recolle | [OPEN]

Entry tags:

[OPEN]

WHO: Sakura Tohsaka, YOU
WHERE: Recollé Park, the Leviathan's Claw
WHEN: 9.22.17
WHAT: Either Sakura's drawing your character as a fantasy trope or she's telling you ghost stories to sell wares. This girl's got shit to do.
WARNINGS: Maybe vague mentions of monster horror in her drawings/stories, but otherwise none!

I. Draw Me Like Your French Girls, Senpai

[There's only so long Sakura will allow herself to skimp out on drawing practice, so come Friday she heads out of her apartment early, art supplies carefully tucked underneath her arm in a pink tote bag. To her luck, she lives within walking distance of Recollé Park, and with the brisk morning air to clear her thoughts, she's in the proper mindset once she settles on the dew-dropped grass. For what exactly?

Well, that's where everyone else comes in. You might feel a pair of eyes on you, stranger, in the form of a young woman sneaking glances before her hand winds around her drawing pad. Though she'll do her best to avoid eye-contact, it's pretty obvious what she's doing. The real question is who is she drawing.

You?

Maaaaaybe.

For anyone bold or annoyed enough to demand an answer or steal a peek, they'll see Sakura's gotten creative with her people watching. She's not just drawing who she sees; between the gesture drawing and expression studies, she's traded normal outfits for a more fantastical flair, reimagining everyone as D&D characters. Perhaps she's decided you make a fine-looking Barbarian, Miss, or the person over yonder is looking particularly Rogue-ish today. And for the truly unfortunate among you -- Sakura did you just draw that poor dude getting eaten by the Kraken?

There sure are a lot of monsters in this sketchbook.]

II. I Wouldn't Turn Around If I Were You

[And after she inevitably loses her nerve and vows never to draw in public again--

It's work time! Specifically at the Leviathan's Claw, here to serve all your weird nicknack and supernatural needs. At first it seems no one's manning the front until you wander further in, and a smiling face pops up right behind you, esteemed customer.]

Ah, how may I be of service to you? Oh but please speak quietly -- [Voice in a whisper, she leans in with a hand half-covering her mouth. Her expression is dead serious.]

I haven't yet caught our Kuchisake-onna, and it's best you not see her without her mask on...

III. Wildcard

[What weirdness do you wanna see? I am here to make all dreams come true. Just PM me or leave a prompt, I will follow along.]

-----

[ooc: For the first prompt, let me know if you prefer I RNG what Sakura draws your character as, or if you have a specific outfit you'd like seen!]

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[Sakura had noticed his passing. She also hadn't planned on saying anything if it meant getting a good side angle for her drawing. But then she's spotted, and Sakura has a split second to decide between furiously erasing what she's got, or committing to her art and showing it off.

...

Option C then! Holding her art pad against her lap so it remains half-hidden.]

Mm? [She smiles like oh what a surprise! Seeing him again.] Oh hello!

It's such a nice day out, so I decided to enjoy it.

[ heedlessly going to plop down right next to her, sprawling his legs out in front of him. he glances to her, the half-hidden art pad, and then back to their surroundings. because why would she sketch anything else but the lovely greenery!! he's already assumed. ]

Yeah? [ his smile's genuine; that's an answer he can agree with. ] Just enjoyin' nature? People don't get out and do that often enough these days.

[H-he sure did just sit down without an invitation. And being unfamiliar with American culture, Sakura's left to calculate the difference between potential rudeness and her overly delicate Japanese sensibilities.

She's actually grateful when he gives her something else to think about.]

Do people in American not do that? [Humming in thought] Well... I guess I can't say it's all that common in Japan, either.

But my sister and I always played in parks or in the nearby woods when we were growing up, so I like being around trees when I can.

[ yeah woops he didn't think of further exacerbating her culture shock-- ]

Not really! Well, at least out in cities like this place, anyway. They're usually all stuck inside for one reason or another. It sucks, right?

[ ah, he does remember asking a bit about where she's from... even if he can't recall the city's name. and an intrusive thought appears, along those lines: So long as she's not from that Yokohama, I guess. ]

[ he wants to comment on how he's noticed her sister didn't come along with her to america (or it's curious, why they wouldn't choose to live together)-- but. hey, family can be a touchy topic for him; he'll try to show some deference. ]

So, why come here?

[... Well. No, she isn't from Yokohama. That's a whole different prefecture. Regardless, seeing that thought in general almost makes her nervous, and her eyes dart around like she's trying to outpace a bee.

As for his question -- A+ effort, F for execution. Sakura's stare freezes in place, straight ahead, until she seems to breathe out the tension and fiddles a bit with her art pad]

I'm looking for my sister.

[She's had the conversation enough times that she doesn't sound much of anything besides neutral.] She's a year older than me, and came here before I did. So I was going to surprise her with a visit, maybe check out the college... I mean, I'll stay for school regardless, but it'd be nice if I could track her down, too.

[ now, that's a response john hadn't anticipated. though his smile remains in place, it's an answer that's met with a minute raise of his eyebrows. usually, he'd get something like "college!" "jobs!" "fresh start!" not... that.

of course, it raises a whole host of further questions from him, each more intrusive and a bit darker than the last. it's fortunate for him that retrospec doesn't betray him with airing any of those out this time around. he just immediately thinks that her sister probably doesn't want to be found, hey. ]

That right? [ having noted her body language, he follows her gaze to likewise look ahead. ] What's she like? If you wouldn't mind me keepin' an ear and eye out.

[Seeing as John chooses to look ahead, he might miss the sudden fireworks going off in Sakura's own thought bubble. Like before, it foregoes text and jumps into images, this time that of a girl similar in features to Sakura (sharper eyes, a more angular face). The major difference is the body language - an overdone sigh, a hand on the hip, and narrowed side-glance designed to rip its target to pieces.

... But since he asked for a description, Sakura starts with a huff]

Oh, you'll know if you run into Nee-san. [Said in a tone that prays for John's immortal soul, he might not survive the encounter] She's extremely smart and independent, likes doing things her own way, could probably talk her way out of a street brawl -- or just end it herself -- oh, and she's really bossy, sometimes, though she'd be nice to you if you met her. So long as you don't say anything foolish.

[Spoken like a true, shit-talking sibling. Maybe it would be funny if Sakura didn't abruptly drop the act and just, stare again, a second of misery. Then she brushes that off, too]

But yes, she looks very much like me. Same height as well. So... if you hear anything, I would appreciate it.

[ ah, yes. sibling shit talk; how he misses his own. john doesn't catch the first of the images, but as they move through, it does end up drawing his gaze. a visual depiction makes it a lot easier, that's for sure, even if he would probably just know? he'll have to take her word for it.

he ends up sighing lightly. ]

Got'cha. [ "nee-san": so, definitely reaffirmed that sakura's the younger one, huh. his smirk becomes wry. ] Sounds like I shouldn't go outta my way to cross her then, huh. But! No worries— if anythin' crops up, you'll definitely be the first to know.

Edited (words words words) 2017-09-29 03:58 (UTC)

[At this rate, she's going to have half of Retrospec on the hunt. Admittedly, it's a thought that helps to console her out of her bad mood. She relaxes back into a warmer slouch.]

Please do. You can tell her she owes me for not tattling to our parents.

[... and then a sudden muttering of Japanese.]

No, no... she'd take that out on you, maybe. Or on me. I'd need time to prepare.

[Tohsaka children don't fuck around, apparently -- but right er, English. Speaking in English again.]

In any case, um... [how does one segue out of this rabbit hole?] Do... you have siblings?

[ now, john's torn between suspecting that she definitely meant to discreetly warn him or-- forgot that he can speak japanese, or. his smile tightens, briefly, as he considers addressing that; thankfully, though, sakura's successfully dug herself out of that rabbit hole he dug.

actually, though, he's tired of sitting up. scooting a bit away from her to better give her space, and then clutching his hat to his head, he ends up flopping backward to lay back down on the grass. he raises a hand into the air, ticking off his fingers. ]

Yep! Three. Two younger sisters and a younger bro. [ hmm. ] They're all pretty unruly [ no, he means "we." the becket siblings are all unruly in differing aspects ], but the one that's nineteen—we're the closest in age—she's matured a lil' in recent months, I hear. I dunno, it's kinda hard to keep in contact with 'em all.

[ ... which. he knows he doesn't have a leg to stand on compared to a tohsaka child that's fallen entirely off the radar; heck, he doesn't even know if sakura attempts to keep in touch with her parents.

regardless, even if he doesn't realize it, it's just a bit of a retrospec thing. ]

Busy. Things just go like that too, I guess.

Oooh... So you're the oldest...

[Subtle amusement is hidden in the words. She couldn't point out the reason why. But she listens on, watching John recline on the grass, until the temptation is too strong and she turns to a fresh page in her drawing pad.]

Yeah, I think families do that, especially when one moves away. Nee-san would call plenty, but then once she started getting busy...

[Then again, her sister was always like that, in Sakura's opinion - busy paving the way as she saw fit. Not so much unmindful of the people she left behind, but driven in all the ways Sakura assumes she lacks.

She doesn't feel like wandering down that line of thought, however. The girl removes the pencil from behind her ear and starts to draw]

Are you going to school here? [Is that why he's away from his family?]

Yup!

[ a solid affirmation of his eldest-ness; he doesn't think he's been a spectacular older brother, exactly, but he is proud of them at least, everyone's shortcomings aside. and once again, hearing that scritch of a pencil, he assumes she's gone back to sketching a hill or somesuch. it's fair.

but apparently he sucks at being still right now, as while he isn't fidgety, he is going to absentmindedly twirl his hat on the tip of a finger. he crosses his legs more comfortably at the ankles.

at the question, there's a short laugh. ]

Guess you could sorta say that! Got class later today, actually. [ if it weren't an awkward motion to do so while laying down, he'd shrug. ] It's more that money thing, though. Lotsa people come to Recolle for that reason... Compared to other places—not that I got much experience—this city seems like it's doin' pretty damn well for itself in that respect.

Edited 2017-09-29 05:17 (UTC)

[John could do a cartwheel and Sakura would have zero rights to complain; it's not like she's making it obvious who her drawing subject is. That said, she forgoes drawing his hands all together because a) fuck hands, and b) fuck moving hands in particular.]

Mm, this city does have a lot of wealth. I was surprised by how big it was when I first arrived. [A fact that makes it all the harder to find her sister but no, it's okay, she's not bitter about it.]

I like it, though. Sometimes. Much as I miss home, it is kinda cool getting lost all the time -- uh, no so much when I need to be at work... That part's less cool.

[Yikes, that's probably not the word she should've been using to begin with. Second languages.]

But yes, I can kinda understand? I still plan to attend school, but now I wonder if I should get a second job first.

[ yes, john's lowkey (highkey, actually) annoyed by the amount of wealth here, even if he's been benefiting from it. while he doesn't directly comment on that, a quick, flashing thought of, Yeah, it really pisses me off, might elucidate his feelings on the matter.

thankfully, the mention of her experience with the city thus far disrupts that stream of thought. it startles another laugh from him. ]

... You get lost? All the time? And that's... cool?

[ IT SHOULDN'T BE FUNNY??? look, even if he says that like he's never gotten lost before in his life, he mostly can't help being amused she admitted to that. ]

[ and a grin, ]

You should! Well, I mean, it's not like I'd definitely know what's best for you schedule, or anythin'. [ she just doesn't seem... uh, wealthy, from what he's seen. yeah. ] But, hell, reckon there's plenty of people out there that'd hire you in a quick sec. A second job can't hurt much.

[ or at all in his opinion, really. ]

[It's the tail-end of that thought which Sakura catches, pencil scratches coming to a halt as she watches it fade into the air. Y'know, she's starting to suspect John's true form is a smiling bucket of sodium laced with arsenic -- but that thought seems so unfair she immediately discards it.

But mORE IMPORTANTLY:]

Did I use the wrong word? I mean it's like-- [sliding the pencil behind her with a slight huff] If I don't know where I'm going, sometimes I get to see things and places I wouldn't have before. Like there was a man who was bench-pressing two cars in an abandoned building!

[TWO. CARS. She's sorry but that's just awesome.] He even let me tell him a ghost story, too.

[Ya'll need a more pronounced sense of adventure is all she's saying. Anyway, back to her drawing and the less fantastical topic of staying employed]

Do you happen to know of any places that are hiring part time? ... I could always ask Jaeger-san for more hours, but at this rate I'll be running the shop myself.

[ john listens, his eyes widening a fraction as she explain what she's seen. all right, he'll have to concede that with that sort of context, it's a little less difficult to see why getting lost might be "cool." ]

Two cars? Guess I shouldn't be surprised at this point, but that's... [ two cars, not just one!? hm. ] You get that guy's name, by any chance?

[ not that he suspects he'd know the man; he doesn't know who "jaeger" is, either. john apparently needs to step up his game. he considers her question for a moment. ]

Depends! What'cha into, 'sides the occult? Rather, what kinda skills you got? [ what with the addendum of ghost stories...!! he taps his chin in thought. frankly, he'd think it'd reasonable if she'd accept any unskilled labor, but he might as well do the courtesy of asking. ] If there's really preference whatsoever, then sure, I could name a host of 'em.

Zoro-san! He's quite nice.

[Yes, a guy who lifts up two cars without killing himself is "nice". Sakura's got her standards and she's sticking to them.

As for "skills"... rather than answer, the girl sits silent, grimace held in check until John unknowingly gives her an out, and then she proceeds to skirt around the question with palatable relief]

I don't mind anything, so long as I can be trained... [Mm but that's too large of a bracket. She amends quickly] I suppose my current job counts as retail? So I have experience with that.

( ooc: really *no preference, lord. how do you even parse my tags lmao. )

[ "zoro," huh... john notes the name in his mind as someone he probably should conflict with, if possible. ]

[ he, indeed, doesn't notice that distinct lack of comment, what with how smoothly she skirts the question. retail is broad enough, anyway, that he can work with it. he tucks a hand behind his head, his other hand to pull lightly at the grass. after another second or so of thought, he'll rattle off a few places somewhat quickly: ]

Well... In terms of places connected to the network, anyway: There's the Towers, they're pretty damn big! Freshens— but don't work there; you'd be my competition. If you like flowers any, there's both Ophelia's Lament and Enchanted Blossoms.... Dunno if they're hirin' specifically, but chances are if you ask, they'd probably give you somethin'.

[ he has faith in you, sakura!! ]

(ooc: The fact I didn't notice the mistake says sad things about my reading comprehension aljdfaoishf)

[Oooh, she visibly perks at the mention of floral arrangements. Just the right mix of creative liberty while actually learning a new skill. And she's named after a flower, so why not go for the irony?]

Those will help a lot, thank you! And don't worry -- I don't know what a "Frenchens" is. [Obviously that's a real word that real people use]

No prob!

[ he snags his cap on his head to let it fall over his eyes; the sun's glare can be a bit bright from this angle. the mispronunciation of freshens lcauses him to chuckle. ]

Dumb name, right? Their stuff ain't really that fresh. [ hmph... corporations and their mislabeling. he doesn't really dislike the place that much compared to others, but like. c'mon. and because he's apparently shameless, cue a plug: ] You should drop by Union Grocery, though. It can be a lil' pricier cuz our stuff is better, but I wouldn't mind givin' you a discount.

[Sakura's response is tardied some - bless the stars, John finally gave her a pose she can use to finish her sketch, so please lay still for two minutes. Though that means by the time she speaks, her voice is musing and late to the party]

Ah, you meant Freshens! [How did she get that wrong... also wait, she apparently got the wrong idea again, seeing as she blinks and then glances over, peering at John]

So... you don't work at Freshens. You're at Union Grocery, and the reason I shouldn't work at the former is because the latter is superior...?

[Grocery politics]

[ GROCERY POLITICS. ]

That's right! [ at her conclusion, john nods. ... other than that, he does thankfully keep relatively still, though. ] Okay, I wouldn't mind that much. A job's a job, and all. But still, who knows— we might end up puttin' them outta business sooner or later.

[ complete with a HEH... definitely not, but he likes to remain jokingly competitive about these things. see, he actually kind of likes his employers, amazingly. ]

[Listen she has seen places close down when the competition got ugly. She also can't read humor to save her life half the time. So if John says they're gonna be pushed out of business, then Sakura mentally draws a line through Freshens.

~~Sakura has apparently never been to Freshens, otherwise maybe she'd get the joke.~~]

I don't mind going to Union Grocery if it's not too much out of the way. [And as long as they got ice cream?? Of some kind?? She'll settle for frozen yogurt if she has to.]

Yeah! It's in Chata, which is the best district. ... 'Sides Viea, obviously.

[ because parks and farmer's market, obviously. ]

Eeeeh...! That's nearby where I am. [Living in that rundown building in Tisse is apparently good for something today. Guess she's officially recruited for Team Union.

Putting that aside for now, Sakura's delight is actually two-fold. Picture finally complete, she tucks her pencil
behind her ear and holds it at a distance to observe.]

I actually got one done...

[everyone kept interrupting her before, this is practically a Christmas Miracle]

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