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"Ugh.." Kokomi groaned under her breath. Her head was pounding. It felt like someone took a traditional Inazuman sword, and banged her skull in with the hilt.
Keeping up an act of esteemed confidence and professionalism at all times in the public really was quite a hassle. Especially when her social battery had dropped dead.
She had messed up, assuming all her tasks for the day were finished. A naive presumption. She took this role for the benefit of her people on Watatsumi Island, no matter the circumstances, she should fulfill it properly. Even if it meant overworking herself.
"The Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island speaks with such natural conviction and confidence! I wish I could be like her."
"Her Excellency is truly someone we can all rely on."
Whether it was her loyal troops, or the residence of Watatsumi Island, or even people from Inazuma City who had heard of her so-called endeavors. All everyone buzzed or whispered about near her was her confidence, and reliability, and fortitude. Praise that raised people's expectations of her. She simply couldn't disappoint them.
Today, she first had a meeting with Kujou Sara. Sara and her were on friendly terms now, and she didn't take too much to be around. So only -1 Energy points.
Next, she went around clearing up confusions and after-effects of the Inazuma vision hunt decree and why it stopped. Kokomi cherished all the people in her land however, they could be such a handful most of the time. Even recalling it made her sigh. -5 Energy points.
After that, a few oni had stole something from a native villager. Apparently, that was a complete accident but Oni's are so zestful that it's overwhelming to discuss matters with them, even if they are a delight. -5 Energy points.
In the middle of her day, she met Gorou on his duties, they had a bit of small talk. Conversing with Gorou was always a pleasure. He was one of her most original soldiers and understood her very well. Being around him made her feel strangely warm inside.. +5 Energy points.
Next she continued her tasks, today's to-do list was overflowing. The days were more busy then ever. She had to deal with some ronin inhabiting Watatsumi Island, These ones had hostages, so the matter needed to be dealt with extreme delicacy. Leadership made Kokomi all anxious and jittery, even if she tried her best to disguise it. Thankfully, she was able to complete the task. Still, there were far too many people around. -2 Energy points.
She had started the day with fifteen Energy points. More than usual and yet, her work had completely drained her. She had lost thirteen Energy points. If we take away the other five she gained from Gorou, she had lost eight Energy points. That means she had seven left.
Or so she thought. You see, on her way back she was attacked with more problems to deal with. Problems within her troops, illegal use of delusions, fatui soldier attacks, ronin, And even a short chat with the Raiden Shogunate herself who seemed to be with the Traveller. That was nerve-wracking.
-15 Energy points..
Her energy was in the negatives now. Kokomi was so tired, she barely dawdled to her cave.
"-15 Energy points..Writing this, +1 Energy poi-" She abruptly dropped her pen and lay her head on her table with an audible thump. Ordinarily, scribbling in her journal really helped her mood. Today however, she didn't even have enough energy for that.
That's when someone gently entered the cave. Kokomi quickly raised her head, alarmed. Hardy anyone knew about her little hideout in the mountains. When she saw who it was, she let out a breath of relief.
"Evening, your Excellency." Gorou respectfully bowed.
"Gorou, I've told you, please just refer to me as Kokomi." She politely articulated.
Gorou hesitated before replying, "..Alright, Kokomi." He raised his head to look her in the eyes.
Kokomi gave him a small but real smile. "What brings you here?" She inquired, curios. Gorou was one of the few who knew about this place, however he rarely visited unless there was an emergency.
"Ah well you see.." He kicked around his feet. He seemed embarrassed. His ears were down as well. "..When I saw you walk here, you were practically stumbling, and you seemed quite upset, so I wanted to check up on you.."
Hearing this, Kokomi finally exhaled. "I- Today's been really tiring..You know I'm not actually that...extroverted. I lost all my Energy points, their practically shattered."
"..Energy points..?" Gorou questioned.
"Oh- uh well you see, I have a..system. When I do something overwhelming or exhausting, I lose a certain amount of energy points. However when I take part in something that makes me content, I gain Energy, so Energy points." She tried to explain, trying not to sound like she's on an insane ramble, mumbling slightly in her current state.
"Oh..Well is your journal helping?" Gorou lightly seated himself across from her.
"Normally, it does." Kokomi yawned. "Today...so much. I thought about talking a nap but..I couldn't sleep. I was too uneasy."
Gorou nodded, a comfortable silence occupying them. It was nice to have Gorou around at least. He didn't inundate her.
"..Come with me." Gorou stood up.
"Huh..?" She turned her head up to face him.
"You like walks right? Wouldn't that cheer you up?" He stated, smiling brightly at her.
For whatever reason, Kokomi felt her face warm up. "Uhm..Yeah let's go, please." Her hideout was, no doubt her favourite place. But right now, she needed to get out of here.
Gorou slipped his hand into kokomi's when she stood next to him, intertwining their fingers. Both of them were bright pink. It was funny to admit that two people of such importance and proffesianlity could behave so timid and shyly. Nevertheless, Gorou's grip was steady and grounding. Kokomi found comfort in it.
-
1:00 AM:
That's what's the clock said. It was an invention from Fontaine that Gorou had the luck of acquiring.
At the end of his and Kokomi's walk, They had gone to drink. It wasn't something her Excellency did often, however when she did, she went all out.
"Mmm" Kokomi lightly groaned as Gorou took her to a empty camp in their base, and gently put her on the bed from where she was leaning on his shoulder.
Gorou began to get up to leave. It was late and he wanted to give her some privacy. Besides, it would be strange to watch her sleep...he flushed at the thought.
Kokomi looked so peaceful laying there, eyes closed and hair drooping in her face. She seemed more at ease than usual. Maybe it was due to the alcohol but, he hoped that he atleast had some part in it.
Just as he got up to exit, kokomi gently grabbed his hand and pulled him down. He could've stopped, he was physically stronger than her. But he let her tug him towards the bed, and then closer to her.
"..You should stay, it's nice to have you around." Kokomi slightly slurred but she was still well-spoken, even when drunk. Perhaps he was a little intoxicated himself and that's why he decided to stay, or so he would've believed if he was completely deluded.
He lay there gently staring at her elegant and endearing profile as she leisurely wrapped her arms around his chest, softly wresting her head on his shoulder.
That night, they slept in each other's hold, both's cheeks having a fresh pink tint.