Roger
The Shinjo scout-envoy strode through the halls of the Mantis Embassy in all their glorious mixed heritage, feeling rather pleased with himself.

He'd just finished a meeting with Moshi Mai, which was usually either a delightful challenge or a challenging delight. This time, he was able to better navigate the flow of the conversation, knowing when to show boldness and bluntness instead of impeccable respect. She still blew him out of the water when it came to such, but it was good to be able to meet her on such terms sometimes.

Deals were confirmed, dates closer to the festivals and parties hosted on the pleasure barge. It was a fruitful time, and he even had the satisfaction of being able to greet each servant by name, and a few of the samurai, though most simply gave him a polite or bawdy greeting and moved on with their day, just as he did.

As he rounded a corner past a *Sumi-e* Of a ship striving against mountainous waves, his mind wandered, pondering what else might make this day-

Temujin came face to face with a most familiar (and pleasing) face. And the first thing he noticed and recognised wasn't the kimono, nor the scar or the shaved head, but eyes that could come alive with joy or soften with vulnerability.

"Oh! Ka- Moshi-san!"

The scout stepped back and bowed respectfully even as he corrected himself, his muscle memory acting ahead of his thoughts in this instance.

"Good day to you. I, ah, hadn't expected to see you in the embassy."

*...She's a Mantis, you imbecile. Good to see her, though! ...And is that someone I hear cackling nearby?*

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Brian
It was another day primarily at her writing desk, the least favorite kind of day at her job. She much preferred active investigations, or at least getting to be out and about in the city, officially keeping an eye on things but also taking the time to meet new people and experience city life. It was all duty, though, and she was as diligent as she ever was. 

As she was taking a quick break to stroll through the embassy and stretch her legs, however, she found herself making a decidedly un-Samurai like noise of surprise upon encountering a very familiar and very welcome face. She could feel warmth growing from her cheeks to the top of her head as she made note of the staff attempting to conceal their smiles.

"Temujin-san!" She bowed to him. "Y-yes! Good day indeed! I was just taking a short walk. Help myself refocus for work. Which is here."

She cleared her throat, meeting those brilliant blue eyes of his. "I apologize for nearly running into you." She bowed once more. "What brings you here?"

*There! You're being completely normal! Completely!*

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Roger
He smiled crookedly to hear his name and hear her speak, certainly not minding any of this in the least, though he could feel his ears growing warm as he fidgeted and awkwardly wringed his hands.

"Oh, it's no trouble. But I'm glad I nearly ran into you! Uh. I mean."

He paused to catch his breath, inhaling deeply to still his mind and-

*...Oh my gosh, are those servants staring? Most would go about their day.*

Of course, as embarrassing as all of this was, it only made him laugh lowly at their situation and their reactions befitting a *Sewamono* Play. 

Acceptance of that didn't make the blood stop rushing to his head, but it did smoothen out his smile as he spoke with genuine warmth for his dear friend.

"A walk's always good for clearing one's mind. Though my brother once said I walk so far and so often it's like I have nothing on it!"

He'd referred to his brother before in his many talks with Kana, of course. And it would be clear by now that while he was apparently a dour, disciplined man so very different from Temujin, the brothers were still close even with their disagreements.

Enough for Temujin to laugh about it, at least. But he always seemed quick to laugh about his own follies. Still, it helped his expression settle into its usual easygoing grace.

"As for me, just some minor work. The upcoming Festival was something we'd planned to discuss. Whether it'd be a good time for another fight, if that'd be disrespectful, or if we'd even want to compete with other events. But thankfully, we were on the same page today."

He *Just* Caught himself from saying that it was perfect because it ended at the right time for him to bump into her. He wasn't going to make *That* Mistake again! Although...

"And how have your duties been going, Moshi-san?"

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Brian
*Right! Official purposes! Use his family name, you fool! Wait... Why are they looking over here?! Don't you have duties?! I should order them back to them. Ah, but that might draw more attention! Lady Sun, I need to find someone who will make a kimono with a hood. I can only imagine how my head looks...*

As her thoughts raced, she somehow managed to maintain her composure and a warm smile for her friend. "Well, if I were to be run into by anyone, I would much prefer it to be you."

*Why did you say that? What kind of compliment is that?*

"Ah, your brother does give you a bit of a hard time. All in good humor though, it seems!" She smiled. She enjoyed hearing the little stories about Temujin's sibling he would share. Being an only child, she was always curious about what it was like to grow up with a close sibling.

Of course, as soon as he mentioned the festival, her thoughts seemed to refocus again. "Ah! You spoke with Moshi Mai-sama? Did she fill you in about our plans for the festival? I may have recently gotten in a bit of trouble, so I don't wish to let anything slip I'm not supposed to. Not that I think you would report me... But..." She giggled a bit.

"Aside from that bit of trouble, rather well, though a bit boring. It's more of a day to be stuck in the embassy than out in the city, I'm afraid. Still, I doubt you wish to hear me complain, T- Shinjo-san. I should be grateful to not have too much excitement today!"

*Well... So much for that.*

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Roger
He blushed when he heard her say she'd prefer it to be him, though he tried in vain to will his cheeks to fade to their usual shade of sun-kissed brown. But he did smile when she commented on his brother; she always had such innocent curiosity about sibling relations.

"Sometimes humour, but always for my benefit. I learned to read between the lines before we ended up estranged altogether." Temujin said with a deadpan delivery and a smirk.

A look of curiosity crossed his brows, one eyebrow raised quizically.

"She hasn't mentioned anything to me, no. But my, my. Are you asking me to keep a secret for you, Moshi-san?"

A split second after that, his face fell and his eyes widened as he murmured a meek apology purely out of instinct.

*Great. You had the presence of mind to not intrude on her bit of trouble here, but then you tease her. WHY AM I LIKE THIS? Oh, Kami, at least I didn't do the Corrupt Magistrate bit..."Are you going to make it worth my while?" Eurgh...*

That shut him up long enough, his jaw set tight, though he eased up when he heard her speak of her days. As always, the way she could be so cheerful but also awkward was endearing, heightened by the depths of compassion, wisdom, and courage he found in her.

That let him speak in turn, gently and reassuringly.

"Indoors or out, days of peace are always to be cherished, as Ide-sama told me," He said with fond nostalgia. And with that same wistful tone, he added "When it was rainy. And he was making sure Kaede and I didn't skip our studies of the Fortunes."

The Shinjo chuckled at that memory, and pressed forward. His cheeks were warm, but their blush had faded for now as he spoke.

"I'm always happy to hear from you, Moshi-san. I'm on my way out, but may I ask if you could see me off?"

He then turned to one section of the embassy's reception area where two of Mai's staff were pretending (badly) to clean the furnishings.

**"I wouldn't want to disturb anyone here."**

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Brian
Kana chuckled at his comment. "I take it he's not quite as skilled at banter as you are, then? Though, ah... No need for secret keeping!" She held up her hands. "Let me just say I'm learning to use sama a bit more liberally. And perhaps save some of the ship jokes for the ship."

Kana nodded emphatically as she often did when trying to convince herself that she was handling a situation adeptly. She had always enjoyed the light, humorous repartee between the two of them, and it was one of many things that made Temujin so easy to talk to and connect with.

"Ide-sama is right. And ah! I do so love a rainy day..." She added wistfully. Though at the mention of Kaede, there was that little pang of guilt. That part might not be so easy to address. Still, it wasn't yet intense enough for her to be wearing it on her face. She did see the opportunity to tease as a bit of a distraction, however. "Oh? Are you suggesting you weren't always the most dutiful student, Shinjo-san?"

She giggled, still blushing a bit, though the intensity of it had dampened. "Oh, of course. I'd be happy to see you off. We Mantis aren't so easily, disturbed, but um..." She stole a glance to the others watching, "Best to be safe, I suppose!"

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Roger
His expression was visibly glad to hear her troubles were at least manageable. And being so close with her, he shared her chuckle over her sailor's mouth.

"Trust me, I've been there. It's something the Ide train into anyone studying with them and I *Still* Forget sometimes. Though I heard more jokes than I told, usually involving a horse's... Parts."

It gradually occured to him how awkward it was to mention Kaede. Kana may have been glad to let him confide in her, but given certain feelings...

He let out a short, relieved breath, hearing her speak of rainy days and his time as a student.

*She's such a good friend to me. The least I can do is make her happy. But... What does that mean?*

"I'll have you know I was a most devoted student!" He remarked in feigned defensiveness, softening with a mischievous wink as he added "Just not always of what was in front of me."

And as she agreed to escort him, he smiled with unmasked happiness, bowing shortly.

"My thanks, Moshi-san."

They walked at a leisurely pace. It felt familiar and comfortable to him by now, which he was wholeheartedly glad for.

"And speaking of the festival, have you any plans for it yourself, Moshi-san?" He asked with light curiosity as they walked towards the entrance.

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Brian
Kana burst out into a decidedly undignified laugh as Temujin related the kinds of jokes he had heard. While she knew the Unicorn weren't quite as stuffy as the great clans, she had no idea they went quite *That* Far. She'd definitely have to ask Temujin about some of those jokes at some point.

While she did blush a little bit at her own outburst, she found she was nowhere nearly as self conscious as she might have been had it been anyone else but Temujin. The laughter continued as he responded.

"Ignoring the curriculum? What a scandalous indiscretion!" She continued to tease. "Though I suppose an open mind can lead to greater wisdom, if you're anything to go by."

She walked with Temujin through the embassy to the entrance, trying to pay no mind to the slight flutter in her chest at his smile. 

"Well! For the festival, I'll be participating in the event we had planned," She replied. While she was certain it was nothing confidential, she still wanted to be vague in case Mai wanted to make a big show of announcing the tournament. "Aside from that though, I've nothing planned. I'll likely try to watch the fireworks, OH and the food! I'll definitely need to sample the food. What of you, Shinjo-san?"

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Roger
He laughed and joked with her, feeling very much at ease (though he clarified that his senseis made sure to beat attentiveness into him). It felt good. It felt nice, to know that even with duty and the city's woes, he had a friend he could fully be himself around.

When she mentioned she was performing, his brows lifted in eager curiosity.

"Really? I'll have to take a look if I can. Whatever it is, I'm sure you'll do great."

She spoke of her plans, satisfying his curiosity. And when asked, he replied in turn.

"Hm, don't believe I'm involved in any events, unless Utaku-sama decides to drop a *Very* Sudden honour on me. But honestly? Probably the same as you."

It wasn't something he'd considered, though he liked festivals. From the pauses, it would seemed he spoke whatever thoughts came to mind, trying to arrange them.

"I'm looking forward to the fireworks of course... Oh, and festivals always get the restaurants and vendors out in full force. Could mean a great walk seeing them trying to outdo each other. Might also be a good time to look for gifts. Though I doubt a festival mask is what you'd give the Crab."

Soon, they reached the entrance, the outdoors just a few feet away. He felt a little disappointed that he was already here, but he faced Kana with an honest smile.

"Thank you for seeing me out, Moshi-san." Temujin said, his attention focused on the priestess of Amaterasu. "It's always a pleasure to speak with you. Although..."

He paused, their eyes meeting. He could hear his heart beating, feel his face grow warm.

*And I'd like to speak more. We should speak more.*

Those were the only thoughts on his mind, desire and necessity mingled. Going with the conversation's flow, he spoke.

**"...I was wondering if perhaps you'd like to see the fireworks with me?"**

*...What did I just say?*

***You absolute fool, what are you doing???***

*But... Is it right to want it?*

He'd spoken with nervous hope. He reacted with shocked, dismayed realisation.

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Brian
"You think so, Shinjo-san? Well, then I hope I don't disappoint. I've actually been training quite a lot for it!" She announced, the pride in her voice evident. She was sure this meant that Temujin would be spectating now, but if anything that just gave her more motivation to get things right there. 

She nodded as she listened to him talk about his own plans for the fireworks. She was certain he probably knew all the best spots to see them from both in and around the city. She'd almost certainly have to pick his brain to see where he suggested! 

"Ah! I see you also tend to think with your stomach around festival time," Kana replied with a chuckle. "I find that's when you can try the most interesting sorts of combinations. It is... Regrettable, sometimes," She began, thinking of some less than pleasant experiences with festival food, "But then again, isn't that just part of the fun? And well... If the Crab don't want a festival mask, I'd be happy to take one!" She joked.

Then came the question, and that flutter in her chest came back. This time it was much harder to ignore.

*That's not a completely unusual request, right? But what if it's meant to be something more? What about Kaede? Oh Fortunes I'm so glad that the others aren't here to see this...* She went back and forth about the potential response and what it could mean. They were friends after all; friends could see fireworks together!

Yet... There was that part of both of them that maybe went a bit further than just that...

As she considered what to say, she could see Temujin's expression change. *Ah! You can't leave him out there like that!* That suddenly made her decision easier.

"It would be my honor, Shinjo-san!" She blurted out.

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Roger
He was stammering after his shocked silence, stuttering without a coherent thought.

"Ah, not that you have... I mean, as fr... Not that I was tr... Guh... It's-"

*I can't... I shouldn't... I mean, she's cheering for me and Kaede. And we* Are *Friends, so this is going as friends, right? I really did want to spend time with her. But if there's really something there, does it change it? Am I being unfaithful? Selfish?*

*I just don't want to hurt her.*

But then, like sunshine after a storm, she replied to him, looking just as nervous but hopeful.

*Oh. That makes me happy.*

The unmasked concern faded, though the nervousness stayed in a crooked but honest smile as he fidgeted in place, clenching and unclenching his hands.

He *Did* Want to invite her as a friend. But he also didn't deny his heart skipped a beat and was filled with youthful glee.

*...Like my first festival with Kaede. ...Kami, what am I doing with myself?*

*...I have to settle this. She deserves the truth.*

While his heart was thundering, Temujin finally had the presence of mind to do a quick bow in gratitude.

"Then I'll look forward to it. Thank you, Moshi-san."

The Shinjo had a quick look around by the entrance, trying hard to will his intense blush to fade while he was at it. And seeing there seemed to be no one else around... He extended an open hand to the priestess.

"You might have heard, but this is a greeting in my Clan... And one way to seal promises."

He said that with earnest friendship, open and relaxed as he tended to be. But not half a second later, that earlier nervousness returned, his expression abashed as he tried to avert his gaze, looking down to his own hand.

"Uh. Only if you want to," He stammered. "I know we aren't supposed to touch unless there's an emergency, so you don't have to-"

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Brian
Kana was smiling nervously, yet brightly as she had delivered her response. She had found herself looking forward much more to the fireworks festival now that she had someone to attend it with. All the better is was her dear friend, the good hearted, rather handsome-

*No! Friends! You're attending as friends!*

The pangs of guilt grew stronger still. She kept trying to remind herself about Kaede, and how she had spoke in support of Temujin's relationship with her. Temujin had been such a good friend to her, and yet here she was having such thoughts! Not to mention, even if he the two did act on their feelings, what would happen to their friendship should something more not work out? True friends were rare, and rarer still in Ryoko Owari Toshi.

And yet she knew that there were circumstances preventing that relationship from being fully realized, and that she couldn't completely deny her own heart as well. Hadn't Temujin himself said her heart deserved better than the experiences she had?

There was reflection to be done and things to be figured out, to be sure. Still, wasn't it enough to just enjoy the fireworks with someone who regardless of anything else, was special to her?

She then noticed his outstretched hand.

"Oh, I mean... I want... Not in that way, I mean, not, not... Um..."

Overriding her muddled thoughts, she took his hand gently, only barely shaking it.

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Roger
There was an audible gulp as she took his hand, and it was only partly out of surprise that the gesture was accepted.

He held her hand lightly and shook it gently, trying not to think of her touch. After a shake or two, he released his hold with a shy smile.

"Thank you, Kana-san. I'll look forward to it. And we-"

Temujin caught himself with a sharp intake of breath. Mustering his resolve, he closed his eyes and took a deep, calming breath, opening them again to properly face her.

"...I have some things to discuss with you. As a friend."

He did his best to watch his tone. But he was surprised by how reluctant he felt inside with that last part.

*Does accepting my feelings have to feel so... Selfish?*

But seeing Kana being cheerful but shy, just being herself, made him smile. Helped to calm him. Reminded him he was truly lucky to have met and befriended her, though right now he had to fight himself to keep his gaze upon her lovely face rather than glancing lower...

"Now I'd better get going before I make an even bigger fool of myself." Temujin said with a nervous laugh. "But I'll look forward to your performance!"

The Unicorn bowed one last time. It was respectful, but not so deep as to be formal, knowing how comfortable they were with each other.

"May the Four Winds be at your back, Moshi-san. Be well, always."

His words were warm and sincere. But as he felt some of that warmth returning to his head, he'd only stick around long enough to hear her reply before he left.

*She's truly a good friend. And as her friend, I need to be honest with her. She deserves to know the truth... Not get strung along with whatever this is.*

*...I just hope I can figure out what that truth is by the time of the festival.*

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Brian
Kana tried *Very* Hard not to think of how her heart beat faster as their hands touched. It definitely wasn't unpleasant, however. 

She quickly came back to earth as there was the talk of things that needed to be discussed.

*Oh. Does he mean good things? Is it good things? Wait... That also sounds somewhat ominous... Though he did say as a friend! It's got to be good things! Oh Fortunes the anticipation...*

Kana suppressed this and responded with a nod, and a happy but awkward smile. There would be time for guilt and worry afterwards.

"I look forward to our conversation, Temujin," She replied, using his name now that she was certain there was no one else about. Regardless of what the conversation was, it still meant time spent with him. "Oh, and the fireworks! Those too." She giggled. "If it helps, you can't have made more a fool of yourself than I have. Though I suppose the most important thing is that we can be fools together."

She returned the bow. "May Amaterasu light and bless your path. Now and always."

Her smile hid a storm of emotions, leaving her almost glad for the paperwork today as a distraction.

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