“Alrighty! I’m sure it’ll be fun!”
Imari took a deep breath.
How could someone be so brilliant, strong and intelligent in combat, duty and leadership.
Yet so utterly oblivious in other ways was baffling to Imari.
To ichika staring out into the distance.
“You’re so tense… you gotta unwind, we’re in an era of peace… the bad guys lost… if you keep waiting for something bad to happen you’ll drive yourself crazy! Or… even crazier”
She nudged ichika as she joked.
Imari sat down, and immediately went to work on her first drink
“Mm~ that’s the good stuff! Cheers!”
She clanked against Ichika’s bowl, laughing
“Ah… what a beautiful atmosphere… joy, music, and no big monsters emerging from the sea”
Imari said as a very clear nod ->
ᅠ
A bead of sweat formed at her brow.
The attention their entry brought only served to discourage her... a sentiment that directly juxtaposed that of her comrade's 、 yet she still allowed herself to be in tow, as she discouraged wasting others' kindness even more.
⠀⠀
Reservation or anything, instant VIP treatment.
“We’re totes celebrities!”
She laughed as she headed to a lovely spot on a large balcony, overlooking the picturesque city.
“One- uh- two bottles of your finest sake for me! What about you, Ichika?”
Imari ordered as she sat down
Imari sighed, a little. Before chuckling to herself
“Ait ait, we’re almost there anyways”
She said in her usual cheerful tone, as they approached the place.
“Ah, this whole ryuzen seven has its benefits for sure”
She said as she walked up to the door, no need for a ->
ᅠ
A knot emboldened itself within her bosom; a warped perception of herself figured her 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺, guilty of rousing this genuine concern from her comrade, guilty of making them worry about a matter she believed she shouldn't involve others in.
⠀⠀
Imari slowly put her hand on Ichika’s shoulder as to not startle her.
“Trust me bae, ya can’t keep pushing and pushing forever. Besides, yer not alone.”
She spoke as she continued leading the shorter woman towards a nice little bar.
“So, for today. No work. No duties. Just fun”
Imari nodded, she wasn’t buying it for a second.
“Yeaaah… well I just wanted you to know. Now come on, a break won’t kill ya, nor does it mean you’re some failure or whatever. You need some time to wind down, ya know?”
->
ᅠ
Yet, standing out from the rapid slang was her 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 at certain intervals .. it felt as if they could see right through her.
⠀⠀ ❛ .. thanks, but .. I'll be okay, really.❜
⠀⠀