[CLOSED] old man wants a tea break

[kikuichi]

Who ⬤ Norimune and you!
What ⬤ July catch-all for closed starters.
When ⬤ Throughout July.
Where ⬤ Around the city.
Content Warnings ⬤ N/A.

Contact me via PM or Sonica for plotting and custom starters. Open to both new and current CR.

Comments

[localweirdo]

[It had been quite some time Hu Tao had the opportunity to venture out into the city. Between what happened with her mission and everything going on, when did she have the time to spend the day simply enjoying herself? Which was why today, she figured to try something new. Ever since she heard about these so called 'electronics', she wanted to see what other else she could find.

Should Norimune look into a store, he would find a familiar looking person who just so happened to be listening to some music. Narrowing her eyes, it seemed she was really focused on figuring out what it was.]

What strange music is this...? [Should anyone listen carefully, she was playing the music rather loudly.]

[kikuichi]

[Ever since the Enma's address, Norimune have been finding himself very busy. If it's not work in the office, it's avoiding the press who wants information and a statement. That's why he's relishing his free time, being able to browse and shop around freely (if nothing major happens). Maybe he should try out those "video games"?

By chance, he glance into a store and spot a familiar looking person. He pause, before he curiously enters the store. Oh!]

Miss Hu Tao?

[As he draw closer, it's easier for him to hear the music she's listening to.]

Ooh, what's this?

[localweirdo]

[At first, Hu Tao didn't seem to notice him. She was too grossed in this strange music as she wondered what strange instruments could produce those sounds. Perhaps it would be something she needed to investigate at another time?

However, as he walked closer, that's when his presence was known.]

Norimune? Just in time, I'm in need of your help! Have you ever heard of music like this before?

[She said before handing the headphones to him. Because clearly a 1000+ year old sword knows anything about dubstep music.]

[kikuichi]

[With a blink, he accepts the headphones and put them on. Once he do, he find himself listening to the most interesting style of music.]

Oh, I don't think I ever heard this style before.

[Not even the government back home play these sort of music. Most likely calming, non-distracting music to work to.]

It's different but rather interesting and nice!

[localweirdo]

Especially if this is what is supposed to be in fashion in this world!

[All the while swaying her head back and forth trying to get herself in rhythm with the distance muffed music.]

Can't say that I heard anything quite like this in my world. It's mostly flutes, the guzheng, lute, and various other instruments!

[She said before attempting to play said guzheng in tune with the beat drop.]

[sharpestsword]

[ As a higher ranking officer Julieta has been particularly targeted by reporters. She just can't seem to shake them off. As satisfying as it would be to tell them where to shove it she's learned that isn't the best strategy to deal with this. Instead she recites a whole script of Enma propaganda. She doesn't need to believe any of it herself. She just needs to keep talking. None of their questions are being answered and they seem to be getting annoyed while she looks around for a way out. An opportunity comes in the form of a certain coworker. She makes desperate eye contact with him past the crowd closing in on her, very much in need of a favor. ]

[kikuichi]

[Being a particularly sociable person and a higher ranking officer, it's no surprise that Norimune might get recognised. Whether or not people knows him as Norimune (his usual public persona, outside of Enma and during his off-duty time), they can still recognise him by his rank. Just one of many reasons why he wants his retirement back, and this situation is yet another reminder why.

Hearing a crowd of reporters trying to talk over each other, Norimune looks over. And catch the sight of his desperate colleague stuck in the middle of it. He quickly moves in, and start to draw some of their attention. His hand reaches out to grab her shoulder.]

Excuse me, I need to speak with her.

[He say clearly and firmly. He doesn't really, but he sure sounds convincing enough for most people. The reporters start to ask him questions next, because surely this officer might say more.]

No comment, honoured sirs and madams. Now please excuse us.

[His tone is friendly and polite, with a hint of steel, as he quickly try to guide his colleague away. Quickly, quickly!]

[sharpestsword]

I'd better go then.

[ Perfect. This is just the excuse she needs. Clearly she has business to attend to so they'll just have to have their questions answered somewhere else. She walks with him until they're far enough away and then sighs with relief. ]

I thought they'd never stop. You deserve a favor.

[kikuichi]

[They're far enough for him to relax, and withdraw his hand away from her. Clearly, the reporters know better than to chase after the officers who are clearly busy.]

I know how bothersome they are. I wouldn't want anyone to get surrounded by them.

[Although to be fair, being a fellow Enma officer means he's more likely to help her. If it's anyone else outside of the Department, it depends on how he feel and if he likes them...]

But I don't need a favour right now.

[sharpestsword]

It's not often I find a guy that doesn't want something from me.

[ Should she be offended? She isn't really. More intrigued if anything. Though even if he says he doesn't want anything she's already contemplating some way to pay him back. She would rather not be in anyone's debt ]

Shylock

[kikuichi]

[It's been some time since the entire cursed fiasco. Norimune haven't forgotten the sights he saw in the bloody rain, and who were "fortunate" enough to observed his plight. And it's those people he hope to talk with.

But work around the Department have gotten busier, and if it's not work, it's the media wishing to hear anything from the officers. So that took up some time, until he can finally avoid them and head for the bar. He's able to avoid the reporters so far, no doubt because he's dressed in more casual, non-formal clothes. Plus, he have a nice hat.

Oh, good. The bar is open. He slip inside, and relaxes once he's in.]

[breweries]

[ come hell or high water, rain or shine, hemlock will always be open. and as always there seems to be a free seat at the counter in front of shylock, who nods at norimune and motions for him to come closer. ]

Another long day, I take it?

[ he gets it...... ]

[kikuichi]

[He smiles and give a nod, as he take his seat.]

Oh, indeed. Both inside and outside of the building, there's always something that wants my attention.

[If it's not work inside the Kaigo no Bou, there's the reporters outside and trying to ambush any officers who might know.]

I'm fortunate enough to come here today, now that I'm finally free. [For now...]

[breweries]

Fufu, that's good to hear. Looks like both of us have to be more careful what with the media suddenly taking an interest in us.

[ it's... annoying? but it's not as though he has anything substantial to talk about. if anything he'd rather spend his time on media endorsing hemlock or something. ]

What will it be today, then? Will you be planning to lose yourself this fine evening?

[kikuichi]

After everything, I believe I deserve that much.

[Enjoying the fragrances and flavours, temporarily forgetting about their stresses. As well as talking about whatever's on their minds.]

I feel like having something a little strong, today. I did promise to speak with you about the sights you saw on that rainy day.

["Rainy day" being the time with the cursed, blood rain and the nightmare shaped illusions that arose.]

I am so sorry and yet not sorry at all.

[itstillhurt]

[It has been exactly one (1) work day since Azula spoke to Norimune on the Enma call, and Norimune will be greeted promptly at the end of his shift by Azula.

She's lurking outside the door, wearing immaculate professional attire- she seems to have acquired at least one business outfit already. She has two cups of tea from the nearest coffee shop, a notepad tucked under one arm.

Did she look up his work schedule and stalk his workplace? Is this her idea of "If we happen to see each other?" Does she have any chill at all? All valid questions. Yes, yes, and no, respectively.

As soon as she spots him, she's making a beeline for him.]

ohoho

[kikuichi]

[Norimune's starting to relax once he saw the hour approached. Once he get out of here, he's free to relax. He wonders what to do, maybe eat at another nearby place? Or make the trip over into the other territories for a meal.

Once he exits, Norimune starts to relax and checking his phone for any messages. Maybe someone wants to meet and eat? Or personal businesses to talk about? Nope, no messages today. He's free to relax as he wish.

Until he notice someone approaching him, and he raise a brow. Oh?]

[itstillhurt]

[As soon as she meets him, she practically foists a cup of tea upon him.]

I brought tea.

[... Wait, no, that wasn't what she was supposed to say, she had a whole thing in her head. She hastily displays the controlled smile.]

I intend to take you up on that offer of guidance, now that your shift has ended.

[Okay she's pretty sure she'd phrased it as a question when she practiced this earlier, but it's fine. This is fine.]

...if you're not busy, of course.

[There. That was a request.

Mostly.]

[kikuichi]

[He try not to laugh, but he did smile and accept the cup of tea.]

Why, thank you. Miss Azula, is it?

[When it comes to fellow Lost Souls, he usually try to memorise their names and faces. Who knows when they'll work together, and who might be useful. He does need to know where her skills lie, either way.]

And I'm not busy right now. I'd be delighted to help you with anything, if I'm able to.

[Just a quick, yet simply stated disclaimer right there. He might be able to help, or he wouldn't, depending on what Azula wants.]

[itstillhurt]

Oh, you remembered me! That's a relief.

[Hope you like extremely strong black tea with nothing in it, Norimune, because that's what you just got. It's at least good quality tea?]

Don't worry, I think I've picked up on most of the important information for myself, but I would be a fool not to avail myself of the wisdom of a ranking officer when it's offered.

[Okay, in fairness, she's not sneering quite as much was usual when she smiles at him there.]

First of all, I've noticed that most of the work assigned to newcomers to the department- while quite vital-

[Even she has trouble saying that convincingly-]

seems... less than challenging. I was hoping you might be a resource for more... substantive work.

[Don't mind her, just an overenthusiastic newcomer eagerly offering to do all the hard work for him.

Norimune had been all professionalism and eagerness on the call, and yet hadn't taken it upon himself to deal with the newcomers. That said competent, cooperative, yet not particularly driven. Time to see if she's read him correctly or not.]

Marie

[kikuichi]

[As promised, Norimune contacted Marie and they quickly made plans to hang out on a good day. Well, mostly a good day for Norimune, as he's the one with a busy schedule. Once Marie get a job, making plans like this will get harder.

Anyway! It's time! He'll be waiting somewhere in Sutoku's major shopping area at their meeting point. He's watching the crowds as he wait, at the variety of youkai mingling and selling their wares.]

[adversus]

[She's surprised that they managed to plan something, given his busy schedule, but she's glad, to say the least. Unfortunately, she doesn't have a lot of money on her at the moment; having to rely on Norimune's good will to buy her things for the time being. Something that she won't take advantage of, of course, given that this would be the second time that they've met in person.

Once she leaves her apartment, she takes note where they said to meet. Luckily, having gotten a bit more used to the area, she vaguely knows where the shopping area is, and makes her way there. He's easy to see through the crowd, and Marie hovers behind him while he people watches. One hand reaching out toward his back, and poking his back to get his attention.]

Hey, old man! Good to see you again!

[She's quite loud, and her voice catches the attention of some youkai around them. A group of them staring at the two, before returning back to what they were previously doing before.]

[kikuichi]

[While he waits, he wonders if she can find her way here. If she's late, he'll simply give her a call. He did vaguely sense someone behind him, but he didn't look behind him. Until someone poke him in the back, causing him to look behind him with a start.]

Oooh, there you are! You gave this old man a surprise! Uhahaha!

[He didn't mind the looks they're getting, since everyone will just go back to their business. They're not the strangest people in the city, anyway.]

It's good to see you, too. I was wondering if you got lost.

[adversus]

All the demons around the city, and I'm the one that gave you a surprise?

[She smiles, and circles beside him now, sitting by his side. She crosses her legs, and sits back a bit to enjoy the scenery that Norimune had been enjoy before she came.]

I sort of did. I'm still getting used to the place, but I'll trust that you'll take good care of me. Right~?

[She uses one elbow to nudge him right in the arm, winking at him in the process.]

So! Where to first, old man? I'll have to rely on your good graces, and wallet to get me by today.

[kikuichi]

Surprises can come from anywhere at anytime, you know?

[Even in the depths of Hell, too! He looks back at Maria with a smile, winking back at her.]

Of course. If anyone gives you trouble, you can count on me~

[If she's younger, he would let her handle things. Young people always prefer doing things first by themselves. But fellow older people? It varies, depending on his mood.]

Well~ It depends on what you need, but I can show you some clothes stores and where to buy food. You got to look good and eat well here!

[While being financially responsible!]