insect breathing

I once believed that the road of happiness continued forever and ever into the distance. When it was destroyed, I realized for the first time that happiness lies atop a thin sheet of glass. And just as we were saved, there are those whose happiness hasn't yet been destroyed. So I wanted to get stronger and protect them. SHINOBU KOCHO DEMON SLAYER affiliated with isolaradiale

[gokounomai]

the insect hashira of the demon slayer corps

wields the insect breathing technique, which involves rapid stabbing motions with a poison blade

not as strong as her peers physically but makes up for it with speed and strategy

very tiny at 4'11" and she hates that

medical expert for her time on top of being good with poisons

always seems bubbly and a little airheaded... even when she's killing demons

if you always act happy no one will ever know of your deep seated trauma and anger, right?

the biggest sister to ever big sister, even if you're older than her

move like a butterfly and sting like a bee

[otaku553]

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been commissioned to draw shinobu id have two nickels which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it’s happened twice now

[iniezione]

What comes next? Obviously, they're to wait for Shinobu, but for how long? At some point they'll have to move on, though Tikoh doesn't want to think about if it comes to that. Shannon's safety has to come first, and Shinobu would likely agree with that.

Damn her for forcing Tikoh into a situation like this. Shopping for supplies isn't enough of a distraction, and even as she buys some food and medical goods, her thoughts keep drifting to Shinobu. Is she alright? Did she escape? Is she dead? Is the dragon still around? Every so often, Shannon takes her hand and brings her back for a time, but the worry mounts. if only she still had her magic, if only she wasn't reduced to this.

Tikoh chews on her lip, inspecting an apple, as her ears flick with the sound of a familiar voice.

"I'm too stressed," she mutters. "Hearing things now..."

"Tikoh?" says Shannon, pulling at her hand.

"Not too much longer," she says. "Then we can find a place to rest for a bit, Shannon. Is there anything you want? I'm not a great cook, but-"

"No, look!"

Tikoh looks to where Shannon points, and there's Shinobu, with that usual smile on her face. She wasn't hearing things. How long has it been?

"Shinobu?" she says, hastily putting the produce back. "You're here? Already?"

The two girls hurry over to her, Tikoh's eyes lighting on her injuries. "Y-yes, I have some supplies, I can help- Are you okay? Is that really the worst you got?"

Her eyes go to the way they came, where the forest is still visible in the distance. "It's not still hunting you, is it? Are we safe here?"

Shannon steps forward, eyes wide. "I knew you were strong, Shinobu! I was telling Tikoh she didn't have to worry, but-"

"Aha, that's enough, Shannon," says Tikoh, patting the girl's head. "Actually, let's give Shinobu some space. We'll find a quiet place to do some treatment."

Finally, she looks Shinobu in the eyes. "Unless she's going to run off again, that is."

[gokounomai]

虫 "Hm~? I've told you how quick I am before, haven't I? Is it really that surprising that I'd be back so quickly?" It hadn't felt that quick though, probably because she was injured. Pain was pain. She may have been a little stronger and substantially faster than your average human, but she was still human at the end of the day. "I think this should be the worst of it. No broken bones! I just need to make sure it isn't infected. No idea where that thing's claws and mouth were~!" If there was worse, then she was going to try and hide it to take care of it herself later.

There were signs that it might have been worse than she'd been letting on, however. She'd crouched down to speak to Shannon before, but she avoided doing the same thing this time. "Mhm! I said I was strong, right? I wouldn't let that big lizard hurt you~!" She still smiled down at the girl before they set off in place of somewhere to treat her. "It's gone, I wouldn't worry about it coming back!" But she did glance at Tikoh briefly.

Maybe her injuries would keep the erune from thinking about any more monsters for the time being?

When Tikoh looked her in the eye, Shinobu had her facial expression soften to make her look more innocent. "Uh oh, Shannon-chan! Shinobu-san might be in trouble~!"

[iniezione]

"Well, I guess it makes more sense to have festivals when the weather is warm," says Tikoh. "Though I enjoy the festivals they hold during the colder months too, like during the Holy Night. Oh, but I don't want to bore you just talking about the Sky Realm all day."

It's too bad that Lich isn't very keen about reminiscing, because Tikoh would actually like it a lot if she could sit and talk with someone about how things were back home. Spirale is the most pleasant prison she's been in, but it can't match the open skies she calls home.

Regardless of homesickness, it's time to enjoy the day. She looks down at Shinobu, smirking. "Well, I didn't expect you to just give up, but it's fine if you're intimidated. I promise to be gentle with my punishment, though."

It seems that every stall up and down the Star Trail is celebrating Valentine's Day, with vendors decorating their stores with colorful streamers and heart-shaped décor. Fresh bouquets stand near the seating areas, and more than one restaurant has a sign advertising a special for couples. Tikoh surveys it all with a frown, her fingers drumming along the length of the Asclepius Rod.

"Well, it's a bit... more than I expected," she says. "Feels like something I'd see in the tourist-heavy areas of Auguste."

But her expression softens, and she steps to a stall with some familiar-looking fare without another word. She returns to Tikoh's side with two small trays, holding one out to her.

"Here, try this, they're called briny bites. Or, at least they're called that in the Sky Realm. They man at the stall called them something else, but it doesn't matter."

[gokounomai]

虫 "Have I given you the impression that I don't like hearing you talk about your home? You can rant about whatever you'd like to me, Tikoh-san~! You seem happiest when you have a chance to do so!" It was true. Shinobu could tell how much Tikoh's home meant to her. It was the same for her, of course, but the Demon Slayer had a tendency to be more guarded about herself in general. Tikoh was one of the few people she felt comfortable enough doing so with, but the timing had to be right.

This "date" would eventually be one of those moments, she had hoped.

She followed Tikoh along as she hunted down a fitting "punishment" for their game that wasn't much of a game at all, while giving equal attention to her surroundings to figure out what she would choose when her turn came around. "I agree. This is likely the most crowded I've seen it! I'd imagine the holiday has something to do with it!" There were a lot of couples around.

The food that Tikoh eventually returned with was simple, but surprisingly recognizable. It was clearly seafood in nature, and she was accustomed to having things like octopus from time to time whenever they were able to purchase it. "Thank you!" She took a moment to blow on it before inserting it in her mouth. It looked very hot! But chewed and swallowed it with a satisfied "Mm!" at the end. "I'm assuming they're made with some sort of creature from your world? Were they poisonous by chance?"

That was the least surprising question for Shinobu of all people to ask.

[god-of-festivities]

"No worries, my flashy friend! I will wait for whatever concoction you dream up for me to test. In the meantime, we can soak up this retirement together."

He gives her a smile. Having feminine company around would ease his soul aching for the presence of his wives again. Not having them fuss over him or make him food was taking its toll. Making his boredom even more out of control. Sitting back doing nothing wasn't flashy enough. But maybe returning to being a test rat for Shinobu would help.

"Say, have you been here a while? I've been looking for a place that serves good tea. That would be a great way to kickstart my retirement here! Good tea is always flashier when enjoyed with comrades."

[gokounomai]

虫 "Flashy, hm~? I'd argue I'm the least flashy of the Hashira, but it's always interesting to hear that you don't see it that way even though you say it about everyone." Because Shinobu was self conscious about being "weaker" than the others. She didn't often have these one-on-one conversations with Uzui of all people, so it was interesting to hear his perspective. Still, she didn't expand upon why she didn't see herself that way.

That would remain her little secret.

"Oh? You're continuing your retirement here? ...I suppose I can't say any differently, the city isn't exactly under Muzan's siege, and the Demon Slayer Corps don't exist." Still, she wandered around in her uniform most of the time. "But I know a few places. I've also acquired some leaves not unlike the ones from back home if you'd like to return to my place. I could show you a few teahouses along with way?"

[umbreaking]

Eloquent wasn't his game, neither were zoo animals, unless somebody wanted to count the dolphins, or maybe the gazelles. Enjin cracks a grin on his face, snickering to himself at the thought of hooved beasts trampling around the greenhouse, getting into trouble, munching up the hyacinths--

He was getting distracted now.

Might be why he isn't doing well in his courses.

" Boring, he's a total stick in the mud, I'd rather watch paint grow and grass dry-- " Enjin pokes his head up a little.

" I mean, watch paint dry and grass grow, " quick correction as he pushes the cart along, taking care not to trip over any of the garden hoses on the walk way.

" Zoo Animal Man would be a gnarly name, huh? " He laughs.

" Nah, Miss Kocho, you can call me Enjin, " no last name, just a first one.

" You got all sorts of rare plant life growing in here it looks like. "

[gokounomai]

虫 "Well, you could certainly use it as a stage name. Singers use weird names like that all the time, right?" She could hear it now! "Please give a warm welcome to Zoo Animal Man and his majestic accordion melodies!" He didn't really look like he'd play the accordion at all, she just chose what she assumed would be the most undesirable instrument that she could think of.

Shinobu giggled when he addressed her by name. "Well, you have some manners at least, Mister Enjin. No last name?" That wasn't very uncommon around the city admitted. She had never really questioned why before, and she wasn't going to start thinking too hard about it now.

At the mention of the plants, she stopped before what appeared to be a pretty purple flower. "Rare, yes. Sometimes dangerous. Like this sample here! Eating a single petal is enough to render you paralyzed for an hour." The young woman explained before tearing off a flower and stuffing it in her mouth. She was lying.

[gokounomai]

"Oh! Miss Shinobu! Super flashy seeing a familiar face! Might I bother you to continue my poison conditioning?"

虫 "Oh! Uzui-san~! To think my fellow Hashira had begun to show up!"

"As it turns out, there are a number of unique, potent, and completely unknown poisons in this city and I've been raring to have a proper test subject! Let's hope you aren't magically not immune to any of them, hm?" Well, he'd just respawn.

[god-of-festivities]

"Flashy! I am thrilled to get started honing my body to these new poisons."

He flexes despite his lack of a second hand. No reason to not be a show off. Surviving deathly blows was a badge of honor. "I will gladly be your test subject. Haha- if I am not immune, then I shall just have to do better!"

[gokounomai]

虫 "Hm... Truth be told, I've heard stories about toxins from other worlds as well. It would be nice if I could obtain some samples to give them a test, but unless someone comes into this world carrying them, they're a little difficult to obtain." If there was something that could kill a high ranking demon instantly, that would have been nice!

But she'd also been trying to learn how to apply her poisons to the island's monsters. Her usual concoction wasn't as effective against them.

"I might need a bit of time to get things ready though Uzui-san, even though I appreciate your eagerness~!" Shinobu had just been testing things on herself, and there was a certain woman in her life that wasn't too keen on that idea.

[noctilin]

i drew this because i got so excited about getting a copy of the latest movie but it was apparently also her birthday the same night i drew this and i wasn't even aware LMAO happy birthday to my girlfriend

[iniezione]

Ah, so Tikoh's chief concern has come true. Wonderful.

She watches as Shinobu flings herself at the monster's scaly hide, but it's as if the beast barely recognizes her at first. She's an insect to it, not even worth noticing until her sword cuts into it. And now she has its attention. Slayer and dragon facing off, and there's nothing Tikoh can do about it. Even the strongest warriors aboard the Grandcypher would balk at taking on such a target by themselves, but Shinobu's already going at it without regard for her own safety.

"Doing this for us? No, we could've just let it pass by," she mutters, her ears twitching. "Some... ego thing."

She's mad. Shinobu's skilled, but it's a damn dragon. There's no way she's getting out of this unscathed. And all Tikoh can do it sit on the sidelines and hope things don't turn out too badly.

Hands grasp at the edges of Tikoh's clothes, and Shannon's shaky voice comes out from her coat.

"T-Tikoh?" the girl says. "Are we... No, is Shinobu going to be okay?"

Deep breath. Tikoh looks down at the girl and tries to smile. "Shinobu's strong, and she knows what she's doing. She wouldn't do that without a plan. And she's given us an opportunity, so let's use it while we can."

With the dragon present, there's unlikely to be anything else brave enough to bar their way. Tikoh rises to her feet, Shannon still clutched in her arms, and takes off as quickly as she dares. She knows the way- there's a small town down south, someplace that's hopefully safe from the fog and the things that lurk within it. And hopefully Shinobu will join them before long.

Behind her, the dragon roars. Tikoh keeps her eyes fixed ahead. Even if Shinobu's done something foolish, it would be more foolish to waste the chance they've been given. Swallowing her anger, Tikoh runs. And she doesn't stop until the town gates come into view. Only then she does she finally let go of Shannon, letting the girl down to the ground while she braces herself against a fencepost. She can't remember the last time she's run so long or so fast, and her body screams at her. But they're alive. They made it.

"Are you okay, Tikoh?" says Shannon.

"F-fine," gulps Tikoh. "Just winded. I'll... be okay. Just need to catch my breath."

Panting, she looks back at the path they came from. The forest still looms off to the side, but if the dragon is still prowling, it isn't visible through the thick cover of fog. If she waits, will Shinobu come through? And if she does, what will Tikoh say?

"Shinobu will be here soon," says Shannon.

Tikoh looks down at her, blinking. The girl continues.

"You said she's strong, right? So she'll be okay. And... soon she'll be here," she says, her brow set.

For a moment, Tikoh stares. Then she nods, smiling. Yes, that's... that's right. And then we'll keep going, together. Thank you, Shannon. Thank you for reminding me."

Smiling, Shannon steps close and wraps her arms around Tikoh's waist. She's trembling. Tikoh runs her hand though the girl's hair, still fighting for breath.

"We're alright, Shannon. So long as we're together, we're alright. And I promise, we'll always be together," she says. "Come on, let's go. We'll need to find someplace to stay for when Shinobu gets here."

Together, the two walk into the town. For just a moment, Tikoh glances over her shoulder, waiting for a shape to emerge from the mist. Then she sets her eyes forward, and keeps walking.

[gokounomai]

虫 The size difference between her opponent and herself was no different than between a human and an ant, where she was the ant. Shinobu couldn't help but chuckle at the thought as she leaped out of the way of one of its powerful claws crashing onto the ground where she stood, though. "Fufufu... I suppose an ant is a fitting comparison for the Insect Hashira. I've always been smaller than my opponents. It doesn't matter how much bigger the gap is."

The dragon's size was a double-edged sword for the both of them. It was so big that her blade and poisons couldn't do much to it, but at the same time it was too cumbersome to manage to hit her so long as she could dart around. She didn't have no plan, though. She had a theory she wanted to test.

"If the mist's effects are tied to one's memories, then what if enough distance is created?" That was why she had been leading it in the opposite direction of where she had assumed Tikoh had gone. It was risky, but out of the members of the group she was the best equipped to try. It took about ten minutes of leading, baiting, and dodging until eventually it disappeared without a trace.

A welcome development, but a concerning one. That meant Tikoh could potentially summon a new one without meaning to. It also meant that she had the potential to summon something dangerous. But she buried that thought... along with her hatred once more.

It took her almost twenty minutes more to find her companions once more.

"Tikoh-san~! Shannon-chan~! It's gone~!" Shinobu announced when she found them in town. She was in surprisingly good condition aside from a few gashes on her arms from some close dodges. They'd need to be disinfected and dressed, but she had weathered worse. "Do you have any tools on you, Tikoh-san? I've lost a bit of blood."

[iniezione]

"Sometimes you'll have multiple nations on one island, so it varies from place to place. And different skydoms might have different organizations," says Tikoh. Politics aren't her strong suit, so she deflects, "The sky is a big place. It's hard to keep track of it all."

She sighs and goes to look out the window. Compared to the boundless blue of the Sky Realm, Spirale feels so constricting in comparison. So many limits on what one can do or where they can go; it's a surprise inhabitants are even allowed to have their own business like she's aiming to do.

"Well, keep your schedule open," she says wistfully.

Star Trail isn't too far from Tikoh's home; they probably could've walked, but a ride in a taxi is nice once in a while. Tikoh's still lost in her thoughts when they arrive, and when her door opens she just stares in surprise. But she takes Shinobu's hand with a smile, her ears flicking.

"You're awfully energetic today, aren't you Shinobu? Do you treat all your friends like this? You don't need to go that far, but I appreciate it."

Even the captain rarely treated her like this, not that she's complaining. It's nice to be the center of someone's attention. She just can't help but wonder what's got Shinobu so interested in her today.

Stepping out of the car, the smells of Star Trail hit her almost immediately, and Tikoh's eyes light up. She's been counting her calories lately, so one day of indulging should be fine, right?

"It kind of reminds me of some of the festivals I'd see back in the Sky Realm," she says. "Though I guess it's not quite as busy. That's good, festivals are always kind of stressful. So many people running around, and you can never be sure if someone's going to get themselves hurt..."

She sighs. "Sorry, I don't mean to start talking about work. We're here to relax, right? Where do you want to start? If you're not quick, I'll choose something without you!"

[gokounomai]

虫 Modern transportation was still amusing for Shinobu. She hailed from an era where automobiles and trains were only beginning to become more commonplace, but as a Demon Slayer she lived quite a ways away from a level of civilization where people frequently drove them. Even then, the vehicles of the modern era were much more advanced, even if she had seen some models that were more reminiscent of what she was used to.

"Do you treat all your friends like this?"

Obviously not. But Tikoh's inability to pick up on her attempts to flirt with her had become something Shinobu was getting used to. At first she had wondered if the erune was just playing coy, but she'd ended up concluding that she just sincerely wasn't picking up what was being put down in front of her. "Hmm~! I wonder?" All the Hashira could do was play it off.

There was a time to be blunt. She was likely going to have to be sooner or later. But not yet!

"Festivals like that are common in Japan as well, especially during the summer. I can only hope we'll see more of them when the seasons warm here as well." How many summers did she even have left? Back home, realistically? Probably not even one more. In Spirale was different though since she was on borrowed time. "But hmm... Was Tikoh-san just issuing me a challenge~? I suppose I'll forfeit. I'd like to see what you choose, in fact!"

[gokounomai]

"Oh! Miss Shinobu! Super flashy seeing a familiar face! Might I bother you to continue my poison conditioning?"

虫 "Oh! Uzui-san~! To think my fellow Hashira had begun to show up!"

"As it turns out, there are a number of unique, potent, and completely unknown poisons in this city and I've been raring to have a proper test subject! Let's hope you aren't magically not immune to any of them, hm?" Well, he'd just respawn.

[gokounomai]

at this rate she's going to have to come out of retirement

[umbreaking]

He lets out a sigh.

"Calling me right out just like that?" Enjin snorts, and cracks a grin, unable to play it off or act innocent. He knew what he was doing after all, and he was a terrible liar.

"I get bored! I need enrichment like a zoo animal, and right now, there's not enough stuff to do in my enclosure," he quips, waving his hand to try and downplay the situation.

"Sure the field trip is why I'm here, but, between you and me--? The professor is, well-- he's kinda-- making me want to run away and never come back to his class. So instead, here I am, making connections!"

Enjin clicks his tongue against his teeth, and gives a joking salute, sauntering over and grabbing the handle to the cart.

"Now! Where we goin' miss uhh-- what's your name?"

[gokounomai]

虫 "Well, I don't think we'd normally allow a zoo animal in the greenhouse? Wouldn't want it eating or trampling all of the planets, now would we?" Shinobu understood his analogy, but she couldn't help but pick at it a little. Was that his attempt at sounding eloquent? It was certainly cute... like a zoo animal!

She walked ahead of him, peering at him over her shoulder with fingers laced behind her back while waiting for her opportunities to respond.

"Hmm~? What's your teacher like, then?" Shinobu suspected they were probably normal enough as far as teachers were concerned, but this man didn't jive with their stricter education style. "Shinobu Kocho is my name, but it's rude to ask for one without giving your own first, you know? Or should I refer to you as "zoo animal man" from now on~?" She didn't answer the initial question, at least not yet.

[iniezione]

Despite the convenient veil of translation that's been placed over the island, one of Shinobu's words doesn't quite make sense to Tikoh. There's a lilting accent to it, and for a moment she wonders if she's hearing her real voice. How would her own native tongue sound to Shinobu's ears?

Tikoh keeps her thoughts to herself as they head outside, waiting for a car to take them to their destination. She's a little more used to them know, but she misses the bassy hum of an airship engine.

"There's a lot of islands with their own specialty dishes back in the Sky Realm," she says, making idle conversation. "Maybe some of them made their way here. Things like bonito, urkin, briny bites... Hm, I guess those are mostly summer foods, actually. Well, I'm sure we'll find something."

Why does her mind go back to those fatty festival foods? Tikoh frowns a bit, wondering if they'll be walking enough for it to not matter. And so Shinobu's sudden question catches her off guard, her ears flicking as she re-collects herself.

"I'm fine, really," she says, giving Shinobu an easy smile. "Dealing with this stuff is a lot less stressful than what I was dealing with back in the Sky Realm. Not that I don't appreciate your concern, I just don't think I'll work myself into exhaustion again anytime soon."

She hums, her eyes landing on the taxi that pulls up to the curb. She opens the door for Shinobu, looking down at her. "Actually, speaking of... Are you working anywhere right now, Shinobu? Maybe I'll take you up on that offer sooner rather than later."

[gokounomai]

虫 Shinobu herself wasn't sure why she was able to brute force Japanese honorifics through the city's translator, but someone had explained the possibility to her that the city was likely modeled on her planet, and they might have been known words even if the language wasn't the same. It didn't occur to her that people from other worlds might not have known anything about them.

"I see... It sounds very diverse! In the era I hail from, it hasn't been all that long historically since Japan started forming allyships with nations beyond the sea. Is each island like its own little nation, then?" She wouldn't pretend to understand how a world full of sky islands functioned politically when she barely understood the politics of her own country. None of it was really relevant to a demon slayer.

She had been worried that Tikoh was going to shrug off her offer for help only to be hit with an unexpected question as they settled in the taxi beside each other. "Work... Well~! I've been taking up odd jobs here and there, but nothing I'd call a career! There aren't exactly demons around here to slay, after all! Well, none that are misbehaving at least~!" Shinobu winked.

This was all conversation she made as they took the cab. Their destination? The Star Trail in Archimedes ward. Before Tikoh could finish unbuckling her seatbelt though, Shinobu was out and on the erune's side of the door to open it for her. She even offered a hand to help her out.

"I'm the one that asked you out, so I should handle things like this, no?" At least that seemed to be the case from the movies she'd seen.

[cheriafreya]

🌸

[gokounomai]

@umbreaking 虫 ofiuco u

location: greenhouse, golden campus

虫 "Now this is a curious sight~! I was aware that some of the students from the Cotes campus were here today on a little field trip, but if you've wandered in here then you've probably taken a wrong turn?" That was probably the more charitable read of his presence, but he looked more like he was hiding than anything.

"Or could it be that you're skipping?" He was obviously significantly older than Shinobu, which made it even funnier that he was likely doing just that.

She raised a finger to her lips in a "hush" gesture. "Oh, don't worry~! I won't rat you out, even though I definitely could without a second thought! In exchange, however?" Shinobu ended up taking that finger and pointing it towards a sizable cart filled with soil that was beside the door he had slipped in through. "Could you push that and follow me~?"

[iniezione]

"You're really overestimating me. I'm just a doctor," Tikoh sighs. Perhaps some of her combat-enthusiast crewmates would've been able to pick up on Shinobu's presence, but Tikoh isn't like them. She tucks the kit away into her desk, resolving to look into it more later.

Thinking about her friends back in the Sky Realm puts a melancholy feeling in her chest, but Tikoh just shrugs. "I don't think they were serious about it. I wasn't either, with my return gifts. They were just a bit younger than me, so I couldn't help but tease them a bit. That's all."

Although, if they'd been serious about it... she probably wouldn't have been totally opposed to the idea. Would it be appropriate to have that kind of relationship with her captain? With one of her patients?

"Moot point, I suppose," she mutters.

She looks back to Shinobu, smiling. "I didn't know it was such a common holiday across all these places we come from. Well, if it's your first one, then I'd be happy to spend it with you."

Shinobu's not malicious, but sometimes she's a little... suspect. Like when she lets herself into Tikoh's room unannounced.

"I didn't say nefarious." Though she was thinking it. "But you do have something planned, then?"

It sounds simple enough, though. Just two young women spending Valentine's day together, shopping. Together. For a moment, another question comes to Tikoh's mind, but she shakes her head. She'll just ignore it for now.

"And maybe I can find something from the Sky Realm. A cultural exchange, that sounds interesting. Let's go, no point in waiting around," says Tikoh, opening the door for Shinobu. She wants to make sure she locks it behind her.

[gokounomai]

虫 "Oh? Just a doctor? I'll remember that in the future, sensei~!" While it had been a little amusing, if it was something that might distress Tikoh then she wouldn't launch a sneak attack like that again. The erune hadn't talked much about her own abilities beyond her medical knowhow, but Shinobu had gotten it in her head that she was capable of more amazing things than that after their trek through the mist that one time.

It was a relief to hear that whatever had been going on with her captain hadn't been all that serious. She didn't need to question why that was relieving. It was tied to the whole reason that she'd asked her out on Valentine's Day in the first place!

"But you were probably thinking it~!" Shinobu mused back at Tikoh's insistence she didn't say it had been nefarious. "I apologize, however. I'm sure you've realized by now that I'm something of a prankster from time to time, I don't mean any harm. I'll refrain if you find it disruptive!" She'd just turn that attention onto someone else. A new unsuspecting victim.

She followed Tikoh out of the building and began to walk at her side. "It might just be food that they have from other worlds, but even if I can find you something that reminds me of home, I'll be content. I'm sure I can find you something else as a gift!" She stuck to the erune's side, occasionally glancing at her while she matched her pace. Upon stopping to hail a cab, she paused and looked Tikoh dead in the eyes.

"Have you been sleeping well enough? I know you've been focused on that project of yours, but don't forget about your own health. You can lean on me a little too, you know~?"