(D0, EM) Oh Lawd He Comin'

[Asahina Bo]

"Everywhere!" He grins, "Atarashi he... uh, oh, that's a friend of mine... he travels all over and comes back with all these stories and all these new foods he's tried. He sometimes even brings me spices!" His smile positively beams, "But he's not much the cookin' type so he can't turn what he ate into recipes. So I only get to hear about them." What could, in all honesty, only be described as a pout eclipses the smile briefly, "So unfair. So I have to get out there to try them myself!"

[Usogawa Narumi]

Ah so, the way to this one's heart was through his stomach? Narumi was not surprised, and it got her thinking.
"I often trade spices in my travels along the river. And on good days, I get to indulge in some of the varieties of sweets from all across Rokugan, where the rivers flow, of course. I would be keen to share some of what I brought with me... with you, that is. As my way of saying thank you." She showed him a wide smile, and colour touched her cheeks once more as she looked at him, getting to know his face, taking in his features.
His was a face she would very much like to see more of.

[Asahina Bo]

The smile returns, the sun only briefly eclipsed by cloud, and his eyes widen though he does try to maintain some decorum, "I mean I don't really need thanks or nothin'... I just did what was right...."

[Usogawa Narumi]

Her gaze dips. "Please, it would make me happy to share some of what I've brought with you. I get the impression few would appreciate it as much as Asahina-san, after all, and perhaps we can share our favourite recipes. You can tell me the stories Atarashi-san has told you, and we can fantasize about travelling to distant lands and tasting all manner of savoury dishes until our bellies feel they might explode from contentment."

[Asahina Bo]

Why do you have to refuse twice? Who made these stupid rules. Of course I want that!

The strain was starting to show in his furrowed brow as Bo forced himself to continue, "Ummm, that would be amazin'... but... but... uh... I mean if you travel a lot it might be a long time until you're gonna be back where you got 'em from. You... you should ration 'em carefully."

I did it! I did it!

[Usogawa Narumi]

"What good are spices and sweets if not to be enjoyed? They benefit no one simply sitting in a package on a shelf or in a drawer, growing lonely. They're made to be used, to be tasted. And if it comes to pass that I cannot acquire more, then I will enjoy the memory of them, and the memory of those I share them with. Please let me share them with you."
She enjoyed watching the mask of concentration on the Crane's face as they did the necessary dance of gift-giving.

[Asahina Bo]

Bo is at least cognizant enough to turn his head to the side before releasing a sigh of relieved tension likely strong enough to bowl someone over.

His smile beams again as he turns back, "Then, uh, then I'd be honored to accept! Thank you!"

[Usogawa Narumi]

"Of course, Asahina-san, you're most welcome," she returned the smile, though the knot in her chest tightened once more.
Anything to make him turn that smile towards her again.
"I look forward to sharing many meals with you in the coming days, I imagine we'll have plenty of time to get to know one another. And uh, of course the other candidates attending the miai. I always enjoy meeting new samurai. Otter have ways of finding friends wherever we make port."

[Asahina Bo]

The smile continues unabated, "I'd really like that! I love making new friends."

[Usogawa Narumi]

"Fantastic." she suddenly remembered the tea, and poured Bo a cup before pouring her own.
"And we are friends, aren't we, Asahina-san? If there's anything this one can do for you, anything you can think of, don't hesitate to come find me, alright?"