The Onsen; Sunday Afternoon [11/27].

[sake_shinigami]

Shunsui had been spending a lot more time back at the Soul Society these days, especially with the little break for the holiday last week and being generally more accessible "thanks" (heavy air quotes on that one!) to the development of the Soul Phone. Which he had promptly abandoned beside his bonsai when he got back to the island that afternoon and headed out for a little stroll, one that just so happened to bring him over to the onsen.

And not long after that, there he was, settling himself into the water with a deep sigh of appreciation and relief. His exhaustion was far more mental than it was physical, really, but far be it from Shunsui to play up how truly tired and battered he was from such hardships for the sake of reveling in self-care. And he just closed his eyes and relaxed, arms stretched behind him on the wall of the pool, swords within reach on one side, sake bottle within reach on the other, and a small cup in one of his hands already, which he raised with a toast and a wink toward the staff, who just sighed and shook their head and went about their business.

It really had been too long, and after the week he'd had, it was very welcome.

[[ you're right, narrative, it has been too long since an onsen post! and, of course, it's open~ ]]

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[unusual_sith]

It was dreary out, and things had been ridiculously hectic all week at home, so Lana decided she could do with a bit of self-care herself. The Onsen sounded like a good idea.

She nodded to the other occupant as she lowered herself into the water with a happy noise.

[sake_shinigami]

When he sensed someone else entering the onsen, Shunsui cracked open one eye, and his already content, lazily blissful smile went just a slight bit crooked. He, ever the gentleman, returned the nod, of could, adding a small tilt of his hat.

"My sentiments exactly ♥," he murmured with grinning approval at that happy sigh from his new companion. "A good onsen is among one of my favorite ways to take the edge off a rough week ♥."

[unusual_sith]

"I should probably do this more often," Lana said. "It has been a week, though." She stretched and cocked her head at him. "Lana Beniko," she introduced herself. "And the interaction can end there if you're here for quiet."

[sake_shinigami]

"It would be a sad day indeed when I choose quiet over the company of such a beautiful woman ♥," Shunsui noted with a faint chuckle. "Unless that was a hint that quiet is what you yourself are after, Lana-chan, in which case I will merely offer my own name and leave it at that...

"Shunsui Kyōraku, at your service ♥," he said, bowing his head slightly and giving a gesture of his hand above the water. "Although I lied when I said I would only offer my name...as, you see, I also have..." that hand now gestured toward the small stack of cups and a jug within arms' reach, "sake, if you'd like to enjoy some with me ♥."

[unusual_sith]

Lana chuckled. "Ah, I've heard about you," she said. "I've never had sake, but it sounds like a good idea. And so long as the talk isn't about politics, supply runs, or war, I'm fine."

[sake_shinigami]

"Ahhh, so my reputation precedes me ♥!" Unable to help himself, Shunsui had to laugh, especially since that reputation was likely to vary wildly based on exactly what her source may have been. "And sake..." he paused, for effect, and to grab the jug and shift it to one hand while the other plucked up two cups and cradled them expertly in his long slender hands. "...is always a good idea ♥."

With that, he poured, set the jug back down, and offered out his hand with the two cups balanced between his fingers, one slightly more full than the other, for Lana to take her pick.

"And rest assured," he all but purred out the response, "I've had more than enough of all those things myself. Especially when far more interesting discussions can surely be had ♥."

[unusual_sith]

Lana nodded to him in thanks and took the less full cup, since she wasn't sure if she'd like it yet.

"Such as the weather?" she asked, smirking a little. "It's been a bit dismal here lately."

[sake_shinigami]

And Shunsui would never begrudge having the fuller cup being left for himself.

"Dismal days," he stated, with a grin and a lift of his cup as if to toast to the sentiment and the company to which he was imparting it, "are excellent for naps ♥."

With that, he had a sip, a slow one to really savor it better, before he chuckled faintly.

"So are bright and sunny days, as well ♥," he allowed, "but that's beside the point ♥."

[unusual_sith]

"A big fan of naps, then?" Lana said. "You taught a class in it, didn't you? I wouldn't think there was a lot to learn about the subject."

[sake_shinigami]

"I've taught several classes," two, he'd taught two, and Shunsui looked terribly proud of himself for it, "on the topic, as a matter of fact ♥." And you'd be surprised; I've had several students who seemed to struggle quite noticeably with it, and there are plenty of aspects to consider. Location. Accoutrements. State of mind. Whether one will be napping alone or in the company of others....♥."

[unusual_sith]

"So there are techniques to a proper nap?" Lana asked. "More than just relaxing?"

[sake_shinigami]

"Of course ♥!" Shunsui insisted, light and playful and amused. "It will be different for each person, naturally, but relaxation is but one aspect of obtaining a high quality nap. Position, for example, can vary greatly. Breathing can come into play. Anyone can close their eyes and go to sleep, Lana-chan, but to truly nap to the best of one's ability? Ahhh, now, see, that is an art~ ♥."

[unusual_sith]

"So is a nap more like sleep or meditation?" Lana asked, curious now.

[sake_shinigami]

"I would say," Shunsui drawled, with a shrug of his shoulder and a wave of his hand, before having a sip from his cup, "it is a delicate balance of both, when done properly ♥. Or most effectively, at the very least. There is no wrong way to nap ♥."

[unusual_sith]

"Just better and more effective ways?" Lana asked. "How is a nap different from brief sleep?"

[sake_shinigami]

Shunsui slid a wry look toward Lana, peering at her from under the brim of his hat, a brow quirked with his grin for this little impromptu lesson.

"How is an eagle different from a hawk ♥?" he countered lightly. "Both are birds of a feather, though the difference is in the details..."

[unusual_sith]

"I wouldn't know," Lana said, smiling, "I'm not from Earth. Perhaps I'll have to take your class next time you teach adults."

[sake_shinigami]

"I'll definitely keep it in mind," Shunsui drawled, "to revisit the topic again soon. After all, I do rather hate to leave a lady disappointed ♥."

[unusual_sith]

Lana laughed. "I appreciate the sentiment. And my apologies for dragging you back into teaching when you're trying to relax. Can I ask what you do when you're not teaching napping, then?"

[sake_shinigami]

"Not enough actual napping, sadly ♥," Shunsui answered with a chuckle, "though I do manage to still get by somehow. This semester, I'm teaching an old classic for me, the Art of Peace ♥."

Not Peas, no matter what the radio would have you think.

"And yourself, Lana-chan ♥?" he asked. "May I ask what it is you do when you're not looking lovely while sharing sake with a new acquaintance in a hot spring?"

[unusual_sith]

"I teach Sith philosophy," Lana said. "By which I mean, I tell the students what I was brought up believing and encourage them to poke holes in it. And back home, I help with the things we're not talking about right now," she added, toasting him.

"And the sake is good. Thank you."