Laughing in the Mist [O]

[KEITH]

It would appear that morning had already been passing by, and I could tell this with simply looking out of my apartment window, into the sky to see the sun, as it would it would stand high above and behind the mist. My violet hues would then divert toward my clock that had been sitting upon my dresser, it hadn't been too far away from my bed where I was laying, though I felt too lazy to get up and check it. Because, apparently, it had fallen over on its face somehow, and I have no idea how that would have happened, but I digress. I would turn my attention to my bed, specially to my pillow, and there I would see my fox mask, which I would always have to keep close to my person at all times, due to my attitude toward my shinobi work and life.

It felt like it was always a chain, as if I was some kind of animal, who had to abide by the rules of those who didn't even rule him. I only had one ruler, one who he would follow and listen to their orders without a second thought, if it was for the good of him or the village. That person was no other than the Mizukage, but it would seem like he had wished for the same, so I would follow his rule, I was his loyal shinobi after all—simply a tool for him to use as how he would please. But. . . .

[Bah, it's too early to be thinking this much. I should head out and just get some fresh air for now. . . . Thinking like this won't get me anywhere.]

I would then proceed to prepare myself for the day, washing up properly and getting dressed to visit the others of the village. I had worn simple attire today, with my fox mask hanging from the back of my neck, so that those behind me would be able to see it, especially the ones who would make sure that I had worn it every day. Despite the cool conditions of today, I had decided to wear the clothing I picked out, though it was a nice interpretation of how I had felt today. My wavy white hair would get carried along a gentle breeze of wind as it would pass by, I casually make my way through the village, everyone had known my name and who I was, I was the Gashira of the village after all, who wouldn't know me?

I would eventually come across a pastry shop within the village, it was new, or at least to me. I had never seen it before, despite my many outings around the village every day. I wonder if their service was good, I only had one way to find out. I made my way into the shop, and I would see it filled with people, though, it wasn't chaotic looking or whatever, but, I would scope out the scene before I would decide to try anything, just to see how everyone else would react to it. I made my way to a partially emptied table; half of it was filled with people, while my half wasn't. On either side of the table, it could comfortably fit five.

My stomach would agree appearing that today wasn’t the best day to go without food, and to watch people eat without having eaten myself.

[. . . Ugh, I am so hungry. I hope everyone does like the food here, because it surely smells good. . . . Ughhh, stop grumbling like that.]

I would say to my stomach which would continue to growl with hunger.

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[Shinryu]

'Another long, boring day...'


I had resigned myself to that much as I woke up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes in the early hours of the morning. Life had gotten monotonously dull as of late. Sure, there was still fervor about the Sanbi and the result of what would happen going on, but even that had its limits, and one could only paint a turtle so many times before the idea became tiresome. I needed inspiration for something; something new and interesting, but nothing came to mind no matter how much I taxed myself trying to think. I supposed it was always possible that I could try to go out and find some source of inspiration. Better that then merely passing another dreary day inside my flat.


I yawned, grudgingly pulling aside the warm comfort of the covers and facing the chill morning. Mornings always were cold in Mizu no Kuni. Not the icy, biting cold of her homeland, but a thick, porous, clammyness that clung to your skin and made you feel all sticky. It was kind of disgusting, and I honestly have yet to really adjust to it. I don't even know if it IS something you can adjust to. Either way, I was up, and now that the shivers from the morning air were running through my body, it was off to the part of my morning that I enjoyed the most.


Slipping in to the bathroom, I quickly stepped out of my sleepwear and underthings, kicking them aside and then hastily stashing them in the clothes hamper. I didn't want to delay the heat of the shower any more than I needed to, for the creeping cold around a fully naked body was a quite unpleasant experience. However, hearing the spray of the shower head set me at ease as I pulled back the curtain and stepped inside, awash in the warmth of the rivulets of water running along my pale skin. I finally felt awake, and not unsurprisingly, with that sense came a few other urges I'd need to take care of once the shower was done. Thankfully I was blissfully absent of another such urge. While I was feeling frustrated about my art, I didn't need that kind of release. Either way, I began soaping myself up, shampooing and conditioning my hair, shaving my legs and underarms; all the usual fare. I did knick myself on the shin, but I wasn't worried; the cut would heal over enough to stop the bleeding by the time I was done with my make-up, and my thigh-highs would cover the mark.


Finally finished rinsing, I would towel myself off quickly, wrapping my hair tight in cotton folds, and proceed to sit down and relieve myself. I sighed a bit at the steamed up bathroom, hoping my time on the loo would at least give the mirrors a chance to unfog a bit. They never did, of course, but I was always optimistic in that regard. It seemed good to at least always try to keep a bit of hope in my life, even on days like this. Eventually I would finish with that menial task, being as hygenic as was befitting, before staring at myself in the mirror. The pale face of a woman in her mid-twenties with a sallow face and a bored expresssion looked back. Every day in Kirigakure, it was the same routine, plus or minus a few steps, culminating in the outfit I chose to hide myself under. That self-same mask I wore every day, more out of habit than anything.


Giving my hair another rub, I would discard the two towels and walk back to my room, pulling out a familiar pair of horizontally striped thigh-high socks. I always put them on first, although I didn't know why. Maybe because I always felt naked without them. I was a bit bow-legged, and though nothing could really cover it up, having those socks on made me at least feel comfortable about it. I then slipped in to a comfortable pair of black cotton high-cuts and a matching bra, before donning the part of my ensemble I was most proud of. The dress fit me like a glove, hugging my body like a second skin. It was a bit weighty, but not to the point of being a hinderance, and a bit risqué, but not to the point of being tacky or tasteless. It was a one of a kind look, meant only for me Thankfully I'd been able to have a handful of them made, so I wasn't stuck with always using the same one.


Each dress of course was minutely different, but this one was her favourite, and the first I'd had made. I smoothed out the jacket with a smile, as I admired myself in yet another full length mirror, briefly enjoying the look of my mussed up self. That done I laced the corset behind me and pulled my favorite pair of heeled boots up over my feet and to my shins, completeing the outfit, for the most part. All that remained was fixing my hair and make up; the longest part of all.


I'll spare you the excruciating detals of how I put on the mascara, eye-liner and foundation, as well as dried and curled and parted my hair just so, because those things aren't that important to the narrative, despite being what I consider to be some of my best work as an artist. Regardless, I came out of it looking significantly more gaunt, as I prefered. I enjoyed my ability to frighten people with just a look, knowing full well that if I hadn't worn such grizzly make-up, eyes would be far more enamored of my figure than they already were. I didn't want any more of that kind of attention than was necessary. Plus it didn't hurt that it at the very least allowed me to weed out the brave ones from the scared ones. Anyone not interested enough to know why I painted my face the way I did or who was scared of what it was didn't really deserve my time.


I looked back in the mirror at a satisfied, if somewhat corpse-like face, and sighed softly, putting away my make-up kit and stretching a bit. Today would be a long day, but perhaps it didn't have to be so boring?


I packed up my things; at least, what things I thought would be necessary, into the various pouches and satchels sewn into the overcoat of the dress. I was a bit of a stickler for organization that way. Heading out into the early morning would be at least a change of pace for me, I felt, and so as I came down from my flat, I held my head up high; higher than usual, at least, and began walking. The air was still damp, and a bit chilly, but I didn't mind it that much as I strolled through the streets, my body heat keeping with me as the sun sought to break through the misty morning haze overhead. I wandered for a bit; I didn't know where, at first, although my stomach was quick to inform me where I'd be headed next. In my rush to leave I'd skipped breakfast.


'Oh well... I'm sure I can find something decent around town.'


I looked around a bit briefly from the roof-tops, until I spotted a joint a little ways off. It was quaint, cute even, although there were almost way too many people crammed into the establishment. Most of them looked to be elderly patrons. I guessed that there must have been some kind of early-bird special going on; I couldn't say. However, I could smell hot grease and pancake batter, and I couldn't resist the temptation. I made my way over and stepped inside, looking for a free place to sit down. There weren't many, but I noticed a couple of spots open by a table in the corner; the only occupant on the far side was a man of about thirty by my guess. Maybe he had missed breakfast like I had? Either way, it was better than sitting beside old people who smelled funny and only wanted to talk about frivolous things. I made my way over and asked him politely, inquiring about the seat to his left.

"Ah, excuse me sir, is this seat taken?~"

[KEITH]

My violet hues had moved across the establishment and it would seem as if the people who had come there or already there was there because they had enjoyed the food, just like I would have hoped. People would continue to flow into the restaurant, and with my stomach continuing to growl, that could only mean that this was the where I would have my meal. Upon the table, there were a few menu's, and I would casually reach over to retrieve one for myself, I was quite curious of what all they might have served here, and if they had any of my favorites. As I would browse through le menu, it would seem that a woman had now graced my presence, asking to take the seat next to me, I really paid it no mind, and the only thing that was on my mind was what is going to be entering my stomach soon.

[Sure, I don't mind. Have you ever been here before?]

I would ask her casually, haven't even taken a real look at her yet, my eyes moved down the menu, everything had looked so good to me, I wished that I could have it all, but my pockets wouldn't allow me to. I was low on ryo, so I couldn't afford any big, fancy breakfast, or brunch, if it had been about that time already. I hadn't been on a lot of missions lately, due to having to do a lot of work for the village, switch ultimately caused me to stay within it.

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[Shinryu]

I took the seat gladly, my mouth watering at the smells wafting in from the kitchen as I picked up a menu and perused it. My pale green eyes scanned the list until I found what I was looking for, and I smiled in glee.

"YES! Okonomiyaki! I hope they do it traditionally..."

I said lost in thought a bit, before realizing the man had asked a question I had completely ignored. I scratched my head a bit sheepishly and turned away from the excitement the menu had brought to apologize.

"Eh. Sorry about that... I thought I smelled pancakes from outside and... anyway... No, I haven't been here, but everything smells good, and no one seems to be walking out in protest, so I'd be willing to guess the service is decent, at least."

I whistled a merry tune as I waited to be waited on; funny, that particular turn of phrase. They were the waiters, and yet we were the ones stuck waiting for our food. There was something ironic about that, I was sure, but my stomach and mind were more concerned chowing down on a nice, savory Okonomiyaki, so much so that I was growing a bit impatient in waiting. I tried to strike up small talk with the man who sat beside me, noticing his... interesting choice of garb. He looked fairly plain, I supposed. Muscular, but not really expressive. Which was fine; I quite liked stoic types, but even so, he seemed sort of dull and uninterested to me.

I didn't think he was really my type, anyway. Then again, not many men were, so I could hardly hold that against him. I smiled a bit, hoping he wouldn't be too off-put by the make-up, and started talking; anything to take my mind off of the low growl of my stomach.

"Anyway... What brings you here? Skip breakfast on the way out of the house like I did? Or are you just looking to try something new? I mean, I'd have assumed you were here out of habit, but given you being unfamiliar with the place and all..."

It was nothing really, just polite banter. Something to fill the space as we waited, but that didn't mean it couldn't be pleasant. Of course, speaking of politeness, it was about that time I realized I hadn't even introduced myself.

"Ah, sorry again... I keep forgetting my manners this morning. I must have slept funny, or something. My name is Omoi. Pleased to meet you..."

I left the end open as a question, to let him fill in whatever he wished to be called. Although, looking at his face again, it did seem somewhat familiar. Not in such a manner of speaking that I could recall where I had seen it, at least not immediately, but I could have sworn I had seen features like his somewhere before, and it was biting at my mind trying to figure out where... Almost as much as I wanted to bite into those damn pancakes.

Sigh.

Being hungry sucked.

[KEITH]

The scent of the delicious food was too much for me, I just had to have something, but my mind couldn't make up what I had wanted, and my stomach would be displeased with my indecisiveness. I had completely forgotten my question that I had asked the girl, my stomach told me the only thing that my mouth could be used for was ordering food. Then, I would start to think more about it. . . . Where are the waiters?

I know that there was a lot of people here, and more filling up the place, but I shouldn't have to wait too long until they would come. Despite me not even knowing what I wanted to consume, then it hit me as the girl to my left had shouted it out to the world; Okonomiyaki! Okonomiyaki? I wasn't really a fan of it, because, no matter how they make it, no one could make it better than my mom could, so there was no point of me asking it from the place, but it did help me narrow down my options on things I had wanted.

I will probably just settle for Nattō, but a lot of it, I was freaking starving. I would give my attention to the female toward my left, my violet hues setting upon hers, though my expression had shown little, if viewed hard enough with a keen eye, one could tell that I was quite hungry, the look in my eyes would give it away, or my subtle right hand that gently rubbed my stomach would give it away.

[Oh, well, I suppose this place must really be new, then. I just got up and looked out the window. . . . And there it was, in all its glory. I hope that the waiters do come soon, though, I can't wait to try out the food.]

I would take a gander at the features of the female who was next to me, my eyes swiftly moving across her frame, and then re-locking eyes with her, and it had seem that she would have done the same. Still, I didn't alter my expression at all, but the females’ appearance was of the like that I wasn't use to, especially the makeup. To each, his own, though, I wasn't one to judge, having my own weird style of fashion, like carrying the fox mask which would hang behind my back from my neck. The mask had given off a dark, ominous feeling, as if one could feel the mask presence as if it was a living being, sentinel in nature.

[Yep, pretty much skipped breakfast, or rather, I missed it due to oversleeping. I figured, like you, that this would be a good place to go, everything about it had looked good.]

I really didn't have anything else to do at the moment, so talking is a bit more entertaining than just sitting here, alone, and bored out of my mind. Besides, I had been stuck doing a lot of paperwork as of lately, so getting a chance to go out and meet new faces within the village had always been refreshing. Though, this face might be somewhat familiar to me, just who was she? And, without further ado, my question would be answered; Omoi?

[No harm, no foul. Besides, we all can forget that at times when we're hungry. But, it is quite a pleasure to meet you, Omoi-san. My name is Yokumaru, but you can just call me Yoku for short.]

As soon as I would have introduced myself to the female, a waiter would appear before us, apologizing for the wait, and ready to take our orders. Being the gentleman that I was, I would allow her to order her food before me.

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[Shinryu]

My eyebrows arched a bit as he told me his name.

"Yokumaru? Your parents must have had a real weird sense of humor to call you a demon."

I said so perhaps a bit tactlessly, but I was sure he would understand. It would seem he was here for similar reasons that I was, and that made me smile a bit. At least I wasn't the only one suffering from absent-mindedness today. Speaking of absent-mindedness, I was ignoring the waiter whom Yoku had waived over to me in lieu of ordering first for himself. A bit chivalrous, I supposed, but he was here first, and I wouldn't have minded waiting a few more seconds.

Either way I knew what I wanted.

"I'll have the Okonomiyaki; golden brown, lightly buttered, and done traditional style with celery and rice if possible. Also, I don't know if you have any, but can we get a bottle of Sriracha sauce? I don't mind paying extra for it."

I had some odd tastes, I supposed, but I liked some kick to my breakfast every now and then. The man smiled a bit, a little surprised and off-put by my appearance, I was sure, but he seemed the kind who would rather put on a facade of happiness and tell his colleagues what he had seen later then to blindly gawk at me. He asked me if I wanted something to drink, and I told him I'd be happy with Strawberry milk. I then left him to wait on Yoku as he took my menu from me. I stretched out in my seat a bit, rubbing my empy tummy and re-assuring it that it would get its fill soon.

[KEITH]

I had wondered what the female had meant she said my parents had named me after a demon, is that really what Yokumaru had meant? All these years I haven't been any the wiser as to if that was the true meaning behind the name. My parents were calling me a demon, well, based upon my history; I assume that it could have possibly been true. Maybe my parents had gotten to their fortunes told that I would grow up to be how I would be, or my father’s eyes had been so strong as to foresee this. But, you know, to me it was just whatever now, but what kind of demon was Yokumaru. . . . ?

[Yokumaru is the name of a demon? What kind of demon was he. . . .?]

I showed a bit of curiosity, I just wanted a bit of light to be shown in on the subject. Eventually though, the waiter would make his way over toward the two, after it had taken him so long to come by, and the two had been quite starved. Especially me, I normally had a big appetite and consumed vast amounts of food, which I usually needed because I worked out so much, and in turn, it made me very hungry, besides me just liking to eat tons of food when I can. I had let Omoi go first, and as I would listen to her order her food, I couldn't help but suddenly think of how good it had sounded, and my stomach would have agreed with me, yes, we wanted all of what she had and more.

Once it was our turn (me and my stomach), we'd order up eagerly.

[Hm, well, I suppose we will have everything that she is having, and Nattō. I want a lot of it and a lot of rice with it. For a beverage, I would like soy milk, a tall glass.]

I would say with a smile upon my face, as I was happy that I was finally able to order and that soon I would also be able to eat, and I was just hoping that they would hurry it up, since they waited so long to come to us. With that, the waiter would set off toward the kitchen to deliver the message of what we had wanted to the cooks, and my grumbling stomach would relax, only just a little, and my mouth had slightly watered a bit, but I wouldn't let any of that show, but my expressionless was able to show happiness now, though it was still only a little of it.

[So, Omoi-san, what kind of work do you do here in the village? I have a feeling that I might've seen your face somewhere before.]

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[Shinryu]

"Hm? Oh it's nothing, really. Just an old wive's tale. Man gets caught up in a revenge plot, makes a deal with a demon... that sort of thing. Your parents probably didn't even know. It's not really that well known."

I waved off the inquiry a bit, not really wanting to make this a show of how much knowledge of the occult I possessed. Granted, I learned it mostly to feed my illusions and my drawings, which I was feeling half inspired to make one of right now. Perhaps it was just the boredom, or perhaps it was outright inspiration. I couldn't rightly tell which. All I knew was that I wanted to do something artistic.

I pulled out one of my vials of ink, unstoppered it, and dipped a brush in it gently, before taking my napkin and starting to draw on it. I wasn't sure what exactly the formless lines and shapes would lead to, but eventually I had an idea, and soon enough, it took form, eventually becoming a miniature oni. finishing off the final details of it, I formed some handseals as he finished asking his last question, before the creature rose off the plate, and grabbed my fork, weilding it like a trident. It was quite amusing.

"Well, I'm a chuunin in the village, but I'm sure you could tell I was a ninja from that little display." I would say, hastily capping and stowing my ink back in my pocket before the creature could knock it over. He danced around savagely, waving his fork and fighting off false enemies, before I took the fork in my own hand. Doing so, the creature dangled from it, it's tiny face almost crying at being bullied by something so much bigger, before it fell, uncerimoniously onto the napkin and dissolved into it, no longer anything more than a blot of ink.

Thankfully, the waiter had returned with our drinks, as I stowed my brush away. My strawberry milk had, perhaps ironically, a straw in it, which I appreciated, given my make-up. Perhaps the folks here weren't as tactless as they looked. I took a sip and found the rich, sweet drink was quite to my liking. My stomach swooned happily at finally having something inside it, even if it was just milk. Hopefully the food would be along before too long.

[The Dude]

Kiyoshi made his way into the pastry shop, forcing his way through the chaotic atmosphere merely stepping short and shouldering his broad frame further in. He peered down through the lens of his glasses with his good eye looking for some vacant seat when he spied a waiter leaving one end of a table where two shinobi sat. As the waiter moved to step around him, the shinobi grasped hold of his arm not forcefully but in order to get his attention and stop him before muttering into his ear, "I'll be joining the two you just took orders from if you don't mind. Just some simple stew and bread will do, thanks." The waiter nodded and no sooner had Kiyoshi released him than he weaved through the store to return to his work.

Kiyoshi made his way toward the table pausing a distance away to respect their privacy waiting for a moment of silence to intrude. A stone faced killer, and a living doll. Breakfast had a way of bringing colorful characters out. A small drawing sprang to life and danced about the table in a peculiar fashion before being discarded and returning as a smudge of ink on a napkin. The meal was sure to be entertaining.

When there was a pause in their chat he strode up to the table looking down at them and flashing a brief and friendly smile. "Sorry to intrude, but the rest of the place is fairly... packed and loud. I hope you don't mind me taking this seat." Kiyoshi didn't give them a chance to reply as he made himself welcome pulling the chair out and allowing himself to sit down at the table. Removing his glasses he folded them delicately and tucked them into the opening in his robes where his arm hung slack and continued, "My name is Kiyoshi, if I am intruding or you were having a private conversation just say the word and I'll find another seat... somewhere," he added looking back over his shoulder at the packed confines of the building.

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[KEITH]

I listened as Omoi had told me about the story of my name, and it felt like it was a bit spot on, but at the same time, just out of nowhere. I would then proceed to watch the trick that she would prefer before me, I would presume that it was chakra she had used to give life to her ink, and ultimately, she used Ninjutsu. I could have possibly been a Genjutsu as well, but, I felt that she wouldn't perform that sort of thing on me, but anyway, she was in deed a shinobi of Kirigakure.

[Ah, I see. So, you are a shinobi of Kirigakure after all. I knew that I might have seen your face before somewhere. I am the Jounin Commander of Kiri. Basically, the Mizukage's right hand man.]

I had told Omoi my position within the village; maybe it might spark something in her memory as well. The waiter had brought our drinks over, and I would have a sip of my milk as Omoi would drink her own. Almost immediately after the waiter had left, another man had appeared before us, asking to take a seat, though he would just steal it anyway. That was fine with me, anyway, not like I was going to complain about who sat with me, I just wanted to eat.

The man had kindly introduced himself, Kiyoshi? Have I seen his face before as well? I couldn't recall, but I would be kind and introduce myself to him.

[It's fine, Kiyoshi-san, make yourself comfortable. My name is Yokumaru, it's nice to meet you.]

I would hold my hand out to him, for a formal handshake.

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[Shinryu]

I recognized his face. I'd seen him around the village before, at least a handful of times. I had the sneaking suspicion that he too, was a ninja, but I didn't let on. I was much more taken aback by Yokumaru's statement. The Shinobi Gashira?! To think that I was eating breakfast with the Lieutenant of Kirigakure. Many girls would've killed for the chance; then again, I suppose I did kill for the chance, even though it wasn't necessarily something I wanted. Life can be ironic that way, I suppose. Meanwhile, anyway, as I considered the implications of the whole ordeal, the man took his seat. I didn't argue. I'd been granted the same courtesy, so if Yokumaru wanted this man as company, then by all means, he would be allowed to join us.

I wasn't impressed by his overall hygiene, though. He looked as though he rolled out of a bed covered in sweat-stains and cigarette burns only to rub his eyes, throw on his coat, and walk here. I felt that he could have at least put some effort into cleaning up, and shaved that awful looking shadow on his neck. Then again, I was wearing corpse paint, so maybe it was a bit harsh of me to be judging him so much. For all I knew he'd just gotten back from a mission and wanted a bite. Before he went to sleep off the fatigue. He certainly looked as though the years were wearing on him. Wrinkles were starting to form on his skin, and middle age was slowly starting to set in. I wondered silently to myself if any of his hairs were turning gray yet.

I waited silently, letting them play out their greeting. I wouldn't intrude into the conversation where I was unwanted; that would be bad manners. Erstwhile I'd simply twirl my now re-capped paintbrush between my fingers, sigh, and wonder how much longer our food would be; I felt a bubble of acid rise up in my stomach and new that if I didn't eat soon, I was gonna wind up with killer heart-burn, and that would certainly hamper what I had wanted to be a much more productive day than the past few had been. I took another sip of my strawberry milk in order to console my rampaging stomach and waited, listening halfheartedly for an opening in the conversation where I could join in and it wouldn't be awkward.

[The Dude]

"Ah, Yokumaru the Commander himself," Kiyoshi muttered from behind his collar as he closed his eye furrowed his brows in silent concentration a moment before seeing the world around him in chakra. The commander's chakra was strong indeed, even the young lady sitting beside him seemed to have a formidable strength about her. Kiyoshi smiled opening his crimson eye and looking directly at Yoku maru before he continued, "I'm sorry I'm just exhausted, I was up all night and I've only just gotten around to finding a place to eat. I'll be much better once I've had something to drink. So tell me, are you and this pretty girl here on a date that I've callously imposed upon or is she one of the shinobi you work with?"

Effectively shifting the attention from himself slightly Kiyoshi reclined in his seat tipping backwards a little before nonchalantly snatching a cup abandoned by an ignorant patron of the bakery. Pulling it up he gave the drink a quick sniff recognizing it as tea that had turned lukewarm. A gentle heat radiated from Kiyoshi's fingers through the cup and the dark liquid in an undetectable manner and within seconds his cup of tea had heated up to a more appropriate temperature. He sipped the drink casually leaning forward again to listen intently to his company for the morning.

The familiar odors of food wafted throughout the restaurant but distinguishable to Kiyoshi was the smell of stew at the ready. He smiled knowingly as they talked and soon enough the waiter had returned and began placing their respective meals before them. "Well, right on time..." Kiyoshi began before trailing off into indistinguishable mutterings as he leaned over his and stirred the contents slowly before taking a steaming spoon of the stew into his mouth without hesitation.

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[KEITH]

I have really grown tired of waiting so long for my delicious meal, and with the wait, I had been thrown a crazy question by the new company at our table, asking if I was on a date with Omoi. Just the thought of going on a date was bizarre to me, I have never been on one in my entire life, nor have I ever found myself interested in any particular sex. But, if I did ever go on one, why would I date Omoi? Did he really think I could be into a girl who had dressed the way she does?

Not that she didn't seem nice or anything, nor do I mean to discriminate, but with a face like that, she would instantly be put into the friend zone. I had to give him a reply, or he will assume the worst, or Omoi might say something smart, detesting the idea as well, so I would act quickly, and calmly.

[Actually, the two of us have just formally met each other today, the same way we are meeting you.]

I would say in an endearing tone, I would hope that Kiyoshi didn't think I was in his way, if he had wanted to talk to Omoi. I would step aside and let him do what he does best, really. But, all three of us had seemed to be in the same position, though. Neither of us had breakfast yet, so maybe it was faith or something that would have brought us here today.

Maybe we all would become friends? Who knows, we had to see just how the rest of the day would go.

We were more than happy to see our meals arrive, with the waiter placing them in front of us, revealing the food to us. The aroma of it all had filled up the air, and it’s delicious scent filled my nose, I couldn't help but want to dig straight in. I wanted to keep my manners in check, so, I would wait until everyone had begun eating before I would. The food was calling my name, and this time, the look upon my face had changed, I was satisfied by the way the food looked and smelled, so my face would show that.

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[Shinryu]

The hint of blush on my cheeks was blocked, thankfully, by the corpse paint I wore. My mind drew a bit of a blank as Yokumaru took it upon himself to answer for the both of us, claiming things were just as they had been. It seemed as though this new arrival was indeed another shinobi of the mist; he knew who Yokumaru was by name, identifying his position amongst our ranks quickly. Was I really so shut in that I had trouble identifying such high priority people? Or had this man merely seen more of the village than I had? He certainly looked it. His age was evident in his features. Just how long had he been a shinobi here for? What was his rank?

My line of thought was interrupted, thankfully, by the order of Okonomiyaki that had been placed before me, catching both my eyes and my nose with it's delicious scent. They were prepared just as I'd asked, and glazed with a hint of maple syrup; a rare delicacy in these parts. My mouth watered as I stared at the thin pancakes, and if I had been less mindful of the people in my surroundings, I'd probably have thrown myself at it voraciously. I was REALLY fucking hungry, pardon my language, and it looked absolutely amazing. However, as neither of the gentlemen around me had started eating yet, I merely broke apart my chopsticks, said a small prayer of thanks to the gods for providing me with such an amazing dish, and began to slowly tear into the flat disk; albeit with some difficulty.

Eventually, however, I did manage to get a small, triangular shape prized from the pancake and lifted it to my mouth delicately. I relished the taste, savoring every moment of chewing the warm, buttery, flaky pastry that I could, before swallowing it with a smile. This was the kind of breakfast that Gods woke up and ate. It had to be, or at least, I thought so at the time. I was, after all, quite famished, so, I might have exaggerated a bit. Either way, I was much to busy eating and enjoying my much treasured Okonomiyaki to add much more to the conversation aside from small observations between bites. Besides, it would've been rude to speak with food in my mouth, and even though my make-up might not have emphasized the point, I still made an effort to be as ladylike as possible.

[KEITH]

[Exit.]

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