A Pup and a Prayer (D8, EA)

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Maybe she's kept it from you." he grinned. "Uncertain of what you might think."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "She should know better. She knows my thoughts on flexibility." She sighs. "But....sometimes the ones we love know us least."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"There's also the possibility that she's been honing her skills as a surprise." he shrugged.

[Matsu Kogo]

She pretends to consider it. "Perhaps it was a surprise for me. To know all of her talents." She looks at Noburu, as if analyzing her. "Or maybe she has planned to run away and practice her new craft!"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"She'd take you with her, I'm sure." he chuckled. "You'd arrrange marriages together, across the Empire."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "Perhaps I could be her fierce guardian. No one could harm the Nakodo, if they did not like her choices. And that way, she would not have to bloody her nice hat."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Maybe she's been grooming you for that." he snapped his fingers. "Waiting for the right moment to reveal the truth to you."

[Matsu Kogo]

She thinks for a moment. "She is wiser than me if so. I never saw this as my goal. But maybe it is my true calling!" She poses dramatically.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Best to bring you into it when the time is right, then." he nodded. "Truly, very wise."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods, looking serious for a brief moment, before laughing and looking over at him. "Ahh Kemuri-san. Truly, this has been a better afternoon than many."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Your company has been helpful, Kogo-san." he grinned. "I needed a pleasant distraction."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiled. "I needed the same. I am glad we could be helpful to each other." She looks at him, her face smiling but serious. "I hope this is not the last afternoon we share Kemuri-san, whatever happens."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It won't be." he shook his head and grinned. "I'll want Noburu-san to review the final arrangements of my betrothal."

[Matsu Kogo]

She laughs. "I will ensure she is available. She may have many demands on her time, but your request will come first."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I am grateful." his head dipped. "And, we will hunt together. But, it may be best to wait until the miai ends."