[CLOSED] AUGUST CATCH ALL

[adversus]

Who ⬤ Marie and various others
What ⬤ Shenanigans with her new buddies. Mostly drinking, hanging out, making sure the population of Jigokucho is properly trolled...
When ⬤ August, before Tanabata event!
Where ⬤ Various
Content Warnings ⬤ There's some trauma talking up in here, but I think that's about it.

Comments

CLOUD

[adversus]

[It was a pleasant surprise that she met a fellow soldier boy in Jigokucho. Needless to say, they hit it off pretty well, and there was a level of trust there that she couldn't quite have with anyone else that wasn't a soldier. It was definitely a different type of relationship, but not a bad one, to say the least. They could trust one another with their traumas, and other woes that came with the territory. It felt like having one of her war buddies with her all over again.

It made it easy for her to reach out to him one night after a bath. Half dressed as she reaches out for her phone.]

Dinner and drinks? I finally have some money again, so I can go out like a normal person. How about it, soldier boy? Care to talk about our traumas and woes over a few drinks?

[She hopes that she's not busy, given it's a spur of the moment thing. But one can wish, right? With the off chance that he'll say yes, she's already getting dressed in one of her nicer dresses that she's managed to snag for a steal.]

[identitycrisiscore]

[ Luckily, as Marie may suspect, someone who's used to doing fighting doesn't have a lot going on when there's not fighting happening - and with the turf war settled and an uneasy but still notable peace falling over Jigoku-cho in the days leading up to Tanabata, Cloud doesn't have much to do - well. He has some work for the Alliance. But he's waiting on some parts of that.

Either way, when his phone displays the message, he's quick to respond. Marie felt comfortable with Cloud as a war buddy, and given how they hit it off, he was inclined to think the same. ]

you got a place picked out already?
i don't have anything occupying me right now.
tell me where we're meeting, we'll split the bill.

[ Cloud's... 'civilian wear' is, well, eclectic. Most of it was picked out by someone other than him - but he's found a nice patterned dress shirt and a matching pair of pants. He probably shouldn't be going in his SOLDIER outfit. ]

[adversus]

[There's a pleasant hum that leaves her when she gets a response back, and as Cloud would imagine, she's quick to text back with ease.]

I do. Meet me at the entrance of the Sutoku apartments! Don't be late, soldier boy.

[With that, she puts her phone done momentarily to get dressed in proper attire. She didn't have much to wear here, but she's chosen one of her newer dresses to wear for Cloud today. Luckily, she didn't have to dress to impress, and something simple and comfortable would be nice to wear. So, she does just that in a matter of moments, before combing her hair out to look presentable.

Once she is presentable, she grabs her phone, and places it in her pocket. Ascending the stairs once she's out of her apartment, and to the entrance of the Sutoku apartments, where she waits for Cloud, as promised. Happily sneaking in a cigarette break before their meeting time. A guilty pleasure and pastime of hers before she went out for drinks.]

[identitycrisiscore]

[ She doesn't have to wait long. Although, perhaps, she did have strangely just enough time for a smoke break. He at least understands the routine. ]

Didn't keep you waiting, did I?

[ He's picked out a bomber jacket over a nice collarless shirt - one with an obvious pattern of the night sky woven into its coloration. He's opted for 'nice, but practical', comparatively. No need to impress. ]

Need to finish your smoke before we head out?

[adversus]

[Given their status as soldiers, she's expecting a prompt entrance. Which is why she's pleasantly surprised when she's just finished with the last bits of her cigarette when he appears to her. Simply flicking it to the side once she's finished, and brushing off some of her clothes to wipe away the left over ash, and debris from the cigarette to look somewhat presentable, at least.]

Nah. Just long enough to let me finish my cigarette.

[Like usual, and pauses, and gives Cloud a visible once over. Now able to actually admire the work that he's put in, in person, rather than in the picture she saw. She'd definitely have to exercise with him once day, to keep up their overall appearance.]

Not bad at all, soldier boy. You look good in those clothes, and those pictures on EMBER didn't really do your muscles justice. Maybe these youkai have a gym we can go to one of these days so we can keep up our form.

[That said, she takes a step forward, and pats his soldier.]

We'll go to one of the bars close by. I spotted out one that caught my eye in particular. Nothing too fancy, but nothing too bad either.

[She had a bit of stardust on her, and some funds left, where she couldn't splurge a bit. Beginning to walk in that general direction now, and motioning Cloud to follow beside her, or right behind her.]

HU TAO

[adversus]

[The festival had been interesting to say the least. Who knew she'd make a new friend after the chaotic events of that day? She certainly didn't think so, but here she was, getting ready to go out for a cup of tea again. This time, there would be no magpies to ruin their little date, and she was grateful for that. Not to say there wasn't a possibility of something chaotic happening. It was Jigokucho after all. With that said, she does grab her newly gained scythe, and places it on her back once she's dressed.

After getting herself situated, she leaves her apartment to make sure that she isn't late for their friend date. Excitedly leaving the Sutoku apartments, and walking toward the teahouse that they agreed to meet at. Once there, waiting for Hu Tao at one of the nearby shops. Her arms crossed over her, eyes peering around for the girl in question as she hums to herself.]

[localweirdo]

[All things considered, Hu Tao was rather surprised that she managed to make a new friend. Or rather, it was rare that somebody would ask her to meet up when it was usually the other way around. Not that she was complaining, it was nice to know that she may or may not have found someone whom she would talk to often.

That being said, as she walked over to their meeting spot, she gave a wave toward Marie before letting out a giggle.]

Look who it is, it's been quite a while since I last saw you! Time has definitely flew by, huh?

[While there wasn't any birds, she couldn't help herself. Get it?]

[adversus]

[It seems that she didn't have to wait too long, and her eyes trail over to Hu Tao with a wide smile. Glad to see that the younger woman found her through the crowd that was beginning to form around the tea shop. About to greet her, until she completely pauses at the pun. Her eyebrows furrowed, before laughing at the horribly good pun, in her honest opinion.]

It sure did! I'm glad you didn't get pecked along the way... With the way those birds were chasing after us, I was honestly expecting them to follow us home.

[She finally stands up from where she had been sitting before, and slides open the door to the tea house so that Hu Tao can go in first. Honest to god contemplating a cigarette before tea, but she'll have one after they depart.]

I heard the snacks and tea are good here. Hopefully they'll please your palette, Hu Tao.

[localweirdo]

[Ah yes, it was wonderful to see how Marie didn't seem to mind puns. It was quite nice to know that she has found another person who seems to enjoy her sense of humor. That said?

As Hu Tao stepped forward into the tea house, she couldn't help but take in a deep breath. Again, it was oddly nice to be reminded of Liyue. Even if it was for a split second.]

That depends, what kind of snacks and tea do they have? I'm afraid I am a little picky! A funeral director can have a rather particular taste!

[No, not really. She just wanted to see how fancy this place was.]

[adversus]

[Once Hu Tao takes a step in, Marie follows right behind her, with the door sliding closed behind her. The shop keep immediately greeting the two, and motioning them to sit down at one of the nearby, private tatami rooms. It's a particularly clean, and well furnished room. One where they can certainly spend a lot of time indulging in tea and snacks if they so choose.]

I'm actually not too sure myself! I chose this place because they had the private rooms. Didn't look too much into the menu, but there's one on the table.

[Marie slides off her shoes, and climbs up the few steps leading up into the tatami room. Luckily, there's a menu on the table, that has countless savory, and sweet snacks that pair well with the long list of premium teas they have. Needless to say, this place is starting to appear quite expensive. Not that she minds; she had a bit of stardust on her.]

NORIMUNE

[adversus]

[Norimune truly reminded her of her husband, so it made things much easier and comfortable for her to communicate with him. That, and his endless hospitality toward her made her very fond of the old man. Unsure how to return his kindness, and nice gestures, she thinks of the only thing she can do: a date. It'd be a friendly date, of course, nothing too serious. She figures that, the two of them enjoy each other's company enough, so it was fine.

So, one day, Norimune will get a text from her. She had been thinking about it for quite some time, and there was a part of her that did miss that old man since they first met up. There was just something charming about him, and his company was enjoyable. That much was certain.]

Hey, old man. You've been so nice to me, so I think it's about time I've returned the favor. Let's go on a tea date, or something. There's a nice teahouse around here, and I've been dying to go... And I thought, why not go with you?

[kikuichi]

[He's been thinking about what to do, when he got the text message. Norimune smiles when he read it. This definitely solves his (very mundane) dilemma: what to do.]

Hello, Miss Marie.

It would be a great pleasure for me to accompany you to the teahouse. Let's enjoy this tea date together.

[adversus]

Perfect! I have some new clothes since the last time we went out, so I'll wear one of my nicer ones.

I also have a bit of stardust on me from some previous collections, so I'll be able to treat you this time, old man. ♥

[To say that she was starting to get attached to Norimune, well. She certainly was, and she's practically beaming with excitement when she sends these next barrages of texts. She was grateful for his help, and he's shown her nothing but kindness upon her arrival here. It was the least she could do.]

I found a small, intimate tea house we can go to. I'll send you the directions now!

[Luckily, it doesn't take her long to navigate the coordinates to the teahouse. It's a bit on the expensive side, but again, it's the least she can do after all his help.]

I'll see you soon? (-‿◦☀)

ROBIN

[adversus]

[Marie was just a bit homesick at this point. She missed her husband, but she also missed her children, and the others she knew from home. However, she couldn't just mope in her apartment all day. She had to be productive, or at least try and be productive. And she's never really explored the other territories, so this was her chance to wander around.

Today, she brings her trusty scythe with her. Not for any acts of violence, but for protection. In case something goes awry here, which it always does. Still, she tries not to think about it too hard. If she does, she'll always be on guard, and that wasn't any fun at all!

After a few moments of wandering around, she finds herself in Tamamo territory. It's unfamiliar, to say the least, but she keeps wandering around regardless. her eyes peering around the area, until she sees a pink haired boy from afar. The hair catches her attention first, and she slowly approaches the stranger with a soft, but comforting smile. Not wanting to scare him off with her demeanor, she does gently nudge at his shoulder to get his attention.]

Oooh, you are so cute!

[That's certainly one way to get someone's attention, Marie.]

[sweetsong]

[ robin has always been a creature of habit, only lured away from the traveled path when finding something that could catch his attention. most of the tamamo district is familiar to him by now. it's only when a new bar or club opens up that he's pulled toward it, and this day is no different: it's just before his shift at hemlock, and he really does want to take a quick peek at this supposedly unique bar that'll cater towards what he'd call a more western sort of audience, and...

eh?

it's a woman who's somehow approached without him noticing? at least she seems nice; she's certainly smiling at him. so. of course he'll smile back. ]

Hi! Thank you!

[ he bows politely. ]

I'm sorry, but do I know you? [ a beat and then a nervous giggle. ] I don't remember seeing you at the bar!

[adversus]

[Oh my, even his polite demeanor is similar to her daughter in law, and that alone is enough to prompt an even bigger smile. Both her hands clasping in delight at just how cute Robin is! Even voicing her comments aloud without any hesitation in her voice.]

Oh my! Look at just how adorable you are! You remind me of my daughter in law.

[She wants to reach out and pat his head out of habit, but she holds back, given the fact that they just met. Even if he did remind her of someone, she had to still be polite as well, and not overstep any boundaries.]

Oh! No, I don't think so. I recently just got here, and I'm exploring the other territories... This is my first time in Tamamo's.

[She gazes around, and notes how many bars there are around here. And then he mentions one.]

Do you work for one of the bars here?

[sweetsong]

[ he blinks a few times. well, she certainly means well! and she recognizes that he's adorable, so that's also a plus. no way robin's going to back away from her now. the compliments are always welcome.

that, and as an ascending tamamo clan member--- he should be a representative that lady tenkohime is proud of. ]

I'm sure she's way cuter than I am! Thank you for being so kind!

[ a beat, as his eyes linger on the weapon. wow! and all he has is his charm, his voice, and maybe a little wishful thinking to keep himself safe. ]

I do. I work at Hemlock. Have you heard of it?

KATE

[adversus]

[After spending the day inside, Marie finally decides to leave her apartment at the dead of night to get some fresh air. There was something about this place that aggravated her nightmares, and tonight was no different. She's wide awake after a particularly awful nightmare, and she sighs to herself as she leaves her apartment. She brings her scythe with her, as usual, and places it on her back for that extra protection, even though she's just going onto the rooftops.

Once she's there, she remembers a particular young girl who she met on her first day here that seemed to enjoy athletics and might find it fun to get up here. Perhaps she would be awake right now, and she contemplates for a long moment. Marie staring at her phone, before her lips curve into a smile.]

I'm on the rooftop of the Sutoku apartments. If you're awake, you should join me. I have my scythe with me now, too, so you can check it out when you get here.

[It doesn't hurt to ask, even if it's late in the night.

With that text sent, she finds herself sitting at the edge of the rooftops now. Her eyes closed, as she takes in the air of Jigokucho and the bustling streets underneath her.]

[bratherine]

( Call it serendipity, or the particular energy of Jigokucho, but Marie isn't the only person who finds herself woken up by nightmares. Kate bolts up from the couch sweating, heart racing, a lump in her throat like chalk and copper.

The text message comes when she's given up trying to get any more shut eye and instead decides to make herself some coffee.

... huh. )

gimme a few minutes.

( Getting from here to Sutoku apartments... She double checks her map app while finishing the drink, mentally writes up a plan. It's doable, but she needs to be wearing actual clothes for parkour and not just this oversized t-shirt she sleeps in, so—

There. A couple of minutes later and she's slipping out of her apartment window and making her way over. Sure, she only has a vague recollection of the woman she met in that alleyway, but it's fine, right?

Can't be worse than her nightmares, anyway.

Soon enough, a pair of feet land on the rooftop of the Sutoku apartments, Kate jogging to a halt from her jump onto it, the scythe catching her attention pretty immediately. Given, y'know, that it's a scythe. Just. Existing in this woman's hand. )

...Hey

[adversus]

[It's a good time to be on the rooftops, apparently, as there's a breeze that hits both their faces once Kate arrives. Marie having heard the footsteps far from her, her gaze slowly turns toward Kate with a genuine smile of happiness. Glad to see that the young girl still has her parkour form, and that she got here in record time. Impressed with her acrobatics, in all honesty.]

Hey cutie. Glad you could make it.

[Given what she saw in the alleyway all that time ago, she has to wonder if Kate was awake because of her nightmares. Honestly, it makes that maternal side in her worry, but it's another conversation for another time. Instead, taking note of the girl's eyes on her scythe, which prompts a chuckle.]

Wanna see? There's an enchantment on the scythe that makes it feel like paper in your hands, so you can carry it too, to get a better look if you want.

[Already, Marie takes a step forward, and releases the scythe from it's harness that's wrapped around her upper body. Her scythe coming undone at the clasp, and reaching for the scythe with one hand. The scythe offered up to the girl, just in case she wanted to try.]

[bratherine]

( Ooh, that is nice. The breeze cools the sweat on Kate's brow as her breath returns to normal. She'd pushed herself harder than she normally might in the dark, pushed herself until the worst of the nightmare receded.

It still beats there, in the back of her mind, it always does, but at least by now she doesn't feel it crawling over her skin. )

...Cutie?

( What does she have to do to get people to stop calling her cute? Master a scythe of her own? Tempting tbh. Especially if she could do something that looks that cool. )

What would it weigh normally?

( It's asked as she reaches out and takes a hold of it. It feels just as light as Marie mentioned, and that in and of itself is fascinating. She's no weaponsmith, but logic says there should be far more heft to a weapon like this.

Her eyes trail the length of it, wondering if Jigokucho would let her see the magic that makes it work like that. The logic of the multiverse seems to make everything awfully patchy when it comes to her oldest ability. )

I THOUGHT I TAGGED THIS BUT I HAVE 0 BRAINCELLS

[aphonik]

[ while working is normally not in his vocabulary (especially here, where it isn't exactly being hung over his head like a guillotine), he isn't stupid enough to pass up something that'd benefit him in the future.

while he normally hates the dark, the positive effects of the spider means he can at least see better in it now. still, he holds his phone perhaps too close at hand, ready to flip it on in a second if his chest starts feeling too tight- unfortunate, that has happened a few times already. he's nothing if not determined, at least.

so hyperfocused on whats in front of him, pockets already having a few bits and pieces for the collection, dosei doesn't even notice that there's someone creeping up on him. it's not until something comes down on him in the dark, and amidst the unknown and the voice calling out, needless to say he freaks the fuck out.

he starts flailing like a man utterly possessed, fists with their sharpened nails and steel-toed boots kicking out to try and get whatever it is off him. hell no, he is not getting kidnapped today. mans fear of the dark is bad enough. ]

UR FINE BOOPS

[adversus]

[For a moment, she notes how particularly large this bug is. Not only that, but shaped like a human too. Maybe, just maybe, thinking she might have caught something rare. That is, until she nearly gasps when Dosei's arms begin to flail, and there's a flash of light from one of the street lamps flickering back on from the movement. Now able to see that, it's not a bug, but possibly a human that she's captured underneath the net.

Quickly, she pulls her net back from Dosei, and keeps a mutual distance between the two, so that she doesn't scare him off. Needless to say, she looks very apologetic for her actions. Free hand awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck, trying to figure out what to say. Actually embarrassed that she thought Dosei might have been a youkai bug, rather than. Well. Him.]

Oh... So you're not a bug...

[That's all she can say, sheepishly chuckling. Her eyes still apologetic, though, despite how she was laughing at the situation now.]

Sorry about that. I didn't hurt you, did I?

[aphonik]

[ the light is...good. nice. way better than the dark, which he's never been fond of. it's a shame he can't properly enjoy it, stuck in a net like some kind of bug as he is, currently throwing out his arms like he's trying to rip right through it. perhaps he might even have managed, had it not abruptly come off.

he takes a moment to catch his breath, running a hand through his hair and over his head to doublecheck that there's nothing there before finally straightening up. once he finally locks eyes on marie herself, his gaze narrows dangerously, scowl lightly twisting the fabric of his mask. that was not an experience he particularly enjoyed, nor does he enjoy the idea that somebody saw him losing his shit.

his arms cross tight over his chest, meeting that apologetic look with a fairly hostile one of his own. that explanation is...really fucking lame. a bug? really? what part of him looks like a bug?

( the fact he might as well be half spider right now is highly irrelevant. his extra eyes are closed and are not a privilege for the public. )

eventually, dosei's hand slips down to his pocket to pull out his phone, bright lights illuminating the irritation on his face as he types a hasty message before flipping the device around. ]

what kind of fucking bug is this big

[adversus]

[Oh, that look. That's something that she's fully expected, and deserved. She's sheepish when she's met with clear hostility, and that was a given. She did just net him, after all. But still, it was an honest mistake! (Not really. Marie, it really wasn't an honest mistake). She tries to rationalize it in her head, but all that comes out is the sheer stupidity that she feels now. Quickly pulling back the net completely now, and resting it against her side.

She's expecting him to say something when his mask is clearly twisted from his expression. However, she's caught by surprise when he quickly reaches for his phone, and hastily types out something. Her eyes peering at the screen, and reading the words in silence. The woman left blinking a few times, before scratching the top of her head. A nervous laugh finally leaving her; even more so when the lights around them completely flicker on. Something that would have been very helpful before hand.]

I don't know... There might be some youkai bugs that are your size. Even bigger, actually. I'm sorry I netted you, though. Do you need me to kiss your head for you?

[She completely ignores the fact that she saw him lose his shit just now. Well, that, and she couldn't really see him freaking out to begin with. It was pretty pitch dark before the lights came on.]

I'm only kidding. I don't mean any harm though, I legitimately thought you were this big bug that I could net for some money to be entirely honest with you.