[Day 7, Early Evening] Rumours

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi looked sidelong at the hole in the wall. "I can imagine." He smiled. "I am glad that you avoided the regret that would stem from that."

[Isawa O-Washi]

"I don't think I'd have regretted it." O-washi took one of Fuichi's hands in his bandaged one. "You need to know that I'm not nearly so gentle as Phoenix are meant to be. I can be just as unforgiving as Suitengu-kami, just as cold and just as quick to kill and not think a thing of it later."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi looked up into O-Washi's eyes. "And that is something that I will never be able to understand." He sighed. "But I am growing to love you anyway, and, since it is a part of you, I will come to accept it." A pause. "I only hope that you can accept my tranquility as well."

[Isawa O-Washi]

"I was meant, my sensei said, to have been tranquil, to let the world's concerns flow around me without causing me dismay." A small yet genuine smile graced O-washi's features. "It would be a good balance, I should think. If the need for someone to do what needs doing comes, I will shelter you and when peace is needed, I will lean on you."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi returned the smile. "I agree. A perfect match." He leaned in close and wrapped his arms around O-Washi's powerful neck, plainly offering the kiss that the moment demanded.

[Isawa O-Washi]

It was returned, though briefly. "Now, now, hohei." Blue eyes were amused, yet the voice was firm. "None of that while on ship. I think I'd best go see to my prayers before you get both of us in trouble, mmm?"

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi colored slightly. "Hai, perhaps you are right. We'll continue this on shore...later." A firm nod, suffused with finality as he stands and smooths out his robes. "Now, you should stop distracting me with your irresistible charm; I have berths to scrub."

[Isawa O-Washi]

Chuckling, the bigger man took up his small armful of wood splinters. "And I'll send in one of the carpenters. See you when the wounded come in, Fuichi-kun."

With one last grin, the bigger man turned and headed for the hold, whistling cheerfully as he went.

/exit