Kyuden Shika

The Kaito shook her head. "You must still mind, body and soul to do a good job. This place might still the mind but the soul is difficult for those who care the soul is difficult." She explained. "Time heals...and stills the soul."

"I..." he nods. Removing the rope tail. "I just sometimes let my feelings get away from me. Especially seeing you again, earlier than I expected. My actions and your need for distance flipped my world upside down. And in a moment you turned it back over, just by speaking to me. Such extreme highs and lows... It's difficult to keep my center when tumbling. But I will try my best."

"I know..." She took a breath. "I hope you understand. It is hard for us and well... If you wish I would go... let you concentrate better."

"Absolutely not, Bai-chan," he says with a smile. "I want you here. I... just got excited to see you again. You've made me very happy and I would like to spend the rest of the morning working by your side in the temple if you wish it."

Bai smiled. "So did you... I'll be going to the market later today... is there something that you need?"

That offer warmed him. It felt like... an expectation to see him again soon. Not just forgiveness and understanding, but wanting to be near him again. He was likely reading too much into it. "Ahh... I don't need anything, but thank you for the offer. I would come with, but I don't wish to head out from here until I've completed this task for Musubi-no-kami."

He continues his work. "And as you say I do need to keep a calm center, so I don't wish to rush it."

"I'll ask the temple monks to grant you Inari's blessings if none come to bring something to eat, neh." She smiled

"Thank you for taking care of me Bai. I hope to be able to take care of each other for a long time." He smiles sincerely at her. "Nothing would make me happier."

"I like to take care of people . Even if I am not near they are in my prayers." She nodded. "I like that as well...Sometimes one needs to take care of oneself before taking care of others."

"And sometimes one needs to let another take care of them. It is fine to be strong, but it is better to be strong together. After all, the marriage knot doesn't represent two people standing alone, but rather living together."