A Reason to Celebrate [Private]

Okibi · Oct 17, 2013

(TIME WARP GO!)

It was early evening and the lanes of housing in the Sietch were alive with the sounds of laughter and child play. Parents sat outside on porch swings and lawn chairs, watching their little ones chase each other, or play hide and seek. Some families would let loose their pets run around in the front yard; dogs, rabbits . . . monkeys? Yes, even monkeys apparently. Okibi had to stop walking for a moment so she could watch that particular family. A monkey . . .

"Now why would you choose one of those things over something more . . . fun? Like a dog, or a wolf, or a robot cat, or a lump of coal . . ." The longer her sentence went on the more mulish her face became. Obviously Okibi wasnt very fond of monkeys. If anyone knew of her experience in the Elderwood gathering fruit for one of Sand old lady folk . . . well, then they would understand. Stupid, smelly beasts, the lot of them!

Okibi looked over her shoulder at the small group of people, all whom she loved dearly, that were walking with her. Sousuke, Chiyoko and Tama all made up a merry group of attendees journeying with her for a night out on the town to celebrate her eighteenth birthday. Unfortunately Judori couldnt come with them due to work. Everyone was dressed in their not-quite finest, slightly more than casual but not enough to be called fancy. Okibi herself was sporting a flirty pink number that went well with the more subdued pinks of her metal arm. Chiyoko had talked her into wearing it.

Although her scars had greatly faded since she'd come back to the village, they still stood out in contrast to her pale skin, marring her from the neck down. But, they didnt seem to bother Okibi anymore. The tattoo on her back, however, was a different story. She wore her long white hair down so that it covered up the exposed portions of her back, but if she swayed just a little too much, or an errant breeze came out of nowhere, flashes of it could be seen through the curtain of white.

"Am I right or am I right?" Okibi asked the party, fisting her hands on her hips.

Takahashi Aki · Oct 17, 2013

Sousuke held his face in his hands. Yes. A primate was a pet. The young Steward slowly shook his head and raised his head from his hands. "I should enact a bylaw, but then again if that monkey is from the realm of summoned creatures there isn't much I can do. I cannot bind contracted entities to proper law." Sousuke sported on his right ear, a silver earring. The Steward wasn't known for wearing jewelry, but he was awarded the silver earring for being such an excellent host to ... a group of truly extraordinary individuals. The Steward was sitting on the stairs to his household. "Though I suppose ... with the exception of the lump of coal, you are right. Granted the mechanical cat requires a properly charged wild power core ... but ... those don't come very often." Sousuke spoke and as he finished trusty Kitchenzilla marched in and leaned forward slightly to receive a pat on the lower part of her jaw. Kitchenzilla let out a few woofs expressing a certain content.

The Steward's ward has certainly grown, and here she was at eighteen. It only seemed like yesterday he found her at the Maw of Barynx. While Okibi was growing to be a proper young girl, Sousuke had changed very little. Granted he had a cross scar on the left side of his face, very little had changed. Sousuke gained little weight, and even then it was some muscle mass, but it wasn't very noticeable. Okibi on the other hand had changed greatly. Her hair had changed, three times? Sousuke's hair simply did not change. Sousuke didn't really show any signs of aging, he just stayed the same with the exception of a few 'accessories'. The Steward's gaze shifted from his ward, to his mother who was gaining more and more grey hairs. The Steward was very confident that his mother was using some sort of technique to slow her aging process, that or she was using some sort of anti-aging cream. Sousuke couldn't locate the item in question, but when he did ... well it would be safe to say that it would be thoroughly investigated. Then finally there was Tama, who was ... close in age to Okibi, but appearance wise he looked older than the Steward. It was a very strange . The Steward was still trying to figure out that mystery. All pointed to grey areas that caused the Steward to brood heavily.

"People wanna be different you know?" Chiyoko chimed in. "People want to be noticed, like a certain jerk-face elder of the Uchiha clan. I bet he has like ten monkeys, maybe they've got wings and long fingernails. It's not like he's an evil mastermind at all..."

"Mother I don't think there is a species of monkey that flies." Sousuke interjected by Okibi got any ideas, or Tama for that matter. Sousuke heavily respected Tama, but didn't want to get stuck having to stab said flying monkey hybrid monster in the face repeatedly with the ebon blade because Tama decided to give it the intelligence of something ... higher and dangerous. "Right so... where is that we wanted to go to dinner? I called five different places, and they all proceeded to demand my patronage at no cost because they wanted to use it as a selling point, I suppose. I could order in too, or cook your favourite soup."

Toraono Michino · Oct 17, 2013

Tama was surprised when he got the invite, but given light to some of his more recent events with the Stewards daughter it was all quite relevant really.

The genius dressed in something that looked nice and casual at the same time which was something a feat for the scientist who was known for dressing in what was basically pajamas pants, t-shirt, a lab coat and flip flops; and yes he tended to go everywhere looking like that. Tonight, however, he decided to try on something that had a little more flare to it and not so…just rolled out of bed look. His hair had grown out a lot more too and was pulled back into a single low-hanging ponytail. On his left wrist he wore some wooden prayer beads that had had special runes of his dead clan imprinted on each bead. They were supposed to be separate special prayers that only those who followed the Paladin-like code of the Holy; which he never really followed but, it looked nice with his suit. After he found out that he didn’t need to channel the direct power of his ancestor through his body, which was the cause of his aging problem, the Ryuu dropped what was left of his religion to go and find his own way through the world.

He was almost as powerful as one of the Seven now, and taught himself techniques that had been long lost to his clan such as the ability channel and use Nature Energy in replace of their own chakra.

The scientist listened to Okibi talk about monkeys and her disdain towards the primates followed shortly by the Steward and his mother chime in their opinions on the creatures. Instead of taking his mind down the curiosity road that Sousuke feared he would, Tama simply increased his walking pace a little more to get beside Okibi.
“Not to mention their love for flinging…stuff. Not that my half-robot cat is that much of an upgrade,” he said with a coy look over at the Steward, as if to say with his face ‘that’s right, cyborg cat before finishing his reasoning, “Felix can be just as long winded, if not more so sometimes, than me and Sousuke put together.”

This was somewhat true. Whenever Tama asked the cat to read off to him from one of his books the cat at a tendency to drone on in the most monotonous voice he could think of; he was pretty sure he did this on purpose too.
Yet this was the last thing the blonde really had on his mind as he cunningly moved his hand to trace a finger across the back of Okibi’s flesh hand and give her a coy look that hopefully the Steward would either not see or just try to ignore; he was really hoping for the latter after that fiasco the other week.

“I think I’m actually dressed for a sit-and-dine really if you ask for my opinion, and I’m not so…certain on you cooking either Sousuke. I think between you and Okibi there isn’t enough kitchens, or at least ovens, to create a full meal fit for a birthday.” he of course finished his sentence with a playful smirk at the girl as he moved the hand furthest away from her into his pocket should she feel daring enough to hold it.

He also briefly wondered if they were going to mess with Sousuke too, but wasn’t so sure of that since Chiyoko was there who was someone he actually didn’t know outside of what he was told.

Okibi · Oct 17, 2013

The moment flying monkey's were theorized, Okibi's face fell into a very marked scowl. Those nasty creatures were bad enough being able to climb trees, but being able to fly on top of that? Augh. Thatd be one of her worst nightmares come to life. It had been harrowing enough to be faced by an army of green skinned baboons that one time; they practically could fly through the trees. As soon as she figured out how, she was going to go back to that area of the forest and-

Okibi's genocidal thoughts werent brought to an abrupt halt when a sly touch to her left hand jarred her. She glanced down and saw Tama's hand hovering above her own, tracing a finger over her skin. A shiver raced up her arm, down her spine and back up again and she looked up into Tama's coy smile. Did he realize just what he was getting himself into? Surely he didnt think she was going to behave herself just because half her family was with them?

However, she was sidetracked from any thoughts of retaliation when he mentioned his cat, and it's tendency to talk more than he and Sousuke put together. That scowl returned to her face when she imagined the prospect. "Remind me not to engage Felix in any lengthy conversations any time soon." She moaned. Then, without warning, she grabbed Tama's hand and pulled it over her shoulders. She sidled up close to him, tucking herself in under his arm with a smile. Okibi looked all innocence as her left arm came in low, gliding up casually over Tama's backside, which she gave a very quick squeeze, before slipping around his waist.

You'd never know she'd just groped the golden haired young man by the look on her face. Sly, wasnt she?

"What if someone made a flying robot monkey-cat? That would be something. It would be horrible, but certainly some . . . thing." Her voice trailed off and her mind emptied of thoughts of flying robot monkeys. As Sousuke, Tama and Chiyoko discussed where to eat, Okibi came to a halt again as her gaze was pulled towards a side street that would take them on a detour should they take it. She didnt know why but Okibi felt herself being . . . compelled to go down that way.

She let her arm fall away from Tama's waist and pulled herself out from under his arm. Her brows scrunched up thoughtfully as she considered the side road. It would take them longer to get to the restaurant district but . . . She'd learned long ago to listen to her instinct, and they were telling her to go that way. "Let's go this way." She said loud as she laced her left hand with Tama's right and started pulling him towards the street that called to her. What would she find when she went down it she wondered.

She hadnt dragged Tama more than a dozen feet down the road when she was assaulted by smells and sounds that brought her up short. Just like many other homes in the housing district, there were many families spending time together in their front yards down this street as well. However, there was one that instantly caught her eye, as well as the rest of her sense. There was a sign stuck into the earth in front of a small fenced in area, and it read "Puppies for Sale - 6 Week Old White Dobies" in big bold letters. From where they were, Okibi could see numerous little white bodies wiggling around in the makeshift pen, and a squeal cut loose from her mouth without permission.

"PUPPIES!" She screeched, letting go of Tama's hand and making a beeline for the yard. Her feet were bare, like always; you couldnt get her to wear shoes to save your life after all. When she reached the small fence, she bunched up her skirt and wedged it between her thighs so it wouldnt get dirty when she knelt on the ground. She yipped and growled at the puppies to get their attention, and when they heard her speaking their language - though they werent very proficient yet - they came at her in one big herd. Okibi laughed and crooned as all the yapping little beasts stood up on the stubby hind legs, trying to get closer to her. "New friend!" some of them barked in their limited canine tongue. "Play!" yipped others.

She noticed that they all had docked tails and floppy ears. The sight of those wagging little nubs brought to mind the memory of a certain canine whom she missed desperately. Her smile became just a little sad.

"You're wearing a dress. Miracle of miracles."

Okibi blinked and looked up, searching for whoever it was that'd just spoken to her. Her red and pink gaze landed on the owner of the puppies and she looked at him questioningly. "Sorry did you say something?" She asked. The guy rose an eyebrow at her and shook his head. No, it hadnt been him. Okibi frowned.

"Hey, I know I'm a lot smaller now, but I'm not invisible. I'm right here."

It was then that Okibi realized it wasnt someone actually talking to her that she heard, but someone barking at her in a very high pitch. Her eyes quickly scanned the pen; she didnt recognize the voice, but it was somehow . . . familiar.

And then she saw him, sitting at the far end of the fenced off area, calm as could be as compared to the rest of the puppies. His wide blue eyes bore into hers, and although he looked nothing like what she knew he was supposed to look like, she instantly knew him. Something in her heart clicked, starting up a piece of it that had stopped those many months ago when she'd lost him. Time came to a screeching halt as tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the vision of the white furred, blue eyed, floppy eared puppy who was both a stranger, and the most familiar face in the world.

Words were lost to her, and this only seemed to amuse the pup. "You look different, but I guess I'm not one to talk, am I?"

Okibi's mouth dropped open, and all she could do was gasp.

(Just a reminder, italics are canine speak!)

Takahashi Aki · Oct 17, 2013

The Steward merely stared at Tama as he spoke of his cat. A talking cat with machine parts. The Steward for a moment felt slightly inferior. What followed next made Sousuke feel perhaps even worse. The 'jab' at his cooking. Then to make things even better he and Okibi began getting touchy feely. The Steward during this entire time of hugs, and hand holding said absolutely nothing. Perhaps even worse was the fact that he wasn't even blinking. His expression was completely deadpanned.

Chiyoko watched him slow down a bit so as to fall back from the rest of the group. "Oh that's not good." She spoke lowly as she turned her head. "I except him to take out a rubix cube, and be not quite capable of talking for some time. He gets like this from time to time ... he's been quite good for some time. He hasn't had a moment like this since his cousin Shiori placed gum on the communications circuit board, which he was trying to clean up from a previous gumball she stuck on." Chiyoko explained. Chiyoko understood what was going on between Okibi and Tama. In fact she understood it better than her son ever could. A grin came across the Masashi's face. "Don't make me separate you two. It's healthy but take it a tad more slowly. Sousuke talks about Tama from time to time about how brilliant he is, but I didn't expect him to be older. I don't recall seeing you at any of the school gatherings. You didn't pick any fights with him as a kid did you? No offense of course, but Sousuke didn't quite grow up having friends. He ... oftentimes got pulled into fights, and most of those times he didn't win. I had heard he had a few nasty scuffles in the past few months with some old 'aquaintances', one of 'em was trying to rob a bank and he dropped a chandelier on her."

Soon enough Sousuke took out the rubix cube and his attention was solely focused upon that. Today he wore a very nice pair of jeans that unlike the youth of today was not ripped. He wore a black shirt with a symbol emblazoned upon it representing some hero from some fictional universe. Said hero didn't look quite heroic though, rather he looked more frightening really given the sharp white eyes and the fangs. Sousuke held in one hand the rubix cube and in the other he had a red jacket which he placed on. This was somewhat unbecoming of the Steward who usually was in his lab coat. With one swift motion he was in his jacket and still playing with the cube. One moment it was completed, the next it being undone, and reworked.

Chiyoko's face twisted into a sort of frown. She kept up with Okibi and Tama to more or less explain things. "I'm sort of angry with Judori not being able to come but I thought it would be best to keep my mother out of this seeing as what she did to you guys. That and ... ... ... she's playing cards. It's quite difficult to get her away from her cards, especially when it's with members of her old rival divisions."

Sousuke still trailed behind as he continued to work on the rubix cube. He still hadn't said a word yet. He was keeping up of course, but he was completely self absorbed with the device. When Okibi ran off, he even sped up his walking pace and followed her to the sight of the puppy sale. Chiyoko looked down upon the mass of little ones trotting about. She noticed Okibi getting emotional. "Did you want that one?" She pointed to the one in the corner who ironically was having a conversation with Okibi. "Aww what a doll he is. C'mere boy." Chiyoko made motion to reach out to him. "Do they have names yet?" she inquired the owner of the litter.

Toraono Michino · Oct 18, 2013

Tama squeaked a little when he felt the Wild Child’s hand grope his rear but then chuckled right after before holding her as close as he could without making walking awkward.

He didn’t know about anyone else but he was already having a grand time just walking down the streets with Okibi next to him. Being in her presence alone just brightened his day, but now he was in the company of Sousuke – who was like a hero to Tama – and the Steward’s mother whom he had never met but already liked from her comments on flying monkeys. It really seemed like it was just going to be a perfect day to him, or at least he was going to try and keep it that way for the white-hair girl next to him.

You only turn eighteen once.

It was then that Masashi stepped up her pace to get up to a stronger talking distance between her and the couple as the Kazekage began to lag back a little in an odd state of over-brooding depression. Tama was really only try to poke fun at both Sousuke and Okibi when it came to the cooking business and making mention of his cyborg cat came with the hope that it would ignite the spark of rivalry inside the Steward. Sadly he was still stuck in a certain shell that made it hard for him to react like normal people towards certain topics and actions.
Not that the blond even noticed until Masashi started speaking to the couple. He craned his head back to look at his hero playing with a rubix cube that held a face he wasn’t sure he liked. It wasn’t enough to make him want to let go of the girl next to him but, it was enough to make him feel sorry for the man.

“I’m…a bit of an enigma, but the reason I look older is due to a certain curse of power I had to deal with ages twelve through seventeen. I’m actually the exact same age as Okibi and we even went to the Academy together – hell, we were partnered up for our Genin exam too. I happened to have the misfortune or devastating luck, I’m not sure which yet, to have come across a living Ancient when I was twelve. He tapped a deep well of power inside of me that I wouldn’t have been able to reach even if I spent my entire life training to get there. The effects were that I was able to channel the power of my ancestor, who was one of the Holy Seven in my clan, and it made me extremely powerful…however…” Tama breathed in deep and sighed, “It was also the cause of some very dark things I had to endure during that time as well. It caused my mother to be murdered by a street gang, which caused me to go on a rampage, which in turn caused the holy powers to turn on me and begin pumping in energy into my body despite if I had it activated or not. The side-effect of that was that it literally caused my body to age though my mind stayed pretty much at the same mental state. A lot of people didn’t even notice because I always acted like I was four years older than I really was anyways.
“Learning to control it was a different matter all together. I would of gone down a very deep and dark path had not Okibi hear kicked down my door and talked some damn sense into me right before she disappeared for a year. She had always been a good friend of mine but at that time she became the shoulders to which I shared my burden with the loss of my mother, the dumbfoundness of not being able to figure out how to stop aging so fast, and the haunting voices of my victims. Funny, it is, that the cure for my problem came not from me but from a doctor who was trying to weaken me so he could continue stealing my work.”

The scientist looked back over his shoulder again after explaining himself to Sousuke’s mother at the Steward who was lagging behind and began to ask how long it would be before he would snap out of it when he felt his arm being dragged down another path. He almost tripped and fell over his own feet as Okibi took his hand and pulled him down towards another row of houses in the Sunan Cave.
His hand began to naturally absorb some of the girl’s chakra and the Inuzuka senses became shared between the two. Instantly he was distracted not by her but by the loads of interesting smells that assaulted him, each telling its own story in ways he would not be able to fathom just by having a regular nose.
The feeling came to sudden halt though when Okibi let go of his hand and went squealing over to a bunch of puppies. He smiled a little at her reaction and slowly began to walk up to where she was, his bi-colored eyes scanning the cute canine pups as they all crowded to the edge of the box for attention. Well, all but one, and that one quickly got the Wild Child’s undivided attention for a reason he couldn’t have known unless he was directly touching her flesh. The genius was able to figure out easily that there was something special about the little one as it directly yipped and growled at her in a fashion that he recognized her doing when she spoke to animals. The Beast Tongue he believed it was called.

However when tears began to well up in her eyes the blond was quick to get beside her to wonder what was wrong. Though all he had to go on was her jaw-drop and her eyes staring directly at the lone pup. His eyes went back and forth between the two trying to figure out what it was that was off when Masashi offered to buy the canine for her. Silently he wondered if that was even possible for a person like Okibi who was so attached to Seven.

Okibi · Oct 18, 2013

Okibi scarcely noticed when her family joined her by the puppy pen; she had eyes only for the miniature dog in front of her. Even when she sensed Tama kneel down beside her, his scent teeming with confusion and worry, no doubt because she was very nearly having an emotional breakdown for no apparent reason, even then she could not bring herself to look away from the puppy.

She feared he would disappear if she did.

Was this a dream? Would she wake up only to find she had been dreaming fruitlessly, again, that Seven had come back to her from the dead?

Such idea's flew out of her mind like smoke in the wind when Okibi saw Chiyoko approaching the puppy that spoke to her. Before she actually realized what was happening, Okibi launched out of her squat, sending the earth that'd been under her feet flying into the air. A threatening snarl ripped from her throat as she lunged at the puppy, scooping him up into her arms and darting away before the woman could grab him. Irrationality was the child born of Okibi's confusion, elation, fear and hope. Even if this was just a dream, she was damn well going to enjoy it for as long as she could, and no one else was going to take Seven away from her!

"Dont touch him!" Okibi snarled, facing the woman who was much like the mother she'd never had. What was wrong with her? A part of her wondered. How dare she bear her fangs at the woman who'd taken her into her home when she was nothing more than a wild urchin?

But the irrational part that feared losing the other half of her soul again was much bigger.

And then she felt the feather light touch of a padde paw on her cheek, and the snarl on her lips fell away as her misty eyes fell down upon the pup in her arms. He was looking up at her with his big blue eyes, his small brow furrowed with censure. "Stop that. Miss Chiyoko doesn't deserve your anger Okibi."

It was the sound of her name coming from his little mouth that finally did it. Tears spilled over her cheeks as Okibi fell to her knees in the grass, bringing him up to eye level so she could really look at him. She gasped for air, desperately trying to fill her lungs so she could speak properly. "Is it real-really you?" She hiccuped, holding him up nose to nose. The pups ears fell back, affected by the jumble of emotions he sensed coming from the girl. With what could only be called a reassuring, high pitched rumble, he leaned forward and licked the tears from her face.

"Yes, it's me. Who else would I be?"

Okibi's face twisted up and she pulled him to her shoulder, nuzzling the side of his face and neck as more tears leaked out. Seven whined as he let his own joy finally show, evidenced by his inability to stay still in her hold. He wiggled and rolled, trying to get at her face again so he could rain it with doggy kisses. Okibi held him all the tighter, burying her face in his short, soft white fur; it was so different from the coarse black stuff he used to be clothed in. "You came back. You came back to me." She whispered harshly, voice so thick with emotion that it was barely discernable.

A doggish smile widened over the puppy's maw as he buried his snout in her hair, breathing deep the scent of his human. "I'll always come back to you Little One, no matter where I go."

Damn, why did he have to be so good with words? He was a puppy for Sands sake! Why did he still talk like he was the wisest creature in the world!?

Okibi sat back and tried to reign in her fraying emotions, sniffing up the moisture that wanted to escape her nose. She took a few deep breaths, and although the tears didnt stop coming, her face finally split with the biggest smile she'd mustered to date. She brought Seven back up to eye level and let him lick at her face and nose, laughing softly, before turning back to her family and Tama. She offered them, especially Chiyoko, an apologetic smile as she stood up and turned the pup around in her arms so he could see them too. She sniffled once more and wiped her nose before addressing them.

"Guys . . . Seven came back to me."

Takahashi Aki · Oct 19, 2013

Chiyoko listened well to what Tama said. In a way it was refreshing to know that she wasn't the only one with problems in the world. "I was mainly raised by my grandmother since my own dear old mother was off fighting in war. I didn't know my father, and he died before I was born. Suna knows no shortage of orphans, but I spent quite a bit of time with the Lady Azame. We were ... ah ... well not quite school friends, but we grew up together. She still has a few years on me... but hey my childhood was alright." Chiyoko sort of wanted to give Tama a hug because she felt sorry for him, but he had to contend with Okibi. "So I see you weren't the only one to have a bad experience with doctors. I had a somewhat similar situation before I had Sousuke, he was trying to sort of ... become a demonic infested entity with Uchiha eyes. He made a lovely pile of ash I'll have you know."

What happened next in the few short seconds cause Chiyoko to freeze. For a moment Chiyoko's eyes went completely blue with the sharinghan marks within as she was taken offguard. The Masashi didn't do anything, she merely kept still, her eyes were not glaring back merely observing. Her eyes shifted from Okibi to the puppy. "Alright." She simply said quietly, her eyes though still blue within blue. Something was amiss as she watched Okibi and the puppy have a tender moment of sorts. "Huh? What do you--"

"Reincarnation mother. Seventh realm incarnate and rebirth. Sage Khan's writing in the book an Age of Return, chapter six." Sousuke spoke as he continued to toy with the rubix cube as he still kept his distance. He continued to brood over things, and while the rubix cube had his attention he was toying with invisible numbers.

Chiyoko rolled her eyes. As if she knew what "Riiight. So... this little pup? Did he possess the pup or something or...?"

"No. He most likely ran the cycle of what Sage Khan called the purification of the soul, and I would think that given his run of life Number Seven was a very pure being and thus his time to return was quickly processed." The Steward then pocketed the rubix cube and approached the group. "Welcome back Number Seven. You have been sorely missed." The cold and calculated voice maintained itself, but the Steward's lips twisted into a small smile of sorts. Usually when the Steward made a face, with the exception of frown, it looked like his face would break. This was not the case here. The Steward's eyes widened for a moment. For some reason or another he expected some sort of deformity to more or less qualify this puppy as Number Seven. "Most curious. A white doberman. Irony in the extreme. I suspect that you took a fright when you could open your eyes and found yourself in the opposite fur colour. More importantly I can now have someone keep an extra pair of eyes on Okibi..."

Toraono Michino · Oct 19, 2013

In the months since the girl’s return he hadn’t seen her lash out so violently against anyone. When she was younger this was somewhat commonplace but the anger directed was almost comical; this had an actual edge to it.
Instantly Tama was thrown from his crouched position to his rear as he raised his hands out of reflex and created a barrier jutsu without forming any hand-seals that surrounded himself and Masashi who was closest. He wasn’t sure where Okibi was focusing her sudden burst of anger at but he was going to at least try to keep everyone in defense until they could talk her down.
Then just as suddenly as the anger was there, it was gone. If he still had the ability to sense as the Inuzuka did then the blond would have easily known what was going on. From facial expressions she seemed confused, joyous, and scared all at the same time just from looking at this puppy that continued to speak to her in their own special language. As he listened to Okibi’s replies Tama felt his heart beginning to increase in speed. Who could of returned in the form of a puppy?

Then she spoke to them of what was going on. He was almost certain that his heart stopped for at least a second.
Tama’s right hand raised up slowly and covered his mouth as the barrier dropped back into the ground. His own eyes welled up a little as his good memories of the canine companion came rushing back to him. He had the greatest respect for Seven on so many levels and was devastated to find out that the giant canine had been killed in Okibi’s hellish year away from Suna. To know that he had still managed to find a way through the Other Realms in order to return to Okibi only struck the blond as even more amazing.
He didn’t even question the reincarnation. There was plenty of that in his own religion depending on which clan you were part of and recorded documents of it actually occurring but never before to the extent of being able to carry one life into the next. Perhaps it was because he was of a different species that had a greater understanding of the cycle of life and death, perhaps it was just a sheer miracle; the scientist for once in his life didn’t question it.

Okibi · Oct 19, 2013

Okibi just saw the remnants of Tama's shield come down, and coudnt helping chuckling a little at his expense. Apparently she'd startled him more than anybody with her outburst. She'd have to apologize properly.

But for the moment, she had a puppy to reacquaint herself with, and by the looks of things, play translator for as well. When Sousuke approached, greeting puppy Seven and spouting a theory about how he came back as a puppy, Okibi grinned and looked down. "Is that how it happened? You skip in line or something, Puppy Seven?"

The mini dog looked up and made a face at the prefix she'd put on his name. "I may look like this, but I aint no puppy." He growled, making Okibi raise an eyebrow. Did he just use the word 'aint'? He never used broken language like that unless he was woken from his sleep - and that was never good. Turning back around, Seven took on a thoughtful look. "And I dont know how it happened. I just opened my eyes a few weeks ago and knew who I was. Took you long enough to find me."

Okibi's other eyebrow rose to meet the other. Did this new Number Seven have a few new personality quirks? He'd just used broken language and got a little condescending. The possibilities made Okibi grin wider.

Seven Sousuke something of a salute, raising his paw and then dropping it again. "Good to see you too Sousuke. You haven't changed a bit. I like that ear ring though. Where'd you get it?" Okibi translated for him, keeping things in first person. The pup then drew his gaze to Chiyoko who was still standing a small ways off. "Miss Chiyoko! You're still as lovely as ever!" Making a face, Okibi translated that as well.

And while Sousuke and Chiyoko took some time to greet and refamiliarize themselves with the dog turned puppy, Okibi looked at Tama and held her left hand out to him, wanting him to take it. She gave him a slightly bashful smile, looking only the smallest bit contrite about scaring him onto his backside. "I'm sorry if I scared you. I was just . . . afraid someone would take him from me again."

Hearing her speak, Seven looked up and Okibi, and then at Tama. He couldnt help noticing the way she spoke to him, differently than the way she spoke to anyone else. There was a sort of quality to her tone when she looked at him. He couldnt quite place it, but it made him wonder just who the large fellow was. His large puppy nose rose into the air and sniffed, taking in the scent of the stranger. His blue eyes bugged out of his head just a little.

"Tama? Is that Tama?" He yipped. "Went through quite a growth spurt didnt he?" His eyes trailed down over Tama, looking over the changes that had happened to the boy he remembered as being scrawny and malnourished. Certainly wasnt the case anymore. His gaze stopped on the (OOC: Im assuming) joined hands, and he looked baffled for a second. Then a knowing, doggy grin split his maw in half as he looked up and between the two. So when did this happen? Was I away that long? Have you taken a mate since I've been gone, Okibi?"

Up until then Okibi had been translating for Seven, but the moment he noticed her and Tama's . . . 'relationship', she clammed up and turned a few shades of red. Normally, such a question would not have bothered her. Had anyone else asked, she would have bluntly told them that 'Yes', she had and she enjoyed re-taking him every night - just to toy with Tama, of course. But when Seven asked her? Well, she damn well felt like the earth had fallen out from under her. She couldnt tell him a lie, even if it was just a little one. He would know, for one thing, and for another . . . she just didnt want to lie to him. She was compelled to tell him the truth.

Blinking furiously, Okibi tried to get her blush under control as she looked from Puppy Seven, then up at Tama nervously from the side of her eye. She shifted from foot to foot and adjusted her hold on Tama's hand. Shoot, was her hand getting sweaty? She cleared her throat, and used beast speech to reply to him. "I-I don't know about that . . . not yet, anyway." Then her gaze shifted to Tama again, and stayed there. Seven rose a doggy eyebrow, and he didnt miss the way the light in her eyes shifted, taking on that kind of glow that he couldnt place again. Obviously, Tama was something special to her, if not a mate . . . yet. His knowing grin widened as he looked up at Tama. "I'll be trusting her to your care, Tama. Treat her gently now. I can still smell her inexperience. Okibi, translate."

Okibi's face exploded with more color. Why was it that a mere puppy could bring out the sides of her that practically no one else could so easily? Damn him! "I am not telling him that!" She whispered loudly. Growling a little, she shoved Seven towards Chiyoko. "Here, you take him Chichi. He's being a big . . . big dummy!" And she hid her face in Tama's shoulder.

Ah, it was like they'd never been apart. Seven laughed doggishly.

Takahashi Aki · Oct 19, 2013

Chiyoko held Number Seven and tapped him playfully on the nose."Who's a cute little fuzzy-wuzzy? Who's is? You are. Yes you are! Yeeeeeees." The woman scratched his ears and rocked him in her arms. "And yes I like to keep myself lovely, thank-you for noticing... but you know what you need? Do you? Doooo yoooouuu?" she spoke as she continued to speak to the canine with baby-talk. She held out her hand and summoned a blue bow. "A blue bow. Oh yes. You're going to be such a handsome Number Seven. Yeeees. Handsome for ransom." You would have never thought Chiyoko didn't initally like Number Seven when he first came to Suna. Back then he was a big slightly metallic frightful beast. Now though? He was just a puppy. A very small, very cute puppy. Chiyoko seemed to be taking full advantage of the small part as she placed the bow on him. In another swift action she made the purchase of the puppy. "Does Number Seven want a play mate? Does he want a freeeeiiieeennnddd? Does he want a buddy? I can summon a pretty pink bow to match with your blue one! Would you like a friend? I think you need one. Maybe we should invite Felix over and I can summon a bow for him too! Yes! Yes I can! Teehee." For a moment Chiyoko would glance at Tama and Tama would find that a certain suggestion was entering his mind by force - that he should bring Felx to the Takahashi household and soon. The power of hypnotic suggestion was ... indeed quite persuasive.

Sousuke interjected. "Mother... Kitchy will be most pleased he is back and I'm sure--" He watched as his mother ignored him and looked down into the pen of puppies trying to find a companion. Sousuke's brow furrowed. Cleary his mother sought to find a flesh companion for Number Seven. The Steward shook his head. "Right... and yes I haven't changed much. I'm not sure if that is optimal or not. The earring was a gift from a pair of twins. I hosted a dinner of sorts. It was ... extraordinary as I had hosted to a Warrior Giant, A Wolf Princess, twin vertically challenged, a Shadow Priest ... and the last person I'm not going to talk about." During this time Chiyoko was holding Number Seven and petting him. She looked quite smug about the whole thing. "Yes?"

"When we get home you're going to build Number Seven his own little dog house, and it's going to have its own bath, and other various functions. I'm not going to let this opportunity slip by." The Masashi had a sort of wild grin on her face.

"Uhh..." Sousuke would be given pause. His mother did frighten him from time to time.

(MFT: WC 469)

Toraono Michino · Oct 20, 2013

For the first time in his life, instead of things escalating into pandalerium (and yes, I’m pretty sure I just made up that word), the situation calmed back down.

The level of emotion was still quite high and thick in the air but at least the tension was finally broke as Okibi began to translate for the pup. He chuckled a little and smiled at the reformed dynamic duo and felt his heart start to calm itself back down again.
Or at least for a second it did.
As soon as everyone else was distracted with the puppy the Wild Child targeted Tama out the group and sheepishly scooted closer to him and offered a hand of peace. The blonde’s larger hand slowly raised up and slipped his fingers into her palm before turning a little to intertwine their fingers as his heart began to crank back up.
Her voice calm and bashful, her skin smooth and warm, her life radiant and excrescent; all the things about her that he had quickly began to love were the things that now calmed his worries. She had somehow managed to break most of the fear he had over women and their touch so far though it still didn’t take much ‘teasing’ to get him worked up to the point of nearly blacking out; he was unimaginably bashful.
“Of course, I understand now,” he said gently as he pulled on her hand a little to scoot her a little closer, “It’s really amazing though! Seven is back!” he said excitedly with a goofy grin. He was just as hyper about the whole situation as Okibi was but for a few different reasons. For one it meant that he had come across a creature that had re-entered his life through reincarnation which meant he had someone to actually study regarding that subject; he wanted to see just how much memory the spiritual re-awakening restored. Most importantly, out of all of his lists of other reasons, was that it meant whatever hole that was burrowed into Okibi’s heart was no longer there. He saw it as a complete return to Sunagakure and her life.

Of course then the oddest thing happened. He began to hear Seven’s voice, which he recognized despite the new pitch, and knew that something wasn’t right about that.
Oh yeah, he didn’t know how to speak Common yet if Okibi was translating.
The scientist turned his head towards the pup who was now poking at Okibi and her display of affection for the blond whose hand she was holding. The other senses of the Inuzuka began to trickle into the Chakra Specialist’s coil as his flesh naturally absorbed some of the girl’s chakra and replicated it inside of his body so long as he was touching her. If he willed it he could completely steal those powers for a few minutes but it wasn’t exactly that felt pleasant to the person he was stealing from and would never consciously try to do such a thing.

Still, being able to see the world through Okibi’s senses was something that was amazing.

Once he got over the rush of extra sensitive senses he realized exactly what Okibi and Seven were talking about and felt the red of embarrassment rush up through his face simply because Sousuke, who was still quite very much his hero, was there and, you know Okibi was basically his daughter. You didn’t just go around flaunting that you were dating a man’s daughter, which was why he was trying to keep the PDA down to a minimal; which was next to impossible with her.
“T-treat her gently?” Tama spoke to the puppy in the exact same language he had been using as Okibi’s chakra tickled his tongue, “Of course I will, sir,” he responded once he got certain other thoughts out of his head that Seven probably was trying to tease her with, but Tama was going to try and cut short.
Teasing her was his unsuccessful job.

The scientist felt Okibi bury her face in his large shoulder and his heart began to beat a little faster from the close contact in front of people/animals he had a lot of respect for, but he was still able to wrap his arms around her small frame and let her calm her raising blood pressure until the red was gone enough to eat.
In order to try and distract himself a little from the snow-hair girl hiding in his shoulder he looked up at Chiyoko and Seven just in time to see those dreadful Uchiha eyes bore into his soul and implanted an idea there to bring over Felix. It wasn’t a bad idea after all considering it would allow Sousuke to study the cat and Tama could actually strike up a conversation about that dojutsu. Speaking with the Uchiha about the Sharingan was something of a hobby of his, always trying to see how much he could get out of them to prove his theories about the dojutsu correct, (it was something he studied a lot on when he was in the Academy).
“Yeah, I can bring Felix over,” Tama said almost monotonously, “I think, however, we should look into that food thing again. You know with Seven here we could actually go back to someone’s house and I can cook something. I’d even welcome help so long as there is nothing explosive in the kitchen…Mam, I think your place would be best,” he said directing his own form of imprint at Chiyoko in the form of, ‘Hey, now you could possibly get everyone you wanted to come to come.’ Not so much as chakra imprinting as it was just simple mental trickery as he wasn’t sure how they were going to bring in a puppy into any of the restaurants.

[MFT]

Okibi · Oct 20, 2013

When Okibi had foisted him off on Chiyoko, Seven didnt think much about it. Although they had just been reunited, it really didnt feel like they had been apart at all. It was like butter, and thats how a good friendship is supposed to be right? No matter how long or how far apart two persons might be, when they come back together, things just click.

However, something else clicked when Chiyoko started talking to him like he were, well, a baby. At first, Seven wasnt sure just what to do with himself, and it showed in the way his big floppy ears fell back. Seeing the woman so . . . oddly exuberant and affectionate was very, very strange for him. Last he saw her, she was still barely tolerant of his presence. Now she was cooing and putting bows on him? Had the world turned upside down?

"Um, thats ok Miss Chiyoko, I dont need a . . . a friend." Seven yipped at the woman when she bent over the pen, looking at the other puppies. However, when it looked like Okibi was too preoccupied to translate for him, he crossed his little paws in front of him and shook his knobby head negatively.

But then he became distracted by something else; Tama speaking to him in beast tongue. His blue eyes widened as he turned them on the fully grown (although he was pretty certain he wasnt older than Okibi . . .) blond haired man. "Did you just . . .?"

Okibi, on her part, looked equally as floored. She pulled her face away from Tama's shoulder, cheeks now only a pretty pink, her eyes wide. "How did you do that? When did learn to speak Beast?" She asked loudly. Then, she realized just what it was he had said to Seven, and her face lit up with color once more. Desperately, she hid her face again and laughed nervously. "Ahh, plague take me. Happy birthday to me I guess."

In an attempt to derail that certain topic of conversation - although she leaned up and whispered in Tama's ear about continuing that conversation later - Okibi hastily pulled away, though she kept her hand in Tama's. "I don't think we should go back home." She said resolutely, fisting her metal right hand. "I mean, I didnt put this silly pink dress on for nothing right?" Her gaze turned on Seven, who was still looking a little dumbstruck; between having a bow slapped on him and women making silly noises at him and the miraculous Tama speaking in tongues, Okibi didnt blame him. With a nod, she reached out for him and gave him a firm pat and rub on the head. When she pulled her hand away, the puppy disappeared in a poof of smoke.

When it cleared, there was no longer a pup lying in Chiyoko's arms, but a little boy of about five or six years, sporting shorts and a vest. His eyes were still blue, but his hair was (surprisingly) a messy black. The big blue bow still remained. Okibi looked surprised for a moment, and then grinned. "Ha, it worked. I half thought it wouldnt since youre still so young."

The puppy turned boy looked up from inspecting his new body, patting at his vest. "Yeah, no kidding." He said, and was surprised when actual human words and not yips and barks came out. "Well, whatd'ya know? I can talk in this form. Neat." Then his face twisted up and he turned an adorable scowl on Okibi, pointing at her. "And I already told you, I may look young but I still have almost all my memories. Spiritually, Im still way older than all'a you, besides Miss Chiyoko." That was when he looked up at the woman and smiled bashfully. "Uh, not that I mind being carried, but you can put me down now if I'm too heavy."

Okibi looked pleased with herself as she nodded and started off down the street, pulling Tama along. "Right, lets get this celebration started then shall we? It's still my birthday and I wanna eat out."

Seven came up short. "Wait, it's your birthday? How old are you now? How long was I gone exactly? Hey! If were going somewhere you could at least put me in proper clothing so I dont look like a beggar child!"

Okibi just grinned.

Takahashi Aki · Oct 22, 2013

Lil' Seven was swiftly and quickly handed over to Sousuke. While he did his best to convey that he didn't need a pet, Chiyoko did not listen. "Nonsense. Let's seeee hhhherrrreeee..." A grin would surface on Chiyoko's face as she heard Tama state that he would bring Felix over. "Exceeelllleeent." She would say in a slightly frightening manner. It wasn't grave the tone she took, it was sinister and that some sort of plan was coming together.

Sousuke was then handed the pre-school version of Number Seven and held the child. The Steward looked at Number seven with a most curious look. When he spoke, Sousuke's dark eyes widened. Usually Sousuke's eyes were hard to read. Despair, happiness, envy, these emotions were not visible in the Steward's eyes. Today though, Number Seven would see something different, perhaps it would be something horrifying as it was unseen before. He beheld ... a sort of wonder in Sousuke's eyes. A hint of it. Something was so minute, but so painfully obvious as it flickered in front of him like a candle. "Fascinating." Sousuke would merely state as he observed Number Seven. "I will miss your older form... the refined gentleman. Even though we are closer in age, I will admit I looked up to you ... literally and metaphorically, and you had experiences that I lacked as you had surface dealings, and many other items." Sousuke felt a weird tingly feeling. A sort of warmth. "Regardless..." Sousuke then proceeded to sit Number Seven upon his shoulders in a sort of piggy back formation. Why Sousuke did this was so that his arms would not tire out. Number Seven could be lost, and Sousuke would not have that. "Oh. To answer your query, you have been missing for six cycles, seven space integers, and forty-two nactides." He explained, "That works out to... one year, sixteen hours, forty-two minutes, and exactly... four seconds. That is from initial contact, not when you inquired."

Okibi then declared that they weren't done celebrating just yet. "Well then. Where do we want to go? We'll let the Princess decide! Vegetarian? Steak? Certainly not Ramen. Too cheap. Sushi perhaps?"

Toraono Michino · Oct 22, 2013

The scientist huffed a little at Okibi but nodded his head in agreement to talk about all this embarrassing stuff when other people weren’t around. Otherwise she’d end up turning into a tomato and Tama would black out again.

“Like I said, I’m an enigma,” he tried to explain to Okibi and Seven when they were both floored by his Beast Tongue translation. He didn’t want to openly admit to everyone how his secret abilities worked but it would be something else he was sure the girl hiding her face in his shoulder would bring up later.
Using Okibi’s pull when she stood the scientist gathered his feet under him and stood back up. He used his spare hand to brush off the dirt from his rear and found that his suggestion had been shot down.
Her comment about the dress was very astute.
His latter concern about the puppy was quickly fixed as well as she showed them all that the connection between the two had not faded at all and she was still able to meld their chakra together to create a humanoid form for Seven. It was quite amazing how the canine’s scent didn’t change at all when he was in that form as well though he couldn’t help but chuckle at his form.

With Sousuke hoisting the child on his shoulders and the couple in front they went off to go score some food. He did hope it was soon though as the scientist as actually starting to get pretty hungry and even ramen sounded delicious at the moment; despite his obvious love for meat.
“Well Okibi knows what I like,” he said with a sly wink at the girl holding his hand.

Okibi · Oct 22, 2013

Being handed off from one person to the next wasnt exactly what Seven had in mind when he'd asked to be put down, but at least when he was plopped in Sousuke's arms he didnt fear straining the mans arms. He blinked curiously when Sousuke spun into chit chat about nostalgia, and a strange sort of look entered his lifeless eyes that Seven hadnt seen before. Strange, had Sousuke learned to express emotion since he had been gone? Maybe it really had been quite a while...

Seven chuckled softly as he was put onto Sousuke's back for the walk to wherever it was Okibi chose to eat. He settled himself in and held on for the ride; it was a novel feeling, being the one given a ride rather than the one giving it. "I'll admit I kinda miss my old form too. Being small is bothersome. But I still have all my experiences." He poked at the side of Sousuke's head for emphasis. "So you dont have to worry about that. We can still wax about the surface if you want."

Seven then considered the amount of time that Sousuke informed him he was away for. He looked over the man's shoulder and at Okibi and Tama - she had just stepped closer to the boy turned man and looked like she was whispering something at him. He grinned slightly and nudged Sousuke. "So she's eighteen now. You know how long that's been going on?" Obviously he wanted deets about the teenagers relationship - had he picked up a little nosy streak too? Maybe.

At the front of the group Okibi pulled herself closer to Tama, pressing herself against his arm as she wound her right hand about his bicep. She looked up at him through her lashes, her smile taking on a devious tilt. With everyone else - Seven included - behind them and out of sight, she found it was much easier to be flirty with him. "You really need to stop saying those kinds of things when we're in public Tami." She whispered, letting go of his hand so she could trace the claws of her left hand over the inside of his forearm. "You know what it is that I like, and if you dont stop, I'm gonna end up dragging you off somewhere for some . . . alone time."

And then she pulled away, looking for all the world like she hadnt just suggested something provocative at all. They'd just entered the eatery district, or as some of the locals referred to it, Restaraunt Row. Smells of all kinds teased her senses and Okibi could hardly contain herself. Shoot, all the excitement on the way there had really worked up her appetite too. But there were so many different choices! So many different styles of food, so many different cultures, how was she supposed to choose just one!?

But then they walked by a place that seemed to be emitting all the smells of the Row. A conglomeration of scents attacked her as she turned towards the open doors of the large establishment, approaching the Host standing behind a wooden podium just outside the entrance. "What do you serve here?" Okibi asked the young man. He looked surprised for a moment, like he had never met someone who didnt know of their wares already. But he replaced it with a polite smile quickly enough and handed her a menu. "Well, we have just about anything you can think of here sweetheart. From grilled steak and lobster to pan fried noodles and everything in between." Then he leaned against his podium, giving her a look that wasnt at all professional. "And if you want something that isnt on the menu . . . we'd be happy to . . . special order it for you."

Okibi looked up from the menu, her face blank as she looked at the young Hosts face. He was handsome enough, but he smelled like he'd taken a bath in cologne. Standing near him was starting to give the poor girl a headache. Twisting her lips into a frown, she handed the menu back to him as she eyed his nametag. "Could you set us up with a table . . . Yoshi?" She asked, not even bothering to come up with a nickname for him. She could already tell she didnt like him. I mean really, was she not standing there holding onto the arm of another fella? Only blind men and the rude would have missed that.

Yoshi took back the menu with a slimy smile and looked over his list. He clicked his tongue as though he'd just learne something troubling. Turning back, he gave her an apologetic look - though whether it was real or not . . . "Sorry sweetheart, but its gonna be a fourty five minute wait. We're pretty packed right now." In truth, there were open tables at the back - Okibi could see them from where she was standing - and she could smell the deceit on the young man. His smile tilted up crookedly as he looked her up and down. "But uh, if you could help a brotha out . . . maybe I could help you too."

There was no missing the double entendre in his words. Okibi's eyes narrowed as the softest of growls started up in her throat and her hands tightened around Tama's arm. If someone didnt step in soon, she was likely to pounce on the poor lad, and not in a good way.

(Picture reference ahoy! Sleazy Host Guy Yoshi!)

Takahashi Aki · Oct 22, 2013

Sousuke snorted as Number Seven spoke about how being small was annoying. "You most likely will not require the use of a ladder when you get older. I on the other hand have a ladder in each and every cupboard. If I don't have one I usually call upon Kitchy to give me a boost, or if I'm at Kuro's dojo ... he helps out." Sousuke explained as the group continued to make their merry way. A small scene would occur between Okibi and Tama which was of some concern to Number Seven. He poked at Sousuke to get an explanation. Sousuke's response came in a low voiced answer. "Tama has been with her since the day she returned. I've been trying to keep an eye on her myself because you were absent. Unfortunately for all my eyes ... be they natural or artificial, or my various employees, or instruments ... I haven't been able to keep an eye on her that well. I'm somewhat annoyed at myself as I've pledged to become superior at ... all things." There was a pause, Sousuke's voice returned to its normal levels. "My grandmother proctored her exam. That was difficult. Very difficult... and very concerning."

"My mother." Chiyoko's brows furrowed. "Can't say I've always been fond of her." Chiyoko would add. She had just caught up with the group as she was delayed in making certain ... orders. Certain bundles of joy to come in due time. When the group stopped at the restraunt of Okibi's choice. Chiyoko's gaze shifted to Sousuke. "You've been here before? Not that you could normally afford to come here, but you were here on the generosity of Lord Akamichi Nobu? I remember you came home smelling that night of whisky, and ale. Not that you had drank any, but given Nobu's ... unsteady hands when drinking, you were drenched in it weren't you? He did give you a card to go see the cleaners which he owns on the side, job well done there." Sousuke was silent for a long time. He merely gaze his mother an annoyed look and nodded his head. "Right then. Let's not hope he's here tonight."

"No. Lord Nobu is at the Red Swan feasting on three orders of duck, three liters of imported Red Ale, and for dessert a bottle of '62 Brandy. He invited me, but I ... graciously escaped his offer. I think he wanted me to meet his niece." Sousuke spoke as he usually did a monotone voice. He went silent for a time and listened to Okibi's discussion with Yoshi. The Steward's eyes rolled. He picked up Number Seven and placed him down. "I'll return in just a moment." Sousuke marched himself up to Yoshi and gave the man a very bored look. "Has the generosity of this fine establish fallen into the triple negative digits since I was last here for my yearly review with Lord Akamichi Nobu? I recall having better service, and a very open table when I was last year one cycle, and four days ago. I believe you will find a reservation for a party of sixteen on Saturday evening at precisely six forty-five, the name is under Akamachi N. It is time once again for his annual chairmen dinner party, and I being a member am invited to this dinner. I suspect that Lord Nobu will have a review written in a week to go over what developments you have had here." Sousuke's eyes began to dart around the room and began to home in on particular flaws. "Soap smudge at table twelve, and the napkin is off center fold by six degrees. The butter knife at table twelve shows evidence of not being cleaned as I suspect there to be a breadcrumb on the finger edge. Your barman, an inexperienced hand at bar keeping as he is ... oh? I believe he is drinking his own share of alcohol... and failing to clean the glasses. Oh dear. Oh. Is that...? Oh I see now. Your wine list. Nothing older than the 82 Red Wiser. Lord Nobu won't like that. Oh my. No he won't." The Steward gave Yoshi a very brooding dreadful look. If the Steward had at all mastered any facial expression it was the brooding sort. The Steward's dark eyes narrowed. "Perhaps I, as an advisor to Lord Nobu should have him cancel his reservation for sixteen? Instead we should perhaps go to the Red Swan? I'm sure they would appreciate his ... patronage." A small pause would follow. "Oh. Yes. I forget myself sometimes. I tend to keep a low profile, but I'm sure you were present when Lord Nobu announced me last year ... in the form of a toast. I believe he said... 'here's to my success, here's to my secret weapon, the Steward, the one the only Takahashi Sousuke the third.' a thunderous applause followed ... and several champagne bottles were popped."

Toraono Michino · Oct 24, 2013

Wait, did that really just happen?

Tama laughed a little at Okibi’s comment though still that blush creeped right up into his face again at the very thought of what she was mentioning. He decided it was best now if he just kept his mouth shut since so far all it was doing was getting him into more trouble. He was very sure that the girl would do just that if it came to it without any shame at all, just to mess with him if nothing else happened. She knew exactly the things to do to really get in his head and scramble it, and was the first person ever to have done so.
Her body pressed against his arm, and her metal hand touching his chest in that knowing way was enough to get him going as it was.

Yet just as fast as she was flirting with him she pulled away with a mischievous glint in her eye and Tama could do little more than look at her with a grin. He couldn’t remember the last time he had this much fun going out with someone in public.
Hell for that matter he couldn’t remember the last time he had actually been out in public.

When they entered Restaurant Row the smells and flavors that assaulted Tama’s temporarily heightened senses was very overwhelming. Almost instantly he could taste every last single bit of food that was cooked or being cooked all at once and his appetite increased three fold. He had to swallow down the extra saliva that was threatening to overflow out of his mouth.
It, thankfully, didn’t take long for the birthday girl to decide what she was going for but unfortunately the one she did pick had someone there that was threatening to cause a scene.

Tama followed in after Okibi gracefully and kept up at her side the entire time while Mr. Smooth here tried his hardest to mack on his girl. Now jealousy was an emotion the scientist had never felt before because he had never had anything to really envy over. He had an unrivaled genius that apparently even put Sousuke in check sometimes, a rather booming business selling his inventions and ideas, and he was always a step ahead of the competition which left him with very little to rival over except for, of course, the Steward and his amazing contraptions. Having a girl he deeply cared for in the way he did Okibi was a first in his short life and to see some other male trying to trick that away in the sleaziest manner possible ignited a spark deep inside the blond.
Of course his face was red with his building fury at the words spewing forth from his mouth but it wasn’t until Okibi started to growl and become offended, because he could sense that anger budding from her, did he feel like his control over his body starting to slip.
The color in his face drained away to show his skin turn a deadly pale shade of white as his eyes narrowed daggers via a glare at the Host who still, despite seeing him there, had the cockiest look he had ever seen on a person.
Right when the blond had had enough of listening to this Yoshi and started to move forward to take action did the Steward step in and handle the situation rather calmly; far more calm that Tama would of done it. Truth be told Yoshi almost literally lost his face.

Taking in a deep breath the scientist tried to calm himself down as Sousuke took the floor and put the host back in his place. He had forgotten that the Steward was a man of prestige rather he wanted it or not and knew how to handle these kind of manners without resorting to violence. It was with this that the age gap between the two inventors was really shown despite the younger one looking to be the oldest.

The entire situation had been flipped around just with that simple discussion. No doubt the host would realize the embarrassment he had caused himself and the restaurant for trying to hit on the Kazekage’s ward. He should be so lucky that it wasn’t the mad scientist that same ward was holding hands with that he had to deal with.
The Ryuu started to run his thumb across the side of Okibi’s hand that was holding onto his to try and calm them both down should Yoshi be stupid enough to say something else wrong.

Okibi · Oct 24, 2013

After being set on the ground, Seven stood back and watched happenings unfold. He'd always been protective of Okibi, but he hardly thought that there was any need for him to step in just then. So she was being accosted by a perverted young man; not a big deal in his book. If there was anyone who could stand up and defend Okibi's honor in such cases, it was Okibi herself. Of course, letting something like that occurr just might get them banned from the restaurant before they could even get in.

Seeing Sousuke take the reins, dealing with the cocky host, Seven sidled forward and stood beside Chiyoko, crossing his arms as an amused smile spread across his face. The boy should count himself lucky really; by the looks of things, both Okibi and Tama looked like they were ready to rip into the fella, which was altogether surprising. Sure, he knew Okibi had a temper, there was nothing surprising there but when Tama started forward to - he could only assume - deck the employee, his eyes widened ever so slightly. Had the Steward not intercepted the host first, Seven was sure they really would have had to make themselves scarce, and quickly.

But of course, there was no way that Sousuke could deal with the boy without making an absolute speech out of it. He listened with growing hunger as the village leader promptly put Yoshi in his place, threatening him and his place of employment with word to some government official. Honestly, Seven didnt completely follow all of it - damn his short puppy attention span - and was thankful when he saw Yoshi turn a pale shade when he realized who it was he was talking to.

"Yeah that's right." He quipped. "You're dealing with some VIPs right now kid." And it was funny, because it was really quite obvious that the only kid there was Seven himself.

But Yoshi didnt seem to hear him as he gulped and cleared his throat as a small sweat broke out on his forehead. "St-Steward-sama. I didnt realize that was you back there. My apologies, please dont bring Lord Nobu into this." He then turned to Okibi and Tama, offering her a very quick bow. He didnt meet her eyes once. "Please forgive my rude words Miss. I'll show you and your party to a table right away." And with that, he turned back to his podium, collected menus, and ushered them into the establishment.

Still growling just a little, Okibi only came back to herself when she realized that Tama was caressing the back of her hand with his thumb. She looked down, and then up, and was surprised to see the anger on his face that had probably been reflected on her own. She couldnt honestly remember ever seeing Tama angry before . . . even during their Genin exam, when things had gotten rather dicey a time or two, he'd been strangely cool headed. But of course, back then he had looked at everything with such a scientific view point that she supposed he was near impossible for him to really get angry about anything. Even when she'd turned his home into a chemical hazard, he'd never gotten angry with her. In fact, if she remembered correctly, he wasnt interested in her at all until after her hair and eye's had changed color, and she mentioned her 'relation' to the Steward-Kazekage.

No, she'd never seen him angry before, and seeing it then, after she'd been hit on by a stranger, Okibi could only deduce that he'd gotten angry for her sake; because another male had stepped on his toes inadvertently by making a pass at her. Okibi took a deep breath, and the smell of the anger that was so very slowly fading from Tama's person was startling. If she'd had any doubts before, she certainly didnt now. Tama had indeed gotten angry, and because another guy had tried to take her away.

Even though she was still a little angry herself, Okibi couldnt help smiling a little as she pulled herself close and put her head against Tama's shoulder as they walked into the restaurant, following Yoshi to one of the free tables at the back. She rubbed her right hand up and down his arm in what she hoped was a soothing manner before pulling away so she could take a seat. Yoshi helped both her and Chiyoko into their seats, but didnt so much as look at her as he did so. Okibi grinned. So he'd learned his lesson then; good. The host told them that their server would be with them shortly and then promptly made his exit. Okibi couldnt be any happier to be rid of his presence.

"I'm actually really surprised you didnt attack him." Seven said as he took the seat to her right. His diminutive form wasnt quite large enough for the seat or the table, but it didnt seem to bother him. He gave her a look and gestured at himself. "Now would you please put me in something else so I dont look like an urchin?" He asked pointedly, pinching the fabric of the threadbare vest he was wearing. Okibi chuckled and have his hair a firm ruffle. There was another poof of smoke, and this time when it dispersed Seven was dressed in an adorable little outfit fit for the toughest of little dudes.

Seven looked down at himself, fingering the large lense sunglasses that appeared on his face. "That's better." And not once didnt he mention that he was still wearing that silly blue bow Chiyoko put on him. Okibi stifled her laughter as she picked up her menu and started looking over the selection. She happened upon the Sea Food section and couldnt help thinking that the crab legs and oysters looked interesting. She'd never tried food from the ocean before.

When she'd made her selection and sat her menu down, Okibi looked at the table next to theirs casually, and saw that one of the women sitting at it was waving at someone. Out of pure curiosity, Okibi followed the woman's gaze and saw another lady approaching the table with a wide smile and a pretty mixed drink in her hand. Okibi's mouth formed a small 'o' as she looked at the drink with envy. "Pretty." She said softly to herself. Turning back to the table, she gave everyone a smile as she stood up. "I'll be right back." She said, and then disappeared into the busy tables and small crowds, making a bee line for the place the woman had come from: the bar.

She took a seat at one of the spinny, cushioned stools, and picked up a small booklet to look over the drinks. She flipped right past the ales and beers - those didnt look tasty whatsoever. The wines, however, gave her pause. The deep, dark red of some of the images was tempting. But, she decided that the wines were much too simple; the drink the woman had was frothy and colorful and brimming with flowers and fruits. She wanted to try something like that.

And that was when she happened upon the cocktails section. Okibi's eyes lit up when they landed on all the pictures of mixed drinks, some of them swirling with up to three colors, and others a simple single shade, but embellished with skewered fruits and silly little umbrellas. Okibi bit her lip as she looked them all over, unable to decide which she wanted. A bar tender in a snazzy black vest stepped up in front of her, wiping down a glass as he gave her a slightly wrinkled smile. "Know what you want lil lady?" he asked her, his voice accented by a sound that Okibi didnt know. She looked up at him, then back at the book, up again, then back down once more. She repeated this action a few more times before she finally made her rash decision.

"I'd like these." She said as she turned the book to him, and pointed to an array of colorful cocktails. The middle aged bar tender leaned forward and looked at the book, then rose an eyebrow at her. "All'a those?" He asked dubiously. She nodded vigorously and set the booklet down. The bar tender gave her a few more seconds of a doubtful look, then shrugged and went about putting together her menagerie of color.

Ten minutes later, Okibi was downing the last of the cocktails she'd ordered - damn, that one had a real bite to it! - and thumped the glass down on the bar top with a loud exhale. "Woo! Old Guy, you good drink maker." She said, slurring a little as she snatched up the booklet once more. Seven drinks in ten minutes (without food) had very well thrashed the girl who couldnt even hold a few mugs of eggnog at the Christmas party a few years ago. She fumbled with the booklet for a moment, then threw her pointer finger against one of the pages so she could show it to the Old Guy. "Okibi want this now!" She declared, shoving the page at him. Old Guy just laughed and thanked the spirits she was only ordering one this time. He started mixing up the peach and raspberry cocktail she'd pointed at.

Okibi smiled as she set the book back down, listing to the side in her seat as she closed her eyes. A large hand on her left arm snapped her out of the doze she had unknowingly started to drift into and she snapped back upright, looking at the person who'd laid their hand on her. A largeish fellow smiled a cool, suave sort of smile at her, handling a drink with his left hand as he brought his right back to his side. "Careful there gorgeous, nearly fell out of your seat."

Okibi made a face and turned away from him, set on ignoring him. The last thing she needed was another male trying to put moves on her. She started to draw pictures on the table top with the condensation left over from her drinks, enjoying the warmth in her cheeks, when she felt the presence of the man next to her draw closer. He'd gotten out of his seat so he could stand right next to her, leaning against the bar. "Hey now, dont be like that gorgeous. I just saved your life you know."

Okibi glared at him out of the corner of her eye, but broke into a smile when Old guy returned with her drink. She picked it up and took a sip, moaning when the delicious peaches and berry mix touched her taste buds. The guy next to her chuckled softly and waved at the bar tender. "Put that one on me." He said. Okibi just gave him a look and got off her seat, intending to return to her table, and the company of her family and Tama. She wobbled slightly on her feet, and frowned when the warmth of the man's hand returned to her arm. She pulled away, swatting at his hand, and marched away from the bar. The guy laughed out loud, and called out after her. "I'll look you up for a dance later gorgeous!"

But Okibi didnt even hear him as her table came into view. She broke into a large grin and threw herself at Sousuke's back, drawing her arms over his shoulders as she rubbed her cheek against his. "Sogay! Sogay, try this! Is soooo yummy." She said, shoving her drink under his nose. But as soon as she did that she was pulling it away again so she could grab his face and hold it still for a nice, long lick, right up the side of his cheek. Giggling furiously, she rubbed his cheek again, wrapping her around him in a strangle hold. "Okibi love Sogay! Sooooo much!"

And then she was dancing away from him, looking more sure on her feet than she was actually feeling. She fell into a squat next to Seven's chair and repeated the process she'd just gone through with him. You had to give it to him, he didnt seem fazed by her behavior at all. "Okibi love Seven too! Sooooo much! She so happy he back!"

And then she moved onto Chiyoko, and attempted to lick her as well. "Chichi is best old lady in whole village! Way better than nasty old lady that test Okibi and Tami . . . TAMI!"

Okibi whirled on her feet, grinning widely a the blond haired scientist, still with drink in hand. She launched herself at him from the other side of the table, barely missing the glasses and center piece, and landed in his lap with raucous laughter. "Okibi love Tami too! But not like way she love Sogay and Seven and Chichi. Nuh uh." She shook her head wildly, sending her hair everywhere as her face screwed up into a rosy pout. "Okibi love Tami in different way. Okibi want hug Tami and never let go." And she did just that, throwing her arms around his shoulder and nuzzling her face into his neck. Her giggling returned in force as she suddenly pulled away and held up her drink, just under Tama's chin, between them.

"Can smell peaches Tami?" She asked softly, bringing her face in close so she could rub her nose against his. Her soft laughter didnt stop as she pulled away and lifted her cocktail. "Okibi loooove peaches. Here, Tami taste." And with that, she rose the drink to her lips, took a sip, and dragged Tama forward in the next instant, sealing her lips over his as she pushed the chilled, fruity drink into his mouth with her tongue. Even after the sip had left her mouth, she kept her lips where they were moving over Tama's in a slow, and sultry dance. When she pulled away what had to be minutes later, she did so with a loud, obnoxious smack.

And she smiled like nothing had just happened. "Taste good yes?"

Takahashi Aki · Oct 27, 2013

Sousuke was not impressed. There was a very good reason why Okibi and alcohol were not in the house at the same time. Sousuke remembered Okibi getting quite ill during the holiday gathering. It was displeasing, displeasing in the extreme. The Steward kept silent, but he was quite angry. In fact, this was perhaps the angriest he had ever been. Ever. Sousuke had watched Okibi play about. Dancing. Drinking. Attracting far too much attention. Sousuke was already playing with the rubix cube, but when she crush hugged him, he broke the cube. Given Sousuke's size and lack of muscle, one would have thought the act impossible, but Sousuke had in fact crushed it to dust. the table was littered with the stickers, and Sousuke still had yet to wipe the salvia off his face from when Okibi had licked him. He didn't partake in the drink. He was drinking water.

It was a shame he didn't have a spare rubix cube. Sousuke had now pulled out a large pad of paper and was drawing now. He was drawing designs for various armours, and most of them did not look like his normal designs. Most of them were almost monstrous looking with clawed hands, spikes protruding from the shoulders, even one of them had fangs. Most of these designs looked like the creature that was on his shirt. "Sousuke, are you going to be okay?" Chiyoko would asked. She kept Okibi from licking her, by holding her back. Chiyoko wasn't angry, she was happy that Okibi was having fun. The Masashi expected Okibi to be quite intimate with a pail or a toilet once things settled. It would be a long night. A very long night.

Sousuke didn't answer her, he merely continued drawing things. Chiyoko leaned in to have a look. "Oh god. That thing looks... yeaaah. You're not intending to make that an armour design are you?" By this time Sousuke looked up to see Okibi kiss Tama in the most awkward fashion. Sousuke began to draw more spikes on the armour and made it look even more menacing. His eyes were so focused and dreadful looking that at any moment it seemed like he could have been firing plasma bolts from them.

Chiyoko let out a sigh."You turn eighteen only once you know? I know that this is different from your eighteenth birthday, but you and Okibi are two different people. Look at her, she's outgoing, wild, fun." Sousuke still wasn't saying anything. He merely sat there and continued drawing his monstrous armour design. Chiyoko again let out another sigh and took a sip from her long island icetea.

"At the rate she is using the word love, it's becoming clichéd. I would question really if she loves anyone given the fact that she's basically said she loves myself, you, Tama, Seven, and peaches all in the time span of six minutes and forty-two seconds with quite a slur in her voice." Sousuke finally said with the most chilling of tones. His facial features were warping into something most unpleasant. It looked like his face was going to crack due to the extreme amount of frowning and narrowed eyes.

"That's just the liquor talking, and don't you think that was a bit harsh?" Chiyoko would ask as she leaned back into the chair. "She'll have quite a headache tomorrow, and hopefully she'll have learned her lesson." Sousuke placed down the pencil. He was really thinking about going home and quite possibly to bed. "Promise me you're not going to leave, and head off to keystone to design that thing."

"That's not good enough." Angry eyes shifted back to the drawing as he picked up the pencil again and continued drawing severely disturbing features to the armour. This armour was pitch black, spikey, armed with twin axes of a very twisted and winding blades. The head peice had a sharp razor fin looking like it could cleave someone in half with a headbutt alone.

(MFT 665)

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