『 Gin Shinzu Visits a Spa 』
『 By: Madam_Kitten 』
It wasn’t often that a Tengu would visit a Spa. At least that was what Gin suspected was the case upon noticing the stares of the various patrons though they were quick to advert their eyes when he caught their stares. “How may I assist you today, sir? It isn’t often that we have a Tengu visit but it is always a pleasant surprise.” Gin relaxed a little, he was here to enjoy himself- not get his metaphorical (those he supposed physical) feathers ruffled.
The receptionist seemed kind enough as well, whether that was from weeks of customer service training or an actual enjoyment for her work Gin couldn’t quite tell. “I would like a private room if one is available.” The woman nodded with a slight smile, “And I assume you would like our avian package? I’m sure it would make things more comfortable.” Gin simply hummed in agreement as the woman seemed to scribble a few things on an unseen paper. “Alright sir, I’ll have my coworker lead you to your private bath. You’ll be billed afterward according to your stay here. I hope our spa will soothe your aches and bring you comfort!” He was quickly led away by another woman who looked marginally less enthused than the one he’d just met, and while she was still polite he was certain she did not want to be here.
After leading him to where his bath was prepared the woman who had escorted him was quick to make her leave. He intended to turn into his room immediately though shortly after he opened the door a something ran into him, spilling a rather foul smelling substance onto him. Gin couldn’t help but groan in disgust as he realized his nice robes had now been soiled. Whoever had run into him seemed to understand that they had made a mistake. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry sir! Please allow me to get you settled into your room and I’ll take your clothes to a cleaner right away.” He was half tempted to chew them out but upon noticing it was a woman, a woman who looked like the priestess he had failed to save all those years ago he hesitated “No, please forgive me for disrupting your duties. Though in return for this spillage, I would like to know your name.” The woman seemed shocked for a moment as if surprised she wasn’t getting an earful from him , after a moment she bowed her head. “My name is Hina, sir. I once again apologize for this inconvenience, please do not let me spoil your evening.” With a small bow, Gin watched Hina scurry away from him, carrying what he supposed was a bucket once filled with that foul smelling liquid.
Gin couldn’t help but smile slightly as he resumed entering his room. The room itself was simple yet lavish, it contained a foyer that held several plush chairs and tables presenting a variety of drinks and snacks for him to enjoy as he soaked or launched about. Peeling off his soiled robes he made his way to the bath, it wasn’t a typical tub that one might expect, instead it was a mineral fed pool of water surrounded by natural stone and flora. Atop the pool he spotted a scattering of flower petals as well as the typical swirling sheen of oil, letting out a deep sigh he slowly stepped into the warm water. Letting Kaiju undo the parts of his disguise that lingered even after disrobing.
The heat reminded him of the sun in many different ways but nothing compared to the real thing. It was the beauty of it’s light that drew him in after all, though he supposed in all his great strength he held weakness for that light. He felt his mind drift to the scene of that dying priestess, her eyes had held no anger, no sorrow, just a gentle kindness.
As his body relaxed he felt his mind linger on the moment of when she had touched him, hands cupping his face as her bloody fingers left trailing marks across his skin. It was the scattering of Kaiju that brought him back from the deep well of his memories, someone was approaching his room. Gin sighed once again, he had hoped to take more time relaxing in his true form rather than his disguise but all good things must come to an end. And just as his wings were placed on his back he heard the tale-tell knock at his door, making haste he resumed his soak in the water with his disguise before allowing whomever had disturbed him to enter. He was surprised to see that it wasn’t Hina, but another woman- finely dressed at that who held a rather luxurious robe. “Pardon my intrusion sir, but I have brought you a replacement while we handle the cleaning of your robe.” Gin simply watched the woman place the robe on one of the chairs, “I wish to see the woman who left my room earlier. I want to speak with her.” The woman bowed before excusing herself from his presence.
While he waited Gin had to admit it felt nice to take a moment for himself, to take a step away from his responsibilities for a brief moment and more than that but enjoy things for what they were rather than what they are. He hadn’t expected to meet someone like Hina. She reminded him so much of the priestess in many ways and yet she is so different whether it be her eyes or perhaps the way she regarded him, yet he could not shake the feeling that they were similar.
It wasn’t considered strange for some patrons to request a certain masseuse or masseur to help them relax during their time at the spa. Gin had originally opted against it, preferring to relax at his own pace but Hina had him properly enthralled. He did not wish to ask for her aid in relaxing, nor did he want to scold her for her mistake earlier, but instead he wanted her for conversation, he wanted a chance to privately speak with her to gain an idea of who she truly was. It was a little embarrassing to admit but he hoped they could get along, perhaps even become friends- but he knew how strange it was to approach someone at their place of work even if one had the best intentions.
Gin couldn’t help but tense when he heard the sudden knocking upon his chambers, some time ago it had carried some rather negative connotations with it. “Please come in.” He couldn’t help the smile that grew on his face when Hina entered. She was carrying a small gift basket filled with pungent perfumes, lotions, and some choice essential oils. Perhaps she was told to give it to him for free considering the fate his poor robes had befallen earlier. Upon setting down the basket in front of Gin, Hina gestured for him to choose which of those he preferred, after selecting a few and placing them aside he stopped her from picking them up. “That won’t be necessary.” She looked confused and Gin could imagine she was rather concerned where this was going. “I do not wish for your assistance in relaxation. Instead, I only wish to converse with you.” A sudden realization dawned on Hina’s face and Gin suddenly worried that she had taken his request to mean something else.
Hina bowed her head towards him, “What is it you would like to talk about, sir?” Gin simply waved his hand, leaning back into the plush chair though he was careful not to apply too much pressure on his back lest he make himself uncomfortable. “Please. Ignore any formalities with me, you may call me Shin if you so wish. It’s just- you remind me of someone I once knew.”
He could tell he was losing her, while she may be listening to his words Hina was like a coiled spring, ready to fight or flee. Gin understood all too quickly that he was being perceived as a threat. “I hope this is not too forward of me, but I’m not interested in much more than talking. I’m not here to scold you or even punish you for what happened earlier.” Gin was trying to befriend her not frighten her so he tried not to laugh when Hina startled. “My apologies, sir- Shin. It’s just that there’s not many people who ask to have a conversation with a masseuse… You caught me off guard is all.” The ‘Tengu’ nodded, pleased that his explanation had been accepted.
Gin could understand her nervousness, so he did his best to seem as open and non-threatening as possible with his posture. That seemed to calm her further, so he counted it as a small victory. “You remind me a lot of a sunflower, like a drop of light contained with the grasp of a flower. Some time ago I knew someone like that, but she was like a brilliant ray of light breaking through a sea of dark storm clouds- your hidden ferocity reminds me of her. So much so that I actually imagined you two might be related.” Gin couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. He knew deep down Hina was different but perhaps that is what drew him to her, like a moth to a flame he can’t help but be drawn towards those who have this inherent life about them more than that of a typical human. A quality that as Jorogumo he never possessed, at least till he was cursed- though perhaps this chance meeting meant that his brother's words rang true after all. Maybe it was a blessing after all. “And here I thought you were going to punish me for that incident earlier. I was so worried that I had offended you.” Gin chuckled as Hina flushed pink, he certainly hadn’t expected this little spitfire to be so worried. It wasn’t the worst thing someone could have done to him and it was clear she hadn’t done it out of maliciousness. A mistake like that was simply water under the bridge. “Why don’t we start over again, hmm?” Gin offered his hand towards the woman, after a moment Hina grabbed his hand and shook.
“My name is Hina, and it’s nice to properly meet you Shin.” And so began the start of a beautiful friendship.
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Gin Shinzu Visits a Spa