"You're adorable, Iori-kun." Ashiko shook her head a little as she took up her chopsticks, shooting him a warm, amused glance. "You don't have to worry about that at all. I was the one who started it, I think. You're never anything less than an absolute gentleman. It's quite refreshing, really. And if anything, the publicity only cut down the number of men who intend to approach me before I turn in for the evening."

She took a sip of tea, and marveled at how much of a pick-me-up speaking with a friend could be—though admittedly at this point it was more teasing than talking. "You seem a little on edge tonight, though that might be my fault. Is anything else troubling you?" Phrasing it that way gave him an out to dance around the issue of his allegiance, which hopefully would help matters.

Cute or not, he seemed ruffled. And if that wasn't just a part of his scribe ruse, she might have something to worry about. Ruffled ninja were very rarely a good sign.