[D3 EA] Planning a Ceremony

[Miya Akari]

As they walk, it becomes clear that the Shiba is being guided to Akari's room, since it was only a few doors away now.

She smiles at Yukari. "I mean, I don't really want to deal with the headache of such a display, but in honesty I don't personally care who knows or what they think."

She takes the Phoenix by the hand and obviously leads her into the room. Once inside she lifts the hand to her lips. "Can I make you some tea, my lovely light weaver?"

[Shiba Yukari]

Yukari flushed and bit her lip, still a long way from accustomed to how Akari made her feel, and nodded.

"I think tea would be lovely."

[Miya Akari]

The Imperial went about setting up a small metal brazier for heating a teapot and fetching water from a bottle to fill the pot.

While she worked, she asked, "Is there a particular blend you prefer? I've got quite a few in that chest." She pointed to the chest, an invitation to look through it. There were many different types as noted.

[Shiba Yukari]

Yukari headed over and had a look.

"I picked up a fondness for oolongs back home, but I also have a fondness for lighter green teas..."

[Miya Akari]

"Well, I've got tree different greens in there and two oolongs. I'm a fan of variety." It was actually meant to be a statement on tea, but it wasn't inaccurate about other things in her life. The small flame began warming the water.

[Shiba Yukari]

"Ooooo, wait, Iron Mountain, I've had this one!"

She picked out the stronger of the two oolongs.

"A little taste of home, so to speak."

[Miya Akari]

While the water heated, Akari moved to Yukari and took the hand that was holding the selected tea. "Iron Mounain is a great choice," she said with a smile before leaning in to give her a light kiss before leading her to the table and a couple pillows set next to each other on one side.

[Shiba Yukari]

And there I go feeling all tingly and happy and...

Eep.

Yukari let herself be led, as she looked about he Miya's room. It was, not to put too fine a point on things, getting familiar to her by now.

"I, ah... realized, there's a lot we... don't know about each other. Just... little bits and pieces."

She giggled.

"I don't even know your favorite color!"

[Miya Akari]

"I like any vibrant color, but in particular I'm a fan of violet. If you wish to, we can take turns asking each other questions? That sounds like it could be fun." She moves to sit with Yukari while waiting for the water.

[Shiba Yukari]

"Well, then it seems it would be your turn..."

Yukari smiled and seemed both excited- and relatively relaxed.

[Miya Akari]

Akari nods, thinking for a moment, then smiles. "How many siblings do you have?"

[Shiba Yukari]

"Three. My brother, Kaigen, is the eldest. Then my sister Akane, and after her, my sister Maya."

Yukari smiled.

"I'm the youngest. Kaigen-kun is about six years my senior, Akane five, and Maya is only a year older than I am"

She paused, pondering her next question.

"What is your favorite place you've ever been?"

[Miya Akari]

"This island honestly. Not to answer in a flirtatious way," she said with a smirk. "I like he sights and sounds, the fresh fish, the sea air. It may be inconvenient to get the nicer things here," she says, removing the pot from the flame and adding tea to steep while she continued.

"There is something about it that I find pleasant and beautiful." Finishing starting the steeping, she looks to Yukari, and smiles gently. "The fact that I met you here does make it better, but it was already my favorite place before that." She puts a hand to Yukari's cheek. "It seems to continue granting me blessings."

She lowered her hand to Yukari's and pulled it into her lap palm up, drawing small shapes on it and running fingers along fingers. "What is it that you wish to accomplish most in life?" Akari asks.

[Shiba Yukari]

Yukari sat in silence for a moment, just... enjoying being with Akari.

"I don't have any grand ambitions. I just want to make the world a bit more beautiful, and I want to help other people express their own... inner artistry. Let them share who they are."

She paused, then curled her fingers to snag Akari's.

"So, my turn again... what scares you the most?"

[Miya Akari]

"Well, I don't have any real inner artistry, but you do help me express myself. You seem to be doing a beautiful job of that as far as I can see," she replied, fingers making small, gentle movements while keeping in contact.

At the next question she holds a serious, thoughtful expression as she thinks of a response.

"Being alone. Not being without any specific type of relationship, but actually having no people around. I don't mind a quiet night alone, but I still have to know there are people nearby. Interaction is what gives me life," she says with a nod.

Then she suddenly has a mischievous smile. "Next question..." Leaning in close to Yukari's ear, her warm breath caressing her earlobe. "Where are you most ticklish," she asks, her voice low and sensuous. Akari kisses her on the cheek before leaning back again.

[Shiba Yukari]

The Phoenix shivered at both the whisper and the kiss. And then leaned in to whisper back.

"Oh that is simply not fair!" Yukari giggled."My sides, if you must know."

She pulled back slightly, and kept fixed eye contact.

"I'm not very good at sitting still for it. Would you like me to suggest something to assist with that?"

[Miya Akari]

"I have ideas of my own, but it's always best to listen first," she replied, continueing the eye contact, fingers continuing to play together. "Please tell me."

[Shiba Yukari]

"You recall the piece of silk you gave me two nights ago? A useful thing. I can think of other uses for lengths of silk."

She put her wrists together briefly, then glanced at the water for the tea.

"Does that have any appeal to you?"

[Miya Akari]

"It does," she replied, moving to free her hands so she could pour tea.

"I will keep that in mind then, and I believe that it's your question. I hope that I can focus enough to answer with the images you've helped me draw."

Taking one of the poured cups, she passes it to Yukari.

[Shiba Yukari]

"I'm always keen to allow for artistic expression."

Yukari smiled, and took her tea with steady hands.

"So, ah..."

Something to cool things down a bit.

"I know you enjoy fishing... what's the weirdest thing you ever caught?"