. Yes, he had not felt this happy in a while but he was glad he waited for tonight had been worth the while. He was glad he had talent for dancing or else after this Mariko would probably tease him with some kind of rude comment. She loved doing that. He almost rolled his eyes but decided not to. It would only spoil this precious moment and as much as he hated to admit it he was enjoying it as much as the miko. He would be damned if he ruined this moment with one of his bitter and sarcastic remarks. Instead he concentrated on the dance and to make her feel the need to keep this one night in her memory for only hard tasks would await the both of them form that moment on. But if they established good trust and camaraderie, it would be easier to work together instead of arguing the whole time.

He would not deny that at times he was a bit too irritable with others, especially with Mariko but this was not entirely because he wanted to, he just…well, sometimes he was not sure what he should do or say. But no one wondered these things, they all thought he had issues with people but he did not. his problems were within…

The smile in Mariko’s lips made him rejoice and he was glad h head come up with this idea, he was slowly learning the things she liked and those she did not. It was so peculiar, it almost felt as if time had stopped when they began to waltz around. their eyes did not look away but rather fixed in each other’s gaze and, the strangest thing was, Eri did not feel uncomfortable nor tense. It was almost as if this dance allowed them to express things they could not through words or simple acts. He could have shawn his head in confusion at this but instead focused on the movements. The last thing he wanted was for Mariko to fall and start chastising him for this.

He noticed she blushed lightly and he wondered what she could be thinking that made her feel that way. Could it be she found him charming despite constantly insisting that he was not? Or, was she speechless? Well, he did not mind, it did increase his already large ego but he would not tease her, not now. Instead he enjoyed the blush and everything that came with the dance. Just before it ended.

And yet the dance came to an end. However, he felt that for once he could have been up and dancing all night if Mariko had requested this of him. He moved away to give her space and released her, he did not want her to be confused or uncomfortable any more, he was her protector it would be hard if she disliked his company if he got too close to her.

But then…she did something he truly did not expect. He gasped silently when her hand caught his and he closed his eyes fora brief moment feeling that warmth fill him once more. When his eyes opened she looked radiant, the smile of pure delight and the way her eyes sparkled, the moonlight caressed her pale skin and he could have sworn she looked like one of those elegant sculptures he had seen in the palace. He was not sure what to do, either allow her to hold his hand, or just move away, but he did not have much time to act however, because she was talking and moving once more.

”Eri-san…”

He looked down at her wondering what she would say, but he was completely taken off-guard when she leaned up and kissed the tall samurai’s cheek. He could not believe what she had just done and he remembered earlier that day when she had embraced him in such a way he and almost paled and left her in her room, confused and hurt. Now, he could feel his cheeks blush deeply and he was beginning to plan to just run away or have the earth swallow him whole. Was this what it felt like to be kissed? Was it such an imposing feeling? But then he felt that warmth through his cheek and he placed a hand on his cheek and closed his eyes. It was almost as if little by little he regained his humanity the more time he would spend with Mariko and he won deed if he wanted that…or not.

“Thank you for this evening. It has been..amazing.”

His eyes opened again to reveal glowing golden eyes. He looked down at her for a moment as she lowered her head expecting him to react in the worst possible way. But this cam to show how little she knew him, how little he knew himself. Their hands were still locked and so he gently pulled her toward him and without speaking words he simply looked down at her for a moment before he acknowledged what his arms must do. His arms encircled her, protected and embraced her and he held her closely and he closed his eyes and sighed feeling a cool gust of wind caress them.

Even though he had been a bit frightened at first, since he truly had no idea how he should react to some things or others, he was beginning to use his wisdom even more now, this was a delicate situation and if handled wrongly it could destroy the bridge both seemed to be working on, if they could reach each other and understand each other’s pains and weaknesses, then perhaps, tomorrow he might not be so hesitant to shoe her his humanity…

Tomorrow might be better for the both of them. And he still held her, while the crickets sang and the stars shone their best with the moon smiling down at them. It would not be easy but there was always a start…

“Why would I be jealous of someone I do not know? I was merely curious.”

Ah, now Mari remembered why she didn't try to tease Eri more often. He could be so grumpy sometimes. Couldn't he tell she was only trying to tease him the same way he seemed to like to tease her from time to time? If she'd been in a similar situation with Dazanshi, for instance, he wouldn't have reacted that way. Still, it wasn't worth arguing about. She was determined to enjoy her surprise, after all. So instead she answered his question and spoke about her brother and best friend. There was much more she could tell him about them, and the rest of her family, but she didn't wish to talk his ear off. She also hoped, just a little, that Eri might share a little of his own background with her...but she wasn't going to ask him to. She wanted it to be something he shared with her because he wanted to.

“I am sorry you were taken form your loved ones and if this serves, I will do all at hand so that you can return to them sooner rather than later, I will work harder so we find your other Seishi and you can summon Byakko. You have my word, Mariko-san.”

That...meant more to her than it should have. It was the first time since arriving that someone had seemed sad for her own troubles. She really wasn't sure what to say as she looked up at the Samurai once more. His eyes were glowing, and she wondered, again, what caused them to do so. "That means a lot to me..." She said softly. "But...let's just make sure we do this right. I don't want to mess something up, and leave things here worse than when I arrived...just because I was in a hurry to see my family." She'd already made friends here, after all, and she didn't want to leave their life a mess just for her own selfish desires.

“Did Tamakyo give you this necklace?”

Mari had almost snapped at him when she caught him looking at her chest, ready to mention that he'd said drying sap was more interesting, but then he spoke and she realized he'd been looking at her necklace. Of course that's what he'd be looking at. What else? She could be so stupid sometimes, and she was glad she hadn't actually said anything. "Yes, he did. It was part of a birthday present a few years back. He's got one that's the mirror opposite. You can put them together and they make a heart and say 'Best Friends'." She made a heart with her hands to show him the shape. "He said he tried to find something for twins, or brothers and sisters, or something, but it was either best friends or just 'sisters', so he settled for this." She grinned, remembering Sai teasing him once that she could dress him up like a girl, and then they could wear the 'sisters' one. "We always wear them. Always."

She wasn't sure what she'd expected him to do when she leaned up and kissed his cheek, but she glanced up briefly to gauge his reaction. Was he...blushing? He reached up and touched his cheek, and she looked away again. A little part of her actually enjoyed seeing that faint blush, and she almost wished he blushed as easily as she seemed to around him.

She was surprised when, instead of pulling away as she'd expected, he pulled her close. She looked up at him, and saw his eyes shining brightly for a moment before he embraced her. She took her free hand and wrapped it around his waist, returning the embrace. She had no clue how they'd gotten to this moment, and she could scarcely believe the man with her now was the same arrogant samurai who usually seemed to actively try to get on her nerves. Perhaps there really was more to him than she'd seen so far. She'd have to try to keep moments like this in mind when she felt the urge to snap at him.

A strong breeze picked up, and Mari finally seemed to realize how cool the night had become, giving a slight shiver as it blew across her damp bare skin. She also realized how late it was, and that she was starting to feel tired. Still, she didn't want to be the one to break this tentative embrace. She realized Eri was taking a big risk ot his pride in being the one to initiate it, and she didn't want to unintentionally offend him by pulling away and suggesting they leave. If she did, it would seem she was displeased or something, and that wasn't the case at all. She would look back on this evening with fondness for some time to come.

”That means a lot to me...But...let's just make sure we do this right. I don't want to mess something up, and leave things here worse than when I arrived...just because I was in a hurry to see my family.”

He nodded although he was not sure why she was being so easy on him, after all, they were usually at each other’s necks. Maybe they were discussing topics that were of great importance for Mariko and he tok note of that, it seemed she truly did want to go back home and he respected that. Yet, he could not avoid chuckling and lifting his head rather arrogantly, “That is what I am here for, I won’t let you screw up even if you tried.” He was not trying to call her silly but he did have this conviction that it was his duty to ensure things happened smoothly. Besides, he wanted to try and prevent fate to repeat itself. Just because he was taught legends of old that did not mean he would resign to it happening again and Mariko seemed like a nice person, it would be cruel to make her go through that as well, even when sometimes he did not know what to do with her. He hoped Byakko would have a heart in the end because if he planned to do things as he always had, he did not care if he had to oppose his own deity, to spare Mariko such dark fate, he knew he would, after all he and been painted as her samurai…

"Yes, he did. It was part of a birthday present a few years back. He's got one that's the mirror opposite. You can put them together and they make a heart and say 'Best Friends’… He said he tried to find something for twins, or brothers and sisters, or something, but it was either best friends or just 'sisters', so he settled for this… We always wear them. Always.”

He nodded, “This is good news Mariko-san, it means that if you ever find yourself in a desperate situation or need a breath form this task, for it can be rather overwhelming at times, you can go back through the necklace, for it links you to your own world. Does that make sense?” His hand gently released the necklace and it settled back on her pale skin and his eyes darted form the necklace to her eyes, “At least I was told a miko once did that, so it should be possible again.” It was then he noticed how becoming the necklace was of her, her eyes sparkled more deeply. He looked away from her eyes though not wanting her to give him any more reasons to regret being nice to her. “You have to be careful though, if you ever wish to go back home it is my duty to protect you, I must come with you in case our darkness follows us there, are you okay with that?” Surely she knew that he was more or less a bodyguard, a protector and if she dismissed him and something happened to her the damage to his honour and heart would be beyond repair.

It was strange, as far as he knew he had not experience an embrace in many years, ever since he left his family, well adoptive family. Who knew why his parents ad actually abandoned him but al he knew was that they did, and he would never want to do the same thing. Mariko had taught him the meaning of an embrace of comfort, pain and desolation. A hug that could make a person feel better and yet now, after she kissed his cheek he was holding her to him, in an embrace of happiness and gratitude. To think that he never expected his miko to be teaching him so much about being human. Part of him retaliated, he did not want to be hurt anymore, he did not want to feel let down nor the grief of being completely on his own…abandoned in the eyes of the world. He had felt it twice and he was not ready to confide in someone and have that person turn her back on him, miko or not. She was different when whew a sin the company of the other Seishi surely she disliked his presence…but…

The way she looked up at him when he embraced her, no, he could not mistrust his miko. Mariko would never betray him no matter what right? He was truly pleased when she returned the embrace and he was not sure why but he knew he would remember this night fondly, even despite their previous encounter with that bandit…It could be said that because of him they managed to share these moments. It was then he felt her shiver and he noticed the change in the temperature around them. He leaned down and embraced her warmly, his sleeves by then were completely covering her and he kept his eyes closed for a moment longer fearing that once the embrace was broken the magic would be gone. After a few more minutes he looked down at Mariko and as he slightly pulled back he said, “Mariko-san, you are cold…” He removed his coal and placed it around her shoulders carefully, he hoped it would keep her warm until they were back in her room.

Before he could even register what he was about to do, he was already leaning down and placing a kiss on her cheek and one of his hands that had been hiding a flower finally opened up before her, it had a copper red tone to it, like his own hair. He gently placed it behind her ear and then he said, “Let’s get you back to your room.” He slowly moved in closer and lifted her in his arms, he walked back carrying her gently toward Ku. He placed her on the ground so that she could put on her sandals and he put on his socks and boots. He waited for her to be ready before he helped her to get on Ku’s back. The noble horse nudged Eri as if he knew something the samurai ignored but he dismissed his friend and smirked as he got up behind Mariko. “He deserves a treat tomorrow…” He looked down at Mariko and said, “Would you like to accompany me when I give it to him?”

He ensured she was well covered with the cloak and he put the hood on so it covered her face and she could sleep if she so wished. He once again placed an arm around her to hold her against him and he held on to Ku’s mane with the other. He then whispered in her ear, “Sleep…” He then urged Kun at a gentle canter so that she could sleep while they rode back to the Inn. He knew he would be unable to carry her through the whole pub without some sort of chaos, so he decided to climb through the balcony once more. Once they reached it, he gently lifted Mariko and stood up on Ku’s back. He thanked his friend and bid him a good night as he jumped up and swung with one arm landing on Mariko’s balcony and ensuring her safety. He gently carried her back into her room and pulled the curtains so they would keep her warm. Ku returned to the stables.

He looked at her bed and sighed, he could still remember the scene as it happened before his eyes, that man almost did something horrible, and he held Mariko even closer to him. He gently placed her in the bed and tried to make the bed as nicely as possible. He the removed his cloak and noticed that her dress had an underdress as well so he removed the dress so she could sleep more comfortably and then he covered her with the bedclothes. He noticed the kitty moved to sleep at the foot of her bed. He moved Mariko’s hair away from her face and then, for the first time in many years, he smiled as she slept. The flower she had tucked in his hair fell then, and he picked it up and felt that warm sensation again and he walked to the balcony. Was this a smile? He did not recall this feeling and yet he remembered he might have felt happy and smiled many years ago. He sat with his back to the wall looking at the beautiful flower for a moment asking himself what al this could mean.

Suddenly the miko comes along and his whole world collapsed. his fingers fiddled with the flower for a long moment while he heard Mariko’s steady breathing and he finally drew his pole arm and placed the pommel on the floor and ran an arm around the pole between his legs and he finally coded his eyes. He was a light sleeper so he would wake up with the smallest of noises. It was then he realised how tired he was after al what had happened that day, but he could easily rest and wake up if Mariko ever needed him.

As he fell asleep embracing his weapon, his hand still held the flower with Mariko’s hair colour and it shook lightly with the wind that popped through the curtains occasionally.

“This is good news Mariko-san, it means that if you ever find yourself in a desperate situation or need a breath form this task, for it can be rather overwhelming at times, you can go back through the necklace, for it links you to your own world. Does that make sense? At least I was told a miko once did that, so it should be possible again. You have to be careful though, if you ever wish to go back home it is my duty to protect you, I must come with you in case our darkness follows us there, are you okay with that?”

Mari nodded, listening as he explained this. So she could go home? She could go see Tama and Sai... She felt relieved upon hearing this. For the first time, she felt like they weren't so far away after all. Maybe...she'd just have to focus on her bond with her brother and on the necklace they shared. Her eyes drifted closed for a moment as she smiled slightly, thinking of it. Her eyes snapped open, however, as the last of his words reached her. Come with her? To her world? She supposed she understood his reasoning...but she honestly couldn't imagine him in her world. A samurai would stick out like a sore thumb, and yet she found it hard to imagine him in modern clothing. She realized she hadn't answered his questions yet, so she nodded. "Yes, I think I understand." She considered for a moment. Would she mind if he came back with her? She might actually enjoy sharing the different things in her world with him...perhaps it could even begin to pay him back for all he'd done to make her feel at home here. "If you think you must come with me, then I don't mind." She gave him a small smile, hoping he'd understand she meant it. "Yes...it could even be fun." She gave a soft laugh.

She was actually quite happy that he allowed her to return the embrace, though she was surprised when he moved his sleeves to help keep her warm. It was a nice feeling, actually, although she wasn't ready to admit it to anyone else. She blushed faintly-which she seemed to do so often around him-when he kissed her cheek and presented her with a lovely flower which he tucked behind her ear. She didn't complain when he placed his cloak around her, or when he picked her up to carry her back to Ku. She was starting to feel tired, after all, so it was nice to not have to walk all the way back. She stood once they arrived and put her shoes on before he helped her up onto Ku's bare back.

“He deserves a treat tomorrow… Would you like to accompany me when I give it to him?”

Mari patted Ku's neck gently before looking up at Eri for a moment. "Yes, I'd like that." She was quite fond of the horse, and the more time she spent with him, the more she liked him. She hoped the same was true for his master, but it seemed to be touch and go. Sometimes, like that night, they got along well, and Mari quite enjoyed his company, but other times his arrogance shone through in full force, and she wanted to be anywhere else, so long as it wasn't with him. Still, she was glad that that evening habe been the former and not the latter.

"Sleep..."

The combination of Ku's gentle pace, her weariness, and the warmth of being held so close to Eri soon lulled Mari into a deep, peaceful rest filled with good dreams. At first her dreams had been sort of a random mash-up of memories from her own world, and then they meshed into a replay of that night's happier events...particularly their dancing to the silent music of the night.

From there, the dream shifted, and she was dressed in fine clothes and dancing with Eri again. This time they were inside, at what looked like a party, and she smiled up at him as he lead her through the motions, a group of musicians playing nearby. Her smile only widened as he twirled her, and she couldn't help but enjoy herself. She'd never liked dancing before, but she seemed to be developing quite the fondness for it now. She gave a soft, tinkling laugh, and she caught him briefly smiling as well. As they danced, so close to one another, he slowly leaned in, and this time she was sure he would kiss her...

Mari's eyes snapped open, and she saw the sun shining through a crack in her curtain. She sat up, rubbing sleep from her eyes and wondering how she'd gotten in bed-she looked down at what she wore-and how she'd gotten at least somewhat undressed. She blushed deeply when she realized Eri must've put her to bed. He had moved her sleeping form so much, and yet she hadn't realized...and yet she didn't fear he'd done anything he shouldn't. As she sat there, the flower he'd given her fell from her hair and landed on her lap. She picked it up and smiffed it, smiling at the memories of the night before. Without a second thought, she leaned over and picked up her messenger bag, pulling out a hardcover journal she carried in case she wanted to write songs. She turned to one of the last pages and tucked the flower inside before closing the book and putting it on the bedside table. The weight would press the flower and let her keep it longer.

That done, she turned her attention to Soshina who was waiting patiently for her attention. "Good morning, Shina-chan." She greeted, scooping the kitten into her lap to pet her. It was then she remembered she had asked Eri to stay the previous night. Had he? She wasn't sure. She wouldn't have blamed him if he'd dropped her off in her room and returned to his own for some sleep. She looked around, but didn't see him instantly, so she pulled the bedclothes aside and stood up, looked around. "Eri-san? Are you here?" She felt silly calling out to him like that, but she wondered if he was. He could be out on the balcony, perhaps...

”Yes, I think I understand…If you think you must come with me, then I don't mind…Yes…it could even be fun.”

At first Eri did not know what to think. Mariko grew silent and he almost regretted telling her he had to come along. He had invited himself to meet her homelands and her loved ones and she was probably not too fond of the samurai, both managed to get on each other’s nerves ever s often. She probably wanted a break form him for all he knew. But he was never someone to back down so he would stand for what he said whatever she replied. Even if she said no, he would still stand by his decision, after al he still had to keep her safe. He prepared his mind for whatever she would reply when she stated she understood and that confirmed that she was not too charmed by the idea, or maybe he was giving up already and she would not mind. She spoke once more, however, an she smiled genuinely and turned to look into his golden eyes and he was a bit surprised but he nodded nonetheless. To her last words he was a bit curious, what could she be planing that could inspire her to think she could ever have fun in his company? He looked back at the sky and said, “I am glad you understand and I hope you will not mind but…I confess I am also quite curious about your world.” There was no harm in being honest at times right? He stretched his arms and wondered if he would even get used to her customs, for what he could tell her world seemed much too different if at all opposites to what he was used to.

He was eager though, he always enjoyed challenges. The only problem was it would be difficult to tell when Mariko would be transported back to her world so he had to remain vigilant and not let her leave his sight. Not literally but… something of the sort to keep his mind at peace. That was one of the problems of his profession, you never knew the meaning of peace and tranquility when you had someone to protect. The worry never left you. And he confessed he had been worried from the moment he saved her and discovered she was the Byakko no Miko. He looked back into the eyes of his miko, despite everything, it somewhat felt worth the trouble and the pain. At least it did at the moment, watching her laugh softly making his heart feel warm inside.

So far she responded positively to his kiss and treatment and he was glad. She agreed she would like to accompany him to treat Ku and he nodded. Good, that would also get her used to being around horses. He would keep his promise and help he relearn to ride and also trust her instincts around a horse, it would probably prove to be useful on the long run. You never know, especially in this world where a horse was the main means of transport although, he had to admit he did not mind taking her on his horse, it was a father soothing experience to say the least.

The next morning, Eri woke up earlier than Mariko, as usual, and decided to get everything ready for their trip. So he ordered an early breakfast and ensured everything was set, such as supplies, horses, among other things. And so, while Mariko rested he had everything ready for the journey and even had time to go to his chambers and sort everything out. Of course, it was then when he found a letter address to him, and upon reading it he frowned… It seemed the bandit wished to challenge him to the death by nightfall, if he did not comply he would never stop harassing Mariko and he knew there would come a point where he would succeed. He sighed and ran a hand through his long copper red hair before he left the letter tucked in a cloak and went back to Mariko’s room. He wondered how he had learned his name and where his room was but, he probably bribed a waitress of some sort…He must even know they were planning to leave that day, he would follow if they left, he would have to try and find a reason for them to stay one more day it seemed…

As he entered he saw her still sound asleep and Shoshina meowed at him and he caressed her head for a moment and smiled at the sleeping Mariko. He then decided to give her a few more minutes and so he walked to the balcony and sat the very same way he had the night before and for some reason he remember last night’s incidents and he found himself smiling and closing his eyes for a moment before turning to look at the sun as it began to wake every living thing with a golden touch. He felt movement inside and he hoped Mariko might not be angry that he undressed her a bit but he honestly did not do it to harm her, he thought it might be more comfortable for her.

He turned to look in the direction of the noise and knew she was awake also because Soshina had gone to greet her. He was so glad Mariko liked the cat, it would have been terrible had things happened otherwise. He kept enjoying the sunlight and decided that, should anything happen to him, he would entrust the task of protecting Mariko to the other Seishi, especially Rindou, since she was quite the strategist and could keep a cool head if things did not go as planned. Despite what they might think, Eri held the other Seishi in great esteem. He was just too arrogant to admit it. Although, he showed it at times surely. For now, he would enjoy this day and probably try to treat Mariko a bit more, take her for a walk in the village and get her something nice to eat, then… he would leave without saying a word since this was smelting he had to sort out on his own, otherwise the bandit would never stop attacking the miko.

He sighed as, for some reason, he still remembered the warm feeling of holding Mariko in his arms, the warm sensation and… the touch of her lips on his cheek. He placed a hand where she had kissed him and then looked down again, he had placed the flower with the letter, he would ensure to have it turned int a small necklace of some sort he could wear, a very small one with perhaps one lethal of that flower. He frowned, why would he want to keep that? Was it truly that important since Mariko gave him that? Surely she must have done that just to be friendly to him, she did many things like that with the other Seishi, and yet… He sighed feeling at peace and closed his eyes, he placed a hand on his chest where the heart lied and finally opened his eyes looking beyond. He could not place all these feelings. But he heard the miko approach and he turned to look at her as she called out to him.

“Eri-san? Are you here?”

He heard her approach and said, “I’m just outside, Mariko-san.” Once she reached the balcony he smiled at her for a moment, he was still remembering the night before so that was what probably made him smile, for the second time. He then stood up gallantly form where he sat and walked toward her, stopping but mere inches from her, “I thought you might like to see this small village before we set off and you might yet need another night’s sleep so I made arrangements, it would be a good idea to take it easy from here, besides, yesterday was quite eventful.” He took her hand gently and kissed her buckles before releasing it.

“Would you like to come with me?” His eyes beamed like sun rays and he knew she would probably have to get dressed once again. So he simply looked down at her taking in the depths of her amethyst eyes, it was such a strange colour…mystifying…

“I am glad you understand and I hope you will not mind but…I confess I am also quite curious about your world.”

Mari's mind flashed back to that statement from the night before. At the time she had simply nodded in agreement, but it did surprise her a little that he'd be curious about her world. She wondered what else he might be 'hiding'. She'd thought him rather stiff, and a little boring, but after the previous night, she was starting to think he had far more personality than he originally let on. HE could still be quite arrogant, but that really only bothered her when he was doing it. Perhaps she really could start to get along with her Seishi after all...

She rose from bed and was looking for him. She didn't see him in her room, and supposed he could be on the balcony, but for some reason she thought that could be unlikely. Surely since they were planning to leave later, he had better things to do than hang out on her balcony, right? She called out softly to him, but really didnt' expect an answer as she reached a hand for the curtain.

“I’m just outside, Mariko-san.”

Her hand had almost pulled the curtain open when she heard his response, and she started slightly. She'd just convinced herself he wasn't there. Couldn't he breathe or make noise like a normal person? Still...he had called out to him, and she would've been mad if he didn't answer, so instead she took a deep breath and hoped he didn't somehow know he'd managed to startle her. She pulled the curtain open, smiling slightly in greeting as she took in the sight of him standing there, smiling as well.

Wait, what?

She blinked a couple of times. No, Eri was smiling, though she was sure it would be short-lived. It brightened his face, and reminded her of someone, though she couldn't put her finger on who. "Good morning." She said with a smile of her own. "I hope you slept well..." She trailed off realizing she didn't know where he'd slept, or if he'd been comfortable. She'd taken the bed, so where would he have slept?

“I thought you might like to see this small village before we set off and you might yet need another night’s sleep so I made arrangements, it would be a good idea to take it easy from here, besides, yesterday was quite eventful.”

She nodded. She hadn't seen much of this world, besides the inns, and would enjoy a chance to look around and relax for a day. She wasn't exactly in a hurry to meet the Emperor, anyway. The thought of meeting royalty still sent her stomach twisting into knots. She honestly didn't know how Eri did this all the time. "Yes, that sounds good. A peaceful day sounds like it's just what the doctor ordered."

She supposed she could see if Rindou could go walking with her...or see if Dazanshi was awake, and drunk enough to wish to leave the inn. She smirked at that thought. Her Seishi really were a strange set. She couldn't wait to see what the other four would be like. She was drawn from these thoughts when Eri spoke again, and her focus snapped back to his golden eyes.

“Would you like to come with me?”

She had automatically assumed he would want one of the others to take her. It had never crossed her mind that he might like to escort her through the town...though she wasn't sure why. After everything that had happened recently, she couldn't help but think that perhaps she didn't know him as well as she'd thought...and that was a good thing. She stared up into his eyes, and gave him a small smile, which seemed to come easily in his presence...at least for the time being. "Yes, that sounds nice."

She half-way expected him to scoop her up and jump off the balcony, as he had the night before. 'He's not Batman...' She reminded herself silently. Besides, she needed to get dressed. "I can get dressed and meet you in the common room, if you like." She offered, taking a step back toward the room to get ready. She had other dresses, thankfully Rindou had seen to that as well, so she wouldn't have to put on the one she'd worn the night before, though it was her favorite.

She looked back to her bed, and her eyes landed on her messenger bag. She remembered that the night before she'd meant to show him a picture of Sai and Tama, but she'd fallen asleep on the ride back. "Oh, Eri-san, hang on a second." She said as she moved to the bed and dug through the bag until she found her phone. The battery was very low, and probably wouldn't last long, but it should last long enough for her to show him a picture. She began to flip though the ones she'd taken before she found one of the three of them just before one of their gigs. Sai was giving them both bunny ears, and winking at the camera, Tama was laughing and Mari had one arm around her bother's shoulder, the other hand holding the phone out far enough to snap the picture. "Come here, I want to show you something."

She waited until she felt him approach, and she turned the small device toward him, hoping there wouldn't be too many questions about what this thing was and how it had pictures, and all that sort of thing. She wasn't sure she could explain it. "I wanted to show you this...it's my brother, Tamakyo, my best friend Chisaiko, and me...we were getting ready to preform." Her eyes finally left the picture on the screen to look up at him, curious to see his reaction. "I thought...after telling you about them last night, you might like to put a face to the names."

""Good morning…I hope you slept well…”

The gentle smile on her lips made him feel confident, she was not upset with him and he was relieved. His smile lingered for a moment longer and though it left his face his eyes still looked at her fondly, they had softened much more than he had ever deemed possible and it was all because of the miko standing in front of him. but then, when a person changed said person was also responsible of it, so he could not entirely blame it all on Mariko for he had also willingly done all that he had to make her feel at home. Nonetheless, he seldom regretted anything he ever did and this would not be the first time he would so something of the sort. Besides, as opposed as having a bad feeling about this or fearing the worse, he somewhat knew he could trust Mariko and she would never take his efforts for granted, even if they argued at times. She would appreciate this great effort form his part to make peace at times and show her his true self. He had never done this before though, so it would take a long time for him to get used to this.

“Good morning, I slept well, did you have a peaceful night and nice dreams? I trust you will be much better tomorrow after a long night’s sleep. I hope you did not mind me taking up that much of your time last night, I thought you might enjoy that small stream.” He did hope that what they did that night was enough to clear her mind and send her into a happier world if for a few hours. He moved a lock of hair away from her eyes, it was interesting how either the sunlight or the moonlight could affect the way they shone at times. With the sunlight they looked deeper, darker, as if to show off her usual determination and stubbornness. He hid the flower she had hidden him in one of his pockets, he was already planning to do something with that flower, he was truly looking forward to just spending a few more hours with her in the village. He was not sure exactly why but, he decided to ignore the buts and just do it. He was that impulsive at times. It was also a way for him to realise what he was feeling at times and this only happened then the miko was around so, he decided he would explore that more and see if it granted him some answers.

"Yes, that sounds good. A peaceful day sounds like it's just what the doctor ordered."

He nodded and was glad another of his ideas seemed to work. For some reason, what he thought others like Mariko so full of live and energy would find boring, she seemed to agree to do and even seemed to be looking forward to it. This almost made him frown but he looked back at her wondering if she truly wanted to spend more hours in his company, even though at times she called him ‘self-centred…’ what was that? Ah, yes ‘jerk’. He smirked at the memory of such experiences, it was difficult to say why he enjoyed vexing her so much. It was probably because she mainly blushed and struggled to come up with words to snap at him, and he always had a reply waiting at the corner of his lips. She was a rather fascinating person and angry she even looked adorable. “Good…” Now then he waited for a reaction, Eri was no shy or humble man, if he had a plan or wished to say something he would without worrying about how the other person would react.

So he merely stood there watching her, waiting for anything that told him if she would be inclined to spend even more time in his presence or if she had had more than enough doss of Eri for the day. She looked up at him and he noticed that smile in her lips, she was probably not expecting him to state he wished to take her himself but it was his duty to keep her safe and at the same time he wished to get out of this Inn for a while and simply mingle with the crowd. Besides, this town was not too big so there was no danger in Mariko walking alongside him, even so, the bandit was hoping he would answer his challenge and so he would not attack Mariko until he knew what his answer would be. Yet, he had already made up his mind. He would go…

“Yes, that sounds nice.”

He nodded once more and was about to turn and leave, he knew she would need to get changed and so he did not want to delay their little walk that much longer. He already knew what they would have for breakfast, it had been a while since he last tasted local goods. That was the life of the palace, he guessed, you seldom left the confinements of those walls.

“I can get dressed and meet you in the common room, if you like.”

He nodded and said, “Very well.” He then turned and began to head to the door already thinking of the things he had to get ready before they left. But something made him stop. She called out to him once more and he turned to look at her. It seemed she remembered something she had to tell him or show him, or something.

"Come here, I want to show you something.”

He raised an eyebrow but he still walked to where she stood and he looked at her bag with curiosity, was it filled with things from her world? He watched her take something that seemed to be of a technology he had never seen before and he watched her with great curiosity as she fiddled with it and clicked here and there. He was expecting it to explode anytime now, since it kept sending battery alarms and he was not sure what that meant. But he ignored it the moment she found what she wanted him to see and he took her gadget from her hands gently and focused his eyes on it.

"I wanted to show you this...it's my brother, Tamakyo, my best friend Chisaiko, and me...we were getting ready to preform…I thought...after telling you about them last night, you might like to put a face to the names.”

He was a bit surprised that she had thought of sharing something so intimate as the people she cared the most. He looked at her for a moment before he concentrated on the persons in the photo and he realised he could not stop his mouth from giving him away as he looked at Mariko’s photo, she was rather gorgeous whatever she wore, “You look beautiful.” He then decided to cover himself up and then after looking at the photo for a moment he turned to look at her and added, “I would not mind meeting your friend, she is quite lovely.” He winked at her and then realised suddenly that he was laughing and holding the phone up for her so that she would be unable to reach it. What was she doing to him? Now he could even… laugh? Was this what it felt like to have fun? He could not stop himself from doing this and laughing all at once.

But then he stopped the moment Mariko seemed to slip and accidentally drop something from her bag. He instantly leaned forth and caught her. Their faces were but mere inches from each other and his eyes were unable to look elsewhere, no, they were fixed on her amethyst abysses and he realised he was holding his breath and for the smallest second his eyes darted toward her carmine lips. He raised her very slowly and once they were standing but mere inches from each other his eyes fixed on hers he handed her the device back while whispering, “Are you hurt?”

He really hoped she had not gotten hurt because of his foolishness. And what had happened back then? He was so confused… It as then he noticed her journal lay open and he lifted it and looked at it, so she id write songs? He wondered if she still wrote lyrics now… He caught sight of the flower he had given her and was surprised she was still keeping it. He sighed and decided he would take both flowers and make small necklaces with some of the petals. He picked it up and placed it in his pocket before he turned back to her and handed her the journal.

“I will wait for you outside.” He needed a long walk to recover from this rather strange experience…

“Good morning, I slept well, did you have a peaceful night and nice dreams? I trust you will be much better tomorrow after a long night’s sleep. I hope you did not mind me taking up that much of your time last night, I thought you might enjoy that small stream.”

Mari nodded, indicating she had slept well. At the mention of dreams, she recalled the one she'd been having just before waking. She couldn't believe she'd dream that Eri was kissing her. Well, he hadn't actually kissed her, but he was going to, right? She blushed ever-so-slightly, though with her skin tone and his all-seeing gaze, she was sure the samurai would notice. She decided to ignore that part of his statement and instead said. "No, I didn't mind at all. It was so lovely there." If she'd had her swimsuit with her, she wouldn't have minded splashing around a little and really having fun...but still, the evening had been perfect, and she was sure it would leave many happy-if, honestly, slightly confusing-memories for a long time to come. "Thanks again for...everything last night." She still couldn't believe how freely he smiled that morning. It almost transformed him into a completely different person...one who, perhaps, wasn't as annoying and arrogant and...proper...all of the time.

She was silently amused by his expression as she looked through her phone for the picture to show him. It was almost as if he expected it to explode suddenly or something. 'Boy, if he's like this over a phone...I can't wait to see what he makes of cars and skyscrapers and...everything.' She smiled at the thought as she handed the phone over for him to see the picture.

“You look beautiful.”

Mari blinked at him. He thought she looked beautiful? Really? She recalled the outfit she'd been wearing...it was just a simple t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Her hair had been down that night...the building they were preforming in had been cold, and she had hoped her hair would help her stay warm until they finished their gig, and she could steal Tama's jacket. She didn't see anything specail about it, not really. And then she recalled his comments from the night before...about how she wasn't his type, and he'd rather watch sap dry. She was just about to remind him of that when he spoke again.

“I would not mind meeting your friend, she is quite lovely.”

The Miko folded her arms across her chest with a 'hmph'. "You wouldn't like Sai, she's allergic to authority, and you are an Imperial Samurai." She then reached for her phone, not longer interested in showing off her friends and family. She'd been going to show him a picture of her parents and little siblings, but now she didn't want to. When she reached for the phone, he held it up out of reach and...laughed. She might have enjoyed the sound had it not been for what happened next. She made a jump for it, but her bare foot slipped and she began to fall. The messenger bag she still held fumbled from her grip, and her journal fell out. Before she could even realize what was happening, Eri-acting quickly as always, it seemed-caught her.

Their faces were just inches apart, and she found herself unable to do anything but stare into his golden orbs as her brain tried to proses what had just happened. It was as if she was in a trance. She saw his eyes dart downward...she couldn't help but see, as she could look nowhere but his gaze...but she couldn't for the life of her make sense of what it might mean. Her skin felt warm where he was touching her, where he'd caught her, but not unpleasantly so...and that just didn't make sense either. He stood her up slowly, making sure she was on steady footing before handing her back her phone and speaking in a voice so soft she almost missed what he said.

“Are you hurt?”

His voice seemed to break the spell, and she blushed faintly at how intently she'd been staring, though his gaze had seemed pretty intent too. She turned under the guise of putting her phone away and righting the shaken contents of her bag, pushing some hair over one shoulder to cover the blush she felt. "Oh...yeah. I mean, no, no I'm not hurt." She took perhaps a moment longer putting her phone away than necessary, waiting until she felt her cheeks cool once more before turning to face him. "I just slipped, that's all. I guess I'm not used to hardwood floors yet. We have carpet at home." She didn't know if he knew what carpet was. "Like...rugs? Tapestries, you know? Stuff to cover the floor." Wait, didn't tapestries hang on the wall? She hoped she hadn't said anything too stupid. That would be all she'd need on top of doing something stupid like slipping on...nothing, so far as she could tell.

She noticed he'd picked up her journal, and smiled in thanks, nodding when he said he'd wait outside. Once he stepped outside, she sat her journal on the bed and gave a deep sigh. She looked over at where Soshina sat, passively watching everything as it unfolded. Good thing the kitten couldn't laugh at her. She shook her head again and began to change clothes, putting on clean underthings, and an underdress before trying to decide which dress to put on. Rindou had told her that, just because she hated wearing dresses didn't mean she didn't like shopping for them, and though Mari was convinced Rindou had been using her for her own personal dress-up doll, she couldn't complain too much. Rin had good taste in clothes, and a good eye for color.

Mari reached up and ran a hand over the multiple piercings in her ear, trying to remember what colors they were. She thought she'd changed them out to black, white, clear and some silver hoops, so they should go well with anything. With a shrug, she took out a black and white sleeveless dress. She hadn't worn this one yet...in fact she hadn't seen it before. Rindou must've gone shopping for her again. She grinned at the thought before getting dressed as quickly as possible. The dress should be cooler than any of the others with the warmer than average Sailo climate, and it should still be modest enough to suit Eri's definition of propriety. She brushed her hair, but decided to leave it down, though she did tuck a hair ribbon into her bodice in case she changed her mind as they walked. It was a desert, after all, and she might just decide it was too hot to keep her hair up.

Making sure the ribbon was out of sight, and that everything else looked good, she put on her sandals, and was about to leave when her eyes fell on her journal once more. She picked it up, and flipped to where she'd stuck the flower from the night before.

It was gone. She looked around on the floor, sure it must have fallen when the journal fell. She didn't see it anywhere. Mari frowned. What could've happened to it? Eri had given it to her, and she hadn't wanted to lose it...it was very pretty, after all. Eri! He was waiting on her! How could she get side tracked like this? At this rate, he'd have decided to go without her. She tossed the journal back onto the bed and rushed to meet him, pausing just long enough to pick up the coin purse Rindou had given her. She'd look for the flower when she got back. She let Shina out of the room with her, sure the kitten was ready to wander around a little as well. Rindou had told her that Shina sometimes joined her and Dazanshi for...whatever it was they usually did, so she assumed that was the cat's current destination. She closed her door and locked it, dropping the key into the coin purse she wore around her wrist.

Rindou had insisted on teaching her their money system so she could go shopping if she wanted, though this was her first chance to see if she had learned it correctly. Maybe she could find something to take back to Tama and Sai when she returned home...maybe even her parents and the younger ones as well. She spotted Eri, and smiled apologetically as she joined him. "Sorry I took so long...I was looking for something..." It was the truth, after all, she just hoped he wouldn't ask what that something was. "Ready to go?"

He noticed the blush the moment he asked if she had pleasant dreams and he was curious as to what she could have been dreaming about. Although he was in no hurry to find out for the time being, he could always ask later, once everything the planned for the day was done and over with. Then she might have to stand him teasing her. Surely anyone would agree that, when she blushed so easily and in such a manner, ribbing her could turn unto such an enjoyable pastime. He would have to keep this in mind though. She then addressed his last words and he looked back into her eyes returning from the reflections in his mind. He did not want to appear rude even though this had been accidental, he did not plan to suddenly forget he was in someone’s company. Sometimes vein so silent could do that to you, you came to dwell in your mind ever so often.

”No, I didn't mind at all. It was so lovely there…Thanks again for...everything last night.”

Good…She had enjoyed it as much as she had seemed to. She id not make any comments about him putting her in her bed and all but he was glad. It would be awkward for him to try and explain he had just tried to keep her comfortable without sounding foolish or perhaps completely the contrary of what he intended. “There is no need to thank me, Mariko-san, but it pleases me to hear you enjoyed the experience.” And it seemed to him that, she also seemed to have enjoyed the company, why else embrace him, kiss his cheek and even give him a flower? No, this probably meant they did some progress and he hoped that for their own well being and the progress of the mission things would continue this way. He was not sure why but he felt like smiling again, but he id not want to appear weird or too forceful so he swallowed the feeling and contended himself with knowing Mariko had managed to sleep and all after last night’s little incident.

Another thing he was beginning to truly enjoy was tossing the typical compliments a man would to a lady, nothing too farfetched, of course, since he still had a reputation to keep intact, but she seemed to react to them in a way he had never seen before. He almost laughed when she stared at him as he said she looked beautiful although it was no lie. She blinked and then seemed about to say something, but his other comment caught her off-guard. Oh Byakko, this was so much fun!

“You wouldn't like Sai, she's allergic to authority, and you are an Imperial Samurai.”

“Are you…jealous?” He grinned…Was that…jealousy? Really? It surprised him a little bit but he was having so much fun he started laughing. He truly did not mean the words he and said about Mariko’s friend although he did find her reaction amusing. He grinned to her comment and responded with true conviction, “I am indeed, who can resist a samurai? We are rather charming…” his eyes looked deeply into her ow as if to prove his point while he held the gadget and laughed while she tried to retrieve it from him. It was true what he said though, at least in this world, a samurai was greatly admired by the general public and the ladies were desperate to get hooked up with one not only because they were in great shape and some, alike Eri, were rather good-looking, but they also held great power and influence in the kingdom and they could fight, so they could keep their homes safe.

And, in the Byakko kingdom there were even probabilities of women being accepted in the order so long as they belonged to a family where the father or grandparent had been a samurai before. Eri knew a few of them and he had to admit they honoured their families greatly with their skills. Suddenly a thought occurred him and he tried to imagine Mariko as a samurai but at the several times she fell holding a katana he desisted and smirked, he would not voice those thoughts but they were rather comical.

"Oh...yeah. I mean, no, no I'm not hurt…I just slipped, that's all. I guess I'm not used to hardwood floors yet. We have carpet at home.”

She was stunting for words now? Miss independent found no words to reply to? He was…surprised to say the least. And partly her response made little to no sense at all. He raised an eyebrow when she turned her back to him and began picking her things up and he was certain that, due to the sudden connection they shared and how she blushed after, something else was afoot. Even though he still was not sure what it was, it seemed to be making Mariko act strangely to say the least. He thought of kneeling next to her and helping her pick everything up but desisted and simply stood there watching, realising his body was finally calling itself but he surely had to leave the room, if he stayed here any longer he feared he might make a col out of himself and Mariko would send him away with a cold endeavour.

“Like…rugs? Tapestries, you know? Stuff to cover the floor.”

Tapestries? “What?” He said utterly confused, he knew what carpets and rugs were but why would anyone put tapestries on the floor? He thought that this might all have been his doing and felt like apologising and he rubbed the back of his head watching her as she thanked him for lifting the journal. She nodded to his last words and he shook his head and decided to take his leave. He did not want Mariko burning down the Inn at some point. He rubbed Shohina’s ears before he closed the door behind him and took a deep breath and released it as he returned to his room.

He closed the door behind him and then leaned his back on the door closing his eyes for a moment. What had just happened? It was all so strange and yet, this urge he had felt as if he longed for Mariko’s lips had truly sent conflicting thoughts to his mind. He sighed and the finally decided to sit down in the middle of the room and do a bit of meditating to soothe his spirit and help dismiss thee thoughts and simply concentrate on the task at hand. He would be unable to take Mariko for a walk if he could not stop thinking about what just happened. And he knew she would be upset if he cancelled on her now. Besides, if he died in that battle he would have with the bandit, he might as well enjoy this day to its fullest. It was also probably why he had relax da bit in her presence and allowed her to see this side of him.

Once he was bait more at peace he decided to ensure he looked presentable. He placed his pouch with coins inside his pocket, sharpened his weapons and ensured everything looked as it should. He also made sure that the letter was under the cloak and he left it there again. He did not want anyone to find it, especially Mariko, and then get worried or something. While the miko slept, Eri had already written a letter to be handed to her and the other Seishi should he not return. He looked at it silently, it was customary of samurais to do this before either going to a battle they would never return form or when Seppuku took place. He placed it inside his traveling bags and then looked at his reflection on the water once more and after washing his face, he dried it and then ensured he looked gallant enough. It was a nice warm day so he did not need to take his cloak.

"Sorry I took so long...I was looking for something...Ready to go?"

He nodded and escorted her out of the Inn while saying, “You lost something? Was it when everything in your bag fell to the ground? I can help you look when we return if you like, I could even ride back to the stream and see if it is there somewhere.”

They walked to the right and followed a silent road until they finally reached the town square where people were minding their own businesses. He smiled and said, “In small places like these it is easy to ensure the merchants and sellers lower the prices to keep you happy.” He then grinned when he spotted a kaiseki stand and he beckoned her to follow him, he spoke with the cook for a moment until they agreed on a price that suited Eri, and he then ordered two kaiseki breakfasts to eat on the go. It was not an easy thing to achieve but it was not too difficult either if they ate one after the other.

Once they receive the food he handed Mariko her share and then began eating his food and he sighed happily, “I have not eaten like this in such a long time…I almost forgot what it was like…” He smirked and looked at her for a moment, “I used to live not too far from here before I became a samurai.” So this was almost like going back home for him really. “What would you like to see? I need to stop at a nearby shop for a moment though.”

He had almost finished his food by then and was now having the sweet part. He turned to look at her to see if she liked the food almost as if trying to know what she was thinking. He turned to look back at the slightly busy road and caught a few young ladies staring at him and laughing and blushing when his golden eyes met theirs. They then would whisper things and he smirked knowing what they were probably saying. Some women were just too predictable, at least of someone like him who had great intuition. some looked at Mariko and then at Eri and as they passed them some would whisper things at Eri, he would dismiss them though since it was rude to listen to what other women did and said when in the company of another lady, be it your beloved or simply a friend. He was much too honourable to offend Mariko in that way. He simply did not understand who some ladies could be so cynical to compare themselves to the miko…

“Are you…jealous?”

Mari shot the samurai a glare that would frighten most, but probably had no effect on him. "Why, pray tell, would I be jealous?" She asked, eyebrow raised. "I'm simply trying to keep you from wasting your time when we visit my world." But...could it be she was jealous? It had, indeed, felt a bit like jealousy, but why? She adored Sai, so it wasn't out of not wanting her to be happy...then, was it because Eri had complimented her? She pushed the thought aside as he said something else to boost his own ego, and made to grab the phone before slipping.

"Tapestries?"

The Miko nearly winced. She'd thought she'd said something wrong. Honestly, history wasn't her strong point...couldn't someone who actually understood stuff like this have gotten pulled in instead? It would sure beat her standing here and making a fool out of her self. "Well, whatever. I just woke up..." She grumbled, looking for another excuse, even if it too was a flimsy one.

After dressing and meeting Eri, she informed him she'd have been there sooner, but she was looking for something. She half expected him to ignore the statement, as most would have, but he seemed almost interested in what she'd said.

You lost something? Was it when everything in your bag fell to the ground? I can help you look when we return if you like, I could even ride back to the stream and see if it is there somewhere.”

For some reason, she felt terrible letting him know she'd lost the flower he'd given her, but she felt silly telling him she'd kept it in the first place, so as he escorted her out of the inn, she shook her head. "There's no need, but thanks. I had it this morning, so I'm sure it's in my room somewhere. I can look later. Really, there's no need to worry yourself about it, Eri-san." She granted him a small smile, appreciating the fact that he'd even be willing to go back out to the stream and look for whatever she'd lost. She supposed she could ask him to go get her another of the pretty flowers, but it wouldn't be the same.

Instead she turned her attention to the village as they walked. She was aware that many eyes were upon them, and she found herself having second thoughts about the dress she'd chosen. She liked it...but did that make it too...out there...for this sort of situation? She thought it was modest, but then again, she'd thought the outfit she'd arrived here in was too. She absently reached up and brushed some hair back from her shoulder, mentally injecting herself with a bit more confidence. She didn't want to seem so unsure and pathetic that it reflected badly on her escort. Instead she summoned her usual independence and determination, though she still smiled at the surroundings, enjoying the early morning in a small village.

She was curious when they approached a food stall and he ordered breakfast for them. She'd never eaten it...whatever it was...before, but she figured she might as well try it. When they reached her world, after all, Eri would have to eat lots of things he'd never eaten before. Besides, those little tartlets he'd gotten her had been good...well, the one she'd gotten to eat had, so perhaps this would too. She accepted the food with a nod of thanks, and folllowed his example when it came to eating it. It was quite delicious.

“I have not eaten like this in such a long time…I almost forgot what it was like… I used to live not too far from here before I became a samurai."

She saw him smile, and returned the smile. It seemed this really did make him happy, and she was glad. When he was happy, the pair of them seemed to get along better. "You grew up around here, really?" She asked, interested. This was the first time he'd ever really talked about himself, and she was more than a little curious. "So, have you got family around here, or something?" She thought she'd like to meet his family, and perhaps find out what he'd been like as a kid...the sort of thing it was fun to learn about friends, but she decided not to voice that thought, as he'd probably find it silly. "Oh, hey," A thought came to her, and it seemed obvious now. "I bet that's how you knew about that stream, huh?" She smiled again faintly at the memory as she continued eating as strolling alongside him.

“What would you like to see? I need to stop at a nearby shop for a moment though.”

Mari considered the question for a moment. She hadn't really thought much past the concept of going for a walk, she had just brought her coin purse out of habit, as her mother had taught her never to leave home without money, just in case. She wondered what Eri needed to go to a shop for, but figured it was none of her business. "I was thinking about trying to find something for Tama-kun and Sai-chan. You're supposed to take souvenirs home after a trip, right?" She smiled at the little joke that this was a vacation and not...whatever it really was. "Other than that..." She shrugged. "I don't know. You're my local guide, so guide me."

Mari had just finished eating when they neared a group of pretty young ladies who all seemed to be drooling and blushing over Eri. He seemed to be ignoring them, and she was willing to do the same until she heard one of them speak, just loud enough that she could hear over the noise on the street, though she couldn't tell if she'd been meant to hear or not.

"I'll never know what a handsome man like him could possibly see in a girl like that." She'd said, and her friends giggled.

Mari's eye twitched, though she resisted her first instinct which had been to go punch the girl. She got a sudden idea, just to irk the annoying little group. Without a word to Eri, she pretended to stumble, just slightly as they reached the girls, and reached up, catching herself on his arm. She then looped her arm through his with a soft. "Sorry..." and silently hoped he wouldn't pull away or throw some kind of fit until after they were out of sight of the annoying women. She had to admit, reluctantly, that it did feel...nice...to walk arm in arm with Eri, and curse it all if she didn't feel her cheeks warm slightly at the thought. She looked to the opposite side of the street from Eri, hoping with her head turned, he'd miss the blush, as he seemed to like to tease her for them. Instead, she pretended to be interested in a shopkeeper just opening up. It looked like they sold ceramics. "Maybe I should buy Dazi-kun his own personal sake jug..." She joked with a small laugh. She had forgotten about the blush, and had almost forgotten the reason she was walking arm in arm with Eri...

”Why, pray tell, would I be jealous? I'm simply trying to keep you from wasting your time when we visit my world.”

He chuckled, “I’m sure that was the very reason.” He winked at her as if to emphasise he did not believe her words. However, although it pleased him that she was jealous because he could tease her about that, if she knew his popularity with the women it would be difficult for her to stand his company especially once they reached the palace. He was no ladies man by all means, but due to his title and personality and of course his handsomeness, well, they granted him far more attention than he requested, even though it enlarged his already massive ego. He was beginning to think, however, that Mariko had an ego of her own, if not her stubbornness was the best proof of this.

“Well, whatever. I just woke up…”

He grinned and said, “Its fine, I just thought that was something used to decorate walls…not floors.” Oh yes, he could not stop himself from making that pedantic statement and irk her even more. He already felt her eye twitching if only he could see it with her hiding the embarrassment by picking the things she accidentally dropped. He decided not to take it any further though, or else she would throw him her bag and then definitely break something and who would she blame? Him, of course…

“There’s no need, but thanks. I had it this morning, so I'm sure it's in my room somewhere. I can look later. Really, there's no need to worry yourself about it, Eri-san.”

He was a bit surprised that she readily shook him away when he suggested helping her to find whatever she was missing but since she smiled at him he desisted and nodded and said, “Very well.” In all honesty there was no point in arguing so he decided to let it go and hoped she was not referring to her flower. Would she be angry of he did what he had planned? He honestly hoped she would like it, after all, it was something very meaningful that was done in this kingdom. Nonetheless, he was not ready to let her know about that just as he had not told her what the kitten also implied, since he was a bit confused as to why suddenly he did all this for her. He concluded it was to make her feel at home or so he thought. He could not bother with thinking too much about it and instead decided to enjoy their walk for as long as it lasted. He was not sure what would happen once he left her back at the Inn with the other Seishi…

He eyed her as she ate and was glad, she enjoyed it, that was good. for now he had done things that pleased her, he looked around for possible things to do in case she had nothing in mind and he considered she probably needed to pick new clothes or shoes for when she is escorted to the castle since there was bound to be a festivity in her honour. At least that was what he had been informed by the letters he received from the palace. He had already arranged that, if he perished, the other samurai would be informed so that they could escort her safely back into the palace. He sighed but finished his food and watched her as she nibbled on, it made him feel light and happy that she smiled and ate with such enjoyment…

"You grew up around here, really? So, have you got family around here, or something? Oh, hey… I bet that's how you knew about that stream, huh?"

He was a bit taken aback by the fact that she seemed so curious about his life. No one usually asked him such questions even though they still praised him to his heart’s content no one truly wondered about his past. He did not wonder though, he was rather silent and to the point in most instances. He turned to look at her and saw in her amethyst eyes the happiness of the night before reflected and it softened his eyes.

Well, she would go back to her world right? So there was no harm in revealing some bits of his past. Besides, she had shared her life with him so he might as eel share a bit of his own. Surely Daza and Rin had already done so, he did not want to destroy the bridge both of them had already built so he nodded, “I grew up with my adoptive family just past that river, in a small town, I was a blacksmith’s apprentice.” He closed his eyes and smiled imagining his parents as they used to behave each and every day and then his eyes opened as he looked ahead of them, “You could say that, that stream was my secret place, whenever I was worried, or upset or even happy, I would go there and I would plant all those colourful flowers you saw…” his last words were a whisper and he chuckled, he was probably foolish to do so back then but, it seemed it served its purpose for now, he had brought Mariko to his secret place and she had liked it greatly.

"I was thinking about trying to find something for Tama-kun and Sai-chan. You're supposed to take souvenirs home after a trip, right? Other than that...I don't know. You're my local guide, so guide me.”

He smirked, “Your wish is my command.” He thought for a moment as they walked on and he spotted a person cleaning the streets and gave him a few coins if he took their rubbish and the man happily accepted. Where could he take her that she could find presents for her brother and friend? He had an idea and then said, “Wooden carvings are common in this area, you could probably get them something with the emblems of the kingdom if you like. Unless you would prefer another type of thing. There is a shop to the right, the carpenter is a very nice man, he will probably give you a discount if you say you came with me. He owes me a favour.” He turned to look from Mariko, he still remembered the day eh had saved the man’s son from a band of thieves, and Akhram…that….fool…

”Sorry”

His thoughts were rudely interrupted when Mariko stumbled to him and took hold of his arm. He raised his eyebrow and then noticed the ladies looking at her with rage in their eyes and he smirked rolling his eyes at Mariko’s daring move and yet he allowed her to hold his arm. For some reason he enjoyed it. He did not complain or move away because that would offend her and humiliate her in the eyes of those foolish ladies, instead, to pull their jealousy even further he turned to look and Mariko and stopped for a moment looking into her eyes and caressing her cheek, “Are you hurt, Mariko-san?” He had seen her blush at what she had just done and he truly wanted to see that gorgeous colour on her cheeks again. The ladies sneered as he then kept on walking with her holding his arm.

”Maybe I should buy Dazi-kun his own personal sake jug…”

He smirked, “If you want to make the man truly happy, give him a great piece of land where he can grow his own sake…” His eyes looked into her never-ending abysses and he smiled briefly before he said, “I need to go to that shop there, but, if you like, you can go to the next-door shop, they have nice clothing and cheap, just in case you wish to buy something nice for when we get to the palace, there will be a small feast in your honour, you know the deal: lots of food, music and dancing, meeting new people…” all the things Mariko seemed to enjoy.