The sake shop - Kamisama Kiss

Morning

When Mizuki returned back to his shop, he was exhausted. By now, it was late at night. Not only that, he kept thinking (most likely worrying) about Ami.

'She's with Nanami and Tomoe. She's in good hands. Stop worrying, Mizuki.'
He thought as he began to tidy up and clean his sake shop as he did every day.

His snake came up to him and he hugged it. Then, when he let go, it slithered away to find somwhere to sleep.

Mizuki changed the sign on the door to say 'closed'. Then, he took a quick look at the materials that the snake had brang for him earlier that day. He thought, 'I'll do something with these tomorrow. It would be great if Ami got better by then. She'd be able to help me.'

He collapsed heavily onto the table, and quickly fell asleep. He spent the night dreaming about his newly decorated Sake shop. Images of colours, patterns, shapes and posters filled his mind as he fell into a deep sleep.

In the morning, he didn't feel like waking up. He had almost forgotten about the previous day. When he remembered, he shot up and sprinted for the door.

"Hey!" Mizuki called for his snake. "Take care of the shop for a few moments! I'm going to the Mikage shrine to check up on Ami."

He kept the sign on the door saying 'closed' as he ran as fast as he could to the shrine.

'I know she's ok. But I still have to make sure. She's not only a customer, but a friend too. She could even be the new goddess of the Yonomori shrine if she agrees to it.'

His mind was racing as he ran. Soon, he reached the familiar shrine and went to knock.

It was Ami who answered. Nanami was standing behind her.

"Hey, Mizuki!" Nanami greeted.

"Hi." Ami said.

"Hello Lady Nanami. Ami, you're ok?"

"Yeah! I'm fine." Ami answered. "I was just catching up with Nanami and Tomoe. It feels good to speak to them again after all these years."

"That's lovely to hear." Mizuki smiled. "Hey, Lady Nanami, I've got a few things I'd like to tell you."

"Sure, do you want to come inside?"

"Sure."

Mizuki went inside and told Nanami the things he wanted to say. Afterwards, he asked an important question that had been on his mind for some time.

"Can I ask this in private with you and Tomoe? Is that ok?"

Ami went to get Tomoe. Then, she went into another room as the other three spoke.

"What is it, snake? Speak up." Tomoe began as soon as he entered the room.

Mizuki sighed. "You know Ami better than me, right? I was just considering your opinions on if I sealed the familiar contract with her. She could be the new goddess of the Yonomori shrine. Doesn't that sound good?"

The two pondered for a moment.

Nanami replied first. "We'd have to ask her first. You know, explain things and get her permission. I think she'd make an excellent goddess though if she did agree. She's got the kindness, softness and all the other good qualities in her."

Tomoe waited a couple of moments before adding his own opinion on the matter. "As much as I should agree with my mistress, I have some doubt in terms of this human girl. What if she's too weak, or not prepared?"

Nanami pushed Tomoe jokingly, before adding, "Didn't you say the same things about me when you first met me? Now look at me. You're always saying lucky you are to have met me! You've got to give her a chance! She's my best friend after all."

"I guess. Just give her a bit more time. Help her get experience by working with you in the sake shop. Then, when you're both ready, come here. Do you understand?" Tomoe said to Mizuki.

"Yes. Thank you both for you advice. Now, may I ask her if she'd like to start work from today?"

"Be my guest." Tomoe stated.

Mizuki ran out of the room and into the one that Ami was in. His heart was beating loudly and quickly in his chest as his breathing hot heavier too.