[D5EA] Crossed Streams

[Usagi Rei]

Rei shook his head. "World of Dreams isn't nice to nice people." He grimaced. Too cynical. "But I agree, she deserves better."

He grinned after the vanishing ronin. "And she is fast. I don't know if I could keep up with her."

He gave Yakumo a sidelong look. "You know, if you ever needed a local guide, I think she'd be one of the best. She knows the area, and the area knows her. Although there's a few places I think I might be better suited for showing you." A bit of playfulness in his tone there, but not too much. Pretty much the usual amount.

[Yūrei]

Yūrei hurries back and with a bow to each of them presents the menus before hopping onto a chair of her own.

"The Taro Bubble Tea is particularly good here minna-sama. And if you're adventurous the cheesecake is potent, very potent, it almost makes me feel full."
She nearly vibrates looking between the two of them as if there's a sprint coming the moment the two of them make a decision.

[Susumu Yakumo]

"Ah, is that so? Goodness, you're so helpful, Yurei-san!" Yakumo practically beamed at the smol ronin. "Haven't you ever considered trying to find a new life with a clan? You seem so talented."

Blunt and to the point for once in her life. Maybe that was the effect this kind of cuteness had on the diva.

[Yūrei]

Snip

The smaller woman nearly swoons off the table. Compliments from Yamako...to her...for real!

"Susumu-sama is too kind, really. I would never compare my talents to a member of one of the great clans."
Cocking her head slightly
"I have considered it sometimes, but it is a long road and I have some business to finish here before I can start it."

[Usagi Rei]

Rei looked at Yūrei, his eyebrows going up. "I didn't realize that you had some business here, Yūrei-san. I mean, I recognize that you're part of a community, but that sounds different."

A quick glance at Yakumo, then back to Yūrei. "Is it something that can be discussed?"

[Susumu Yakumo]

Yakumo held her hands infront of her mouth, index fingers both against her lips. Mostly to stop herself from squeeing.

"Oh you poor dear. Is there anything you need help with?"

[Yūrei]

"I almost wish it was Minna-sama."
Indeed, the ronin does seem torn.

"But it's a personal matter, a very personal matter. Not the sort of thing it would be appropriate to speak about. Although I'm closer to an answer than I have been for some time."
For half a second an expression of deep sadness flashes across her face before she forces on a smile.
"Besides, I'm obligated as a ronin to maintain at least a small aura of mystery, the World of Dreams would be boring without it, neh?"

[Usagi Rei]

Rei chuckled. "Too true, Yūrei-san. Well, I think you'll always be a bit of a mystery to me." He flashed her a grin.

Still, he couldn't help but wonder at that flash of sadness. "Well... if there's anything we can do." Rei confirmed with a quick glance at Yakumo.

Flipping over the menu, he looked at the selections with a frown.

[Susumu Yakumo]

Maybe she'd make some appearances for the Spider when it is acceptable to invite ronin, like at that sake party...

Yakumo had already decided. "I'll try Yurei-san's hearty recommendation of the Taro Bubble Tea. And a slice of the cheesecake, as I feel adventurous. Get yourself something to drink and a slice of cheesecake too, Yurei-san. It's my treat."

With that, she placed the chit of the nescessary funds to cover the impromptu lunch for all three on the table.

[Usagi Rei]

Rei flashed a smile. "Well, if Yurei-san recommends it, that's more than good enough for me." He said. "I'll also have the Taro Bubble Tea." He considered the cheesecake, lips pursed.

Smiling he shook his head. "I've been adventurous before. No cheesecake for me, I think." He grinned. "Maybe I'll just steal a bite of one of yours."

He inclined his head. "Thank you, Susumu-san. Here, let me get them. Yurei-san, sit a moment, relax!" He gave Yurei a smile before rising. It might have been a tactical error, but it still seemed like a nice treat for the ronin.

[Yūrei]

"Oh but Usagi-sama I reall- and he's gone."
Yūrei smiles a little self consciously at Yakumo as the two are left alone at the table. Although now the spider is paying for cheesecake it's clear she has ascended to near divinity in the ronin's eyes..

"So ummm."
Wiggling subconsciously
"I promised, I wouldn't fawn or anything, even if I really really wanted to. But, if I may ask.
Pause 'I know your Blues', it's one of my favourites. And I've always wondered what inspired it?"
She looks across the table with big eyes.

[Susumu Yakumo]

Ohmykamisheissocute.

"Is it your favorite?" she did perk up at that, smiling warmly to Yūrei. "I'm glad. It's not something that came from my own experiences as such, though all my songs have something of me in them as I write them myself. I like to find my inspiration in all sorts of people I meet, as I hear their stories, their feelings, and emotions."

"I Know Your Blues started out with some of my own thoughts over the loss of my father, but I also drew a lot of inspiration from Spider soldiers I had spoken with, hearing their losses and pains. It was something I felt I needed to put into song."

[Yūrei]

Snip

An unsconscious soft dreamy sigh.
"Of course, I can seen that now! That just makes it even more real. I've lost people too, so it hits home pretty hard for me. But what's the point of music if it doesn't make you feel something?"
Sakura had eventually started throwing shoes at Yūrei whenever the song got repeated too often.

"It must be amazing to be able to do that, to turn emotion into a performance? The closest I've ever come is karaoke."

[Susumu Yakumo]

"It is something most artists aspire to. Even dance-music is there to evoke some type of feeling, usually the need humans often have to dance and move along to rythm."

Her expression softened. "I'm glad it was a song that hit home for you. So I do hope you'll make it to tomorrow's concert," she lifted her finger, indicating what she was about to say was a secret. "We'll be performing some new music tomorrow as well. So I hope you'll find another favorite to listen to there."

[Yūrei]

Snip

Yūrei nods rapidly and mimes she won't tell a soul!

"Of course I'll be there! I mean, uh. Yes Susumu-sama, I am planning to attend. A close friend of mine, Soshi Kazumi-sama told me they will be performing as well. I know I'll find something to listen to until my radio gives out, and then I can simply hum it."

She seems to wrestle with herself for a few moments before adding.
"Kazumi-sama is really talented, I'm sure they'll prove themselves to you."

[Susumu Yakumo]

At that, she nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think his music is very impressive, and I think if given the right platform he could be able to consider being a musician full-time, if that is what he wanted." Her shoulders rose gently as she drew in an excited breath. "I really like the experimental sound he has, and the boldness to try new things."

"So how did you two meet? Sometimes it seems like the World of Dreams is a small world, where people seem to know eachother well."

[Yūrei]

At that, she nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think his music is very impressive, and I think if given the right platform he could be able to consider being a musician full-time, if that is what he wanted." Her shoulders rose gently as she drew in an excited breath. "I really like the experimental sound he has, and the boldness to try new things."

"So how did you two meet? Sometimes it seems like the World of Dreams is a small world, where people seem to know eachother well."

“When information is currency it pays to know everyone. It’s a big planet but the links between its people are right. Sometimes for better or worse.”

Clearly regarding Kazumi with warmth
“Years back I didn’t have much, even less than now I guess. And I’d have to sneak into clubs if I wanted to get in. And that was when they were playing at little places, didn’t have the rep yet.

There was something about their music, it just meant I could spend an hour or two forgetting everything. But I didn’t want to bother them, lots of clan samurai prefer ronin to keep their distance. So I’d sort of loiter near their set.

One night out of the blue Kazumi just asked me how I thought they’d sounded, if I had any advice. They were were completely chill about the whole clanless thing. And actually really nice, and a little mysterious which was very cool. We got drinks and we’ve been friends ever since.”

[Usagi Rei]

Rei returned, carrying a tray with drinks and cakes.

"For Susumu-san..." Rei said, giving the idol a smile as he placed her items in front of her with panache. "And for Yurei-san..." A similar amount of panache for presenting the items to the ronin. Perhaps even slightly more; he knew how appreciative the ronin would be, after all.

Setting aside the tray, Rei sat back down. "I hope I didn't miss anything too interesting?" He asked, smiling.

[Susumu Yakumo]

"One night out of the blue Kazumi just asked me how I thought they’d sounded, if I had any advice. They were were completely chill about the whole clanless thing. And actually really nice, and a little mysterious which was very cool. We got drinks and we’ve been friends ever since.”

"Mm," she nodded understandingly, "that mask, that voice, and a stagename like Moonshade - I totally see your point. I'm glad he's been kind to you."

Of course Kazumi can see how precious she is and must be protected!

At that point, Rei returned and Yakumo perked up. Goodness, that cheesecake slice was big. "Oh, this looks wonderful! Thank you, Rei-san." The taro had such a crisp and vibrant color, she wondered if it was something with the local ingredients or if the Scorpion just added in some extra spark of color. "We were just talking about music, and how it seems like everyone knows one another around here. Do you happen to know Soshi Kazumi too?"

Removing the paper-wrapping from her straw, Yakumo successfully punched a hole in the sealed lid. That cheesecake did look intimidating though - thankfully lactose intolerance had never been a problem for her.

[Usagi Rei]

"I do, actually." Rei said, smiling. "Although only a little bit on a personal level. I've seen them perform a number of times, of course. But then the other day, I met them backstage. We spoke about the concert. And art. Various other things." Rei waved a hand. "They're very interesting. Very interesting indeed."

He paused a moment, lining his straw up carefully to puncture the lid. "It's the Winter Court effect, I think." He said, chuckling softly. "There's billions of people on the planet, but perhaps less than a thousand who are able to attend the best parties. And then you'll see them again and again." Except that didn't explain Yurei... well, perhaps cuteness made up the difference in status.