<@Ciara> [Date: Sunday, April 18th.] <@Ciara> [Taki has just finished:] <@Ciara> [1) Finding out that her dad is dating someone. 2) Meeting said person. 3) Realizing who her daughter is. 4) Managing not to freak out in front of her.] <@Ciara> [The freaking happened *after* Emiri Toshibara left, in the form of starting to text Nicola, then Shizaru, then calling Haruko and hanging up on the second ring, then finally texting Haruko with "Do you have the rest of the tonight free? I don't even know where to start explaining."] <@Ciara> [Haruko replies that she'll be there as soon as she can.] <@Ciara> [We set our scene with Haruko's arrival. Oh, yes, and there's still that package that Taki's dad dropped off for her.] <@Ciara> [Session Start!] * Haruko knocks after having been rung up by Taki. When the door opens, it's obvious that she had been planning on more flamboyant for tonight. She has a new, to Taki at least, navy blue dress with a shimmering polish finish. It's a sleeve number with a fairly high neckline. However, there's a rectangular slit down the middle of the top, showing cleavage that may be slightly enhanced by her choice of bra. The slit has twin horns at the top, and a ring that looks like stainless steel embroidered at the bottom. * Taki blinks at Haruko. "Thanks for ... I didn't pull you away from a date or something did? I'm sorry, I couldn't think of anybody else to, I mean I did think of other people to call, but then I'd just babble about Arcana stuff at people who shouldn't know or piss off people who should but I shouldn't talk to and I ... Thanks for coming?" * Haruko smiles a little, stepping in and giving a quick bow and ritualisitic apology for the inconvenience. "I was out with the Shin Ōkubo Story would-be cast. Hibiki sometimes joins us, but tonight he took a pass." Ah, uhm, there's some tea that hasn't gotten too cold yet, I think. *She gestues at the counter which has the pot of tea that Emiri made and the mysterious box on it.* * Haruko, now that she steps into the light, is also noticeably wearing navy blue eye shadow. She slips off her shoes. "Thank you." She walks over to pour herself some tea and glances down at the box, "This involved too?" Is wha... I actually have no idea, I keep forgetting about it with the Dear God, Toshibara Akari could be my... I don't even know which one of us would be the older sister. I don't even remember what card she is. * Haruko steps in to hug Taki. "You're starting from the middle." She also has a slightly distant look as she processes the name. Toshibara Akari, Jackal right? Which Jackal faction... * Taki leans into Haruko. "Right, sorry, begining. I kinda had a clue that Dad was starting to have a social life again, and tonight he kinda introduced me to his girlfriend, Toshibara Emiri.. and they didn't mention Akari by name, but now I've got a whole set of squid themed napkins. And I saw their pictures when we kept having to break into her dad's detective office." I'm ... pretty sure I didn't start to panic until after they left, but I've got no idea what I'm supposed to do. * Haruko gets the look of recognition in her eye with all of that and keeps ahold of Taki. "That's a lot even without the Arcana tie. What has your father said to you about it?" I... I think I've got veto power, but... I'm worried about my dad if I'm not here, and it's just been the two of for almost as long as I can remember. * Haruko hmms. "Well, if Toshibara Akari's worst tendencies have been reinforced over the few two years, you should probably consider vetoing for his sake, right?" * Taki nods. "Yeah, but the only two things I know about her right now is that she picks squid themed things and her mom doesn't approve of her friends not helping her move." * Haruko nods and sighs. "From what I recall she was a young punk. She didn't like being told what to do and liked those that stood up to authority. She also bullied that poor girl with the tattoos just because the Scyther was after her." She gently eases her hold on Taki, checking if she's ready to let go yet. "But at the same time, she was trying to investigate the drugs. And I can't imagine her father being blackmailed made homelife easy, even given the divorce." * Taki nods again. "Saying no would be as easy as "Akari and I got into fights when I was at Sakuragaoka," but I don't wan't to keep him from being happy just because of how things used to be. I just ... I don't know how to even talk to either one of them." * Haruko's voice gets a little firmer. "I think the place to start is to try to put yourself in his position. Not just what you think is good for him, but what he says he wants and how he acts it. Or if that's too hard, think about yourself and what would you want your child to do in that position." * Taki blinks. "I... kinda ment the Toshibaras, but that's good advice." * Haruko makes a quick "Aah." She then adds "Well, remember, figuring out how to talk to them isn't just your job. *If* things progress and you don't object, they need to figure out how to talk to you." * Taki nods. "I was going to ask Nicola more about having a sister, but I still feel like I'm going to babble far to much for our health." * Haruko smiles a little. "Well, we can try to get some of the babble out and as you work through your feelings." * Haruko snorts. "Also, for the record, most dates don't end in marriage. Even if the two people like each other. I don't think that changes just because we get older." Thanks. I keep thinking I've sort of got it, and then I suddenly think of something like this apartment isn't big enough for four people to live in and then everything's all mixed up again. <@Ciara> [At that moment, Haruko's phone buzzes.] * Haruko laughs, "Now you're getting ahead of yourself." She glances down at her purse. * Taki lets go of Haruko and takes a step back. * Haruko glances gives a sheepish grin and checks the phone. "Thanks, I don't think anyone needs me tonight, but I've been wrong before." She then glances over at the box, "You might want to open that though. You don't need to figure out housing arrangement years in the future, but it is best not to ignore things that are here right now." That's kind of a really good point. * Taki goes to open the box while Haruko checks her phone. * Haruko grins, "You always sound a little surprised when you say that in regards to me." <@Ciara> [Haruko's phone has a message from one of her fellow cast members: "Hey, don't forget about the new part that got added to 'Somewhere.' We'll be pracitcing it tomorrow." She also has some unread messages from Hirokazu and Takumi, but those can probably keep waiting, right?] * Taki sticks her tounge out. "That's because I halfway expect your solution to any problem to involve stealing a car." <@Ciara> [Taki, meanwhile, opens the box and finds this: http://bacon.sandwich.net/ardweden/neoarcana/other/ShimiruPackage1_Cover.html ] * Haruko sticks her tongue out back but doesn't retort. Instead she quietly echoes the message "New part that got added to 'Somewhere.'?" She then reads again and her face falls. "In fairness to you, I am a total flake sometimes." * Taki slams the box closed, practically growling as she does so, or maybe that's the pipes in the kitchen groaning. If/when Haruko looks up there's an expanding ring of hoarfrost around Taki. * Haruko drops her phone and as it falls to the floor she rushes over to the Ice Knight. "Taki! You're losing control. Stay with me! I can help you but you can't let your instincts rule you." * Haruko is reaching for Taki's shoulders as the phone clatters on the floor. * Taki glares at Haruko and shoves the box at her. "I completly absolutly totally refuse to deal with this level of idiocy on top of everything else in my life." And she's gone by the time Haruko's hand reaches where she was. * Haruko is rather startled by this and instinctively grabs at the box as it bounces off her chest. "Taki..." <@Ciara> [Taki poofs! To where does she poof?] <@Ciara> [Meanwhile, Haruko has a box. A closed box.] * Haruko sighs. "That isn't staying with me." She opens the box. "If I were a Taki, where would I go?" <@Ciara> [You would go to the Danger Roof, is where you would go!] <@Ciara> [Taki arrives, and if she's carrying any electronic devices, they're currently not working. Also, man, everything just hits her at once. It is *exhausting.*] * Taki staggers and sits down cross legged on the roof, not even caring that she's barefoot or that things are freezing around her again. <@Ciara> [It's getting dark, Taki. And definitely colder, thanks to you. But at least no one else is around. That's good, right?] * Haruko sighs. "Give her orders Haruko, very regal. What could go wrong?" <@Ciara> [What could go wrong, Haruko? Well, the phone could ring. Taki's cell phone, that is.] <@Ciara> [Sounds like it's coming from her room.] * Haruko lays down the opened box and hurries over to Taki's room. "Maybe that's... No, that doesn't make sense." <@Ciara> [Caller ID: Arai, Nicola.] * Haruko picks up the phone and stares at it for a second. <@Ciara> [The phone stops. Then it starts ringing again.] <@Ciara> [Meanwhile, Taki, you contine to be alone. Alone on a roof. With no phone, but no box.] * Taki struggles to her feet and shouts at the sky. "I'M NOT PUTTING UP WITH THIS! I'M MOVING TO OSAKA! I'M GOING TO HAVE MY OWN LIFE! AND WHEN I SCREW EVERYTHING UP IT'S GOING TO BE MY OWN FAULT! NOT THE CARDS NOT SOME COUNCIL! NOT WHATEVER THE EFF OH ECHI ARE!" * Haruko answers, "Hi, this is Kinsha Haruko, I'd been visiting with Taki and she accidentally left her phone with me." * Haruko also swiftly steps out of the Taki room and goes to investigate whether her own phone is broken as she listens for a response. <@Ciara> [The roof remains quiet. If anyone heard Taki, they're not coming to investigate.] <@Ciara> [Nicola's voice is quiet. "Oh, Haruko-san. I am sorry to disturb you."] * Taki pants and tries to get control of her breathing back, also her throat kinda scratches now. <@Ciara> [Haruko's phone seems to be okay, although the little car charm that Hibiki gave her recently has snapped off. It's repairable - she's got access to delicate toolkits at school - but it'll have to wait until she goes to the club room or one of the labs.] * Haruko grabs her phone and sticks it in her purse, charm as well. No point caling Taki obviously and... this probably isn't a Wataru level crisis yet. "No, I'm sorry to have interrupted. I think she's out on an errand, and I can go see if I can find her. Is there any way I could help in the meantime?" I mean, to have interrupted your ability to talk to her with my visit and the phone loss and, I'm babbling, sorry. <@Ciara> [Haruko keeps some water around on the roof, but that's really not the drinking kind.] <@Ciara> I fear my cooking was yet too ambitious again, and I was wondering if this dish could be saved. * Taki goes looking for the water anway, maybe there's a bottle and this is getting irritating. * Haruko then slips a notepad out of a friendly kitchen storage container and quickly jots a few possibilities. Highschool (old or new), Nicola, other friends, danger roof, happy memory place." She then crosses out Nicola and happy memory place. <@Ciara> [Haruko does, in fact, have a six-pack of water bottles stashed on the roof, in a nice shady spot so they're probably even somewhat cool.] Ah, in that case unless it's a something my mother happened to teach me to cook, I'm may be help. <@Ciara> * Nicola continues. "It was not that important, I suppose. Unless your mother knows how to make herring salad?" * Haruko doesn't necessarily believe Nicola here, but really, if you pick up someone's call when they are trying to reach their girlfriend, you play along with their excuse. * Haruko thinks, "Tuna, yes. Herring, no. I'm sorry." * Taki tears one out of the rings... and then throws it at the ground with a solid clunk as it freezes in her hands. "AND SCREW YOU TOO KING MIDAS!" ow. * Haruko looks at the list again, she taps the pencil on the high schools, before sighing. She walks over and then looks in the open box. <@Ciara> [Taki lets it go.] <@Ciara> * Nicola's voice is slightly hesitant. "Well, ah... please have Taki send me a message when you return her phone?" <@Ciara> [Haruko finds this: http://bacon.sandwich.net/ardweden/neoarcana/other/ShimiruPackage1_Cover.html ] <@Ciara> [Also shiny markers. Those are really nice markers.] * Haruko reads and sighs. She hesitates for a moment at the midpoint and then figures she's already violated the thing at this point and reads to the end. "Of course. Nicola-san, is there anything else?" * Taki slouches and then starts as all of her ice is suddenly replaced by the noise of a city... hey, at least the water bottles are back. She takes one and drinks it. <@Ciara> I... if it is not too much trouble, could you please return her phone sooner rather than later? <@Ciara> [Taki, meanwhile, has cool, refreshing, not-frozen water. The sun is setting, and the city lights are shining.] * Haruko nods, not caring that Nicola can't see. "I promise, I'll find her and get it to her as soon as I can." <@Ciara> Thank you. A good evening to you, Haruko-san. * Haruko then puts the letter back in the box, puts the box in her purse, and writes a note out: Taki, an important call came in while you were on your errand. I've gone to go look to for you. I have my phone with me. She writes her number. Good evening to you Nicola-san. <@Ciara> * Nicola hangs up. * Haruko continues the note. "Also, you got left your phone behind and got a call from your blond haired friend. She mentioned trouble with herring salad." Haruko meanwhile drags her purse over with her foot as she writes. * Taki staggers out of her room, not even checking to see if Haruko is still there before flooping onto the couch. <@Ciara> [Taki floops the floops.] * Haruko rushes out. "Taki." She carries the phone with her. "I'm sorry I ordered you around." * Taki shakes her head. "I don't think anything you could have said would have mattered right then." Alright. Are you in a place where you can put what you're feeling aside to support someone important? * Taki struggles into a sitting position. "Yes, but I'm going to fall over a few more times doing it." * Haruko sits down by Taki. "Nicola-san called with a Herring salad emergency. I don't know if that's what it was really about, but she called twice." She hands over the phone. I told her that I'd been visiting and that you accidentally left your phone. She asked if I could find you fast. * Taki blinks at her phone and then takes it and speed dials Nicola. "Could you get me some water? The cups are to the right of the sink, on top." <@Ciara> * Nicola picks up after a few rings. "Hello, Haruko-san?" * Haruko hustles, heading to the kitchen, turning on the tap and balling the water mid-air as she grabs a cup. A moment later the tap is closed again and she's teked the water into the cup and brought that to Taki. * Taki tries to talk as smoothly as possible and keep the burr out of her voice. "Actually me this time. I forgot something and had to come back. What's this about Herring salad?" * Taki turns the phone so the mic isn't near her face and drinks water. <@Ciara> "Oh!" Nicola's exclamation is quite surprised. "She found you very fast. Ah, yes, I ... was trying to make a traditional recipe, and it went rather wrong, and now I am feeling foolish and overwhelmed." <@Ciara> I do not like feeling foolish and overwhelmed. * Haruko stands over by Taki and points to herself and then points to the seat by Taki, mouths 'or', and then points over to Taki's room. I think you're very brave to ask for help. I'll try to do the best I can over the phone. I like eating your cooking. * Taki realizes that she's just saying things as they come to mind and stops. <@Ciara> * Nicola sounds soothed. "Thank you. I appreciate that, as it means a lot coming from a cook of your skill. Also it is just... good to talk to you when I am upset." * Haruko notes a lack of Taki response and goes to clean up the kitchen. She puts the two notes she wrote in her purse and sends any melted hoarfrost down the drain before wiping up any remaining ice. I love talking to you at any time, but knowing that I've helped you makes me feel warm and happy. <@Ciara> [Aww. ^^ Nicola proceeds to explain her problem, and Taki's able to work her cooking magic.] <@Ciara> If this works out, shall I bring some to you tomorrow? Yes, please. <@Ciara> Oh, and thank Haruko-san for finding you, please? * Taki grins. "Of course!" * Haruko then sits down on the kitchen floor, more than a little tired herself. She takes a moment to actually read up on some of the recent dance email discussion and sure enough there's a note about the new dance and some scanned PDFs of the steps. It's... different. She won't be ready for this by tomorrow. <@Ciara> I shall let you go so that I might finish these last steps. Good night, my favorite chef. Good night, I love you. * Taki hangs up and sets the cup of water down before sprawling. "And suddenly the world is a much better place." * Haruko picks up her phone, her box holding purse, and walks back in the room. She fakes a smile. She's pretty good at it, but Taki's also known her for a while. "I'm glad. I tried not to eavesdrop, but you sound really sweet together." * Taki turns red enough to match he hair. "I... forgot you were here half way through." * Taki mumbles. "She says thanks for finding me so fast." * Haruko sits down by Taki. "Look, I'm not really experienced or mature enough to be a real Haruko-dad. But if you want, I can try to be an older sister for you. In that case, I don't think overhearing each other every now and then really counts." Thanks, but how are you going to deal with Akari as another younger sister? Trying too hard. Making it up as I go along. Splitting my attention between too many things until I realize what's really important. * Haruko doesn't even try to grin as she says that, her tone is one of resignation. Well, for my responsible older sister I say thanks for being here for me, even when I run away. * Haruko puts an arm around Taki. "Thanks for coming back, sis." * Taki hugs Haruko. * Haruko hugs back. She's content to sit in quiet for some time and let Taki make the next move. Uhm... awkward question, but do you have a sacred fire you could throw that box into without looking in it? <@Ciara> [The box is still residing in Haruko's purse.] * Haruko sighs. "I read the first letter and stopped there, I was hoping it might help me figure out where you went like the manuscript did with Katie." ... Oh... uh, well I wasn't going to ask for their help anyway. * Haruko nods. "Should I burn it anyways?" * Haruko, not surprisingly, never sounds super excited when she's talking about fire. She considers sacred fire within her perview nonetheless. * Taki thinks. "Katie would probably do something clever and find out everything there is to know about them, and without even opening the box, but I can't do that. So, if you won't burn and purify them, maybe I'll just give them to the strongest flame I know and let Kyon dispose of them... or maybe that's what they want. Arugh." * Haruko snorts. "Katie still does not have X-ray vision, as far as I know." She shakes her head. "I'll dispose of it all if you want. They said they prefered that if you didn't want to deal with them. I mean, not the markers, burning those is a bad idea. But lets be real, if I take it to Kyon, he'll dispose of it after he's actually read the details. I'm okay with that, but I don't think you are." I'm kinda torn between feeding Katie and Kyon all the information I can to try and help them, and not wanting to piss off whoever sent that box because then they'll do something dumb and I'll try to do something worse and I really don't enjoy being that angry... And need to learn how to not get that angry. * Haruko thinks for a moment. "I think you let yourself be ruled by flight or fight sometimes. You've got a lot of anger but you prefer to avoid it so you avoid trouble. But when you're backed into a corner then it all comes out so strong that you're not in control anymore. Is that right?" Kinda. Usually usually the anger's kinda waay over somewhere else and doesn't bother me, but when my friends get threatened or hurt... I mean, I punched Saki the Gaki... I don't think she felt it, but I did. * Haruko smiles, "She might have. But look. I'll walk out of here with the box. If you want to run away from this, dispose of it for you at a shrine. If you're ready to try to use your anger in small doses, write an ema that dictates what your terms are. Then its up to them to do what you want or not." She gets up and takes the pens out the box. "But that's for you to choose, not me." * Haruko then finishes packing up and heads towards the door. If I don't tell you not to burn it by Tuesday night, go ahead. * Haruko nods and gives Taki one last hug before leaving. "Understood." * Taki hugs her back. "Good night, big-sis." <@Ciara> [Session End!]