It was still technically in the morning. Rei had already checked in at the office, had spent a bit of time throwing the ball for Airi, and was now walking along the boardwalk at the beach for a bit of a break. So, this was what going to bed early felt like.

He hated it.

Rei was dressed in casual clothing, a t-shirt and lightweight hakama, the same thing he tended to work out in. He also wore dark shades, temporarily obscuring his pale eyes. The better to people watch as he strolled casually along.

Yamako wandered on the beach below, dressed casually for once with her shoes in her hand. A light top with soft purple irises printed on it and cap sleeves a adorned along with comfortable looking cream pants that hit above the ankle and swayed when she walked.

In one of her hands, she held a selection of shells and as she walked, she changed them out, obviously searching for something.

As always, Rei's keen eyes spotted the small Unicorn, picking her easily out from the crowd. Smiling, he altered his path, taking him down onto the beach proper. His long stride, significantly quicker than hers, allowed him to easily circle around and make his way down to where she was.

"Hey, Ide-san!" Smiling, Rei called out before he got too near, giving a vague sort of wave. "It's good to see you again."

Drawing closer, within conversational distance, he paused, tilting his head as he looked at her. "What are you up to?"

The sea was clearly good for the small Unicorn. Her shoulders were soft, her face calm and her On not nearly so brittle as it could be under stress. "Good morning Usagi-san! You're up early!"

She holds out her hand full of shells. "Trying to find the perfect present for Noburu-san. Yoritomo Seika-sama gave me the idea. A shell to help him remember the sounds of the ocean. I am sure it is difficult to be far away from the oceans he grew up near."

She cocked her head at him. "What are you up to?"

Rei's grin grew a touch rueful. "It's almost afternoon... but you're right of course. I am up early."

He shrugged casually. "I've had a productive morning. But most of my work these days is nights. This is my time to relax. And this is what I do." He gave a vague wave out towards the ocean.

The answer made him smile. "I see. That sounds very thoughtful, Ide-san. If you'd like, I could help you find some more. Or do you think you'll have what you need there?"

She deposited the shell she had decided was her favorite into her pocket and one or two more. "Oh, I wouldn't bore you with that Usagi-san. But if you'd like to keep me company while I search, I'd be grateful. Its a beautiful morning."

The softness in her eyes as she looks at the ocean is evident. "Do you enjoy swimming Usagi-san?"

He smiled at her. "I'd love to." Something about this young notactuallyanauntie made Rei feel so... wholesome. Like if they became good friends, he could carry her bag, and she could make bento for him. What a thought.

Chuckling, Rei shook his head with a smile. "Sorry. My mind was wandering." He looked out towards the ocean. "I do enjoy swimming, actually. I didn't know how before I came here, but I've taken to it quite naturally." He looked at her. "Do you, Ide-san?"

She smiled at him and looked out at the ocean as well. "It is all right. I suspect the ocean has water kami that like to come and whisk thoughts away sometimes. Or perhaps its air kami. Either way, I always feel clear here."

Looking back at him, a little less ocean in her eyes, she says "I do. It took me a while to learn and become comfortable with the water, but I find it to be an amazing relief after a long day now. I might have to bring my suit another day and have a swim. It'll be a long time before I get that chance again."

"Oh?" Rei flashed her a quick grin. "If you'd like, I'd be happy to go with you. Although I'm almost ashamed to say I don't remember the swimsuit you wore for the Oshidama tournament." Would it really have been an encounter with Rei if he didn't flirt with her at least a little.

He looked out over the waves again. "It's quite safe, actually. I almost feel to be thematic there should be a dangerous undertow. But while it's all artificial, the beach is just as idyllic as it appears."

He glanced back to her. "No oceans back home?"

She chuckles. "More practical than anything. All that movement and all that." Clearly, today his usual flirtation wasn't bothering her so much as just sweeping over her. "I'm glad. Even though I love swimming, I am still learning. And a pool is very different from an ocean."

She nods. "They exist but they're rougher than this and colder. You could get in them but its frankly a bit miserable at times."

"Of course." Rei acknowledged. Smiling, he indicated down the beach. "Shall we? Maybe we can find a few more shells for your husband."

"Hmmm." That made him frown thoughtfully. "That suddenly makes me wonder if I'd do quite so well swimming in an actually ocean, not a warm artificial one like this." He gestured out towards it again. "Not that it's entirely safe. People still drown, but I suspect alcohol is more to blame than any inherent danger."

She nods at his suggestion and continues walking, side by side with him. "Water, like many things can be deceptive. Clear on the outside and it seems like you could know everything. But full of mysterious currents."

She shakes her head back and forth. "I do not know what it is about your company that makes me sound like a philosopher. Its a mystery."

Rei flashed her a quick sidelong smile. "It must just be our thing. You bring out the same thing in me. I mean, I do it with lots of people, but especially with you."

He continued to look at her as they slowly walked along the beach. "I think it might be because... there's fewer games, if that makes sense. Most of my conversations here are like little mini-duels. Not with you." He smirked. "I'll admit to teasing from time to time, though. For which I appreciate your patience."

She smiles. "Well as long as its mutual." She ponders his words. "I...find little use in games at times. Perhaps it is just my clan's way, but the games feel like a weapon at times. Bringing out a weapon with someone you wish to build a relationship with...feels limiting. Your comparison of duels seems particularly apt."

She snickered. "I don't mind a bit of teasing. I just...I know how rumors can go, and how untruthful they can be, so I'm always cautious."

Rei's lips quirked. "Yes, one certainly must be wary of rumors." For instance, there was the one going around calling him Rei-Rei-Daddy... he shook his head. "I feel as though I should be surprised that someone might say such things about you. But unfortunately I'm not. The likelihood of a thing doesn't seem to much affect the rumors of it."

Something about her statement apparently made Rei laugh. "Well, yes, I suppose if your date points a gun at you or something, that should be a dealbreaker." He grinned, "But, well, I enjoy that sort of play back and forth. After all, a duel can be quite exciting too, so long as no one actually gets hurt. I suppose that's the real trick, isn't it?"

She shrugged. "A clear conscience and a soul of integrity do not shield one from scurrilous rumors. I have learned to accept it but I was not always so sanguine."


She quirked an eyebrow at him at the last part. "You sound....as if you are speaking from experience. I am unsure if I am desperately curious or concerned for your safety."

Rei gave her a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry. I'd like to say that it's only here you have to worry about that sort of thing, but I know it's not. World of Dreams just has a greater concentration of seediness, not a complete monopoly on it."

The implied question made Rei grin. "Well, it wasn't a real pistol." He assured her. He shook his head. "It wasn't really a date, either. It was just a rather intriguing encounter with a very intriguing woman." His lips twisted. "I know they say once stung, twice shy... I feel like I should write that on my bathroom mirror, the better to see it when I first wake up in the morning."

She raises an eyebrow. "I am glad for the first, because anyone who points a gun at you on even a non theoretical date is a....sub optimal partner." She gives him a sympathetic smile. "Usagi-san, I think part of you enjoys the thrill of that. The danger, the intrigue. But I wonder how you feel after?"

Rei smiled wryly. "I do enjoy the thrill, to be sure. As to what happens after..." He sighed.

After a few moments, he smiled again. "You know, I've heard that one can build up a resistance to poison, such that small amounts no longer harm you. I wonder if the little lies and betrayals these last few years have done that to me, so that I find a trick at my expense strangely endearing." He shrugged. "I think the big stings would still harm me, though. Perhaps even more."

She nods. "Perhaps. But I think it could also blind you to when a larger betrayal is coming. Those subtle shifts make all the difference to a diplomat. But as long as you are content and feel safe, I will leave you to it."