therewerefifty | [Still Action Because...Well.]

[Vash had agreed to start helping out more around Seventh Heaven. He was just an okay cook, but he wasn't about to let the restaurant Sanji had taken over running be short of help if he could help it.

So today he's doing his part as a busboy. Bringing in a stacks of dishes to be cleaned with a huge grin as he hands them over to Makie.]

Ahh! Let me know if your hands get all wrinkly Miss Makie! I'll be happy to take over for you!

[Makie's discovered yet another advantage to her newly shorn hair-- leaning over a steaming sink all morning at least doesn't leave her with errant strands clinging to the back of her neck. She glances up to give Vash a hurried smile, but doesn't slow down.]

It's all right. The manager gave me gloves.

[And this running water thing is awesome. Just sayin'.]

Yeah! But you'll need a break eventually! And when you do, have no worry! For I am here and I happen to be an excellent dishwasher!

And you don't have other duties to perform yourself, Mr Vash?

[She sounds amused, not breaking from her work. Her shamisen is carefully propped up in a safe, out of the way corner. Girl really goes nowhere without it.]

That's okay! I'm so amazing that I'm able to do two jobs at once if I have to!

Truly, an amazing talent. [So courteous.] Then I'll be certain to keep your offer in mind.

Yeah! Please do! As right now I feel bad that I keep bringing you dirty dishes to clean! Ahahahahaha!

Why?

Because it's creating more work for you! And that's just rude!

But I'm here to work. I don't mind.

But I mind! If I didn't bring you so many dishes then you'd have more time to yourself! To play your ah, what did you call it again? Guitar! I bet you're really good at it!

It's a shamisen. [You and friggin' Jack Horner, man. She starts scrubbing a particularly sauce-crusted pot.] I will have plenty of time when I go home for the evening. But I thank you for the thought.

[Hey, at least he hasn't posted for all to see asking for sex yet!] Yeah? Heyyyyyy! Instead of cleaning dishes you should play and attract people in instead! People love a meal and a show!

[Such a suggestion actually gives her pause.

...the lunch crowd is too big.]

I'm not used to playing for company.

Yeah? I don't think it's too different from playing for yourself! You just close your eyes and give it your best as if no one was around! Just after you get a bunch of people telling you how amazing you sound!

[Yup. He's already just decided in her head she's a good player. Heck, even if she's not, he'd still say so.]

That would require me to sound "amazing", Mr Vash. [She says it lightly as she resumes her scrubbing.] I'm just an amateur.

Please. Mr. Vash was my father, well, actually, no he wasn't, but still no need to be so formal. HAHAHAHAHA! Besides how would you know you're just an amateur if you haven't played for others before?

I've played for others. [Scrub.]

Oh! So you have! And didn't they tell you that you were great and amazing!

[She sidesteps that question.] There's a difference between playing for a handful of people and playing to an entire restaurant.

Well, maybe, but hey! No time like the present to give something a try, huh? N-not that I'm saying that you have to play r-right now! Hahaha! But maybe one day, huh?

Maybe one day. [Because she does enjoy playing. She's just not ready to make the jump to a crowd of dozens.]

Yeah!? Well, when you do decide to you let me know! I want to hear you play!

[...]

All right. If I decide to, I'll let you know.

GREAT! I can hardly wait! I hope you decide to play soon! Maybe even-

[Knives. He was back.]

Ah, sorry, I just suddenly remembered something I forgot back home. [He sets the dishes he had in his hand down next to Makie.] If anyone asks tell them I'm sorry I had to leave early, okay?

[...well, that was strange. But if it gets him to stop pestering her...]

I'll let them know.

Thanks. I'll see you later. [He's already heading for the door as he says it. Not waiting for a response after that.]

[Makie does wonder about such a quick exit. But in the space of the next minute, it's quickly forgotten under the next rush of dirty dishes.]

[Alexei was making his way to the elevator when he noticed Makie coming up from the stairway. He suspected he knew what Makie was here for and walked over to her.]

Good morning, Miss Tachibana. I hope things have been well?

[Ah. Just the person she wanted to see. Makie turns and smiles at him, now at least fully dressed in a dark kimono with short sleeves.]

I believe so. I've found the town to be quite welcoming. Good morning.

[He nods and ends up looking her over again. huh, so she was a musician? He's noting the shamisen at least.]

I'm glad to hear that. [He pulls a book from a bag he was carrying with him.] I believe this might be what you are looking for?

[Makie gives the journal a look of wry bemusement.]

...it really does have my name on it. But yes... I didn't realise I had left it behind. [Well, she didn't know of its existence, either.] I hope it wasn't inconvenient for you.

[He gives her an amuse look.] I imagine me having your journal would be more of an inconvenience to you than to me. I should be apologizing for not informing you about the journals in the first place.

Edited 2013-05-20 15:15 (UTC)

I think even if you had I might have forgotten it. I was a little...shocked that day.

Though it seems a bit of an invasion of privacy, to listen in on others.

There is a way to filter your message so others don't hear you. It can get complicated though. [He glances down at her journal.]

Even then the Malnosso are also listening into the journals.

Then I'll make sure to keep that in mind. [She tucks the journal into her arms on top of the shamisen.] It's a little too strange for me. I doubt I'll use it much.

I find them rather intriguing. The advancements this would bring back home in communication.

[...ah, he's off in his own idealistic thoughts.] Well, keep it with you at all times at least.

I'll do so. Thank you for taking good care for it for me. [She clasps her bundles close.] And...thank you for helping me when I first arrived. I'm afraid I was a little too shocked at the time to say.

[Luke, after two weeks on a mission to clear his head, found himself working out on the farm, doing routine maintenance and checking on Hamal the Bantha. Without Eggman to maintain the little droids that watered the place, repairs were more and more frequently needed. And he didn't really mind too much, working with his hands was always nice.

Now, he sees a woman approaching as he works, and walks right on over to say hello.]

Good afternoon, miss. Can I help you with something?

[Makie smiles at him, reaching up a hand to shade her eyes.]

Good afternoon. I heard there was farmland here, so I came to take a look. Are you... Mr Skywalker?

[Luke inclines his head politely, offering up a smile of his own]

That's right. I'm Luke, Luke Skywalker. It's nice to meet you, Miss...?

Makie Otono-Tachibana. [She bows slightly.] I don't wish to disturb you, really. I'm...not familiar with many things in Luceti, but farming is at least not strange to me. Do you have people to help you?

You're not disturbing me at all, and as I said, it's a pleasure to meet you.

[He eyes her up and down, sensing her unease.]

I do, but not today. If you're looking to help I'll never turn away more. We're trying to grow emergency rations, in case of a food shortage again so it's a bit of an ambitious project. Given our...limited resources.

C'mon, I'll show you around if you want.

[Luke and Helios may be the politest men she's had the fortune to meet so far. She smiles at him, put a little more at ease.] I'd appreciate that, thank you.

[Being a weird, psychic orphan raised on a farm for water tends to make one more polite.

Of course, he'll lead the way up to the bantha pen.]

This is where we keep most of the lifestock. Now that the weather's warm, anyway. [But the pen is dominated by Hamal, an enormous furry elephantine creature with curling horns]

And this is our plowbeast.

[...good grief that thing's huge. Makie pulls up short as she catches sight of it, not so much frightened as just plain taken aback. They don't have those in Japan.]

Where does it come from?

[Hamal plods over to the edge of the pen, looking right at the newcomer.]

From my home. [He'll spare her the "I come from the stars" explanation for now.] He's called Hamal, and he's what we call a bantha.

[After a pause he walks over and pats the fuzzy beast on the head]

He likes people, he won't bite or anything. Come say hello.

[She hesitates for a moment-- at least until she watches Luke's petting, and the beast does seem peaceful...

Makie edges forward, raising a hand unsurely. But in the end, she lays it gently on the bantha's head, stroking back with her thumb, an uncertain look which on her face that eases into a relieved smile when her hand doesn't get snapped at.

He really is quite fuzzy.]

Hello, Hamal.

[Luke nods encouragingly, already liking this woman. The sense of her he gets is that she's just lost and unsteady, but that will fade with time, he's certain.]

They tend to form strong attachments to humans when separated from their herds. He's pretty easygoing though. But...mind his tongue. He likes to lick.

[And as if in echo of that, Hamal's big, slobbery tongue starts to work it's way towards Makie's hand. Like a dog, but much larger and fuzzier. Hello person!]

[Eeep. Makie stifles the impulse to pull back, though her expression practically screams unsure at that exploring tongue. Her wrist only jumps slightly when Hamal licks across her forearm, and-- well, ticklish.]

He's the only one here? That must be lonely.

He is. There are other animals, from Earth but no more Bantha. It's probably why he's imprinted himself so much on humans here. He's very fond of being around them.

[Hamal actually manages to nod his head, tongue still exploring a bit.]

I'd say he approves of you, too. He's a friendly beast, for sure.

He is. The biggest animals I've seen at home are horses. [She smiles a little, then casts her eyes around his pen.] What does he eat?

Grass and other plants, a bit like a cow. Only in much larger quantities.

[Luke gestures over towards a rather large, roped off area.]

That's basically his pasture. Some of the people who are good with the spirits from Luceti come up here and grow him fresh grass when he's out.

[Or he does it himself.]

The spirits...? Those are the filials, correct?

[She'd read the writeup of them; they were still confusing, but Nala appealed.]

That's right. The filial spirits. I believe Faeren is the one that grows things.

[He smiles and holds up a hand, a few sparks dancing between his fingers]

Tsinku is the one I've interacted with most.

[She starts just a little at the sparks, not expecting that. But she's more curious than disturbed.]

In my world, we don't have things like this. No magic or spirits... none that we see before us.

Do they teach anyone?

[They fade and Luke nods at that]

My world's quite different. We don't have spirits, but we do have things you might equate to magic. And technology that's...well...frankly it would probably seem magic to most people here.

And as for the spirits, they seem to teach anyone who'll listen. Though the fire spirit seems less than friendly and the light spirit is distant.

[She smiles ruefully.] The technology here seems quite magical to me.

...perhaps I can talk to them one day. [She likes the sound of the healing spirit.]

All it takes is an open mind.

[Idly, he pats Hamal's shaggy head]

Particularly Nala, for those with a kind heart.

...I'll be sure to keep that in mind, then.

[She wonders if she qualifies.]

[Luke nods succinctly.]

Outside of Hamal and the other animals.

[He gestures]

There's an apple orchard, and the fields, and...honestly that's about it.

What sort of vegetables in the fields?

Cucumber, pumpkin, corn, tomato, carrot, and a few other things. Cabbages too. I was thinking of trying onions, and perhaps garlic as well but that's a bit ambitious.

That's a wide variety. [Some of those are familiar. Others, not so much-- to be honest, she's really only got some rudimentary experience with rice and sweet potato, but...harvest is comparatively simple, at least.]

I'd be happy to help out with any of it if you need an extra hand. Though I'm no farmer, really.

I'd be more than happy for the help. It's not my primary occupation either, but it's necessary and good for the community. I'm up here most afternoons myself, and around harvest time it'll be a bit busier. That's when I'd need the most help, but day to day things like watering and checking for insects would be really helpful.

Then I'll drop by regularly in the late afternoon, if you like-- I'm on duty at Seventh Heaven before that. Or if you need an extra pair of hands at any other time, you could contact me through... the journals. [Though she's not so familiar with those, but Makie figures she may as well try.]

That sounds perfect, thank you. In the early evening I tend to head towards the Clinic as I man that during the evening. If you're injured, we've got one fully staffed not far from the plaza.

Oh, I've seen that clinic... I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you.

[She gives a small bow.] In any event, I don't want to delay you too much longer. Thank you for the tour, Mr Skywalker.

[Almost immediately upon entering the Battle Dome, one of two spandex-clad ninjas pops up from nowhere.]

Makie-san! You are here now! [And then he turns and shouts.] Gai-Sensei, I promised to show this woman around the Battle Dome!

[ Gai arrives in a puff of smoke - how does he do that anyway? - and making quite the youthful pose. Arms out, tiny wings spread, and on one leg. Like... an actual crane...? ] Makie-san, huh?!

[ This lady does not look particularly like the type to be interested in battle, but that's fine! That just means there's more to teach her! And to be taught, because Gai's not entirely familiar with the Battle Dome himself. In fact, he's entirely unfamiliar. But when has that ever stopped him?

At any rate, he relaxes, and points at Makie. ] Today, you'll truly witness the beauty of combat! [ GAI IS THAT A THREAT ]

[...~~oh dear god they're breeding~~

Seriously they're both wearing the same-- uh. Makie's utterly blank look at all these dramatic entrances is enough that you could swear you hear crickets from somewhere.

...
...
...

...this much enthusiasm clearly requires an appropriate response. DEAD SILENCE. And a slightly more protective clutch of her shamisen. It's okay, maybe she'll warm up or something >_>]

[Lee just keeps up his grin and follows up with a polite bow.]

Ah... forgive my manners. Are you well, Makie-san? This is Gai-Sensei! He's taught me everything I know.

[By now, Lee's likely given Gai some idea of how to work the Battle Dome controls and such, but he also trusts his teacher to come to most of the conclusions himself.]

Lee! [ Gai firmly slaps Lee on the back, and then extends a courteous thumbs-up towards Makie. ] It's you who has taught your sensei so many things!

[ He rewards Lee with THE FONDEST SMILE, and then peers at Makie. Who seems to definitely lack the fire of youth.] Hmm! So why is that you wanted to see this place...? That object your holding - does it somehow double as a weapon?

[NAILED IT. Makie pulls the shamisen back even more, trying not so much to wrest back control of the situation as trying to make things utterly normal again through sheer politeness. (This probably doesn't work, but she can try, right?)]

I'm doing quite well. Ah... it is an honour to meet you, Gai...Sensei. [We just won't mention the shamisen.]

The battledome sounded curious. We have... nothing like this at home.

[Lee spends a moment sinking towards the ground as his heart swells with pride at Gai's statement.]

She finds it utterly fascinating!

[ DRAGGING LEE UP BY HIS SPANDEX. ] A place like this should captivate everyone's interest! After all, where else can we battle others - and in doing so battle ourselves?!

[ Other than, you know, literally anywhere else. ]

Well, what are we waiting for?! Lee, lead the way! Makie-san, we will do our best to inform you of any features of interest! But do not hesitate to ask questions - the fire of youth is fanned by the pursuit of knowledge!!

[ AS LONG AS IT'S COOL BATTLE KNOWLEDGE not like maths or whatever ]

[Oh thank goodness. If this is going to be just a tour, she thinks she can get used to this strangeness... maybe. She chances an uncertain smile at them both.]

Thank you. I appreciate the help.

[And Lee smiles at Gai as he's lifted up, nodding with his statement. Here so soon, and already Gai understands the Battle Dome so perfectly.

Then with a diligent nod, he begins to lead her through.]

Very well! If you look to any side, there are different rooms in which the simulations are held. Peeking through the observation windows will give you an idea of the fantastical things happening within!

Whoooa! [ Gai is actually... peering through one of the observation windows... and judging from his BALLED FISTS WHILE POPPIN' A SQUAT stance he's very excited by what he sees. ] But these lightning ninjutsu are so concentrated! Like a single beam of light, all concentrated on one spot!! That must be difficult to avoid!

[ Yes or they're lasers. Anyway, he's unceremoniously dragging Makie over by her sleeve. ] Have a look at this, Makie-san! Wouldn't this be exhilarating?! Battling against lightning attacks that can barely be seen! It would surely require finely honed senses!

[ACK HEY HALP WAIT--ooh lasers.

Yeah seriously, she's startled by the drag, but distracted very quickly by such...lightning attacks. And her eyes narrow in calculation. She wonders if she could avoid those.

She's distracted enough she agrees with him without thinking.] Surely. And the skill to match.

[...how are they doing that, anyway.]

[And Lee quickly pops over between them, feeding off of Gai's natural energy like a spandex parasite.]

That is correct! An astute observation, Makie-san. But there is one component that is forgotten for succeeding in such an endeavor: [He raises his fist in a dramatic pose.] Pure guts! [And then he looks towards Gai like a dog awaiting a treat.] Is that right, Gai-Sensei?

[ Gai immediately lets go of Makie (oh blessed day) and slaps Lee on the shoulder. Don't worry, it's an approving shoulder slap, and he raises his other hand as well, mirroring Lee's pose. ] You got it, Lee! Without guts, skill is worthless! After all, without guts, why not run away immediately?!

[[Without guts, huh...]

...why not indeed.

[She can't be too melancholy with these two around though-- she'll just. Stay back a step and watch thiis epic posing with bemusement and hope they don't expect her to do the same.]

[It is one of the best shoulder slaps of his entire life. He beams, receiving the compliment in shoulder-slap form and then in word form.]

Gai-Sensei, thank you! And you seem to understand, Makie-san. That is excellent! Here in this Battle Dome, should we put you towards a test?

[The tea house has been one of Perona's main haunts nowadays, instead of the restaurant. She hasn't been there since... Well, she hasn't been there for quite some time. But even she gets lazy and feels the need to let someone else make her meals and drinks for her. Today is one of those days, and she's just retrieving her cup of tea.

Making her way to a comfortable spot, Perona almost bumps into the poor girl. Her attention span has been scattered these days, but at least she has the courtesy to cover her teacup with a hand and apologize.]

Ah, excuse me.

[Makie shakes her head, one hand lifted in an arrested motion to try righting the cup if needed.] It's all...

...right.

[Whoops, kinda staring for a moment. Girl, why do you have pink hair. :|a]

[Girl, why are you staring and what are you staring at? 8|a Did she spill on herself? Is there something on her face? Perona blinks, brows furrowing together, then looks down on herself and even over her shoulder. She really has no fucking patience right now for bullshit, so there better be a damn good reason why she's being looked at, woman.]

Mm, what's wrong? What are you looking at?

[Makie shakes herself a little. It's not as if Perona's the weirdest thing she's seen, after all.]

I'm sorry. I'd never seen hair like yours before. It's...

...quite pretty.

[Oh. ...W-Well. Perona's flushes somewhat at the compliment, glancing at her long hair. Really, she doesn't think so very much, especially now. She's been too exhausted and lazy lately to really do much with it other than brushing and braiding it. Some days the latter was even too much for her to get motivated to do. But this is nice - getting praise for the one time she did decide to make it look presentable is very nice indeed.]

Eh...do you think? It's usually nicer, but thank you. [A pause.] I haven't seen you here before.

I'm new. Well... I've been here two weeks, now. But I think that still qualifies as new.

Makie Otono-Tachibana.

[Two weeks? Yes, that is very new indeed. Well enough to get used to the environment of the village, sure, maybe even learn your way around, but not nearly enough time to accommodate oneself with the insanity that comes with really living here.]

Perona alone will do. [She nods her head, and invites Makie to sit with her, with a subtle sweep of her arm towards a table.] ...How informed are you, about this place?

[Makie takes the invitation, settling in quietly.] I've learned many things. About the experiments, and the-- the Malnosso. And their drafts, and that we're trapped here. And I went out to see the barrier.

I only picked up my journal today, though.

Mm, then you know enough to get by. [Really, everything that Makie listed was the most important thing to know about Luceti, and Perona doesn't have too much to add to that. She lifts her teacup and takes a quiet sip.]

Though there is a guide in your journal, if you want a more detailed explanation of everything you ought to know. It's long, but it's informative if you don't get bored easily. All I really have to say that you haven't told me is to keep your wings safe. ...You die if you lose them both.

[Sip.]

[Conveniently she just got her journal today. Makie makes a note to herself to sit down and read the extended version. As to the wings...]

I had been informed of that. It's...one of the first things I was told, actually. [She'd tried to tug at one.] It was a bit strange, having to alter my clothing so they could fit comfortably.

[She wears her clothing too tightly bound for wings. And then there was all the hours she had to put in, in order to relearn her balance.]

I'll be careful.

Edited 2013-05-28 17:08 (UTC)

You grow used to them, and there are those here skilled in sewing and clothing making. I know a few things myself, but nothing too spectacular, unless I work very hard, and for a long time. But you'll easily find something that should cater to what you need in the shops as well, if that suits you.

[Perona's got it easy - her gown allows for her wings to be free, though her long hair does often catch on them from time to time. It's been a very literal pain having to untangle the curls from the feathers once or twice in the beginning.]

Mmm... I'll have a look. Although it seems most of the clothing is... rather unfamiliar to me. [And covers less. :|a And seems tight. And is just plain weird.]

[Looking the woman's attire up and down, Perona stays quiet. It's not that it's not nice - it is, actually! - it's just not something she herself would choose first, though the dark color and luxurious fabric is suitable to Perona's tastes. Just not the fashion style she likes.]

...I can understand that. The shops don't sell the kind of clothes I like, it's very frustrating. But there are people who specialize in making clothes here, and they don't charge for their work. You could have something custom made to your liking. I've had to do that once or twice, actually.

Can I...? [That's news, and Makie is intrigued.] It would be nice to have more than one kimono. Can...

[her eyes flick to what Perona is wearing. That looks intricate enough as it is.] Did they make your clothing?

[Her own eyes dart down to herself again, and she can't help smoothing out and fixing some of the ruffles of her gown before shaking her head.]

No, this came with me when I first arrives, from home. It's my favorite piece of clothing though, so I've made little fixes to it when it gets worn or messy. I can sew and make clothes, but nothing too intricate. [And she doesn't have a machine to help her this time around, so doing it all by hand is another massive challenge she's not too keen on. 8|]

[Cannn't blame you there. 8|]

I'll be certain to give them a try. These seamstresses. Only having one change of clothing will get rather difficult.

Best of luck to you - it can get difficult to live here sometimes, but there's always someone willing to help when you need it. One of the few good things about Luceti that you should take advantage of.

[Very few, and sometimes even that's not really enough to outweigh the bad. Not for all people, at least.]

[Makie smiles faintly.] I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Though I must confess... I quite like the village, for all its flaws.

Mm...that novelty has long worn off for many people. [Herself included. Perona's absolutely done with Luceti and its annoyances. She misses the sea, her sea, and the things and people living on it.]

I suppose it might for me, too. But for now, I just find it more...

[What's a good word for it? Accepting? Friendly?]

...welcoming.

[But the elevator is amazing, Makie, it's LIME GREEN AND EVERYTHING, who wouldn't want that??]

You going in?

[B-but it looks like a cage. And people come in and DON'T COME OUT. I mean yes, she's worked out it moves by now but--

--ghfd who's talking to her oh hai.] I'm... why would I want to go in? What does it do?

[Oh, she come from a world that doesn't have these, huh? That makes sense, looking at her clothes. His world's like that too. He gives her a crooked smile, and points up towards the ceiling.]

It travels up and down. If you go inside it, it can take you to a different floor without having to use the stairs.

[Really? She peers at it dubiously, although that would make sense. It's hardly as if it's eating people or making them disappear, or...

(Is it?)

Her lean forward is very carefully not quite over the threshold.] How does it work?

Well first it breaks down your body into particles, for easier transportation.

Edited 2013-05-24 04:06 (UTC)

[...SHIKAMARU YOU ARE A TERRIBLE PERSON. You'd think she couldn't get paler.]

I... see...

[COULDN'T HELP IT, OKAY. He immediately puts his hands up in a placating gesture.]

I'm pulling your leg. It's harmless, promise.

[Ah. Hah... of course such things can't exist. Right...? Makie feels kind of foolish.]

So how does it really work?

It's like a carriage. It sits in a shaft there which goes between every floor in this building. When you go inside of it, you tell it what floor you want to go to, and it will carry you up there.

Really? So if I want to go to the fourth floor, I just... say that?

You could, but it wouldn't hear you. [He points to the call button next to the elevator.] You tell it what to do with these, instead of words.

[Ah.]

This is a machine, isn't it. [This classification seems important to her, okay. She reaches out to touch the button gently, pushing it with ridiculous slow caution until it lights up and she pulls her hand away.] And so there are these on the inside, too?

Yes, and yes. [Since the elevator was already on the ground floor, the doors open right away.] If you poke your head in there, you'll see them. The doors won't close either, if someone's in the way.

[I dunno man that's a lot of faith you're asking her to have...

To her credit, she doesn't flinch when the door opens. But after one vaguely wary look Shikamaru's way, she puts her hand up against the lift doorframe as if that could stop the doors sliding shut again, and then leans around to look at the buttons.

Never has someone investigated an elevator with such deadly seriousness. Except, you know. The last six times someone undoubtedly went through this. >>]

Edited (I'm impressed at my suddenly drunken bracket.) 2013-05-30 18:14 (UTC)

[Feeling like less of an asshole, he puts his own hand out over the other side of the door.]

See 'em?

[Besides the buttons for each floor, there's no doubts extras: ones for closing and opening the doors, etc.]

Yes.

[Even without never seeing them before, it's obvious what they're for.] So if I wanted to go to the fourth floor of this building, I just press the four.

[Straightforward. She shuffles forward into the elevator a half step, still leery about this. But running away from a machine isn't her style.]

Sure. [He straightens, and steps into the cab himself.] I'll ride up with you. I live on the fourth floor too.

...all right. [That's a coincidence, and she smiles lightly, stepping all the way in. It's only the way her fingers curl into kimono that betrays her nervousness. But hey, learning experiences. \o/]

Do you know your neighbours well?

[He pushes the button for the fourth floor once he's in, and the elevator slowly closes. This being a freight elevator, it's roomy at least.]

Pretty well, yeah. [All of them but Masaomi are from his world, after all.] You visiting someone there?

I... think so. [...actually, she's not sure. She was sort of bewildered as all hell when she left this building and got distracted by Tenten on the way out. Perhaps she should check.] Do you know a gentleman called Alex--

[--ACK MOVING. Distracted. Her hand goes out to the wall as if she's worried about falling over. Blink blink. After a second:] Alexei... Denoia?

[This feels weird. Trying not to feel claustrophobic, now. >>]

[He sticks his hands in his pockets, acting calm as can be. More for her benefit than to be cool.]

Yeah, Alexei. I kinda know him. White hair, right? [He reaches out to push the button for the third floor too now. Hopefully before they go past it, but it might not be quick enough.] He's on the floor under me.

[Probably not quite fast enough, alas. And hnnh, well, she did have the floor wrong. Just as well she thought to check.]

White hair, yes. [Though feeling unbalanced, she is reassured by Shikamaru's total lack of caring.] I suppose I didn't remember correctly after all. Thank you, though.

Don't worry about it. You a friend of his?

[Yup, sure enough. Going right past it. He tsks quietly.]

Not quite. Though he seems a nice man. But I... [How does one say "I woke up in his bathtub?" :|a] He's the first person I met here in Luceti, and I think I left my journal behind.

Wait long enough, and it'd probably find its way back to you. [The elevator comes to a stop suddenly, with a ping. He gestures with one hand.] Some magic deal.

Really?

{She looks faintly dismayed at that. Gdit, does nothing around here work normally? Her hand catches at the wall for balance again as the elevator stops, but it's not quite as startled as the first time.] I wonder why they want us to keep hold of them so badly.

[Oh, is the door opening? :D She steps out quickly. She can always walk back down one floor.]

Communication goes both-- [Oh you're leaving.] Not gonna take it back down, huh?

[Caught between desire to use stairs and wondering if she's being rude. *_* So she stands just outside and gives a small sheepish smile.] It... feels a waste to take it one floor.

[Lame excuse is lame. Ahaha.]

[He holds back a smile, and puts his hand down, letting the elevator doors slide close as he walks out too. He gets what he suspects is the real reason, but he'll play this casually and act otherwise. No need to give her any grief.]

You must be one of those active types, huh? Me, I'm too lazy to put on matching shoes some days, much less take the stairs.

[Her answering smile is immediate and grateful.] Active by necessity. I... travel a lot, at home. Thank you for showing me how to use this, though.

My name is Makie Otono-Tachibana. [As belatedly she remembers this is his floor. He'll be going soon.]

Nara Shikamaru. Nice meeting you.

Good luck getting your journal back, too.

Edited 2013-06-26 05:17 (UTC)

Thank you. Shikamaru. [At last, another name that doesn't sound so foreign. She gives him a little bow, but the smile is more friendly than courteous.] I'm sure we'll see each other again.

It's a small town. [So definitely. He raises his hand in a two-finger salute, mouth stretched in a friendly smirk.] Later.

[Shuda has made it something of a habit to visit the tea house when he needs some time away from his (rather loud) apartment. As much as he likes Haru and Elie, they're teenagers, and loud teenagers at that, and it just gets to be too irritating to his lone-wolf nature after a point.

He takes a seat at the table next to Makie, and as he does so, she might notice the elaborately decorated scabbard of the katana he always wears at his side-- a weapon type that will no doubt be quite familiar to her.]

[Makie's always had a better eye for weapons than people, it seems. Normally, she'd be far more polite-- offer the man a politely empty smile of greeting and return to drinking her tea, but he's the first person she's seen blatantly carrying a weapon-- and one that seems like it could be from home, besides.

Her gaze drops down to the scabbard, both in admiration for its decoration and an automatic attempt to try and place the patterning on it as belonging to any household she knows of. Sorry for...kinda staring at your sword, Shuda.]

[Shuda may be missing an eye, but he's astute enough to be able to tell when someone is eying him (or in this case, his weapon), and rather than be offended or on guard, he simply smiles faintly. Her look is one of admiration rather than an attempt to size him up, he can tell that much. And given how important to him that sword is, he's always pleased when someone else appreciates it as well.]

That interesting to you, is it?

[Ah-- and now she remembers her manners. Makie bows her head briefly in apology, but she matches his smile as she gestures lightly at the scabbard.]

You're the first person I've seen here carrying a weapon. It... reminded me of home. I apologise for staring.

Heh... no need to apologize for that. I'm used to it by now.

[The smirk on his face is a wry one, and it's not hard to see what he means by that between the scars on his face and his robotic hand.]

I probably don't need to carry it all the time here, but it's like you said. It reminds me of home.

And where are you from, sir? Your sword looks Japanese in make, but...

[She's found a lot of people come from similar places that are totally alien.]

Japanese?

[He shakes his head.]

Never heard of it. But who knows... this sword's exact origins are unknown. Some people say it's a weapon of the gods.

[He rests his mechanical hand on the hilt, his smirk taking on a softer note.]

[Her eyes widen a fraction at the hand. It's clear she's startled by its mechanical nature, but Makie refrains from asking about it. It is a very familiar sort of sword.]

Do you... have you heard of samurai before, sir? Or ...kenshi?

[Still Action Because...Well.]

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[Action] Oh god I am so sorry KJ, I lost this tag T.T

[Action] No problem!

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Prepare for trouble

And make it double!

ILU

To protect the world from unyouthliness

NOTHING RHYMES WITH YOUTHLINESS

How about uncouthliness?

Yes that

8|a Dang, I never thought of that! ALSO PLEASE EXCUSE THOSE TYPOS IN MY LAST TAG augh

...I DIDN'T NOTICE UNTIL YOU M ENTIONED IT SO OKAY

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