Breathe Slowly [Toki, Shuten]

Shuten gave Toki a smile as he spoke of a lack of distinction between on duty and off duty. She had to admit he was quite right, after all they didn't have much structure at the moment. Perhaps there would be some with eventuality but for now...? For now, there was only what they could do and what they couldn't do. The Suika soon returned to her ramen, some of her more Suikan manners shining through as she continued to eat; a bit more uncouth. However, Shuten still did have some manner of lady-like air to her, but it was slim in comparison to a family that was much rougher around the edges than any Shinigami nobility could ever manage. Eventually, however, she watched as Toki drank the small dish of sake. He sputtered at it, and honestly looked like someone hit him. Shuten blinked at the reaction, but did slowly realize he'd never had sake before. Shuten watched him for a few moments longer, slowly slurping up some noodles in the process.

"Here... "

After Shuten had swallowed her noodles, she carefully moved her hand over to be right over the sake dish Toki held. He may not be able to see much without his glasses, but it was hard to deny that Sake seemed to be flowing from Shuten's finger; straight from it. The flow didn't last long before Shuten ceased its flow. What she made had all the same notes, flavors, and smells of her sake but with the exception of a much, much lighter alcohol content. She wanted Toki to enjoy the drink, not get punched in the face by it.

"Try that. It was a little rushed, but... it should be much lighter than what I gave you earlier. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to give you something you weren't used to..."

Shuten was a little worried about Toki. He was showing some of the signs of inebriation, which perhaps wasn't too bad... Shuten believed he could use some rest, and probably wondered if she should try to make a sake without any alcohol whatsoever so he wouldn't get shitfaced. The Suika worried about it further and further until Toki made a light joke. A tiny giggle escaped the Suika that soon erupted into proper laughter. Perhaps the joke wasn't a great one, but Shuten found it entertaining all the same. After all, only Suika would follow up liquor with more liquor.

"Haha~ Oh certainly! Only Suika would follow liquor up with more liquor."

Shuten smiled some as the giddiness from Toki's light jest brightened Shuten's face. Even with what little Toki could see, he would see a genuine improvement on Shuten's countenance. How long had it been since she laughed properly anyways? Too long, much too long. Not since... No, it was best not to think about her. Instead, Shuten focused on the moment, and appreciated that Toki didn't mind receiving more liquor. It was the only drink Shuten had, but, each time she refilled Toki's dish, if he requested, she would do her best to tone down the alcohol content little by little. After all, she didn't want Toki passing out on her... Albeit she probably would have to walk him home. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise so he didn't overwork himself.

"Tell me, what do you think it needs? I might be able to calibrate it just for your tastes. Shouldn't be too bad, Suidomaru and I do have much experience in that regard."

To emphasize her point, Shuten patted Suidomaru as it sat beside her so that Toki would understand she was referring to her Zanpakuto. Practiced as Shuten was, all it took was the right direction and Shuten could make the exact drink that Toki desired; or at least as close as possible.

Perhaps the joke was only a lighthearted quip on Toki's part. But events as of late had been so dark and grim that even a lighthearted quip like that was enough to pull Shuten's laughter out. Just that tiny bit of lighthearted humor did honestly help Shuten brighten up a bit past the exhaustion and gloom of the past days.

Eventually, as Shuten began to finish off the rest of her ramen, drinking only some of the juices, she turned her attention to what Toki had said. It was quite fair to say that he wouldn't have any meaningful feedback for her, Shuten had to concede the point. Just like Shuten wouldn't know the fineries of Kaido, Toki wouldn't know the same of Sake. Indeed, he could ask Shuten to calibrate it to his particular tastes, but he said himself he wasn't an expert. Shuten simply nodded at what he said before she took a long drink of her sake, draining what remained in the rather large sake dish. Luckily for Toki, he had what was considered more of a normal size.

"I think that's a good idea, Toki. Albeit, I'd rather not make you drunk before you teach me about Kaido. Maybe we can use it to relax in the evening afterwards?"

Shuten gave Toki a warm smile before she turned to what remained of her ramen and polished it off. She didn't drink all the juice, it was much too salty, but she did drink a little bit of it. Afterwards, Shuten placed her bowl aside and let out a small sigh of contentment. The Suika stared off into nothing for a few moments, her purple orbs gazing into the sky sightlessly before they finally redirected towards Toki. He seemed like a good man, and Shuten appreciated him for it, admired him for it too. Not many would help out the second division as he did. The Suika soon let out a small hum before she stood and returned the bowl she had been using to the food stall and thanked the man. With swift strides, Shuten returned to Toki and sat back down on the bench. She sat cross legged and poured herself some more Sake, drinking the clear liquid with exaggerated slowness.

"We can return when you're ready, Toki. Just tell me when."