⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ཾ∗ ꒰⠀@deathcries⠀❩̩̩͙ ཻ̩͙⠀ ˎ-
            〝  i assume that means onsen is to your liking.  that makes me happy to hear ＂ she chose to have her back facing the other seeing as her hand was getting tired〝  and it was my mistake,  you're not at fault!  i should've admittedly announced myself first before entering.  an unprofessional act as host on my part..- ＂

"  thank you for reminding me,  and..  " ⠀he slowly lowers his arms,  but the flush hasn't subsided. ⠀"  i'm simply enjoying it while i can..  i suppose i over–reacted?  hehe.  "

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ཾ∗ ꒰⠀@deathcries⠀❩̩̩͙ ཻ̩͙⠀ ˎ-
            〝  the meal that's been prepared for your stay is getting cold.  i only came to inform you of that,  not disturb your peace ＂ she corrected as a hand remained covering her eyes〝  you've been in the waters for so long i had grown to wonder if your skin has gotten pruney due to it ＂

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ཾ∗ ꒰⠀@6THEYES⠀❩̩̩͙ ཻ̩͙⠀ ˎ-
            〝  with such a striking apperance as yours,  it's easy to identify you as the one i've heard my patrons mention ＂ she said with a small laugh,  the other sorcerer being at the center of many stories she's heard as of late.  though she later perked up at hearing his next response,  wondering why the other specifically was looking for her〝  oh?  might i ask why you wished to see me?  is there a concern you have with my establishment? ＂

*  @spirituals    you know of me?    [the sorcerer grins,  as if the bit of recognition gave him the confidence boost that he needed just for today.  however,  satoru’s head harmlessly tilts as he stands at the edge of the doorway,  as if stepping in wouldn’t cause the establishment a series of troubles.]    it shouldn’t be an issue.  i won’t be here for long!  in fact,  you’re just who i was looking for—what a coincidence.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ཾ∗ ꒰⠀@6THEYES⠀❩̩̩͙ ཻ̩͙⠀ ˎ-
            〝  oh,  you're more than welcome to stay if you'd like!  i just worry that the attention you may recieve will hinder your enjoyment ＂

@spirituals,    [grey irises flicker over to the stranger.  a dubious expression,  but it disappears seconds afterwards.]    how long?  it’s been years now,  it’s hard to remember when i started.    [the tattooist settles in his seat,  picking at the tools set on his metal tray.]    there’s not much to see in my parlour.  unfortunately,  it’s a lot smaller than i hoped for.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ཾ∗ ꒰⠀@inkology⠀❩̩̩͙ ཻ̩͙⠀ ˎ-
            〝  ah,  to keep one's privacy to themself makes sense.  i don't plan on wandering far though.  as for questions,  i wanted to start by asking how long you've been doing this business of yours ＂

@spirituals,    curiosity?  my clients typically prefer privacy.  however,  i have no appointments tonight.  you can take a look around,  and   .. feel free to ask me any questions.

"  then,  how should i pay you?  i'd feel really bad with how well you're accompanying me around.  " ⠀aoxian ponders...  whilst he unconsciously swings their held hands.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ཾ∗ ꒰⠀@deathcries⠀❩̩̩͙ ཻ̩͙⠀ ˎ-
            〝  they're my pride and joy of course!  some a bit more shyer than the others,  but they regardless do their jobs with the best efforts! ＂ she was rather smug as she sung their praises before she took ahold of his hand as if to urge the other to follow her〝  oh,  and money holds no value to me.  it'd only collect dust if i were to keep what you give me,  which i'd hate see go to waste ＂

he pulls her closer,  their cheeks squished together. ⠀"  little helpers?  what are those?  " ⠀his lips briefly purse. ⠀"  that'd be appreciated!  i'll be sure to pay you well by the end of my stay.  " ⠀with that,  his hold entirely loosens,  allowing her to guide properly.

*  pls!!

ʿʿ⠀gimme soft or friendly

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀she cares deeply for both her bathhouse and patrons alike,  but the opposite can be said for others who wish to cause harm and disrupt the peace of her sanctum.  those types of unwelcome guests are promptly dealt with,  disappearing without a trace and never to be heard from again.
            
            ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀and though the reports and rumors of people gone missing and mysterious deaths may surround her establishment,  she still hopes to do her job as an owner correctly,  and will offer the best hospitality she possibly can.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀it's said that if one were to become lost long enough within a deep forest or mountain,  a bathhouse is said to seemingly appear out of nowhere,  with its owner urging witnesses of such a sight to come inside.
            
            ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀a beautiful sea of varying flora is what first greets visitor's vision who happen to stumble upon her humble establishment — it creating an alluring atmosphere for those who can percieve it.
            
            ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀despite the very little amount of visitors she encounters,  she opens her doors and welcomes those who wish to seek temporarily rest — her bathhouse acting as a place of respite for lost souls of any kind.

            
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⌣̩̩̩̥̩͜⟢ ꠦꫂꯥ⠀　 ────　　　( 　@deathcries 　)
            〝  you don't think of yourself as suitable enough to fit that role? ＂ she voiced her thoughts,  sounding more as a statement than question.  her quiet gaze softened into something warm,  understanding what he meant and didn't take offense to his words〝  then that's alright.  i'm more than fine with waiting until the day comes where you're able to become the person you aspire to be.  i'm a very patient yokai i'll have you know ＂ her last sentence came off as a light-hearted joke to settle any tension between them〝  i intend for my realization of love through you to start and end with you.  so i'll simply wait until you're ready.  my company will always welcome you in the meantime ＂

aoxian's brain began to stutter upon her confession.  at first,  he spaced out of confusion─╌thinking it was likely some sort of dream  ..  yet it was all too real.  his heartbeat began thumping,  as if it were about to jump out of his chest any moment now. ⠀"  oh...  " ⠀he blushed,  awfully hard.  the heat surrounding them didn't help,  along with the intimacy of their nude bodies. ⠀"  m–misaki..  i didn't think i would be deserving of that,  " ⠀aoxian spoke with all honesty,  rather..  timid than to how he usually spoke. ⠀"  you see..  even now,  i'm having a difficult time to accept myself in truth.  but i'm happy you see me past through it,  it's just that..  i want to figure out myself first...  you deserve someone who's able to carry themselves strongly.  just as how they will bring the relationship to fruition.  "

⌣̩̩̩̥̩͜⟢ ꠦꫂꯥ⠀　 ────　　　( 　@deathcries 　)
            aoxian's attempt at making misaki less tense seemed to be a success as a small laugh bubbled from her,  his humor giving her enough courage to push on with what she wanted to tell the other〝  i've always watched from a distant the relationships of others,  especially regarding the idea of love because it fascinated me.. ＂ she begun,  her gaze averting shyly〝  i've read enough novels of yae's to understand its concept.  but i never would've imagined i'd experience it in my lifetime due to my longer lifespan..  ＂ despite her nerves nearly getting the best of her,  she steeled her resolve in favor of continuing,  albiet after clearing her throat for a moment〝  i've..  become infatuated with you aoxian,  to put it simply..  the feeling doesn't have to be reciprocated,  but i just wished to tell you while i have the chance to do so now.. ＂

⌣̩̩̩̥̩͜⟢ ꠦꫂꯥ⠀　 ────　　　( 　@deathcries 　)
            a chuckle could be heard from her as she witnessed the other's observant gaze〝  we can do whatever you'd like aoxian.  i'd be more than happy to be your guide ＂ she said while briefly brushing a few strands of hair from out of his eyes〝  hm,  i believe this is the first time i've seen you without that cloth on.  your eyes are quite lovely ＂

"  it's pure bliss,  and amazing.  i find inazuma's culture very lovely as well.  " ⠀expressed aoxian,  his eyes would observe practically every bit of detail around their surroundings.  it was also refreshing to take off the piece of cloth that covered his eyes. ⠀"  oh,  what should we do misaki?  "

⌣̩̩̩̥̩͜⟢ ꠦꫂꯥ⠀　 ────　　　( 　@deathcries 　)
            〝  you can?  that's wonderful to hear!  what do you think? ＂

∗     err..  forget that i tagged myself...

@deathcries ，⠀she seemed to be in a hurry,  he didn't even get the time to respond earlier-  it was only until they left the shop. ⠀"  ah..  it feels really nice,  i love it.  it's similar to a hanfu.  " ⠀his lips curled,  rather pleased. ⠀"  what does it look like?  i hope the color suits me..  " ⠀the faint blush remains,  perhaps abashed of another person seeing him in new clothing. ⠀"  i can't wait for the mikawa festival—  it's a spiritual realm right?  it would be nice to finally see everything!  " ⠀the mere notion had replaced his flustering with an inexplicable glee.  not only was he going to experience inazuma's festivals and culture,  but also he'll have the privilege to witness everything!

⌣̩̩̩̥̩͜⟢ ꠦꫂꯥ⠀　 ────　　　( 　@deathcries 　)
            a small yet dramatic gasp emit from her as if she was shocked by his response〝  why,  you should've told me!  i would've loved to help you pick out one.  but it looks like you've already managed to find one that suits you perfectly~ ＂ she said with a satisfied smile while slightly adjusting aoxian's kimono,  almost forgetting about the other man up until he asked about the laughter〝  don't mind them~  it just seems like someone had the misfortune of trying on the wrong kimono.  no reson to look ＂ taking advantage of the redirected attention,  she subtlety left the payment for the director's kimono in a tucked away spot of the shop where ogura could later find it,  before the two of them swiftly left as if they were never there〝  so,  how does it feel to be wearing a kimono aoxian? ＂