He could have gotten lost there. And then she looked away. "Oh, ehm.... I... think I could go for a barley tea. Do you want to split a snack? I have no strong preference there." Ryuu looked up at the menu, his face a measure of concentration. As if trying to not just look at her again.

"Barely tea sounds great." Tea was not on her mind, "Oh...yes sure we should just split something. Just a little bit will be enough foh me." Ishiyo's eyes were on the menu as well. "How about just a senbei? The large one is more then enough for both of us I am sure."

He nodded, wishing like hell they were away from the crowd and everyone else. "That would be perfect." Looking to the attendant, he ordered the two teas and the senbei.

As he ordered, he glanced to her from the corner of his eye, and couldn't help but smile. It was foolish, but he could stand being a fool.

Ishiyo caught the glance and smiled, "Thank you for tonight Daigotsu-san." She glanced down and brushed her pin, "I wonder if I can get away with this on my uniform...hide it among my medals." Her chuckle was forced, tinged with a little bitterness that all she wanted to say was closed off to her. "Ouh little secret."

"It is my pleasure, Daidoji-san." The yearning could not be stopped. How it was boiling over within him, yet stoicism was demanded. He was in Control, that was what was important.

How he wanted to be a picture of a samurai for her.

"Perhaps. Keep it tucked with my badge of office. So even when we wre far away... it is like we are right there." The words escaped before he stopped himself, eyes widening, before the counter person called out there order.

Ishiyo took a small breath in at his words, her eyes widened a fraction and she looked away. "There is always the stars above." She looked away, then her voice returned, "Ah...yes that, that is our order thank you."

The Crane reached across the Spider to pick it up, another brief moment of physical closeness that could be written off. It would be burned into her mind however.

He found himself not moving as she reached across him. Feeling that closeness, just another snowflake, the beauty here for a moment, then gone. Only kept alive in memory. His gaze remained on her, as if committing every glance, every detail to memory.

"I think there is an empty table... booth... over there." He nodded off to the side, "so we don't have to stand and snack, I mean."

A table yes...that void between them, "Yes we should sit down." She smiled, "Across from each other I mean." Why did she need to clarify that...

"Thank you Daigotsu-san," Ishiyo cradled the bag with their order in both hands. She did not trust herself otherwise. "A seat over there."

"O...of course." He nodded, holding both beverages for much the same reason. The crowd seemed to give way to both of them, as they moved towards the table, giving the Spider a wide berth.

Sliding across from her, her set both beverages down, and looked to her.

His heart was still racing, just as it had in the pool.

"How much do you want?" Ishiyo smiled and held up the cookie. The table was safety, yet her hands were still trembling. "Of the senbei....I mean." She adds soft enough only they could hear. Her eyes were firmly fixed on snack.

"Just a little to nibble on is fine." Ryuu nodded, taking one of the cookies from the bag. Yet even the distraction of the snack was not enough to take his mind off of her. Nervously, he took a sip from the barley tea, letting the cool liquid down his throat.

"Nothing too heavy before bed... or the end of the night, I mean."

Ishiyo nibbled on her own cookie and sipped tea, gradually her cheeks lightened to their normal pale color. "Yes...bed, I think I will be heading there soon." The blush threatened to come back.

She sit her tea down and took a breath. "...would you accompany back to the Inn? I mean, we are both going there."

"... Yes." The words were almost breathless as he said them, chiding himself for showing his thoughts in that. "Ehm... I would be honored." He drank from the tea, trying to drown the embarrassment that showed through.

Ishiyo smiled, "We should probably get heading back soon." She nursed another sip from her tea, the bitter coldness helped to calm her nerves.

"Thank you for tonight, Daigotsu-san. I have said it before...a lot...but still. Thank you."

All good things must come to an end. He bowed his head to her. "It was my pleasure, Daidoji-san. I truly enjoy spending time with you." Looking to her as she drank, he finished his own, trying to just focus on the taste.

The flush has passed, but there was still the walk back.

Ishiyo for the moment fell silent, letting her emotions cool. She would need them to be as calm as possible before the walk. She could not quite lose the contented smile as they sat, or stop from taking the occasional glance at Ryuu.

But the cup only had so much fluid left.

His was finished first. The moment was bitter, just like the tea. It could no longer continue, and any excuses would be transparent as to his real goals.

Slowly, he stood, looking to her. "Nothing shall happen to you as we walk back. You are under my care and protection, Daidoji-san." He tried to sound as gallant as possible.

Ishiyo rose as well bowing slightly to the Daigotsu, "I trust you. Nothing will happen as we return to the Inn." Her voice was gentle as was her smile. She moved to stand beside him. "Shall we Daigotsu-san?"

Ryuu nodded, beginning his escort from the arcade back to their lodgings. His lips were curled to a pleased smile, especially as they walked side by side. Every so often, he would just look to her, but allow the soundtrack of the arcade, and the sounds of the city streets accompany them with no words.

He feared that any words would break the spell the evening had cast over them.

Ishiyo wished she had worn heels...it would have given her a reason to slow their pace. Instead she just kept a leisurely speed, as they walked she remained close to him. Her hands were gripped in front of her as they walked, but she stood straight and smile was on her face.