<@Ciara> [Date: Saturday, March 20, 2004.] <@Ciara> [The Tokyo Tech Motor Club is having its annual photoshoot at a location about an hour north of Tokyo by train/motorized vehicle.] <@Ciara> [The weather is lovely and sunny and warm, which is good because most of the shoot is going to take place outside.] <@Ciara> [The theme this year is road trips (and frienship!) and thus the travelling.] <@Ciara> [Most of the Motor Club has driven up to assist in tech support and other setup. A few of them are also modelling.] <@Ciara> [Thankfully, they've been able to rent a nearby pavillion for a place to do hair and makeup and such.] <@Ciara> [Akemi had also invited Taki and company to join in one of her photo shoots, and given that Haruko and her friends are already going to be there, it made sense to combine the two.] <@Ciara> [Shizaru gave Taki some vague directives about taking notes on picnic efficiency. She's been rather frazzled lately.] <@Ciara> [So before the action starts, Akemi's mostly free and she's over with Kaede, which makes this a good time to introduce Nicola to them.] <@Ciara> [Let's see how that's going to go!] <@Ciara> [Scene Start!] * @Mikage arrived seperately and worn a fancier version of her usual outfit, and is that a real peacock feather? However, after Taki pointed out Akemi her eyes went wide and she got real quiet. As the scene opens she's quietly attempting to slink over by one of the cars because there's some work to be done there or whatever. Maybe Taki will notice, maybe she won't. * Kaede is dressed in a fine suit, adjusted even finer lately as he must be getting used to it. He's on the phone and he's pacing as he talks, one hand in his pocket. The nice sunny day under the pavilion *does* help for the atmosphere. "Look, we ordered at least two dozen suits for this shoot. We only got the one. I double checked our forms and the clerical error does not seem to be on *our* end..." He hums. "Could they still be in the warehouse?" * Taki, despite the nice weather has dressed for a slightly colder day and is wearing a long-sleaved grey shirt with blue stripes around the cuffs and down the seams and a skirt/leggings combo, in white and blue. She's also carrying a stack of bento boxes. Also Mikage can come with, these boxes are getting heavy and Akemi envy is only going to get worse with time as her makeup guy is going to get his hands on her eventually. * Akemi is nearby, leaning against the wall and poking at something on her phone but not looking nearly as absorbed as Kaede is. She's in her first outfit for the photoshoot: skinny jeans, leather boots, a bright pink babydoll shirt, and a black leather jacket. It's reminiscent of Saki's wardrobe from back when she was... well, not dead or trapped in a world full of oni, and Akemi wears it very well, just like basically everything else. A lock of hair spills over her face, and she absently tucks it away. <@Ciara> [The person on the other end of Kaede's phone call is *extremely* apologetic and they were certain that the delivery had left that morning... it's for , correct?] * @Nicola is wearing a white blouse, her red ribbon trimmed black skirt, and a matching black vest with red trim and ribbons. Her hair is pulled back mostly in a bun but with a few stray strands of hair, artfully curled, framing her face. * @Mikage looks chagrined and takes a bunch of those bentos from Taki. She stays with her friend, but also stays real quiet. Akemi might notice her, but getting her to speak up on her own might take some encouragement on Taki's part. * Kaede tries to hide the scowl in his voice. He's improving on this. It only comes out maybe 30 percent. "No..." He gives the address again. "How soon can it be here? It may be best to just keep it where it is at and have one of our people pick it up..." Pace pace pace. * @Nicola is next to Taki but has been pretty quiet the entire trip up. <@Ciara> [More apologizing. Perhaps an hour? Would an hour be all right?] * Taki turns to Nicola and Mikage. "I uh, think he's going to be a while, let's just go say hi to Akemi-chan and find out if Haruko is here yet." * Kaede gives a sigh, stops pacing and asks, "If I said it wasn't alright, would that change anything?" <@Ciara> [Evasive politeness!] * Kaede nods. He figured as much. Taking another breath, fingers going through his hair, he adds, "Keep it there for now. We'll have someone pick it up instead. If we run into difficulties, I'll call you back." <@Ciara> [Agreement! And the phone call ends.] Or not! * Kaede looks at the phone. Didn't even get to end with the obligatory fake japanese politeness. Oh well. He puts his phone away and goes through the ancient Japanese art of recomposure, brushing off his suit before wandering over to Akemi. "Minor problem." * Taki leads the other two girls up to Kaede before he can get back onto the phone, or tries anyway. Looks like they're going to Akemi anyway! * @Nicola hesitates. "Perhaps we should not bother... oh." She trails slightly behind Taki now. * Akemi looks up at Kaede as she tucks her phone into a jacket pocket. "Did you get it sorted out?" <@Grysar> [Haruko is in organizing clipboard Haruko-mode. She has been making sure her team is doing their job and keeping the Akemi gawking appreciative rather than leering. The team has managed a beaut of a convertible, but it seems like it needs someone to fiddle with the engine pretty much every time it parks. There's a few other automobiles around as well, including Ken's, but none quite so fancy.] * Taki calls out to them. "Ka- ... Takeuchi-san, Akemi-chan!" * Kaede gives a minor frown, but only a minor one. "Not yet. But think I can sort it out." His expression softens a bit at Akemi and then he turns his gaze up, giving a neutral nod of the head to Taki although his gaze seems to be stretched more towards Haruko and the motor club. Back to Akemi. "Give me a moment." And he wanders off that way! * @Mikage shoots a quick terrified look to Nicola and then remembers that Nicola is actually incredibly put together and attractive and not dressed like a sideshow in front of professional entertainer. She decides to try staring straight ahead, eyes a little wide. * Akemi spots Taki and Haruko and etc. and pops off of the wall, smiling brightly as she waves! "Hi!" * Taki says quietly, "Don't mind him, he's just very very buisy." And then louder. "Hi Akemi! I'd like to introduce you to two of my friends that I made after I switched schools, if you have a moment." * Haruko glances up at Akemi's voice and waves back from a distance. She notices Kaede's approach with a nod but keeps working at what she's doing until he waves her over or gets closer. <@Ciara> [Maki and Takumi are assisting Haruko at the moment.] * Kaede does actually wave Haruko over at that. Which means you *know* trouble has come up. * @Mikage looks over trying to manage a mysteriously contented smile. Oh by the spirits she's such a natural. Keep it together Mikage, this isn't a cute- off. * @Nicola stands next to Taki, biting her lip just a tiny bit. There's a slight flush to her cheeks, too. * Haruko finishes up what she's doing and hands off a tool before trotting over to Kaede, clipboard and pncil in hand. * Kaede responds with "We have an issue. A few of the suits haven't come by yet. Could one of your people go here to get it?" He rattles off a quick address. * Akemi wins all the cute-offs anyway. "Oh yeah!" She bounces once, still smiling, and addresses Nicola and Mikage. "Hi! I'm Akemi Shiraishi; I knew Taki when she was going to Sakuragaoka. Not that *I* went to Sakuragaoka... it's a long story." She gives a little wink to Taki. * Taki is starting to get a bit of that standing too close to Akemi too, and not at all trying not to remember that Akemi got her first kiss... and also to NEVER BRING THAT UP TO NICOLA, EVER. * Haruko nods. "That we're equipped to handle. Could I get the address and a contact number?" * @Nicola bows to Akemi. "Nicola Arai. It is... it is very nice to meet you." Her voice is softer than usual and her accent slightly more pronounced. * Kaede manages to write it down and give the paper to Haruko. Will that do? * @Mikage gives an awkward bow, as she's holding bento. "Mikage Hasegawa. It's a pleasure to meet you. When Taki suggested this I didn't realize that you were you. I mean... Wow." Mikage shuts her mouth before she can say anything more. * Taki attempts to stiffle a giggle. "It was actually Nicola's older sister's suggestion." * Haruko nods. "Should I have them call in to you to verify contents on pick up or is it straightforward?" Calling would be good. Just in case. *sigh* It's always at least ONE thing... * Akemi was looking at Nicola curiously, but at Mikage's words she victory- signs in a magical girl-esque pose with a hair flip and a wink. "The original!" she chirps. * Akemi then asks Taki, "Her older sister?" * Haruko nods and snorts. "Sending someone to the parts shop without having them do a follow-up call was always a disaster. Suits seem like they should be simpler, but that's probably just my inexperince talking." She gives Kaede a quick bow and then heads off to wrangle some help. * @Nicola bites her lip again as she watches Akemi, the flush spreading across her cheeks again. * Kaede responds a lighter bow of the head then wandrs back over to the Taki group, stuffing his pad. "Where's Anatoly? Should we be doing prep work?" Hinako Arai? You might have met a few times, or not. She's hard to forget with all the belts though. <@Ciara> [Takumi and Maki are still working on vehicles. Takumi's phone buzzes and he pulls it out, briefly looking confused before reading the message and smiling and sending a quick message back. "Message from your girfriend?" Maki asks, semi-teasingly.] <@Ciara> [Takumi nods and Maki blinks, surprised. She casts a glance to see if Haruko's in earshot.] * @Mikage nods and grumbles quietly to herself, "And the cape. And the eerie knowledge. And the impuning on other people's turf." * Akemi ooooohs softly, and then she beams. "Yeah, I remember her! She didn't talk to me that much, though. Mostly Matthias." To Nicola, "How's she doing?" * @Nicola takes a second to respond as she's seems to need to process that Akemi is asking *her* a question. About her sister. "Oh! Ah, she is doing well. Studying hard. We mostly see each other when she comes to our parents house for dinner..." She swallows quickly. "I did not know that you knew each other. Her social circle is very wide-ranging..." She shoots Taki a quick "did you know this?" glance. * Haruko is indeed headed over at a quick pace. "We've got to do a speed run for suits." She's probably in earshot by now. * Taki gives a tiny "I thought they maybe met once/It's Akemi she just happens" shrug and blush. * Kaede gives a confused look, question forgotten as he raises an eyebrow. Maybe to Akemi. Maybe to Taki. Hard to tell. * Akemi notices Kaede raising an eyebrow at them and she waves him over. "Kaede!" she calls. "Come meet Taki's friends!" * @Mikage looks over to Kaede. Okay, fine suit, good looking guy, but basically seems normal. That's a relief. She quickly reintroduces herself. <@Ciara> [Maki looks at Takumi, then at Haruko. "Welp, since Sakihiro here is actually in the shoot, I'll go. Gonna need to borrow someone's keys, though since my bike is an asesemblage of parts that aren't fully connected."] * @Nicola seems slightly relieved when Akemi turns her attention to someone else. * @Haruko pulls out her set and then gently tosses them over to Maki. "Well, my bike will be sad to sit out the early shots, but you're familiar with it so that's probably the safest bet. Just remember he's a little rabbity so go easy on the gas." Hi, Kaede, sorry to intrude. I brought bentos, but I only made ten... I should have asked how many people were actually going to be here. * Haruko hands off the slip with the paper and the instructions to call in once she's there. She then waves over to Kaede and makes a thumbs up gesture. <@Ciara> [Maki salutes and takes paper and keys. "Got it, boss!" She's off!] * Kaede shoots Akemi a very quick "do I have to?" look but then adjusts his glasses. Yes. "Pleased to meet you, Hasegawa-san." He gives a brief sigh. "I'd say I wish things were better organized, but that never seems to be the case..." A quick nod of acknowledgement to Taki. At least. * @Mikage is a bit more at ease. "I had a big breakfast, knowing that this might be a problem. While I never miss a chance to sample Taki's cooking, mine can go to another." <@Ciara> [One of the other Motor Club members yells "Oi, Sakihiro! Can you come grab this thing that fell into the wheel well? You've got a good reach." And Takumi goes off to put his long arms to good use.] <@Grysar> [Haruko goes off to do other work unless called upon.] Thanks Mikage, I'll make you dinner some time to make up for it. * @Mikage grins. "Also as I predicted." * Kaede nods in response. "I should check on our camera crew to make sure they're prepped." He turns to Akemi, yet again. "Have you seen your little personal assistant lately?" Anatoly. He means Anatoly. * Anatoly has been supervising the setup of the pavilion to his exacting standards. * @Nicola gives Taki a slightly perplexed look and motions subtly in Kaede's direction with her chin. * Taki taps herself on her forehead. "Before you go running off again Kaede, this is Nicola Arai, my friend we've talked about before, and this is Mikage Hasawaga, who was the one I was talking about when I had somebody to introduce to Akemi." * Anatoly has set up an impressive hair and make up area. He could probably quickly and easily serve everyone that's on the photoshoot, but instead the recently arrived Noriko Fujiwara will have to make do with two chairs and a snack table. <@Ciara> [Noriko is one of Haruko's fellow Drama Club members. She was recruited to help with hair and makup for people who aren't Akemi.] * @Nicola tenses slightly as Taki makes the introduction. She then bows to Kaede. "A pleasure to meet you." Her voice is stronger now. "Obviously you are quite busy, so we will not take up much more of your time." * @Mikage nods. "We could go talk to that clipboard lady, I forsee that she has more work to do than people to do it." Her voice is stronger as well, but she's definitely not yet pumped to speak with Akemi about her boy troubles. Clipboard? * Kaede glances with a raised eyebrow, just slightly, to Nicola. He looks about to say something but manages to bite his tongue, with a look past Taki to Akemi. "Right. Of course." He excuses himself with a polite bow and goes to oversee the camera setup. * Taki looks around. "Oh, that's Haruko, and before you go Kaede, where should we put these?" * Kaede is already too distracted and invested in his task to respond to Taki. Perhaps he didn't actually hear her. ... Right, let's go introduce Haruko to Mikage and maybe then we can finally put these down. Sound like a plan? * Akemi smiles apologetically to the gathered girls. "Sorry, things haven't been going exactly as planned and he's been trying to clean up the mess. I've got some time, though." She takes the boxes from Taki, then the others, and she's balancing them precariously as she takes the bentos to the break area. * @Nicola is unexpectedly de-bentoed! "Oh, you do not have to..." But the force of nature that is Akemi is already heading break area-ward! * Taki smiles back. "Thanks, and don't worry about it. If Kaede wasn't working like crazy I'd be seriously worried about his health." * @Mikage is a bit startled again at Akemi's approach but she hands over the boxes with a meek "Thank you." Aaugh, and I just remembered that I forgot that he's going to be one of Nicola's upperclassmen next year. I need to make time for them to talk about the school. Maybe over lunch if nothing actually on fire. * Anatoly tsks loudly. "Oshiro-kun if you setup the screens that way, then someone standing on the hill could see the changing area. We don't want that, do we?" Mikage starts at this and glances over, only to see that Anatoly's assistant is one of the motorclub, Noboru Oshiro, and he lacks a family resemblence to Kenji. * Taki turns to Nicola. "If that's okay with you, of course." <@Nicola> It is perfectly agreeable for nothing to be on fire. Also to have lunch. Right! One less thing to worry about. <@Ciara> [The camera setup is looking good. The operator is happy to run through a checklist with Kaede if he so desires.] * Taki goes to introduce Mikage to clipboard lady. * Kaede wanders up to the conversation, giving a small glance to Anatoly. "Are we expecting security troubles? Because while it's good to be mindful of that, I don't believe we need to be *so* concerned. This is a more local public relations shoot..." * @Mikage is led off. * @Nicola watches Taki and Mikage go one way and Akemi another. She's met Haruko already, and Akemi looks like she could still use some help, so she goes to follow her. * Anatoly looks at Kaede. "Ah, when I ask the den mother of these rude mechanicals for an assistant, she said that this one would could follow instruction but would benefit from close supervision." * Akemi looks over at the approaching Nicola! She smiles at her and gives her half the bentos if she wants to help. * Haruko waves at the approaching Taki, she was heading from one group to another and is standing by the convertible at the moment. * @Nicola gives Akemi a shy smile in return and takes the bentos. "Taki is... I believe she is a bit distracted today, with all that is going on." Hey Haruko, this is my friend Mikage, who suddenly wanted to talk to you, and you've already met Nicola. * @Nicola is not actually there! * Taki blinks and looks around for Nicola. * @Nicola is off helping Akemi! With bentos! Surely nothing else will go on! * Haruko bows and introduces herself. "A pleasure to meet another of Taki's friends. I'm sorry I'm so busy today, but I believe we may get a chance to get together later for a card game?" * @Mikage returns the bow and introduction. * Kaede didn't dump Taki's new girlfriend down a hole, he promises. That's reserved for at least the *second* date. He manages to bite his tongue, at least. "Close supervision may be necessary, but I don't believe it is going to be a long term skill. Let's just focus on what is necessary here..." Argh, I forgot to bring that up. Sorry. I'm forgetting everything again, and not even intentionally. * Mikage smiles. "I'm certainly up for card games, and will attempt to surpress my gifts as best I can, for fairness sake." * Haruko smiles at Taki. "Well you've remembered now. And you're here on time, which is more than I can say for club President." <@Ciara> [Club President Mitsuru Amano: does he actually exist?] <@Ciara> [Well, his term of office will be coming to an end very shortly... but that's for another time.] * Taki laughs. "If I'm late for something, something else has clearly gone very wrong." * Haruko snorts in amusement. Mikage nods. "For a scattered person you have a supernatural ability to be in the right place at the right time." * Taki's laugh turns a bit more nervous. "Some things are harder to forget than others." * Haruko grins. "We all have surprising strengths I find." On that note, Mikage volunteers to help and Haruko puts her on costuming duty, making sure the right pieces are available for the right shots and that nothing gets lost in the shuffle. * Kaede notices Anatoly's slight look. He doesn't need much, does he? "I *will* do my best to keep them in line. After all, gathering all the pieces together is *my* job as a manager, isn't it?" What *Anatoly*'s job is, exactly, may be implied to be reinforced but left unsaid. * Anatoly accepts that advice and finishes his setup without that much more ado, content to let Kaede do Kaede things. Oshiro gives Kaede a grateful look. * Kaede gives Oshiro a brief look, then goes to help with the screen. "As strong as he puts it, he's not wrong..." And now all the pieces are, at least, coming into place. <@Ciara> [The day moves on, and the actual shoot starts. Maki gets back just in time with the clothes (bringing them back on a motorcycle required some sort of engineering magic but she managed to pull it off). People are being directed hither and yon and there's outfits and makeup and hair and finicky vehicles and if you're still there you have probably been drafted to help in some manner.] <@Ciara> [Resume!] * @Haruko has to be practically dragged by Fujiwara off to the hair and make up corner and reluctantly hands off her clipboard to Maki now that she's back. That said, the Queen of Cups always delights to be fretted over so she slips from leadership mode to model mode without further complaint. * Kaede hasn't been drafted. Mostly because he's expected to help anyway. Unless the phone is going off, there's a few areas of suggestions and direction to the photography staff, especially to help the Motor Club get oriented. But mostly, he trusts the lighting crew and photographers to do their thing. Even outdoors, sometimes you still need a bit of lighting. <@Ciara> [Noriko's no Anatoly, but she's good at her work and enjoys a bit of fussing. Meanwhile, Maki has a *clipboard*. Yeeeeeeees.] * Akemi is posing on a motorcycle, trying to get it to look right. It's probably the sixth time she's needed to adjust and she's not complaining, but it's a little bit wearing and Kaede can probably tell at the edge of Akemi's smile. * Taki has mostly been gofering, a job she actually excells at, but she's been trying to make time to spend with Nicola and to prod Mikage to talk to Akemi between shots. * Kaede nods, then calls out. "Alright. Let's finish this set and take a break." It is a good time to take a break after all. Who knew modelling was such hard work? <@Ciara> [Takumi's headed off to get changed, but between Kaede's direction and Maki's checklists, the rest of the Motor Club's been doing reasonably good work. However... one Ken Hibiki has yet to show up, having driven in that morning and then said that he had 'things to check out.' And his shot is coming up soon.] * @Haruko smiles at Noriko. "Thank you again. I'm not half as good as you are, particularly on myself. And really, the guys are always such a pain to convince that make up... wait, where's Hibiki?" Think we're almost done! * @Nicola has been helping out on things that don't require getting too messy. Her hair has stayed nicely styled the whole time. Noriko's given her at least one approving look. * @Haruko checks her phone to see if there's any response to the reminder she sent before going to the hair and makeup corner. <@Ciara> [There's no response, though if Haruko has notifications set up, she can see that he did read it.] * @Haruko sighs. She gives Noriko a quick bow of thanks and calls her boy. * Akemi poses again, and this time the photographer seems satisfied, the camera's shutters going off multiple times. <@Ciara> [Ken answers. "Yeah?" His voice sounds tired.] * @Haruko's frustrated expression fades. "You alright Hibiki?" <@Ciara> ["I guess."] * @Haruko bites her lip for a moment. "Well, we're ready for your close up. And having you in this is quite important for our female customers, including myself." <@Ciara> [There's some silence. And then "...did you even notice I was gone?"] * @Haruko sighs. "I confess, I've been in manic clipboard mode for a while. And you're right, this past month has been just one thing after another. But..." * @Haruko's voice softens. "My lame friends and Akemi are here and you're dang right I'm missing you. I want you here and to do couple stuff and impress people with how good we look." <@Ciara> ["Yeah, we look awesome together, but... I wanna be with *you*." There's a surprising softness to his tone.] * Mikage meanwhile has been prodded by Taki once again. "I don't know, she seems super nice, but I don't want to impose my problems on her. Also I don't know if she'd even understand, I can't imagine someone dumping her." * Kaede breathes a small sigh of relief at the last pose, gesturing her over when she *is* done. He already has a bottle of water ready for her, twisting the cap. * Haruko smiles. "Hottest girl in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area is modeling five meters away from me and you want alone time? I'm..." I... <@Haruko> Look, when we're done, want to just take a ride, enjoy the scenery? I can let Maki drive my bike back and I don't have any other plans this evening. * Akemi lets out a little huff, gets a thumbs up from the photographer and returns it, and then bounces (with slightly less enthusiasm than normal) to Kaede. She takes the water and kisses him quickly on the cheek. * Kaede nods and pushes up his glasses, giving her a small smile. "Little different than the crew we're usually used to. But it seems to be working out. Once we were able to..." He frowns and stops, but he's *clearly* talking about Anatoly from his avoidance. * Mikage shakes her head. "And as a performer she's so far above my level. And she knows Hinako-senpai and I don't know she's told her." <@Ciara> ["You gotta be less down on yourself, Kinsha." There's a pause, and a small grunt as Ken shifts, sounding like he's getting up. "Yeah, okay. Driving's good. Give us a chance to talk more."] * Taki takes a deep breath. "I'm really sorry about Kenji, and I don't think Akemi's ever been dumped before because I'm pretty sure that Kaede's the first boy that had the courage to actually even talk to her romantically, and really tht's one of the things that inspired me to even try talking to Nicola. But, Akemi is a very kind and caring person why tries to make everything better for the people around her, and I don't think she's talked to Hinako-san in a few years." * @Haruko frowns at talk. That doesn't sound good. "See you soon. And I'll allow that I might just be rankd somewhere on that top list." She glances over at Nicola, not sure she wants to make a claim for number two in this crowd though. <@Ciara> ["'kay." Ken hangs up.] <@Haruko> * Mikage nods. "Alright, she does seem that way. But surely this is a little much even for her?" * Akemi nods to Kaede. "Yeah, they've been helpful! Better than most of the other times we've had amateurs help on the set." * Taki looks at Akemi and Kaede. "Right now, just a teeny bit, but if you haven't done it by the time lunch is over I'm going to offer to buy the advice off of you on how to get you to talk to her, and if you refuse, I'm going to ask Hinako-san for a second opinion." You're my friend, and I want to help you, I'm just kinda aweful at it, if you haven't noticed in the past couple of years. * Mikage nods. "Oh, don't worry, I've noticed. But fine I accept you as a client." * Kaede gives a brief nod back and then stands up straighter, waving the crew towards the break tent. Take five! Also probably snacks. Snacks is good. I accept your terms. <@Ciara> [Maki somehow has organized things so that she's first at the snacks.] <@Ciara> [Also Ken strolls back in shortly after the break starts.] * Akemi has just opened a bento box and is ready to dig in when spots Ken. She looks to Haruko, pointing with her chopsticks. "Is that the missing guy?" * Kaede glances at the missing Ken approaching, then back at Haruko. His "Yes" is to Akemi, eyes kind of scanning the awkward situation. * Mikage takes a moment and then strolls confidentally over to Kaede and Akemi. "M'lady," She courtesies. "I am told by a bitter rival fortuneteller that I should seek out your counsel. I know that I have not earned such familiarity and that your mastery of appearances and the human heart is well beyond mine, so I approach a master as a humble student." She courtesies again, bowing deeply and nearly losing her turban. * Kaede pauses, mid-eating, then looks up carefully at Mikage, half hunched over before he flatly says, "It wasn't Saori, was it?" * Mikage's eyes widen. "No! I stay off her turf. Do you know her?" * @Haruko sees that she's missed a chance to talk with Akemi for now, she goes to chat with Ken. * Kaede glances at Akemi for a moment, shaking the rice a little back into the bento as he draws back upright. "Personal friend of my sister. Also an old acquaintance. Surprised Shimiru-san hasn't started paying her in rice at this point, quite honestly." * @Nicola goes to sit with Taki now that Mikage's talking with Akemi and Kaede. * Mikage eyes Kaede. "Hey, Shimiru-chan has a fortune teller on meal retainer, thank you." * Akemi blinks, then she leans forward, intentionally or not showing cleavage. "You tell fortunes?" she asks Mikage, curiously. <@Ciara> [Ken watches Haruko approach.] * Taki eats lunch with Nicola and worriedly watches Mikage, she's also guiltily eating one of her own lunches for SCIENCE and also Shizaru, the rice has gotten all over the place, but she's not sure if that was a problem with the box, or just the trip out here. * Mikage nods. "It is one of my gifts. And I do take some credit for my friends present relative contentment, which believe me required far more than the usual legerdemain." * Akemi glances at Kaede and tilts her head slightly towards Mikage. * @Haruko grabs a pair of bentos and brings them over, laying out one of the non-photoshoot picnic blankets. * Kaede makes no comment or reaction to that, merely pushing aside his lunch now that he's engaged in discussion. "You never can have too many. 'Turf' is fairly accurate, though." He now glances at Mikage. "You compete?" <@Ciara> [Ken sits and takes a bento. "Thanks."] * Mikage looks at Kaede for a moment. She isn't really here to speak with him, but she answers his question. "All fortune tellers compete. Particularly with those in cape and leather belt ensembles." She then nods to Akemi and her assets, "To which I do no object, but I will confess Hinako-senpai displayed a casual ease with my secrets and my then-boyfriend that prompted me to react-- unprofessionally." * Kaede gives a small nod and fishes in his coat pockets after the look from Akemi. "Say. If you would be interested...we might do a reading here. Just for fun. If you think we could do it. Do you have a deck on you?" <@Haruko> So, I'm sorry again about missing your calls. I've been trying to master an old fear, before it gets foisted upon me. * @Nicola watches Mikage and Kaede and Akemi as well, although she's trying really really hard not to stare too much at Akemi. "Shirashi-san is... she's very kind," she says to Taki. * Mikage laughs heartily. "Oh, dear sir, the arcane arts are never toyed with for mere fun. But as you like." She produces a deck of playing cards, Bicycle brand. <@Ciara> [Ken gives Haruko a very confused look. "You what?"] * @Haruko sighs. "You ever read that book I told you about. The one that's a bit too familiar?" * Kaede glances vaguely at the deck, a little confused, but only for a moment. "A little unusual for a fortune telling device, isn't it?" He's....not criticising really. * Taki nods. "She is the nicest, happiest person I know and it'd boggle my mind that I know her except for everything else that's happened to me. I hope she and Kaede have long, happy lives. Sorry I haven't been able to spend much time with just you out here." <@Ciara> ["Book?" Ken's look is no less confused.] * Mikage looks deadly serious. "You tell Saori-san I stay away from tarot." She eyes Kaede suspiciously, he does look like a narc come to think of it. "I normally rely on a crystal ball, but in a pinch most any embodiment of randomness will do." Oooh, Saori thinks you're a *threat*, really? * Kaede snorts at that, crossing his arms. "What do you think I am, Saori's stooge?" He gets an apologetic smile. "Just because I know her doesn't mean I'm her go-between by any means. Familiarity and friendliness are two entirely different things." He pauses, then looks at her strangely. "So...you've *never* dabbled with tarot?" * @Haruko and Ken still haven't really had the Arcana talk as he dodges it well. "Council of Mysteries. Published recently and allowing for certain fictional elements it provokes some disturbing memories. I did tell you about the book club." * @Nicola smiles. "It is fine. I am happy to help do things, and the day is pleasant." <@Ciara> [Ken rolls his eyes. "The book club full of other girls, right."] * Taki sets her bento aside and flops on the blanket next to Nicola. "Then I'm going to do my best to enjoy the pleasant weather, pleasant scenery, and pleasant company until it's time to get back to work." * Mikage first replies to Akemi. "We work in the same field. She merely requested a professional courtesy of taking care not to undercut her prices, which I happily granted. We are part of a vast convocation stretching back through history. That was all, in no way do I fear physical violence from her personage." * @Haruko laughs. "Well, that and one with my lamers brigade. So maybe it's silly girl stuff, but the main character shares a fear with me and it's one I want to stop running from." * Mikage then looks to Kaede. "Well sir, I do believe you, as long as you represent a lady of such quality." She gestures to Akemi, "Then I will trust that you are in league with no other. But no, I have not *dabbled* in Tarot, no more than you *dabble* in representing Akemi-sensei in one of her less common medium. I have studied it but it is not where I focus my energies." <@Ciara> [Ken eats some before fixing Haruko with a stare. "So why are you so worried about it *now*?"] * Akemi laughs at the thought of Saori hurting anyone physically, and hell, even her *laugh* is super pretty. * Kaede gives a small nod, then looks at the woman. "Oh come now. Just humor us. This is your one chance to show Saori-san up, isn't it?" He gives a light smile and waits to let the dust settle. * Taki starts to sit up and then flops. "Sounds like it's going well over there." * @Nicola looks over in Akemi's direction again when she hears her laughter. It is quite possibly the nicest laugh she's ever heard. * @Haruko sighs. "I respect the paranoia of my friends." She glances over at Akemi and smiles, good she's having fun. <@Nicola> It does actually sound like they are having fun. <@Ciara> [Ken frowns. "The paranoia of your... Kinsha, you're not making any sense."] * Mikage waves a hand. "Saori's not my rival. But I will indulge you if you do not object to my requesting the advice of your client. Of course the final decision would be hers." * Kaede takes a light sigh, closing his eyes and shaking his head. "Despite what it may seem like, Akemi is largely a free agent. I am an advisor and a director. Nothing more. In the end, the decision is hers." But now he waits for the tarot show. * @Haruko speaks quietly. "Look, I know you prefer not to talk about some of this stuff, but we think the author of the book may be drawing some from our lives, the bad old days, you know. He recognized me at a reading, despite my best efforts. It seems like he's working with someone too, that social media thing you blew off. It may all come to nothing..." But while I do dabble, I don't carry one around. Honestly the nice ones are expensive and I never use cheap props." * Akemi looks between Mikage and Kaede, somehow having lost the conversation thread. "What? What client? OH, that's me!" And she laughs again, like that assumption is the cutest thing, and maybe it is. "But Kaede's right; I like tarot cards. The pictures are really nice. I've got a deck that I carry around for good luck..." * Akemi gets up and wanders off to her changing area. * Kaede doesn't breathe a sigh of relief at that, but it's better than explaining why he always keeps a deck in *his* pocket. After all, models and actresses are usually pretty eccentric aren't they?! <@Ciara> [Ken frowns and is quiet.] * Akemi bounces back with a deck in a slightly beaten up box. When she gets there, she pulls the cards out; they're worn slightly at the edges, and she shuffles them a bit before she hands them to Mikage. "Here you go!" she chirps. * @Haruko looks to Ken, "I appreciate the way you looked after me with iceskating. Being there, putting in the work, making sure that I don't hurt myself by pushing too fast, and being ready to catch me if there's real danger. I try to do the same for my comrades." * Kaede puts his hand out before Mikage quite gets the deck, giving a meaningful glance at Akemi, then back to Mikage. "No offense but...may *I* shuffle?" * Taki asks Nicola. "Is there anything you want to do while we're out here? Sitting like this together is fine for me." * Mikage reaches out as well and then pouts. "Would you like me to roll up my sleeves as well, sir?" <@Ciara> [Ken fixes Haruko with a sharp look. "You sound like you're going to war, Kinsha."] * @Haruko sighs. "War's over. I want to make sure we don't go back." * Kaede laughs a little bit, which is odd in itself. Kaede actually laughing. He starts shuffling a bit. "No, that's fine. It's just a slight habit to make sure that we've gotten into. Just shuffling the deck and pulling out a card. Then shuffling again to draw another one. Makes sure we're getting a good shuffle. Had some people try to stack the deck before so can never be too cautious..." * @Nicola smooths out her skirt. "No, I think this... this is good, if you are satisfied." Sir, you wound me. * Kaede's smile is thin but there. "Humor me. Don't you humor your customers?" * Mikage laughs. "My customers normally pay me, but since I'm requesting a favor it is only fair to extend you every courtesy." * Taki rolls over so she can look at Nicola. "I'm a little disatisfied that most of the world isn't as nice as my friends and I can't shout for all to hear that this beautiful woman is my girlfriend and only get wierd looks for the shouting part." * Kaede gets to shuffling and does his thing for Mikage. He's not *quite* looking at Akemi at this moment, thoroughly focused on his shuffling job, but he is being a little more deliberate than normal for her benefit. <@Ciara> [Ken frowns. "Yeah, well, don't forget you can be pretty tough."] * @Nicola smiles at her, a bit sadly. "I as well." Then she looks off into the distance. "Particularly my small part of the world." * Mikage reaches out to draw a card. She takes it from atop the deck grasping it between two fingers and spinning it only to have it disappear in her hand. She then reaches her other hand up to her turban and removes the card which faces out at the two of you. Wheel of Fortune. She carefully shows it to both of you before returning it to the deck, to all appearances having never looked at it herself. Ooh, so you're a magician, too! * Akemi applauds. * @Haruko scoots and leans shoulder to shoulder witha him as she eats. "You keep reminding me of that, high time I listened." Hey, your part of the world is pretty big. I've never left Japan, and after you finish vet school, you can go anywhere you want to, can't you? Your parents place in Tokyo is very nice, but you can't stay there forever. * Kaede nods, going through the motions again. Perfectly fair. Care for another? He makes the suitably mandatory impressed noises that politeness dictates. * Mikage bows. "Just a bit of showmanship, I pale before the entertainment you have already provided." <@Ciara> ["Shouldn't need so much reminding," Ken replies, but his tone is lighter than it had been.] * Kaede snorts, but *that* has a bit of genuine amusement to it. "Nothing to feel ashamed about. She has been doing this for years. At least even longer than *I've* known her for... * Mikage smiles in thanks but then holds up a hand. "I'm not so skilled a magician as to repeat a trick before a cunning audience. Let's leave a little mystery in the world, shall we?" * @Nicola hmms softly. "I have yet to think that far into the future." It's still really impressive. * @Haruko laughs. "That said, strong isn't delusional. I'm not a beauty on Akemi level, but I'm more than confident enough to spend time around her. I'm so glad she agreed to this. It's really going well I think." I have, just a little. I want to open a restraunt, but there's no way I can afford enough space in Tokyo, so if I want to make that happen I'll have to start farther out in the countryside. Of course right after graduation I'll have to start by working for somebody else, but it's good to have a goal, something to work for. <@Ciara> [Ken snorts. "Yeah, she's hot, but what, are you worried I'm going to run off on you?"] * Akemi then realizes Mikage isn't going to draw another card. "But the next one doesn't have to be a trick." * Kaede gives a faint nod. "It doesn't. Especially since you've shown your sleight of hand already. It's just to test the shuffle really. And the reader." * @Nicola looks over at Taki. "I am honestly sufficiently glad to have achieved my choice of college. I had been afraid of not scoring high enough on the entrance exams." * Mikage looks to Akemi and Kaede. "I'm not sure I like this test. But acting on the trust and admiration expressed by Taki-chan." She then draws another card and shows it without looking. <@Ciara> [It is the Seven of Cups.] * Kaede gives a small nod and then takes the card, apologetic in tone and giving one final shuffle. "Thanks for humoring us. Do you cut now? Or us? We'd like to know the ultimate results of this shoot, if possible..." And he gives Akemi a glance. Oh, yes! That'd be great. If it comes out positively then I *know* I have lucky cards. * Mikage just looks at Kaede. "I don't know your game sir, but whether I exhibit showmanship or not, every draw is a test of my art. One does not typically shuffle in the midst of a reading." She looks at Akemi, not quite as charmed as she was a moment ago. * Kaede frowns a little. "It wasn't meant as offense. I'm sorry. I didn't mean..." He takes his hands off the deck. "I didn't think we'd started the reading yet is all..." * Mikage glances back between the two of them and courtsies again. "I think we better understand each other then." She looks at the two of them. "A reading it is." * Mikage cuts and then draws a single card raises it to eye level with a flourish but no tricks. That said she looks at it first before showing it to you two. It will go well, though the pictures may at times have a larger than intended audience. * Kaede stops, raising an eyebrow at the results but takes it somberly before waving his hand. "Well. If it's just for fun at any rate. It isn't as if it truly *means* anything..." He glances to Akemi. "Akemi? Were you going to discuss that advice?" * Mikage nods, less eager than before, but still hopeful. <@Ciara> [And Akemi and Mikage head off to talk.] <@Ciara> [Session End!]