She felt another slight blush tint the side of her face at the uncoordinated display she had made. Being dependent on others like this was certainly not something she liked, but somehow all but a few situations she found herself in had wound up causing it. “Ah, there was a small emblem next to my dormitory. It had two perpendicular swords diving a cerulean shield, I think? There’s also a pretty grouchy old man who owns a breadshop that I pass by on my way to school. Oh, and there’s a small auto shop I wave by to the family there every morning. There’s this one guy too that—” Haru’s words trailed off in an enlivened chatter, her eyes beginning to exude a cheery glimmer in her fervent prattle.

Though Haru’s recollection of the area went off on a tangent, he knew of where her home was. The first few details were all that were needed. It would be a bit of a walk to get there, and it was almost certain that the girl would give her life story along the way. After all, everything that she had spoken of so far had been delivered in such an energetic manner and a tangent had come up so quickly that it would be near impossible to not find out more about the girl. 

“Let’s get going. I know where your home is. That sounds close to one of the high schools.” 

Lon’qu turned away and began to stride forward. Needed to be off now before it got too late.

When the voice of a teenager interrupted the silent air of the area, Lon’qu lifted his head up and met the other’s gaze. A literature book? Though it was normal for students to come in requesting books, it seemed a bit far into the academic year to start looking for textbooks.

No matter. He wasn’t being paid to criticize the work ethic of students when he hardly cared for his own years in high school. 

“This way, sir.”

“Um, I don’t really.” She scratched the back of her head nervously . “Are we still even in..Kairos?” It was probably dreadfully obvious just how much Haru had lost her bearings.

“Off. Get off.”

Now more forceful, Lon’qu lifted his arms up and brushed her aside. What smile had been on his face was wiped away by Haru’s zealous act of affection.

“If I’m to take you home, let’s make things clear. No touching. Stay a good distance away... I don’t do... well with women.”

There was another pause, then a sigh. Haru was more of an airhead then he had originally thought. She truly needed someone to guide her through the city streets. Gods, would she be alright after  he left? 

Haru was always of an honest character and often found herself rather overt in the way she wound up conversing with others. No matter what weaknesses she would demonstrate either, her strength was of an iron will and a resilient determination; Perhaps a tad stubborn, even. “ “Thank you, sir. Haru is extremely greatful, she’ll be sure to repay you in any way she can!“”

“Haru is your name? Mine is Lon’qu.”

It was a rather short and sweet introduction, but that was how the man was. There was no need for fancy words to make eloquent conversation. Things were rather simple for this one.

&& there is a slight pause, a few seconds taken to focus on a decision–which was soon made.

“Lon’qu.”

“Thank you, Catherine. It seems I am in your debt now.”

           »    【 “It’s not nearly as steep as you think it is, darling! I mean, this authentic, Japanese katana is pretty damn old  — over 100 years, in fact. Honestly, I should be asking for more than 3589!” 】

     Even with the dreadfully expensive price set on the katana, Anna still noticed the slight flash of realization on his face. She supposed that meant that he had finally recognized her, or that this katana could actually be worth all the money he had in his bank account. Though the chances were slim — very slim  —  she hoped it was the latter.

     Anna leaned her elbows on the counter and laughed.

Ah. That’s right, it was still the beginning of the month, and that meant--

“I just paid my rent and bills.”

He glanced over his shoulder to give the katana another once over. It wouldn’t do to keep it within the custody of this saleswoman. Knowing her, she was bound to find someone to sell it to by the time he returned with the sum from his paychecks by the end of next week or even the end of the month. Never mind how much he had in his savings. That sum was going to remain there for a true emergency.

“Brunch? No, I’m not--”

Growl.

Of course his stomach would pick now of all times to voice that it needed nourishment. Was the man embarrassed? Perhaps, though he kept his voice as even as ever as he glanced down at the other. If they were to have brunch together, there were certainly going to be some ground rules that needed to be laid out. For starters, they would need to walk with at least three or four between them if they were to walk side by side. 

“...How much longer will you be out...”

What was she doing, anyway? Sunbathing? Now that was a concept that Lon’qu could never grasp. Why would anyone voluntarily submit themselves to the heat?

     Sadly, the katana was purely for show and was dull as could be. That could be fixed, but honestly, that was something for the next owner to figure out. Sharpening blades is fairly expensive, from what she remembers. Definitely not worth money out of her pocket. 

     Just as she was daydreaming about the Japanese sword, a brown-haired man strolled and (somewhat rudely) asked for the price of the katana.

          »    【 Hello to you too, handsome stranger. Oh hey! You’re that guy who worked with me at that restaurant a year back or something. Uhh, what was your name… Lon’qu, was it? 】

     Getting caught by her hurricane of thoughts (which rarely happened while working), Anna tapped her chin. She faintly remembered the man, as he had something unique about him. Hm… Ah! He tended to keep a distance from all the women in the establishment; though, she definitely was not going to bring that up in conversation.

3589 to 3365? 

That was hardly a discount, though it was likely more than the merchant would have given to any stranger who bothered to bargain for a lower price.

“That’s still a steep price, Anna.”

Oh. The name had slipped out so easily that it was a bit surprising. Perhaps it was the shock of the price that had jogged his memory. Wasn’t she the girl who would tell their fellow coworkers stories about rare items that she happened to get at prices so low, it could be considered a robbery?

Blast, now the girl was crying. It was bad enough that he was already incredibly uncomfortable around the fairer sex, but to add tears to the situation... Well, how was he supposed to comfort her? Comforting another had never been a strong suit of his when one considered how the years in the orphanage were rather lonely. 

Lon’qu sighed, and put a hand to his forehead in frustration. Damn it all, and damn the gods that had mercilessly decided upon this path.  “You don’t need to apologize, nor should you cry.”

to: ??? from: Oz

to: ??? from: Lon’qu

Her shock had still rendered her to act unlike herself, fear having consumed the last of her senses. And still, what was worst was that she couldn’t explain it. The triggering emotion that had suddenly set in from seeing her own scars had been certainly unusual. After all, they would reflect in the mirror every time she would so much as pull her shirt over her waist. It was a sight, no matter how dismal, that her eyes had grown accustomed to. Yet, how come such disturbance had washed over her at that single moment? She reckoned something terrible had to have happened, at a time and place that perhaps wasn’t now. Everything was still such a blur ; Her last hope was only to discard the thought for later. “I’m sorry… It seems I don’t have the best sense of direction…I only moved here recently..”

“It’s alright,” Lon’qu said quietly. “I mean no harm and only followed to see if you were alright.”

There was a pause as he glanced at the pipe in her grip. If worse came to worst, there would hardly be a fight. The girl didn’t seem to give off the air of someone who was combat ready. 

Haru rushed her way past the amassing crowd, with only an occasional gentle push of an “I’m sorry!” or an “Excuse me!” leaving her mouth in airy breaths, a small alleyway gradually coming into view in the horizon. As luck wouldn’t have it, the alley was merely a dead end vandalized of graffiti and littered trash. 

“No..” She breathed out almost fully enervated, weakness giving out both her knees in a simultaneous collapse. 

It seemed this girl had no idea where she was running to. As the pair turned off of the street and into the alley, Lon’qu was certain there would be a dead end up ahead. As a child, he had spent quite some time familiarizing himself with Kairos, and so navigating the bustling streets was no problem. 

Though, the girl did deserve some praise. That was quite the run, and she had led them both incredibly far from the garden. It wasn’t until a faint “No” reached his ears that it became clear that despite how determined this girl was to escape that suffocating situation earlier, she had reached her limits.

As she collapsed, Lon’qu quickly dashed forward to close the gap between the two. With practiced ease, he caught her before she could collapse upon the grubby concrete of the alleyway. 

“...Girl. Are you alright? You pushed yourself too far by running around like a chicken without it’s head.”

“You were of no trouble,” Lon’qu responded with a dismissive shake of his head. “My manager on the other hand was.” 

It registered then that this woman had an accent. Strange. It certainly wasn’t one he had heard in the area before, but he supposed it was possible for her to be a tourist of sorts. Greece and it’s Mediterranean areas were popular, after all. 

“Oi, isn’t Matoi’s house pretty small.. Like.. How are we gonna fit?”

“Nah, she said we could hang out in the front lawn. Just don’t touch the basement, ‘cuz that’s where her dad works or somethin. Also, no cocaine in the bathroom.”

“Fair ‘nuff.” 

It’s not even like there was a formal announcement or even a text message. Ryuko just decided it was time for a good old shindig. If you’re alive, you probably got an invite or at least heard about it. Even if you weren’t in high school - somebody would have still mentioned it in passing. There were only three key terms. 

Bring yourself, bring food, and bring alcohol.

—————————————————————————————————————

Hi guys! Here’s the 411. Ryuko’s having a party. The party is happening Saturday the 9th - however, you’re welcome to post starters any time between Friday - Sunday;  just try not to write something about this a week later, because that might confuse some people! It’s probably best to write something up before hand and then post it when the time comes! I want this “event” (not official in any way!) to be an opportunity for FRWers new and old to interact - whether it be a group thread or two people making out in the toilet. Go wild! And please, enjoy.