(Expecting) You're the Hitomi one who can help me [Day 4, LM]

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

The beautiful dawn to the store is wrench to the side as Ochiba, looking quite refreshed compared to her usual, rushes inside.

"Ohayo! Suzume-san?...Damn this place is nice. Uh, Suzume-san, are you round here? I need some costumes for nerd stuff and between my awesome party and this fanwhatever all the cheap sexy ones are sold out."

The Mantis starts looking around for the Sparrow's expensive sexy costumes, but cannot seem to spot any.

[Suzume Hitomi]

The beautiful dawn to the store is wrench to the side as Ochiba, looking quite refreshed compared to her usual, rushes inside.

"Ohayo! Suzume-san?...Damn this place is nice. Uh, Suzume-san, are you round here? I need some costumes for nerd stuff and between my awesome party and this fanwhatever all the cheap sexy ones are sold out."

The Mantis starts looking around for the Sparrow's expensive sexy costumes, but cannot seem to spot any.

Hitomi pokes her head around from the back as poor Ishiko looks confused. "Yoritomo-sama? Umm...what? I..." She shakes her head with a small huff. "Come in back. There's tea, and let's see what you need."

The back is mostly cluttered alcoves of storage shelves, with a corner or carefully wrapped art boxed in by carefully wrapped lumps that are probably furniture Another crammed corner has a mobile clothing rack; desk with a sewing machine; another desk with lamp and kintsugi supplies; and small shelf of craft supplies, and seems to act as a very tiny studio. An electric kettle, small pot, and steaming cup are on the second desk.

"So...a costume?"

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Hitomi pokes her head around from the back as poor Ishiko looks confused. "Yoritomo-sama? Umm...what? I..." She shakes her head with a small huff. "Come in back. There's tea, and let's see what you need."

The back is mostly cluttered alcoves of storage shelves, with a corner or carefully wrapped art boxed in by carefully wrapped lumps that are probably furniture Another crammed corner has a mobile clothing rack; desk with a sewing machine; another desk with lamp and kintsugi supplies; and small shelf of craft supplies, and seems to act as a very tiny studio. An electric kettle, small pot, and steaming cup are on the second desk.

"So...a costume?"

“Well, I am all about the tea today.”
Ochiba shoots Hitomi with some finger guns as she follows the Sparrow into the back of the store, inspecting this and that with shameless curiosity


“So is this where your employees do all the repairs and crafts and stuff? Nice spot. Cozy.”

If there’s a spot to put her feet up, she absolutely will.

“I need two costumes! One for this nerd party thing and the other for the… LARP? It’s some kind of costume sex thing but you yell ‘fireball’ at each other in public first? I don’t get it.”

[Suzume Hitomi]

snip

There's sort of a spot, if you consider using a box awaiting unpacking sitting near a simple, but sturdy, chair good for putting feet up. Round stains from tea mugs indicate it's been in an unpacked-and-used-as-furniture state for a while now.

"Hmm? well, I do the repairs. The staff are pretty much just clerks for the shop." There *were* heimin trained in conservancy care, but that wasn't common here.

Hitomi pauses in confusion. "costume sex thing....?" She shakes her head slightly and fishes another mug from a shelf, stalling a bit with pouring tea and handing it over. A nutty hojichi that would be more suitable to yesterday's rain.

"You could probably modify last night's outfit for that, I expect." She'd only just read the emails on the commercial network chat, but didn't put the LARP together with 'costume sex thing' yet. If they'd included pictures of Ayame dressed in character, it would have put the pieces together...sort of.

"But the nerd party? Fancon, yes?" She glances at the scraps from Suh-hyun's dress yesterday. "Won't have anything here from a particular show since everything's older than those popular holovids. But they often use historical styles as a base..." She starts sorting thing on the rack, and pulls off a few. "These are actually replicas of costumes. Early 14th century court masquarade outfits meant to evoke the garb of gaijin cultures as more an more people began to have at least some knowledge of them.

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Snip

“Huh? Why?” Ochiba looks like she’s not really parsing why a samurai would want to do their own handiwork.

“Oh I like them both. The first one is more for fighting… I bet nerds like hot women fighting? The other one is pretty close to what I worry to a couple parties back in the day. I’ll take the fighty one! Then I need a show. You said you’re a historical drama sort of person? Is there a good one that I could be from? Ideally a cool Mantis samurai who kicks ass and takes names.”

Ochiba continues to sprawl comfortably as she just bombards the Sparrow with questions.

[Suzume Hitomi]

snip

"Why, what? Do the repairs? Because I have the training and they don't?" She puts the other outfit back, leaving the 'fighty' one hooked to the end of the rack. "restoring historical items can be tricky." Running the gauzy fabric through her fingers, she adds, "sourcing a silk weave to mend the weak spots on this took a while, for example. Can't just use the modern synthetic stuff in the cheap costumes you'll see at the con. Wouldn't work and might even damage the older materials."

Of course, she didn't have much hope that the outfit would survive Ochiba without damage. But a few years selling old things to wealthy people had taught her not to think too hard about the fate of those items.

She sits, taking up her own cup in both hands to think. "hmm...that one might have worked for 'Ryosei-Master of the Sea.' Think ronin adventures, but on the ocean, as an excuse to run into gaijin and orochi. I could see first mate Tanaba in something like that" It had only had two seasons on the Mantis networks, but somehow found a fandom and ended up with a movie trilogy a decade later plus re-release of the series to other networks. "It might be a little obscure, but that doesn't matter much unless you're trying to win the costume contest."

"Looking forward to fancon then?"

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Snip

“Huh.” Ochiba sips her own tea “well clearly there’s some money in it, so I can at least understand that. And problem solving is… cool?”

Yup, that costume was simply not going to survive.

“Great! I’m a first mate! They’re a first mate! I kick ass, they kick ass, totally sold. Gonna blow some nerd minds today, probably gonna ruin a few for life.”
She grins, clearly sure that cosplay was simply dressing up and shouting/swaggering.

“You know I’d never really looked into all this con stuff. But it’s a whole business? People spend months or years working on costumes of… cartoons and stuff? And then the actors come and sign their boobs?”
Looking completely baffled she takes another sip.

“What’s the attraction?”

[Suzume Hitomi]

snip

"It beats yam farming, certainly," Hitomi says, speaking mostly into her cup.

She reaches for her densai on the desk and scrolls to the fancon advertising. "I've never been enamored of any of those shows enough to really be that kind of fan, but I guess it's not that different from the work I put into mending these old things, wanting them to be as close to what they were so people can see that. It's a similar kind of focus."

She pauses thoughtfully, "thankfully there's no desire to have autographs from historians, so I've neer really been around the signing lines. I guess they get all kinds of strange requests from people who love the shoes."

"But yes, it can be lucrative. I always get a few people looking for historically accurate accessories in here. Those making things that really tap into the shows do very well. Maybe some year I'll see about a booth to sell those accessories more directly. Do some research..."

"You never wanted to get signatures or anything from the folks you had posters of then?" She doesn't really see the difference between fannish posters and non-fan pinups.

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

"Snip

“Guess if it’s worth doing it’s worth doing well. Maybe I need to watch more shows? But where would I find the time? You don’t attend yourself then? Thought you’d be all about it, professional curiosity and the like? Kinda risky if your costume is gonna fall off though.”

Innocent grin.
“Oh I was young and dealing with hormones. I’d want a lot of things from the folks in those pinups, but probably not an autograph.” Still, that gets her thinking.
“So they’re kind of horny… for fictional characters? That kinda makes sense. What’re the popular shows these days? Who do the kids want pinups of?”

[Suzume Hitomi]

snip

"Oh, I definitely attend. It's a good chance to pick up exclusive goods to resell to folks who weren't able to make it to the con. I have a small stash here. If someone freaks out over the 10 year old fancon pin up at the counter, I bring out the rest." She laughs, "that one belonged to my eldest brother who know looks at his Starlight Miko Crusaders period as a bit embarrassing. The one set of modern collectibles I hang onto." Setting the tea down and picking up her tape she say, "Oh! and I usually send one of the more artifact-like collectibles to mom at the Imperial Museum. I can see them doing some kind of fancon retrospective in 100 years or something, and they might be useful."

"But I'm not that deep into any of the fandoms to really feel their pulse and know what they're all about." She listens to Ochiba's take on pinups and laughs. "Um...yeah, that actually sounds pretty close to what's going on. There's all kinds of fanfic...which I know because my aunt's specialty is pillowbooks and she goes on, at length, about how fanfic is the modern version."

"Well, Starlight MC remains popular, and has for ages. So there's all these different versions. I don't know if they're from a sho, or just connected to the shows, these weird little ugly dolls seem to be popular lately..mu-mujina? Playing off the trickster spirits in some fashion. Not sure if they're protective charms or people just like them because they make them in fan costumes." She seems honestly bemused. "I had someone last year ask me to make matching formal wedding outfits for themselves and the dolls they were using...somehow...in the ceremony."

"Okay, let me make sure this is going to fit, stand up and hold your arms out to your sides." She waits with the tape measure. "And, what shows do you watch? Or just skip the holovids entirely?"

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

"Snip

”Your mother is at the imperial museum?”
Ochiba stands and holds her arms out, flexing slightly
“That’s prestigious. I bet they’ve got some really good stuff there. Oh, you’re gonna have to let some fabric out around the biceps, hundred percent.”

The gunshow continues
“Someone got married… with dolls? You know, I’m not even gonna ask. Let’s see… shows. I like Battlekobune Stellar, the action is so good. Oh and you know detective shows are fun too, we’ve got all 24 seasons of ‘mid-rim murders’ with that mild mannered Asako magistrate. How there’s still anyone left alive on that planet is anyone’s guess. But I don’t think that’s what is hip these days?”

[Suzume Hitomi]

snip

She nods absently, "thank goodness for historical seam allowances."

"Hmm, head curator now. She's been working there since she was an intern. It's about as prestigious as you get as a Sparrow." "We'll let the shoulders out a bit too. Historical samurai were often a bit smaller, and this was likely a courtier's costume. Lots of inkbrush muscle, but that doesn't broaden a shoulder."

"Have you been to the museum, or Rokugan at all? I think everyone should go once."

She sits again to begin seam ripping with a careful efficiency. "I think detective shows are still popular. You've got one of the Mystery 5 here. Maybe he'll sign stuff at fancon. I've heard of mid-rim. There's one here with a Kuni detective--of course--and supernatural mysteries that edge up to scandalous. Think it's called Spirit Hunter. And I think one of the shows our karo was in qualifies as mystery."

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

She nods absently, "thank goodness for historical seam allowances."

"Hmm, head curator now. She's been working there since she was an intern. It's about as prestigious as you get as a Sparrow." "We'll let the shoulders out a bit too. Historical samurai were often a bit smaller, and this was likely a courtier's costume. Lots of inkbrush muscle, but that doesn't broaden a shoulder."

"Have you been to the museum, or Rokugan at all? I think everyone should go once."

She sits again to begin seam ripping with a careful efficiency. "I think detective shows are still popular. You've got one of the Mystery 5 here. Maybe he'll sign stuff at fancon. I've heard of mid-rim. There's one here with a Kuni detective--of course--and supernatural mysteries that edge up to scandalous. Think it's called Spirit Hunter. And I think one of the shows our karo was in qualifies as mystery."

“I just work out a lot more than most historical samurai.”
Ochiba does fidget occasionally, clearly struggling by to stay still as Hitomi measures and adjusts.

“Huh, those shows sound alright, didn’t know the Karo was famous. Maybe I’ll swing buy and ask them to sign… some boring body part, like a foot or something…unless they’re into feet. Uggh that would be awkward.”
She shifts from foot to foot as if to demonstrate.

“I’m not really a museum sort of gal. It’s all stuff in the past anyway, I’m all about the future.. but they have some expensive stuff in them. And if your mom is head curator on the home world…-“
Bluntly
“-why are you out here? Aren’t you like sparrow royalty or something then?”

[Suzume Hitomi]

snip

That draws an actual snort and a pause, stepping back from all the fidgeting. "Oh! Sorry! But...Sparrow royalty would be...well there's probably a show out there with backwards-land where that happens. Hold still." She continues running the tape to get an inseam measurement. "We're Doji Suzume's direct line, so yes, we're the closest the Sparrow have to royalty, which means we oversee complicated parts of preserving the past...like museums, restoration, and entire historical zones. We still shop at thrift stores and use those restoration skills to look fashionable though."

"Less prestigious families are overseeing and preserving traditional yam farming methods. So I _am_ grateful that my karma kept me from spending most of my time in the mud."

While seam-ripping, she shakes her head. "I don't think Yasuki Umiko-sama is the body-part signing type. She'd probably sign a photo from one of her shows. There's sure to be some on sale at the con." She pauses at the end of seam. "Definitely do not ask her to sign your foot."

"I mean. I assume you're decently well up in Mantis hierarchy to be here negotiating for them?"

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

That draws an actual snort and a pause, stepping back from all the fidgeting. "Oh! Sorry! But...Sparrow royalty would be...well there's probably a show out there with backwards-land where that happens. Hold still." She continues running the tape to get an inseam measurement. "We're Doji Suzume's direct line, so yes, we're the closest the Sparrow have to royalty, which means we oversee complicated parts of preserving the past...like museums, restoration, and entire historical zones. We still shop at thrift stores and use those restoration skills to look fashionable though."

"Less prestigious families are overseeing and preserving traditional yam farming methods. So I _am_ grateful that my karma kept me from spending most of my time in the mud."

While seam-ripping, she shakes her head. "I don't think Yasuki Umiko-sama is the body-part signing type. She'd probably sign a photo from one of her shows. There's sure to be some on sale at the con." She pauses at the end of seam. "Definitely do not ask her to sign your foot."

"I mean. I assume you're decently well up in Mantis hierarchy to be here negotiating for them?"

“Huh, I just assumed if you were in the right line that fame, fortune and scantily clad paramours abound…you guys still do it hard, huh?”

Ochiba is clearly puzzled by the whole Sparrow vibe.


“And I can’t have my beautiful foot signed…this is a real bore.”
At the last question she starts sniggering.

“Oh no, no I’m up and coming. I pulled a lot of strings to get here. I’m not coming from anywhere important. But where I’m going is important. If I have kids they’re gonna start at the very top.”

[Suzume Hitomi]

snip

"I think there'd be more of the paramours if I _were_ on the farms. Lot of topless guys out there in the mud," she notes dryly doing a snip and rip on a length of see-through linen.

"Hmm, what's it like at the top among the Mantis? I've got a newsreel skim view of the wars an big news marriages, but not much else."

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

"I think there'd be more of the paramours if I _were_ on the farms. Lot of topless guys out there in the mud," she notes dryly doing a snip and rip on a length of see-through linen.

"Hmm, what's it like at the top among the Mantis? I've got a newsreel skim view of the wars an big news marriages, but not much else."

"Oh" pause. "You know, maybe the Sparrow approach does have its perks. Are people allowed to come and help out? Maybe spray cooling water on folks after a long day?"

Ochiba very nearly starts rubbing her hands together, which does not assist with fitting.
"Top of the Mantis? Well I don't have any great access, but it's sort of...you get everything anyone could ever want, but you also have to get results. You have to be generous with your friends and ruthless to your enemies, always bold, rarely cautious."

Her tone is fairly admiring.
"And the perks?...Well let's just say if Yoritomo-dono wants something they can have it, anything. When you're number one number one, you're number one."
Raising an eyebrow with a slight smile.
"If Suzume-san is looking for an attractive, successful and outgoing Mantis patron, wait a couple years and then I'll be able to buy all the uhh, fabric and old stuff anyone could ever want."

[Suzume Hitomi]

snip

Hitomi laughs at the idea of tourists heading out to the farms with water sprayers. But shakes her head, "I don't think that's a usual part of the tour, but if you get to know someone there and suggest it, I guess some might go for it."

She taps a hand to get the fiddling to stop as she slides the half-constructed sleeve over to check fit and fasten some small strips to set the spacing for the new seams. "Sounds like a holovid sort of life. But definitely look me up for decorating when you get there." Hitomi's seen the way the capitol operates, and there are definitely Imperials that sound sort of like the description of Mantis supremacy...minus the always bold part.

"Pretty different from just running a ship, I'd guess."

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Hitomi laughs at the idea of tourists heading out to the farms with water sprayers. But shakes her head, "I don't think that's a usual part of the tour, but if you get to know someone there and suggest it, I guess some might go for it."

She taps a hand to get the fiddling to stop as she slides the half-constructed sleeve over to check fit and fasten some small strips to set the spacing for the new seams. "Sounds like a holovid sort of life. But definitely look me up for decorating when you get there." Hitomi's seen the way the capitol operates, and there are definitely Imperials that sound sort of like the description of Mantis supremacy...minus the always bold part.

"Pretty different from just running a ship, I'd guess."

Ochiba grumbles quietly but makes an effort to stand mostly still after getting tapped.

"If this costume makes it through all the foot signing I definitely will."
Ochiba goes to shrug, realises she's meant to stay still and starts visibly struggling not to move, one foot vibrating slightly.

"Oh yeah, running a ship needs boldness and so on, but it's really about being firm where you have to, but also letting folks know where you stand. Doubly so when you're out salvaging, rougher crew, higher danger. Sometimes you need to crack heads, sometimes you sort it out with a drink, I can do both. I deal with all the boring stuff so the captain can focus on what's important."

Which reminds her.
"Oh yeah, by the way, your advice earlier? Spot on, Yasuki-sama's goods are definitely not on sale, she is one full price samurai. I mean...damn."
Ochiba starts unconsciously grinning goofily.
"Such a cool chick."

[Suzume Hitomi]

Ochiba grumbles quietly but makes an effort to stand mostly still after getting tapped.

"If this costume makes it through all the foot signing I definitely will."
Ochiba goes to shrug, realises she's meant to stay still and starts visibly struggling not to move, one foot vibrating slightly.

"Oh yeah, running a ship needs boldness and so on, but it's really about being firm where you have to, but also letting folks know where you stand. Doubly so when you're out salvaging, rougher crew, higher danger. Sometimes you need to crack heads, sometimes you sort it out with a drink, I can do both. I deal with all the boring stuff so the captain can focus on what's important."

Which reminds her.
"Oh yeah, by the way, your advice earlier? Spot on, Yasuki-sama's goods are definitely not on sale, she is one full price samurai. I mean...damn."
Ochiba starts unconsciously grinning goofily.
"Such a cool chick."

She slips the sleeve off and starts quickly stitching in the gauzey extensions. "Oh?" Hitomi's expression is obviously surprised, though whether that's by the fact she was right or by the Yoritomo's obvious boldness in proving it so is unclear.

"Umm...so you approached her?" She blinks and continues sewing...there's a deadline here. "I do think she's been considered very admirable, with her combat record and lineage and all..." She's not even going to mention that outfit last night.