[ so on top of being piggybacked by this silly track captain like it's not a big deal (it isn't in the sense of physically carrying her, at least), arashi was asked to close her eyes for the trip. it might be a mercy if someone saw them or she was genuinely flustered by this, who knows. well, madara maybe. ]
We're almost there, don't worry~! It's just tucked away from the usual shops in this district, so I had to ask my mom for directions.
[ also it's winter nearing the end of the year, which makes this even more silly of a thing. like madara had to top the christmas job ordeal, or make it up to arashi somehow for that. please be used to his antics, he doesn't want to drop someone like her on the sidewalk. madara would never hear the end of it. ]
which is why she's perfectly complying with madara's instructions not to look, since arashi's got her hands gripping the fabric of madara's coat to make sure she doesn't fall off and her face is buried as best as she can into his shoulder because people are watching her being carried on his back to god knows where. normally she would be a lot more flattered by the attention but she's also trying not to worry about being dropped accidentally.
also, she's nearly lost her scarf once already, she doesn't really want to lose it again. ]
If I didn't know you I'd say you were kidnapping me~
[ it's mildly teasing, actually, ]
Should I be worried about the kind of shop you're taking me to?
[ well from where she is behind him, she can't see the grin on his face that is aware and seemingly doesn't care how they look, that might be a loss if it weren't such a common sight. ]
You wouldn't be the first! But Arashi-san trusts me, so even if it's kidnapping, you're in good hands, hahaha~!
[ citation needed. but he's fine with playing along to keep her spirits up, winter can be a hard time for arashi. so, mama is here to brighten up her day with something very special! it's around the corner too, so she won't be on his back and having to deal with the stares for much longer.
that's the sound of some schoolgirls giggling, but nothing mean-spirited. one of them said it was cute??? ]
It smells a little old? Like of wood and silk and... whatever perfume the shoplady wears, but other no, no worries.
Oh, who else have you whisked away on one of your schemes, hm~?
[ dramatic sigh, digging her nails in as her fingers squeeze his shoulder lightly.
if there's a blush on her features and he happens to see it, she's definitely blaming it on the cold instead of how the schoolgirls are gushing about how cute they are. at least they haven't been mobbed by overexcited fans yet, so that's a blessing. blushing maiden arashi narukami, whomst?
citation definitely needed. not to say that arashi doesn't trust madara (get you a man who would volunteer to murder someone for you tbh) but someone as finely tuned into the gossip mill of yumenosaki as arashi is has definitely at the very least heard some of the well, shadier rumours about madara. it's just not entirely her style to pry.
but hm. wood, silk, perfume, a place his mother goes to, probably some place expensive from the sound of it-- arashi opens her eyes in surprise before she shuts them again (he did say not to look, after all) ] Ah-- a seamstress?
[ she does sound a liiiiittle bit confused, because this wasn't quite what she was expecting out of this. ]
[ You can practically hear the grin he's wearing on his face. ]
Arashi-san got it! Aaand she can open her eyes now.
[ He lets he slip out of his grip slowly, so she doesn't land ungracefully on her rear. Someone wouldn't forgive Madara for a while if that happened. Thankfully unlike their trip here, there aren't any onlookers. It's a kimono rental and textiles shop, with almost unthinkable array of colors and designs. A middle aged woman in a kimono and apron gives a humble at them before scuttling off to the back room. ]
Do you have any objections to visiting the shrine for New Years with me?
[ Okay sure, asking that in a very nice kimono shop is mean. But also, he's asking permission? Wow. ]
[ mama has never exactly been subtle, so yeah, she's definitely hearing that grin. she opens her eyes when he sets her down and arashi takes the opportunity to dust herself off out of habit and readjust her scarf once more-- actually, she's going to take it off, because the shop is kind of warm and cozy, and when she catches sight of the shop owner, she does give a quick bow before the owner scuttles off to the back room.
she's about to say something when madara beats her to it first, and.
well.
that's new??? madara??? actually asking for permission???? it's enough to catch arashi off guard, so she kind of just blinks once, twice, and that's underhanded and sneaky, madara.
but he looks earnest enough and she's soft and weak because how on earth would her weak maiden heart be able to resist a request like that, anyway, if the way that her gaze flickers every so often between him and also the kimono fabric is of any indication. ]
[ Yes Arashi. You have Mama asking permission because You're Worth It, obviously. That's unlike Madara when he moves to such an energetic beat that leaves others behind, but Arashi playing coy for this plan? Well, as the dynamic would go for his usual schemes and her being the grounded one, this is a bit more normal. ]
It's a good skill when you travel! It's quite exhilarating when you manage to haggle a good deal at markets and local stalls. I don't shop for myself often though, so maybe I should take you and Ansu with me~
[ Whisking away the two queens to Yumenosaki on a big shopping trip... Even if she (more like Anzu) would politely refuse, he can still express the thought... and make it happen with some careful planning. First though, he'll be a gentleman and take her scarf off her hands, all so that her hands are free to shop around. The textiles are arranged wall-to-wall in a nice order, from the subtlest patterns meant to highlight the quality of the silk, to designs that are very extravagant without going too costumey. ]
I still love my home country, and praying to a big shrine at the beginning of a new year is a great way to start it off! It's obviously not as loaud as a usual festival, but the winter kimonos make it so extravagant.
[ Right, another thing. He's aware that there's one thing that makes this probably something kept Arashi from every wearing a winter kimono out in public. ]
I'll make sure noone recognizes you or says a hars word, if that's a concern with wearing something like thing. If they do, I'll make them shut up, hahaha!
[ mama is unfair because that is absolutely the way to her heart, even if she is playing coy for the moment and doesn't really show it very much aside from a soft, muffled amused sound that's covered with the back of her hand. ]
You sound like you've done your fair share of that even without shopping for yourself~ with Ou-sama, maybe?
[ look, she probably Knows about the time when madara spirited leo away to some foreign country, tbh. but anyway. she'll let him take the scarf off her hands (and probably her purse, too, for good measure) and while he continues to talk, she's just going to wander over to one of the walls of display silks.
she's never really been in this kind of store before - there's no real reason for her to be in such a store, after all, so don't mind her if she's a little distracted dragging her fingers through the elaborately printed silks, plum blossoms for winter on purple and blue fabric, and-- ]
...Eh?
[ how eloquent.
she's still got her hands on the fabric when she turns back to mama with a wide-eyed, surprised look. these kimono are expensive? and this doesn't exactly look like a rental shop but more like a tailor, so...
but arashi wouldn't be arashi if she didn't recover from the surprise as quickly as she can. ]
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you'd suggest something like that... you're saying this way too casually.
[ at least he bothered to offer instead of going behind her back? ]
In that case... I can't really say no~ I'd be happy to go with you ♪
Even if you shouldn't be and I'm making a too-casual proposal, is Arashi-san acting all coy now at the thought? That's actually not too bad of a response.
[ There's a an odd sense of comfort when talking or hanging out with Arashi. They roll with each other's punches, gestures... Madara knows he's a lot. So a friend who's actually grounded but still understanding is someone to cherish. ]
Haha, Arashi-san is the best! I've always wanted to go to a shrine visit with a beauty in winter kimono~ Even if it's not light and easygoing like summer yukata, there's something so dignified and elegant about them. That is how a "knight" or a "queen" should hold themself, yes?
[ Uh, was she busy browsing the patterns because he's going to pull her into a hug. You know the kind where her feet are now a few inches off the ground. Takai takai. ]
The best part about these is making a kimono that's perfect for you won't take much time at all! Trendy ladies like to dress them up with accessories and whatnot, don't they?
[ offended. she's mildly offended. but only mildly, because she doesn't really have that much time to be offended when she's suddenly swept off her feet into another lifted hug.
you'd think she'd stop falling for this kind of thing by now. although uh, thankfully, she doesn't end up taking the whole rack of silk down with her when madara lifts her up?? that would be lot of expensive damage incurred.
one thing is for sure though, she's definitely dealing with this much better than the time because despite how unpredictable madara can be in general, she's equally adaptable to his antics, especially after dealing with it a few times. so what she does after the initial surprise is to tap him on the shoulder firmly.
put her down, pls. ]
Sheesh, Mama, you sure are persistent as ever. And a flatterer to boot, too.
It's not quite the cute outfit you promised me the last time-- [ tell me she isn't still salty about that, in all honesty ] --but it's alright, I look beautiful in anything, with or without accessories~ ♪
[ okay, arashi. anyway, after madara deigns to put her down, she's going to pick out her ideal fabric - white roses on gold fabric with blue accents. (knights colours, obviously.) he's welcome to pick something that matches, if he likes. ]
[ summer is a time for spending with friends, right? and before arashi knows it, the summer has literally flown by and there are only so many weeks before school starts again... so this won't do. she's generally the type of person that likes to meet up with people, after all, and there's a summer carnival in town for the weekend just for this last period before autumn hits again, so who better to go with than one of her dearest friends? (maybe she's gotten the festival bug from madara, oh no.)
but anyway, she arranges to meet with mika at the train station closest to the carnival - it's in an area outside of yumenosaki, near where the starmine live took place, so it's not as packed as she expected it to be, a good enough crowd size that she can spot mika and make her way over to him, coming up from behind and hoping that the background noise of the crowd masks her approach.
when she approaches, close enough (and thank god for that subtle height difference), she reaches over to cover his eyes with her hands from behind, and with a singsong tone: ] Mi~ ka~ chan~ ☆
[ and it's with a laugh that she finally drops her hands from where they're covering his eyes and then down to his shoulders so that she can turn him around and pull him into a tight hug - it's her bad habit, she knows, he's talked about it before, but she can't help it so the least she can do is let go of him before he gets too uncomfortable, beaming at him. ]
Found you! I'm glad you didn't get lost~ It's crowded today.
[ With a growing interest in festive occasions since the Shooting Star Festival, it's hard for Mika to pass up an opportunity to go to an outdoor carnival, especially with his dear friend. Of course, it's his first time going out to these parts and he was alone, Shu declining to come for health reasons. He got the meeting place right, he hopes. He checks his phone anxiously for some message from Arashi, and to distract himself from the bustling crowds. There's no way he can find Naru-chan in this bustle. ]
Wah—
[ Thankfully, he didn't have to do much finding, since she found her precious Mika. Before that though, he thought he was gonna get kidnapped or something before he recognized that sing-song voice he knows all to well. He can't even protest at her not doing that before he's spun around and pulled into a hug... And he's able to half-huh, half squirm before he's free, pouting at Arashi. ]
Naru-chan, ya spooked me... Meanie.
[ He sighs, but when someone bumps into his shoulder as they hurry onto the next train, he immediately clings to Arashi's arm as if to not be separated so soon. ]
Nnah, I already feel lost in a place like this 'cuz I thought I'd never find ya. But... ya found me! So I guess we'll go to the thing now that we're not lost?
[ Not letting go of her arm anytime soon, though. ]
[ or well. if she could emoji, that would exactly be the kind of face she's pulling at mika right now immediately after releasing him from her hold, arms folded across her chest and pouting back at him in return. ]
Am noooot~ You hurt my feelings like this...
[ :( !!!! ]
[ arashi narukami is the epitome of maturity, okay. anyway. that isn't important because there's no real bite to her words, and that pout also definitely is sliding off her face as quickly as it appeared, and frankly, she's also completely unruffled by the way mika grabs at her arm. all she does is to shift her arm a little bit so he's not just grabbing onto the sleeve of her cardigan, and she's definitely not saying anything about how mika is clutching at her arm and not letting go of it any time soon, by the look of it.
she does, however, chuckle and wink at him once before she sort of starts to usher him along carefully among the stream of people heading in and out of the station. ]
I'll always find you no matter what, Mika-chan~ ☆ [ don't mind her slipping her fingers in between yours, mika. ] This way~
[ they haven't been recognised yet, which is a good thing, although just to be safe, arashi keeps her head down a little bit more than usual and her footsteps are quicker, but even so she turns back every so often to make sure she hasn't lost mika in the crowd.
the carnival grounds are just up ahead - it's lively, for one, a summer festival with people milling around the game and food booths in a mixture of yukata and western dressing.
it's exciting, especially since it's been a while since she's gone to something like this with a friend. so she's going to whirl around and beam at mika. kira kira ☆ ]
What do you feel like doing first~ Oh, oh, you like takoyaki, right~?
[ Yuzuru narrowly avoided being sold into this establishment as a courtesan. His appearance was not overlooked, but the proprietor seemed to find more value in his other skills that would be wasted as a cages bird, apparently. He was originally a servant to a once prestigious house... But that house and his own family fell into a debt that had to be paid quickly.
He's the newest to work there and that proved to have its own challenges... But perhaps it was better to have them see him as necessary but beneath them, rather than competition for the most sought-after flower. He rarely had to even make eye contact with them, and thanks to an air of humbleness and being always busy with work to make eye contact, he remained a dutiful worker who shouldn't be interrupted unless necessary. The last thing he wants to get caught up in is their drama and competition.
Then he made the mistake of somehow catching the eye of the top courtesan of this place one rainy day, the one with rumors upon rumors oating about no matter where he was.The second mistake he made was trying to hide. She had the authority to call him into her quarters if she wanted. ]
Narukami-sama?
[ Honestly, he doesn't know what to expect. He enters Arashi's room humbly kneeling and pushing the screen door closed, waiting for her proper invitation. ]
Did you request my presence? I feel that would be unlikely, given our differing positions.
[ Since her request was passed around to reach him and not even direct, it could very well be a trick, which he could end up on her bad side. That would be unfortunate. The good news is he came prepared! There's a small bag in his lap. ]
[ yuzuru is right, in that sense, that it wouldn't really be very normal if she were to summon their newest servant to her quarters, especially since most of the other courtesans don't exactly bother with the servants all that much, let alone call them by name, even.
but one, arashi has never really conformed to existing conventions that much, and two, she's always had a keen eye for new, interesting things (and people, evidently) and unfortunately, yuzuru happens to fall squarely right into that second category.
she's also insistent enough to get what she wants, apparently, since she hears rather than sees him approach - the sound of the screen door closing behind him, quick, efficient, and his words, ever so deferential.
how refined. ]
As a matter of fact, I did, Yuzuru-chan~ ♪ [ no need to worry about getting on her bad side, considering how bright her tone is, although it's also fairly evident to tell that she's kind of distracted, peering intently into a mirror and fiddling with the mess of jewelled pins and combs stuck in her hair. ] I was wondering if you'd gotten my message since I couldn't find you earlier~
[ technicalities. but anyway, it's only then that she pauses, lifts her head slightly to catch his gaze in the mirror, lifting one hand to sort of beckon him closer without leaving her seat, that official invitation that he's looking out for, most likely.
she didn't exactly ask him to bring up the sweets for her, but hey, that gesture definitely earned yuzuru quite a few affection points. ]
Thank you~ That's quite kind of you, Yuzuru-chan. You can leave it on the table-- [ and here she gestures to an empty spot on the vanity in front of her, and she'll wait until he comes a little bit closer! ] --I do need your help in undressing, actually.
I hear you're well versed in handling formal kimono? ♪
[ Perhaps he doesn't realize or believe at all that he is that interesting to Arashi. Surrounded by shrewd managers and fanciful entertainers, surely a servant like him must be a dull speck in comparison. That said, connections are always beneficial to have. He does not suffer the brunt of how cutthroat the red-light district is beneath its splendor. He approaches the courtesan when she invites, seemingly unfazed by that casual gesture as she fixes her hair. Fake it til you make it. Except he really doesn't have to fake confidence. ]
Well, I am here now for you. I hope others weren't keeping me on purpose.
[ He sets the box of sweets where she directs him to, but that other request... Well he raises an eyebrow. Rather than stay idle and ponder that bit of info about him being known like that though, he kneels beside her, smiling gently. ]
You'll be in good hands, Narukami-sama.
[ That's quite a tone to take... Hm, it would be foolish to act flustered from a professional's charms, however. So without facing her, Yuzuru takes his fingers and drags them over the collar of Arashi's outer kimono, settling them at the top of her obi. He places enough pressure that she could feel it under the layers of silk. ]
That's surprising though, wouldn't this be reserved for more experienced staff... Or perhaps your patrons?
[ "fake it til you make it" sure is a thing that they all live by, although sometimes interesting things can be found within so-called dull specks. ]
I hope not. [ her smile is razor sharp, despite how friendly it looks - you don't get to the top of the proverbial food chain without being ruthless at the right time. every rose has its thorns, and arashi is no exception. ] I'd be rather... disappointed if they were. You served in a noble house before, didn't you?
[ and there's a slight change in her tone; it's light, amused, almost, even as arashi picks up a comb from her dresser to drag it through her hair a couple of times, just enough to tame it.
after all, if there's one thing that arashi is good at, besides being a pretty face and a charming entertainer, that would be socialising and trading backroom gossip. things like these are easy to come by when she knows who to talk to and she's got it handled right down to an art form.
it's also perhaps not really a coincidence that the placement of yuzuru's fingers on the top of her obi makes her straighten her posture just that little bit more, sitting up more upright. ]
That makes you more qualified than most of the other servants here, I should think~ ♪ It would be a shame if such an expensive asset was ruined, right?
[ she does, however, reach for the box of sweets which yuzuru brought up for her, now that she's done with her hair. ]
My next engagement is a few hours from now, anyway, and it's never comfortable to wear this for too long. But you'll take care of me in the meantime, won't you, Yuzuru-chan? ♪
[ if she wasn't flirting with him before... well, that's pretty blatant. ]
[ Unlike his usual tone of politeness that hides a sharp acuity for a mere servant... Yuzuru takes on a more nostalgic, wistful tone. His smile doesn't quite falter, but it does well to express, not hide lingering feelings. ]
Yes. Unfortunately, the family had become destitute through some misfortunes. To help them out of their debts, I was sold here.
[ Enough of that talk though, while Yuzuru was being quite frank, in the end his past experience is just helping him adjust here. He feels his actions can speak far better with words in handling Arashi's garments anyhow, undoing the knot of her obi with deft fingers. In mere moments the silk is set aside and folded like an oversized ribbon. He seems to grab a piece of candy for himself after, but instead he brings it to Arashi's mouth before working on the more practical ribbons that still hold her ensemble and layers together. Think of it as a reward for her patience. ]
Is that so... Then I'd be honored to take care of you, Arashi-sama.
[ Well, that flirting isn't going to go over his head. He sounds almost grateful for her attention, and yet he too is amused a little. Her neck and part of her collarbone are already exposed, so he leaves light kisses there, gently to not leave a mark. ]
[ it's sincere, at least, because what else is there to say to that bad turn of luck? anything else would probably be heartless... it's best to leave it at that, though, letting that line of conversation drop off while she busies herself with, well, watching (or observing, to put it another way) the way yuzuru undoes her obi with deft fingers.
while he sets the silk aside, she's about to take off the top layer of her kimono when--
oh. well, that's kind of unexpected.
she's more used to her flirting being unreciprocated, or for some of the servants to feel uncomfortable, even, so she's mildly surprised by what follows after - the candy, the flirting back and the kisses.
and honestly, it's probably the habitual professionalism that causes her to recover relatively quickly, because he's probably close enough to hear the soft hitch of her breath. ]
... Do you like it? It was a present. [ her tone is probably a little bit more playful, teasing, and arashi does tilt her head to the side, giving him more access. she wouldn't say no to more kisses, clearly. ] I have a weakness for sweet things, apparently~ ♪
[ His tone is soft and reassuring; while he quietly appreciates the sympathy, it's not something to really dwell on for now. Considering the mood right now set by the two, to express some wistful Ness would be a little inappropriate.
That's probably ironic here, but. He catches on her to her hitched breath, she's probably surprised he reciprocated the flirting? He's far from reserved to just sit there and take it... One has to survive being a servant to an arrogant family somehow without losing your pride and dignity. ]
You are quite pampered, are you not?
[ He tugs down her kimono, letting it catch on her elbows. What a complicated outfit... But he doesnt mind gently pulling it apart at all, seeing as he's preoccupied with what's underneath and not even looking down. Yuzuru breathes in deeply, glancing up with fuschia eyes. ]
I would like to try something sweet, myself. Would you be so kind as to grant such a favor?
[ He raises his head to be level with hers, resting a hand on her cheek. He wonders if she'd actually kiss him. It would be a touch scandalous on his part to initiate something like that, but Arashi has the status to play with her new things. ]
Eh... you say it like it's a bad thing, Yuzuru-chan... ♪
[ ...... technically? yuzuru isn't wrong? having servants at her beck and call is literally the definition of pampered, but it's a perk that definitely comes with her station and how she's worked to be one of the top courtesans in this house. she deserves this?
the kimono does fall apart easily in a flutter of red and gold silk, exposing the underlying layers of her outfit when she sheds the elaborate, heavy fabric off her shoulders. it's much more comfortable now even if there are a few more layers to go before he reaches bare skin, evidenced by how she shifts so that her posture isn't completely ramrod straight, like she's not holding herself as perfectly poised as before.
his request is met by an amused chuckle, bright violet eyes meeting his fuchsia ones and holding eye contact for a good few seconds before leaning into his touch.
the tray of sweets is still in arashi's lap, and it's not difficult for her to pick out one small piece of chocolate at random before feeding it to yuzuru, chasing it with a quick kiss that offers only a slight taste of the sweetness of both her lip gloss and the chocolate.
it's with a small, catlike grin that she pulls away. he's going to have to work for it, you know. ☆ ]
Was that to your taste, Yuzuru-chan? Or would you want another taste, something a little sweeter? They say chocolate is supposed to be a kind of aphrodisiac, you know~?
[ wink. she's still close enough to lean in and give him another kiss if he asks for it. it would be scandalous if he initiated it, but arashi doesn't mind indulging in a request. ]
I made no implications, but you don't seem to mind confirming my comment.
[ He would hope Arashi is more comfortable like this. While Yuzuru is a stickler for things in proper order and tidied up, there is something about the courtesan's relaxed posture that's... alluring. The easiness could be contagious were he a more laid-back individual. Is this how her clients feel, slowly being caught in a sweet, sensual trap of her beauty?
He isn't complaining though with the taste of literal sweetness from her lips and the chocolate. Normally, he'd use a towel to clean his mind uth for traces of food, but that would feel impolite here. Spurred just a bit by her behavior, he uses his fingers, the slowly licks them clean. ]
It was. But, I still seem to find greater joy in serving others.
[ Taking another piece of chocolate, rather than use his fingers to to feed her these decadently rumored sweets,he bites on a corner. With close, it's easy to beckon Arashi to take that treat from him. And while continuing to peel away at the layers is tempting, the pace set now is slower than that. He lets a stray hand hand slip under though, stroking her bare side. ]
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hatsumode w/ arashi narukami
We're almost there, don't worry~! It's just tucked away from the usual shops in this district, so I had to ask my mom for directions.
[ also it's winter nearing the end of the year, which makes this even more silly of a thing. like madara had to top the christmas job ordeal, or make it up to arashi somehow for that. please be used to his antics, he doesn't want to drop someone like her on the sidewalk. madara would never hear the end of it. ]
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which is why she's perfectly complying with madara's instructions not to look, since arashi's got her hands gripping the fabric of madara's coat to make sure she doesn't fall off and her face is buried as best as she can into his shoulder because people are watching her being carried on his back to god knows where. normally she would be a lot more flattered by the attention but she's also trying not to worry about being dropped accidentally.
also, she's nearly lost her scarf once already, she doesn't really want to lose it again. ]
If I didn't know you I'd say you were kidnapping me~
[ it's mildly teasing, actually, ]
Should I be worried about the kind of shop you're taking me to?
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You wouldn't be the first! But Arashi-san trusts me, so even if it's kidnapping, you're in good hands, hahaha~!
[ citation needed. but he's fine with playing along to keep her spirits up, winter can be a hard time for arashi. so, mama is here to brighten up her day with something very special! it's around the corner too, so she won't be on his back and having to deal with the stares for much longer.
that's the sound of some schoolgirls giggling, but nothing mean-spirited. one of them said it was cute??? ]
It smells a little old? Like of wood and silk and... whatever perfume the shoplady wears, but other no, no worries.
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[ dramatic sigh, digging her nails in as her fingers squeeze his shoulder lightly.
if there's a blush on her features and he happens to see it, she's definitely blaming it on the cold instead of how the schoolgirls are gushing about how cute they are. at least they haven't been mobbed by overexcited fans yet, so that's a blessing. blushing maiden arashi narukami, whomst?
citation definitely needed. not to say that arashi doesn't trust madara (get you a man who would volunteer to murder someone for you tbh) but someone as finely tuned into the gossip mill of yumenosaki as arashi is has definitely at the very least heard some of the well, shadier rumours about madara. it's just not entirely her style to pry.
but hm. wood, silk, perfume, a place his mother goes to, probably some place expensive from the sound of it-- arashi opens her eyes in surprise before she shuts them again (he did say not to look, after all) ] Ah-- a seamstress?
[ she does sound a liiiiittle bit confused, because this wasn't quite what she was expecting out of this. ]
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Arashi-san got it! Aaand she can open her eyes now.
[ He lets he slip out of his grip slowly, so she doesn't land ungracefully on her rear. Someone wouldn't forgive Madara for a while if that happened. Thankfully unlike their trip here, there aren't any onlookers. It's a kimono rental and textiles shop, with almost unthinkable array of colors and designs. A middle aged woman in a kimono and apron gives a humble at them before scuttling off to the back room. ]
Do you have any objections to visiting the shrine for New Years with me?
[ Okay sure, asking that in a very nice kimono shop is mean. But also, he's asking permission? Wow. ]
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she's about to say something when madara beats her to it first, and.
well.
that's new??? madara??? actually asking for permission???? it's enough to catch arashi off guard, so she kind of just blinks once, twice, and that's underhanded and sneaky, madara.
but he looks earnest enough and she's soft and weak because how on earth would her weak maiden heart be able to resist a request like that, anyway, if the way that her gaze flickers every so often between him and also the kimono fabric is of any indication. ]
Ah, Mama, you drive such a hard bargain..... ♪
[ listen. sometimes she plays hard to get. ]
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It's a good skill when you travel! It's quite exhilarating when you manage to haggle a good deal at markets and local stalls. I don't shop for myself often though, so maybe I should take you and Ansu with me~
[ Whisking away the two queens to Yumenosaki on a big shopping trip... Even if she (more like Anzu) would politely refuse, he can still express the thought... and make it happen with some careful planning. First though, he'll be a gentleman and take her scarf off her hands, all so that her hands are free to shop around. The textiles are arranged wall-to-wall in a nice order, from the subtlest patterns meant to highlight the quality of the silk, to designs that are very extravagant without going too costumey. ]
I still love my home country, and praying to a big shrine at the beginning of a new year is a great way to start it off! It's obviously not as loaud as a usual festival, but the winter kimonos make it so extravagant.
[ Right, another thing. He's aware that there's one thing that makes this probably something kept Arashi from every wearing a winter kimono out in public. ]
I'll make sure noone recognizes you or says a hars word, if that's a concern with wearing something like thing. If they do, I'll make them shut up, hahaha!
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You sound like you've done your fair share of that even without shopping for yourself~ with Ou-sama, maybe?
[ look, she probably Knows about the time when madara spirited leo away to some foreign country, tbh. but anyway. she'll let him take the scarf off her hands (and probably her purse, too, for good measure) and while he continues to talk, she's just going to wander over to one of the walls of display silks.
she's never really been in this kind of store before - there's no real reason for her to be in such a store, after all, so don't mind her if she's a little distracted dragging her fingers through the elaborately printed silks, plum blossoms for winter on purple and blue fabric, and-- ]
...Eh?
[ how eloquent.
she's still got her hands on the fabric when she turns back to mama with a wide-eyed, surprised look. these kimono are expensive? and this doesn't exactly look like a rental shop but more like a tailor, so...
but arashi wouldn't be arashi if she didn't recover from the surprise as quickly as she can. ]
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you'd suggest something like that... you're saying this way too casually.
[ at least he bothered to offer instead of going behind her back? ]
In that case... I can't really say no~ I'd be happy to go with you ♪
[ why not? it seems pretty fun. ]
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[ There's a an odd sense of comfort when talking or hanging out with Arashi. They roll with each other's punches, gestures... Madara knows he's a lot. So a friend who's actually grounded but still understanding is someone to cherish. ]
Haha, Arashi-san is the best! I've always wanted to go to a shrine visit with a beauty in winter kimono~ Even if it's not light and easygoing like summer yukata, there's something so dignified and elegant about them. That is how a "knight" or a "queen" should hold themself, yes?
[ Uh, was she busy browsing the patterns because he's going to pull her into a hug. You know the kind where her feet are now a few inches off the ground. Takai takai. ]
The best part about these is making a kimono that's perfect for you won't take much time at all! Trendy ladies like to dress them up with accessories and whatnot, don't they?
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Would you rather I rejected you outright? Hm? ♪
[ offended. she's mildly offended. but only mildly, because she doesn't really have that much time to be offended when she's suddenly swept off her feet into another lifted hug.
you'd think she'd stop falling for this kind of thing by now. although uh, thankfully, she doesn't end up taking the whole rack of silk down with her when madara lifts her up?? that would be lot of expensive damage incurred.
one thing is for sure though, she's definitely dealing with this much better than the time because despite how unpredictable madara can be in general, she's equally adaptable to his antics, especially after dealing with it a few times. so what she does after the initial surprise is to tap him on the shoulder firmly.
put her down, pls. ]
Sheesh, Mama, you sure are persistent as ever. And a flatterer to boot, too.
It's not quite the cute outfit you promised me the last time-- [ tell me she isn't still salty about that, in all honesty ] --but it's alright, I look beautiful in anything, with or without accessories~ ♪
[ okay, arashi. anyway, after madara deigns to put her down, she's going to pick out her ideal fabric - white roses on gold fabric with blue accents. (knights colours, obviously.) he's welcome to pick something that matches, if he likes. ]
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but anyway, she arranges to meet with mika at the train station closest to the carnival - it's in an area outside of yumenosaki, near where the starmine live took place, so it's not as packed as she expected it to be, a good enough crowd size that she can spot mika and make her way over to him, coming up from behind and hoping that the background noise of the crowd masks her approach.
when she approaches, close enough (and thank god for that subtle height difference), she reaches over to cover his eyes with her hands from behind, and with a singsong tone: ] Mi~ ka~ chan~ ☆
[ and it's with a laugh that she finally drops her hands from where they're covering his eyes and then down to his shoulders so that she can turn him around and pull him into a tight hug - it's her bad habit, she knows, he's talked about it before, but she can't help it so the least she can do is let go of him before he gets too uncomfortable, beaming at him. ]
Found you! I'm glad you didn't get lost~ It's crowded today.
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Wah—
[ Thankfully, he didn't have to do much finding, since she found her precious Mika. Before that though, he thought he was gonna get kidnapped or something before he recognized that sing-song voice he knows all to well. He can't even protest at her not doing that before he's spun around and pulled into a hug... And he's able to half-huh, half squirm before he's free, pouting at Arashi. ]
Naru-chan, ya spooked me... Meanie.
[ He sighs, but when someone bumps into his shoulder as they hurry onto the next train, he immediately clings to Arashi's arm as if to not be separated so soon. ]
Nnah, I already feel lost in a place like this 'cuz I thought I'd never find ya. But... ya found me! So I guess we'll go to the thing now that we're not lost?
[ Not letting go of her arm anytime soon, though. ]
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[ or well. if she could emoji, that would exactly be the kind of face she's pulling at mika right now immediately after releasing him from her hold, arms folded across her chest and pouting back at him in return. ]
Am noooot~ You hurt my feelings like this...
[ :( !!!! ]
[ arashi narukami is the epitome of maturity, okay. anyway. that isn't important because there's no real bite to her words, and that pout also definitely is sliding off her face as quickly as it appeared, and frankly, she's also completely unruffled by the way mika grabs at her arm. all she does is to shift her arm a little bit so he's not just grabbing onto the sleeve of her cardigan, and she's definitely not saying anything about how mika is clutching at her arm and not letting go of it any time soon, by the look of it.
she does, however, chuckle and wink at him once before she sort of starts to usher him along carefully among the stream of people heading in and out of the station. ]
I'll always find you no matter what, Mika-chan~ ☆ [ don't mind her slipping her fingers in between yours, mika. ] This way~
[ they haven't been recognised yet, which is a good thing, although just to be safe, arashi keeps her head down a little bit more than usual and her footsteps are quicker, but even so she turns back every so often to make sure she hasn't lost mika in the crowd.
the carnival grounds are just up ahead - it's lively, for one, a summer festival with people milling around the game and food booths in a mixture of yukata and western dressing.
it's exciting, especially since it's been a while since she's gone to something like this with a friend. so she's going to whirl around and beam at mika. kira kira ☆ ]
What do you feel like doing first~ Oh, oh, you like takoyaki, right~?
[ she has her ways of knowing. ]
courtesan au [nsfw]
He's the newest to work there and that proved to have its own challenges... But perhaps it was better to have them see him as necessary but beneath them, rather than competition for the most sought-after flower. He rarely had to even make eye contact with them, and thanks to an air of humbleness and being always busy with work to make eye contact, he remained a dutiful worker who shouldn't be interrupted unless necessary. The last thing he wants to get caught up in is their drama and competition.
Then he made the mistake of somehow catching the eye of the top courtesan of this place one rainy day, the one with rumors upon rumors oating about no matter where he was.The second mistake he made was trying to hide. She had the authority to call him into her quarters if she wanted. ]
Narukami-sama?
[ Honestly, he doesn't know what to expect. He enters Arashi's room humbly kneeling and pushing the screen door closed, waiting for her proper invitation. ]
Did you request my presence? I feel that would be unlikely, given our differing positions.
[ Since her request was passed around to reach him and not even direct, it could very well be a trick, which he could end up on her bad side. That would be unfortunate. The good news is he came prepared! There's a small bag in his lap. ]
Regardless, I have some confectionery for you.
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but one, arashi has never really conformed to existing conventions that much, and two, she's always had a keen eye for new, interesting things (and people, evidently) and unfortunately, yuzuru happens to fall squarely right into that second category.
she's also insistent enough to get what she wants, apparently, since she hears rather than sees him approach - the sound of the screen door closing behind him, quick, efficient, and his words, ever so deferential.
how refined. ]
As a matter of fact, I did, Yuzuru-chan~ ♪ [ no need to worry about getting on her bad side, considering how bright her tone is, although it's also fairly evident to tell that she's kind of distracted, peering intently into a mirror and fiddling with the mess of jewelled pins and combs stuck in her hair. ] I was wondering if you'd gotten my message since I couldn't find you earlier~
[ technicalities. but anyway, it's only then that she pauses, lifts her head slightly to catch his gaze in the mirror, lifting one hand to sort of beckon him closer without leaving her seat, that official invitation that he's looking out for, most likely.
she didn't exactly ask him to bring up the sweets for her, but hey, that gesture definitely earned yuzuru quite a few affection points. ]
Thank you~ That's quite kind of you, Yuzuru-chan. You can leave it on the table-- [ and here she gestures to an empty spot on the vanity in front of her, and she'll wait until he comes a little bit closer! ] --I do need your help in undressing, actually.
I hear you're well versed in handling formal kimono? ♪
[ okay, now, she's teasing. ]
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Well, I am here now for you. I hope others weren't keeping me on purpose.
[ He sets the box of sweets where she directs him to, but that other request... Well he raises an eyebrow. Rather than stay idle and ponder that bit of info about him being known like that though, he kneels beside her, smiling gently. ]
You'll be in good hands, Narukami-sama.
[ That's quite a tone to take... Hm, it would be foolish to act flustered from a professional's charms, however. So without facing her, Yuzuru takes his fingers and drags them over the collar of Arashi's outer kimono, settling them at the top of her obi. He places enough pressure that she could feel it under the layers of silk. ]
That's surprising though, wouldn't this be reserved for more experienced staff... Or perhaps your patrons?
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I hope not. [ her smile is razor sharp, despite how friendly it looks - you don't get to the top of the proverbial food chain without being ruthless at the right time. every rose has its thorns, and arashi is no exception. ] I'd be rather... disappointed if they were. You served in a noble house before, didn't you?
[ and there's a slight change in her tone; it's light, amused, almost, even as arashi picks up a comb from her dresser to drag it through her hair a couple of times, just enough to tame it.
after all, if there's one thing that arashi is good at, besides being a pretty face and a charming entertainer, that would be socialising and trading backroom gossip. things like these are easy to come by when she knows who to talk to and she's got it handled right down to an art form.
it's also perhaps not really a coincidence that the placement of yuzuru's fingers on the top of her obi makes her straighten her posture just that little bit more, sitting up more upright. ]
That makes you more qualified than most of the other servants here, I should think~ ♪ It would be a shame if such an expensive asset was ruined, right?
[ she does, however, reach for the box of sweets which yuzuru brought up for her, now that she's done with her hair. ]
My next engagement is a few hours from now, anyway, and it's never comfortable to wear this for too long. But you'll take care of me in the meantime, won't you, Yuzuru-chan? ♪
[ if she wasn't flirting with him before... well, that's pretty blatant. ]
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Yes. Unfortunately, the family had become destitute through some misfortunes. To help them out of their debts, I was sold here.
[ Enough of that talk though, while Yuzuru was being quite frank, in the end his past experience is just helping him adjust here. He feels his actions can speak far better with words in handling Arashi's garments anyhow, undoing the knot of her obi with deft fingers. In mere moments the silk is set aside and folded like an oversized ribbon. He seems to grab a piece of candy for himself after, but instead he brings it to Arashi's mouth before working on the more practical ribbons that still hold her ensemble and layers together. Think of it as a reward for her patience. ]
Is that so... Then I'd be honored to take care of you, Arashi-sama.
[ Well, that flirting isn't going to go over his head. He sounds almost grateful for her attention, and yet he too is amused a little. Her neck and part of her collarbone are already exposed, so he leaves light kisses there, gently to not leave a mark. ]
Your perfume is lovely...
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[ it's sincere, at least, because what else is there to say to that bad turn of luck? anything else would probably be heartless... it's best to leave it at that, though, letting that line of conversation drop off while she busies herself with, well, watching (or observing, to put it another way) the way yuzuru undoes her obi with deft fingers.
while he sets the silk aside, she's about to take off the top layer of her kimono when--
oh. well, that's kind of unexpected.
she's more used to her flirting being unreciprocated, or for some of the servants to feel uncomfortable, even, so she's mildly surprised by what follows after - the candy, the flirting back and the kisses.
and honestly, it's probably the habitual professionalism that causes her to recover relatively quickly, because he's probably close enough to hear the soft hitch of her breath. ]
... Do you like it? It was a present. [ her tone is probably a little bit more playful, teasing, and arashi does tilt her head to the side, giving him more access. she wouldn't say no to more kisses, clearly. ] I have a weakness for sweet things, apparently~ ♪
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[ His tone is soft and reassuring; while he quietly appreciates the sympathy, it's not something to really dwell on for now. Considering the mood right now set by the two, to express some wistful Ness would be a little inappropriate.
That's probably ironic here, but. He catches on her to her hitched breath, she's probably surprised he reciprocated the flirting? He's far from reserved to just sit there and take it... One has to survive being a servant to an arrogant family somehow without losing your pride and dignity. ]
You are quite pampered, are you not?
[ He tugs down her kimono, letting it catch on her elbows. What a complicated outfit... But he doesnt mind gently pulling it apart at all, seeing as he's preoccupied with what's underneath and not even looking down. Yuzuru breathes in deeply, glancing up with fuschia eyes. ]
I would like to try something sweet, myself. Would you be so kind as to grant such a favor?
[ He raises his head to be level with hers, resting a hand on her cheek. He wonders if she'd actually kiss him. It would be a touch scandalous on his part to initiate something like that, but Arashi has the status to play with her new things. ]
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[ ...... technically? yuzuru isn't wrong? having servants at her beck and call is literally the definition of pampered, but it's a perk that definitely comes with her station and how she's worked to be one of the top courtesans in this house. she deserves this?
the kimono does fall apart easily in a flutter of red and gold silk, exposing the underlying layers of her outfit when she sheds the elaborate, heavy fabric off her shoulders. it's much more comfortable now even if there are a few more layers to go before he reaches bare skin, evidenced by how she shifts so that her posture isn't completely ramrod straight, like she's not holding herself as perfectly poised as before.
his request is met by an amused chuckle, bright violet eyes meeting his fuchsia ones and holding eye contact for a good few seconds before leaning into his touch.
the tray of sweets is still in arashi's lap, and it's not difficult for her to pick out one small piece of chocolate at random before feeding it to yuzuru, chasing it with a quick kiss that offers only a slight taste of the sweetness of both her lip gloss and the chocolate.
it's with a small, catlike grin that she pulls away. he's going to have to work for it, you know. ☆ ]
Was that to your taste, Yuzuru-chan? Or would you want another taste, something a little sweeter? They say chocolate is supposed to be a kind of aphrodisiac, you know~?
[ wink. she's still close enough to lean in and give him another kiss if he asks for it. it would be scandalous if he initiated it, but arashi doesn't mind indulging in a request. ]
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[ He would hope Arashi is more comfortable like this. While Yuzuru is a stickler for things in proper order and tidied up, there is something about the courtesan's relaxed posture that's... alluring. The easiness could be contagious were he a more laid-back individual. Is this how her clients feel, slowly being caught in a sweet, sensual trap of her beauty?
He isn't complaining though with the taste of literal sweetness from her lips and the chocolate. Normally, he'd use a towel to clean his mind uth for traces of food, but that would feel impolite here. Spurred just a bit by her behavior, he uses his fingers, the slowly licks them clean. ]
It was. But, I still seem to find greater joy in serving others.
[ Taking another piece of chocolate, rather than use his fingers to to feed her these decadently rumored sweets,he bites on a corner. With close, it's easy to beckon Arashi to take that treat from him. And while continuing to peel away at the layers is tempting, the pace set now is slower than that. He lets a stray hand hand slip under though, stroking her bare side. ]