<div class="floatleft">(http://i.imgur.com/6gHyA34.jpg)</div><strong><span class="bbc_u">Kugetsuki Shiori</span></strong>(https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=236641.msg11654413#msg11654413)<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Kirigakure, Restaurant Pier<br/><strong>Tag:</strong>Zato Ichimaru, Sayuri<br/><hr/><br/>A pang of regret hits Shiori as well, as she remains silent in the face of her comrade's apology, continuing to sit and brush her hair back into place. She knew that tone of voice, that deeply veiled bitterness within him. He was a prideful soul, and he would begrudge himself for his difficulty. It wouldn't matter to him if she had just as hard a time, and performed no better, nor that she certainly didn't blame him. It was something he would focus on. But, this wasn't the time to talk about such matters, not with foreign company present. She would have to take the time to reach out to him later, in private.<br/><br/>Maybe she should had been more assertive. Tell him to go around. Save him from himself. She really didn't care of the other shinobi thought her weak. She just wanted to protect her those dear to her. She should had just taken the responsibility for forcing them to go around and let Sayumi taunt her cowardice. At least Ichi-kun could be spared. But what's done is done.<br/><br/>The bikini-clad kunoichi replied in, catching her attention once more, as she idly ran her fingers through her silky black strands, following up with an unusual question, considering her own challenge. "Of course. It's what comrades do, isn't it?" She said, offering a bit of soft smile, half to the blue-haired woman, but half to herself. Despite not playing out the way she wanted, she was still relieved that they both were safe now. As carefully tended to her locks, setting them back into her neat style, she couldn't help catching the contours of her glove in sight. Now that she had time to calm herself, she could feel how weak and tired she was. As unnerving as that was, it was a realization that was met to her with a certain comfort. It meant she likely didn't take much chakra from Ichimaru after all. In the heat of the moment, she couldn't notice it, as she was just too concerned for her partner's weakened state. It brought her a measure of satisfaction. Maybe she failed to completely live up to her duty to her comrade, but she didn't feed on him, even when she was desperate. Maybe she really could control it. Maybe it was safe to touch people once again.<br/><br/><em>Don't get too comfortable with yourself. Even if it didn't come from Ichimaru, that little bit of chakra flowing through your pathways doesn't truly belong to you, no more than the stolen wallet belongs the thief. You have a lot more to atone for. You're a parasite, Shiori. Never forget that.</em><br/><br/>A polite offer from Sayuri tore her away from her thoughts, as a hint of surprise lights Shiori's grey-blue eyes. However, the Kirigakure-nin was quick to shift the subject, not wanting to linger on the embarrassing. "Is that so?" She simply replied, stiffing a small giggle as Ichimaru sprung up with energetic optimism. For her part, Shiori got up at a more calmer pace, taking her time seating her sandals on the platform and shifting from her knees to a proper stand. As she did, the water-sogged weight of her outfit became much more apparent. Despite just coming out of fairly cool water, the heavy humidity of the air didn't make the experience feel particularly refreshing, as it so often did on hot Takigakure days. She felt rather sticky and sluggish, the heat bearing down on her chest and shoulders in particular.<br/><br/>Compared to her companions, she certainly was a little overdressed. Being wet certainly wasn't weighing down Sayuri at all, being dressed in what most would consider typical swimwear. If anything, her outfit was a little more distracting than before. Beads of water flowed proudly down her body, giving her body a slick shine. Her scant cloth clung to her sensual form, so much so that she could see the impression of her nipples, the inner curves of her rear, maybe even the outline of her intimates down below. It flushed her own cheeks a bit just to think about. One of those moments she was glad Ichimaru couldn't witness for himself.<br/><br/>Not that he was immune to it's effect. Thankfully his pants were loose and sturdy enough not to cling to him in any inappropriate way, but the same couldn't be said for his tanktop, displaying the masculine edges of his abs and broad pecks in between his fishnet innerwear. His drenched hair clung to head, framing his handsome countenance in a most pleasing fashion. She'd seen him plenty of time with his shirt off, with his shoulders and hair dripping with sweat, so it wasn't a completely foreign sight for her. But, she can't recall him ever looking so...so...<br/><br/><em>Stop staring, Shiori. What's wrong with you?</em><br/><br/>The ever mindful brunette retreated her gaze back to herself. She had a poncho that was dripping water onto the pier like it was raining, soaked gloves, leggings, shorts, a thick top, her gear, the thigh strap... It was no wonder why it felt so heavy to her. The cautious brunette case a cursory gaze in either direction, but only found the two of them at the moment. She supposed it would be okay if she took off one or two things. Sayuri clearly had no issues putting herself on display, and Ichimaru couldn't see her anyway. With that in mind, she reached under her short poncho, and lifted it up over her head, pulling it off. The top underneath was made of a thick black cloth, in no way revealing or cut, extending right up to her collar. However, no matter how modest it was, it could only hide so much. The form-fitting garment expanded around her chest, laying plain the shape of her breasts. The wetness of the garb made it a little more shapely than normal, enticingly following the contours of each mound, but even when dry, the visage of her curves were stretching the flexible cloth. They weren't the biggest around, of course. But, for a girl her short stature and petite physique, they certainly stuck out in a noticeable contrast. Her gaze briefly drifted towards her companions, quickly wondering if they noticed, as she tucked the slick outergarb under her arm.<br/><br/>"About paying for us..." She finally replied to her offer, peaking back her way. "I appreciate the kindness, but we had an idea of what we were getting ourselves into. We both knew what we were doing. And we did get here, didn't we?" She added with a reassuring simple, hoping that it wasn't just Sayumi who understood what she was saying. It was the best she could do to convey at the moment to Ichimaru that he wasn't responsible either, without bringing the issue in a manner that might embarrass or shame them. "But if you don't mind, next time, I think I'll just take the long route." She admitted, with a slight giggle, hoping to keep things light and friendly.