I knew it! Hah.
It's hard to believe the encounter with Yojimbo was only yesternight in the story arc. I didn't think this was too angsty. Rather, this chapter seems to give a renewed sense of trust and normalcy if anything.
I like your florid descriptions of Lulu here --everything sort of relaxes and flows, very appropriate given the setting.
Of course, the wriggle on the line near the end of the chapter cleverly keeps our interest.
Lovely stuff.
Author's response
Phew, I was afraid I was getting a little carried away and might have lost some of my readers with that part. I prefer female characters with intelligence and strength -- but I'm afraid some primitive part of my brain is going "ooooo, SHINY" when I look at Lulu. mutters about sounding like idiot fanboys
And yeah, despite the angst, they're finding balance here -- the water is symbolic as well as gratuitous. :D