Prompt Suggestion by: 1111

Scrunching his eyes closed, Raimundo tried to block out the noise in his mind. Sighing with frustration at his failed meditation.

Meditating wasn't his favourite pass time at the temple, but even he had to admit it had its uses.

Laying back against the vault's floor, he ignored the cold seeping through the back of his clothes. Brushing his hands across his face, he groaned at the knock at the vault's door.

"You in here, Rai?"

The half-smile forced its way to his face. Even from his distance, he could tell the tone in her voice was softer, more caring.

"Yeah, I'm here,"

Staying where he lay, he kept his eyes closed as he listened to the door open. The barely audible footsteps moved through the room before joining him on the floor.

"The floor's cold," she stated.

"Don't lie on it then,"

Kimiko scoffed at the quick response. "So what's got you on your own?"

Opening his eyes, Raimundo looked to his left, meeting Kimiko's gaze. Her eyes filled with concern, but also patience for his answer.

"I just wanted to be alone for a while," he whispered.

"Because of Omi?"

He moved his gaze back to the ceiling. "Yeah,"

"If you want to be alone, I'm happy to give you some privacy,"

"No." He grabbed her hand with his as his eyes darted to hers. "I don't mind the company,"

Kimiko smiled at his abrupt response, lacing her fingers with his. Since Raimundo became Shoku Warrior, the two's bond had begun to grow stronger.

"So, I only saw you and Omi storm away from each other." She lightly traced her thumb across his hand. "What happened?"

"I know he's trying, adjusting to me being the leader, hell, so am I," he said as he focused on the room. "But sometimes that jealously comes through and hits hard,"

Kimiko quietly waited, her silence an urge for him to continue.

"He made it very clear that he doesn't see me as a capable leader. Despite leading and winning against the entirety of team evil just after the promotion." He smirked at Kimiko's quiet reaction to his phrasing, now copying her movements with his thumb on her hand. "It was his eyes which made it worse. There was no anger, just undeniable truth. He believed in what he said,"

Rolling to her right side, Kimiko reached her free arm up to Raimundo's, gently holding his bicep as she leaned her head against his shoulder.

"He's an idiot," she bluntly stated.

Raimundo burst into laughter as he rested his head against her own. "He does have his moments,"

"You're a great leader. You know that, right?"

He smiled against her hair, a low hum as his answer.

"I mean it, I trust you. We're all proud to call you our leader, me especially,"

"Of course you are, you get to brag about having such a gorgeous leader,"

Giggling against his shoulder, Kimiko smiled at his comment.

"I'm not hearing a denial,"

She hummed in agreement. "I know,"

The two remained where they were for a few minutes longer, enjoying the peace between the two.

"Clay was about to set up for poker when I came to find you, you interested in joining tonight?"

"I think I'll stay a little longer, but I'll join you soon, yeah?"

"Sounds good." She lifted her head to press a gentle kiss on his cheek before jumping up to head for the door. "See you shortly,"

Watching her leave, Raimundo couldn't help but smile. Once she left the room, with a small smile and wave, he closed his eyes and inhaled.

With a now clear mind — Minus his thoughts on the Dragon of Fire — he smiled as he was quickly able to focus on his meditation. He wouldn't need long before he joined their game night, especially when a certain teammate was waiting for him.

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