Tully was a little surprised that she wasn't feeling more nervous.  After all, she'd decided she would show her drawings to Shin, and she had them secured in a satchel tucked under her arm as she walked to the Lickskillet to meet with her new friend.  She rarely shared any of her works with others, much the less offering several of them.

But Shin had her at ease, she trusted his judgement, and trusted that he would judge them fairly.  Not that she meant for her work to be judged, she didn't sketch for approval, but because she liked it, it put her at ease, centered her emotions...

Well, heck!  Maybe this was a silly idea, and she shouldn't have agreed to it!  Maybe she should just go home and..?

Maybe he'd seen her and it was too late?  Then what would he think if she turned and ran?

Sighing, she stepped into the Lickskillet and looked around for Shin.

For the longest time the only person he had ever shown his sumi-e paintings had been his wife. Yet, after seeing Tully's drawings, he felt compelled to share his art in turn. After leaving Tully's alley, Shintaro headed straight to the small room he was renting above the former Apothecary. As no new apothecary had arrived, he had been permitted to stay in the residence. The former occupant's processions had already been packed away and stored somewhere, pending location of any next of kin. Shintaro doubted his wife's murderer had next of kin who would have any interest in those possessions.

Thinking about his wife, Shintaro paused, considering. Well, given Miss Nevada had expressed some interest in the traditional kimono of Japanese women, he decided he might as well bring the photo album he had. There were several pictures of he and his wife, including their wedding photo. Looking at it now he felt her absence all the more but also a sense of relief knowing her spirit was now at rest. He had found and seen her murderer face justice, and it had not been by his own hand. Shintaro had made a vow never to take another life, and he hadn't broken that vow despite being put to the test.

"She will see just how beautiful you are, my love," he said softly, looking at his wedding picture. "In fact I think you would have liked Miss Nevada."

After a moment of calm remembrance he closed the photo album and added it to the bundle he had gathered so far. He didn't have as many drawings with him as he hadn't had a lot of time to paint since coming to America. A few quick drawings of the more interesting buildings he had seen in San Francisco and a local bird he still wasn't sure of the name.

Deciding this was more than enough, he wrapped the bundle carefully so the box containing his paintings and the photo album were secure. Tucking it under his arm, he made his way to the Diner.

It was only when he noticed Miss Nevada entering the diner did he realize he had wasted a bit of time reminiscing in his room than he expected. He had planned to arrive first to ensure they had a quiet table, one large enough they could spread out drawings and photos without worry of knocking any to the floor. Hopefully it was still possible, given they were between meals when the diner would be more busy.

Picking up his pace he quickly reached the door just as Tully disappeared inside. He opened the door behind her and stepped in.

"Miss Nevada," he said, just loud enough to catch her attention without startling her. "Looks like we both arrived at the same time."

"We should use that table," he indicated, having spotted the one he was hoping to be able to claim. It wasn't the largest table in the diner but definitely bigger than the majority.