silver tiles

[Esmail]

He was almost done with his running around for the day. As far as 'running' went, anyway, as he hardly ever took to a pace above a slow walk himself. Which was unfortunate considering how the streets went sometimes, but it was more that he pitied others for not being able to slow down. They were missing out on everything around them. But that was typical for the everyday busybody, right?

While he was on his errands he could always point out the things that were 'new' with the people he visited, the small details that made homes more home like and shops more established. It seemed every time he commented on his new findings, it tickled someone's fancy or other for him to have noticed the recent acquisition. And they'd go on some tangent on how they'd come by it, and he'd peruse as they talked. Occasionally he'd impart some relevant information then be on his way. He was easy going and they found it easy to share with him trivialities, a wish of wellness for his master, and occasionally a small token in the form of some good they had. He supposed in that way it was mutually beneficial.

Esmail's thumbs worked at peeling the mikan he'd been given as he walked along, eyes idly scanning the work in the street. The roofs, the ways themselves. Some of the workers Shu would be supervising would be around here today, wouldn't they..? It was about that time, if his schedule was normal. With the intent of catching up to his master on his rounds since his own work was finished, Esmail sought out Shu by way of heading towards the nearest cluster of workers he knew of.

[minakami shū]

Tenjin no Sato was a place where construction never ceased - and frequently, the Tenno made it a habit to be present to overlook the plans his architects had drafted up. It was a moral boost, and many men and women were rallied by the sight of their liege in the distance onlooking. The project this time was the construction of a new neighborhood - as there were still plenty of people from Otogakure desiring to move to the new capital. He had not spotted Esmail however, as he stood on a platform with two other architects listening to them explain their 'visions'. He was no architect, so he was prompted to ask questions to ensure that the homes were built in safe areas, and received easy access to the transit system being established that would lead above ground through the cluster of mountains.

The sounds of the construction was nonetheless overbearing to many, and so most steered clear. In fact, communication with one another practically had to be shouted, so no one had much time for casual discussion.

[Esmail]

He supposed the noise was the same thing that marked Shu's presence as it was a source of aversion for himself. The wide eyed looks of admiration and external murmuring when it could be heard between people a bit further off seemed to confirm it. His brows furrowed a bit further than usual as he navigated about people, wary of the goings on in the work area as to avoid getting in the way or anywhere near anything potentially dangerous. Save for the occasional board he might artfully duck under as he made his way over to the platform that his master stood upon. He took a more roundabout way rather than cutting corners, prolonging the aversion to the central noise until he got closer. It wasn't as bad as sudden loud noises, such as a pop or bang to rattle the nerves-- this sort he could handle nicely. It was nothing too distinct.

As he got closer to the platform, he could make out bits and pieces of the shouting of the architects trying to explain their work. The shouting became more distinct, and he could catch and understand more of it out of the rest of the noise. Though he was missing some of the visual that went with the explanation, and as they pointed out things he seemed further bothered by the lack of having the view to reference to. He was at the wrong angle, and so Esmail found himself going closer to the steps, standing on his toes rather than going up them as to try to make out the difference and see for himself what was being done.

[minakami shū]

"What're you doing?" Shu called, seeing the boy in his peripheral view. His eyes had yet to leave the blueprints, but after shouting that out his head would lift, turn to look at the blond younger with a slight serious expression upon his face. After a few moments though, it would become rather relaxed - a small smile on his face in greeting to his companion.

Shu finished up with the others before walking to the edge of the platform, standing above the blond with his smile never faltering. "Are we ready to go home?" he didn't really want to hold a conversation here in this place - he just wanted to walk on home, away from all this ruckus.

[Esmail]

He was almost surprised at how quick Shu had been to notice him. Even though he was working on other things and had his concentration elsewhere-- unless he was already about done or wanting to get away. But that was all his master's business. It could quite simply be that he was observant. He tended to prefer the company of those who were to those who weren't anyway. It left for a lot less explaining. "Looking." A quick, simple, and honest response. Though it was probably one Shu was used to, as he used it often to such questions. Not as though there was much else he was ever up to.

His own shoulders remained somewhat tense until the man's familiar smile came. Esmail kept his eyes on the group on the platform as they finished up their work, himself working through the remains of the mikan. He'd gotten about halfway through it, right hand having become thoroughly sticky, only then to look up into the silvered male's face as he came to the edge of the platform. He was ready to go whenever Shu was, but rather than shout another response he'd take to simply nodding his head in confirmation.

[minakami shū]

Looking. It was such a simple response, but nonetheless expressed what he was doing without going into unnecessary detail. Shu nodded in response, stepping down the staircase with his arm hanging from the inside of his robe, elbow relaxed as a good portion of his forearm hung outside of the flap. Left hand rose to scratch at his chin, his steady steps leading him past Esmail to lead him along. He expected him to follow behind as they made ways through the dark city. There was no sun - only sound that vibrated from the walls all around them. The people here were adept with Sound, they could see what others couldn't simply by listening.

"I'm assuming you ate lunch?" he had noticed the mikan, though he continued to walk forward without turning his attention to the younger, walking along the concrete paths leading to the subway stations.