New Encounters of the Third Kind [Private]

[Kaen]

Months had gone by since the sandwyrm attack, though you wouldn't know it. Past feelings were still present and drama was thick in the Shinku household. Kasen's depression quickly turned to anger, at least when it concerned Kaen. She and Ayame seemed to get along ok, and the occasional guest. But Kaen? No fuck that guy, every time he tried to help in some fashion she would start yelling at him, "I don't need your help, I can do it myself!" or "I'm not a child anymore, I don't need you to protect me all the time!". In the end the last straw was drawn, a fight ensued over him helping pick up around the house, mostly her mess as he was quite articulate about these things, and she blew up on him again ending with; "Just leave me alone!" And so he did. How Ironic it was that he finally had the power, or so he hoped, to protect her and she didn't even want it. But that was some time ago... Out of the blue he got a message by carrier bird requesting him to meet her at some restaurant. Seems that wanted to reconcile in some fashion, whatever good that might do. Sure he had the power to help, but did he even want to anymore? She cut him deep with all her hatred, Kaen wasn't sure if it would heal, properly at least... But being the loving brother he was, he couldn't tell her no. He agreed to meet, albeit it would most likely be dismal and dejecting, given the context.

Kaen would arrive ten minutes earlier than required at the appropriate destination. He had never dined at this establishment before, it looked new. The exterior was of a grand design, complete with lavish flora decorating the outside. Two marble lion statues adorned the entrance, as if some great and noble duo watched over this place. Fancy... Kaen approached the door greater, who was wearing a nice suit. Perhaps Kaen came a bit... under-dressed. Why would she invite him to this kind of place and not notify him of a certain expectation of attire. Probably just a clever way of embarrassing him further. And no sooner than the thought that crossed his mind did the greeter notice the obvious. I'm sorry sir, but I cannot permit entrance while your wearing that atrocious... get up or what have you. Tch... This guy! What a total snob, this asshole didnt know who he was dealing with. Not only was it bad enough that he was not getting along with his sister, but he was being branded common trash. This guy would be dead right now if it wasn't for people like Kaen... Maybe they SHOULD have let that damn worm destroy everything, at least then he wouldn't have to listen to bullshit like this. Look, man. I have a reservation, you need to let me through... I'm sorry sir, I simply can't allow it, dressed as you are. Kaen was getting pissed... but he was just a normal guy and one punch from him would probably kill the guy. Kaen would vent off some steam, almost literally, and think about it for a second. OK, fine... Kaen would cast a single one handed sign, performing a relatively simple jutsu. His clothes would slowly transform into that of prestige and elegance. The greeter would stare blankly for a second and shake his head before nodding and allowing him entrance. Kaen would pause a moment to give him further instruction. I'm meeting my sister here, be a dear and point her towards that table over there. She looks just like me, except ya' know, smaller and a girl. Don't forget or I'll transform you into a dog... Kaen would leave with a parting threatening joke before taking a seat at where he pointed out to the greeter. He was quickly served a glass of water and a menu to look over while he waited. Since he was inside there was no point in holding up the visage of "fancy-ness" and would release the jutsu to return to his original attire. Kaen took a sip of water and glossed over the menu choices. This was going to cost him a lot here...


[OOC - Topic entered, Private, requesting Kasen and Rin]

 

[Rin]

Ever since the night her so called father barged into her apartment, Rin had been looking for the siblings he mentioned. With their names being Kaen and Kasen, and their father’s family name being Shinku, Rin began looking up those names in the local registers and asking around as well. After a couple of weeks she had narrowed their whereabouts to a specific part of the city, and the past couple of days Rin had been asking around in that area, with a vague description of their looks, she had found at the registry. Today was her lucky day. A woman had seen a guy of the brother’s description, walk by just five minutes ago. Rin thanked her and ran the way the woman had seen him go. After running a while Rin noticed someone tall with red hair a fair distance from her. She assumed this was him and followed, but still a bit far away from her, he went into a restaurant. When she came closer she noticed it was very fancy, but she was sure this was where he went in. Rin took a moment to catch her breath and to mentally prepare herself and then entered the restaurant. The greeter looked very displeased and addressed her:

“I’m sorry miss, but I can’t allow you in, even if ...”

Then he seemed to remember something, and his expression changed, becoming uncomfortable with a hint of fear.

“Pardon my rudeness, your brother is waiting for you at the table over there.”

Rin was puzzled. He was expecting her? She stood still for a moment, and the greeter came closer, probably to lead her the right way. Rin glared and snapped at him:

“I can find my way over there perfectly fine.”

She started walking and at the table, the guy who might be her brother, was looking at the menu. Rin suddenly became very nervous, not that it showed, and started wondering about how the waiter said her brother was waiting for her. By the time she reached the table her mind had gone blank.


[MFT WC: 347]

 

[Kaen]

Fugu... no. Hmm, maybe Basashi? Nah... Wagyu sounds pretty good, hmm... Nearly 5 minutes had passed since his arrival at the restaurant and he was still perusing over the menu items, still unable to figure out what he was gonna get. In the meantime he had ordered a glass of wine to pass the time and assist in his food choice. Everything on the menu was pretty expensive and he had already blown most of his last bit of income that other night. Kaen anxiously tapped his foot, obviously peeved at his sister's expected tardiness. This was just like her, lately anyways, how could she expect to release any sort of tension if she was going to stand him up like this... Kaen still had his eyes glued to the menu when he saw Kasen approaching from the corner of his eyes. Or at least he assumed it was her, skin tone and features seemed the relatively the same. The crimson hair is what led him to believe it so, after all how many red heads did he know that would casually approach him like this. Kaen would keep his eyes fixated on the menu when he addressed her. "Tch... I figured you were going be late again, nice of you to make with your promises this time, well... have a seat then..." Kaen's tone came off a little abrasive, it couldn't be surprising given the context of their rocky relationship as of late. He wasn't going to start being nice all of a sudden just because she did one nice thing after months of fighting and anger. The red headed girl simply stood there blank faced quiet and timid. "Look, Kasen, if you just came here to berate me in public, we're gonna have a bad tim--" Kaen became flustered by the lack of response or that she didn't sit down. He stopped mid sentence as he put down the menu to confront who he had previously thought was Kasen. The relative features where correct but this was NOT his sister Kasen. Oh... Um, I'm sorry young lady, I thought you were somebody else... That damn door greeter! Just letting anyone in it seems. Tch... These people... can't do anything right... Kaen would fold his menu back and place it on the table lightly. I apologize again, I think the door greeter made a mistake. He was supposed to send my sister in, he must have gotten confused. I don't blame him though, you do look very similar to Kasen, my sister. It wasn't Kasen after all... she was going to be late, just as he predicted. I guess he could talk to this girl for the time being, it would be pretty rude to just send her away. He'd deal with that door greater later...

 

[Rin]

Rin snapped back to reality. Disappointed, she spoke under her breath.

“Tch, of course it’s Kasen you’re waiting for. I could’ve told myself that you didn’t expect me and you probably still don’t know who I am.”

She took out the chair and sat down, looking quite annoyed. She had desperately been looking for them and had been imagining all kinds of scenarios, but she never really thought about the possibility of only meeting one of them, let alone in some fancy restaurant. Rin expected that there would be some kind of surprise too, since their father didn’t know anything about her, before that night he barged into her home. She had imagined the chance of them recognise her features, even though it was very unlikely.

“But do we really look that much alike?”

She asked, without even the slightest sense of hostility, despite talking to a man. Then again, that was probably due to her delight of having siblings. A family that didn’t pity her like her uncle or ridiculing her like his wife and children had been doing. The excitement was taking over Rin’s mind and her eyes started to light up, even though she had just been disappointed and annoyed mere seconds ago.

 

[Kaen]

“Tch, of course it’s Kasen you’re waiting for. I could’ve told myself that you didn’t expect me and you probably still don’t know who I am.” Woah, what? Was this chick mad? What the hell did he do? Did she know Kasen or something? In obvious frustration she scooted the chair across from him and sat herself down facing him. She looked... She looked so familiar, he really couldn't pin point how. Her demeanor quickly changed as she popped him with inquisitive question that confused him. “But do we really look that much alike?” What was this girl going on about? I mean sure they did have similarities, but what did that matter? "Are we ready to order, sir?" The waiter who was evidentally made aware of the waiting sister scenario, had seen the girl matching the description and figured now was the right time to get some orders. These people were relentless with their stupidity and lack of awareness. Kaen glared at the waiter and snarled from behind his razor sharp teeth clenched tight. "Not... Now..." The waiter caught a glimpse of his pearly whites and quickly turned and hurried away. Now with him out of the way, he could deal with curious case before him. "Sorry, these people are so aggravating... Anyways, do we look alike? Kaen scanned the girl up and down thoroughly, as if a doctor looking for any sort of defaults. She had the hair, the eyes were a bit off. His and Kasen's were a vibrant shade of red, while her's where more yellow orange. The hair was spot on, however. Her build and frame was pretty similar to Kasen's. Kaen would cock his head to the right as he continued his observations. The girl, meanwhile, had a slight sparkle in the air, as if his answer was the difference between life or death. This was really strange. "Yeah I suppose you can say we look similar, if nobody knew us they would probably mistake us for siblings haha." Kaen would throw in a little joke at the end, there was no way they were siblings. Kasen was his only sister... right?

 

[Rin]

Rin ignored the waiter, waiting in anticipation. When he answered she started thinking.

Oh he thought I meant him when I said we, even though I meant Kasen, since that’s who the greeter mistook me for. But he thinks I look so similar to him, that we could be mista-

Her thought cut off. Mistake. Of course that’s what he’d think. He didn’t know yet and even if Rin told him, would he believe her? Rin leaned back in the chair, unsuccessfully trying to hide her doubt. Her usual façade must have run off somewhere.

Should I really have approached him? Even if I kinda looked forward to having siblings, I can’t expect them to feel the same way…

Her thoughts started to darken and her face did as well. She still hadn’t said anything, but for every second that went by, it was less likely that she would. She just sat there for a while, at least it felt like a while, though it might not have been more than half a minute. She glanced at him, not knowing what to do or what to say next.

[MFT WC: 188]

 

[Kaen]

Kaen noticed her swift change in her demeanor. She sat back in the chair adjacent from him, obviously perturbed over something he had said. He would be unaware of what exactly he had said that triggered this dark cloud that coalesced metaphorically above her head. Her face drew blank and her mouth fell silent. An awkward silence befell the table, the tension hung thick in the air. For a short while Kaen would nervously fiddle with a fork and then shifting over to his empty cup... "Waiter!" Kaen abruptly ended the silence, summoning their waiter. He was just out of sight waiting patiently to be requested, he hurried over nervously, Kaen's earlier outburst had taken its toll on his attitude. "Y-yes, sir?" What better way to break the ice than over a few drinks and maybe some appetizers. Kasen had yet to make an appearance and Kaen wasn't going to just leave because she was a little late. This girl seemed like she had something she needed to share, why else would she make a sudden appearance in a place and time like this? "Bring us a bottle of red wine, something young and sweet, like my new friend here." Kaen had a bit of a weakness for sweet reds, like the adult version of juice really... "Right away sir!" The waiter rushed to the back and promptly returned with an unopened bottle of wine. He presented the bottle to Kaen where he then gave a nod of approval. The waiter would overturn two empty wine glasses that had already been at the table and poured them both half full. The waiter returned to his waiting area until he was called upon once more. "So... What's your name?" A simple question for a nice beginning, they ought to get to know each other while they waited for the third party to arrive.

 

[Mienai]

For the love of Suna, Kasen couldn't believe she picked today of all days to seriously be late for this meeting. Her own meeting, the one she had deigned to arrange with such proper care over a week in advance. She had harassed and bartered her way to the best table at one of the most expensive restaurants in the area and she had to have a series of unfortunate events happen to her on this day. Kaen was never going to forgive her, who was she kidding. Idiot! She just kept shouting over and over in her head. Then again, her own voice was just about all she could hear these days. At least she had managed to swallow some of the bitterness that came with Same's rejection. Kaen's rejection would be far more devastating. She didn't want to lose either of them but it would be far more crushing for Kaen to abandon her, over her own actions of all things. Stupid shark, stupid sandworm, stupid temporary paralysis. The world sucked, her luck sucked. Man, it seemed like all she could do as she was running through the busy district was scream about all her shortcomings and failures.

Of course, that brings about the subject of why she was late. She had stopped to buy Kaen a present. She hoped he wouldn't see it as a weak attempt at groveling. She'd be a fool to think she could just buy his affection back. No, this was just a small gift. It wasn't extravagant. It wasn't expensive. It was just something she thought would carry sentimental value and a particular vendor happened to sell. It was custom made, you see. Maybe it was stupid, but Kasen remembered when they were little, before things got bad, Kaen would take her to one of the new year festivals. They always had such wonderful costumes and displays. It was fun. Sometimes they had masks, and she thought she had seen Kaen admire them. Of course, with their mother and them being basically destitute, they were there to look, never to buy. Kasen wanted to make one for Kaen, but she wasn't skilled in that area of craftsmanship. She had tracked down a vendor, one that made marvelous masks. Each one was unique. Kasen had been saving for a while and went out and had one made especially for Kaen. When she got there though, the vendor had been out to lunch. By the time he came back she was already 10 minutes late. In a panic, she practically threw the money at him as he handed her a nicely decorated box.

Now she had ran halfway across town just to make it to the restaurant. She looked far from put together. Parts of her hair had fallen from her normally tight ponytail, her bangs sticking to her forehead with sweat as her cheeks were red and she kneeled to catch her breath. She stepped into the restaurant, and the greeter gave her a once over. "Name? Kasen smiled weakly. "Sorry, I'm really late. The reservation is under Shinku. I'm Kasen, my brother should be expecting me?" To her sadness the greeter sneered at her. "Madame, you don't get to just waltz into this quality of restaurant using some cheap gimmick like that one. You think we don't have hood rats using that line at least twice a day trying to get into this establishment because they overheard the name of so and so is expecting you? Get out before I call security." Kasen's mouth dropped open. If she wasn't in total shock, she might have actually responded negatively. "What? No, I seriously made a reservation. I called over a week ago. Is my brother here?" The greeter sighed and snapped his finger. Two men grabbed her. "Do not come in here again. That patron and his sister are already here. I will not have you bother my paying customers." Tears pooled at the corner of her eyes. She looked down at the present. Then she recalled his words. "Wait, WHAT?" Kaen was here? With his sister? Who the hell?

She grabbed a piece of paper and headed toward the window. She looked in, seeing Kaen and another girl with red hair similar to theirs sitting down. Kasen huffed. She wrote on the paper and flipped it around on the window so they could read. She banged loudly on the window to get their attention. Hopefully when he looked over he would see the sign that read. "Kaen, the greeter threw me out. Did you call Rent-A-Sis while I was gone? Please come save your sister, who is very sorry, because I love you and hopefully you love me and I can give you this present that made me 20 minutes late. Also I love you." It was long, but maybe Kaen would think it was funny, and also come save her. Until then she continued to stare at them through the glass. Who was the girl?

 

[Rin]

Kaen had broken the silence by ordering wine. Rin wasn’t completely back to her senses yet, but as the wine was poured, she cocked her head to the side thinking:

Uhm, doesn’t he realize I’m a minor? But then again, he doesn’t know anything about me…

As soon as the waiter left Kaen seemed to try and start a conversation by asking for her name. Rin hesitated at first, but then started to reply:

“I’m Kura-“

A sudden banging noise came from the window, startling her just enough to stop her from finishing her name. She looked towards the noise and saw a red haired girl with a piece of paper in her hand that had something written on it, which she had shoved against the window. Rin immediately jumped up from her chair and thought:

That must be Kasen!

There were several sentences written on the paper, and being three tables away from the window, Rin had to focus her eyes a bit before being able to actually read it. When she was done reading she made eye contact with Kasen and then started walking out of the restaurant with a concerned look on her face as she thought:

How can I fix this, how can I fix this? I’m getting in between them on an important day and now we’ll all get thrown out of the restaurant for inconveniencing the other guests.

Rin ignored anyone who would try to talk to her as she marched out, the other guests, the waiters, the greeter and even Kaen. She turned towards Kasen as she stepped through the door, unsure of what to say when she would finally reach her. Rin’s heart was beating louder with each step she took and when they were within arm’s reach of each other she stopped and looked straight into Kasen’s eyes unable to utter any words.

[MFT WC: 312]

 

[Kaen]

“I’m Kura-“ She started to state her name, but quickly hesitated. Kaen raised an eyebrow as he took a sip from his wine, seems someone was causing a ruckus outside. Rin suddenly jumped from her seat as if someone had lit a flame under her ass, it wasn't me this time, I swear... Kaen focused his eyes a bit, was that... Kasen?! Kaen rubbed his eyes a bit, trying to get a better look. Heh... sure was, what was she doing out there? There was a lengthy note plastered against the window, Kaen slowly read it out loud, muttering here and there. "Threw me out... Rent-a-Sis..." That part make Kaen snicker a bit, I guess it would appear that way. "Very sorry... Present..." Present?! What could it be... "20 minutes late... I love you... Yeah she was pretty late, could she even blame him for renting a sis? I mean that's not what happened, but it was still pretty humorous, given the context. Kaen let out an audible chuckle as he finished reading her ridiculously long note, only she would do something like this.

"Oh, there's my sist--" Kura-whatever suddenly began to exit the restaurant. "Oi! Where are you going?" He attempted to protest, get her attention, but she ignored him flat out, making a beeline for the front door. Kaen sighed, grabbed the bottle wine and began to follow her out. The Kura girl kept on walking, slowing as she turned out of the restaurant. Her steps, slow and methodical as she approached Kasen, as if she had discovered some long lost sister or something, it was weird. Kaen would wait at the entrance, next to the podium. If Kasen glanced over the other girl's shoulder looking for answers, Kaen would simply shrug as he took a swig from the bottle. He had no idea what was going on anyways, he didn't really have a name or where she was from, the mystery was real!

 

[Mienai]

Luckily, despite her prior streak of bad luck that appeared to be happening today, the attention she attempted to garner had been awarded via them looking towards the window. Yes! Some semblance of success was had! However, it was a bit disconcerting that the other girl should come out and greet her before Kaen. She looked through the window and noticed him still looking while the other girl had vacated the seat and appeared to be coming out the door. The girl stopped in front of her. Kasen tilted her head in a rather perplexed manner wondering if this girl was going to speak to her. She turned her attention back to the window to notice that Kaen was no longer at the table he had been sitting at moments ago.

Turning to address the girl, Kasen saw behind her that Kaen stood at the entryway to the restaurant. He shrugged at her, causing her to glare slightly. What did he want her to do? She didn't know who this person was and the other girl wasn't talking! Boy, she was really starting to feel like a real fish out of water. She snickered a little bit at her own lameness. Man, Same would have found that funny. DID YOU FIND THAT FUNNY SAME? I KNOW YOU DID. Still nothing from the shark. Of course, even shouting stupid jokes internally wasn't going to drag this stubborn elasmobranchii out. Giving a sigh, Kasen figured she should address the pink elephant in the room....er...shopping district? "Uh, hi. I'm Kasen. I was supposed to be meeting my brother for lunch and there seems to have been a mix up. Perhaps we can calmly explain the confusion. Were you meeting someone? I'm sure they could be of some assistance as well. Given that I'm sure it's imposed on your time as well, you may as well join us until whoever you're meeting arrives?" Kasen found this to be a reasonable compromise and nodded at her own resolution to the problem. As a secondary thought, she looked over at Kaen and then winced a bit at her lack of courtesy. "Is that alright with you, Kaen? I really am sorry I'm so late." She would wait a minute for his response.

Whatever the response of the two other people would be, they really needed to move this inside before more of a scene happened. Kasen stepped back into the restaurant, the greeter seemed prepared to throw her out again but she slammed her medical ID badge down on the pedestal her stood at. "Look, this is me. Sinku Kasen. I'm his sister. You so rudely threw me out, I'd like to go to our table now. THANK YOU." The greeter stuttered in embarrassment before nodding in agreement and ushering them towards the table for when they were ready. He threw in a free dessert of their choosing for the grave error. Taking a seat at the table, Kasen would let out another sigh and wait to see how this played out.

 

[Rin]

Kasen asked if Rin was meeting someone, probably trying to find an explanation to what seemed to be a mix up. Kasen also suggested that Rin could join them while waiting for the one she was meeting up with and asked Kaen if that would be okay. Rin waited for Kasen to look back at her, after Kaen had accepted, before trying to answer. Kasen started walking towards the entrance and Rin followed while talking.

“Well, uh, how do I explain this, hmmm… I really want to join you two, but you’re assuming I’m waiting for someone else, which I’m not. I came here looking for you two. Well, I’ve been looking for you for a couple of weeks. Ever since that damned man showed up. But anyway, I saw Kaen walk into this restaurant so I followed him and the greeter pointed me to his table saying he was waiting for me. I went over to his table and found out he was waiting for you, of course, and not me…”

Rin started looking seriously disappointed at this point took a small pause. Kasen used this moment to confront the greeter, but before they were back at the table Rin had started mumbling to herself, looking slightly down.

“What did I expect? I didn’t know about you a couple of weeks ago. Hell, HE didn’t know about me before that. He could’ve told you guys about me though, but he said something about you being bad, so maybe you’re not talking these days? Not that I’d want to be near that man ever again.”

They had reached the table and Rin looked up at Kasen, then Kaen, not really knowing if she should take a seat or not. Nervously she started talking again.

“You’re really important to me, even though we’ve never met before, but this is also an important day for you two as far as I can tell. Is it okay for me to stay, at least until I’ve explained?”


[MFT WC: 333]

 

[Kaen]

This was all turning out to be an interesting affair. The outcome was surely to be interesting, or at least he hoped it would be. Why else would something go awry so strangely. Kasen would catch him with a question while he was taking another sip of his wine. "Is that alright with you, Kaen? I really am sorry I'm so late." He coughed and sputtered a bit in an attempt to answer in a timely manner. "Uh, yeah, sure. Redhead family dinner, why not. Also no worries Kas, I'm sure you had a good reason." With that said, the trio began to make their way back inside, making a quick pit stop to let Kasen chew the staff out over the earlier dispute. They were kind enough to give us desert on the house. Kaen would walk buy and smile, holding an empty bottle. "Yeah... we're gonna need another one of these." He then handed the bottle to the staff and followed the two girls back to their table.

From the talk outside, then during the little road trip back to the table and now right here and now, this girl had a look of near defeat and sorrow stricken across her face. You would almost think that someone had kicked her dad or stolen her last sweet roll. But he didn't really know this girl at all, was he expected to pity her with whatever situation she was in? Then she was talking about some guy, she made it sound like we knew him ourselves. Were we supposed to know this girl?! Once at the table, Kasen and him took their seats while the girl nervously stood and continued on. “You’re really important to me, even though we’ve never met before, but this is also an important day for you two as far as I can tell. Is it okay for me to stay, at least until I’ve explained?” About this time a staff member had came along with a new bottle and opened it for them, offering to pour their glasses. Kaen shooed him away and took the bottle himself. "Look... I don't wanna sound rude or nothing." Kaen started, pausing a moment to pour all three of them a glass of wine. "I have no issues with you sticking around. BUT, and this is the kicker here... You're gonna have to start making some sense." He paused again to take a sip of his wine, he was mildly inebriated so the concept of wasting time was lost to him currently. "First off, how about your name, then move on to this guy. And if everything is making sense after that you can tell us why we are "important" to you despite us having never met you or heard of you." That might have come off a little abrasive, but he didn't mean for it to. He just wanted to get to the bottom of this peculiar mystery and have some dinner, this wine might fill him up, but drinking wasn't the best idea... look what happened the last time he drank...


[OOC MFT]