[Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2003] [Haruko and Maki are at, of all places, the parish hall of one Saint Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church. The church actually holds regular monthly concerts, and this one happens to be 40's-style big band music. Haruko happened across a flyer in one of her wanderings, and wanting to get out on a Saturday night, invited her roommate along. Maki agreed, so long as she didn't have to go "in costume," as Haruko is wearing her teal flapper-style dress.] * Haruko has been hitting the dance floor with a fervor and is a bit winded, she hits the punch bowl and brings a glass for Maki, whispering conspiratorially "I suppose I'm a bit curious about the westerners here. Perhaps they would be less... sanctimonious." * Maki accepts the punch. "I've read about Catholics. I'm gonna say no." * Haruko looks briefly offended but then realizes that her reaction doesn't make any sense. "What do I Maki? They both dumped me. The rest of the club seems to be just waiting for this to blow over. And this punch contains far too little alcohol. I though Christians were all about sharing bread and wine or something." The wine is optional, I hear. As for the guys... not everybody's cool with the open relationship thing, Haruko. Unfortunately I don't know how you really find people who are, because I'm pretty sure "and are you okay with an open relationship" is kind of an awkward first date question. And I don't think you want to try finding people online. Wait, I guess, and keep your eyes open? See if one of them comes back? I don't know. I'm not really good with relationships. Given that I was with Hirokazu for a while, I'm not sure you really even want to ask me. Did you get him to clean up his hair at least? I threatened him with a comb and scissors. It worked for a while. * Haruko nods. "Good. Have to maintain your standards even when experimenting. I mean, it's not that I want an *open relationship." She sounds a bit unsure about that term even and resumes a whisper. "It's not that I want to go steady with two guys, it's just that I haven't found someone I'm ready to commit to." Her tone is mostly confused. She drinks more punch but finds no relief there. [Haruko does not scandalize the Catholics. Good job!] Well could you try serial processing instead of parallel for a bit? * Maki snorts. "Gods, I sound like a geek." * Haruko grins and doesn't disagree. "So follow in Hibiki-san's footsteps? That just seems like a recipe for breaking more hearts." I dunno. People can be weird. And possessive. You could try one of those speed dating things? * Haruko contemplates that. "Maybe..." She sighs. "It's not my fault I spent high school surround by top atheletes but it's totally thrown my standards I think. But Watanabe-san and I are better as friends. Hibiki-san... well, you know there. And Sorata-san plays baseball, is a rising corporate magnate, he writes, he's got a great bike, and he's dating my friend and probably wouldn't be interested if he was single." Haruko finishes her punch, which oddly enough actually does smell slightly of alcohol now, wonder how that happened. * Maki laughs. "Well, maybe Sorata-san will be nice enough to hook you up with a teammate. ...you know, I'm a little envious that you actually know a professional baseball player. Just a little." * Haruko grins. "I think he's probably wiser than he is nice when it comes to my dating his colleagues." She then stops whispering. "So are you a baseball fan Maki?" I was too busy this semester to really follow things, but yeah. I'm a Yakult Swallows fan. The Giants are overrated. I may have to start following the Lions, though. * Haruko nods. "I root for them, as you'd guess. Sports aren't really my thing, but picking up a fantasy team helped some. I'll see if I can get you a ticket next time Sorata-san has some spares. That would be incredibly awesome. ...but hey, listen, I'm starting to feel a bit tired. I might head for the next train. You may want to stick around for a while, though... that guy over there in the corner has been checking you out. Just be careful, okay? * Haruko nods looking down to her purse for a moment. "I'll call you if I... where's my phone?" She looks a bit more, but does glance in the corner as part of that. "Well, I'll call from a pay phone in an hour or so. Could you look around the room to see if you find mine?" And you get home safely too. I'll take a look around for it. And don't worry, I've got a wrench in my purse. ...okay, maybe it's a can of mace, not a wrench, but I've got something. * Haruko nods and gives Maki a quick hug while whispering, "Thanks for being a spotter for me." She then heads in the general direction of the corner. [Session End!]