Depths of the heart
Gorou:*kicks door open* Sara! Is Kokomi here!?
Sara:*sips tea* Nope.
Itto:Hey little man, lose your boss?
Gorou:I didn’t lose her, she took off.
Itto:That is kinda the same thing.
Sara:Check the Sacred Sakura.
Gorou:I did and after a grueling twenty minutes, Miko said she wasn’t there.
Sara:You call her Miko?
Gorou:
Gorou:Not important. Ugh, I’ve looked at all the usual spots. Where could she be!? There wasn’t even a note.
Itto:When I want to evade the law, I always go to the last place they’d suspect.
Sara:Oh really?
Itto:….No.
Gorou:What would possibly be the last place to suspect. Maybe I should check Inazuma City one more time. Wait, why is Itto here?
Sara:…
Sara:Unimportant.
xxxx
Aether:Operation hide in plain sight is a success.
Kokomi:Hehe, I think you’re correct. Still, I feel a little bad not saying anything.
Aether:It’s fine. After all, it’s not like you wouldn’t know if something bad actually happened.
They both look up at the whirlpool that led them down to Enkanomiya. The fact nobody has bothered to check yet was pretty remarkable. Kokomi rested her body against Aether’s by the shore of the lake under the portal, their feet floating in the water. The way her hand fit into his made Kokomi smile gently.
Aether:Not exactly deep see diving but this is as close as we can get for now.
Kokomi:It’s perfect. It’s not often that it’s just the two of us. My birthday already feels special.
Aether:*red* Well I’m glad you’re happy.
Kokomi:Hmmm I didn’t think you could get embarrassed.
Aether:I’m shocked you aren’t.
Kokomi:Too happy. I’ll be embarrassed later. Have you been doing okay?
Aether:I got possessed the other day but yeah, everything has been okay.
Kokomi:Yokai?
Aether:Yeah.
Kokomi:Yae Miko?
Aether:Yeah…it was fun though so I’m not complaining. Have you been getting proper rest?
Kokomi:Define proper?
Aether:It’s funny how the only healer I know that believes in rest is Sayu. Though I guess she believes in it too much.
Kokomi:I had a feeling you’d be stopping by so I figured I had to do as much work as I could so I could make proper time for you.
Aether:Are you saying you wouldn’t have let me whisk you away even if you had work?
Kokomi:*red*….
Aether:Guess you’re embarrassed now.
Kokomi:It’s not nice to make fun of your leader. You are still listed apart of my army.
Aether:Then I guess this meet up violates proper protocol?
Kokomi:In at least ten ways, yes. But I can overlook it. Consider it a thank you for all your hard work.
Aether:Is there anything else you want for your birthday. I’ll follow chain of commands orders.
Kokomi:……*blushing* You know, there’s consequences for kissing the Divine Priestess; rules and stipulations. If anyone saw us-
Aether:Do they apply in Enkanomiya, with not a soul around?
The looked at each other quietly, their faces red and the the sound of calm water steadying their beating hearts. Kokomi wasn’t’ sure if she was brazen enough to say anything. Instead, she closed her eyes. A gentle, small warmth washed over her lips. As she leaned into it, a hum came from Aether that made her smile. Their lips parted and Kokomi opened her eyes. She couldn’t look at his face anymore and chose to stare at their hands.
Aether:Happy Birthday Kokomi.
Kokomi:You’re saying that now? How evil when I can barely face you. *smiles* Thank you. I…hehe, I should probably get back to work soon before someone-
A huge splash came from Gorou diving into the water from then entrance. Kokomi jumped up to her feet immediately and tried waving Aether away. He began running off but quickly ran back to her. She was confused for his reason until the traveler unexpectedly kissed her again quickly before speeding off. Kokomi could hardly think as Gorou popped out of the water.
Gorou:Your Excellency!
Kokomi:Ge..General Gorou! What brings you here?
Gorou:You! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Took off all of sudden. Are you okay.
Kokomi:Yes! I simply wanted to rest my head for awhile. This place is so beautiful that I couldn’t help myself.
Gorou:The shrine maidens won’t be too happy that you chose such a dangerous place.
Kokomi:I only stayed here. Sorry to worry you. Let’s be on our way.
Gorou:….*smiles* I can smell him you know?
Kokomi:….Smell who?
Gorou:Your Excel- Kokomi, you do know I will keep every one of your secrets? You can even order me to.
Kokomi:I truly have the greatest General in the world, don’t I? Thank you Gorou.
Gorou:Anytime, and Happy Birthday.