Short on Change | Maruki and Shizuku
yaegashiryu:
Her expression softened, though there was a sad sort of edge to it. She couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. There were other people who were more serious about it than she had been. It wasn’t like she particularly liked kendo, not that she hated it either. Her feelings were rather lukewarm, despite her skill. She’d only started it because she didn’t want to disappoint her family when they were so excited with her talent for it. Because of that, her dream to be a normal girl had been shelved and put aside. Of course, she reconciled those feelings long ago, before graduation, but every now and then that small pang of guilt shot through her.
“No, please don’t apologize,” she smiled, pushing those feelings back down. “I’m happy to hear it was such a help to her, and I’m sure my family would be happy to know that as well. It’s true that it’s good for clearing one’s mind and working through whatever might be stressing a person out.” It truthfully had at least helped her in that regard. Whenever she had a sword in her hand, or even a shinai, it felt like her worries were far away, like she didn’t need to worry about them in that moment.
A soft laugh escaped her at his insistence and she conceded. “Very well then, if you insist.” Carefully, she pocketed the change but paused at his offer. “Are you sure?” She didn’t mind, really, given the fact she could defend herself. Even if she wasn’t carrying her katana, between her training and clan abilities she was certain she’d be alright if she did run into trouble. “It might be a bit out of your way though.”
The little shift in Shizuku’s expression didn’t escape Maruki’s notice. One of the skills Maruki had managed to gain in his time as a counselor was being able to pick up on those little changes, a hint into the thoughts of his patients. But he wasn’t in the office right now, so it might be overstepping just a bit to pursue whatever cause the touch of melancholy in Shizuku’s features. He just hoped she was okay.
“I assume you’re speaking from personal experience. I think it’s nice to have some sort of activity that clears your mind like that. Even if I could never do it myself do to my, uh... general lack of coordination.”
Maruki nodded in response. “It’s not a problem. I live alone, so I don’t have anything incredibly pressing at home to attend to.” He didn’t really have many hobbies outside of his job, either... “Shall we go?”










