She closed the eye nearest to that enthusiastic cheek. "The usual, then." Perhaps her optimism could prove infectious in due time. As it were, she plucked Akari free of her face, her pinch having found her collar. "Fetch our meal for the day. That'll serve your mood well."

"How insightful." It wasn't as if she hadn't been impressed, though much of her inward kept praise boiled down to being swept in by the bubbly demeanor so openly defiant to the violent nature around them. "Let's have our meal, then."

"You've quite a ways, if you want my opinion." She wasn't ignorant, but neither beyond riling a mind so far buried in the whimsy of 'tomorrow'. "I'll count myself fortunate to have you, however." She took grasp, and seated herself with ankles at a cross. It was time to wolf down.

"You're comfortable, aren't you?" It was becoming typical to be used as a means of support, physical and otherwise. Akari was a particular force she couldn't easily shrug off. Not that there'd been intent to make the attempt in that instance.

"Don't speak with your mouth full." Such had been her dismissal to an answer otherwise obvious. She'd preferred they enjoyed their peaceful moment together, certainly, but not if she'd be made the flowery center of judgment for indulging the light girl atop her.

This girl was a problem, she reflected. If she allowed herself continued quiet while in her presence, she'd find herself /yearning/ for a chance at living. It was at odds with her position as an envoy of death; could she truly be selfish? Akira closed her eyes, content for now.

She has quite the stamina.

Good.

"This time of year... ...makes me no difference."

Kazama Akira Even with her heels on, it felt as if this huntress was much taller than herself– a mountain all for her to conquer. For that reason alone she attempted to restrain her blush; a queen shouldn't be seen while in such an improper state. "Silence." She ordered, tilting her face—

"Youkai are growing bold as of recent."

Kazama Akira The threats can wait. The night is young. Time to return this exorcist what she gave, deep into the night.

What a disgusting, poor excuse for a miko.

"Out of my sight."

"You don't strike me as such. Might you be another after my head?"

Such peculiar honesty roused a rarity in the aloof Kazama. "Interesting woman." That of amusement, made known through little else than an acknowledging huff. "Then? Might you be naturally drawn to the curse that I bear?"

"Then you're merely an innocent girl." Certainly, signs of 'that side' had become clear as day to the Oni Warrior. Despite the desire to call it out, Akira kept her tongue polite in their moment of shared ignorance. "Miss, you've chosen an unlucky time to tour this forest."

"Have a cold bath."

"You mistake me." Akira took a bold step forward, contrasting the modest retreat her guest pleaded for forgiveness with. "This space isn't my own. It's just as much yours to find relief in." She'd stop just short of the taller girl, gaze unabashed. "Your safety is my concern."

Akira watched in quiet study for but a moment. "Naturally." Was all she'd admitted, and she hadn't done so without having knelt down to the awestruck girl's level, keeping clear their image as equals without needing to pay it emphasis. "Is that so wrong?"