[Day 7 - Late Morning] Friend of a Friend (Expecting)

[Yasuki Umiko]

Umiko arrived early at the Kappa's Pond for an arranged meeting with a good acquaintance of Kaito-kun. After the incident at Crabkaku, she found herself a bit reluctant to associate herself anything with her direct cousin. Everything came as a shock to her, and she found herself still mulling over her emotions. However! Courtesy was above personal misgivings, at least that's what society taught her!

She strolled in dressed in a sweater and a blue patterned skirt and was immediately greeted kindly by the staff here. That easily brought a genuine smile to her face, seeing the familiar and cozy decor of the tea house. With everything being overly produced and made to look sleek in the city, it was good to get a slice of the community that was homemade and earnest. She would request a corner booth by the window and wait for her arranged companion.

[Bayushi Hinata]

Umiko arrived early at the Kappa's Pond for an arranged meeting with a good acquaintance of Kaito-kun. After the incident at Crabkaku, she found herself a bit reluctant to associate herself anything with her direct cousin. Everything came as a shock to her, and she found herself still mulling over her emotions. However! Courtesy was above personal misgivings, at least that's what society taught her!

She strolled in dressed in a sweater and a blue patterned skirt and was immediately greeted kindly by the staff here. That easily brought a genuine smile to her face, seeing the familiar and cozy decor of the tea house. With everything being overly produced and made to look sleek in the city, it was good to get a slice of the community that was homemade and earnest. She would request a corner booth by the window and wait for her arranged companion.

It's another morning for the bushi. Having skipped his early morning workout routine in favour of retaining as much strength and stamina as possible for the physical events coming up in a handful of hours. He strides in wearing sportswear clearly meant for the later activities. He politely bows to the staff as he makes his way into the room arranged for Umiko. He bows deeply, a wide, friendly smile on his face as he kneels down opposite to her.

"It is an honor to meet with you Umiko-dono. I know how complicated it must be for someone of your station to find time outside their duties for even more socialising. Iam Bayushi Hinata, I work for the Orchid Department under Bayshi Kazushi..."

He looks around after introducing himself, his eyes locking with hers once he's done examining the room. "I must say, this place is terribly charming. I was told it is highly valued by the locals, thank for you meeting me in a place that must be close to your heart."

[Yasuki Umiko]

Umiko offered two blinks at the suddenly personal greeting but nevertheless offers a polite smile and a nod of acknowlegement. "Good morning, Bayushi-san, pleased to meet you! My duties and the events around the island keep my quite busy but I always consider it a pleasure to meet our guests here. Especially, when they offer new viewpoints sometimes."

"Mm! I'm glad you think so!" She said with a bob of her head with a small smile. "I suppose I've been looking for a reason to come back here. I think that this tea house has found a way to becoming a part of every resident's lives here. The turtle patries are really a must have here, very adorable too!"

She picked up the menu. "Let's see...does Bayushi-san have a preference in teas to start?"

[Bayushi Hinata]

"It is refreshing to see hosts as welcoming as yourselves, hospitality is one thing but you make a conscious effort to interact and understand your guests." He nods with a warm smile, politely accepting the menu, tracing his finger over it as Umiko speaks.

"It is very charming. A chance to connect with one's history, and have great dessert isn't something I was intending on passing up."

"Iam partial to gyokuro. Something energizing to start the day. As for the other items on offer, I can't really decide, I might have to ask for more than one on my first visit, they all look delicious."

He takes a moment to think, seemingly in deep focus as his tongue peeks out of the corner of his mouth for a spell before he's made a decision. Putting down the menu.

"I would ask if you have any other recommendations for places to visit around the island. I've mostly stuck to the arcades and izakaya, I should look for something less stereotypical for someone my age I reckon."

[Yasuki Umiko]

Umiko smiled sheepishly at the compliment. "Thank you, Bayushi-san. I know that Scorpion hospitality holds a rather high standard, mirroring much of those found in the Crane. I've had the pleasure to experience that myself when I made some tours on the World of Dreams during my idol days. Perhaps I've just taken a page out of that and am doing my best to mimic the same quality. There is hardly any innovation on my part, please."

"Sure, let's do a pot of gyokuro. I think there is a batch of it that is grown around Tenjin Town, though the fields are a bit modest," she said with a small smile as she pressed the button to call the server over. "We can pair that with...some yatsuhashi and mizu manju. These desserts really bring back some memories. Actually, I remember coming here once and helping them with the dessert. Well, the part where you do the folding, was the easy part. Second easiest part after eating them!"

"If it were a bit later in the day, I'd be tempted to get a parfait here, personally. They layer it with all sorts of jelly, dango, mochi, and yokan. It's quite a bit to eat in the morning." She bobbed her head twice on that note before letting out a giggle after some further thought. "Actually, it's quite a bit to eat at any time of the day..."

"Oh," she said before looking up in consideration. "Have you looked into the views of the island? Have you been on the observatory deck on Mount Nakahama yet? Or perhaps the Hanei Tower at night? Namigashira Bay is also very nice."

[Bayushi Hinata]

"You flatter me and my people. Iam aware of your prior visits to my homeworld as a member of Aoi48." He takes a moment to deviate his eyes from her, a soft breath escapes his lips as a wide, very wide smile crosses his lips. "My father managed to take my little sister to one of your concerts, she was sad when you announced your graduation. It makes me happy to know you enjoyed your time among scorpion, but please give yourself more credit. Hospitality is to be commended, doesn't matter how or why it's offered." His tone is almost as warm as the tea they are brought shortly after. His smile softens as he changes topics sway from his family.

"You..." He pursed his lips, considering his words. He was nervous, and couldn't quite say why. His expression didn't quite communicate this thankfully. "You're very fond of Green Carp. The province, it's people. Even after travelling so much you seem to know you fit here. Maybe it's inexperience on my part, this is my first time leaving the World of Dreams, I'm not quite sure how I take to everything being so different."

He looks again down at the menu. Considering the woman's words. "I was actually very set on the mango parfait. Even if it's a lot for the morning. Well our ancestors used to do big breaktasts! I'll need the calories for the events later in the day." As the server comes along he quietly lets Umiko take the lead with her order. When it's his turn he orders the aforementioned mango parfait, and a glass of water.

"I have. Mount Nakahama sounds fun but I've yet to have to courage to invite anyone to climb it, most of my delegation aren't inclined to the outdoorsy activities. Hanei Tower seems prohibitively expensive for someone on my stipend, and... well whoever I take there is gonna ssume a certain intention, I'd rather not lead with that every time." He chcukled, considering how brazen he'd just been as he introduced himself to the woman. He was gently shifting into timidness it seemed.

"Nagamashira Bay! I hadn't though of that! With the beach so close to the city it didn't occur to take a few more minutes drive for something less packed."

[Yasuki Umiko]

"Well, I only wish to give proper acknowledgement to my inspirations, at the very least," she smiled sheepishly on the matter. "Oh, your sister is a fan? It's not often I hear from fans outside of the Crab Clan, despite having toured around the Empire. I'm happy to know that there is a fan in your sister. If you wish, I would be more than happy to offer a signature. Actually, I did a signing not too long ago at Fan Con. To do the same would be no trouble at all. Or maybe even offer some old merchandise? I might not be with the group anymore, but I do still have a few things around."

"That's something I'm not so sure if I can provide an easy answer to," she chuckled on a slightly anxious note. "I think there's something to be said when it comes to fondness when you're missing something. I'm sure the Cranes can word that sentiment better than I could. I think this is admittedly thanks to being a fixture on the island with my father's position as governor. However, when I left for my studies and eventually my career, I don't think my connection was as strong to the island, especially being so far away for an extended period of time. But when I did return, I kind of found the island to be like an old friend, and we easily caught back up. It took some time, of course. I know there were those early weeks where I bumbled around the streets like I was a..."

She paused for a moment to consider the best word choice other than 'visitor', "...like I was a bit of a fool, I suppose."

"You don't need to climb the mountain to see it. Have you considered taking the ropeway up? It's not too far from the city limits, and it'll take you directly up to the observation deck. There's also the monorail, too, if you're not too keen on driving but I'm a bit biased on that since I did a recent commercial advertising it on behalf of the Public Works office," she chuckled.

[Bayushi Hinata]

He nods along enthusiastically as she mentions her time as an idol, a wide smile on his face. 'Good! She's offering you a favour, now you just gotta-'. "You really would? Oh Umiko-dono that would be wonderful!" 'Wait, wait don't just agree you gotta know her angle-'. "My sister will be over the moon when she gets some of your merchandise in the mail! And a signature too?! You're so generous!" The younger man's demeanour shifts almost entirely to enthusiasm and energy. Not even a sip of tea and he
Already looks like he can jump over pits of mud with a smile on his face. "I- I can't just accept such gifts you must need something on return."

Regarding the matter of belonging and fitting into her homeworld, her home city, the scorpion's expression visibly softens. He meets her eyes but doesn't challenge her as he did when he first entered. Perhaps it was a skill of the scorpion's? To disorient with boldness and kindness in equal measure? Or was the young man simply commiserating for his own reasons?

"I can't say I relate, but I'm yet to travel enough that I'll forget how I settled down in the first place. But I've a hard time imagining you looking like a fool reconnecting with your home town. Besides, it's difficult to know every facet of a place or person. There'll always be something new to learn no? We're always visitors in some way, the world is too big to not go finding new wonders every once in a while." He gives her a wide smile. Who was this kid jumping from excitedness to wisdom in the same breath? "We've all gotta look foolish every once in a while, it makes us look better when we do things right the next time!"

As they are brought their tea he pours for both of them, gently extending the cup to the older woman. "Oh I didn't know I could take other transports to the top. Doesn't it defeat the purpose a little? Don't get me wrong, I know the view must be worth it by itself no matter which way one climbs to the top. But taking the trail sounds like it adds the most value. Making a real effort, earning the top. Maybe I should take the monorail and make the trek, if the Karo promoted it it must be good!" He lets out a soft chuckle before taking a sip of tea. "What do you think about the Hanei Tower? It honestly sounds a lot like date material to me, rather than an attraction to go alone to."

[Yasuki Umiko]

Umiko chuckled and held out a hand to assuage his concern. "Please, Bayushi-san, it's hardly anything that's a big deal to make a fuss about. I suppose it's something that comes more rarely now that I'm karo, but it's something that I'm more than happy to do, especially for a fan from another Clan. It already pleases me much to hear that she's a fan, and if anything, this is an opportunity to return something to my fans for their dedication."

"Well said," she took a moment to tilt her head slightly in consideration of his words before giving a few sound nods. "It is truly impossible to know everything on the island. It's a small place, quite small, when compared to a megacity such as Aoihama. However, there are enough people and places here where there are still a few strangers, despite there being enough talk in the island to have a few local personalities among us. Well, I'd like to believe that my place is now officially here and I can look forward to reacquainting and learning more about my home every day."

She would give the table a few small taps to say thanks for the pour of tea before picking up her cup for a sip.

"It's just a matter of opinion," she found herself chuckling at the idea and giving a small bow at the mention of the monorail. "I personally don't think the view on the mountain gets any worse or better depending on the route that you take. Of course, there's more of a journey and a sense of accomplishment if you wish to hike up the mountain, but it can take all day, and I don't expect just anyone to take that route. It's probably best depending on when you visit the observation deck, rather than how."

She narrowed her eyes in thought, wondering how he came to that conclusion about the tower. "The Hanei Tower could be date material, I suppose...but it was also open for the attendees of Fan Con and those who participated in Jade Chef. Granted, that's different than going on your own, I agree. The Hanei Tower is certainly no Nakahama Koku, for one..."

[Bayushi Hinata]

"Your generosity and dedication deserve commendation Umiko-dono. You're making a teenage girl exceedingly happy, I have to at least offer to return the favour." He says with s wide smile. Family is an odd thing in the empire, some love them, some hate them, some seem ambivalent. The young man in front of her clearly loved his. "Hana. Bayushi Hana. She's always been in love with idol culture since she was little. You'll be recapturing some of that more innocnet magic it had for her when she was... Kami she must have been 12 or 13 at the time."

"Everyone needs somewhere to belong to. Ironically, it is easier to belong to a place you don't fully know. The little mysteries keep you hooked, make you want to stick around to learn every new facet." He takes a deep sip of his tea, the energizing brew's warmth seeping from his stomach through his body. "Sooner or later we all belong somewhere for good. I wouldn't worry too much"

"I'll have to consider my options then. There are no such, 'Wild' vistas in the World of Dreams. Green Carp feels untamed in a sense, a gentle world hiding teeth beneath the flower petals." He seems remarkably at ease, during each and every event Umiko may have noticed the young man putting up a charming, alluring act. Yet right now he seemed like... Well, any tourist. Like he only now had allowed himself to go see the island.

"I think it's the expectations. Reservations, dress code, the type of food. It's not a 'meet a cute person at the arcades' type of place. It's a 'dress to impress and show them you have class's type of place." He had a finger on his chin as he considered his idea, eyes up to the ceiling in thought.

"Am I making sense? I heard the bar was always open though, maybe I could visit on my own and get the view and my drink in one go." There was a long, deep sip of his tea, clearly enjoying the brew. The smile he has on when the cup is down suggest he is similarly enjoying the present company.

"Are you looking forward to today's events? The Oshidama tournament looks like some of the most fun yet!"

[Yasuki Umiko]

"If you wish to do something in return, I wouldn't be opposed to it, Bayushi-san. I think making your sister happy is a reward in itself. Maybe if she wants to write back and share her appreciation, that might be enough for me. No pressure to, of course," she smiled softly on the matter.

After the meeting, Umiko would indeed send some things to Hinata so that he could pass them on to his sister. Those things included an issue of Aoi48 Encyclopedia Volume 7, which was a magazine special that detailed the group in her starting year, and she just made the entry. There would also be a less circulated rare to obtain photo of her when the group did a steam-age gaijin-flavoured butler theme shoot. Finally, there would be the collected episodes of the first (and only) season of Inferno House. While it wasn't Aoi48 themed, Umiko thought she might have some appreciation for something that might be hard to obtain outside of Crab space. All of them would be signed, of course.

Eventually, the sweets that Umiko ordered to complement the tea would arrive. They would be given little skewers to pick up the pieces.

Umiko would pick up a folded piece of yatsuhashi and give a slow nod. "Yes, you are making sense. I suppose I was thinking more in the sense of meeting at the bar than actually having dinner there. There are probably better offers of food on the shopping street than the tower, if I'm being honest...maybe just the observation deck is the best option, to start," she smiled sheepishly.

"I...don't have too much experience with oshidama, unfortunately," she chuckled on an anxious note. "I will likely be relying on my sister there. I take it that Bayushi-san has a lot of experience?"

[Bayushi Hinata]

"Now you're just piling on more sugar for her, she'll jump at the opportunity. I swear she's coming out of this trip of mine quite spoiled. Iam truly thankful to you Yasuki-dono. I could hardly ask for more from you in a lifetime." He gave her a warm, impossibly friendly smile. Genuine happiness spread across his face as every gesture simply piled on more generosity.

"You have my gratitude, if you need of anything Iam all ears." He regards the server warmly as the sweets are set at the table. A skewer is taken to one of the mizu manjo. Delight spreading across the young man's features after just one bite. "If the food is half as good as this Iam not complaining whatsoever. These are so good!" He quickly finished the treat, wiping his mouth politely after the effusive display.

"If I were ever to take a woman of your status on a date it'd be there. Privacy, class, an excuse to dress up in your best outfit. I- apologies for the brazenness, I know I've led this conversation somewhat improperly from the start. But you're a very personable woman, I mean this as a most sincere compliment Yasuki-dono."

He politely bows his head to her, still a welcoming smile on his face. As the server puts down his parfait he stops them for a moment. "As a small apology. Can I offer you to share this parfait? You're sharing your sweets with me at the very least."

He seems almost shy in his offer, timid and unsure. It seems whatever boldness he clung to was beginning to fade after her generous offers.

[Yasuki Umiko]

Umiko took a bite from her folded sweet and nodded in agreement. She placed a hand close to her lips mid-chew as she spoke. "Mmm, I'm glad you think so. I do very much like the sweets here. Most of the tea and coffee they have here are local brews, but I think they have more of a say on the sweets they have here, which they make on site and with a passed-down recipe. It's really what made the place so popular for many decades."

"Oh, oh?" Umiko murmured with a blink as she reached for her cup of tea, looking a bit bashful, and she glanced down for a moment. She smiled sheepishly with a blush on her cheeks. "I'm glad you think of me so highly, thank you, Bayushi-san. I don't think I really view myself as a 'Hanei Tower' kind of girl, to be honest, but thank you."

"Oh, no, no. You don't owe me in the slightest," she chuckled with a raised hand to show some objection. "The sweets were meant for the table, Bayushi-san. Honestly, there was no way I could have ever finished the order on my lonesome. If anything, you're doing me a favour by sharing all of this with me, so I can order more varieties! Mm, I guess it is quite a bit of food..."

[Bayushi Hinata]

"Local brews will always be better than the preserved stock brought from offworld, even from other regions." He takes a brief sip of his cup, opening his eyes midway before immediately moving to refill the emptied cup he was seemingly blazing through. "Especially something that's cultivated so briefly. Gyokuro relies on freshness more so than most other brews. You won't hear me complain about local tea ever!" He smiles enthusiastically as he seemingly blazes through more of the tea.

Seeing her reaction to what he had begun as an absent minded affirmation quickly had him feeling bashful himself. Was it the genuine appreciation for his sister? The openness with which she had accepted the invitation and questions? What was HE so flustered about?

He takes a deep breath. Letting his nerves settle down and composing himself before speaking again. "I don't want to be presumptuous Yasuki-dono. But you should talk more kindly about yourself." His eyes seek hers out with a soft smile. "You've no reason to be, yet you've been generous and friendly. You've shown me and others hospitality and kindness. And because of that a young girl will be jumping through her dojo's roof with excitement."

"I guess what I'm trying to say is, I shouldn't be suprised someone so generous can be so humble. Yet I'll still try to stoke some pride in yourself. So if you'd please, honor me with an opportunity to share a nice dessert with you. I've little else to offer myself besides my good looks and kind words, but I offer them nonetheless."

[Yasuki Umiko]

Umiko would likewise get another pour of tea during the conversation, although she did take her time drinking her own cup. There was a momentary blink when she saw the Scorpion go through his tea so quickly. He must really like his tea, she imagined.

"I don't think I've spoken badly of myself, Bayushi-san," she chuckled. "More than the Hanei Tower isn't my preferred spot to hang out. I'm someone who favours evening dresses or expensive alcohol. I would probably prefer to walk the Harbourfront, maybe visit Yuta Records, and walk the park in the more quieter residential parts of the city. The Hanei Tower probably more to my sister's liking, well, if I were to guess."

"I'm sure you can do more than your appearance and words...and parfait, in this case," she giggled on that note. "But please, I would be happy to have some. It's a bit early, but I guess I already built up enough of a sweet tooth."

She chuckled and would request the staff for either another bowl or a cup to split the parfait, a spoon too, of course.

[Bayushi Hinata]

"I guess I was presumptuous after all." He said with an apologetic expression, scratching the back of his neck. "I won't linger on it. I am confident you would do me the kindness to do the same. Though it is good to know you prefer the simpler things in life, does your position allow you to walk about public spaces like that undisturbed?" He asks as he takes another long, generous sip of his tea. He was thristy, or was he washing down all the sugar?

"I would be honored to share some of this mango parfait with you Yasuki-sama. In addition to my other charms of course, I'm only here to sweeten the deal."


"I've yet to visit Yuta Records. That's the retro tapes and vinyls store right...? Do you think... would they have a tape or vinyl version of one of the songs you recorded during your idol days? Did you have any solo performances Yasuki-sama?" He asked out loud as he stared off to the side in thought. "Is there a particular band or artist's records they have that you like actually?"

[Yasuki Umiko]

"Nakahama City is very safe that I can comfortably work anywhere here without an issue," she nodded and looked around the teahouse before giving him a small bow. "However...I suppose I do have an escort today, I have to admit. Maybe I should have been upfront about that prior to our meeting. I didn't want to be very intrusive, so I merely hired a ronin at a friend's recommendation."

"I think that you're worth more than a mango parfait, if that's what you're implying, Bayushi-san," she chuckled. "Thank you for joining me today, Bayushi-san. To be honest, I really need a reason to drop by Kappa's Pond again, it feels like it's been a long while."

"They would..." She smiled sheepishly on the topic. "But that's not the reason that I would go there! I obviously have my own work. The store only has a small corner dedicated to me, most of the space would be for their best sellers and famous classics. And I did, yes. After my graduation from Aoi48, I also did a solo album called Blessed Sky. It wasn't very popular outside of the Crab Clan but I'm sure you can pick up a copy for your sister, if she might be interested in such a thing. I do like the Heavenly 7, all of their albums are good. Admittedly, I think they have a more cohesive sound now that Yoritomo Akane is no longer part of the group...but that's my opinion. The newest generation of Aoi48 still does well. I have some former peers who are now senior members, so it's great to see them mature."

[Bayushi Hinata]

"It is good to know everything is in such order. No doubt to your tireless work as Karo and your sister's own efforts!" He took a spoonful of sweet parfait into his mouth once more, delight on his face before he tilts his head in response to her admission. "Extra protection then? I hope I've dispelled any idea of untowards intentions on my part at least. I only hope they came welkl recommended."

"I have no issues being an excuse for grabbing delicious sweets. I needed to visit this place at least once while I'm here anyway."

"I'll be dropping by the store soon to grab one last gift for her it seems. If I could ask for one last indulgence, might I ask that you also sign a copy of your Blessed Sky album for my sister? I'll make it worth your while this time, maybe a copy of one of the Heavenly 7 disks you've yet to add to your collection? A record for a record, to repay your generosity." He asks with a wide smile, his eyes looking subtly for the previously mentioned ronin that was accompanying her.

[Yasuki Umiko]

Umiko would receive her requested bowl and scoop a bit of parfait into a separate container so that Hinata could at least enjoy his parfait without either of them reaching further than necessary. "...Yes. I suppose it's a bit unnecessary now, I admit. Sorry, Bayushi-san, please know that this is never of your doing in the slightest. I've just had some concerning days, and it is better to be safe than more concerned later," she would dip in a quick apology before taking a small bite.

She giggled at the idea of an exchange, and gave a small tilt of her head as she gave the matter something. "Bayushi-san, you seem so concerned about making an even exchange with me, especially when I don't think I've had many fans fuss over a mere signature before...especially with something that can be bought at a store. However, if you wish, that is an exchange I'm willing to make with you to keep things fair."

***
If Hinata wishes, he can roll Investigation(Notice)/Perception. I'll GM fiat for being able to roll on Day 7, even though it's Day 8.

[Bayushi Hinata]

"I take no offense. With so many off-worlders running around there's bound to be growing security concerns." He retrieved his portion of the parfait back to his end of the table, skewering another treat from the middle. "We're coming into the final stretch of this little event though aren't we? Soon enough things can wind down."

Hinata tries to subtly look around. Perhaps that is why he couldn't really make a solid effort at locating the hired security. It's probably his lack of attention though, Umiko can be very distracting after all.
Investigation/Perception - 12

"I... Well..." He put down the treats. Coming to eye level with the Karo, his eyes meeting hers. "I might be over sharing here. I'm sure you understand sibling relationships, you fight, you play, you argue, you still love each other. I've not seen her in..m geez, about a year now, I couldn't coordinate my vacation with her own at the dojo. She wasn't upset or anything, but I really wanted to gather the whole family."

He took a slow, drawn out sip of tea. Wetting his throat before continuing. "You led with generosity, to someone who you didn't know, and someone who isn't even here. I guess I feel indebted in a way, you've given me the means to apologies to an integral piece of my life. I value that quite highly Umiko-sama, and I'd feel uncomfortable without at least offering something in return."

He gives her another smile, gentle and soft. An older brother glad he could mend slights with his younger sister.