[D4, EA] Lunch to Go (Open/Expecting)

[Shiba Haru]

"It isn't the hospitality of the Crane that is bothering me but my ill fortune in the tests, struggles with my brother and...other difficulties. Why, have our hosts done something to upset you? Aside from the obvious tension between your clans they seem to have gone out of their way to make you welcome here; at least to a casual observer, you would surely know better than I in that regard."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"It's not anythin' they do. It's everythin' they are and I ain't. Havin' my nose rubbed in it day in, day out."

[Shiba Haru]

"Everything they are and you aren't? I don't understand."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Listen t'me. Really listen. I sound anythin' like any'a them? I move like any'a them? I dress like I know jack about fashion? Some Kakita asked me t'compose a poem like it was somethin' y'just do. An' didn't seem t'understand why it'd be hard. Y'know why I spent nearly th'whole cruise up th'ratlines? 'Cause it was damned near th'first time since gettin' here I was able t'relax!"

[Shiba Haru]

Haru smiled.

"No you don't sound anything like them, but is that bad? You are more interesting and memorable than practically anyone here. Every single person here will remember you when they think of this moment in our lives and I promise you it will be a good memory. You don't dress like a Crane, so what, I bet every single one of them wishes they had a hairpin like that. It will probably be the popular fashion trend in a couple of seasons.

Yuji-san is just dedicated to his art and seeks to gather memories of this place in away he is comfortable. I would encourage you to participate in his goal, it doesn't need to be a haiku, but I do not think he will be hurt if you don't."

He let out a little sigh, as if he resigning himself to something.

"You are talented, beautiful and wholly unique in a place full of copies. Yes you stand out but in the way a famous artist or general stands out in a crowd. People WANT to be looking at you and be near you."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Yeah? They got a funny way'a showin' it. Aside from Kuni-san, Akodo-san, an' somethin' about me gettin' along with Shiba Family members, only Hirame-san seems t'not be a bit put off."

She grimaced.

"So I can hang out with two guys betrothed t'someone else, the twin brother of one'a the betrothed guys, watch m'step around Akodo-san, or try'n get Kuni-san t'relax a bit when I'm high-strung m'self."

[Shiba Haru]

Have I always been JUST Jiro's brother?

"Mitsuko-san is in a better place right now I think, we had a conversation last night that I think helped her put some things into context. You should try o spend some time with her again and see how things may have changed."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Hell, can't hurt. She's got a crappier relationship with her folks'n I do."

[Shiba Haru]

"A lot of that going around, want to talk about it?"

He placed his last piece on the board without even looking, blatantly ignoring the outcome.

"Looks like you win, that was a wonderful game. I guess I owe you a secret and an answer don't I."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Oh, what a load'a crap, you were winnin' handily."

She sighed.

"But if you wanna share, we can make it a trade."

[Shiba Haru]

"Okay, we call it a draw. Go ahead, you ask first."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

She cocked her head to the side.

"Y'know, I'm not rightly sure."

A pause.

"Let's say you'n me were alone somewhere. What would you want t'do?"

[Shiba Haru]

Haru's chest thumped at the implications of the question, were it not for the whisper he could pretend it was innocent.

"I'm not sure, I don't know you well enough to know what you like. I'd want to get to know you better, learn about your life and history. What your favorite meal is, whether you like cats or dogs more, the best dream you ever had."

Haru's own rules to this game meant he had to be honest and he was man of his word, everything he said was true and he actually had a lovely image of them sitting in a grove of trees together. But it wasn't the whole truth, so he lowered his voice, so low even a whisper would seem like shouting in comparison.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"I see. Well. Reckon it's your turn."

She paused.

"Even if th' question wasn't about what I like."

[Shiba Haru]

"Oh that last part is what I like, I enjoy it very much even if it's as far as I've gone with it."

He sipped his tea and winked at her.

"My turn? Hmmm."

He was stuck, he knew what he wanted to ask when he made the wager but it just seemed wrong now, like the moment for it had passed.

"Well I could just ask you the same question, the answer would be most enlightening. But I'm sure I can think of something else."

He sipped his tea and watched her expression for some hint that she wanted to answer that question.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

She simply arched an eyebrow.

He was cute- after all, she was gaga for his twin- but she wasn't sure how far that would actually get him.

Especially since comparing him to Jiro wouldn't be fair to anyone involved.

[Shiba Haru]

"My question is...difficult. I want to ask it but I don't want to ruin the good time we are having. So understand that this question is one of love."

He hesitated, pouring some sake into his tea and downing it.

"How do you feel about my brother and why?"

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"I like 'im a hell of a lot. Maybe more. I know it can't go anywhere, but there it is. S'far as why..."

She shrugged.

"Dunno. We just... clicked. That tea ceremony he offered t'perform at th' fest th'first night? Conversation just... went well."

[Shiba Haru]

Haru was a little disappointed by the her brevity but would not push the subject further, he felt dirty for asking.

"My brother has made an impression on many here it seems, I find myself being seen more as Jiro's brother than as Haru. Please forgive me for prying, I am just concerned for him, not because of you but because I know I wouldn't be able to control myself if I were in his position.

I can barely contain myself now as it is and I'm pretty sure you've only been toying with me."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Well. I mean, if I like his looks, stands t'reason yours are good too. But... s'not fair t'either'a you t'make a direct comparison. An' if I'm flirtin' with you just 'cause ya look like him, that's a shitty thing t'be doin', innit?"

She sighed.

"Anyhow. He's got an easy, charmin' manner, so it stands t'reason he'd make a good impression. But if you're worried about him, don't be. Nothin' physical has happened. Well. Unless y'count the lil' origami octopus he made for me, but even Cap' Kaito prob'y wouldn'ta counted that, an' he's a strict sorta guy."