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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Later that evening

supergeisha
2011-01-31 09:47 pm UTC (link)

This was the only portion of things that Kikuya did not know the protocol for, indeed because it was unusual. In her training, geisha did not go out such as this. They entertained privately and while she knew that this sort of thing was in fact done, she had not done it herself.

She was a little nervous. And excited. She'd changed kimono four times before settling on a lovely blue one. She waited very patiently for Hajime, as Amiko had told her that he would come to collect her when it was time.

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Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-01-31 09:53 pm UTC (link)

Hajime had to work through Amiko and the BH6 HR department, intending to get a formal kimono, before he was informed that in this day and age, a tailored suit would be more suitable. They did a rush job, but its still tailored to him, and goes well with his team jacket so he can keep his sword with him but concealed.

The restaurant was insistent that the servers must be allowed to bring the food to the table side for insurance purposes, whatever that meant, but were willing to allow for leaving it there so the 'hostess' could be permitted to serve - but that's a surprise for when they get there.

He arrives at the specified waiting area, and bows deeply - she is, after all, affording him a tremendous honor. "Kikuya-chan." he offers politely, trying not to smile too much.

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-01-31 10:03 pm UTC (link)
	"Hajima-sama." She bows in to him, blushing a bit beneath her painted face at how he is bowing for her. Kikuya fights a wide smile as well. "You look very nice this evening." She waited, as was appropriate, for him to lead the way. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening get_medieval 2011-01-31 10:10 pm UTC (link)
	He waits for her, then takes the lead, answering her first. "Radiant beauty, Like cherry blossoms in spring, The honor is mine." With one more bow, he turns and begins walking, but slowly so she can take measured, delicate steps. If he's going to go out with her tonight, he's going to be damned sure she gets every opportunity to show off her grace. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

supergeisha
2011-01-31 10:14 pm UTC (link)

Were the heart bubbles visible over her head yet? If not they soon would be, certainly. Her eyes lit up as he spoke to her in haiku. It caught her by surprise and she was all the more honored to be in his presence.

As he began to walk she timed her steps to be precisely one step behind him, permitting him to go first. That was not uncommon even know for truly cultured ladies to walk just one step behind so that the man could get the doors, but the rest of this must have seemed a spectacle to others. As the moved towards Yukka, passerby did double takes.

"How was your day, Hajime-sama?"

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Re: Later that evening

get_medieval
2011-01-31 10:23 pm UTC (link)

He doesn't need to look at her - the reactions of passers by tell him everything he needs to know. He's just walking slowly, no big deal - she's putting on a show and timing everything just right.

He opens doors for her, then takes the lead again each time, and is careful to follow Amiko's training regarding this traffic safety thing when moving near cars and across streets.

"Perplexing. There is so much to learn. I fear I will never get all of it, but I am grateful for all the help Amiko-san has been. The tea was also, of course, a highlight - I do not think I have enjoyed anything that much in seven centuries."

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-01-31 10:27 pm UTC (link)
	"It is my goal to ensure that you enjoy our evening even more than this morning's tea, Hajime-sama. You are learning very quickly and very well the ways of this world. I am most impressed with your progress." He opens every door and guides their walk and Kikuya is entirely enamored of him. "Perhaps I can help you understand anything that you do not?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

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

"I would be most grateful for any help you are willing to offer, Kikuya-chan. You help a great deal by providing something that is familiar already. Talk of business can wait until we are seated." Everything in its proper place, business discussion happened over food, or at least tea.

"I have made arrangements with this place - they will bring the food and tea to tableside, but will not handle it after that. I hope I was not being overly presumptuous."

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	Re: Later that evening supergeisha 2011-01-31 10:34 pm UTC (link)
	She giggled with--appropriate--glee. "No, you have not been presumptuous. I...I was worried about how to serve you in a restaurant. It would not do for me to disappoint you and now I will not." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: Later that evening get_medieval 2011-01-31 10:37 pm UTC (link)
	"I watched you serving tea, Kikuya-chan. I am afraid that if you wished to disappoint, you would have to try very hard at it. As you have said, it has been some time since you have plied your trade actively, but you have clearly remained in practice." he replies earnestly. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Later that evening

supergeisha
2011-01-31 10:41 pm UTC (link)

"There are not words for how deeply you honor me, Hajime-sama."

It was becoming difficult to not smile as widely as she wanted. Her cheeks hurt from holding it in so she did, in fact, smile a bit more, happiness painting her feature every bit as much as her makeup did. As they arrived at Yukku, she waited for him to open the door. As soon as they were lead to the private area, Kikuya immediately went to work, taking great and exquisite care of him.

"Your day has been difficult. Would you care for tea?"

Here, everything was set properly. It was as though they were the only two people in the world.

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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)