Rokku walks down the road, easily missed by the people around him. The only attention he gets is from a small phantom glancing in his direction. Their eyes meet, and the creature flies off its host's back and takes to the skies. The man immediately perks up, carrying his briefcase with more purpose.
The sacred weapon smiles at this.
"Excuse me, sir?" Rokku speaks up.
"Hm? Oh.." The man adjusts his suit, noticing Rokku's strange look. "What can I do for you?"
"Could you direct me to a shrine of the God Tenjin-sama? I know a person in desperate need of academic help."
"Oh? Oh of course, which one are you talking about? There's like.. Three of them in this city alone."
Rokku runs a hand through his white hair, thinking it over. The man nearly forgot he was there before he spoke again.
"Whichever is the more popular would do, I'm sure."
"The more popular of what again?" The man puzzles. His face adopts a concerned frown as he speaks.
Rokku blinks, "Of Tenjin-sama's shrines. You said there were three?"
"Ohhh yeah, the one near the heart of the city is the one you'd want. Here." The man reaches into his suitcase, pulling out a pen and a bit of paper. In no time at all he's handing Rokku the address.
"Thank you, you've helped me a great deal." Rokku replies with a respectful bow, nodding as he walks off. The man offers a smile and a wave, immediately going back to business afterwards.
"Tenjin-sama?" A lovely girl beckons into the God's chamber.
"Hm? Sayu-chan? What is it?" The older gentleman responds.
"There's someone here to see you. He said his name is Rokkuma."
"Tell him I'll be out as soon as I can. Make him comfortable in the meantime."
"Yes, Tenjin-sama."
Sayu retreats from the shrine, meeting Rokku again at the entrance.
"It should only be a moment." Sayu smiles nervously, knowing it may possibly take longer than that. "In the meantime, please follow me inside."
Rokku follows the female shinki into a lobby of sorts. She waves her hand, gesturing for him to sit.
"Could I interest you in some tea or coffee? Maybe a snack?"
"Hm.." He pauses, taking some time. "Tea will do, if you don't mind."
Sayu nods, smiling at him. "Coming right up."
"Thank you very much."
As she walks out of the room, Sayu's kimono sleeve gets a harsh tug, pulling her to the side.
"Tayu..!" She whispers, surprised. Her kidnapper peers around the corner, glancing at the young man.
"W-who is that?" Tayu whispers.
"His name is Rokkuma. I don't know much else, though." She whispers back, "Why?"
"H-he's.. beautiful."
Sayu pops the younger girl on the head, pulling her away from sight.
"You can't start fancying Tenjin-sama's guests! You'll stab all the Gods at this rate!" Sayu quietly yells, her face flushing.
"I'll keep my emotions in check, promise!" She reassures, blushing.
"Bah.. I can't have this conversation right now. I have to go seep a pot of tea and give-"
Tayu's eyes light up. A shy smile creeps onto her face as she repeatedly taps her two index fingers together. The anxious gesture does not go unnoticed.
Sayu sighs, "Be quick about it. We're wasting precious time talking. Shoo, shoo."
Rokku covers his ears, making a disgruntled face. "What is that squealing noise?" The assaulting noise was followed by a series of hushes and bickers.
"Is this what a popular God's shrine sounds like?" The boy grimaces, trying to retain his composure. He's collected himself by the time a girl comes in the room, holding a platter of tea and cookies.
She shakes a bit as she sets the tray down in front of Rokku. "H-here you are sir."
Rokku studies her, his olivine eyes seeming to pierce her very being. Tayu's face erupts in red as her lip quivers. Something about him has ignited everything about her, and she can't help but notice her own opia.
"You're not the girl from before. And I didn't ask for cookies.." He breaths, breaking the silence.
The girl barely finds her voice. "Ack.. She… Asked me to get these for you, Rokkuma-san. I hope that's ok.."
Rokku picks up a cookie, and bites into it. "Mmm.. Well, it's too late to turn them down now. Thank you for your service." He replies.
"D-do you mind if I sit with you, Rokkuma-san? It may take a bit longer for Tenjin-sama to-"
"This isn't my shrine. Please, do as you wish." Rokku reassures, taking a sip of his tea.
Tayu nods quickly and sits down, her shyness and his indifference plunging the duo in silence. Eventually, to Tayu's simultaneous relief and displeasure, Tenjin walks in.
"Terribly sorry, I had to do some work. The local teachers somehow all decided to schedule a test on the same day." Tenjin concludes with a sigh, sitting across from Rokku.
"It's perfectly fine. I was in no hurry." Rokku replies, sipping his tea.
"So, Rokkuma-kun, I take it you're Anzo-kun's new shinki?" Tenjin looks at Tayu, who responds by pouring him a cup of tea.
"Correct, sir. This meeting is about him, so I thank you for bringing him up. I understand he came here yesterday to talk to you about me?"
Tenjin nods, sipping his tea. "You understand perfectly fine. He's came to me each and every time he's had a question about anything. He has to be the only God I know to have not had a shinki yet."
"Yes he.. isn't so well put together, as I've noticed. There's a clear difference between the two of you, and yet you're both Gods." Rokku comments, looking at the older man with a peculiar intent.
"What do you mean?" Tenjin frowns, placing his tea down.
"You have a purpose. You help humans with their education, and stow away a vast knowledge under your cap."
"This is all very flattering, but what does it have to do with Anzo-kun?"
"He has no purpose, Tenjin-sama. He doesn't know what he wants to do, or what he wants to become. Currently, he's locked himself up in that messy shrine of his after a.. domestic dispute, of sorts." Rokku explains, claiming another cookie.
Tenjin sighs, "I know.. I've always worried for him, but I never could seem to break through with him. Anzo-kun needs to figure this out for himself, though, so there's not much I can do. You, on the other hand.." Tenjin trails off, stroking his chin.
Rokku nods in understanding, immediately standing up. "Thank you, I know what to do. I won't take up any more of your time, Tenjin-sama. Take care." Rokku bows his head in gratitude, leaving without another word.
"Tayu-chan…" Tenjin sighs.
The girl blushes loudly, not meeting her God's eye.
"Staring at his butt is borderline stabbing me; please keep yourself in check for all of our sake."
