"I had hoped to see you in the shiro," he said, rifling through his pack to ensure everything was still accounted for.
"It's not a place we venture to very often," Kagome replied, retrieving their buckets.
"That's a shame." His eyes lit up as he straightened. "Maybe I can take you on a tour the next time you go? The castle gardens are lovely—"
"You're allowed on castle grounds?" Kagura cut in, suddenly interested in the conversation.
Hojo perked up, smiling broadly. "With the right connections, I can go anywhere."
Kagura nudged her sister again, but Kagome shook her head firmly. "That's very kind of you, but we have our own chores to complete." She shoved the second bucket into Kagura's hands, eyes narrowed in warning.
"We don't have that many chores," Kagura mumbled, pursing her lips.
"Forgive me. I saw the rose and assumed it was a place you frequented."
Kagome's fingers automatically lifted to her ear, it taking a moment to remember she didn't have one, heart clenching with longing before she gave Hojo a suspicious look.
He blanched, wringing his hands nervously. "I meant from the last time you saved me! It was in your quiver. Though I remember thinking its beauty was nothing compared to yours, and—" He continued to babble as Kagome stifled a groan.
Was this man for real?