I've gotta another confession to make... {Private}

[Keigo Oen]

It was around the times they would be getting off their jobs. The Shifts would be going over to more of the newbies and those who needed more hours so they got a bit of overtime. However, Souji Opted out of this, and Lightning would know why. Tonight was the night of their official dinner. His family had nearly cleared out. Oyochi wasnt around... Yuki was out partying or something. Or so Souji thought. Razu and Souji's mother were doing things they had no business doing for their age and with that the subject matter would be changed. Souji was in the kitchen... for nearly four hours prepping the food and services around the house. He's cut the hedges, trimmed all the plants and greenery outside. Even cleaned up the house as best he could. This was the agony of being the head of the household. His position in the exam as Butler was more so true in his life. He was constantly cleaning. Cooking. Taking care of everything he could because no one else seemed to care. Souji was on it today. He didnt even use clones to make it easier, when he knew he could. It made the end result all the better. He'd made sure everything was made... as correctly as he could. He even found himself singing... why was he singing? It was a rather catchy tune he'd heard, but he kept it to himself alot.

"I know this pretty rave girl, Always think about her, and when she says 'Hi' to me, Butterflies go right through me~", Souji would be found dancing half naked in his underwear as he finished up the food. He'd run around as he knew he was in crunch time though after looking where at where the sun had gone. Just falling over the hilltops. Which meant, "SHIT!, he'd run upstairs to finish his dressing up, he'd invited her over at sunset, and knowing his commander, she'd be quite prompt. Even early if she managed it. Though, he was being overtaken by butterflies. It was not something he was accustomed to doing or taking though he was very very sure that with this meeting and dinner that maybe he could spit out a bit of his emotional takes on this... but how could he speak on anything... to his boss? It was going to be quite... intriguing to see. Though the more you are around someone the more you grow fond of them and want to become closer to that person.

Hopefully by now, she wasnt here... because it took him around thirty minutes to finish getting dressed, showered, and such. He was still finishing the meal too, but he was a masterful chef... he had to cook for a small army so he had to be SORTA good with it. May not have been as good as Lightning's sister's food but, he was a chef on his own. So with that, he'd step back into the kitchen, awaiting the door, or to even be surprised to see the face of Lightning there. Maybe, just maybe. However, the table was set up with vanilla scented candles, and an array of sake and teas he was ready. Most of the drinks he made himself, and the reason for them all was to ensure the utmost comfortability for his guest.

Lets just hope he'd not make a fool of himself...

'You can do this Souji... You can do this....'

[MFT]

 

[Mienai]

Re: I have another confession to make... {Private}

Today wasn't one that Megami found herself calling special. It was like every other day, well, for the most part. Get up, go to work, work all day, come home in the evening, dinner with sister, do it again tomorrow. But she supposed it was a different routine considering neither she nor Hana would be cooking. Souji had given her a note some time back, and she had read it, but never responded. It was forward, and unprofessional. She had a life, he had a life, and they worked in a position that made them expendable if they weren't careful. Crossing those seemed troublesome. But Hana had discovered the note and they just had to go. Being the loving big sister she was, Megami agreed, though she expressed her feelings against it. Hana wasn't hearing any of it though, having already responded to the letter with a letter of her own days prior, knowing Megami would try to get out of this.

As she came home from the long workday, she had removed her armor and replaced it with her everyday clothes, the brown vest, white vest coat, cape, mini-skirt, sword sheath, boots. Yeah, her day clothes. Hana had taken one look at her and marched her back into a closet. "No, absolutely not! You have to look nice. Put something formal on. Maybe a dress? High Heels? OH OH How about this?!? It would look gorgeous with your eyes." Megami cringed as her sister through this and that at her. Finally after nearly getting dressed with a shirt that revealed almost all of her cleavage and midriff, and a skirt that showed WAY too much leg, Megami pushed her out of the closet. "Fine. I'll wear something nice. Just let me pick it. I am not wearing any of those." Megami shut the closet door, already pulling off things she personally liked to wear. Hana didn't even care that she had been pushed out. Megami was going to look nice on this date! Even if she didn't call it a date. Hana was their number 1 shipper after all. "Hana, I know what you're thinking. It's eerily quiet out there. Stop. It's not a date."<i></i> Came the muffled reply from behind the door. Hana stuck her tongue out at it. "It is so. You just don't want to admit it." And with that she trotted off to get ready herself.

After some time, Hana had already changed and ran back, excited to see what her sister had chose. Hana of course was wearing something she normally wore. A red plaid-pleated skirt, a white sleeveless dress shirt, a semi-transparent pink sweeper, black stockings and ankle boots. She wanted to look normal. Now Megami, Megami always wore military like things. Clothing that was comfortable to some degree, but more practical than anything. Hana was giddy. Finally, the closet door was pushed open and out stepped Megami. She was wearing something similar to Hana, but more her style. She wore a white dress shirt, under a long sleeved unbuttoned blouse. The blouse was long, and she had the cuffs of the shirt buttoned together. She also had put on some form fitting beige capris and some black high heels. She looked at Hana, who was beaming, jumping up and down, waving her closed fists giddily. "You look so pretty! See I knew if you just put some effort into your appearance you could look more beautiful than you already are!" Megami rolled her eyes. "Thanks Hana, glad you approve, but this isn't something I would wear everyday. Let's get going. You remembered to pack the things we're bringing right?" Hana nodded, already holding up the bags. Megami smiled at her. "Alright, I'll lock up and meet you outside." Stepping outside the house, Megami turned and locked the house up. Getting to Souji's would take a while, since she lived sort of on the edge of Arcadia with absolutely no neighbors and he lived inside the city. Ah well.

Looking at the sheet of paper, Megami looked up to the house. It had definitely taken them longer than expected, but luckily they had given themselves enough time. Megami was very good about time management and efficiency. She made it sort of a personal quality to maintain. She turned to Hana for a second before approaching the building."This should be the address. Guess we should knock." Hana smiled, happy to see her sister seeming to be not so tense to be dining with someone other than herself. It was good to show this side of her. It made her feel like a little bit of how she was before she had to grow up quickly. Megami knocked on the door, Hana waiting next to her with the bag of food in hand. Both would wait patiently for an answer.

 

[Keigo Oen]

Re: I have another confession to make... {Private}

Souji was exhilarated by the events to come and with every passing moment and Souji knew that with this night that he would be stepping closer into the hearts of the ones he wanted to grow ever closer to. Maybe. If things worked out, he would be able to be more than just a boss and worker... but then again. Shaking his head Souji would shake the thought, there was no way Lightning would think of him like that. He was lying to himself if he thought she would. She was sexy though, compassionate and strong... she was human, but she was out of his league. And if they did get together he wouldnt want to be treated any differently... but again. It wasnt like any of that could ever happen to Souji right? He was the most unluckiest bastard in Stone. His long time friend Haruka was gone, his brother was falling into mediocrity, Souji was still working the same job he'd been for some years. And barely paying for everything in his home. It was alot to deal with in the end of things. Though, he never showed a sign of weakness. Why did it matter this much to him? Well, he was a family man. He loved his family. Wanted one of his own one day.

'Knock Knock'​

The door seemed to be taking a toll from the beating it was getting. Or that was his company. With a deep heaving breath he'd shake off his anxiety. There was so much at stake. In his mind at least. If things werent perfect they would certainly fail and crumble under him. Ugh, what a nightmare waiting to happen, the nightmares of everything and literally everything failing. His hands were even shaking, his heart racing. And for what? IT was supposed to be a simple Dinner. Right? It was never that simple. Never. 'You can do this... You can do this... You can't do this...' his hand hovering over the door. Trying to grip it but the moist discomfort of his sweaty hands couldnt seem to gain the grip needed to turn the knob. Wait. There wasnt even a knob. It was a handle, and the door slid. Yup. Souji was out of his mind.

Finally, sliding the door open, he'd begin speaking before he even looked up, "Welcome ladies to the Yukat-..." his eyes looking up to Hana who he could shrug off. She was pretty but not so much his type. Then he glanced at lightning, just as he was saying 'Yukata' but it never left his mouth. She was beautiful. Jaw droppingly so and it really didnt matter what it was or what she wore, she'd rock it completely. Either way, Souji's mind would race for a moment as he tried to gain his composure. 'STOP STARING! YOU'RE GONNA CREEP HER OUT!' "Ahem, sorry... Welcome to the Yukata Family House. Well the new location. We're actually from Arcadia.", sliding the door completely open they would be able to see the hallways and the main rooms from where they stood. The house was small. Small for the amount of people that stayed here. Two Bedrooms. For... how many residents? Eh, how the Yukata had fallen from grace. At least they were richer at one point. Now things had dreadfully changed.

"You look stunning...", he'd finally muster out looking directly at Lightning, before turning his eye to Hana, "You look wonderful too...", and you could tell from just the inflection in his voice that it was not as deep as he meant for Lightning. There was definitely something wrong... but he tried to keep his cool.

For now.​

 

[Mienai]

Re: I have another confession to make... {Private}

Seems that they didn't have to wait long before the door would slide open. Hana had a big smile on her face, while the corners of Megami's lips were turned upward in pleasant greeting. Hana was practically bursting from glee inside because her sister never seemed to do that with just anybody. That's why every smile was special to her. Souji was welcoming them in their house and Hana smirked once she saw him look at Megami. His draw practically dropped. After he composed himself Hana giggled. "Hi Souji. Seems like it's been so long! Thank you for inviting us." Hana stepped in quickly upon being invited, and Megami nodded her greeting. "Good to see you in a more informal setting. We brought some dessert, I hope you don't mind."Continuing to keep up her little smile, Megami walked past him, following her sister inside.

Standing in the middle of the main room of the house, Megami couldn't help but inquire how small the house was. Not that that was something she was judging negatively or anything, her house was probably just as small, just longer. It was quaint enough, and had a sort of charm to it. Hana flittered around looking at all sorts of things, probably sizing it up herself, but less discretely. Caught off guard, Megami blushed at the comment on her appearance. "Oh...uh, thanks. You look handsome yourself." Mentally she was beating herself up. Why did you say that? You just thought it, it didn't have to come out your mouth! She just crossed her arms and started looking at the decorum again. Hana on the other hand was smirking. OTP! OTP! OTP! She didn't respond to Souji, because why ruin that precious moment? Putting Megami on the spot like that was great!

After a moment of that going on, Megami cleared her throat. "So, you have a nice home. Will the rest of your family be joining us?" Of course, they would wait to be escorted to a dining room or table of some sort as she asked this. Even the tiniest of homes would have something like that, and this was a dinner invitation after all. Megami brushed some hair out of her face, even though none of it was any more out of place than usual, so it appeared as if she didn't do anything at all except maybe slightly move it. It was a very subtle habit, but it wasn't necessarily out of nerves. It could have been thinking, boredom, something to do. Anything really. But it was a sort of tic none the less. Hana decided to bail out her sister...for now, of course it wouldn't exactly be in the most...helpful of manners in question. She came over with the dessert, and went to hand it to Souji. "Lightning and I made a chocolate cake for dessert. I hope that's ok. Unless...you'd rather have something else?" Hana's eyes and body language was highly suggestive towards Megami. She even winked. But just like that Hana just giggled and went back to what she was doing. Megami of course turned just about 3 shades of red, scowling slightly as if trying to hide the fact that she was embarrassed for what her sister was clearly doing. Oh Goddess, this was going to interesting.


WC: 548

 

[Keigo Oen]

Re: I have another confession to make... {Private}

Souji was clamming up a bit at the sight of Hana. She was giving him those 'I know you want my sister, and I want you to want my sister' looks. Funny enough Souji wanted her sister. Badly. Like it was his drug and she would be his fix, addicted before even getting a taste. Though, it was as if he didnt care about anything else at the moment he wanted everything in him to just say he wanted her. That he wanted more than just the office relationship and it was now his goal to get just that. Well, if it was given through the tell tell signs that she was going to give him an inkling of a shot. So, it was all on her playing field because Souji was already at bat, swinging for the fences. Lightning was the pitcher, would she cut him slack? Or would it be curve balls and fastballs out left leaving him no room but to crowd the plate and get walked off. There were many more things that could go wrong, but if his mouth wouldnt move and he stood there like a dufus then they'd only get as far as the door. "Oh uhm, yeah, Finally a day when we dont have work where we can sit back and enjoy one another's company, right?", he said with a sense of coolness in his tone. Now they both were submerged in the Yukata home.

The Main room was quiet. Filled with papers from news around the village. Articles and such. Family emblems. Pictures. Etc. Though Lightning made the comment about his being handsome and he just about lost it. It was then, even though he tried so hard to force himself not to. He smiled. And it didnt look painful, he looked genuinely happy. His face was bloodshot red, but aside from his heart pumping more than it likely should. This was... going to be a fun night. "I... Heh... I made sure to look my best, you always seem to be your best... even in your armor....", yup and with that Souji would turn around and shut the door, more so slamming it to try and get the fact that he said that out of his head. 'WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING SOUJI! GET IT TOGETHER!' he was mentally slamming his head against the wooden post in the front of the house. Oh lord was he ramming his head into it hard.

"Thank you Lightning.... Its nothing compared to your wonderful house, but... this is home.", Souji's mind was still racing miles and miles over the speed limit, though, he had to answer her other question, "Uhm, I dont believe so... My father and mother are celebrating their anniversary down in Arcadia somewhere. My brother is... doing whatever he is doing... Hopefully at the school and not getting into trouble. This was a perfect day for us to have the house to ourselves... besides with my entire family here... It would be rather crammed.", plus with the look on his face, he was obviously embarrassed by his kin. Mainly his brother, things didnt seem to go his way when it came to his younger sibling. Oh well, it wasnt under his control, turning back to Hana he'd hear her speak but it wasnt until the underlining words she said after the initial question that made both Lightning and Souji burn red. "WELL THERE ARE ALOT OF THINGS THAT ARE ALREADY ON THE MENU! BUT I GUESS I COULD ADD ONE MORE THING!", oh the awkward yelling. With the blatant self destruction written all over Souji's face. But boy could he just eat Lightning up from head to to-.... MY GAWD SOUJI! SUCH CARNAL THOUGHTS! Shaking his head he'd try to continue, "WELL-... Ahem... Well, I love chocolate cake. I'm sure its delicious...", Nokuzu, give him strength.

"Make yourselves at home... Dinner is almost done, I just have to let everything cool down and then we can eat and enjoy the night... Could I get you ladies anything to drink? I have some wines chosen for the night and some other drinks I picked up earlier, just let me know what you wish to have...", yeah he'd spent his entire paycheck and then some on this dinner night. It wasnt much but it helped this night not seem so dull. At least he was able to get his suit cleaned and the food and drinks. He'd stand in the main room with them looking to the couches and the table. There wasnt much to do, this house was small even with the three of them in it seemed cramped a bit.

 

[Mienai]

Re: I have another confession to make... {Private}

The situation was starting to feel a little awkward. Souji was being charming, but Hana was practically throwing her at him, when she wasn't even sure about this whole situation. It's not that she would say no necessarily, she just hadn't really thought about it. Her work and Hana were always her priority, always the things on her mind. They were important aspects of her life, and had always been that for years. Breaking away from that...just seemed strange. Megami sort of looked away, nodding. "Right. Thanks." The compliments were getting harder for her to maintain proper composure around. And it sort of didn't work when her face looked like a tomato. Her face looked a darker pink than her hair for crying out loud!

Hana fist pumped when Souji seemed to hint that he would totally have Megami for dessert. She wanted to happy dance, but even she wasn't above receiving a punch in the shoulder from her sister if she went too far. One time Megami was so mad at her she practically threw her out of the house for a day, but obviously her concern that she would go and stay with Yuki made her change her mind and drag her back in a heartbeat. As Souji announced that dinner would be done shortly, Hana smiled, her antics done for the time being. "Oh great! I can't wait. I'm sure Light can't wait either. I'll take some red wine if you have it." Suddenly Megami's responsibility as an older sibling took over her blushing state of mind. "You're 18 and you don't drink. No." Hana pouted. "I'll just have a little! Besides, you guys will need someone to keep conversation with all the sexual tensio-WOAH." Megami slapped a hand over Hana's mouth, glaring down at her with the fury of a thousand suns all simultaneously shouting "SHUT UP" at the younger pink haired girl.

Keeping a hand over Hana's mouth, Megami politely addressed Souij. "She'll have a small glass of Merlot wine, if you have it, and I'll have whatever you recommend." It was said in a polite monotone traditional to her, but it was a bit strained. She finally released Hana who happily giggled. This was so much more fun than messing with her sister when Yuki was over. "Do you need any help in the kitchen, Souji? I love cooking." Wow, the first actual innocent comment all night. Megami finally sighed in relief. She walked over and busied herself with picking up some documents, just scanning over the news articles. Nothing of real interest she hadn't either already seen or would care about in the slightest. She set it down and turned to lean on and sit down on the top of a nearby table, crossing her arms. Her eyes looked up for a moment and stared towards him. She was trying to think in what to say, but stayed quiet. I think both of them needed to regain some composure thanks to Hana. And they'd have to wait for food anyway.

 

[Keigo Oen]

Re: I have another confession to make... {Private}

The heat intensified, and Souji would blush a bit. It was awkward enough he felt this way... but it couldn't be helped. So with that he didn't want to leave the impression of straddling the fence with his feelings, but... was he even sure about it at all? They spent alot of time at the job together. So he was quite comfortable to be himself around her. It wasn't something that he was particularly attached with becoming, he didn't know what he was going to be doing if it worked out. Then the thought arose again. What if something happened? What if they didn't work out and because of that he had to leave the branch. Certainly the Sennin wouldn't leave and she could just get him kicked out... such power looming over him. It was unnerving. However, if he was even going to have a chance at all with this he'd have to push through the thoughts and move into a notion that would lead him to believe everything would be okay regardless of how they seemed and the obstacles that were in the way. It would definitely seem as if they would.

This way Souji would get into the role of doing things, he had to finish the food and drink, noting in his head that Hana was eighteen He'd respect Lightning's wishes. Snickering at them though, he seemed to be getting 'alittle' comfortable. Nodding to himself he'd smirk, "Alright. " responding to Hana's Merlot wine and his own personal suggestion for Lightning and he managed to deal out a pretty yen piece for what he would give her. He also had some sparkling wine, non alcoholic. Bowing and turning his head to Hana he'd smirk, "If you want to help that would be wonderful. Heh, I've only done waiter work once during a mission just outside the boarders...", motioning with his head he'd turn to the kitchen guiding her in, but before doing so he'd lift a finger halting Hana if she were to be following him, before turning to an old record player.

"I'll play some music so you arent sitting here in the quiet.", pacing over to the box he'd take one of the vinyls from a box next to it out, then winding it up and placing the vinyl in the device and taking the tonearm placing it on the now spinning black disc. It would begin to play music after the rigid scratching for the first few seconds, but once it started Souji quickly turned and picked the spinning disc up from the machine and throwing it to the ground before smashing it and allowing his shadows to dispose of it, "Sorry about that.", 'Oyochi's music. Ugh...', sighing a bit he'd turn to the machine once more and take another disc from the box next to it repeating what he had previously done and playing it again. As the music began he nodded in agreement with the choice. Souji would then look to Lightning before allowing himself to smile once more, "Enjoy.", and then he'd make his way to the kitchen.

Now in the kitchen, small and compact but roomy enough for two rather small people to move about efficiently, it was not as lavish as their home but all things considered. It was something. Bigger than those who had nothing, so Souji wasnt complaining. As they reached the corner he'd turn to her allowing the aroma of the steaks, the rice, the veggies, and the handmade salads to pour into Hana's nose, "Is this satisfactory? Please taste everything, because I dont know if either of you have any allergies so everything is bland as tastes go... Any suggestions? I have a bag net to the backdoor with the seasonings, or if there is anything else I should do? Or will just alittle seasoning do...", he wasnt sure how it was going to go but with all things considered Souji was purely ready to be ram shacked by Hana. 'This is going to be interesting.', he'd then turn to the cabinet as he listened to her and would grab the wine glasses before turning to Hana smirking once again.

 

[Mienai]

Re: I have another confession to make... {Private}

Seeming as though everyone was getting quite situated with one another and the ice had all but been smashed to pieces to get conversation started, Hana happily walked into the kitchen, letting things cool down. She was going to just go ahead and assist with the food preparation. Hana always cooked some of the best dishes. In fact, if she wasn't a teacher, she'd probably just start her own restaurant. Not enough time on her hands to do both, because many of the kids that came to dine there would probably yell out 'Meanie Miss Hana' because she was a very strict history teacher. It wasn't just her sister who could have a temper worse than the very pits of hell. She didn't take nonsense either, something that just ran in the family.

While Hana was in the kitchen, Megami finally took a breath. She loved her sister to death, and would give her life for hers but she could really be a pain in the ass sometimes. Megami nodded, as she took a seat, crossing legs and resting her arm on an arm rest of the furniture. She cringed as the bars of music started to play, her nose wrinkling. "Tch, what is that garbage? It's Wednesday." Megami seriously didn't understand who would like that kind of music. She liked music, but stuff that really got the adrenaline going, but sometimes just quiet melodies that are there for noise. Either way, sentimental music, pointless music, and off key music really didn't fit into that box. Nor did that...screaming that people can't understand. At least the next song selection was alright. Though it would make sense why Souji would listen to it. Megami sat there, fingers tapping away on the armrest. She hated sitting still. Moving always gave her a task. She picked up some paperwork, not caring what it was and started perusing it. Dinner would be ready soon anyway, and knowing Hana she'd already turned it into a madhouse, probably dashing around his kitchen and yelling at him about what was wrong with his dishes. "Hmm..." Suddenly a crash would be heard. Megami smirked. "There it is." She flipped the page.

"What kind of ingredients were you cooking with? Toothpaste? Pencil Shavings? Dare I say it..." Hana was taste testing the rice at the time, not even having moved to the steak. She gasped in dramatic horror after she spoke and threw her arm over her eyes, looking forward, her voice suddenly soft as she finished her sentence, saying it very strained, as if it was with great difficulty. "...artificial flavoring?" The reason for the crash, was just prior to all of this, Hana had dropped the dish she had been tasting, sort of a presampling, and shattered the plate. Suddenly she was in a flurry, not even asking for permission. She finally found the cupboard that contained some spices and went to town, throwing some things in here, others in there. The seasoning was bland, or off. Like too much salt and pepper or not enough anything. After throwing in some salt, garlic, paprika, and parsley on the steak, she proceeded to do something similar but with different seasonings to the other dishes. Finally, she taste tested them once more and hmm in delight to herself. Turning back to Souji, who was honestly probably terrified at her pure determination and almost aggressive mumbling of just how wrong his dishes were, she placed her hands on her hips with a large smile. "Done! Everyone should love this! I'm impressed. Everything was cooked perfectly, nothing overdone or underdone, nothing burnt. You really need to start learning the seasoning better. Cooking it is only half the job. Let me know if you need some help knowing what to use and how much, ok? Should we go see if my sister has snooped around your house yet?" Hana trotted out, only to take a seat by her sister.

Megami placed the documents she was reading down, some headline about a potential sea monster wreaking havoc on a small fishing village, but it turned out to be an abnormally large snake. Right. Megami couldn't help but roll her eyes. "How'd it go?" Hana giggled but didn't say anything. "Don't need a dictionary to know what that means. You raised hell didn't you?" Hana chuckled and said nothing. Both of them sat in further silence, awaiting to see when he would seat them. Megami was starting to get hungry.


WC: 744

 

[Keigo Oen]

Re: I have another confession to make... {Private}

It was slightly embarrassing that the music played when it did, though it wasnt all that bad she didnt seem to take to his gesturing as he would've wished. He wished he knew what he could do honestly, but Lightning was such a mystery to him he wondered if her'd be a fool for trying. This was supposed to be a formal dinner afterall not a date. So with that he'd take a breath before entering the kitchen, but in the kitchen Hana turned into some sort of demon. He could imagine her head spinning around with the lights behind her flashing bright reds and vibrant purples just to add the effect of the demon she was unleashing upon him and the cooking. Souji was a good cook... or so he thought. She'd come down on him so hard he'd forgotten that he didnt season the food. Leaving it up to her, but that might have not been heard as he said that it was going to be alittle lacking in the tastes. He took the precautions whenever he cooked for someone new. It wasnt often that he got the chance to but it would be idiotic of him to assume that they could eat anything. It was just a sign of caring.

Either way, Souji managed to keep his head on straight after pouring Hana's glass of wine he'd motion to her once she was done and then she'd be pointed back to the living area. Right, with Lightning's glass in one hand and Hana's in the other, he'd smirk to them as they made a bit of small talk re-entering the living space. "Alright, follow me ladies, and I'll bring your food out to you.", motioning with his head, he'd move to a small hallway and make an immediate left. To the right was the rest of the house and a small set of stairs, which would lead to Souji's room as his parent's rooms were down behind the kitchen. Noticing that his hands were not free at all, he'd sigh to himself allowing his shadow's hand to pull the door open subtly. He wanted to keep ninjutsu usage to a minimum.

"Alright~ here is the dining room, if you wish to wash your hands and get freshened up, the bathroom is down the hallway and the final door on the left.", nodding once more he'd set their glasses down. The room setting was a distinctive cherrywood base at all corners, and the table was dipped into the ground to a point where if you sit down it was like you were at a lower elevation table. It gave the illusion that you were sitting on your knees. The room itself was bland. There was a family crest at the head of the table. And the lesser banner on the opposing side. Enough room to seat six, and Souji would set the sister's glasses next to one another on the opposing side to the door. Just an overall awareness quirk Souji had. If there was an intruder that he couldnt sense his company might respond allowing him to prepare himself. "Alright, I'll be back with your plates.", nodding he'd bow before them, noting that Lightning's wine was a stronger taste of grape, but it was still smooth and cooled enough to go down without hassle. It was Gewurztraminer. Made from white grapes but mixed with red to give it a strong kick in its flavor. Something he found while strolling around the lower levels of the Diamond Complex.

In the kitchen he'd grab a wide silver serving tray before draping a cloth over his wrist and setting the condiments (sauces, dressings, etc) on the tray along with the fully made plates. And yes, of course he washed his hands before making the plates. It took around five minutes or so, so they had time to get a small chat in if need be, however, Souji'd slide open the dining door once again appearing with a wide grin. "Ello my ladies, thanks to the wonderful seasoning and cooking skills of Hana, this wont be as much of a disaster as it could've been. Thank you very much Miss Hana.", that being said he'd set the plates down before grabbing their silverware and handing it to them followed by two napkins for each. Once again though he had forgotten his own plate. "It seems I forgot my own plate... Heh.", he'd chuckle awkwardly before shaking his head. He felt like a dolt. "One moment, you may begin eating if you wish, but I wont be too long.", nodding he'd turn a heel and head back into the kitchen, fumbling around with his own plate... and working his way around the kitchen to make sure he didnt forget anything.

"C'mon Souji... get it together... get it together...", he'd beat himself up just a bit before finishing the plate and heading back into the dining area. "Ah... ugh... Sorry for the delay.", and from there it was on the sisters. Though, it would be marvelous if he'd been talking to himself this entire time and they never moved from the Living area. Nodding to himself he would sit down and eye Hana before smirking and turning to Lightning, a smile would grace his face as a cool breeze would pass over and blow through room. "You know Lightning-sama... I really do appreciate you coming over...", a warmer smile would appear this time, and that moment you could tell his sincerity, he really really liked her, but how could he say such, "And, I do enjoy our time working together as well... Maybe if tonight is to your liking, we could do this again... but more... personal<i></i>", he didnt have that sarcastic undertone that meant, "I'd like to have intercourse with you~ Relations~", it was the tone that he truly wanted to know who she was... How she was and be around her without feeling like they were in Boss and associate mode. Something nice... Peaceful. And more so without Hana...

 

[Mienai]

The sisters looked up from their prior discussion, before picking themselves up and following after Souji. Hana seemed to be in a good mood, but something was on Megami's mind. Nothing of the romantic inclination, just many deep thoughts, things of her past, of herself, of this village. They came and went from time to time, but they lingered still in her mind. If you remember your past, you don't make the same mistakes twice. But that was for another time. As they arrived into the dining room, and a strange one at that, Hana took her seat on the...floor seats, letting her feet fall into the extended part below. Megami saw Hana take a sip of her drink, wondering how much trouble that would get her into, but Hana was in safe hands, her hands, and she knew nothing bad would happen on her watch while she was here. Megami proceeded to the bathroom down the hall, washing her hands, and splashing some water on her face. She gripped the edge of the counter, looking up into the mirror. She studied her reflection, a young, confident, reserved woman looking back at her. She wasn't nervous, or flustered. Just lost in thought. She turned away, heading back towards the dining room, taking a seat next to her sister. She gave her a slight smile before taking a sip of her drink, which wasn't half bad, but she preferred the taste of other beverages more often than wine. "Enjoying yourself?" Hana had finished half her glass already, must have liked the selection. She laughed and kicked her feet back and forth. For an eighteen year old, she had some childish tendencies, but she loved Hana as she was. She enjoyed her happiness.

Souji finally returned with the food, but having forgotten his own. Normally, this would elicit a reaction from Megami to say something, but it wasn't a business meeting, not did he have more than two hands. Not to mention, she loved steak. Steak was the best of all dishes, she could cook a mean one herself, well, one of the few things she could cook actually, but not the point. Either way, it looked moist and cooked right, so she was more than ready to enjoy this. Hana knew this love of steak of course and she smirked at her sister. "Hm, steak. I wonder how he could have known that's your favorite? Coincidence? Or fated destiny?" Megami lightly nudged Hana's shoulder and 'hmph-ed'. "This is steak. Do not question perfection." The tone was quite serious. Hana laughed and the two would wait to eat until Souji returned.

When he did, Hana and Megami finally had the chance to eat. Megami was more of a quiet eater, not one for much small talk. Hana sat looking between them, figuring no one was going to speak. Perhaps she should bring up the advanced history of naturally formed geographical stone formations and how they've come to pass, making them national landscape markers to tourists and citizens alike. But then Souji said something. He said something! Hana was impressed, but incredibly surprised by what was said. So much so she ended up chugging her wine to stop from screaming in excitement. OTP! OTP! OTP! Megami placed her silverware down, making a slight clink against the plate, and turned her head. Her expression didn't seem to give anything away, and it was almost quiet. She speculated if he'd just asked her for sex...and she would likely need to beat the living pulp out of him before killing him if that were the case. Invite her over to dinner with her sister only to ask in that manner? How rude. But no, the tone wasn't right. She played with the thought in her mind, not knowing what she was more inclined to say, be it positive or a negative answer. So instead she said something else. "I could go for a drink after work sometime. I don't often get the chance to." She put it on the table, he'd have to pick it up if he wanted it and she would neither explain further, or go into detail. Just a drink. Simple.

As Megami went back to eating, Hana seemed to deflate a little. That was more exciting in my head. She's so stubborn! Hana sat her drink down and looked at Souji. "So why did you guys move from Arcadia? Did you not like it there anymore?" Hana pushed some of her rice around, sort of nibbling. This was more of a tag along event to make sure her sister was more talkative than usual. Hana knew she would talk, and it wasn't like she gave people the cold shoulder, she just wasn't a woman of many words, and often never said much to anyone about how she was feeling or what she was thinking. Thus, Hana's job. But everyone seemed to be having a good time at the moment.

WC: 829

 

[Keigo Oen]

The night seemed to settle as the room was generally quiet, Lightning seemed to be a quiet diner. It was fine though, it was how she was, and if that was something that came with the territory of who she was he would accept it. Certainly though, he was quiet just about anywhere else in his life. He didnt like talking unless he really and truly felt passionate about something. Either way though, it was quite nice to have the ladies here, and they seemed to be keeping their on tense of conversation going. Souji didnt know what was going to happen... and he truly wished he knew what the future held for these three. Even his family... what was going to happen as a result of this night. Was there something that he was going to come across? Maybe... just maybe. There were many questions to ask yourself when there were many thoughts roaming through your mind all at once. It subsequently began to flow breeze upon breeze into the home and the room. The room fill with the smells of an assortment of smells and other such things. "Hmmm~", it was nice... very very nice.

Taking part in the meal after he had spoken a small verse to Lightning, it was nice. And the room would grow oddly quiet for a moment until Hana would instantly down her drink, it was quite odd to say the least, and even so when Lightning would continue speaking, Souji's eyes would shimmer in happiness. A drink. That was a start. It was a nice start. Nothing heavy. They would be in a controlled environment. If things went south there were things they could do. Karaoke. Dance. The sky was the limit. Maybe... just maybe. Hm... Though for a looming Shadow how far could you really go when thats all you seemed to be... oh well.

"I'd appreciate that Lightning-sama...", though he was beginning to think the -sama was becoming overbearing. What could happen between them if he continuously put her in the seat of power. They were supposed to be on a dinner, and he was still using honorifics. He couldnt get over that. So he would try something once he got the chance. Taking another bite of his food, he ate rather slowly... he would catch an ear of what Hana said. "Interesting question.", he'd hand them both a set of napkins for themselves as well then he would go to wipe his lip of any food left behind. "We moved shortly after I was born, the Yukata Temple was set in a place where the waters below the surface corroded the stone to a point where it began to fall apart on itself. As well as our house that was set not far from there...", nodding he'd huff a bit, "Then my father was placed in intensive care after a mission he went on had gone south. He suffered chakra damage to a point he cannot manipulate it anymore... And my mother suffered an injury to her hip on the same mission... she also can no longer go on missions or work as a Warrior for the village...", nodding once more it was alot for him to actually come to grips with.

"I was around... Ten? Maybe eleven...", clearing his throat and continuing, "Around the time when I finished at the academy, I took my candidacy as a Guardian of the village. The elders of my family as well as my father thought I should become a shaman like they had been in the years before me. However, it is not my path to walk, anyways, I was held back because of them for five years... but once I became a full guardian I was able to make enough money for us to move here... So we moved to have a better chance... but once I get the money we will return and I will rebuild out official Clan House.", nodding he'd sigh a bit. It was something that did get to him from time to time but he hadnt done enough in the eyes of his Sennin to move forward yet. Then again, looking at her accomplishments as opposed to his. He had such a large list of mission failures because of overthinking... or attempting to try and do things alone. Even got himself captured at one point. Either way, he didnt compare to her. So he'd just continue to do as much as he could.

"So Miss Hana, I enjoy how you seasoned the meat, thank you for your expertise.", nodding and giving her a faint smile, he'd look back to Lightning, ""I didnt know you and your sister were from Arcadia... or at least had lineage there... quite interesting.", wiping his mouth again, he would take a drink of the wine, same that he had given to Lightning. "So, Miss Hana, do you have a significant other?" wondering where that would go. He remembered something about a Yuki or something... maybe that was his imagination or something.

 

[Mienai]

The girls each took their time dining on the food before them. If they were listening, it meant their mouths weren't too busy speaking to remember to eat. There had been one too many times that Megami would finish her food nearly 10 minutes after sitting down, not in her urgency to cram food into her stomach, but simply because Hana would yammer away about this or that. She didn't mind Hana being the more talkative of the two, as even if she did manage to finish, she would sit and take her turn talking and converse with Hana so long as food remained on the plates and neither one of them was tired enough to turn in for the night. She loved evenings like that. Which made tonight all the more strange. To share such a personal, almost ceremonial, tradition with another person. But it wasn't often that it happened. It was interesting to hear of the Yukata's nature of being Arcadians. It meant they had old ties, older than those that claim to be of this village, but have no idea or respect for the city below it. Arcadians were almost shunned because of their odd qualities of appearance, behavior, religion. Almost anything to set them apart from those that were of a new generation. But they were people that could be as rough rounded and hard headed as the stone that they were named after. Meaning even if some people pushed to change the ways, there would be those that pushed right back. Nobody was right, in the long run. It was disheartening to hear of the family's troubles. Both Hana and Megami's expressions displayed pain and sympathy, though the latter being much harder to detect. Hana had stopped eating to stare. "That's a noble thought, for a rather tragic story. I'm sorry about your family." At times, Hana may seen to be ornery, but there were times where her heart really shown through as well.

Megami had yet to say anything. What could she say. Her background was similar, and just as tragic some would say. But she pushed forward, as others would push forward. Now, she protects those things that she has grown to cherish. Hana looked over at Megami when asked about being from Arcadia. "Well...we-" Megami looked at her and she closed her mouth. "We've lived there a while. But it's just us." She wasn't going to explain further. No details, no feelings, no annoyance. She went back to her food, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. Hana smiled when the conversation changed. However, Megami's knuckles visibly turned white as she gripped her fork. Touchy subjects. "Mhm. I do. His name is Yuki. He's tall, strong, and he's-" "An idiot." Megami cut her off. Sisterly disagreements. "Light! Stop being so hard on him! I love him.” Megami huffed and crossed her arms. "Tch. Right." Sarcasm and a hint of bitterness signified her sister’s lacking ability in the area. Not like she could talk much, but she could tell that her sister deserved more than that numbskull Neanderthal who thinks he can solve everything with his endless hopeful thought process that as long as you stay positive things will just miraculously get better. She was more realistic. If you wanted change, you go after change. Hope was important, but sometimes you needed more than just hope to get the job done.

But, moving on, Megami had finished her steak, and dabbed her mouth with her napkin. She then took to sipping her drink. "The steak was delicious. Thank you for the meal. Was there anything else you had planned? The night is still fairly early." Asking more so because it would seem rude to show up for only dinner and not socialize all that much. But Hana was more so the one that talked about personal things and Megami was just sort of spoke in the moment. She asked questions, sure, and she could be a good conversationalist, if trying, but she really needed the right kind of atmosphere for that. Either way, maybe Souji had more planned, or would find a good subject for them to discuss.


WC:692

 

[Keigo Oen]

"Its nothing Miss Hana. We're a strong family... we build one another up, so if one is struggling we all feel it... but surely you and your sister are the same way...", aside from the fact that Souji knew with how she acted around Hana that she would definitely kill over her if she truly thought she was in any danger. Yeah, Souji felt the same about his own family. From there, things had certainly gotten tense in the last moment or so. So the topic of the past was a no go for now. Maybe later but Souji wouldn't press his luck. It was best he didnt feel any of the power that Lightning had to drill him in his chin with a clean fist. There was no preparing for it. If it happened he'd have to take it. She was just that fast. Anyways, with how things were going Souji's question to Hana about Yuki would be a nice change from talking about the gloominess of their pasts. Not to say either one was harder than the next but everyone had their own struggles, faults, demons, and things they wished not to disclose with 'new company'. And as much as Souji would love to be the one that she could come to for such things... because he could relate to alot, but he could tell that there was something that Lightning had not come to grips with just yet. And she might never come to grips with it... but something was there.

Now, he got to hear a bit about Hana's girlfriend... who was manly, tall, and apparently an idiot. Souji stifled a chuckle at their antics, but honestly, 'What the hell kinda name is Yuki...?', it was more so a name given to those of the female gender, but maybe his parents hated him. Maybe they wanted a girl. Maybe thats what they were aiming for. "Well, Is this the fellow you were with when I was called to your home?", tilting his head he'd await an answer on that before moving on to the next subject. More so what would they be doing next? To which Souji would nod. Though, with the foot steps calling forth int he distance Souji's mind grew numb and his face dropped. '...They aren't back are they?', looking over his shoulder he could feel his father, his mother must've been upstairs.

Sliding the door open Razu would step into the house, "NAAAAAAM! NAAAAAM! I JUST CAME BACK TO SEE IF YOU WERE READY YE-", and there he would stand in the doorway of the dining area. "Well well well~ Souji... who are these beautiful ladies here, sitting in our dining room...? And why didn't you tell me they were comin~?", it wasn't one of those, 'Boy you in trouble' tones but an inquisitive more, 'You sly fox, you tried to dodge us' type of tones. "Hello father... Nice to see you too. I thought you and mom were gone...", Souji's would say bringing up his shoulders as if he were surprised and not too anxious to see what was behind him. "I see, well... I'll leave ya be. Me and ya mom are getting ready for our anniversary dinner at Kazama's Grill. Married for Thirty years. Hehe.", nodding Souji would turn back to Hana and Lightning, "Uhm, Lightning, Hana, This is my father Yukata Razu. Former Shaman. Dad, This is Lightning and Hana... They are from Arcadia like us.", Razu would pause. Staring at Lightning for a moment.

"Has anyone ever told you, that you have a striking resemblance to one of the Daimyo in the past?", Razu was an old bugger but he'd known and had lived through many generations of Daimyo, Kage, Sennin. Seen them come and go. To and fro. Lightning looked like one of them... he was sure of it. Souji would shake his head, looking back to Lightning and seeing something he had never seen before. Mito, he could see it. But not quite. Like the genes were there but maybe Mito would've been her aunt. However... this would need to be discussed with Souji and Mito... he had to find somethings out. Because now he began to question it.

"Hm... Well dad, it was nice to see you, have a wonderful night..."

"Yeah yeah, I get it I get it. Have fun yourself...", but he'd look to Hana and Lightning again. There was no denying it, but he'd turn his back with a wave as he would head back out the door, "NAAAM! MEET ME AT KAZAMA'S!", before he'd turn to them again, "Tch, she doesn't know I'll be at our special spot waitin~...Well, have a wonderful night ladies, I hope to see you again...", and with that the old man would slide the door back out the house and head to the spot. Souji would turn back to them and smile, "Uhm, yeah that's my dad...", Razu left just as quickly as he came, but with him coming Souji had an idea, "Uhm... how about we do desert and then talk about the children coming up this next generation of even the seeming absence of the Kage lately.", it troubled Souji how Endo wasn't around that often there were surely things he might be doing but... no one could get a hold of him when the time came for it.

"If none of that to your liking, then we can collaborate on an idea... for the rest of the night. However, as you may see directly I'm limited on activity.", a subtle chuckle to ease his own tension but there was going to be something that came up he was sure of it.

[MFT]

 

[Mienai]

Though questions and conversations were asked and exchanged, Hana knew better than to expand upon topics that put her sister more on edge. However, it couldn't hurt to nod. Everyone had seemed to at least finished eating, and before something else could be mentioned there was a noise coming from the other room. Someone screaming? Megami moved to rise, but a man appeared in the doorway first. She raised an eyebrow. He was screaming about some 'nom'. Was he hungry? Was he a hobo that walked in from the street. Megami moved to give him some of the leftovers, but that wasn't the case. Apparently Souji explained this man was his father. Well, luckily she didn't embarrass herself. That wouldn't go over well calling the owner of the home a hobo and offering leftovers from food that was cooked in his own home. Ah, well, glad that didn't happen. Hana waved happily and chucked at the man. "Hello, sir. Thank you for allowing us to visit your lovely home. Congratulations on your anniversary. I hope I can have a marriage that lasts just as long." Hana signed and swooned a bit, to Megami's distaste. It wasn't that she meant for her sister to have an unhappy marriage, it was that she knew her sister was thinking about a marriage with Yuki. Ugh, that numbskull. Megami simply nodded towards Razu, her own style of greeting.

Megami's pale aqua eyes stared at Razu, seeing that he kept looking at her in a perplexed manner. Maybe it was her pink hair. But if they were from Arcadia, he wouldn't find that odd, and he'd probably be looking at Hana too. Suddenly her compared her to a past Daimyo in resemblance. Megami hadn't heard of such a thing, she was just herself. She looked like her mother, as all the pictures could acclaim, but she'd never heard of looking like anything else. She shook her head. "I can't say I've been told that before." She tilted her head, wondering if old age was just getting to the man, or if he was just being funny. Either way, he excused himself and took off after calling to his wife, who was here based on implied knowledge. Both sisters were understanding of Souji's awkwardness when it came to starting the topic again, so they just let him continue

At the sign of desert Hana clapped. "Yes, please." Though the conversation he wanted to bring up was a bit, dry, or difficult. Megami sipped from her glass, thinking. Things didn't feel settled. "I have some juicy stories about some of the kids at the school I teach at. Some of them are real brats, you know?" Hana flipped her hand to the side and smiled. Megami rolled her eyes. "We'll think of something. So how about that chocolate cake?" There was a subtle sigh, lots going on in that mind.


WC: 483

 

[Keigo Oen]

Meh, it was sort of odd how things transpired a bit before. It seemed rushed and awkward so to break that awkward notion he managed to throw out a few ideas, just wasnt too keen on what to do next. He wasnt the best host in the world, he wasnt used to having people aside from business friends and family over. Though Souji smirked at Miss Hana when she began speaking about teaching, Souji wasnt a certified teacher but everyone in the warrior side of things found it to be some sort of obligation to teach the newer kids coming in. "Some of them truly are, arent they? They complain and complain about things they have already learned or become impatient about things they already have.", Souji chuckled and turned to Lightning who began to speak about the Chocolate cake.

"We could have the cake now, I have some milk... I'll go fetch it. Anything you want with it?", though, he noted the sigh, so he thought to himself for a moment, "Lightning, would you mind joining me in the kitchen while I get everything?", holding out his hand to her as he was miraculously standing at this point. Though he knew she didnt need his help to stand. It was just a gesture of kindness. Right? Who was kind in this world anymore. . . there were so many people who were just assholes, or just made asses of themselves. It was going to be quite interesting though. If she took the gesture Souji would smile warmly to her gently pulling her up, and potentially having that soothingly awkward moment with him pulling her up and them being face to face within a breath of one another. Then again there was a chance that it didnt end up like that. Truly it was up to how she stood to her feet.

If she didnt take the gesture, and stood on her own, which he half expected her to do, then he'd simply brush it off with a smile then, turning away and guiding her to the kitchen. Then again, she could always have just said 'No', and declined coming with him completely, which would've been fine too. She was entitled to her position regardless of what she did, it was more of a hope within Souji more than anything. Though, simple gestures imply a potentials. So what was this 'implying'? Who knew.... who knew...

 

[Mienai]

Seemed there was a slight reprieve in conversation as Souji stood to fetch the dessert. Megami turned her head as her presence was also requested. Looking at Hana, she received a slight shrug. Well, it was just fetching some plates, so maybe he just needed some assistance. She went to stand on her own, but this kind of table wasn't exactly easy to stand up in with the floor being indented as it was. As Souji extended his hand she took it, only for her to get some leverage that would allow her the proper coordination to stand. What she did not expect was the minimal tug that seemed to pull her to the point where there was almost no space between them. He smiled, but she stared blankly, a bit of irritation in her eyes, but a blush on her face. She released his hand a moment later and walked quickly to the kitchen area. She didn't know what to make of the last few minutes but she could vaguely hear Hana laughing in the background, which only made her scrunch her face just ever so much.

Megami entered the kitchen, and saw a set of plates and silverware set out among where it had been placed. She delicately opened it, and began to cut pieces, placing each onto a plate. Souji most likely would have came in behind her, but he was probably handling the milk since she had already taken up her own task of slicing the cake. "The evening has been nice. We've both enjoyed our time. I'm assuming there was another reason besides helping you carry these back that you called me here. Am I wrong?" Souji, despite having invited the both of them, seemed to be more inclined towards herself. She knew he wasn't using Hana as a pawn to get to her, because if he was he'd be hurting severely by now, but she couldn't help but feel he didn't necessarily want Hana here. But these were just thoughts she had and kept to herself. She had another suggestion instead of simply more awkward conversation, something she enjoyed doing, but she'd hold off on the suggestion until they had finished dessert. After all, the cake had been made and it would be a shame to go to waste like that.


WC: 386

 

[Keigo Oen]

The blush, that was what Souji had clung to. The distance was closed, and there was a moment he would get. She smelled... wonderful. Delicious even, but not in the cannibalistic way. "Heh.", smiling warmly but by the time he would get the chance to, she'd have walked off. Towards the kitchen, but it was prevalent to this conversation he wanted to have and it was going to be something that he would take part in. Hopefully she would oblige. Hopefully, though this was going to have a domino effect for the rest of the night. Walking into the kitchen he'd smirk, looking at her taking to cutting the cake and taking the milk from the fridge before, "Hm, well. I'm happy you're enjoying the night thus far. But your assumptions are correct, mainly because I feel your sister silently plotting to see if we're compatible.", nodding he'd move to get glasses from the cabinet.

"And its true, I'd like to see if there could be anything between you and myself...", nodding he'd move closer to her and continue, "I know it might be weird... We work together. We see each other so much, but...", nodding and allowing his sincerity to pour through, "I really, enjoy you. Your presence. Your light. Even in my darkness. Even with my life.", maybe he was being too upfront too soon, but he wanted to make sure that she knew how he felt. And even if she had shut him down. He'd be confident in the idea that they could be together, but not in that 'you belong with me' by Taylor Swift things. He just wanted to let her know lay it out on the table.

"Before we go back out there, how do you feel about this?", he wanted to smile but he was serious about this. His face, tone, and his soul were all focused on her. Her every movement. Gesture. Quiver. He wanted to know if there was a chance... One chance. He'd never fade away. He put it out there, and maybe they could have something between one another outside of their families. Outside of the job. Outside of everything that took away from their personal time. Then again, he expected something... assumed everything wrong to happen. Though, hey what did he have to lose? Nothing. They werent together, he was single, she likely was... which he didnt know. Which damn, he should have likely asked... damn he was rushing... but he wanted this... he wanted to see if there could be something there. Something... but maybe he was coming off as begging. Pathetic... but he didnt care. In the end, he wanted what she wanted.

"In the end... regardless of what you decide. Nothing changes but the fact you know how I feel. I've always had a thing for you... just never had the chance to tell you. So, apart from repaying your kindness to me. By giving you and your sister a wonderful night, and dinner, I wanted to let you know tonight... about how I feel.", sighing but nodding a moment after he'd wonder how this would go. Good or bad it wouldnt change how he treated her. In fact if she denied him, he'd merely nod with a smile and say, "I respect your decision.", before taking the glasses with milk and guiding her back to the dining area.

[MFT]

 

[Mienai]

The woman remained silent, like tall grass swaying in the breeze. It's presence noticeable, but at the same time, absent. She was a woman of patience, and an analytical mindset, yet carried the swift retaliation and ferocity of a warrior. Her heart was pure and her mind clear, empty of hesitation that could stand in the way of making a crucial decision. But this was not the kind of mindset one can flexibly use when addressed with the subject of connections to others. Their safety, easy to handle. Put your life before theirs, get them out of harms way. Their minds, well sometimes there just wasn't any hope in figuring those out, but you could profile them to core characteristics and make a good assumption on their behavior. Emotions. You were almost hopeless without help from the other side, a sixth sense. Maybe you just had a feel for people, but then you lacked in one of the other two crucial areas. Megami stopped in her actions, looking out a window. "Seems the offer of a drink earlier wasn't enough to your liking." She didn't say it spiteful, it was almost as it she was questioning the whole ordeal herself. A statement not meant for the recipient, even though it was in regards to the recipients statement. She tapped her finger against a counter, silent.

As he continued on, she still refused to speak directly on the matter, unresponsive. Perhaps he would take this as rejection, but she always weighed her options. Sometimes in a matter of split seconds, where time is not an option to waste, or in a matter of minutes when time is to her leisure. But these were delicate matters that didn't take place on a warzone. This was her life, and they meant more to her than anything else. It didn't just effect her, if effected Hana. It also changed the way others looked at her. She was not an open person, never had been. As she went over possible responses, she finally hummed to herself. As he started to leave with the trays, her eyes narrowed. There was one way to decide this. Her hand lashed out quickly, snagging the collar of his shirt and pulling him back. Her grip was not weak and her tone was serious. "Fight me. If this is what you want, show me you're a worthy opponent. You'll have an answer when we're finished." If she was going to consider this in the least bit, she had to have a partner that could keep up with her, no matter what the situation. Hana was her sister, she protected her out of unyielding love, their sisterly bond. But in the event of a compromised situation, she needed to know they could handle a situation until they were on their last leg. She would do everything in her power to save those she most cared for, but even she was just one person. The more help she had in those departments, the less strain on her own body, even if she would push those limits past what she was physically capable of if she had to.

At that moment, Hana chose to come in to see what was taking so long, in fear they had went to go do 'other things'. Or were just simply having fun without her. Hana caught the tail end of the conversation, she tilted her head and twiddled her fingers in concern. "You aren't really going to do that are you?" Hana wasn't too concerned for her sister. She could handle herself fairly well. But the idea of a quiet evening dinner turning into a brawl was drastic, in her mind. But then again, this was her sister, and she knew more about combat than connecting with people on a heart to heart note. So maybe this was just her method. Hana looked nervous though, unsure how this would play out. Megami simply remained standing, her arms crossed, her expression serious.


WC: 663

 

[Keigo Oen]

As he set off to leave feeling the rejection settling in, it was no wonder that he didnt even get to the threshold and be stopped by her words. Being pulled and dropping the tray but his shadows catching the try lightly and 'attempting' to catch the drinks and such but failing miserably. Only the tray was caught. Her words, ringing in his ear but he couldnt help but to smile, 'Fight her? Is she... some sort of... dominatrix?' which sent Souji to think about alot of things he had no business thinking about but then again this was likely her way. They had a training station in the backyard it was closed in a fence and it was used for Souji's training he was the only one that seemed to use it anymore either way but, was she serious? He turned around and his face was calm but internally and maybe she could tell from the look in his eyes that he was hesitant. She was a warrior. He shouldn't have expected any less from her and with that he would pass the thoughts then Hana would pop in behind him but it was normal. This was funny. He couldnt help but to think to himself right now, 'So, is she saying I have a chance? Do I have to -beat- her? Thats just unfair!' shaking his head, he'd lean in forward a bit more personal interruptions before speaking in a sort of coy tone.

"Seems you like being close~ But I'll oblige."​

Nodding he'd give her a slight smirk pointing to the backdoor, "I'm sure if I know you, you have your weapons on you. So we can literally do this now... OR if you'd like preparation, we can settle this a week from now.", either is fine with him, Souji used weapons, his fists, his blunt sword, Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, jack of all trades but a master of Manipulation and Ninjutsu. Taijutsu was just because of his family. "I'm up for it.", he had a vigor in his voice that was almost confident... but something like he was playing it off as a ploy to not seem so scared of the idea... though he had good reason to be. Either way, that aside he would smile with a hardy white tooth grin, "So Lightning? What shall we do?", tilting his head and feeling everything out a bit.

There wasnt much else he could do but await her answer.

[MFT]

 

[Mienai]

It seemed like a millennia before she would respond. She stared at the door leading to the back, but something in the back of her mind nagged her. This wasn't the time for that. Perhaps a complete reverse of what she was going to do earlier, something else came into her mind. Thoughts that made this more interesting. But no matter, this wasn't going to happen right now. "Tonight we were invited to dinner. My sister is present. This is not the place that I wish to fight, given the environment." Her actions may not have made sense, and she might be distant when personal things became involved, but that's how she was. He knew that, everyone knew that. Hand was giving her looks that she couldn't quite distinguish, which was probably a first. Megami shook her head. "Preparation would also be wise. Putting someone on the spot? While realistic, it isn't a test of someone's true capabilities. In 3 days time, meet me at Sky Fall, in the evening. Bring what you need with you." She nodded, finishing what she needed. Yes, this would give them both ample time to prepare themselves. She would go through her practice routines, figuring out her strengths and weaknesses, and make them better. Even if she was a fierce, strong warrior, she knew that she couldn't run on just confidence. She had to be ready for anything. Or else she'd lose her life, like any other.

Megami stepped to the side and lightened the atmosphere. She gave Souji a small smile. "Thank you, for a nice dinner. But we're going to head home. Enjoy the dessert." She nodded and turned to leave, placing a hand on Hana's shoulder. "Come on, Hana, we're going home." Hana pouted, as she wanted to see more mushy romance action taking place and not more beating around the bush crap. She gave a small huff, rolled her eyes and crossed her arms sassily. Clearly Megami was getting an earful of whining when they got home. She gave a small wave to Souji, a sad look on her face. As Megami left the room, headed for the exit, Hana got close to Souji and grabbed him by the front of his collar. He was quite taller than her, but she would yank him down so his face was level with hers. Hana wasn't quite as strong as her sister, but it was evident that she still had some strength to her. Probably all the feistiness in her. And after all, she was Megami's sister. Hana's eyes held a deadly gaze, one of a possible assassin. Fire was evident there, one could practically feel the intimidation rolling off her. "If you hurt my sister, I will hunt you down. You will be buried so far in the ground, not even the Old Gods could find you." Her voice was dead cold and seriously. But a second later, she released Souji and smiled, back to her bubbly self. She giggled and hugged him quickly. "Thanks for the invite! Let's do it again some time! Good luck!" Hana waved happily and tailed after her sister. She had a feeling things would still turn out like she wanted them too. Even if Megami wasn't the most...traditional with courting. She was just happy there was progress at all. Still though, she wasn't letting Megami get away with cutting the evening short. That was definitely sure.


[Topic Left, making new one later this evening or tomorrow.]
WC: 571