[D0, EN] Yume-do and Fate are Jerks (Expecting)

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"That's...", he fixed his mask back over his mouth. "Nothing to be worried about, a promise that could make people gossip isn't worth keeping."

The truth is he was very grateful, he hoped she could see that, but he supposed to say what he said.

[Usogawa Emiko]

"Please don't worry Shosuro-san" Emiko waved the concerns away and smiles "it's just music being played in a garden. Although perhaps before it gets too late we should return, ne? We're walking in the same direction anyway."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

He shook his head. "Though we are, you can go first. It's only the first day and the last thing you need is for some busybody nakodo do assume things. I won't be far behind."

[Usogawa Emiko]

Emiko frowned, and took three steps towards the inn before turning around.

"There, I'm ahead but not far enough to not talk."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

He sighed and stood up, maybe he should just throw her over his shoulder and carry her.

"Lead on, I'm too sleepy to remember how to get back on my own anyway."

[Usogawa Emiko]

Emiko wasn't too smug about her victory. She just smiled politely and internally was smug about her victory, like all good trained courtiers are.

"Hai Shosuro-san! Follow me, a good Otter never gets lost!"

She turned and lead on, being pretty certain she remembered the way.

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

Well of course he knew where he was, he was exactly 1 meter and seven centimeters behind Emiko's elegant steps. He knew how far that was to the inn, but it wasn't what he found himself paying attention to. So to distract his eyes from the distraction, he started talking again, hopefully not with complete nervous wreck being quite apparent.

"It's a nice night for walking, even still", he managed. Technically he wasn't talking to her, since they weren't together.

[Usogawa Emiko]

"Hai. The night isn't too hot, nor too cold. The breeze is lov-" thud

Seems the Otter had found a tree. Or, more accurately. The roots of the tree. She pushed herself up slowly.

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

Hikimasu advanced and gently assisted her, seeming to surprisingly know how to help a girl to her feet without being overly handsy. "Trees aren't all friendly, Usogawa-san, be careful when saying hello."

[Usogawa Emiko]

"Hai" Emiko said quietly, accepting the help this time as it was dark and she couldn't see well ahead of her. She was relatively light, and being closer up Hikimasu might be able to detect a small hint of orange blossom scent on her.

After brushing her kimono, she bowed to the man.

"Thank you Shosuro-san."