Where you are [Kogo's Yurt, D6, EM]

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"The next miai event later, giving some riding lessons, a gathering with a few Unicorn I promised to attend, as well as the history lessons held by Usagi Tomoe. They've been helpful in better understanding the empire. A relatively full day, but the best part of it is happening early in the morning shortly after I wake up," he says smiling at her. "What about yourself?"

[Matsu Kogo]

She thinks for a moment. "The event of course. I think I may stop by the fortune teller's booth I have heard about. I figure knowing a bit more of my future could be useful." She thinks. "After that, I am not sure. The last few days have been so packed but today is strangely free. Hopefully something will arise."

I wonder who he is giving lessons to as well. Ahh well, I have no claim to him or his time.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Ah, I spoke with her yesterday. And found out that fortune telling confuses me," he says with a chuckle. "Didn't understand what my fortune meant at all."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo looks curious. "What did she say?"

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Something about chronic illness and hesitating. But I don't have any chronic illness and I avoid hesitating. I am not sure what it meant. Perhaps it was far in the future," he says with a shrug. "Something I'll keep in mind but not something I think I'd understand until it happens, if it happens."

[Matsu Kogo]

She blinks. "That does sound confusing.I hope she gives me some clearer sign of my future. " She laughs a little. "I would say hesitation is the least of your concerns."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"That's what I told her," he replies with a smile. "But she said it might be something I don't know I'm hesitating over. Which, I guess if I don't know then I don't know."

[Matsu Kogo]

She pauses. "Huh, I wonder. You are correct in saying it is difficult to know what one does not know." She ponders. "What could the disease mean?"

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"My initial thought when she said it was that it was maybe a reference to someone I know. Though the number of people I know with chronic illnesses is rather limited," he says with a shrug.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo's mind ponders for a moment, thinking of illnesses that could afflict many. "well at least there are healers here, in case you should need anything. And perhaps it is more metaphor than anything else."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Perhaps. Maybe my constant flattery of you is considered a chronic illness of fate. And I'm not about to give that up," he says with a smile. "If so, I'm glad to have that illness."

[Matsu Kogo]

She blushes hard, not expecting this little sally. "I am continuously impressed by your ability to turn the most...impossible thing into a compliment for me."

Remember what Suteichi said. Don't give everything of yourself and your thoughts away. Who knows who will choose you?

""You make it hard to stay guarded Shinjo-san. Each time I think I am prepared, you slip through."

That....might not have been what he meant.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"If it makes you feel any better, I offer these compliments because I truly feel them. Whether or not we end up together, I do want you to know that I find you to be an amazing person, and would continue hoping to spend time with you. Even if it could never be more than as friends, I'd still want to let you know how fortunate I am to be getting to know you."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. "I do not doubt your sincerity Shinjo-san. It is evident that you only say what you feel. For that, I am honored." She pauses. "I find you to be a deeply enjoyable person to get to know as well. And if things go in one way or another, I will still be glad to know you and be called friend by one such as you."

She thinks for a moment. "It is also an immense comfort to me that you do think of the future and your future bride. You do yourself and her honor in doing so and I am glad that no matter what, I will have no shame when I think back to the time we have spent together. "

I am learning to appreciate that kind of forethought.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"It's only fair to whoever I end up with, that I take the time to get to know them. And that I am at least respectful of whoever their future husband might be as well. The rumors that have been going around... I find them quite perturbing," he offers. "I hope you know I would not consider doing that to my future wife. In this setting, patience is respectful and undoubtedly appreciated."

He shakes his head with disappointment. "I'm not against people being with one another... but really. This is not a spousal trade bazaar."