#tankats

The Astrologian walks with a rapid pace, almost running over a hapless Elezen child in his haste towards the shop. He arrives, breath coming out in white puffs amidst the chill wind, and draws forth a pouch and deposits it on the counter. "Order... for... Kuru Kai..." he pants out. The store clerk raises a manicured brow at him before she shakes her head and moves to the back of the shop, returning with a set of boxes and handing it over to the Xaela. He eagerly takes it from her and leaves, hoping against all hope he isn't late. Must not keep her waiting

Where is he? she thinks, her metal boot tapping against the rock she stands on. She rolls her eyes at the Seeker currently enthralled with his wife, their purrs loud as they bask in the sun in each other's arms as their party awaits for her husband. Many more parties pass through and into the metal primal towering over them, and with each one her patience ever thin. She stands at attention, her ears alert for the telltale chirp of his chocobo, and soon enough she hears his bellow before she sees his form. The Astrologian waves, grinning from ear to ear, as he shouts, "I'm here! I'm here! Sorry I'm late!" The rest of their companions stand up and stretch their limbs as Kuru lands, picking up weapons deposited near their persons as Kezia stands there...  and stares.

"...What is that," she says, her voice as flat as the expression on her face. He looks at her with a tilt of his head.

"What is what?"

"...Is that a ribbon around your neck?" she asks, her brows furrowing underneath her fringe. Her lips know not which direction they want to move; whether they want to form a smile or a frown... "...You look utterly ridiculous..."

The Black Mage fixes him with a look before she succumbs to a fit of giggles, to which Kuru replies with an extravagant bow as the rest of their party follows suit. Even Kame, though she tries hard not to show it, turns away as a smile creeps on her face, and he can hear soft chuckling coming from her. He blinks as he hears naught from his wife, and as he turns to look at her he can feel his heart sink as he sees fingers pinching the bridge of her nose. His smile falters as he rushes to her side, worry making the smile on his face shift into a frown. "Is aught amiss...?" he asks gingerly. Uh-oh... did his plan backfire...?

"...N-no," she replies with a shaky voice. She lifts her head, smiling up at him as she lets out a soft laugh. "I'm just... glad I was worrying for nothing. Come, the sun is high and it'll be nightfall by the time we are done here," she says. To his surprise, she takes his hand to hers and pulls in earnest, following Mal's squeals of delight as she's carried into Alexander in her husband's arms.

He's glad they're bringing the rear, glad of the steam that greets them with a hiss as he looks down at Kezia with a soft knowing smile on his face.

Finally... at least I was able to return your smile after a fashion. If mine dressing like a fool is what it takes...

...Then I'll be the biggest fool there is in all of Eorzea.

Everything I do, everything that I am...