Wait....Kimono Shopping....What? (Open to all)

[Kazuki Akimoto]

ooc: Please bear with the apparent length of this, a large majority of it is conversation and it's actually a lot shorter than it looks. Bear with it, and it IS open to anyone. Your reply need not be an essay, I just got carried away with this one again ^^;

(non-associates of Taiku for a change, please? >.>)

ic:

-Ring.....ring......ring......-

"Hello?"

"God, Rocco, help me...."

"Kaz....? What's wrong?"

"Rocco, I need you to be honest with me here...What do you know about kimono shopping?"

"Kaz, let's summarise something here...Between you and Rene, who am I more prone to chase naked after a pitcher of Margarita?"

"....Point, Liberace..."

"Who's it for, first of all? Is it for you? Oh, please, tell me it's for you...Tell me this is the first step of you turning to the other side of the fence!"

"Firstly, no. Secondly, ew. Thirdly, shut up. It's not for me, it's for...Well, you'll find out since I'll be needing you to help her put it on. I'm not sure she's ever worn one before..."

"Ah, so it's a DATE, then...I assume it'll be Miss Karyuudo?"

"An astute observation, fuckwit."

"....You know that this isn't going to come cheaply. I'm a widely loved fashionista, y'know...."

Clutching his head in his free hand, stifling the infuriation that rapidly increased with every quip being fired off at him, he took a slow, calming breath before speaking once more....

"I'll let you help me with my fitting later...."

"Ooooh! Well, in that case..."

'I figured that'd work for you, ya fucking letch.....'

-Later-

Three hours....He stressed that in his head once again, Three. Fucking. Hours.

As of yet he hadn't found something that worked out, Rocco had given some invaluable advice in what to look for. Despite his heritage and knowledge of his native culture, he was far more adept with the 'male' side of things, having grown up solely with another man in the house...Womens dresses and the like simply perplexed him, and when he had decided on his little plan, he found himself facing a far worse hurdle...

The saving grace, that it would inevitably turn out, was a small dress shop that sat a few blocks away from the main shopping districts, a low-key and discreet little store that would have normally spent its life unnoticed by the young man had it not been for his fervent pursuit...Slipping inside, he glanced around at a few things before a woman approached him....

"Is there anything I can help you with, young man?"

Young man....It'd been a damned long time since anyone had said THAT to him, almost made him feel like a kid again for a second, but glancing to his side at the lady he could see why...She was at least thirty years his senior, but her pleasant demeanour was enough to make him return her polite smile and nod in accepted defeat....

"I'm looking for a kimono, it's not for myself, of course, but nowhere else had what I was looking for....I was hoping you might be able to help me out, but I see that everything must be hand-made in here..."

Giving a slow, simple nod, she spoke slowly and with a grace that he could only respect, his manner altering to her as he turned to face her completely....

"That's correct, everything we make is indeed hand-made, but we're fairly accomodating in both price and time...Did you have a bracket of money you wanted to remain under, sir?"

He very nearly laughed at the words, holding himself from it with a slow shrug of his shoulders as he responded, "Not particularly, I would say...The question I would like answered is could you finish it in a week? I'm happy to pay extra, and in advance, if you can give me that guarantee..."

Her sagely smile preceded a simple nod as she glanced at the material he had been examining, running the tips of her fingers over it with a light sigh...."It's a beautiful material, she's a lucky girl to receive such a gift...."

"...Well, I'd say I was the lucky one, ma'am...."

A light chuckle escaped her lips as she nodded..."Of course...Welll, if you'd come this way we can finish the arrangements, you can pick out any additional details to be added and give me her measurements, and it'll be started on right away..."

-An hour later-

Finding himself slumping forward slightly against the wrought-steel table in front of him, he sighed deeply as the waitress brought his coffee over....Setting it down on the metal with a light scrape of the ceramic plate, he simply nodded in silence when she mentioned setting up a tab for him. The inner seating was fully occupied at the moment, and the few tables left outside were not the most comfortable by any means, but a seat was a seat....

'If I knew that I'd be going to this extent, I'd have simply suggested Chinese food...'

Hunched slightly over his cup, a small paperback procured from a bag at his feet, the remnants of an earlier stop in the day, he began to read in silence, his eyes glancing up occasionally to skim over the crowd. Try as he might, he kept picking up snippets of conversation and wondered who it was, curious more than anything at seeing a familiar face in the masses.

[Shuya Katsumoto]

*Doorbell ringing *

A small grumble escaped his lips as he slowly opened his eyes, staring at what appeared to be drawings of some sort of building. A filled ashtray stood beside the papers, a small glass of whiskey, still half full, accompanying the ashtray. Closing his eyes again, Shuya started rubbing his forehead in agony, he had been working on some plans for the entire night and eventually, the booze combined with his already tired body had forced him into a 10-hour coma. Figuring out what had woke him up, the doorbell suddenly rang again. His eyes shot wide open as he immediately jumped to his feet. His tie and jacket were both fumbled somewhere on the couch and his blouse was half opened. Walking towards the door, he slowly searched behind his closet for the weapon he had hidden there, a silenced handgun, and kept it behind his back. Slowly, he opened the door slightly and looked through it cautiously, only to find his friend Kayoko smile at him.

“Kayoko… what on earth are you doing here? How.. how did you find out where I was staying?”

The girl chuckled playfully at him, which frankly annoyed him slightly, before she responded to his question.

”Same way I found out last time… I simply followed you when you attended school on foot… And we are looking mighty awake now, don’t we?”

Grumbling at her remark, Shuya tried to close the door but Kayoko had already placed her foot between the door, pushing it back firmly with her hand as well.

“What is it you came here for Kayoko? If you came here to tell me to stop what I’m doing again, I can assure you it will be a waste of your time…”

”Actually… I came here to ask you whether you wanted to go into town with me? I need some new clothes and since all my friends were busy…

“You decided to go and disturb me about it?” Shuya finished her sentence.

”Well… in a way… but only if you want to of course?”

The girl now looked at him with a face of guilt and Shuya cursed in silence, turning his head around towards the mess in his room. Figuring he wouldn’t be doing much interesting today anyway, he might as well go and play her little game. Nodding slowly, he opened the door further, placing his gun in the back of his pants, covering it by taking his blouse out of his pants and wavering it over it.

“Alright… Come in then… I’ll just have a quick shower so make yourself comfortable…”

Walking back towards his couch, Shuya took the pieces of paper with him and placed them into the drawers, locking them immediately after. Taking his other clothes and hanging them ready for the dry-cleaner to fix them, he walked into the shower to freshen up.

* Later *

”So, what store should we go next to?”

Kayoko was still very enthusiastic, although they had been strolling around town for over two hours now. Shuya hadn’t mind too much, how hard it was for him to admit, he liked being around Kayoko and the fresh air was good for his mind. She hadn’t even once started about his plans against the pillars and Shuya was thankful for that. Smiling towards her in response of her question, he pointed towards a small restaurant.

“Let’s have something to drink first, alright? You’ve bought more clothes then I could ever wear in ten years, I think I deserved a good cup of coffee.”

Smiling back at him, Kayoko nodded and the two of them entered the restaurant which was already pretty stuffed. Shuya asked his friend to find seats for the two of them while he would order two coffee. After she left, Shuya slowly looked around the crowd but didn’t notice anyone he knew. Turning back, a waitress had suddenly appeared before him.

“Could you bring me and my friend two coffee please?” He asked her. She nodded and continued her pace while Shuya turned around and followed in the same direction as Kayoko had gone to. He noticed her sitting at what appeared to be the only empty table left, waving at him. After taking a seat, it didn’t take long for their two coffees to reach their tables. Out of nowhere however, Kayoko started about the one thing Shuya didn’t want to talk about.

”So, any idea on how to get away with this plan of yours, Shuya? You know the Hircine student body would never allow this freely…”

“Drop it, Kayoko… I don’t want you to get involved in this, okay? I got things figured out and with enough backing, we should be able to pull this one off… But stop it, please… If they think you’re associated with me in a bad way, they might come after you… if only to get to me…”

However, Kayoko responded with a voice Shuya had never heard before. It wasn’t the nice friendly voice he was used from her, the kind pleading voice that would beg him to stop here… no… it was a strong voice, sounding rebelling.

”I’m not afraid of them anymore Shuya… since your return… I’ve been thinking a lot… Besides, it’s for the best if I get slightly involved… you know, not every Hircine student is happy with today’s regime. They don’t like the oppressing power of their pillars and captain but are too afraid to act… I can find out who they are and perhaps, when the time comes, they will back you guys when you make your move… They might be able to give you that extra strength you need… and don’t worry about me, I got you to protect me, right?”

Though she smiled at him after her final words, Shuya only nodded slowly… It wasn’t true, he couldn’t protect her… not by a long shot. It had been easy for Kvist to trick Kira, it would be the same for anyone else to do with Kayoko… and Shuya couldn’t always be there to look out for her. But what she said was true, if there truly were Hircine students who would back up an organized resistance, their chances would increase. A few chairs scrapped behind him as the couple who had been sitting there left. Soon the table was occupied again, but Shuya paid no heed to who was sitting down. His voice was calm and friendly and it seemed the roles had somewhat turned around now, as it also sounded slightly pleading.

“Please… be careful alright Kayo? I cannot fight this battle if I have to worry about you as well… you can of course try and find out who’s not happy about the current system… but that’s it, alright?”

Kayoko however kept her smile on her face but responded to him with her old cheerful voice again.

“Don’t worry Shuya… and… are you blushing now?” She chuckled but Shuya simply looked away.

“I’m not blushing and I’m not playing Kayoko… you have no idea what they can do to you…”

Kayoko’s smile however suddenly disappeared as she seemed to be staring at someone sitting behind Shuya. Shuya didn’t move but simply waited for her to speak to him again.

”They probably can do as much to me… as that guy can do to you… Isn’t that the guy who opened a new club around here? Club legion or something? I heard he was a big shot at Varron, is that right?”

Shuya slowly turned around but already knew Kayoko was right about who was sitting there, before he saw the guy himself. He scanned the person slowly, but it seemed that the guy would probably notice him within a second as well, if he hadn’t already.

“Taiku Akimoto… better know as… Kazuki Shinato… it’s him alright.”

Shuya had no idea whether Taiku had heard anything the two of them had been discussing, but even if he had, it wouldn’t be to much use for him anyway. He wasn’t attending Hircine High and had no business on the school grounds. Of course, Kazuki was always a big dog when it came to influence and he could play his cards right and still have influence in Hircine High. What mattered to Shuya however, was what Kazuki’s ideas were about him…

OOC: Sorry, I know I’m not giving you much to work with, but I didn’t receive much to work with either

[taru]

Taru entered the scene with his own coffee. A kid like him drinks too much coffee but he needs to stay awake. He looked around the inside and found no seats avaiable. AT all. It kinda sucked in his eyes but, he had no objections toward it. He started walking around to see if anyone was about to leave. He started to walk slowly and then started to day dream as he walked around looking for a seat. And what was Taru day dreaming of...

~Day Dream~

"Taruuuu....Taruuuuu?? You there..? Taru wake up you lazy bum!! Gosh!"

Taru woke up and looked around. He was in a bed. That he had never been in before. Taru then looked for the voice who was calling him. Who was it? Taru looked around some more and saw a blurry shape. He rubbed his eyes a little bit and saw his wonderful Araxie but older and more developed. What...The hell?? Taru then got up from the bed he was in and started moving around. He looked in the mirror to find himself taller and his hair a bit longer too. Taru then felt something on his left hand. A ring was on it. On his ring finger. Taru was confused then looked at Araxie who gave him a hug and held him tight.

"I love you Taru-kun."

Say what? Since when does she know any Japanese. What the hell is going on ?! Taru started panicking not knowing what to do. Taru held Araxie for a few more moments before letting go. He walked right out of the room and and around the house. He heard the sound of a dog. He went into the living room to see a white puppy. Just like the dog he used to have. Till his father murdered it. And he even heard the sounds of a child. The child was playing with the dog. A kid? In his house? What the heck? The child looked at Taru and the child was apperantly a girl.

"Papa!!!"

The little girl rushed up to him and hugged his waist tightly. Taru picked up the girl and held her in his arms. What the hell is going on. I have kids? I have a dog? Araxie's my wife? WHat the hell!!! Taru put down his "daughter" and picked up the dog who started licking his face. He started to frown on how much the dog reminded him of Yuki. His old dog. Taru smiled slightly and went outside to see his old house was next door. Apperantly, he bought that house that's been for sale forever. Taru scratched the back of his head bewilded by what's going on. Well least he still had that habit. He was walking around in the kitchen till he slipped.

~Day Dream End~

Taru did slip though...On a wet area he slipped completely and his coffee went in mid air. And the coffee poured all over him. The hot burning coffee. Ouch. The liquid went all over him. He started shaking twisting and turning from the pain and burning. Ow ow ow ow!! Taru rolled around for a few moments due to the pain and slowly got up from the scalding but fell down. He looked upward at the gentleman sitting down next to where his coffee brutually "attacked" him and worried that some coffee got on him.

"Ouch..Ouch...Agh..Hmm..Sir you didn't ow..Get any coffee on you?? Did you? Sorry...owww goddamn!!! IF you did..."

Taru was in serious pain from his evil coffee.

[Kazuki Akimoto]

Try as he might, his diving into the book to attempt and drown out most of the conversation was failing miserably...little fragments of conversation kept finding him as he almost instinctively searched for sounds and voices in the air, most of them being people who were simply talking too loudly on cellphones, couples and small groups chattering as they walked past....

But one seemed to pick up a little more than any of them...He couldn't place where the voice was coming from, but the manner of its tone suggested clearly that someone wanted to keep this conversation under wraps. Should he have flicked his head up to look for it, he may well have startled them into stopping. Even at that, through the background noise, he could only pick up the odd statement here and there...

"-involved... you know, not every Hircine student is happy with todays regime-"

That alone was enough to make him very slowly turn his head, his ears nearly twitching as he tried to find the source of the sound, but it took an old name from the past to make him drop the discreet facade and spin around...

Taiku Akimoto, better known as Kazuki Shinato...it's him alright..."

Mention of his former title was never something he allowed or accepted lightly, despite his inability to be actively tried as a result of double jeopardy, it was still something that could create a fair amount of trouble for him, even here in San Francisco. When he found the table that were casting their eyes toward him in a poor attempt as subtlety, he twisted himself in his chair and met Shuyas eyes as he began to rise from his chair.

He had not, however, counted on the kid who managed to display some rather impressive aerobatic techniques as he slipped, his coffee going into the air over him. It was enough to Taiku to merely sidestep the target area of the scalding liquid, and though he nearly walked away he found himself sighing, procuring a small pocket knife from inside his coat and flipping it open, slicing a large piece of the table-cloth off. Behind him at another table, he plucked a pitcher of water from it with a very calm smile...

"Excuse me..."

Standing over the kid with the jug and the large rag, he dipped the fabric almost entirely into the icy water before pulling it back out, underhanding it into the young mans face where, inevitably, the chill would soothe the burns he would be feeling from the accident...

"You missed me, but you got yourself pretty good...Don't press down on the burns too hard, keep the rag cool and wet and you'll probably be fine. If you'll excuse me a moment...."

Turning back to where Shuya was sitting with the young lady, he approached the table slowly, grabbing the chair from his table as he dragged it across the concrete toward the two, he flicked it a half-turn around and sat down, leaning on the back-rest with his arms folded loosely...

"Two things....Why did you refer to me with 'that' name, and do I have something on the back of my shirt that had you and the young lady here looking over like you'd seen a ghost?"

Whether his sudden and brash appearance at their table would stutter the young man into answering honestly or not was something Taiku cared little about, but for the simple fact of putting Shuya straight on the spot with only his wits about him to answer was remarkably amusing to the older male...Glancing to the side at the girl with a smooth, almost sneering smirk, he nodded at her gently.

"Good afternoon, miss."

[Shuya Katsumoto]

Frowning slightly as Taiku suddenly rose to his feet and walk over towards them, Shuya readied his muscles for any incoming surprise attacks. What he didn’t expect however, was the surprise attack being done by someone else, a young student who somehow managed to throw his coffee through the air, injuring himself in the process, the cup flying straight towards Taiku. Taiku of course simply sidestepped, allowing the cup of coffee to fly past and break upon it’s colliding with the floor. Shuya’s eyes shot from the boy towards Taiku, who was already performing some form of first aid… whatever. Shuya turned back towards Kayoko as he moved his lips, spelling the words ‘don’t worry’. The next moment, Taiku returned towards the couple, dragging a chair behind him and seating himself next to them, staring at Shuya as he bluntly spoke to him.

"Two things....Why did you refer to me with 'that' name, and do I have something on the back of my shirt that had you and the young lady here looking over like you'd seen a ghost?"

Shuya didn’t look impressed in the least, his rudeness and bluntness about the matter at hand only proved that he had somewhat been eavesdropping them, the anger about Shuya using his name simply indicating that he was just another one of those people that thought the person would change if the name did.

“You were called that once, correct? I am sorry if I hurt your feelings now, but I cannot help but get confused when you’re named Shinato the one minute and Akimoto the following.”

Shuya’s words weren’t intended to provoke Taiku in the least, but he had enough of people going all mad because people referred them with names they had used for names. He had had the same with Kvist and other people and frankly, Taiku couldn’t scare him in the least. They were in the middle of a filled restaurant and even if Taiku would attack him, something would happen that would be inevitable anyway… it would only be sooner then Shuya had hoped for. Continuing before Taiku could thrown anything at him however, Shuya spoke in that same soft voice.

“As for us looking over towards you, it should be clear to you, since you heard us speak after all. My friend asked me whether you was you and of course I had to actually look at you for me to confirm you were indeed you. Now, before you go all hostile on me, might I add that attacking an innocent man in a public place could lead to bad publicity for your club?”

Shuya’s eyes met directly with Taiku’s, but his voice remained calm and his eyes showed nothing but honesty and tiredness. Before Shuya could stop her however, smart Kayoko had spoken up to Taiku in a rather quick tone, making Shuya close his eyes and shake his head in disapproval.

”Is it true that you’ve actually risen from the death?” She asked, her eyes staring at Taiku hopefully.

‘Great… this should be fun…’

[taru]

Taru enjoyed the feeling of the rag against his scalding skin. He then scooted quietly near the man who just gave him the rag and went off to another table quietly listen to thier conersation. "Shinato..To..Akimoto?" The guy changed his name? For what I reason? Was he some crime lord boss? Maybe a crazy sickle wiedling murderer!? Perhaps a drug dealer even? Or maybe he just wanted to change his name. But it had to be one of those!?!?!?Taru started to sweat drop as the scalding feeling faded away. He's just a guy who wanted a change. Maybe to discard an old life..Then he heard "Is it true you've actually risen from the dead." What?!?!?He's a freakin zombie now!?!? A zombie guy just helped me out!! Oh my god!!! Gahh!!! A freaking zombie.I hope not I hope not. I hope that girl was a blonde and is an idiot or something like that. This guy owns a club too...So... Hmm...What clubs are around here. Club Lala. The Club. Club Legion. Which one. Grrrr...Taru moved the rag a little bit as he listened. And who is the guy who knows all about this. Everything was all messed up as far as Taru was concerned. All thtese people with thier little alias and stuff. Taru just sighed and looked at the rag which just cooled down his face then he started to listen more to the conversation.

ooc:writers blockk..

[Kazuki Akimoto]

ooc: In regard to Tarus absence as noted in the OOC, I've found a way to accomodate his lack of presence for a few days. Sorry for the wait as well, Sjoerd. ^^

ic:

"Indeed, once upon a time I was referred to with that name, but correct me if I'm wrong...."

Reaching into his coat pocket, he fished out a small, sleek leather wallet and procured a drivers license, an AmEx card and a general I.D card, turning each round in turn into Shuya's line of sight. Each one saying the same, very blunt, very clear message on them...

Taiku Akimoto

"...But according to my paperwork and all such things, for the sake of simplicity, I'd quite like that you would refrain from using such a title. It's nothing personal, Katsumoto, as you would know. After all, you've done a thing or two that 'wasn't personal' in your time, am I right?"

He held back from making any direct reference regarding Kiras attack on the rooftop of the old Academy, for whilst he had a certain level of animosity for the young man sitting here, he held enough respect for him not to bring private matters to the forefront. When the matter came down to bare bones, if he wanted anything from Shuya in regard to that, it would be a reason. Nothing more, nothing less. He hated Kvist for what happened to Kira, loathed the man with a passion so violent it gave Taiku energy, but Shuya....Well, Taiku himself knew what it was to get involved in things he wasn't personally involved in.

After placing all the various pieces of I.D back into his wallet and pocketing the leather, he raised his hands in a gesture of peace...Whilst he had come over bluntly and without invitation, he had not come over to make any attack on Shuya. Such a thing, should it ever occur, would be a swift and unknown act that would be unseen by any other man or woman. At the moment, however, he simply smiled a loose, relaxed smile and shook his head...

"You misinterpret me, I think. My own curiosity at yours was simply a question of why someone with the....connections you have, would be so interested in me. After all, in regard to the school, what does it matter to me? So long as my friends are safe, I could care less what happens there, but I'm sure you would already know that much of me, isn't that right, Shuya?"

His eyes suddenly switched at the girls question, the brief smirk that emerged on his lips one that didn't show malice or discomfort at such a question. After all, when people asked it often enough, you developed something of a penchant on how to answer it...

"Whilst I'm sure I'd be breaching a copyright somewhere, miss, I could only say...The rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated. After all, I stand, or at the moment sit, before you in corporeal form, living and breathing like both you and Mr. Katsumoto. Rising from the dead is an act out of reach of even me, despite my impressive accomplishments...."

The smile he gave her was nothing short of smooth and curt, his manner as polite and suave as he could be for two simple purposes. One, the nature he proceeded to put across would add believability to his words to the girl. Two, he hadn't, at any given point, lied to either of them. He had never been dead, only in a state that could be compared to a coma....

After all, when you were simply telling the truth, what harm was there in adding a little flair to your words, attempt to give the person questioning things an answer they could appreciate....?

"Excuse me both, if you would...."

Leaning back in his chair, turning round to glance at the young man who was, at the moment, patting down his scalded skin with the wet rag that Taiku had tossed to him, he called over at a low tone, enough for the kid to hear him...

"Hey! I'm stuck paying for that tablecloth, so instead of messing up the walkway how about you go fetch another couple of coffees. No cream, no sugar, just a strong espresso....Oh, and kid? Try not to spill these ones, alright?"

While his words might seem a little coarse to the young man, it was Taikus way of showing concern, however fleeting it might be. Besides, he was going to get stumped with the bill for that tablecloth...

[Shuya Katsumoto]

Shuya listened quietly to what Taiku had to say and loosened his tense slightly but was still ready for anything. He had only looked at the cards that Taiku had flashed out slightly, he knew what name he would find on them. It made no difference however, Shuya didn’t care about names the slightest bit.

“Akimoto, I respect you enough to call you whatever suits you best, just now that your little performance back there is a proof that you have to get over people using your previous name. If you keep reacting like that when you hear your old name you would only give your enemies an extra weapon. Weak as it may seem, if used correctly it can do enough damage.”

When Taiku however had mentioned Shuya’s actions from Varron, actions that hadn’t been personal in the least indeed, his eyes flickered towards Kayoko once. He hadn’t told her about what he had done back at Varron fully and he wasn’t about to do so either. He knew all he would receive was a speech he wasn’t waiting for anyway and perhaps, lose his Hircine ally in this fight. Kayoko however remained surprisingly quiet so Shuya didn’t bother too much and just continued to listen to Taiku.

“Doubtful Akimoto. You have shown that you intend to have a larger hand at what goes down at the schools then you say now. It was you who created Legion when you had already left Varron Academy and I am sure you are more interested at what actually goes down at Hircine High then you pretend. But I guess the safety of your friends is probably a priority… yes… Just like any other ‘good guy’s’ priority eh?”

When Taiku answered the question asked by Kayoko, Shuya only listened half. He was looking at the boy who had burned himself with coffee and was glad that the coffee had almost hit Taiku, rather then him. Besides, the story of Taiku dying was one he knew enough about anyway. However, after Taiku was finished explaining and turned towards the coffee spiller, Shuya wasn’t too sure as to what they would be talking about. Of course, there were enough things Shuya might want to know, but as things were it was obvious that Taiku was not hostile towards him. He seemed to understand what went down at the rooftop several months ago, where Loire seemed to lack that capacity. Therefore, he did not intend to anger the man sitting in front of him at the moment. Smirking slightly, he spoke up once more:

“So, how is the new business going? I bet it’s a lot more difficult for you to get customers in a city like this, compared to Varron… a lot more other clubs and what not in this region, no?”

[taru]

ooc:Hmph coffee duty as i'm gone. I'll tyr to come once a day lol...My dads lappy toppy.

"Yes s-s-sir."

Taru approached the counter where he ordered his own coffee inthe first place and looked at the lady with a smile and some worry since he sometimes lost train of thought. Expresso. No cream, no sugar. I think. I hope. Yes? Maybe. I dunno. Taru nodded as he mentally prepared himself just to ask the lady for an express. Maybe I should get more. There are three of them so Taru thought to himself for a moment htne looked behind him to see some other people. Taru quickly decided and looked at the lady.

"An expresso please. Actually. Three of them. Please."

Taru smiled slightly as he finished his sentence and looked at her waiting for her to write down his order so he could bring it to the person that just helped his scalding go down. Taru saw her write down expresso then 3. Then he realized to add in no sugar or no cream.

"Oh pardon me miss, no sugar please. Or cream. Sorry I just forgot to add that in."

The lady who was much older than Taru perhaps in her thirties smiled at Taru and patted his head. Before saying.

"Sugar, you gotta stop being so nervous. Your probaly one of those type of guys who is all friendly until he's asked to do something making him become nervous. You need to lighten up alot. Take a break maybe. Vacation is always good. Believe it or not hun, I used to have lots of stress till I took just one vacation. So thats the remedy for your nervousness. And by the way here's your coffee."

Taru looked at the woman as she pulled a tray with three cups of expresso. Taru this time was alert and not going to day dream. He took the tray and carefully made his way toward the table of where Taiku, Shuya, and the girl accompanying Shuya. Taru put the tray on thier table and bowed slightly like he was the waiter. Taru looked the other direction as he pulled a seat toward the table as he was asking permission.

"Um..Mister you wouldn't mind me sitting here would you? If not that's fine I just have no company right now...So...Yeah..Self explaining."

Taru looked down at the chair he placed right next to Taiku and waited for him or Shuya's response since the girl probaly had no authority at all to say anything.

[Kazuki Akimoto]

ooc: Due to complications meriting a discussion between Taiku and Shuya, some of this conversation will occur BEFORE Taru's in earshot. There's some things that the kid isn't meant to hear about, y'know?

ic:

Again, at the mention of what he had created back in the day, when Legion had been a valid priority, he would only give a slightly feigned smile at the remark, sipping from his cup that he had procured a brief moment ago...

"Back then I was interested and yes, I suppose I'm curious about what goes on, but at the same time Shuya, if the young lady here were to get caught up in things, I'm sure your interest would be the same as mine, am I right? After all, you'd simply be looking out for those close enough to you to matter...It's not a 'good guys' priority. Even a cruel, twisted person can have a shred of compassion in him and care for SOMEONE..."

Challenging Shuya to find a break in his logic, he waited expectantly for any remark that would be made from the younger male or, indeed, his female companion. However, when the coffee-throwing kid showed back up a moment or two later, he was inwardly glad that the question asked of him this time was a much more ambiguous and easier one to answer. Shrugging his shoulders lightly and smirking right back at him, he waited for his coffee to be set down as he shifted himself lightly in the chair. Whilst the kid had been lucky not to scald Taiku before, he was indeed in a much more precarious situation than before, as would the other two be apparently, considering the presence of the extra cups...

"Sure, pull a chair over if you like, I won't be sitting here too much longer anyway I'd bet, don't you agree, Shuya?"

Answering the youngest males question slightly curtly, he gave him but the shortest of glances before shifting his chair over a little, offering a small space for him to sit at the table....

"Anyway, as you'd asked...Difficult is one way of putting it I'd imagine, but I suppose I have something of a knack for the business. The Edge was a massive success before those unforseen circumstances appeared, Legion is doing remarkably well for a newly opened club as well. I guess I just offer something that people can't get anywhere else, not to mention there's still Varronites that remember my last venture...."

[Shuya Katsumoto]

“It already is my business, Akimoto… I do not need any form of motivation, as a Senior I am involved enough to actually care about what goes down, I’m sure you were the same in your senior year. I don’t need to look out for anyone nor is there anything to care for.”

Shuya bit at Taiku’s words but that was about it, his eyes were still calm and his voice direct. However, before Taiku could respond to Shuya’s question concerning club Legion, the coffee thrower returned to their table and asked if he was allowed to join them. If course, Taiku would only respond kindly but Shuya wasn’t like Taiku at all when it came to being polite. He frowned at the kid before he responded, his voice sounding monotone and yet at the same time a hint of boredom could be heard.

“I don’t think I want my jacket to suddenly turn brown, coffee boy.” He spoke, his eyes not leaving the boy’s face, just staring at him. “So I guess you can take your stunts to whatever it was you were thinking about before throwing with your coffee, I’m in the middle of a conversation and quite frankly, I do not wish to be disturbed.”

Shuya returned his attention towards Taiku without looking at the kid again. He would’ve probably gotten the message and Shuya was still waiting for Taiku to respond to his earlier questions. Perhaps Taiku would speak of Shuya’s way of dealing with the stranger, but Shuya didn’t mind that much anyway. Taiku’s guesses of Shuya’s motives back at Varron had been quite correct so perhaps he would do the same in this case. Shuya nodded as Taiku had finished talking about Legion, telling Shuya it was doing remarkably well. Suddenly however, Kayoko jumped to her feet and smiled at the two males.

”Excuse me boys, but I’m off for the girl’s room for a minute, be right back!” She gave Shuya a small wink before she turned around and walked towards the restrooms. Shuya smiled slightly before he turned back towards Taiku, his face however now expressing more seriousness than before. Playing with his now empty cup of coffee, his eyes stared deeply into Taiku’s.

“Hmm… Tell me, Akimoto… how much do you truly know about what’s going on at Hircine? With friends like Loire and Musha… and close friends like Karyuudo… I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about Hircine High. You say you want to look after those you care for… but I wonder, how do you intend to do so… not knowing what the current system can do to them?”

Shuya’s words were pure and soft spoken, his intentions were true, all he wanted to find out was what Taiku’s true position was in this little play…

[Kazuki Akimoto]

"Engage your brain before jumping on the defensive, Katsumoto, I was implying that to be considered from my perspective, not your own..."

His words, spoken with a raised eyebrow at the nearly snapped statement, were equally quick to leave him, sharp and direct but nothing more. It was already clear that whilst neither man was even remotely concerned about the other, neither was likely to start throwing punches anytime soon. He would glance only barely as Shuya rejected the young man from joining them, shrugging his shoulders and turning back to the table. Either way wasn't particularly of any real concern to him, and regardless of things he would take a moment before speaking again, savouring a slow sip of the coffee in front of him before the young lady rose from the table, excusing herself to the bathroom...

It would seem that Shuya chose this opportunity to start getting rather cloak and dagger with Taiku, waiting until the girl was out of earshot before speaking apparently. He listened with a calmly returned gaze, his own eyes unflinching and surprisingly idle in the midst of the conversation. Truth be told, he hadn't heard a lot about Hircine, and frankly as always, so long as the people he was concerned with remained safe there, he honestly didn't care. Nothing unusual had presented itself, it seemed like just another high school with whiny students and a faculty that liked to exploit their pillars and higher-ups...

'Varron all over again, of course...Just with a few different tweaks along the way, students seem to stay much healthier here...'

"Hircine isn't my problem, Shuya. It's you and the other Varron students still in the school. They know that the only thing I'm concerned with is that the trouble in there stays in there, and that regardless of whatever goes on, Kira remains safe. I'm sure I don't have to tell you what kind of chaos I'll unleash if that one ever becomes an issue again. The system is bullshit, if anything is known about me it's that very fact that the school system is one big steaming pile of crap that I'd have loved to see gone, but I got through it and now I'd just like to see everyone else do the same thing."

His words were calm enough, but the trace of venom in his voice began to betray the loathing Taiku had developed for the schools system...He made no bones about hating it, even less about admitting he didn't do enough to stop it himself...

"Let's send that one right back, then. What do you intend on doing, since I'm going to take a wild stab in the dark that you've got all the answers to your own questions mapped out?"

[Shuya Katsumoto]

Shuya bit his tongue as Taiku made a remark about him jumping to the defense. It didn’t matter what Taiku though, Kayoko knew that when Shuya spoke ill of his relations, it would be best for her to make a small walk for a few minutes. He had explained to her in the past that sometimes he would make crude remarks that he perhaps didn’t exactly mean but that they would be essential. She however couldn’t really bare such political things and usually just walked away if that happened, just like now. As Shuya listened to Taiku’s words, he kept his quiet but even though Taiku seemed to say it wasn’t his problem and he didn’t care, Shuya read otherwise. It didn’t matter too much though, Shuya had his own secrets to protect and so had Taiku, but Shuya did want to make Taiku realize what a grave mistake he was making by thinking that Hircine High was not his problem and safe for Kira.

“Wake up, Akimoto” Shuya said as Kazuki had finished his words about Hircine High. “I don’t believe you fully believe your own words… First of all, if you state that Karyuudo’s safety is your concern, then Hircine High is your problem. Secondly, the system indeed is one big pile of crap, but it still remains crap that keep pulling is back in and frankly, I think neither you nor me like that smell any longer… You might think you’ve pulled through by strength, I doubt the same will happen with Karyuudo and the others at Hircine. The current system is better organized then at Varron. Stunts like the one Kvist and I showed would be brutally dealt with if they would happen on same terms as at Varron. However, think about this for a second Taiku, at Varron… I could get away with it… or couldn’t… same would go for Loire… or even you… We could be taken down or get away with it… there was always danger but also a chance to pull through… it was, excuse me for my use of words, honest.”

His eyes were still calm and honest, but he also made clear that he wasn’t finished yet and hoped that Taiku would at least honor him so much to finish his speech.

“Here however, a selective group can get away with anything they like, whilst most other individuals will be taken down without mercy. Your dear friend Karyuudo has not made any friends with the pillars at this school and believe me Akimoto, they can do a lot more damage to her then tie her legs and give her a free bungee jump… they could even get away with murder, if their principle would wish it so… covering it up and making it an accident is easy… Witnesses? Bribe them or use force to make them shut up… I repeat… this school is your problem…”

“As for answering my own question, why would you think I would ask questions if I already knew the answers? Perhaps I know what I’m going to do… but the question was what are you going to do… and you answered it pretty clear by saying that it’s not your problem I guess…”

[Kazuki Akimoto]

"Wake up? Wake UP!?"

His voice rose as he spoke, but he didn't elevate past a slightly louder talking volume as he emphasised his words...He knew fine well that trouble could, could happen to them. He knew it far too well to take unneccesary risks, and he knew it well enough to be willing to do anything to ensure her safety.

"Perhaps so.....Perhaps it is more organised here, perhaps it is more dangerous in some aspects, Shuya, but you should know enough about this place so far to realise that whilst their system is perhaps brutal, it's also far more methodical. Kira keeps her nose down and doesn't create trouble for herself? She'll be fine. Leon and the others, well, I can't vouch for them, but I'm also not as inclined to worry about them. I know their ability to look after themselves...Kira may not be making friends with the groups here, but I also know for a fact that her housing situation gives her a separate degree of insight to many of the Varron students."

His teeth clenched firmly in his jaw at Katsumotos almost offhanded remark, he let his fingertips enforce a slight hint more pressure on the cup as he raised it to his lips and took a long, slow and thought-laden sip...He would word his sentence carefully here, lest he put himself in a position where he would serve only to antagonise a situation that to him would pose no trouble, not for him but for the others.

"If harm comes to her...", he repeated, speaking the words slowly and with a much more calm fervour than he originally had, "...Then it's my problem. You shouldn't even need to consider that. I will stress for your clear inability to understand, however, that until then? I want nothing to do with that place. It can burn to the ground for all I care, not that I'd object to certain members of its faculty and student roster being inside at the time, but I figure if you know enough about me, that's a given. As for what I'm going to do, since you're curious, I'm going to finish my coffee. The topic of this conversation, for simplicitys sake, will change or end, one or the other. It matters little."

Leaning back a little in the chair, arching his back and cracking out the stiff bones before sighing and settling down against the table a moment, he continued...

"I will give you this much...You know all well that so long as your motives are made clear regarding this place, I will offer my hand should it be able to help in the circumstances I've made clear. The notion of protecting people, whilst growing alien, is still rather ingrained in me..."

[Shuya Katsumoto]

“Good” Shuya responded content as Taiku responded to his words. It was clear that Taiku was trying to hide some sort of feeling, or thought, but Shuya didn’t really mind too much anyway. He respected Taiku enough to let him be at peace with his own secrets… he would question him no more. However, Shuya was glad that his ideas about these so called ‘good guys’ were still correct. Loire had easily taken the bait when he thought his friend Kira was in danger and now, Taiku openly admitted that the only reason he would get involved with the school would be when Kira got in danger. The soul fact that Kira had agreed on fighting off the pillars one day, if only as a non-aggressive member, would make her the perfect ace when it came to getting Taiku involved. Shuya however hoped that that wasn’t going to be a necessity anyway.

“I understand your point completely, Akimoto. From what I’ve heard and gained, you’ve had a difficult enough time at Varron. Though we both fight for different ideals… quite different ideals I might add, I respect you as a person… what you have gained and reached. I cannot promise that in the future, none of your friends will get hurt at Hircine… but I’ll at least honor you this much by keeping an eye out on those that try to harm your friend…”

It was a strange thing to say from a guy like Shuya, but at the moment… he was being honest. He didn’t regret his actions at Varron, even though it had been a mistake. He had gotten the attention he wanted then and had given Loire a moral blow… Everything had changed now however… Kvist had not contacted him anymore, which could only mean that he understood that Shuya would aid him no more. Shuya had his thoughts about what Leon was going to do about Kvist, but if it was required… he would involve himself… and fight off Kvist himself if needed…

A quick glare over the ladies room made Shuya realize that their private time would end within a minute. His eyes turned back towards Taiku as he questioned him one final time.

“Akimoto… if there is anything you would like to add… do it now… if not, I guess our little talk is indeed over…”

[Kazuki Akimoto]

"Harder than most people would seem to realise. Almost none of the students are aware that because of my association with Victoria, I was directly victimised by the administration. Whilst a majority of the Varronites here know hard times from Varron, I know them better than most, simply because of who I was involved with...As for our ideals, as I stated before, if you need my help, you'll know where to find me."

He gave a semi-accepting nod at Shuyas remark on keeping an eye on those closest to him...He didn't need someone to do it for him, by any means, but he wasn't adverse to the gesture. He was stuck for how exactly to consider this young man, by all means he would be entitled to loathe him, but again, it was Kvist who maintained that presence in him. Not Shuya. From how it was being hinted, he had already been in talks with the others, so clearly, somewhere along the lines things had taken a more convenient turn for them.

Raising an eyebrow at Shuyas cloak-and-dagger attitude regarding the young woman, he simply shook his head at the remark....He did, however, speak a moment later after taking a quick sip of his coffee...

"No, I've nothing more to say on the matter. However, if I'm gone from your table before the young lady gets back from the bathroom, would you not agree it would appear somewhat suspect?"

Smirking at him, he leaned back in his seat and crossed one of his legs over the other before sighing quietly...Raising the cup to his lips once more, he took a longer sip as he waited for a reaction.

[Shuya Katsumoto]

Shuya returned Taiku’s smirk as he spoke of being suspicious when he would leave before Kayoko would return and so, the two went silent for about thirty seconds until Kayoko returned. She still has the same smile on her face as before and gave both men a small nod.

”Missed me?” she asked jokingly, but didn’t expect a response from any of the two. Taking a seat again, her eyes gazed from Shuya towards Taiku, but she couldn’t really read whether the two had truly just talked friendly and their smirks were honest or if they were simply putting on their masks again at her return.

”So Taiku… what kind of club is it you’re running anyway? I’m not really that much of an outgoing person, but if a lot of students go there, I might want to check it out…”

Shuya didn’t speak and simply looked at Taiku, waiting for him to response and probably take his leave after that. The two of them had made clear to each other that they were not each other’s enemies… not at the time at least, and in fact that had been the only thing Shuya wanted to make clear. They both knew what to expect from the other so no surprises would occur between them… or, would there?

OOC: Really sorry Liam but simply don’t know what to add xD

[Kazuki Akimoto]

ooc: Sorry for the wait, dude. ^^;

ic:

Smiling pleasantly at the young woman, he raised his cup at her return and remark with a very short tilt of his head, her question making him simply shrug before replying, setting down his coffee and linking his fingers together in front of him.

"It's a general club, for want of describing it's style. It's quite large in terms of size, larger than a lot of the more established nightclubs in the area, but I also open during the days for afternoon drinkers as well. Keeps the customers coming and all. Music and all that, well it depends on the nights, as well as the events. Every month, something is set up like a theme, we had an 80's Rock night last month, for that matter. Since you're curious, the students are one of my biggest sources of revenue. I aim to draw college students and young adults as a whole as my main demographic..."

Clearing his throat as he answered, he glanced into his cup before smiling at the pair pleasantly, rising from his chair as he picked up the bag that had been set against his ankle from beforehand, giving a light nod to the pair.

"I'm afraid I'll be taking my leave, however. I have other things to attend to this afternoon, and I can't spend all day chatting, despite the company. Perhaps I'll bump into you again sometime, Shuya....?"

The words were loaded, cryptic, and he knew that the younger man would understand what he intended in saying it. Tipping back the last of the coffee, he approached his former table and sat back down a moment, waiting for the young lady who had taken his order to approach him. Slipping a bill across the table, he spoke with her in a muted tone a moment before she nodded, walking away from him before he stood once again, walking away from the seating area and leaving the cafe...