Little Early for Valentine's Day, No? [Makoto, Shishiyuki]

It made her get a little bit more elated when she heard Shishiyuki respond, her own answer having a lot more jubilance than previously since she blurted out her next bit.

"Oh! Oolong's my favourite."

She gave a cheery grin while leaning in just a little closer, that was a little surprising bit of news which had thrown her inhibitions just a little to the wayside while she followed up with enthusiasm to lock in their next date? Was that what the tea shop would be?

"Yes. We can go sometime later, right? I'll make some time, maybe for Valentine's Day proper?"

Ah. That was absolutely precious, seeing Makoto light up in that way, and Shishiyuki certainly hadn't been anticipating it. Well, that did make her feel a bit happier than she'd have expected, to hear her say something so simple. It was good to share interests, wasn't it?

"Yes, most certainly. I will ensure my schedule is clear then, and we can call it a date."

Even if Makoto wasn't quite certain if it was a date, Shishiyuki was fairly positive about that, and was growing more confident as the two walked and talked. She could certainly manage all of this relationship business, right? It wasn't an intricate dance of social norms like she was used to, it was about simply being with Makoto. As Makoto leaned in closer, Shishiyuki's hold on her hand grew just a touch tighter, more sure about the situation. This was...nice. Far nicer than she could have expected, really.

Makoto hardly skipped a beat as she followed up to locking in what was presumably their next date, the tighter grip in her hand prompting her to use the hold to begin to lead Shishiyuki off the park and towards the small ponds to the side of the path.

There was nothing exactly special, maybe there would be a chorus of frogs if it was a warmer season but alas, she was content though to just look at the pond for a little bit. A small detour in the overall date but she leaned next to Shishiyuki just a little closer while her eyes focused on the reflection in the water of them.

"Oh, what'd you want to do next?"

Shishiyuki studied the water herself, and in a way she was almost surprised to see herself with Makoto like this. The image that she always saw of herself was a stern, somewhat friendly woman, training and refining her form. But there was none of that tension here, none of the professionalism or mastery she typically might have expected. Just a woman enjoying the company of her significant other.

"Would it be ill form of me to say that I am not entirely certain what would be a good choice?"

It almost felt awkward, having to admit that, but this was so outside her realm of expertise that there was little else she could reasonably say. Of course, she would still do her best.

"Well, I think it would hardly be right to go for tea after we've only just discussed a far more exciting place to have it, but have you eaten yet today?"

She asked it innocently enough, but it was something legitimately worth asking, given Makoto's dedication toward her work.

Huh, this was going to require some thought. She needed to remind herself of just what was around this area, she had researched it all in so much depth but she was struggling to recall it now. In the heat of the moment it was the hardest to remember the details. Well, Shishiyuki did propose something to eat though she did look away sheepishly.

"Yes. I eat very well you know!"

Makoto pouted just a little bit at what she read as an accusation like what the occasional other person might assume too, cooking was apart of her routine. It was only whether or not she got sleep that she ever worried about but the intensity of her response in proclaiming her own ability to take care of herself made her blush.

"I mean, yeah. Sorry ha...ha. Well, we can go get something to eat though if you're hungry. I can eat more, or I can work it off later or anything else. You know what I mean?"

"My apologies, I hardly meant to make any rude insinuations."

Despite Shishiyuki's naturally formal-sounding choice of words, the lighthearted tone of her voice and the smile still on her face made it clear that she wasn't necessarily trying to give a genuine, proper apology. She was sorry, of course, or she wouldn't have said it, but she didn't want to turn this whole exchange into something overly serious. Little playful banter seemed more appropriate, and admittedly, Makoto's pout was quite cute.

"I had thought of a small little shop not terribly far from here, that I often visited when I was younger. Before I took over as family head, so at least a few centuries ago. They have a lovely somen that was always quite refreshing after training."

She didn't share the existence of that place with nearly anyone, though she was also admittedly too embarrassed to tell Makoto that. She'd always wanted to go there to get away from the pressures of her family, after all, even if for a short time.

"Sure. Let's do that."

Wasn't that a while ago? Makoto knew places could last for quite some time in the Seireitei but this little shop must be a secret treasure to remain out of the way but in business. Well, she didn't spend too much time on thinking about the specifics of this place - it was a place that she had a fondness for by the sounds of it and so Makoto took that as a boon towards their reputation.

"You lead the way and I'll try not to get lost."

She didn't come around here very often and it was humilating to admit that she was not the best with this area of the Seireitei. Too out of the way of her division barracks, not on the way towards the Academy and just an area that was far more aligned for recreation than business.

Shishiyuki was perfectly willing to lead the way, though of course she held Makoto's hand all the while. Not particularly on account of any need, of course. She knew that Makoto could find her way just fine, but if Shishiyuki was being totally honest, she rather liked the thought that others might know the two were together. She was proud of it.

As she brought them to a quiet little corner of the Seireitei, into a shop that most likely would have walked right past without even noticing, Shishiyuki couldn't entirely hide her surprise at being greeted with a firm and respectful "Lady Shishiyuki." She'd not come here in well over a decade by now, far longer than she typically waited. Well, she supposed that after nearly a thousand years of patronage, ten years was hardly much of a break in her visits.

"A pleasure to see you as well. Two somen, if you would. Ah, and a pot of sayu, please."

The two were led to a small table in a small wooden patio, overlooking an equally tiny, but very well-kept garden. Of course, at this time of year there was little in bloom, but it was quite immaculate.

"I hope you find it agreeable."

It was a little surprising, her red eyes looking away a little shy. Sure they were visible to others in their affectionate time spent together in the park but she was not under the actual gaze of anyone specifically like the two in front of them. Makoto was content to let Shishiyuki carry her through this part of it, she had the rapport and she knew what she wanted. It didn't sound unpleasant, maybe a little surprising. Was it the kind of thing a couple might have on a date?

Makoto was too out of it to really be able to make a clear opinion so really it just worked out fine. A seat opposite of Shishiyuki while her hands came under her chin and she looked out over the small garden. It was really peaceful here, quiet and private. It was beginning to make a little bit of sense to her why Shishiyuki liked this place.

"Mhm. It's very pretty here..."

She said while turning back to blush a little bit, close her eyes and beam instead like it helped her cope with the feelings of shyness that she occasionally felt when she was reminded of this situation and how their dynamic was different now. Far more than teacher or student.

It certainly made Shishiyuki feel more than a touch proud of herself, to see that Makoto liked this place. It was important to her, after all, if only as somewhere that she felt she could get away from the myriad trappings of her position. Being able to share it with someone else like this was...well, wonderful.

"Quite near as pretty as you, I should think."

Shishiyuki didn't really know if that would qualify as suitable flirting, but it had seemed like the sort of reply that would be fitting at a time like this, so she'd thrown it out with the same sort of cool confidence that she always carried herself. It was quite good for covering the fact that she was inwardly scrambling about whether or not Makoto would think that had been absolutely dreadful.