Description: Happy Holidays! Yurika prepares to go on a training trip to America, but thankfully Kentou manages to catch her before she heads out. What two secrets are revealed about the boy wonder? Where DID Yurika get that amazing dress? Presents are exchanged as friends catch up.
With the holidays in full swing, its been relatively easy for a certain boy to sneak onto the all-girl Seijyun campus proper. Even still, since the incident with Mignon, the kenpo artist has been much more careful in how he meets up with his friends on the inside. After all, both his Master and future employer reside in the high school. Of course, with Hotaru the boy sees her regularly on a daily basis.
Yurika, however, tends to be a bit more of a special occasion. He hasn't had as much time to meet her of late with all his training and other duties, but he still makes time when he can. And, with most of the school traveling home for the holidays this would make a golden opportunity wouldn't it?
Even still, the youth has taken measures to find one of the most abandoned places on campus for the next meeting with the elder Kirishima sibling. The Music Hall seems to be the most likely candidate, specifically with most of the musical functions of the year having been performed and classes on hiatus, nobody would be visiting the vast auditorium right at the moment. Or so the boy believes.
The boy calmly wanders the massive hall, his wide eyes meandering through the exquisite architecture along the ceiling. The acoustics of the room so excellent that even his relatively soundless, bare footfalls can be heard echoing ever so softly. His hands folded behind the small of his back while he continues to wait patiently, attentions darting to the entrances every so often out of both paranoia of the wrong visitor and expectations to meet the kindly girl again.
The boy accidentally bumps his hip against the side of the grand Baldwin piano upon the center stage. Setting his fingertips upon the closed cover for balance a moment as he looks the vast instrument over.
....
Dark eyes slowly move to the entrance for a long moment. The tip of his tongue sliding pensively over his lips before looking back to the elaborate keyed string instrument.
Hmmph.
Kentou slowly settles his slight weight onto the stool. Scooting audibly twice closer as his diminutive frame settles before the piano. Folding back the cover slowly to reveal the ivory keys.
Carefully.. His finger touches a key. The beautiful note rings out with impressive clarity. Followed by another. Then another.
At first it could seem the boy is just goofing around.. But after several moments, a very noticeable melody begins to play. Piano Sonata No. 14, 1st movement. The famed Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven. Not perfect, but clear enough to be unmistakable to anyone whom may accidentally be in earshot.
For Kentou it certainly is an easy task these days, it isn't difficult, even in the busy times of the school year, to persuade people to turn a blind eye on the young boy if necessary- After all he's training to be a martial artist, not an espionage agent.
It's arguable there simply isn't a better place to meet Yurika than a locale such as this, but over the past couple of days, she simply hadn't had the time to do much more than make sure the instruments were perfectly in tune before returning to the work she had put aside. The holidays simply do not mean much for the Kirishima family, and it's something she had gotten used to over the years.
One thing she imagines she could never turn down, however, is a meeting with Kentou. She was looking forward to it as always, but since it wasn't her room this time around there's no tea or any baked goods about. She's nowhere to be seen as the boy proceeds to play the piano, however a minute or so into it, the sound of shoes clacking along the floor is heard, but not the door opening curiously enough. Dressed in a sky-blue, gothic lolita style dress is the older Kirishima sibling, with a matching handbag about her wrist and of course a gentle smile on her features. "Kentou, I hadn't any idea you could play. And without a music sheet."
The piano almost looks too big for him. The boy's head half-obscured by the edge of the piano if one looks at the arrangement from a distance. Having lean a bit to the left and right to catch some of the more extreme notes. However, he can most certainly play. The slow progression of notes echo beautifully within the music hall. Loud enough to obscure the gentle clicking of heels, unlike the sound of an opening entrance he was tuned for.
As such, as Yurika speaks up behind him.. Immediately he begins to garble the music. Running his fingers over keys in a more exploratory and nonsensical manner one would have expected of such a studious martial artist as he clears his throat, "O..Oh hey!"
Finishing his exercise hastily as he flips the cover back down and hops to his feet. Stumbling on one foot a hop or two as the bridge of his foot catches on the stool, knocking it a foot to the side clumsily, "Y..Yurika-Sempai!" His expression a bit flustered as he hastily bows in her presence, fist clapping into his palm traditionally, "I can't! Just.. ah.. guess it sounded pretty convincing there huh? Hah hah.." Nervous eyes glancing back over his shoulder before affixing to the proper girl, grinning sheepishly as he very hastily tries to switch subjects, "So! Thats a pretty dress.. You um, you going to a party later?" He usually sees the girl in her school uniform.. While it may be a bit unusual that the first time he sees Yurika in a more 'casual' outfit is actually more proper than her school uniform.. Knowing the demure Kirishima elder it rather makes sense.
Yurika shifts a little then, to take a seat on the piano stool, knees lightly pressed togeather and she pats the spot beside her. "I hope you've been well, Kentou, it's been some time."
Yurika raises a hand to her lips and chuckles gingerly; she didn't mean to sneak up on the boy and was hoping her footsteps would reveal herself. Alas, she can't fight back the amusement of the poor boys blunder. After he bows in greeting, her shoulders relax, and if allowed, reaches out to rest the same hand at Kentous left cheek. "Is that so? You certainly have talent, maybe I can teach you to play sometime. Though.."
Yurika stands up straighter and taps her cheek thoughtfully. "It is a rather large instrument.. Oh and this?" Actually mentioning the dress makes Yurika brighten considerably. She takes a light hold at the hem and makes a casual twirl to show off the frills and ribbons. "You remember Ninon, correct? She made this for me, but I'm not going to a party at all in fact.. I suppose you could look at it as getting a green belt in martial arts. Of course that doesn't mean I can't wear it casually, and I fully intend to."
Yurika shifts a little then, to take a seat on the piano stool, knees lightly pressed togeather and she pats the spot beside her. "I hope you've been well, Kentou, it's been some time."
The boy remains still as Yurika touches his cheek. The softness of youth hasn't left him yet, even as athletically trim the youth certainly is. The boy isn't certain what to make of the casual, friendly affection as his mousey brown eyes slide towards the gestured hand before returning to Yurika to glitter contentedly. The boy sometimes has a hard time quantifying the friendship the two share as outwardly they seem like such completely dissimilar individuals. Himself a very studious martial artist focused on the fight. Herself.. Certainly not militant in any fashion the boy comprehends.
But then, Yurika's advice has been invaluable in shaping his current circumstances. It was first she, and then later Frei, whom recommended apprenticeship for him. And that very advice has changed his life almost completely. For as prim and proper a lady she would seem, she certainly knows incredible amounts about the fighting world. And, perhaps more importantly, more about civilization that Kentou had mostly forsaken for the bulk of his life.
As Yurika comments about his playing talent, the boy uneasily rocks on his heels a moment. Attention drifting about as he squirms slightly beneath the observation, "..I'll.. I'llkeepthatinmind.." He mumbles noncommittally under his breath. Certainly a resistance there..
However! As his benefactor brightens the boy turns his attention to her in full. Smiling and nodding enthusiastically as she displays her outfit with a demonstrative twirl, "Ooooo.. Wow." The boy adds with a wider stare. Clapping lightly as he clearly does look quite impressed, "Thats.. Wow.. She actually made that whole thing? From.. from scratch? That must have taken... wow.. How long DID that take?" His natural curiousity getting the better of him now. Most outfits that elaborate he's seen are in displays in fancy boutiques and manufactured via some huge process by professionals somewhere else. The idea that one girl could sew that whole thing is pretty impressive to his inexperienced eyes. Things like dress making have never factored very high on his interests, so naturally such details baffle him yet still. "A... green belt.." Eyes drifting upwards as he puzzles out this comparison, "..Huh.. In.. dress making?" Venturing the theory as he looks to her quizzically. Slowly circling around her as she settles herself onto the stool comfortably. The boy seats himself beside her as directed, looking up to her with a wide smile from his slightly shorter perspective. His hands settled at eitherside of him with feet kicking over the edge of the stool, "Oh! I've been fantastic! I've learned Soooooo Much! Hotaru-Sensei has been teaching me so many incredible things and I've been training so hard! It's been wonderful! I've met lots of new people like Mizuki-san and had other people teach me stuff like Frei!" Details coming out in an excited rush. ^.^ "How have you been? Has your training with Ninon-san been going well too?" Venturing.. At which point he puts two and two together.
Wait.. a green belt in witchcraft? '_';
Kentou's discomfort isn't something that goes unnoticed, but the young musician does let the subect go.. For the time being. Though it is curious how such a talent could make one so uncomfortable, hmmn. Her hands on her lap, she seems a bit more cheerful herself, Kentou so freely displaying enthusiasm can be rather contagious! As for his questions, she slowly shakes her head, "No no, not quite like that, but it was a good guess." She'll leave it for him to figure out. Once Kentou takes the offered seat, she actually is making an effort not to be so effectionate, her thumbs lightly brush against one another, but is clearly quite attentive.
"Oh I'm glad to hear your training is going so well! And making new friends too, that's just as wonderful, I hope they're like you.. Spirited, I mean. My own training has been moving along well, I believe it's going to take me out of the country for a few days or so, so your timing was rather good. Which reminds me.."
Yurika opens her frilled bag, and she draws out a somewhat small box, it's flat and looks to be something that could hold a box of chocolates, wrapped in silver paper and a light yellow ribbon on the corner. Of course they're not chocolates, but rather a black pair of kung-fu slippers. "This is for you, of course. I hope it'll be useful."
The youth is certainly glad for the time to hang out with her. And doubly so as he realizes she'll be out of the country for a spell!
At the mention of his new found friends he has to chuckle lightly. His eyes sliding to the side as his head tilts, "Weeeell.." Like him? Frei? Mizuki? Ha Ha. Ooooh no. They're definitely their own people alright! Frei he barely understands, as befitting any spiritual guru the boy can surmise. Mizuki.. she's a different sort of person altogether. "Spirited! Yeah.. Yeah! That's it." Nodding as he settles on that particular word as the best description for them.
At the mention of her own training, Kentou's eyebrows lift in surprise, "Whoa.. Out of the country? Where are you going? What kinda training, exactly?" o.o Ever curious to know more and more details! The youth about defining 'bright eyed and bushy tailed'. Not to mention, with training being so centric to his own life right now, further perspectives on other matters of training interest him greatly. Especially in the wake of Hotaru's teachings of a broader, eclectic style of learning. Before he would dismiss anything non-Kenpo as useless to him. These days.. He's taken a larger view towards martial arts.
However! As Yurika presents a gift, the youth's eyes brighten, "..Ooooo!" His hands immediately lifting of their own accord to accept the box the moment she dedicates the package to him. His expression evolving into a sublime, chuckling grin. When WAS the last time he was given a present exactly? At least, from someone who isn't his guardian like Ol' Sak anyway. Well, Hotaru gave has given him a gift in any way you define it.. but this is a little different. A more personal thing.
Which is about when he realizes something. A Christmas gift? The boy's household doesn't celebrate Christmas per se as the Ondori family are followers of Chinese Taoism more than anything. Not to mention he hasn't had much of a family to speak of for.. a long time now. The Holidays never really factored in for him. The American Holidays always seemed like things other people do, or Japanese modern hipsters partake of.
That was, at least, until HE was given a present! This changes everything!
Of course, Uh..
The boy's expression becomes bashful, lowering his head as he continues, "T..thank you Yurika-Sempai.. Ah.. I um.. I didn't.. um.. I didn't get you.. anything.. ahm.." He stammers awkwardly. Wondering how much of a faus pax it is as he holds the box tentatively in case its more appropriate to not accept a gift without giving one in turn. He shoulda read up more on how this Christmas thing worked! ._.
Yurika needs a moment to think upon the questions that are given, she again glancing upward just a bit to think upon those answers. And then of course tackles everything one step at a time; somehow manageing not to melt into goo from the utter cute the boy's emitting. "Well, actually I knew you wouldn't have Kentou so I thought ahead of time what you would be able to give me."
Her smile more playful then, she leans down just a little closer to bring her voice to a whisper quite needlessly. "What I would like in return.. Is a 'favor'. I haven't thought of exactly what yet, but I'm certain at some point there will be something I'll need you to do." That's actually a bit of a lie. She knows very well what favor she wants of him, but doesn't find now an appropriate time to bring it up. "Think of it sort of as like the first time we met, ok? As for what kind of training, it's a little odd to explain. I'm a rather sheltered girl, believe it or not. And there are many things I need to learn; to my understanding America is usually good for things like that, which is where I'll be going."
The musician pauses briefly, and her cheeks redden slightly. "I would really enjoy that as a gift, by the way."
While the boy is somewhat relieved to know that Yurika didn't expect anything in return, Kentou is still a touch vexed anyhow. It isn't right to get something and not give back! The youth continues to weigh the enclosed gift before him, biting his lower lip as he tries to think of how to handle this. That is, until Yurika takes matters into her own hands and offers a way out.
As she announces an offer, the youth perks up. Eyes widening as he leans upwards a bit. Offering her his ear as he tilts his head to the side, listening to the conspiratorial whisper with no small amount of curiosity, "Ara?"
Huh. A favor? Well. It isn't quite as fancy and nice as something she can unwrap immediately. However, the boy sees no problem at all with this as he then straightens and smiles brightly, "Sure! I can do that for you, no problem! A favor it is!" The boy is nearly completely without guile. Or, rather, he can possess cunning in the face of adversity. But with friends? Why should he suspect anything of a girl that has been nothing but helpful and altogether wonderful and nice? Heck, whatever she needed he probably would have done anyway. But at least now he can accept the present on a clear conscience!
However, as America is mentioned the boy's lips form a small 'o'.
Oh geez, that crazy place full of cowboys? Poor Yurika better not get shot while she's over there! But whatever apprehension the boy may have over the innocent girl visiting such a lawless free-for-all like the United States, he's certainly happy that she's branching out. "Well..I.. I see. Well, I hope you have a great trip and learn a lot of things while you're over there." Offering that sincere sentiment at the very least.
Still! As the girl flusters, the youth looks to the box again with a small blush of his own, "Oh.. Ah. C.. can I open it now.. Or..?" Not altogether certain of the decorum of such gift 'exchanges' as it were. His fingertips teasing the wrapping paper with youthful impatience only mostly mastered.
Innocent? Yurika would hardly claim to ever be such a thing, though she may not by certain Kentou sees her as more than just a kind student. She does seem to pick up on his concern however. "Oh don't worry, one of my girls from the Council will be with me. She's very tough.. And I'm certain it will be nothing but a positive experience. When I return I hope you'll be impressed by what you see. Well.. If it makes a visible difference anyway, mental training is rather difficult to show of, but..." she offers as a bit of a reason to relax.
It's good to see Kentou at ease otherwise, however, and Yurika relaxes a little more as well, "Oh yes, please go ahead and open it right now I think that'd be for the best in fact."
Unquestionably Kentou sees Yurika as a kind student. Why should he even begin to believe otherwise? Certainly she's related to that menacing Kurow, but that hardly makes her guilty of anything. She has always treated him and others with the utmost kindness and politeness. Sure, she has a flair for mischievous little deals but they're completely harmless. Even if he met someone who spoke ill of her, he'd wouldn't believe it for a heartbeat and probably start thinking pretty negatively of the detractor for being mean to someone who's incapable of being mean.
Still, as Yurika adds that she won't be going alone, the boy huhs, "..Hmm.. Who?" Again with the questions! The boy's curiosity proves insatiable. Still, Kentou adds, "I'm sure I'll be impressed! I'm already awfully impressed with how much you know." Admitting as much. Mental training can be just as important and potent as all the other kinds, as Kentou has begun to understand over the last few weeks. If Yurika learns as much as he has, he has no doubt that any such lesson's results will be most pronounced.
However! As Yurika gives her blessing, the boy very quickly tears into his gift. *_* Yes.. He still is very much a boy and ready to rip open presents with much gusto at a moment's notice!
As the Chinese slippers are revealed, Kentou whistles, "Wooooow.. These are nice!" Beaming as he holds the footwear aloft!
He doesn't have the heart to tell her that the Ondori traditionally go barefoot while training and fighting, which is why the youth is almost always without shoes as she's doubtlessly noticed. However, having some alternative apparel is kinda nice.. Especially as they have yet to let him into the McDonald's in downtown due to his shoelessness. :| Not to mention the pavement outside has been reaaaaaaally cold!
The boy immediately rises from his seat, placing the slippers on the hardwood floor of the stage and slips his feet within. Toes wiggling within the cushioned ends as he giggles in spite of himself. Man, he could get to like wearing these things! "They're so comfy! Hah!" Breaking into an impromptu kata as he takes a few steps away and goes through a series of complex movements. Freshly shod feet moving audibly over the stage as his arms whirl about in agile motions. Finishing in a whirling, arcing kick over his head and landing in a twirl, the boy deeply bows to Yurika at the waist, sword-in-sheath, "Thank you Yurika-sempai! I'll wear them lots of the time!" ^.^
"Oh it isn't anyone you know.." Yurika replies, "I'm sure of it, she simply just doesn't like to talk very much, keeps a low profile in general, really. Though now that I think about it, maybe speaking to Ingrid wouldn't be a bad idea either.."
As for Kentou's worries, of Yurika most certainly had been doing a little research of her own; and had somewhat wondered how the young boy had gotten by without a pair. "Well, I understand that if you truly needed them, Hotaru would have gotten you a pair, so I assumed you wouldn't be able to wear them all the time, however.." Yurika raises a finger, and notes rather pointedly. "But there are simply places where they won't allow you to enter without a pair, and starting today, Seijyun grounds will be one of them."
It's good they fit, she had to take a little guess at his size. It's also good she didn't try to get fancy and decorate them or something! "I'm really glad you like them though, I was a bit worried you did have a pair already. And you're quite welcome." The musician stands up, to return the bow with one of her own and sits back down again. She's quiet the moment after that though, awaiting for a response to her comment, but also curious is there was another reason he dropped by.
While Kentou apparently doesn't know this person, that doesn't mean the boy isn't intrigued! He does try to know as many truly strong people as he can. Ever since Yurika mentioned this 'Zaki' person, the boy has been watchful for the distinctive girl. If only to gauge her strength first-hand. However, Seijyun's strongest has proven difficult to track down. Perhaps this is who she intends to travel with? Hrmm.
The name 'Ingrid' doesn't ring much of a bell to the boy either, offering a continued blank look but a slow nod of understanding.
As long as Yurika isn't going alone, its fine with him!
As Yurika explains the reason behind her choice, and the future 'dress code' for Seijyun, the boy sheepishly wrings the back of his neck, "Eh-heh heh.. H..Hai Yurika-Sempai.." Sheepishly accepting her terms with a nervous smile. She was kind enough to buy him a pair at least! "Its.. a.. tradition for my family. For fighting and training I mean.. But, I'm not fighting and training all the time!" He admits as much. Being that the boy avoids picking fights with girls whenever he can, and generally isn't training when he's with Yurika, he doesn't see any major issue with this proclamation.
Sides.. He can already feel his toes starting to warm up. Its.. a rather pleasant sensation. Mmmmmm.
As for alterior motives, amazing the boy has none. Kentou just wanted to see Yurika again after this stretch of time. And, with her going away for awhile, the visit is doubly important for its own sake, "I hope you have a great time in America, Yurika-Sempai. Try not to get lost in that huge country! I can't wait to see what techniques you'll learn from your trip!"
Of course, the boy secretly hopes he'll be able to complete the current leg of his training with Hotaru so he can show Yurika the fruits of his own training in turn. ^.^
Yurika is mildly suprised, but then is just very flattered; it's not often she gets friendly visits though she certainly doesn't mind offering help or advice when she's asked for. "Excellent, Kentou. Oh and by the way, I don't mind you just calling me Yurika. There's no need for such formalities between you and I. And thank you very much, I think the trip should be interesting at best and with that said I'd best start getting prepared."
The musician stands up and takes hold of her bag, looking down to the younger fighter. "And I'll be looking forward to seeing what your training does for you, I wonder if you'll defeat me.. The last match was rather close, wasn't it? Until next time, Kentou. And be good."
And that's when she'd go ahead and make her exit, taking a back door rather than the hallway door.
Log created on 23:05:59 12/29/2007 by Kentou, and last modified on 17:55:09 12/30/2007.