Ei nodded, leaning forward with interest. “I’m glad that you’ve been able to find so much of yourself, again,” she said. “I could not leave myself anything, given my circumstances,” though they had been over that more than once, and Ei wasn’t inclined to linger on it. Especially to when other people might listen in, and pick up on bits and pieces. In public, one never knew who might be listening.

“I imagine you could gracefully handle either,” Ei said, lightly, “but there is less risk of tangling with hoops, it’s true.” It would be impressive to watch regardless, she thought.

Hearing about Sakura’s past as Zakuro was always interesting, and Ei thoughtfully took it in, glad for every new piece of information she got about her girlfriend. Perhaps, she thought it herself, they might take a vacation back to Tokyo sometime. Just for themselves.

For now, though, would be a lovely dinner. And hopefully, a lovely evening after.

Lena Roze