recolle | [Closed] Finding my way in a new world

WHO: Jūbei Nankōbō (Mitsuhide Akechi) and Hibiki Kagawa (Motochika Chōsokabe)
WHERE: The Cutting Edge
WHEN: Evening, 7th February
WHAT: Jūbei shares poetry and tells Hibiki a little about his past (while continuing to give off some very confusing signals).
WARNINGS: None; I'll alter this if that changes.

***

Jūbei's life in the city had changed a lot in the past few months; not just because of the horse mystery and the strange app that invited its way into the lives of select inhabitants, either. He was finally making connections with other people outside of the shelter. Making friends, forging connections.

What he was doing now was proof of just how much it meant to him that this was happening. Jūbei was going to share some of his poetry with Hibiki, an act that was rather meaningful for someone as naturally shy as he was. This day and age did not exactly encourage the hobby as certain ages past had done in certain areas, and he was no samurai who could throw events dedicated purely to such an art.

Just Jūbei, a simple animal shelter worker still adjusting to a life away from his birthplace.

Approaching the Cutting Edge, Hibiki's hairdressing salon, Jūbei glances up at the sign and hesitates for a moment before knocking on the door. His friend knew he was coming, so hopefully he'd hear...

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Hibiki had been checking his inventory and updating his list of stock when he hears the knock he is expecting. Setting his clipboard down and closing the cupboard he runs his hands through his hair, quickly grooming it, before he heads for the door and unlocks it, before holding it open for his friend.

Hibiki gives Jūbei a warm smile.

"Come in. Take a seat wherever you like."

There are sleek sofas in the waiting area, or the comfortable chairs at the hairdressing station, or further back, the door to his office is ajar and well out of the public eye so Jūbei has plenty of choice.

"Hello, Hibiki-san."

Jūbei bows his head before giving a slightly awkward smile and stepping inside. That's a very open offer and despite the 'wherever you like' part he's not quite sure how appropriate something like the office might be, so after a moment of hovering on the spot he settles into a sofa in the waiting area.

This is familiar and therefore comfortable, too; Jūbei had his hair cut here weeks ago. Just a trimming of the ends of his hair, which nonetheless called for a skilled hand considering the length and weight of it. It was fortunate indeed that he'd met someone as skilled as Hibiki, because getting his hair just right was something that Jūbei was secretly very proud and particular about.

"I hope I have not interrupted anything too much," he says, soft and sincere. "After-hours can be just as full of work as the day, I know, though the tasks are different."

“Nothing important,” Hibiki reassures Jūbei as he locks the door again and then follows, taking a seat on one of the sofas himself.

He all but lounges over it, swinging his legs up onto it.

Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he sets it to the side by him for his own comfort. His gaze briefly flicks from Jūbei to it and back. Reminded of a conversation he is having and looking to help Jūbei relax with small talk rather than forcing his friend straight to the poetry, however interested he is in hearing it, Hibiki smirks and says casually, “Tell me, Jūbei... what pokémon type would you be?”

That question takes Jūbei completely by surprise (a feeling he often gets around Hibiki, come to think of it). He places his bag down on the floor before folding his hands in his lap and regarding his companion with a rather curious expression.

"I'm... you know, I've never really thought about it." His features soften as he chuckles quietly. "The ice types tend to be my favourites overall but I wouldn't say the element suits me as a person."

Regarding Hibiki for a moment, Jūbei's smile slowly widens.

"You're far easier to place than I. Water?"

"Water," Hibiki confirms, his smirk becoming a grin.

He cocks his head, humming thoughfully.

"You're a fairy type. Incidentally, you may have to battle a dragon to avenge me if Recollé Go becomes a thing."

With a warm chuckle, Hibiki holds Jūbei's gaze.

"I'm counting on you, Jūbei."

Fairy? That confuses Jūbei plenty; he stares at Hibiki, confusion and thoughtfulness both present in his wide eyes. Obviously he's pondering, but there is no answer he can find, which is why he eventually opts for simply asking:

"...why fairy? It seems like an odd choice."

There's a beat before he adds something else.

"Though of course I would defend you. There will be no need for vengeance."

"Even better!"

Hibiki spreads his arms out with a flourish as he explains his choice.

"Your kind and gentle soul shines through, as softly radiant as moonlight... well-suited to a poet. You have a quiet strength about you."

Jūbei's beauty helped to inform his choice too, but he keeps that to himself.

"...Hibiki-san."

Jūbei looks suitably embarrassed; he's not the best with compliments, being excessively modest in many ways, but his friend is not someone to hold back with them for that reason. It makes him feel off-balance, but at the same time it's, well. Nice.

"You really do just say what you think. I've never known someone so forward."

He glances around the shop, taking in the decor that so suits the owner.

"I don't know how you do it, I can't imagine speaking in such a way."

"I am merely true to myself... as are you."

His arms fall lax again, before he leans slightly forward. Interest washes through his expression.

"Now, my friend, you came with poetry? I am eager to hear it."

Jūbei bows his head, smiles a little shyly. Yes, that is what he's here for; he'd promised Hibiki before that he'd share his poems when he felt ready and the time has come.

Sort of.

In truth he still feels very shy about it but really, how is the young man ever to fulfill his dream of getting one published if he couldn't even share his works with a friend? Hibiki is a creative friend at that, and, well, probably the person Jūbei is closest to in his life right now. Is that sad? Their connection had only begun a few months ago, after all, and for Hibiki it probably isn't quite the same.

Sliding a hand into the bag at his side, Jūbei pulls out a notebook. It's a little 'cuter' than one might expect from him, covered in small images of cats and dogs.

"I have a lot," he says, flicking it open. "In English and in Japanese. It's rather hard to write tanka in English, you know... you simply cannot do it in quite the same way. But if I want to publish any while I'm here then writing some in English is necessary."

Jūbei pauses, then looks back at Hibiki.

"Ah... what kind of thing would you like to hear?"

The notebook makes Hibiki smile. How sweet — as is Jūbei's own little smile. Hibiki's gaze lingers on Jūbei's face.

"Indecisive, Jūbei?" he drawls. "So be it! Something buoyant; light. Or perhaps one about your favourite animals."

Jūbei is sentimental. No doubt both exist, a delightful thought.

Jūbei takes a moment to think before closing his eyes, and rather than sharing one of his older ones comes up with something new. Something suited to their location, though the weather doesn't really fit the imagery.

"Light on salt water, dreams shine on cerulean, it sweeps me away."

An attempt at tanka in English! He's not completely certain about the quality but hopefully Hibiki will appreciate it.

[Closed] Finding my way in a new world

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