The floors were more obliging now, the water having dried enough to leave little dry oasis between the damp rivers running in the cracks of the stone. It would be much easier to walk through the area now than it would have been earlier.

For Shino's part, he wouldn't even realise his own gratitude at her effort until later. He was so used to being constantly off center with nothing feeling close enough to home to be of comfort, having anyone make an effort to remember customs that held no bearing in this world would, frankly, matter the world to him.

"Shino-kun is fine. Inuzuka-kun would feel too formal if you're letting me get away with Marilaine-chan." He grinned again, simply in good cheer. He was a fairly transparent person for the most part. "I think you're the first person who's even asked."