Kikuya Iwasaki (supergeisha) wrote,
@ 2011-01-30 12:00:00

Test Scene
"Casual Friday" at the Big Hero 6 offices meant that Kikuya cold wear her blue kimono and no makeup. Actually what it meant was that she could wear 'regular' clothing but the idea was horrifying to her. Why, exactly, did women want to encase their legs in heavy blue fabric that made them look as to be walking frozen sausages? She did not understand, though she had made one concession to trend, as it were; she wore black flipflops.

With stockings.

As she walked down the hall the shoes made such a delightful soft little sound hitting against her stockinged feet. Kikuya couldn't help but smile with her eyes.

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Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-01-31 10:45 pm UTC (link)

He does not presume to even speak to the staff, only to the restaurant host, informing them of the reservation and making sure the arrangement stood, letting Kikuya handle everything else related to business and making sure the money was in order.

He kneels at the low table, much more comfortable this way than at the office chairs, touching nothing but the table until she has turned everything just so, and gone through the ceremony.

"Not so much as you honor me, Kikuya-chan. I would love tea. Once all is served, please serve yourself as well and join me."

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-01-31 10:49 pm UTC (link)
	She smiled at him and bowed slightly before serving him, careful and delicately pouring his cup before serving herself, kneeling at the table reverently. "The tea here is very good, Hajime-sama." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening get_medieval 2011-01-31 10:55 pm UTC (link)
	He takes a small sip, savoring the taste of real tea for several seconds before replying. "It is very good, yes. Now that we have tea, I believe I will also take you up on your offer on a couple of matters - business first, if you are inclined?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-01-31 10:56 pm UTC (link)
	"Of course." She sits with her hands in her lap, all attention focused on him. "How may I serve you?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-01-31 11:01 pm UTC (link)

"As much as I hate to admit it, I was never trained in money handling. My mother arranged affairs so I would have enough for what was necessary, and as a kensai in training, I lived modestly for my class. If you were to receive a sufficient retainer, would you be perhaps willing to have my paychecks..." he pauses, trying to remember the details of these paychecks - money that was just sort of 'pretend assumed' - "...deposited in your account and handle such affairs on my behalf?"

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-01-31 11:06 pm UTC (link)
	That was an unexpected request and it took her a bit off guard. Not that he would realize that as she smiled politely. "I will be honored and glad to assist you and handle your affairs. I can see the issue is of great stress to you. Please worry no more. It will be taken care of, Hajime-sama. How else can I make your life more pleasant?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-01-31 11:15 pm UTC (link)

He relaxes considerably - it was obviously a stressor. He's arrived in a new century with no money - suddenly has a source of it, and needs money for goods and services - and has no idea what he's doing. He's rather sure she's capable.

He takes the question in stride. "I would be honored if you would join me this evening after dinner. I would not presume to ask anything too specific, but I do have a great fondness for strings. It would honor me if you would play, perhaps while we talk a while. All else I would leave to your wishes."

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-01-31 11:20 pm UTC (link)
	"I would love to play for you, Hajime-sama. It has been a long time since I have been able to play for anyone. It would mean much that I could play for you." She tended to his tea and, when he and the food was ready, she cleared things carefully and began to serve his meal. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-01-31 11:29 pm UTC (link)

"Then I will look forward to your presence tonight. I do, however, have to ask your forgiveness - my quarters are not yet furnished, and it still has a bed instead of a futon or mat, so it is... likely not up to your usual standards. I hope that joining me tonight will not be too disconcerting. I have also come to understand that the baths are designed for only one person at a time... very awkward."

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Re: Later that evening

supergeisha
2011-02-01 01:55 am UTC (link)

Kikuya consider his words quietly as she served him and was again kneeling at the table side before she spoke again. She wasn't certain if his words were an invitation for something...more. It was uncommon for a woman to accompany a man in the baths when she was trained, though there were those who did, yuna who would bathe and massage her client, sometimes more.

He could also be referring to the strangeness that was a private bath. There were many meanings, but ultimately it did not matter. She smiled at him.

"If you do not find it to be insulting, Hajime-sama, I know of a place, a hotel near here devoted to the traditional ways. If it would be pleasing to you I would like to take you there to spare you the discomfort of your unprepared room. They have proper baths there."

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Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 02:04 am UTC (link)

He shakes his head. "The room does not disconcert me... training with the kenku, I lived a monk's existence. A bedroll on floor in a mostly open room. Even before that, I as kensai - much of my time was devoted to mastery of the sword. A simple room is fine... but hardly up to your standards. If you believe it is a worthwhile investment, however, I will gladly join you at this hotel. Your presence and art makes me happy - I wish you to be comfortable while you practice it."

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 02:08 am UTC (link)
	"It is not about me, Hajime-sama," she smiled. "It is about you and what you will most enjoy." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening get_medieval 2011-02-01 02:15 am UTC (link)
	He nods once. "And I would most enjoy you practicing your art where you are comfortable and most at ease. I know the office chairs were disconcerting - you know more about the modern world and what accoutrements it has than I do. Please, Kikuya-chan, select the location you feel best complements you and your skills, and that is where we will rest tonight." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 02:19 am UTC (link)
	"Then we will go to the hotel. I will give you a proper bath and then play the shamisen for you, perhaps sing if you would like before we retire." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 02:24 am UTC (link)

He nods, "That would please me greatly." he pauses. "You... certainly do not need to assist me in bathing if you do not wish... I know that is not among your traditional duties... but I certainly will not object either. Before, I was used to bath attendants. With the kenku, it was a cold spring each morning... it would be... very nice to have a hot bath with assistance again, I admit."

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 02:26 am UTC (link)
	"I am offering it because I know it would bring you great pleasure, Hajime-sama. I like to see you smile and also to show you how deeply honored I am to spend this time with you." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening get_medieval 2011-02-01 02:43 am UTC (link)
	There's a nod of agreement, while he works on a mouthful of food, enjoying the traditional meal while they talk. "Then your offer is gladly accepted. I just did not want to presume too much of your duties. But now that we have established that... I am guessing you have been well educated as well? Do you know theatre or... what was it called... movies?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 02:47 am UTC (link)
	"There is both! There is still traditional theater here in the city, but there are also movies. I think you would enjoy them, though they are quite different. Would you like to attend a movie sometime, Hajime-sama?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening get_medieval 2011-02-01 02:57 am UTC (link)
	"I very much enjoyed the theatre, when I had the opportunity to attend. I would love to see one. Perhaps you can tell me about some of your favorites, and make suggestions? Good theatre is far more fun in company who can discuss the story afterwards. Ideally over tea." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 03:00 am UTC (link)
	"Is that an invitation, Hajime-sama?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 03:05 am UTC (link)

"It is very much an invitation, Kikuya-chan. Indeed... I think I am enjoying your company more than I have enjoyed anything in a very long time. Fair to say that I would be very happy to let you show me what you enjoy about the city, or share quieter time together any time you might wish, provided my paycheck will reasonably cover needs and whatever you wish for a more regular retainer."

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-02-01 03:10 am UTC (link)
	"Hajime-sama, your company is all the retainer I require. It does so much for me to be able to serve you. You permitting me to tend to your tea is...is a gift more than you can imagine. Let me do that and call it my retainer?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 03:22 am UTC (link)

He can't help it. He blinks a couple times, in honest astonishment. How could this world have gotten to the point where people don't appreciate an artist like Kikuya anymore? That she's needing to give up her profession to practice her art?

This world just became a little more terrible... but the downside is rather more than tempered by the fact that he seems to have acquired company and someone who can explain perplexing things at the same time.

"Kikuya-chan, nothing would do me greater honor... or make me happier. I very much enjoy your company and skill. I just did not want to presume too much upon your services... but yes... consider it an invitation - if you would select a play or movie you like, perhaps you can tell me about it, and we can attend tomorrow. If you wish, I would also be most pleased to have you share my quarters any time you wish."

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Re: Later that evening

supergeisha
2011-02-01 03:28 am UTC (link)

"Thank you, Hajime-sama. You honor me so and it fills my heart with such joy. It is my pleasure and honor to attend a movie with you tomorrow and then serve you tea. I am at your disposal."

The smile in her eyes is like fire. Finally, someone she does not feel out of place with. It was nice, to feel a sense of belonging. The joy of that spread through her and she quickly moved to pour him more drink, tend to his needs, pamper him in her deep gratitude.

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Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-02-01 03:44 am UTC (link)

Pampering when in public he was used to when around people - when around anyone but his teachers, really. He's no soft bureaucrat - but he really enjoys this, and finally, something doesn't feel so alien, and the tension of the time here so far is visibly draining away.

"Good. Then we should find something to talk about. Tell me about these movies... what shows or stories do you enjoy?"