CHALICE. I get ready to eep nini, mayb I'll come back tmrw...

I - It's okay, really. Don't beat yourself up about it, okay? ( She's at least trying to assure him that she didn't mind, even if she felt rather overwhelmed. But that was normal; Sakura didn't exactly get affirming touches often, after all. )

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[A moment or two later, he realized what he had done; his cheeks flushed red as he let go of the poor girl's hands.} O-Oh! I didn't mean to...do that. I'm sorry! [He had completely embarrassed himself here, in front of Sakura of all people! Yet he felt something else outside of that: (+)

Sakura. It's a pleasure, Ritsuka! I do hope that regardless I can be an asset to all of you here. . . ( Whether in different attire or not, really all Sakura wanted was to be helpful to those around her. )

Ritsuka Fujimaru@48thbackupplan.bsky.social · 4d ago

Here's hoping! [He's really just trying to make her feel better, since he's never done a day of paperwork in his life, but. It at least seems to be working.] I'm Ritsuka, by the way! We'll probably end up working together in some capacity. You are?

A - Ah - ( Her hand was gripped in his own before she'd realized what happened, her cheeks a faint pink from the action. But she didn't pull away, as his expression made her chest feel warm inside. ) O - Of course. . . if it makes you happy, I'd be glad to, really. . .

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[An impulsive would have taken over. Kishinami would have gripped Sakura's hands. cupping them into his own.] Thank you! Thank You! [He would say with full exiciment, his eyes shining with hope; this was the best news all day.]

Hm? ( Her expression shifted then, surprised, but hopeful. ) Well. . . if you'd like me to, I wouldn't mind. Any time you'd like, I'll make it for you, Kishinami. Promise you that.

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

💭(..Then?) [Kishinami would have gotten an idea. One he was hesitant to ask, but he knew it wouldn't come if he didn't ask.] Would you then...keep making Green Tea for me?

T - That's quite a bar to set, you know. . . ( Still, her smile softens; his words do a lot to comfort her. Not that she needed it. ) I enjoy doing things like this, so being able to offer this much. . . it makes me happy if someone else enjoys it.

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[It was like a pallet cleanser after all the rush of emotions, as he shook his head in disagreement.] It is good. You should be proud of yourself, Sakura; I think I would love everything you make for me. [He knew he would love it. But he couldn’t outright tell her, no?]

( She finally allowed her hand to slip back, brows knit over amethyst hues. At least he looked mostly content. . . ) I imagine this last brew won't be as special as the second, but I do hope you enjoy it. . .

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[He would let her have her moment.] Alright, let me finish up with the third one. I'd be a bad guest to the host if I didn't taste the last one. [He would pick up the third cup, sipping the tea; his mind wandering off, thinking about the person right in front of him and their beautiful face.]

CHALICE. Saw jackal appear and snorted ngl

Really. . ? ( That caught her by surprise, and it showed when she pulled back a little bit. Her hand remained upon his forearm, mostly out of concern, but the look on his face. . . It did something to her heart, something she didn't know how to process. ) W - Well. . . I'm glad, then, really. . .

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[That couldn't be further from the truth.] ... It's just somebody special who used to make this tea for me. [He wiped his eyes, putting the cup down, smiling that made his eyes shimmer like stars.] Sorry. It just- tastes exactly how she made it. Thank you, Sakura.

( Amethyst hues widened, taking in the sight. The tear fell almost in slow motion, and her alarm grew; had she upset him by doing this. . ? ) A - Are you sure. . ? ( The green tea. . . arguably, it was her favorite to make of the bunch. But now, she felt as if she'd done something wrong. )

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[The sound of her voice drew him back; Sakura noticed that his eyes were glistening.] Yeah, yeah, I'm okay. [He would notice the expression, her concern for him; he. He was grateful for it.] The Tea, the Green Tea, was delicious, Sakura, thank you.] [A faint teardrop had fallen.]

A - Ah. . . ( As far as tasks go, this is kind of out of her norm. . . But his encouragement certainly helps a bit, she won't lie. ) T - Thank you. . . I hope that's the case, really.

Ritsuka Fujimaru@48thbackupplan.bsky.social · 4d ago

I'm sure it'll be a piece of cake for you! I hear paperwork's more annoying than hard. [Patting her shoulder. He doesn't know her one bit, but Ritsuka has full confidence in her abilities.]

( She was watching him, but that reaction. . . She reached out, instantly concerned. A hand gently resting upon his forearm. ) K - Kishinami? Are you. . . okay?

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[And he couldn't help but fall for it all over again, as he then raised the second cup of tea to his lips.] …! [His eyes widen, as if frozen in place; his hand holding the tea would have started shaking with tremors.] 💭(T-..This is the...)

Oh. I - I. . . suppose helping with paperwork wouldn't be too hard. . . ( She doesn't know if she's smart enough for everything else, so maybe this WAS a bit out of her prerequisites, after all. )

Ritsuka Fujimaru@48thbackupplan.bsky.social · 4d ago

Mostly paperwork, from what I hear! Paperwork, busywork, and helping the nerds fix up anything that breaks down. I'm not super familiar with the exact details, but their uniform is way less skintight.

Yes!! Jasmine is the one I make the most often, but it's only among the others as my favorite. ( Amethyst hues looked like they were liable to pop out, at this point. She just enjoys doing things like this for other people. . . )

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[It was warm and pleasant: Kishinami had a smile appear on his face.] It was delicious. This is…Jasmine, if I am correct yes? [He would have place the first cup down, already reaching for the second one-]

Ah, really? Hm. . . regular staffing. . . I'm curious as to what that would entail, honestly. . .

Ritsuka Fujimaru@48thbackupplan.bsky.social · 4d ago

Yeah...! You'll probably end up on regular staff, though, so need for the mystic code. We'll get you a more comfortable uniform.

( She watched rather expectantly, her own tea lifted to brims so she could drink. The warmth always felt pleasant, and a sigh escaped her. ) Mm. . . what do you think? How is it?

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

I will! [He would watch her sit down; before looking back at the teas that were placed in front of him.] 💭(Let’s begin the taste test.) And so he would grip the first tea, beginning to taste it, when silently eager to try the teas that Sakura made for him!]

Mm! So please, enjoy at your leisure, okay? ( Placing the tea down in front of him, Sakura moved around to comfortably seat herself on the other side. Her own glass of tea in front of her, slender digits gripping the glass. )

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[His eyes would open, at the sound of footsteps as his eyes made contact.] 💭(She is so pretty.) [A faint red tint appeared on his face as he looked over at the tray.] Oh! So a taste test then? That is genius of you Sakura. [His eyes looked over the glasses of tea in front of him.]

Ah, really? That's wonderful!! ( She isn't aware, for now. . . she's used to wearing dresses, so the tighter fit means little to her. )

Ritsuka Fujimaru@48thbackupplan.bsky.social · 4d ago

We could always use another hand! [Looking her dead in the eyes. If his gaze drops even a little he's a dead man. It's taking all the will the poor Master has.]

( It's not too long before Sakura comes in with a tray, carrying the three separate glasses of tea for him to sample. She's basically sparkling, at this point. ) H - Here! I thought I'd try a few of my favorites, to see what you like the most. . .

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[He would nod his head, hearing Sakura, and then close his eyes, making himself as comfortable as he could from where he was sitting.] … [Letting time go by.]

Hm. . . ( She seemed to ponder then, but inspiration instantly struck; she'd make three separate teas, one of jasmine, one black tea, and one green tea, to be safe. If it was just for little bits, it wouldn't be much of a waste. ) Mm! It'll be done shortly, then!

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

Huh? [Perk up.] Oh, I uh. [Of course there was a Tea he wanted to taste again, but- he didn't know what it was. He was never told what it was. He never learned it.] …If you have a tea that you specialize in, I would love to try it. [This is the best he could think of.]

M - Maybe. . . Chaldea wouldn't be so strange for me. What do you think. . ?

( Meanwhile, there she was in the kitchen, her apron in tow and a hum building on brims. Skilled hands worked to get the tea pot heating, pride emanating from her. It was clear how much care she held in what she was doing. ) Is there any specific tea that you like, Kishinami?

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

Don't worry I will. [He would have watched went off, before finding a seat to collapse in.] That. That was hard. [He muttered to himself, it was hard to keep his emotions under control, it was…all so strange; yet there was no mistaking it. She was the same person he grew to cherish.]

( Her smile brightened almost instantly; it was clear she found this to be most beneficial for her. ) T - Then I'll get started right away! Please, relax, okay? ( And off she went. . . It was endearing how she was about this. )

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

O-Oh if you wish.. [He never would have imagined he would ever be offered Tea by her again, even if she were from a completely different timeline he knew, yet it was still the same her.] I would love to try your Tea.

Hm? Oh, tea sounds lovely! But. . . you shouldn't bother yourself with that, let me, please. ( As gentle as she was stubborn, and it showed in those expectant amethyst hues. She may not know him from the timeline he comes from, but he did feel familiar, deep down. )

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[He could get lost in her eyes for hours. But he remained stable in this world, as the compliment from Sakura made him feel warm.] Hey Sakura? Would you like some tea?

I do, mhm! You have a very nice smile, Kishinami. ( There's a fondness in her eye, almost like she could tell he was once not very expressive; maybe it was the kindred spirit inside of her that saw it. ) Oh, you think so? I'd like that a lot. . .

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

Thank you. I have been trying! [Back then, he couldn't make a simple expression or smile, that had changed of course.] I think…we will get along quite well, Sakura.

Really. . ? ( His conviction certainly caught her off guard, but she smiled warmly regardless. ) I'd. . . like that a lot, too. You're very expressive, Kishimani.

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

💭(Did I make myself sound silly by saying that..?) [Kishinami slight embarrassment aside.] Yes. I would love to be your friend..! [Again, and Again. He won't forget her.]

CHALICE. "Hero" by Mili, but it's a Sakura edit

Ally. . ? ( She tilted her head slightly, confusion clear in her expression. It was clear she didn't know what he meant. ) I wasn't aware of that, honestly. . . but I do enjoy making new friends. That sounds lovely. . .

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

Of course. Sakura, it was only natural to do so. [Using that name felt strange again after all these years. In his mind, for a brief moment, the person in front of him switched to a nurse's uniform before it went back to normal.] You are our ally after all.

You can call me Sakura, I don't mind. ( Beats getting called by her last name. . . ) You seemed really concerned before, so I do appreciate you checking in on me. . .

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[Same expression. The same way she called him back then.] It's nice to meet you too, S-…Matou. [He gives a smile in return, conveying kindness.]

Kishinami. . . it's nice to meet you! ( She gave a bow then, her smile practiced and gentle. ) My name is Sakura Matou, it's a pleasure to meet you.

Hakuno Kishinami (キシナミ)@lunardigitalsea.bsky.social · 4d ago

[He blinks lightly, then nods, accepting it. For now.] I’m Hakuno Kishinami, and you are? [He already knew her name and face, yet he still asked.]