Kamado Miko

Tsuguko

" Ne, MikoChan, I have an offer to give you "said Nami

Miko could feel the air shift to her. A simple gaze is enough to stone Miko into place and restrict her breathing.  Nami doesn't seem to notice, or at least didn't make a comment on Miko's tensed body language.

" Yes? "Miko asks, turning her gaze to Yushiro unsurely

Like a kid at the doctors office looking at their parents to speak up for them. Yushiro turns to look at Miko before staring at her all offendedly. His expression reading 'What are you looking at me for?'. 

"  Be my tsuguko "

" ... "

The heat of the desert didn't bother Miko as she walked on the pavement. Too busy pondering over the offer she was given and the intimidating presence she felt. Deep  blue eyes that were still like unmoving waters. Miko feels a shudder run down her spine and goosebumps at the base of her nape. Nami felt like a nice person but her presence was terribly intimidating. A shadow looms over her head and Miko glances up to see the underside of an umbrella.

" You're sweating "said Yushiro blatantly

" Oh, I didn't realize how hot it was "said Miko

Now more focused on herself. She can feel the warmth of her skin and the sweat on her above her lips and neck. Sighing softly as she wipes her nape, frowning slightly at the sweat that gathered there.

" So. Are you going to agree? "

" Hm? Agree? "

" In becoming the Water Pillar's successor "

" Hmm.. I'm not sure. I use sun breathing, I don't know if I should accept "

" Do you not trust her? "

Miko's eyes widen slightly at Yushiro's statement. He must've caught on that she wasn't very keen about becoming the Water Pillar's successor. His calm gaze telling her he was curious as to why. An unsure hum emitting from Miko as she looks ahead. Trying to find words that would not hurt Nami's image.

" She's... intimidating "

" Be my tsuguko "

It was supposed to be an offer but it also sounded like a request. Or demand but it didn't really felt like it. Miko simply sat there, taken aback by the request. It suddenly felt suffocating and she wasn't sure if she was in the right headspace to answer on the fly.

" Sorry, could you give me some time to think it over? "

Nami clearly looks surprised. No doubt it was possibly the first time someone turned down a Hashira's offer to become their successor. Miko just wasn't sure if her situation would be okay, with Niko and everything. School, Autobots. She had completely forgotten about that.

" Yeah, I need some time to think. I'm so sorry "Miko explains, bowing her head apologetically

" Don't worry, I'm just offering the position. Just tell me your answer when you're ready "

" I can tell. You were nervous, but is that all? "

" I... don't want to be restricted "

" Restricted? You mean as in limited to what you can do? "

Yushiro seems confused by that. One of his brows perking up as he tilts his head.

" They seem like very busy people. And from what you told me, the corps seems very strict in itself too. I want to be able to work more freely so that I can help Niko "

" Help Niko? "

" Yeah, didn't someone in our family used to be a demon? "

" ... Where did you learn that? "

" The.. journal "

Silence creeps up on the conversation and so did tension. Miko nervously fidgeting her fingers as Yushiro stared at her.

" I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be nosy but I saw it was on the dinner table and I didn't know what it was so then I- "

" Shut up "Yushiro exasperated, flicking Miko's forehead to silence her

" I only peaked at a few pages... "Miko mumbles

" Did you find out what happened at the end? "

" No... but she was cured right? The sister? "

" Yes, she was, but the last of the medicine was used and the people who made it they- "

Miko pauses when Yushiro stops walking. Glancing at him when he seemingly choked up at the end of the sentence. His eyes. For once, in a long time, they were glossy and filled with emotions. They looked human. Miko moved her lips to answer but decided against it. Her instincts told her to reach out and comfort Yushiro, but it was Yushiro. Instead, she merely looked away, and simply waited for Yushiro to continue.

He wasn't mad, he didn't resent Miko for turning her head away. Exhaling gently as he stayed quiet for a bit longer. This was the longest Miko had ever stayed close to Yushiro when he was emotional. Naturally, not being overly concern with Yushiro seems to be a comfort in itself. Miko got the hint after thinking about the sudden pause. Now contemplating her next words to not aggravate him.

" Let's go home and drink tea "Miko spoke softly

Tea sounded good, and she noticed Yushiro likes to drink a particular type of tea. Yushiro glanced up at her and made eye contact. For the possibly second or third time in her life, she got to see his human eyes briefly before they looked away and got agitated. The same thought that  struck her again every time she saw that gaze.

He looks human

Miko had always been sensitive of Yushiro's emotions even if he was a demon. She didn't dehumanized him or anything. He was simply a demon who still looks human with slit eyes. Still, in fleeting moments he would look entirely human.

Yushiro didn't say anything, simply walking ahead. Miko didn't say anything either, following him in silence. Miko wanted to look over Yushiro's behavior but felt like she was prodding his business. Quickly glancing over, she noticed how his shoulders seem stiff, his grip a little tight. Looking away again, feeling guilty of analyzing his behavior when he's upset. She gazed up at the sky again. Being reminded of Nami when she saw her crow.

Nodding to herself as she finally got her answer. The rest of the walk was silence. Even thoughtless on Miko's part as she simply focused on her surroundings. Reaching Yushiro's home, the smell of lavender and flowers envelope the entire place per usual. Miko only paid attention to it now how it was constantly floral scents that seems to linger around Yushiro. It was pretty. It was the word that came to mind when Miko puts a word to the scents.

As Yushiro puts his umbrella away, Niko bounces over and hugs Miko, his bamboo muzzle bumping into her collarbone causing her to yelp slightly. Chuckling in pain as she pats his back. Now that she thought about it, it was curious Yushiro had a bamboo muzzle that was meant to muzzle demons. Miko wonders if it relates to the demon sister in the journal. She decided against asking, as she noticed it lead to a personal subject.

Yushiro enters his kitchen which was paired with the living room. Miko would offer to help out but Niko was already by Yushiro. 'Annoying' him as Niko clung around Yushiro a bit. Helping out with grabbing tea sets and boiling water. Everything seemed okay now. Relieving Miko as she settles on the couch, a light pressure pressing on her lap before it got heavier. Petting Chachamaru as Yushiro lightly bickers at Niko nearby. The lighter air and the smell of gentle floral scents allows Miko to think easily without bothers.

" YushiroKun, I think I've got my answer "

" Yeah? What is it? "Yushiro grumbles from the kitchen

Shortly after scolding Niko after the sound of clattering was made.

" Can I be your tsuguko? "

Next was the sound of loud shattering.

~~~Next Chapter~~~

~~~The Demon Pillar~~~