An Unexpected Return [nsfw]

"That sounds fun to me as well, we can do that sometime then." Rin smiled, "All of that information is likely kept somewhere at home, perhaps the library..."

He'd never...used a public bathhouse before, it seemed a bit...embarrassing, even if it was just other guys there. It was something he could try, though he certainly wouldn't be sociable...

"I have...average tolerance, so I'll need to moderate myself." He chuckled. "It'd probably best to drink somewhere where it's safe as well if it's possible." With all the pickpockets and other dangers outside it probably wouldn't be the best idea for someone such as him to be drinking out in the open even with moderation...

"Then its a date. Spend a day in your library searching out your family's sordid past." Giggling at her own wording, she pulled back and stuck her tongue out at Rin playfully. She was happy right now, even with things lurking.

Thinking about it, Aoi tried to remember someplace nearby... It was possible to see the fireworks from the roof but if they were to drink... Glancing over at the balcony, it would be nice to drink out there and watch them but way less exciting. Though...the view would be unmatched. "Well...somewhere safe would be here. There's a balcony out there we could sit on. That would let me get drunk if I wanted!"

Rin smiled and gave a nod; unable to help but laugh a little when she stuck her tongue out at him. It'd be fun, he could learn more about his family and so could Aoi.

His eyes followed hers to the balcony, mentioning it could be a good and also safe place for them to drink. They wouldn't have to worry much if it were in here though at Aoi's mention of getting drunk he couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and curiosity, wondering what she was like drunk since she'd seen him in that state; if Aoi planned on getting drunk though he'd definitely need to moderate himself.

"Here seems fine, we can sit on the balcony too."

"Thats good. I was worried you'd be unhappy with that. I mean there are more scenic places..." Aoi looked a bit nervous for a moment, her eyes glancing away before coming back to Rin's. She liked his laugh, it made her happy to bring him such joy.

Hearing about how he was before, she didn't know if it was just being around her that did it...or just having someone close to him that helped him general. Reaching up she...fluffed up his hair into a mess before grinning a bit mischievously. "We should go explore while its light out! We can go get real food, I'm still hungry~"

Rin gave another small laugh as she ruffled his hair into a mess before he moved to sit up properly as he nodded. Real food sounded like a good idea it'd be a good idea to see and explore more before it became dark out.

"Alright, let's." He smiled.

As Rin sat up, Aoi looked utterly confused for a brief moment. Rin...wasn't fixing his hair. She had fluffed it all up and his ears were lopsided and... A rather sweet smile appeared on her face as she leaned over, fixing his hair for him how he liked it.

"...You really do love me...you didn't even try to fix your hair..." Her voice was awed and soft, rather shy by Aoi's standards as she moved to stand.

Rin could feel his face tint at her words, his smile turning soft as Aoi moved to fix his hair back.

"I do." He replied, his voice matching his smile as he stood up himself, moving to give her a quick kiss on the side of the head after doing so.

"D-Don't say it so...firmly!" Aoi flushed even more, her eye closing on the side of the head Rin kissed as she smiled. She couldn't help it, even with her tone being so flustered she felt too nice about it. He...really cared that much. That even after she told him all that, he had stayed to comfort her and make her feel better. That he still wanted to be around her.

Rubbing the spot he kissed, Aoi reached for his hand and grinned as she led him out of the room unable to make eye contact. They were headed elsewhere, for now she'd be happy with not having to say such things or head them again so her brain didn't break.

A sheepish chuckle escaped him, it hadn't been...as hard to say since he hadn't used the term. It was still a little hard though but he was glad he'd gotten at least that much out and the flustered look on Aoi's face was cute.

"I couldn't help it."

He followed her, his hand in hers as they exited the room.

"Y-You could too I bet." Aoi's tone was not grumpy at all, though her words could have sounded like it. She...felt nice from how earnest his reply had been. Leading him downstairs with a slight blush and a happy smile, Aoi couldn't resist slipping her arm around his and leaning against him lightly as they walked.

Thoughts of HOW and WHY HER slipped from her mind as she enjoyed Rin's company in her home turf. The restaurant was nearby, a minute or so walk, but there were some interesting places nearby. "You want to see a real smithy? There's a rather nice one here, we could get there quick after eating."

Thinking about it, they didn't have such things in the living world that she knew of. At least not many. She pointed to the building set back a ways from the others, with large spaces between it and the next building. Smoke billowed from out back and there were a few kids in huge leather aprons carrying stuff around. A few customers walked into the front door.

A smithy? It sounded interesting, definitely not something you could really see back in the living world.

"I like the sound of that idea." Rin replied with a nod, his smile having remained when Aoi leaned against him.

He looked at the building she pointed out with interest, noticing the smoke billowing into the sky from the back of it. People, kids mostly working at the establishment.

"Mm, they have lots of things in those. Not just weapons, smithies also make pretty metal artworks as well. Well some do, that one does. Mm, there are other places nearby too... If you wanted to see someone spinning silk you probably could. And... Ah!" As they walked past the Blacksmith, Aoi let out a startled and happy cry. Letting go of Rin's arm, she ran over to a stall nearby. It held small odds and ends, mostly though rather pretty fans and intricate hair decorations.

Quickly she picked out two of them, handing over the money which she had a bit extra of now, she hid them in her sleeve so Rin couldn't see. Turning to him with a sheepish smile, she laughed. "Sorry sorry. I...you can't see them yet."

Rin listened as Aoi spoke, explaining them in a bit more detail as they approached the area. She cut her self off though, which gave him a moment of surprise as she ran ahead.

What was she...?

Before he had the chance to see, she'd bought what had ever caught her eye, claiming he couldn't see them yet. Yet? It left him curious about what she'd bought but he supposed if there was a yet he'd see eventually so he gave a small laugh, remembering how excited she'd gotten at seeing whatever she'd bought.

"Now I'm curious."

"Mr Curious Author can just wait a bit then. I'm sure it won't hurt you....Though its nice to see you showing your curiosity." Aoi laughed lightly, reaching back out for Rin's arm as she tried to usher him away from the stand. "There are also stores nearby, not part of the market with things like woven mats or furniture. Would you be interested in those shiro-usa?"

Trying to distract him from the things she bought, she tugged him lightly along towards the restaurant that was now in total view. People could be seen entering and leaving and the smell of food made her stomach growl strongly.

Rin stifled a chuckle at her response. Sure, he could wait, it wouldn't kill him to do so but still...

"I think that would be interesting to see, we can go there later then."

As Aoi tugged him along and they continued walking he began to smell food. He could see the establishment from here as others walked in and out of it. It smelled really nice, even if it did make him realize his hunger.

"Okay, we have so much planned!" Aoi was grinning widely, pleased she had found things to make Rin happy and even a bit...excited? She couldn't tell, but he was having fun at least. That was all she could hope for.

Leading Rin inside, the smell of food making her hurry, she smiled at the woman who smiled in return. "Hi! Two please?"

She nodded and lead them to a small marked off spot for them to eat, a small hot hot sitting on its heated container and two cushions were moved by the woman near it. It was a traditional establishment so it would have no real seats, though in some ways it was more modern than the time period should suggest. At least more modern in that it didn't have an open fire pit or any such in the main area. Aoi smiled at Rin before moving to sit, showing him how to properly react through her actions instead of telling him. He might feel bad if she tried to explain in front of someone else. "Tea please while we decide."

"Yes ma'am." The woman bowed and headed off, while Aoi explained a bit. "Its a hot pot style place, we'll order what vegetables we like and some sort of meat if you wish too, as well as the style and flavor of the sauce... I-Is this okay?"

Rin followed Aoi inside, giving small, short glances around at some moments but overall not gawking at things. He'd never been in a restaurant like this one but it was nice, but it'd be...embarrassing to be caught looking around too much.

After they'd seated themselves and Aoi ordered tea for them, she began explaining the type of food this place specialized in and what they'd get. He nodded, giving another small smile.

"That sounds fine." Rin answered, "and good too."

"You can look around you know, I know you are interested shiro-usa." Her smile was soft, glancing at Rin before looking around the room. There were enough people in here of all shapes and sizes and walks of life, some eating and some not. The majority probably didn't need to eat in all honesty, but it was fun and something to do.

"Look. That man is a swordsman, even though he lacks a blade. And she is probably a courtesan off work. Look at how dainty she eats... And over there is definitely another off duty shinigami. He's not hiding his power, but only someone like me would sense it. I'm keeping mine dampened for now so... Also there's lots of things to look at too." Aoi pointed with her chin and eyes at things and people before looking at Rin, a gentle smile on her face. "Why do you think I am taking you around? Showing you off here wouldn't do me good silly usa. No one would care...but showing it off to you? Much nicer."

"Sorry, I just...didn't want to attract attention by ogling too much." Rin replied with a light chuckle, "it'd be a little embarrassing."

His eyes followed where Aoi directed his attention to, explaining the various customers within the establishment. She was able to tell what they probably were with just a few glances, it was impressive...

He returned her smile as he looked back at her, her eyes having returned to him.

"I'm impressed, you can decipher what some of these people probably do so easily." He replied, voicing his thoughts. "I'm happy you're showing me these things; I may...keep myself from outwardly expressing how happy that makes me but I am happy."

"But it would be cute to see you doing that, I don't think it'd matter if you wanted to ogle." Aoi's smile was sweet as she laughed softly. She was watching Rin with much more interest than the people in here, loving the way his face shifted when he found something new and fun.

At his compliment she blushed just a bit and tilted her head. "Its a skill I learned over time. Need to know possible exits, potential enemies... potential easy marks. Watching others you can learn a lot, and over time you can get information from even glances!"

Before she could explain what details gave a person away, the woman came back carrying a tray with a teapot and two cups. It even had a bit of honey on the side, which was a nice touch, and she handed it to Aoi as the woman set it down with a smile. "What would you like?"

Aoi listed off a set of vegetables, glancing at Rin for input and then picked a meat to add in. She bowed before leaving again. Pouring them both glasses of tea, almost perfectly posed in her role, Aoi then handed over a cup. "The woman always serves the man. Even if I am your bodyguard and lover in their eyes so... You'll have to settle for my serving you today like this."

Rin gave a small smile at Aoi's words as he took the cup she offered, he couldn't argue with them; he knew the custom and even in his world it was still common.

"Alright." He answered before giving a short glance over before his eyes returned to Aoi. "The food should be good, it sounded good."

"Mm, I hope so. I heard good things about this place from another shinigami." Laughing a bit happily, Aoi tried to hide her impatience and hungry with that. If only she could have gotten more of those dangos...

"So...it's all right for me to act like this all day then?" Aoi asked a bit innocently, a small smirk on her face that took a bit to cover up. She had to tease Rin, it was too much fun even if it didn't get as much of a rise as before. "I could call you Master or My Lord... I really haven't figured out what you like like that."

All...day?

"Ah, w-well..." She wanted to call him by a title too? He felt his face heat up, not really knowing how to...respond to this. It was...proper in public but...but..."It...would be best in public but...do you mean in private too...? Aha..."

Aoi's face was perfectly composed as she channeled her years of experience, though her eyes were honestly much warmer than those times. Especially as she looked at Rin, a soft and very very small smile that was all she would allow herself on her face.

Moving her body into a rather familiar position with her legs centered just right under her, she slowly lowered her upper body in a bow. Hands and fingers outstretched in supplication, Aoi kept her voice low and a bit sultry. "Whatever my Lord wishes of me. If private would please you, I would be happy to."

Not many looked over at the actions Aoi had taken, not caring about others.

She was...really taking this seriously. Ah...

"Y-You don't...need to..in private..." Rin replied, feeling his face heat further as he reached up to adjust his scarf but...he wasn't wearing it, so his hand grasped air where the article would normally rest.