58

As Suzaku passes through the entrance of the cafe she is welcomed by the bright chime of a bell and the strong scent of roasting coffee beans.

The familiar atmosphere of the cafe she frequents and the soft tones of instrumental music serve to ease the tension from her shoulders as she approaches the counter.

At the counter, a familiar older gentleman greets her with a smile.

The cafe is a small family business with excellent service and decent coffee. More than that, there are rarely more than a couple of customers providing a quiet, almost lonely atmosphere.

For Suzaku, it's a great place to hide away from her duties to her clan for a short time and just exist as another customer. Or in the case of today, meet up with her date.

"Welcome back. What will it be today?" The gentleman at the counter asks cheerily, despite them both knowing she'll stick with her normal order.

The playful nature of the question draws a smile out of Suzaku, "My usual please, Mr Sato."

"One day I'll convince you to step out of your comfort zone. I've been testing beans from a different supplier recently and the flavours are quite promising." He clicks his tongue and shakes his head, turning around and looking over the sets of cups placed along the wall.

Each set has a unique design and feel. The entire collection has slowly grown over time since she first came here and even before then.

One arm is folded behind his back as he rubs his chin with the other before reaching out and grabbing a familiar cup and saucer from the shelf.

Despite making a show of indecision, they both knew he would pick the same set he always has. The one he settles on is a solid white cappuccino cup and saucer, the only splash of colour being the brilliant red of a single maple leaf in the centre of the saucer.

Suzaku takes a seat at the counter and watches as he fills a hand grinder with freshly roasted beans.

He slowly grinds the beans by hand and once he's finished he adjusts his tie. Then he places a glass decanter, ceramic dripper and filter on the counter. The dripper is placed on top of the decanter, then the filter is placed inside the dripper. He unscrews the top of the grinder, taps the side a few times to loosen the grounds, and pours them into the filter.

Suzaku watches this process in meditative silence, enjoying the calming nature of the routine motions that speak of deep experience.

After he is prepared, he glances over at the kettle.

Walking over at a measured pace, he takes the top off and places his hand above, feeling the temperature by hand. Nodding in satisfaction, he picks up the kettle and heads back to the decanter.

With absolute focus he begins the slow process of crafting the cup of coffee, slowly pouring water from the kettle into the grounds, the dark nectar dripping into the decanter.

As he works in silence, Suzaku finds herself thinking about her impending date with Ibaraki.

She had decided on this location to meet up with Ibaraki as a way to settle her nerves before the date itself. This has not worked out as she can't even focus on reading.

Since they had chosen a day for their date, the mere thought of it sent bursts of excitement and nervousness aflutter inside her - only getting more intense as the day approached.

The lack of detail provided by Ibaraki has served to exacerbate Suzaku's nerves but also heightened her anticipation.

The element of mystery feels romantic through the lens of her innocence, this being not only their first official date together but Suzaku's first date in general.

It also isn't with a candidate for an arranged marriage; one chosen for the future of her clan, assuredly a man from a promising lineage, who would ensure their children were powerful Onmyouji and furthered the prestige of the Himejima clan.

Such was the promised outcome that had seemed certain growing up in her clan and being destined for such a prestigious role as the inheritor of the Vermilion Bird.

She was fine with this as a compromise but was never particularly excited about it. It was easy to be apathetic, knowing that whoever she was betrothed to was going to be thoroughly vetted by the clan and would the ensuing relationship be cordial at the least with the potential for attraction to blossom later.

However, instead of that, she's meeting with a suitor she could have never predicted. One who would make the previous clan head roll over in his grave, whether due to the fact she is a Yokai or that she is a woman. Which of those aspects would have enraged Suou Himejima more is difficult to determine.

Not that those aspects of Ibaraki hadn't shocked Suzaku herself at first. She had never given much thought to her preferences since they didn't matter in the end, or rather they weren't supposed to.

Even since meeting Ibaraki, Suzaku hadn't given the subject much more thought.

She is still attracted to handsome men and rather than make things complicated with questions of bisexuality, she simply acknowledged she finds Ibaraki attractive as well.

Ibaraki's nature as an Oni was harder to digest than her sex, given her clan's history and the teachings she grew up with.

Suzaku would be lying if she wasn't still having difficulties with that but she had never considered herself closed-minded nor had she fully ingrained the teachings that all Yokai are her enemies.

Yet this wasn't simply an act of rebellion against the traditions of her clan; a small effort to prove that she could change those restrictions for the better. The short time she spent with Ibaraki has been exciting and fresh.

She blinks as the quiet clink of her coffee being set down in front of her shocks her out of her train of thought.

Out of reflex she bows her head and gives her thanks to Mr Sato.

After paying for her drink she heads over to a secluded corner of the cafe and pulls a novel out of her purse.

Between her drink and her novel, she's able to take her mind off any lingering nervous feelings regarding the upcoming date.

Due to her focus and the atmosphere of the cafe, Suzaku remains only peripherally aware of the coffee shop's bell ringing as new customers enter one after another.

There is still a while before Ibaraki is supposed to arrive so Suzaku sinks her nose deeper into her novel. Her only distractions are intermittent sips of her coffee and the momentary turning of pages.

Time passes and customers gradually cycle through the store but she pays them little mind. Suzaku can shake off her nerves as she relaxes and she finally feels prepared for her date.

When the doorbell chimes again, Suzaku can tell before even looking that Ibaraki has arrived.

Even in public, and suppressed, the level of power she emits is tangible. It isn't enough to do more than unnerve civilians, but anyone tangentially aware of the supernatural would notice her approach.

It isn't a bad feeling either, the simple honesty of it is almost charming since there's no malice in the passive energy she exudes.

Smiling, Suzaku turns to get Ibaraki's attention, only to pause as she takes in her date's appearance.

The style Ibaraki went with is both surprising and yet completely in line with Suzaku's mental image of Ibaraki.

Her hair is long and elegantly tied compared to the short, rough style she wore the other times they met. The braids are professionally done and her hair has a silky sheen to it as it flows downward.

Not to say that Ibaraki didn't care for her hair before, but Suzaku's impression of her was that she valued function in battle rather than ascetics for her hairstyle.

Suzaku's gaze naturally flows downward, catching sight of Ibaraki's torso and the red leather jacket which is much more in line with what she expected. It's bold, striking, and -when paired with the skin-tight white shirt underneath- provocative.

As Ibaraki walks, there's the smallest flash of skin at her waist where the shirt and shorts almost meet. The image is more sensual than if her abs were in plain view and Suzaku's eyes keep being drawn there.

The shorts Ibaraki is wearing end at mid-thigh, leaving her legs uncovered down their entire length until her shoes. The sharp lines of her red tattoos blaze like lines of fire across the surface of her skin and each step she takes shows off the powerful muscle underneath.

Realising she's been staring, Suzaku pulls her gaze back upwards at the same moment Ibaraki sees her.

Ibaraki's stride gains a bounce to it and a wide grin eases onto her expression as they lock eyes.

Ibaraki makes a beeline to Suzaku's table without bothering to look elsewhere and that singular focus is flattering even if the intensity is intimidating.

It is as though there's nothing that could catch her eye besides Suzaku.

"Hey Suzaku," Ibaraki says as she sits down on the other side of the table, "It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you too, Ibaraki. I hope you didn't have any difficulties finding your way here." She replies as she places her novel back into her purse.

"Nah, your directions were enough for me to find my way. How have you been?"

Suzaku pouts playfully at her, "I was a little bit stressed coming up with an outfit for our date. Someone wouldn't tell me what she planned."

"Surprise is the spice of life," Ibaraki retorts airily, "Besides, I think you did an excellent job despite that."

Suzaku shivers at the glimmer in Ibaraki's eyes that manifests along with her remark.

"I especially like the exposed shoulders on your blouse and your choice of a pleated skirt. Your entire outfit is beautiful." Ibaraki compliments.

"Thank you," Suzaku replies with the utmost composure, holding back any visible reaction to how much she enjoyed that compliment.

Not wanting to fall into Ibaraki's rhythm, Suzaku decides to go on offence.

"I love your style, the jacket especially fits your aesthetic." Ibaraki blinks as though surprised and blushes faintly.

Maybe she's unexpectedly weak to compliments?

Ibaraki bites her lip and glances away quickly, "Thanks, I'm glad you like it."

"Anyway," Ibaraki coughs into her first and changes the subject, "How was the rest of your week? You didn't have any troubles after that big meeting did you?"

"Not particularly," Suzaku sighs bitterly, "It was all a sham made to pressure the Doumon clan and 'take advantage' of the sudden weakness. Everyone knew nothing would come out of it but they all wanted to play out that charade."

Ibaraki hums, "Okay, but what was there to even gain? You all have separate elemental foundations for your magic and I assume the same goes for physical and supplementary arts."

Predictably, Ibaraki's first thoughts are combat.

If it were that simple then the Principal Clans would be in constant harmony because they would never have anything to gain by supplanting each other's positions or anything to lose by cooperating fully with each other.

"It was more a threat on the business side of things. Despite the nearly inexhaustible wealth our clans have accrued over their long history, we still have sources of income in both the mundane and magical sides. It's mostly to maintain our wealth but it also keeps the clan members active." The topic is dry and Suzaku is almost concerned until she sees Ibaraki hanging on her words.

"How does that work? I thought your 'business' was subduing rogue Yokai and any foreign supernatural elements that enter your territory." Suzaku grins, enjoying her interest.

"Not everyone has talent or desire for combat in the clan, nor would that be an organisational structure that could be sustained. It varies from clan to clan since our blessings alter our talents in Onmyoudo. Back when our clans held government office, we mainly did divinations, purifications, or sold Talismans."

"Nowadays we still do those but without a government office to add validity to our profession, the purification market has shifted back to Shinto priests, Buddhist Monks, and the Church."

"Divinations aren't in demand either because the common people don't hold stock in magic and the same goes for the sale of Talismans. Of course, those in government positions, wealthy business owners and the Imperial family are still interested in predictions of the future and the protections our Talismans can offer."

Ibaraki's eyes are sparkling as she listens, "That's so cool! I wouldn't have thought there would be hardly any market for magic because of the division between the mundane and the supernatural. It's actually impressive that your reputation has lasted long enough to maintain that market."

Suzaku preens a little at Ibaraki's enthusiastic perception of her family's business. She may not be proud of their more rigid and old-fashioned traditions but the idea of the Himejima clan has always been something she's proud of.

"Each clan also has a role in supporting the Principal Clans as a whole. The Kushihashi clan for example grows both magical and mundane plants, the Doumon clan uses those plants for Alchemy, my clan creates special earthenware for rituals or sealings as well as tools and weapons, the Shinra clan do a lot of work in finance as well as supplying metal to us, and the Nakiri clan act as a disciplinary force while also providing high-quality soil for the clans that make use of it."

The explanation is a vast oversimplification of the various trade deals involved between each clan, but the full explanation would be too dry and isn't something she can speak about in length to someone outside her clan.

"There is also an intelligence branch that takes members from all clans which is a neutral resource since a direct allegiance to a single clan would hinder access to information." As Suzaku finishes her brief explanation, she notices Ibaraki's look of confusion.

"Wait, so essentially you all need each other to properly maintain your businesses." Suzaku is about to object when Ibaraki amends her statement, "Or at least all your businesses operate best when you work in conjunction."

"Yes, hence my dismay at the way our clans squabble and bicker." Suzaku laments as she takes another sip of her coffee.

"You have it rough," Ibaraki says nodding with an expression of complete seriousness, and it startles a laugh out of Suzaku. "I'm rooting for you."

Ibaraki looks pensive for a moment. "The Doumon clan are weakened right now, especially since they don't have a Sacred Beast Inheritor at the moment. Because of that, the other four clans are trying to, not so much take over their businesses or muscle in, but rather use that weakness as leverage to gain favourable exchanges in the long term."

"Ah… Yes, that's exactly right," Is Suzaku's stunned reply, as she receives a far more astute analysis than she was expecting.

Ibaraki seems to catch onto this surprise and huffs in annoyance, "I'm both the leader of my entire race and a decent-sized organisation. I'm fairly intelligent when I have to be."

Suzaku winces at her slip-up, "I didn't mean anything by that pause, you put together more than what I would expect from most people with the information you were given. I was impressed, that's all."

"Enough about me, how was your week?" Suzaku asks, eager to move past that small fumble.

Ibaraki's brows furrow as she thinks over her response, "Somewhere between great and terrible, I think?"

"Is that a question or a statement?" Suzaku wonders aloud.

"A bit of both." Ibaraki flashes her a grin, "I had a lot to be excited about while preparing for our date and training your cousin but I came to a terrible realisation too."

She wants to ask how Tobio is doing but doesn't want to break the flow of the conversation so instead, Suzaku waits for Ibaraki to finish, only leaning forward in her seat to show she's invested.

"It turns out playing modern warlord is ruinously boring." Ibaraki lets out an exaggerated sigh, "Or at least when it comes to this underworld takeover stuff."

"I was told in no uncertain terms by my executives that I couldn't just 'go force everyone to submit by myself' because it's a 'waste of manpower to solve everything myself'" She clicks her tongue and crosses her arms.

"It's boring is what it is." Ibaraki rolls her eyes, "Unless someone strong moves, I'm not supposed to commit myself recklessly."

Suzaku suppresses a giggle, "That is sound advice though."

"Sound or not, it's annoying. I mean, fighting small fries is boring too but it's better than just waiting. If this continues for too long I'll go prod their leaders." She mutters under her breath something along the lines of 'to hell with the disappointed looks I'll receive.'

While the subject matter is minorly concerning, the energy Ibaraki gives off talking about it is adorable and entirely too amusing.

"Is it that difficult to delegate?" Suzaku asks with a raised brow, "Surely your organisation is capable of making progress without you doing everything yourself."

"Yeah, they haven't had any difficulty yet," Ibaraki shrugs with a frown, "I just think it would be simpler -and less boring- if I could track down the King and force them to submit. I'd be willing to fight their whole peerage by myself if I had to."

Suzaku hides her smile with her drink, knowing full well that Ibaraki would be more than simply 'willing' to fight the whole peerage.

"The leader of the Hell King Legion doesn't show themselves often, to the point that their appearance is unknown. They're certainly a Pure-blooded Devil, however, their exact lineage isn't part of the information I have." Suzaku interjects, earning a look of surprise from Ibaraki.

Ibaraki stares at her for a moment before giving Suzaku a playful smirk, "And how would you know that, hm? Did you do some research because you were worried for me?"

Suzaku covers up her embarrassment with a scoff, "Hardly. I was worried that you might get my cousin injured because you didn't know who you were fighting. Our intelligence division knows the basics of everything that happens in Kyoto and I stumbled across the information."

"I'm touched, truly." Ibaraki finishes before changing the topic, "Speaking of your cousin, I'm sure you would like to hear how he is doing."

"I trust he's alright?" Ibaraki nods.

"He's fine, great even. He's a joy to teach because of his work ethic and latent potential. To top it off he also cooks." Suzaku can't find any complaints in Ibaraki's words which is good.

The frown she's wearing is worrying though.

"If I had to point out a problem, it's his naivety. His sole goal and motivation are to save his girlfriend. I'm worried about what will happen after he completes his short-term goal." Suzaku breathes a sigh of relief when she hears what is bothering Ibaraki.

She was worried her cousin had a major problem that Ibaraki couldn't help him with, but in the end, it was the same issue that was present this whole time, and one that Suzaku didn't truly see as an issue.

She still isn't convinced that Tobio needs to do more than dip his toes into the supernatural until they find the culprits. If it were up to her, he would leave all this behind once the kidnapping is settled. He's too kind to be drawn into some never-ending tide of challengers all because of something he can't control.

"Either that or his budding Harem-protagonist aura." Ibaraki's non-sequitur brings Suzaku back to the present.

"I'm sorry, his what?" Suzaku asks, blinking in surprise.

"I took him on a trip to show him some of what I plan for him to learn in a practical setting so we went to clear a warehouse owned by the Hell King Legion." Noticing Suzaku's frown, Ibaraki stops explaining momentarily to placate her.

"The only people there were a few dozen ordinary people with guns and a single Pawn. You've seen me in combat before, there was no chance of him being injured." Reluctantly, Suzaku has to agree with that assessment.

"Besides, I took my youngest sister along too so I was confident that nothing would happen." With that, any argument Suzaku could have mustered loses traction.

"Anyway, we went through the entire place until we ran into the Pawn. She wasn't a threat either but her King activated a cursed artefact which, at the cost of the woman's life, gave her a burst of strength."

Suzaku doesn't have time to process that before Ibaraki moves on.

"She was still laughably weak, but a marginally stronger." Ibaraki seems visibly upset while describing her opponent's weakness and the surrounding situation.

"I was going to kill her quickly but Tobio got upset when he realised what was happening and decided to use Longinus bullshit to save her life." Ibaraki rolls her eyes, "Now mind you, I knocked out a bunch of minions along the way and he didn't protest once."

"He only stepped in when the…" Ibaraki stops mid-sentence and her eyes widen.

Ibaraki looks uncomfortable as she continues, "Er… the not unattractive devil woman was in danger? I'm trying to say that he only saved the woman who he might think is pretty, not that I thought she was pretty."

"You're way more attractive." Ibaraki nods firmly, "Like worlds apart in all aspects."

Suzaku can't help but laugh at Ibaraki's sudden fumbling and her attempt at recovery. The overcompensation for the compliment is endearing too, "It's fine, I understand what you're trying to say."

Ibaraki sighs in relief and continues her story after that reassurance, "As a result of that, I had to figure out how to stabilise a sudden Stray Devil before she turned into a monstrosity and now I have to house her as well."

"Hm, so you're saying that him having basic empathy makes him a 'Harem protagonist'?" Suzaku plays along with an amused grin.

"No, I'm saying he was always a Harem protagonist and this is just his true nature manifesting. Stupid anime-world." Ibaraki mutters under her breath, only amusing Suzaku more.

"I have a live-in devil maid now because I can't let her return to her King and I'm not housing her for free. The worst part is she tries to covertly sneak glances at Tobio when he's training." Ibaraki complains.

As Suzaku goes to take another sip of her coffee she realises it's empty and puts it back down.

Ibaraki notices the aborted action and her eyes widen, "Did you want to continue this conversation while we walk? I kind of got distracted chatting with you and forgot I had more planned."

"I'd like that," Suzaku says, "As much as I'd be fine with a simple conversation, I'm excited to see what you planned."

"Awesome." Ibaraki flashes a grateful smile as they both stand up.

Ibaraki walks ahead of Suzaku and holds the door open, then steps out onto the street beside her. She did not, however, immediately begin leading the way to their destination.

"Are you alright?" Suzaku asks.

"Oh, yeah I was just trying to figure out the shortest route from here." She gives a single-shoulder shrug. "There are multiple entrances to Urakyoto, you know?"

Suzaku stifles a laugh, "I thought you were keeping the destination a secret?"

Ibaraki pauses as this registers and sighs, "I was planning on it. This is hardly the big reveal I imagined."

Suzaku hums, "Urakyoto is a large place so you didn't give away much."

"Well, there is that." Ibaraki gives her a grateful smile. "With that mistake out of the way, how do you feel knowing that?"

"Excited, mostly, though I won't lie and say I have no concerns," Suzaku responds as they set off to their destination.

"Yeah?"

"I've been to Urakyoto twice before and both times were in my capacity as Heiress of the Himejima Clan. While I got to admire some of the city's beauty, it was only a glimpse as I travelled from an entrance to Yasaka's temple."

"My first few times in Urakyoto were like that too." Ibaraki commiserates, "They're really big on not allowing foreign dignitaries to wander. I only recently got permission to travel freely into and around the city."

Suzaku is momentarily surprised by that admission until she remembers that, while Ibaraki is a Yokai, the Oni weren't true members of the West Yokai faction and might still not be.

"You said you had concerns though?" Ibaraki asks as they turn onto another street.

"Mostly just whether I would be allowed to travel alone with you. The other times I've been, it was with escorts and a strict travel route" Ibaraki laughs, an odd response to a serious question.

"We'll be fine." There's nothing but certainty in Ibaraki's tone, and the only thing stopping Suzaku from believing wholeheartedly in that response is that she's met Ibaraki before.

"You did clear this with Yasaka beforehand, right?"

"Of course not but nobody will question me on this," Ibaraki says with such surety that Suzaku can't help believing her.

"If you're sure." She replies simply, and Ibaraki focuses back on leading them through the streets.

Suzaku finds herself walking closer to Ibaraki than she did a moment earlier and if Ibaraki notices she doesn't say anything.

"I don't think you mentioned how you've been training Tobio." Suzaku brings them back to their earlier topic of conversation.

"There's not much to say yet. I haven't even had him for a full week so it's mostly conditioning and the basics of handling a weapon." Ibaraki says with a shrug. "Other than that I fight against Jin to get the pup used to combat and Tobio practises what you told him to."

The training regimen is surprisingly tame compared to what Suzaku had imagined. She wouldn't have thought that Ibaraki would have such a principled approach to the training.

Ibaraki perks up a little as her attention turns to an alleyway up ahead. "Great! We're here."

As they enter the alley, Ibaraki sets up a barrier across the entrance so no civilians can see what they're doing.

Suzaku watches in fascination as Ibaraki slowly works to open up a gate to Urakyoto, a display of magic she's only seen twice before. The process doesn't have the same fluidity as it did the other times Suzaku watched it, however.

Once the gate is fully opened, Ibaraki turns to her looking faintly embarrassed and covers it up by gesturing widely, "Welcome to Urakyoto!"

Through the gate, Suzaku can see Yokai of all shapes and sizes milling about down the street and in the sky. It's chaotic and kind of magical to watch.

Ibaraki offers her hand with a smile and, once Suzaku accepts the gesture and they join hands, leads them through the gate.

The gate closes behind them and a long shadow falls over them. Glancing upwards, Suzaku watches a large form fly over them and the rest of the crowd as it travels along.

"Right now we're on the border between the high street and the temple district," Ibaraki says.

Suzaku returns her attention to Ibaraki only to notice that her horns have popped out and rather than the black horns she would have expected to see, they're coloured in a gradient that makes them resemble the sunset.

Suzaku only notices she's staring when Ibaraki runs her hand through her hair near the base of her horns.

"Do you like them?" Ibaraki asks and Suzaku spots a faint blush on her cheeks.

"They're radiant," Ibaraki's blush darkens in response to the compliment.

"Thank you, I'm glad the colour isn't too much."

Suzaku is surprised by how attractive she finds Ibaraki's horns.

She had noticed them before, obviously, but with them specially coloured for the occasion it makes them seem like ornaments that complement Ibaraki's hairstyle instead of weapons attached to her head.

They both look away from each other once they remember they're in the middle of the street and Ibaraki clears her throat, "Just act natural and nobody will question whether you're human or not. It shouldn't matter either way since whether you're human or not isn't any of their business but people might act weird about it."

Suzaku inwardly frowns even if she agrees with what Ibaraki says.

Ibaraki squeezes her hand reassuringly, "Come on, let's not worry about that stuff and enjoy the day."

"Sure," She replies, smiling as Ibaraki keeps their hands laced together as she leads them through the city, "Where's our first destination?"

"Not too far from here actually."

They walk at a comfortable pace and the crowd gradually thins out as they stray away from the more populated street they arrived at.

After a short walk, they reach a bright red Torii gate, through which a winding path shoots upwards, surrounded by lush forest.

Suzaku realises their first destination is a shrine and is momentarily confused as to why Ibaraki would choose this. It seems like an odd choice but it isn't a deal breaker or anything.

She understands why Ibaraki chose to take her here the moment they pass through the gate.

Through that boundary, the air is charged with a divinity that would be impossible for her not to recognise.

The divinity of Kagutsuchi seems to dance with joy as she steps through the threshold and it greets her like an old friend. The air around them grows hot as they're welcomed by Suzaku's patron god and gratitude swells inside her breast.

She finds herself stepping closer to Ibaraki and brushing their shoulders together as they walk up towards the shrine, silently grateful as she revels in divine approval. Even in her clan's compound, the divinity isn't so dense and ever-present.

"This is already amazing," Suzaku whispers to Ibaraki, "I'm impressed."

"I have a lot more to show you today." Ibaraki shoots back with a grin. "I was hoping it wouldn't be weird to take you here."

A huge white boar appears in the treeline off to their side and grunts as they pass, the two of them finally reaching the top of the stairs and entering the temple proper.

Naturally, they both stop at the water basin and purify themselves before going further.

"It was a little odd to head to a shrine right at the beginning of our date but I understand why you did now," Suzaku reassures Ibaraki.

"I figured that you probably haven't been able to visit this shrine so when I heard about it, I had to take you." She replies. "Religion is a big part of people's lives and I didn't want this place to be kept from you."

Suzaku swoons a little at the show of understanding from Ibaraki and mentally re-evaluates her.

A considerate and earnest action wasn't what she would have expected but perhaps she wasn't giving Ibaraki enough credit.

They both ring the bell at the main hall and Suzaku giggles as puffs of flame follow each clang of the bell.

Kagutsuchi seems to be very happy with their visit to the shrine, more so than she would have expected. Even the priests present seemed surprised if their expressions were any indication.

"I admit, my intent wasn't entirely selfless." Ibaraki continues as they both present offerings then go do their two bows, two claps, and bow. "I wanted to see if our relationship was approved."

Almost as if to reassure Ibaraki, the air grows warmer around them due with a surge of Kagutsuchi's presence.

"Not that I wouldn't have fought for your approval if it wasn't but it is nice to know your god approves," Ibaraki says with a laugh.

Despite herself, Suzaku also feels relieved.

Her god's blessing towards this relationship wasn't something she thought she needed or would influence her decision, but the knowledge that he is approving of it is oddly impactful.

Once they've covered etiquette, they spend a good hour and a half just wandering around the shrine, taking in the architecture and the meticulously maintained landscape. They make light conversation as they walk, making observations about what they like the most around them.

Suzaku notices that Ibaraki seems especially interested in the gardening around the shrine and decides to ask her about it.

She looks faintly embarrassed as she responds, "Gardening is something I've gotten into recently. I used to only think about plants and nature in regard to Senjutsu but lately, I've been having fun with cultivation as a hobby."

It's a tame hobby for Ibaraki and surprisingly it suits her. Seeing her wide-eyed enthusiasm as they stroll through the temple makes Suzaku able to imagine Ibaraki gardening in her own home.

"Izanami got me into it when she showed me her garden." Suzaku stumbles a bit at the namedrop but maintains her composure admirably.

"I pieced together that you arrived at the Dragonslayer festival from Yomi but I didn't know that you were so close to Lady Izanami." Ibaraki shrugs as though it isn't a big deal to be close to a creator Goddess.

"She's a kind woman who's lonely, I couldn't ignore her and only train the whole time," Ibaraki says as she brushes her finger on an outstretched leaf, the plant brightening from her touch.

"That's… an enlightened view of a deity," Suzaku replies quietly, unsure of the blase way Ibaraki treats divinity.

"Human gods, at the end of the day reflect those who worship them. They can be happy," Ibaraki gestures to the air around them, "Or sad just like anyone else."

With that thought to chew on they silently head over to the gift shop at the shrine and are greeted by a smiling young man.

"Welcome, please feel free to browse and notify me if you need anything." He bows and they start to look at the trinkets on display.

Ibaraki bites her lip and Suzaku follows her gaze to the phone charms on display. More specifically, Ibaraki is staring at a cute white cartoon boar on a red chain.

"Are you going to buy that?" Suzaku asks with a smile.

"Maybe." Ibaraki hedges causing Suzaku to chuckle.

"If you don't get it I'll buy it for you." She says playfully and Ibaraki huffs.

"When you put it like that I have to buy it," Ibaraki says as though it's an imposition.

She doesn't do a good job of hiding her smile though.

"Why don't you grab two, I'm fond of that one as well." Ibaraki clearly doesn't think too much about the context because she does so without pause.

If she had she would've realized that Suzaku was requesting they have a matching pair of phone charms, couple's charms.

After grabbing their charms, they both buy an Ema plaque and pay. The young man from before rings them through with a cheery smile and thanks them for their purchases.

They both head outside and sit down to ponder what wish they want to inscribe on their plaques.

There are so many things that Suzaku wants to wish for, from continued prosperity for her clan, safety for her cousin, the strength to accomplish her goals, or even personal health. Yet at the moment, she finds herself inscribing a wish that her date today continues to go well.

Both she and Ibaraki finish inscribing their wish at the same time and immediately the tablets alight in their hands. The divinity in the air feels playful as the embers from the tablets away from them and into the air.

"Well… that was something," Ibaraki says with raised brows. "He's an energetic kid isn't he?"

Suzaku can't help herself and start laughing at the sheer irreverence of her date's observation.

After descending back down from the shrine, Ibaraki leads them both back to a more populated area and she visibly grows more excited as they near their next destination.

Their second destination is far more traditional for a first date, an arcade. It isn't a destination Suzaku would have chosen for herself, or even thought of. Perhaps because of that, she ends up enjoying it a lot.

They ignore the skill-based games because their reflexes and senses would trivialize things and focus on luck-based games instead.

Ibaraki is especially excited about playing the crane games, though her luck with them is terrible. It's almost comical watching her come away with three plushies despite spending tens of thousands of yen on tokens. One of them was a cute hawk that Ibaraki won for Suzaku, the others were characters Ibaraki's sisters liked apparently.

Suzaku on the other hand wasn't too interested in playing the crane games, preferring to watch Ibaraki play and enjoy their time there that way. The only time she played the crane game was to win a tiger plushie that Ibaraki wasn't able to win herself.

They were going to leave the arcade since they were both getting hungry and Suzaku caught Ibaraki staring forlornly at the plushie.

Excusing herself to go to the washroom, Suzaku circled back around, exchanged some money for tokens and after a couple of tries, won the plushie for Ibaraki.

Did she cheat with magic? Of course not.

However, even if she did nobody would be able to prove it.

Besides, it was worth it to see her date's face light up when she returned with the plushie.

The restaurant they ended up eating at wasn't some expensive upscale establishment like she would have expected but a small private, hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Ibaraki had seemed unsure about it and when asked, she thought that an expensive restaurant would feel too much like a business transaction rather than a romantic dinner.

The sentiment was sweet and Suzaku later found out that Ibaraki had found out from locals that this was the best 'secret' restaurant in town.

The food didn't disappoint either.

It was simple, comforting food, cooked to perfection. Not only that but the fact that magic use isn't restricted nearly as much in Urakyoto means that the entire process of cooking was enhanced through magic.

The meal was nearly as delicious as banquets held by her clan, with the added benefit of good conversation rather than political posturing.

This brings them to now, the end of their date as they stand in the streets of Kyoto again.

Suzaku hopes that it shows how much she enjoyed herself today but for the last few minutes Ibaraki was fairly quiet. She didn't look upset, just contemplative or nervous, maybe?

Now that they're closer to the Himejima clan's compound, they can't exactly walk together any further and Suzaku stops, not wanting their date to end.

"I had a great time today, Ibaraki." Suzaku leads with, turning to face her date.

"I enjoyed myself too. You were lovely and I couldn't imagine today going any better." Ibaraki gives her a genuine smile and then bites her lip.

"I have something for you." She says and with a flash of magic pulls a bouquet from her subspace.

Suzaku gasps as she takes in the bouquet. Multiple flowers come together to form the bouquet, white anemone, azalea, red roses, and a single flower in the centre she doesn't recognize. The flower has six pointed petals, each being white with blue venation and has a cluster of blue seeds in the centre similar to a daisy. The arrangement is clearly professionally done based on how perfectly it's arranged.

Ignoring the flower she doesn't recognize, for now, the flowers convey a message of sincerity, patience, and love -which she interprets as affection.

Suzaku gently takes the bouquet and Ibaraki rubs the back of her neck with a bright blush on her cheeks. "Do you like it?"

"I love it," Suzaku says and finds she means it.

She's sure that Ibaraki knows what the flowers are supposed to mean based on how awkward she's acting. It's a confession, one that says that Ibaraki is sincere in her courtship and is willing to date her patiently until they're both ready for this to be public.

It's bold to convey that on their first date in much the same way she would have expected from Ibaraki before today. It is also achingly considerate of her situation in the way she's grown to realize Ibaraki is through this date.

Trying to distract herself so she doesn't tear up, Suzaku asks about the flower she doesn't recognise.

"Oh, I didn't want to give you a bouquet that I bought without a personal touch so I made you a flower. It took me most of my time leading up to our date to figure out what I wanted but I chose to use your flames as an inspiration." Ibaraki says as though that isn't a big deal.

It's beautiful and Suzaku feels those tears she was trying to suppress break through her resistance as she glances between the bouquet and her date.

Before she fully thinks it through she laces her free hand with Ibaraki's again and tilts her head upward while leaning in for a kiss.

When their lips meet, it's everything Suzaku had imagined a kiss could be and their lips mould together like they were made for each other.

It's magical.