Kyuden Shika

He squeezed back, almost painfully hard.

Somehow he'd figured she would understand, but it was still... Possibly the nicest thing she could have said.

He was silent for a bit.

"So. When are you gonna float that boat of yours to some Tortoise port, hm? I'd like to be there when you do."

She grins so hard her cheeks hurt. "Just can't get me out of your head, can you? I'll tell you what. Once a year, Otter, Tortoise, and Mantis meet; as a sign on good faith and a promise that we leave each other to our own devices. It's something of a peace treaty meets a raucous party. Bring your bride and find us there."

"Count on it. I can name-drop a few Otter I'm on good terms with, after all."

He smiled back.

They were both so screwed... By the standards of people he'd lost any shred of respect for.

"And anyhow. We'll need to swap stories, too."

"I'm not sure how interesting you'll find my new stories. Being on house arrest and unable to leave our izakaya won't exactly entice grand adventure..." Her nose wrinkled at that, and given how much soul-bearing over shochu the two had done, he'd know just how deep being confined cut the Otter.
"But I can tell you all the stories I couldn't, before."

"Well. You and your husband could always get kidnapped by some dastardly Tortoise and held for ransom?"

Stupid idea. He was good at those.

"But if you won't be allowed into the world... might be we just have to bring the world to you?"

A nod at the second idea. "That ...would mean so much," she says quietly. "It's Bo's honour on the line, and after everything he's done to keep me safe, I'll stay put for him. As much as it goes against my nature."

"Then I'll do everything I can to make it happen. I doubt I'll have much-if any- pull with the Tortoise, but at least once a year, get ready for a bunch of stories, and a bunch of souvenirs. And, uh... not sure how easily mail will be sent, but... get used to my terrible handwriting, too."

"I'll look forward to every letter," Narumi smirked and squeezed his hand again, loathe to let him go just yet.

"Spoken like someone who's never had to read my scrawl."

He chuckled- then hugged her.

"Take care of each other, all right? My world's a much better one with you in it."

In turn, that was the nicest thing he could've said to her, and the dam broke. The Otter started crying, and squeezed him tightly.

/scene?