Funny, The Ways We Grow [Abalia, Makoto, Yugiri]

Makoto did nod, it did seem like something that should probably be pursued. It'd be awful if there were anything sinister going on here with Abalia. Makoto's nod was entirely to affirm that suspicion, her captain needed to get a check. With who? Makoto didn't know. She couldn't tell if would lead into better or worse for Abalia.

"Of course, ma- 'am."

Right, she did tell her to call her Abalia. Makoto was a bit stiff like that though and the little hesitation ended up finishing the word. She had already started, no point in trying to take it back.

"Though, I forgot where we were in our discussion before this detour. Your coffee isn't cold, is it?"

The fourth seat peeked over, trying to get a small glance into the cup that might tell her if it was empty or not. She had only thought about the fact Abalia might've been taken away from her drink with her distraction. Maybe she should get her another one? Makoto was diligent and had taken note of what Abalia ordered.

Abalia noticed Makoto's return to calling her "ma'am," though the hesitation at least suggested that she had not meant to. She appreciated that, and the small effort seemed to lift the atmosphere, at least a touch.

"That is quite alright. I was gone a bit longer than was polite. It is still warm, but there is little left."

Warm was indeed the most accurate way to describe it, as it was certainly no longer hot by any stretch of the imagination. Still, Abalia did not mind it, and she certainly would not have wished to make Makoto feel guilty. That would make the whole situation worse, certainly. Emptying the coffee cup of what still remained, Abalia stood, looking to Makoto with what could only be described as a genuine effort not to give off her usual plain air. Anything which might have seemed like happiness was certainly no longer in her eyes, but she nevertheless did not wish to ruin a day out with a friend.

"Well, shall we continue? There is still shopping to do."

"I'm glad to hear."

She did ponder the how, how did Abalia like that bitter stuff? She didn't get it but it was just the quirks of others, if Makoto had to guess. A couple of quirks she liked, some she was neutral on and a lot that she didn't like. Abalia didn't have those about her though.

"Right. I'm ready when you are, Abalia."

There was still the hesitation and moment to think about it, but she had not started with the word so she went from there. Calling her by the first name really felt strange, it was never something she imagined herself doing. When she stood up and grabbed her bag she looked back to indicate that she was ready, though unsure. What did shopping entail? In her mind she expected it to be clothes or something girly, which was strange to imagine Abalia asking. Who was she to judge though with the expectations she had, ready to be subverted.

"Please lead the way."