[IC] Heiseina: Memories Long Forgotten (CLOSED)

[Hero]

---

Huh, now that Keiko mentioned it, Tsubasa supposed he never did see her around whenever the festivities popped up. He always assumed that she was busy or that there was work to be done; he remembered the many, many times that Tetsu would suddenly unload a bunch of last-minute orders on him, and sometimes that resulted in him missing out on a majority of the fun. She seemed entirely indifferent to it, the complete opposite of his own lament anytime he'd been so caught up in his work that it was too late to do anything meaningful.

At the very least she didn't linger on the subject for too long, though he wasn't expecting her next comment. The barrage of questions caught him a little off guard, eyes widening just a touch as she even went so far as to approach him. Wait, why didn't he consider asking her? Clearly that was the way to go! It was a good idea, he could wrap up what he was doing and they'd be on their way in no time!

But even as the thought crossed his mind, he scratched the back of his head with a small frown on his face. "Um, no, that wasn't why, but--well, actually, I would like to go with you. If you'll have me, of course," He dropped his hand as he spoke, deciding he would get that out of the way. "We can go see everyone's hard work, get something to eat, enjoy the shows that get put on, and of course the main attraction."

He paused for a moment. "...But I mean, even if I wasn't around, there's nothing wrong with going on your own, too. I've had to do it a few times myself. You're still a part of the village, and that means you get to have as much fun as everyone else, too, you know."

@Asura

[Asura]

SEIMEI KEIKO

_{tags - @Hero}

---

A pout found its way onto Keiko's lips, and she had half a mind to begin guilt tripping him for his declaration that he did not, in fact, intend to ask her to the festival. She decided to be merciful in the end, seeing as though he quickly pivoted his answer—as much as she wanted to see him squirm, there would be many more opportunities to do so if she actually spent more than just a few passing moments with him that day. The short girl dropped back onto her heels after a moment, her pout morphing into a face of contemplation.

Of course, he hadn't just stopped there. The heartfelt words that followed almost made her give up her mischievous little act. There was an urge—a very strong urge—to break her facade of consideration when he mentioned her being part of the village, to meet him with disdain. As if he knew what it felt like to be ostracized. Half the village youths swooned over him, and the other half wanted to be him. But she steeled herself against the worst of those actions, and decided to respond in her usual teasing.

"Well, I suppose I don't mind going with you. Even if you are sweating through your shirt," She said, resplendent in her mercy, "You'll be paying for the food though, right? I treated you to breakfast, you know. It impolite to remain indebted to a lady."

[Yankee]

tags: @JessieTargaryen

---

"Oho? I got plenty of beauty sleep last night. Can you not tell?"

The white haired woman laughed, striking an exaggerated pose as best she could with the kimono in her arms. Otherwise she stayed quiet as she awaited Fumiko's opinion, anticipation clear on her face, if a little dramatic. Though neither choice could be wrong, Sumiko nodded along in agreement once the decision was made like she'd expected that outcome all along.

"Excellent choice as always, Fumi-chan," she said, sounding quite pleased. Sumiko gently replaced the green garment, then held the purple close to her and spun in place as though she were dancing with a partner. "Purple, mysterious, noble and spiritual. Specifically, this is hashita-iro. The color is made from murasaki plants, and the threads woven silk. Aah, I'd love to try my hand at weaving something myself some time!"

Sumiko slowed her turns, the motion transforming into a soft swaying. She smiled at her friend. "I was thinking the scale pattern might be a little direct, but it always goes over well with the crowd."

Without further ado she carefully laid the kimono on the table, and went to rummage for a suitable cover to carry it in. The hastily cleaned up room was gradually returning to a more familiar state as Sumiko opened a sliding closet and pulled things out. Boxes to sort through, hangers removed, examined, and lightly tossed to the side. Eventually one cover seemed to satisfy her, and she began wrapping the kimono in it. When Fumiko brought up asking for some extra help, all the white haired woman thought at first was, good idea! 'Many hands make light work,' or so the saying went didn't it? Before Sumiko could say as much, Fumiko went on. The more excuses she made, the faster Sumiko's expression morphed into a knowing grin. When she turned back to the young Takamori, the poor girl could see a hint of mischief in Sumiko's eyes.

"That's the only reason, I'm sure," she said, her voice light and teasing. Did their little Fumiko have a crush? She'd have a lot of competition, apparently a lot of the village girls had a thing for Tsubasa. Some of the village boys too. Sumiko let out a goodnatured laugh at her friend's flustered words, scooping one of the crates of supplies off of the ground and depositing it into Fumiko's hands. "It's not a bad idea though. Everything is ready to move, we just have to move it!"

Of course between bundles of cloth, parchments, paints, brushes, and everything else that Sumiko deemed necessary, it would be easier said than done. Sumiko herself stood with her hands on her hips in the midst of the middle of it all with a can-do grin. That smile had promised many things, and this morning it promised to get everything delivery on time.

"Well, almost everything. I need to gather up the matched hair pieces, but that won't take long."

Her smile was still in place when she turned away again, diving into the drawer of a little vanity. It was a dark wooden thing, not the typical make of Heiseina's craftsmen, and the little scratches here and there proved it was put to good use.

"You can go ahead if you want. I wouldn't want to get in the way of you and strong, handsome Tsubasa-san," she giggled over her shoulder. If the young man agreed to help out then they'd make short work of moving everything, but if not it was no big deal - there had been years when Sumiko carried everything to and fro by herself, so she was confident it would get done with time to spare. Although, she would be lying if she said she didn't appreciate the help.

Ah ha! she raised an arm in triumph, a shimmering hair piece held between her fingers. The rest of the accessories would follow soon enough.

"You know Fumi-chan, you should show off a little more," the younger Hayashi sister said suddenly. Her eyes were still focused on her search, though her grin had melted to something a little softer. "Perform in the festivals sometime. I'm sure you would do great."

Her gaze flickered over to Fumiko. "It would draw you some attention too. You know, catch the eye of a certain someone!"

[JessieTargaryen]

---

This was torment, surely somehow she had angered a mischievous Yokai. That was the only explanation that the young Takamori could find for why she was stuck in this mortifying situation. As Sumi teased her about her rather obvious feelings for Tsubasa, Fumiko could feel her face burning hotter and hotter. Her cheeks no doubt a borderline beacon, glowing to show off her embarrassment at being caught so obviously. As Sumiko went about her preparations, Fumiko could only watch in stunned silence as she tried to reign herself in and regain her typical composure. "I-In the way!?!" The girl demanded, sounding every bit as mortified as she looked at that moment. Deep breathes. Calm yourself. She chided herself, sucking down a series of deep breathes until the Takamori had seemed to find herself. Shaking her head with a little smile towards Sumiko, Fumi welcomed the change in subject. "I couldn't, Sumi-chan. 'Tis, not my place to show off, mine is to ensure the festival runs well, and our village enjoys itself. I have not the time to showing off..." She said, adding in a softer tone moments later. "Even if it seems fun..." Before letting out a soft sigh and a little shrug. "I'll run ahead and see if he is busy, don't you dare try to move this all on your own, Sumi-chan! I'll be back with help!" Fumiko said, a firm tone complimenting her hand with a lone finger held up to make her point known.

Moments later, after a polite farewell, Fumiko was back out of the house and heading towards the place she was certain to find Tsubasa, the forge. The young Takamori quickly made her way towards the little building, a sense of purpose on her features as she wasted not a moment making her way to her target. Unlike her path to the Hayashi estate, Fumiko did not stop to talk with various villagers, instead, she just gave a polite greeting as she passed. She had a mission! Go and visit Tsubasa, no... she was to recruit the man to help them. Not to indulge in any selfish desire to see the boy that might be on her mind. AS she made her path through their little village and drew nearer to the forge, Fumiko came to a halt. All she had was to round this corner and make her way a bit down the path to arrive. Despite the fact she was here to recruit him for work, Fumiko found herself pausing to straighten out her outfit. Another to run her fingers gently through her hair, ensuring all was in order and her appearance satisfactory. Gods. Was she really that infatuated with him? You have a job, Fumiko. Do it. Worry about your desires later. She chided herself, sucking in a soft sigh as she made her way around the corner.

Drawing near to the forge, Fumiko went over her mental list of tasks for the day. Recruit Tsubasa, help Sumi-chan set up for the day, report back to Uncle, change into an outfit appropriate for the fesitivites, and no doubt a few other tasks for the day. She had not a doubt in her mind that she would be busy that day, but frankly, Fumiko rather liked that idea. She'd much rather be helping the village prepare instead of sitting about bored. Once she finished all of her tasks and got to enjoy the festival, then she could relax a bit. Perhaps, if she was lucky, she could see if Tsubasa might indulge her with a da-

Fumiko came to a halt as she drew near to the forge and saw that Tsubasa was accompanied by another. Seimei Keiko. While Fumiko did not harbor any particular distrust for the girl for her heritage, the Takamori was not overly fond of how the girl interacted with most of the village. Yet, even that was not enough to justify the irrational annoyance that Fumiko found bubbling within herself at the sight of Tsubasa and her spending time together. How badly she wanted to demand why they were together, what the girl had wanted with Tsubasa. Yet, Fumiko bit back such comments and approached the duo with a pleasant expression on her features. A warm smile, even if her eyes were noticeably colder for even the slightest of moments as they fell over Keiko. Pausing her approaching the give a respectful bow towards each of the two, Fumiko stepped in during a lull in their conversation. "Pardon me Seimei-san, Senga-san. I'm sure you're both a bit busy." Fumiko started, a slight shift in tone to emphasize the 'both' part of her statement, but one subtle enough to slip past unless one was paying close attention. "But Hayashi-san and I were hoping we could get some help transporting her things in preparation for her performance." She explained, gaze shifting between the two, and lingering on the taller boy for a bit longer. "Admittedly, I had come for Senga-san's help, but I'm certain another pair of hands would speed things along even better, Semei-san!" Fumiko added, a bit of cheer finding its way into her voice as a small smile graced her lips.

Her attention then turned back on Tsubasa as she gave him a friendly, yet dazzling little grin. "If you're busy, Senga-san, I can simply steal another. You just happened to be the first person on my mind to help!" She added, before looking between the two once more. "So, can we borrow the two of you for a moment?"

[Asura]

SEIMEI KEIKO

_{tags - @Hero@JessieTargaryen}

---

Any devious scheme to get Tsubasa to pay for her meals would have to be put on pause—no sooner did the words leave her mouth did she spot someone approaching the forge. Someone Keiko was not especially happy to see. True, she wasn't happy to see most people, but to be face-to-face with the Master's niece this early in the morning was a quick way to bitter her mood worse than it already had been. Her family practically was Heiseina, the privileged few who oversaw all and kept things running smoothly. A representation of their sleepy little village, and in more ways than one. It didn't take an especially sharp eye to see the iciness in Fumiko's eyes the second they drifted from Tsubasa to herself. An immediate rejection, even through the facade of pleasantries that poured out of her mouth in the moments that followed. A perfect metaphor for how the town had treated her.

She hated it. The look, the village, the Takamori and Fumiko all. It took all her composure not to let the animosity that had building in the back of her mind all morning boil to the surface. She wanted to do something to wipe that sweet, fake little smile off the girl's face. To do something to make her feel some pain for once in her perfect little life. She wouldn't need to think for long. That cold gaze that had spurred on Keiko's spiteful side was the answer to her plea. She could see the way the girl's eyes lit up when she looked at Tsubasa. The little smiles. The sugary tone. There was an easy way to make her squirm.

"Hmm, I don't know. Tsu-kun and I were just about to head off to see the festival together," Keiko replied, her tone just as manufactured in its cheer. She took advantage of their proximity, reaching over to loop her arm through his own and lean into him a little. An intimate thing, but she was sure he wouldn't care, oblivious lug that he was. She imagined Fumiko, on the other hand, would care quite a lot—especially when she caught sight of the slightest hint of the smug little grin tugging across her feature.

"I suppose we could postpone our little date if it's super important. What do you think?" She inquired, casting a decidedly more innocent gaze up at Tsubasa.

[Hero]

---

Tsubasa's initial joy at her acceptance quickly turned to confusion. He did what to his shirt? Looking down at himself, he supposed she had reason to make her comment. Then again, he was so used to it that he didn't even bother noticing until it was pointed out. That wouldn't do at all, especially since Keiko was already clean and dressed and ready to go. Maybe they could continue the conversation as well, and he could get to the bottom of her sidestepping his other comment.

"You're right, it'll be on me, then. I promise I'll put on something clean, too, of course," He laughed, wiping his brow again. He was about to ask if she was willing to give him a few minutes to clean up before someone else approached the forge.

The arrival of Fumiko was a surprise--he was visited by two people today!--and straightened up a touch as she spoke. It was nice to hear Hayashi was going to be performing again this year, though he was a little surprised to hear that Fumiko was helping her out. Then again, Fumiko did like to do things around the village, same as he whenever he had the time. It was also nice to see the community come together to help one another, so maybe he shouldn't be too surprised.

Before he could respond, Keiko replied to Fumiko. Ah, she called him Tsu, that's so cute! Did she finally accept his own nickname for her? It did make him a little happy, though he was confused as she looped her arm around his. Wasn't she just complaining about how sweaty he was?

As she gazed up at him, he shrugged. "We could go help them out, then come back here and get ready before we enjoy ourselves?" He asked her. "If it's okay with you, Kei-chan."

@Asura@JessieTargaryen

[JessieTargaryen]

_{tags - @Hero@Asura}

---

Fumiko's blood ran cold, her eyes widening in sudden surprise as she watched Keiko move in towards Tsubasa. Wrapping herself around his arm, and flaunting that they were going to the festival together. A date, she specified. Moreso, the young Takamori saw the girl sprout a smug little grin on her features. At that moment, she saw red. Emotions that the young Takamori was not entirely familiar with coursed through her veins. Anger, she knew that familiar emotion. That demon that had haunted much of her young life, one she thought she had firmly tucked away. Though still, there was another emotion that Fumi found herself not all that familiar with coursing through her veins. Jealousy. How had Keiko managed to win over Tsubasa, what did this girl have that she didn't have herself? How could she have lost a race she didn't even know she was participating in? Thoughts raced through Fumiko's mind faster than birds racing across the sky after each other.

Then as Tsubasa spoke up, Fumiko felt the crushing final blow struck upon herself. While he was being his usual lovable and sweet self, offering to help without even batting an eye, his comments about them returning to get ready for the festival together. His little affectionate nickname for her, gods. It was like they were trying to rub it into Fumiko's fact that they were going together. Though she had come here to seek help, that focus was soon lost in the young Takamori's mind. As instead it was overtaken with a host of negative thoughts over Tsubasa and Keiko's clear attachment to each other.

That little bitch dared to move in and brag about her attachment to Tsuba-...

An unnaturally hostile thought coursed through the girl's mind and shocked her in the next moment. The language and pure vitriol with which she thought about the other were completely unlike herself. Hurt still obvious in her eyes, Fumiko took a few moments to compose herself with a couple of steadying breaths. Finally, after a few moments longer of awkward silence, the girl finally spoke up for the first time since Keiko made her move. "Ah, well I would much hate to interrupt your enjoyment of the festivities together!" She said with a forced smile and cheerful tone. "So please, do not feel pressured to come and assist with setup. While the help would no doubt be appreciated, I did not have any intention of interrupting a date. For that, you both have my apologies." She said, looking between the two in anticipation of their response.

After all, she was a Lady. Moreso, she had a duty to Heisenina and its inhabitants. Such behavior was not fitting of her, nor was it something she could abide by. She had to take the high road in this situation.

Even if that road hurt.

[Feyblue]

_{Tags: @webboysurf}

---

...He really was too nice.

Oyuki fidgeted and nodded along with his little explanation, for a moment distracted out of her overwhelming worry by how unexpected it was to receive such kindness unasked. Most of the villagers had little to do with her outside of problems with the local youkai or commissions for her sewing work, after all -- and for the most part, she had just as little to do with them. If there was a problem, she'd address it herself sooner than troubling anyone else for their assistance, and of course, her duties preparing for the festival were no different. It had always been this way. Since she was being relied upon to prepare the shrine for the festivities and to ensure everything went smoothly, she would just have to make more time to ensure that she could fulfill those expectations -- even if it meant beginning her work days or weeks in advance. It was always hard, and tiring, and sometimes even frustrating to the point that she was glad when it was over. And yet, seeing the warmth on the faces of the visitors to her shrine, even if she didn't have a place among them, always made her feel like it had been worth her while.

...And yet now, that same warmth was being directed at her. "With all of the work you do for the village," he had said. He had noticed. He acknowledged her effort, and was glad because of it. Before she knew it, a small smile had reached her lips, though it was hidden as she lowered her head in a gracious bow, hiding her partially-reddened face beneath the brim of her hood.

"You have my sincerest gratitude. It's... very thoughtful of you to go so far out of your way for my sake -- particularly when you no doubt have many pressing duties of your own. The chilly season hasn't quite gone away, after all, and I'm sure there are many who want for your services."

She managed to give her thanks, but faltered for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. Her usual answer would likely have been to try to refuse something she couldn't easily repay, but after seeing the fall he had taken and hearing his concern, there was no way she could say no to his gift in good conscience. But she also felt a bit... hesitant to just reach out and take it from him, even as he offered it to her. There was something about the warmth in his smile that set her heart on edge. It was an unfamiliar sort of feeling that thawed the icy dread that had clutched at her, and yet that warmth brought with it its own weight. The emotion she felt in that moment was one she could neither put a name to nor immediately comprehend how to deal with. It wasn't... unpleasant, but... at the same time, she felt ashamed of herself for receiving such generosity and not being able to immediately give back more. He was just so...

...But, before she could continue this line of thought, the mysterious emotion she felt vanished and gave way to a much plainer variety of shame. Even a blind woman could have spotted the moment when Kenichi caught on to her unease, and the kind, warm atmosphere gave way to one of bashful awkwardness. She had hurt him. All because she'd been too preoccupied to address him properly, all because of all the times, this had to happen right here and right now. Her heart sank as she quickly shook her head, raising her hands and trying to explain -- but when she did, it took several moments for any words to come out. What would she say? Would he believe her? No, before that, even if she trusted him, this wasn't something she should tell anyone! The panic that it might cause if the messenger's words were to get out... She needed to see Takamori first! But then what? It wouldn't do to tell a lie -- the spirits held no respect for those who dealt dishonestly. So, instead, she fell back on what information she could share -- and upon the action which came most naturally to her inadequate self.

So, stammering over her words, she hastily apologized, her hooded head bobbing up and down in a sequence of hasty bows as she tried to salvage this miserable situation without alienating one of the few people in the village she dared to regard as a dear friend.

"Ah -- erm, no, that's not... That is... This is a bad time, but not because of anything you've done, so please don't apologize! It's just... an unfortunate coincidence, that we happened to meet at such a time. I have business with the elder and was just planning on going out, and I hadn't expected to get any visitors -- least of all yourself, Masaki-sensei, and... I just... I felt you deserved a better reception than I can currently give you. I didn't mean to be rude. I'm sorry. I'm terribly sorry. You went so far out of your way, and I can't even show you the decency of receiving you right now..."

[webboysurf]

_{Tags: @Feyblue}

---

Kenichi understood that the sensation he felt was not strictly an authentic representation of what was happening. While not a surgeon by any means, the doctor's apprentice knew the rough anatomy of where the different internal organs were and what was necessary to treat issues revolving around different parts of the body. He had read much in his youth, and heard the various symptoms from the various patients in the village. But in that awkward moment of fumbling words and awkward placating between the two youths, Kenichi could have sworn he felt his heart drop down into his stomach. He did his best to hide his feelings, leaning on his crutch a bit more as his legs felt the strain from the sensation rock him to his core. He kept his awkward smile plastered on his face, jumping in and interrupting her the moment he had some room in to respond.

"No, no... I understand. I should have scheduled... er, no, no, I just meant to deliver the medicine. I will not keep you."

Kenichi turned his body away from Oyuki, his gaze falling back down the stairs as his cheeks grew hotter and redder by the moment. He couldn't quite place the feelings churning in his abdomen, but he could tell they were unpleasant regardless. The only clear thought running through his mind is he needed to be away. For the briefest of moments, tucking up into a ball and just rolling down the hillside seemed like a reasonable option. Of course, the analytical and reasonable side won out as the doctor's apprentice gave a slight bow facing away from Lady Oyuki. "I wish you well, Lady Oyuki. I will be off."

With such a simple goodbye, Kenichi took a deep breath and began moving down the stairs as quick as his legs would allow, internalizing his grunts and frustrations as he descended from the shrine and towards the village below.