[D2, MA] Hold your breath

[Miya Akari]

While they spoke of cooling off, Akari finally took Kenzo's hand, reaching behind her back then pulling it around to set on her bare skinned lap. Yukari's was pulled up to join. She encouraged a tangle of hands and fingers while speaking suspecting that it did nothing to help them chill. She wanted them to feel the anticipation for what was hinted at, even when talking about other things.

"I was fishing for a while, but ended up joining Doji-san to do some collecting of supplies for a ceremony Asako-san will be holding."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

It did nothing to help him chill. It was however enjoyable and may have been a mistake on the Miya's part as after a while his fingers started to explore.

"To bad we can't use what we gathered today for a feast instead of to stretch our provisions. What kind of ritual is Asako-sama planning?"

[Shiba Yukari]

"Something to show the local spirits our respect, first and foremost..."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Well that's good though Hana-san has suggested that the spirits here, at least the ones in the forest itself, may not be our kind of spirits which could complicate things. I am glad that the two of are spending time with her, I think she needs friends." He gazed at Yukari as he spoke and tried to take her hand down with his to explore, the tips of their fingers sliding under fabric. His other hand digging into the sand frustrated it was so far from the fun.

[Miya Akari]

Akari wasn't exactly paying attention to the conversation too much. Her mind was alight with different thoughts at the moment. She let his hand wander a bit, but eventually took it and moved it. It wasn't out of displeasure but rather to punctuate that if anything more was going to happen it would need to be much more private than a lean-to in a public area. She seemed insistent on the point.

[Shiba Yukari]

"Most everyone does, Kenzo-san."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

Kenzo didn't resist and had a playful grin thinking he may have gotten to the seemingly unflappable Miya the same way she had gotten to him and the Shiba.

"I doubt everyone here is as friendly as the two of you though."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Really? It's been my experience that everyone here has been lovely so far..."

[Miya Akari]

"It's generally a friendly bunch, though a few can be less so. But I like most well enough," she says, nodding. "But some are certainly sweeter than others." She smiled at Yukari.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"I would be shocked if everyone was THIS friendly. Perhaps that arrow felled me and this is a new realm I find myself in, the Realm of Splendid Reward? I hoped that perhaps one of you might show me some favor if I was witty and charming enough. Once the talk started I told myself I would let it be and just be happy for you but I'll be damned if the two of you aren't too beautiful and fun not to be drawn to you. Right now I am the happiest man in the empire and we haven't even gotten to the best part yet."

A shudder ran though his body and he tried to pull away.

"Who's ready for me to start that fire so we can eat those clams?"

[Shiba Yukari]

"Some... other activity might be wise, in the name of discretion..."

[Miya Akari]

"Any suggestions?" Akari asked the Phoenix.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

He stood up and walked to down to the water to retrieve the bag of clams and threw himself into the water.

[Shiba Yukari]

"Any suggestions?" Akari asked the Phoenix.

Eep.

"Music, maybe? Or we can swap stories? Or try to spot a salamander and see if I can try talking to it?"

[Miya Akari]

"Music would be nice," she says as she goes about setting up the fire. "You have a beautiful voice, so I'd gladly take any opportunity to hear it."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

Kenzo floated for a moment in the surf. "I haven't had the pleasure of hearing you sing yet, that would be wonderful."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Well, then, let's see..."

She quietly withdrew her hand from Akari's.

Because she needed to focus.

She went for something light, and airy.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

He stood there in the waist deep water his mouth agape as he listened to the performance. "I...didn't know the kami worked with your voice as well as the images you make."

[Miya Akari]

Akari, listens to the song, watching the Phoenix's lips as she creates lovely music with them. She adjusted her body to face Yukari more fully. When the song came to an end she smiled at her, a completely smitten expression on her face.

"Fortunes truly have blessed me. I can't think of any place I'd rather be than next to you Yukari-san. Everything you do makes me smile."

She retakes the hand and draws small geometric patterns on it with finger tips.

[Shiba Yukari]

Yukari blushed again.

But her voice was anything but retiring.

"I'll not indulge in false modesty, so thank you both. It's not a primary focus of my studies, but since many of the illusions I can perform are only visual, I worked at giving my performances more to go on."