Leaving the hustle and bustle of the crowed ballroom floor behind her Ryuko lead Nozomi down a hallway passing the occasional other guest along the way as they went. There was still too many people around for her tastes so she continued onwards looking for a place with a bit more privacy so that they could finally talk without being rudely interrupted.
The garden might have been a nice spot if it wasn’t presently occupied. Even if it wasn’t it was too open, to out in the public for them to speak freely without the risk of being overheard or worse being ambushed. If Yomi decided to double back on them or Natsuru where to happen upon them it would spell big trouble.
Finally coming across a series of open rooms Ryuko frowned heavily at the sight of what was inside them. Containing little more then a bed they where guest rooms that had been set aside so that amorous couples who had met up during the ball could sneak off and have a good time together.
Blushing heavily she quickly walked pass those rooms. Sure she liked Nozomi, liked her a lot in fact but jumping straight into bed with her would be moving things too fast, especially when she wasn’t sure what her own feelings where. Attraction, infatuation yes but if it was actual love was too soon to tell. Even the implications of going into such a room with her crush was a bit too forward to her tastes.
Thankfully it didn’t take too long after that to find a room that was a bit more appropriate. Between the fireplace and the chandeliers the parlor was warm and well lit. The choice of colors of of the walls and the furniture gave it a cozy welcoming air.
“After you my lady.” said Ryuko chivalrously giving a small formal half bow as she held the door open, beckoning to go Nozomi inside first. Following her Ryuko would shut the door and then lock it for good measure to insure that nobody would walk in on them midway into a sensitive conversation. This room was a good choice because even with the door bared they where hardly trapped. If someone came to attack them it would be child’s play for either of the girls to leave thought one of the nearby windows.
Finally alone Ryuko rushed over and enveloped Nozomi’s body with her arms, hugging her tightly. “Thank Hakkin you’re here. Tis been far too long. I was beginning to think I would never see you again.” she said a trace of tears in her eyes as she spoke. The Chunnin exams she had loosely invited the other girl too had proven more difficult to organize then initially expected. They had been delayed for so long that Ryuko herself have been premoted twice over in the meantime and would have been unable to participate even if they where to finally held.
