[Day: Wednsday, March 5th. Time: 7:00 p.m.] [Weather: Cloudy sky, nice sunset, warm, humid.] [Kaede invited Remi for a date. Isn't that nice? He's just finishing up preparing food.] [Oh, and Nanami's not there.] [Mini start!] * Kaede finishes setting up his not-date by setting out the plates on the table. He still looks a little frazzled from earlier, but no one's looking so no one knows that. ...Why did I go through with this again? [There's a knock on the door!] * Kaede looks up and goes over to the door, stepping over a box in the way and looking down at it, shoving it off to the side. * Kaede looks up at the door again and opens it up, peeking out to see who's there. [Kaede's gaze meets directly with Jin's.] * Kaede blinks at Jin. He's not opening the door fully yet. "...what?" What? Wait, how'd you find out where I lived? I'm not sure. So, what are you doing here? I don't have any chicken. I specifically don't have any chicken. Oh. You should get some. * Kaede rubs the bridge of his nose and resigns himself, opening the door. "Go ahead and come in if you want. But I'm not getting chicken." * Jin heads on in. "You should." But I'm not. But you should. It doesn't matter. It does. You should. But really Jin, this isn't the best night. * Jin nods. "It can't be because you don't have any chicken." * Kaede shuts the door and walks back in. "You don't need chicken to have a good time." Oh. But it's tasty. But what did you need? I don't know. * Kaede groans and rubs his nose. "I should have suspected that." Yeah. Jin...you know, Satoshi always has a lot of chicken. Aren't you staying there? I think so. So if you just want chicken, why not check there? Okay. * Jin heads for the door. * Kaede blinks and watches Jin. It's not this easy. It can't be this easy. * Jin opens the door. Standing on the otherside is Akemi. Oh, the food. * Kaede goes to the kitchen. * Akemi is wearing blue shorts, a low-cut white shirt and a light jacket. She blinks a few times and look around. "Huh?" She turns to look at Jin, who's standing right there. "What the... what's going on?" * Kaede practices the fine art of donburi checking. I'm not sure. * Kaede hears someone at the door and calls out. "Remi? Is that you? Go ahead and come in. I'll be just a second." * Akemi frowns. "But I was somewhere else just a minute ago and... Huh?" She steps in curiously. * Kaede walks out from the kitchen into the main room...and stops at the door. "You're...not Remi." Who's Remi? I... hey, I know you! * Kaede looks kind of silly holding the pot and staring but he's doing it anyhow. * Akemi is very easy to stare at. ...Jin just loves to mess up my life, doesn't he? I'm not sure. * Kaede walks stiffly to the table and sets down the pot, rubbing his hands then pushing up his glasses and sighing. "Well, might as well come in. I'll explain." * Akemi looks at the pot, then at the table. She pulls out a notebook. "Did I make arrangements for dinner?" She looks up and closes the book, then walks in. "Okay." * Kaede gestures to the couch, which isn't far from the dining area really. * Akemi takes a seat on the couch. How could you make arrangements? I didn't give you my address. I didn't even give a phone number. I didn't think so, but sometimes things just get so hectic that I forget. * Kaede lets a light sarcastic overtone take his voice. "Must be tough being a sensation." * Akemi leans back. "Sometimes. But it's fun, too." * Kaede goes to close the door, taking an opportunity to glare at Jin. * Jin doesn't notice. Why don't you get some chicken? Okay. * Jin leaves! * Kaede shuts the door. And locks it. ...let me guess. You've never seen him before in your life. Nope! He has a bad habit of bringing people where they're not wanted. But I suspect where they should be. It reeks...havok on your brain though...I've encountered it more than I'd like... * Akemi shrugs. "It's okay. I wasn't doing anything important anyhow." Well...I AM a little busy right now... [Funny Kaede should say that, as there's a knock on the door.] * Kaede stiffens. Then runs over to the couch and grabs Akemi by the wrist. "Quick! You've got to hide!" * Akemi blinks. "Huh?" Look, I'll make it up to you later. Just...please, we've got to hide you somewhere. You can't go out the door now. * Kaede tugs gently but firmly. * Akemi is led along, looking nice and confused. There's another knock on the door. * Kaede looks around the apartment frantically. Where, where...Nanami's room! He opens the door and brings her inside. "Just wait here. I'm sure Nanami has something you can do to keep yourself occupied." * Akemi just looks at Kaede confusedly. * Kaede doesn't have time to look back as he shuts the door. [There's yet another knock on the door.] * Kaede goes over to the door, trying not to run. He's already a little heavy, answering while panting will do him no good. * Kaede takes a deep deep breath and opens it slowly, smiling. "Good evening, Remi." [Jin holds up a chicken sandwich. "I got chicken."] * Kaede blinks and looks down at Jin. "...that's wonderful." * Kaede shuts the door in Jin's face. "Ye---" [A few seconds later, there's another knock on the door.] * Kaede leans his back against the door and lets out a long deep breath before turning around and opening the door. "Jin, if this is about chicken again..." [Remi is behind the door this time. She's wearing a nice sweater and a knee-length skirt, and looks puzzled. "Um... hi?"] * Kaede takes a long, deep breath. "...you came." Ummm.... yeah? I was just worried...because...oh never mind. Come in, come in. * Kaede rubs his forehead. It's going to be a long night. * Remi walks in, looking at Kaede bewildered. * Kaede peeks out the door for any signs of a lingering Jin. [Kaede sees no Jin.] * Remi watches Kaede peek outside after she comes in. "What's going on? You did ask me to come tonight, right?" * Kaede closes the door. "Can I take your sweater?" * Remi stares. * Kaede nods and rubs the bridge of his nose. "I did...I just...have had a bout lately with an uninvited guest who just doesn't want to go away. * Kaede blinks at Remi. "..did I say something wrong?" You just asked to take my sweater. * Kaede scratches his head oddly. "Well...isn't it like a jacket? You ask to take someone's jacket when you invite them in, don't you?" * Remi blushes a bit. "It's, ah... more like a shirt." Oh. OH! ...I thought you had something on under it. ( You're off to a great start, Kaede ^_- ) (;_;) * Kaede shakes his head. "Go ahead and sit down..." You can leave your shoes over there. * Remi nods and takes her shoes off, still blushing. She sits down awkwardly. * Kaede points to where the rest of them are. There's no real sophisticated cupboard system or anything. * Kaede takes a deep breath and heads over to the seat opposite. The table's fairly small, but it's sufficient enough for 4 people. 2 shouldn't be a problem. Can I get you something to drink? Okay. * Kaede stands up. "I have water, milk, tea...some other things. What sounds good?" Tea would be fine. Thanks. * Kaede nods and starts to warm up some tea, sitting back down and gesturing. "Well, this is my place. I admit it's not...much. But it's liveable..." * Remi nods. "You and your sister live here?" I mean, well technically it's Grandpa Shiro's but he's...yeah. * Kaede nods in response to Remi's question. "Nanami went out to a movie though. I'm not sure when she'll be back." Oh. I would've liked to see her again. * Kaede nods. I think one of her friends is waiting for her while she's gone. Here? [As if in response, loud music comes through the walls of Nanami's room.] * Kaede nods and breathes a mental sigh of relief. Hope it won't be too much of a problem. * Remi shakes her head. "I don't mind." So what made you decide to agree to come anyways? * Kaede talks as he gets up to get the tea. Well, I go to an all-girls' school, so it's not very often that people, um, ask me out. ...that's the only reason? Not a very good one? * Kaede blinks slightly. "...ask you out?" * Remi looks at Kaede, then frowns and looks down. "Oh. Sorry, I thought that's what you were doing when you asked me over for dinner." Well..I don't know. I just felt that I wanted to do something to repay you...I mean, I know it must have been hard telling me about the drugs and all... * Kaede frowns. "I didn't mean it to seem like..." * Remi sighs. * Kaede kneels down as he pours a cup. "Well, I don't really know you all that well, do I? I guess not. [Jin walks in, munching on a chicken sandwich. "Me neither."] * Kaede sets down the teakettle and starts to say something, then looks up at Jin. "...great." * Remi looks at Jin, then Kaede. "Is that your sister's friend? He seems... well, older than her." ...no. That's the unwanted guest. * Jin blinks and looks down at the chicken sandwich. "I want it." Jin, remember what I told you about wandering into people's houses? No. Right. Because I didn't tell you anything. But I'm telling you now. Don't do it. Okay. Go home to Satoshi now, okay? Okay. * Jin leaves, unlocking the door as he goes. He leaves it open. * Kaede grumbles and goes over to the door, closing it. * Kaede relocks it too. Can't be too careful. And then leans his back against it, rubbing his forehead. * Remi watches him go. ...why can't our lives be like normal people's? What do you mean? You mean he didn't bother you? Who was he? Jin. He has a habit of showing up at the worst possible time, and he often brings people along with him who don't know they're coming. And of course has no idea why he did either. Weird. And I deal with him pretty much every day... * Kaede smiles slightly. "And you thought you had a reason to be depressed..." * Remi frowns at that. * Kaede frowns too. "I was only joking, Remi..." * Remi changes the subject: "So what did you make for dinner?" * Kaede shakes his head and goes over to the table, giving her a small serving on the plate. "Tonkatsu donburi. I hope you like it." ( Just remember this when you're thinking of doing something mean to Xiang-Fei: I could have made Remi allergic to this :P ) I was thinking of tempura but didn't have enough mix. (^_^ So noted) Well, we'll see. * Kaede frowns slightly at that but hands her the plate. * Remi takes a bite. She smiles. "It's delicious." * Kaede lets out a deep breath and smiles back "You like it? Really? I have a feeling you're one of the strongest critics." Maybe you could get your own dining column. Really? Well, you definitely don't seem the type who would say something's delicious when it isn't. I guess I wouldn't. * Kaede tilts his head to the side. "Didn't think a guy could cook or is there another reason you said "We'll see?" * Remi chuckles. "Maybe." She eats food. * Kaede takes some for himself and takes up his chopsticks and tries it. "Hmm...too much egg actually. I think I should cut back." It's not bad. * Kaede looks up at Remi. "I thought you just said it's delicious. Does it degrade that much so fast?" * Remi smiles. "In my expert opinion?" Yes, in your expert opinion. In my expert opinion... it's a secret. * Kaede frowns slightly and glances at Remi, setting down his plate. "That's...not fair." * Remi chuckles and eats some more. ...you're planning on teaming up with my sister, aren't you? You think she'd agree with me? Not necessarily. But I think she'd say that just to get a reaction out of me. Oh. Then yes. * Kaede looks honestly confused. "...why?" * Remi grins again. "It's a secret." So that's why you were acting the way you did at the festival? You didn't mean any of it? * Remi nods sagely. "Oh, of course I meant the swooning in ecstacy part." * Kaede blushes slightly. "That's...still not fair." * Remi grins and finishes off her meal. "Good!" You and Nanami are horrible. Bad to the bone. There's a second helping of this "not-bad" donburi if you'd like it. * Kaede refills Remi's tea. Sure. Maybe it'll be better than the first one. So it'll be "alright"? Or is that too high up on the scale? * Remi nods. "It'll be 'fine'." * Kaede shakes his head and refills Remi's plate. "Katie's just as bad too..." Honestly, you're all out to get me, I swear. * Remi loses her smile. "Well, I guess you'd know about that better than I would." Probably. She's just plain weird sometimes. Well, not Jin weird. But weird weird. * Remi eats more food. She's just trying to take care of this whole Judgement thing herself. She's got to realize she can't do that...I'm worried she's going to just collapse one of these days... I mean it's a lot like you were with that mansion. Uh huh. * Kaede reaches over the table and pokes her on the nose. "Hey." * Remi looks up crossly. ...What's wrong? You haven't looked at me since I mentioned Katie. Nothing. Everything's just fine. No it's not. * Remi shovels food into her mouth. * Kaede lets out a long sigh and just sits back in place rather quietly. He's barely eating. [Several minutes pass in silence...] ...you've really helped a lot, you know. I think we might actually not be flying blind anymore... Yeah. That much closer to helping Katie, huh? * Kaede slams his hands down on the table and looks straight at Remi. "That's not what I meant!" * Remi looks back at Kaede evenly. "Oh please! You can't hold a conversation with me without bringing her up. Why'd you really invite me, anyhow?" * Kaede keeps his gaze steadily with Remi for a moment. "I told you that when I invited you. I wanted to find a way to pay you back and, frankly, cheer you up. It sounded like not many people do nice things for you." Yeah. I feel very cheery. * Kaede hmmphs and sits back, folding his arms over his chest. "See, this is why bikes and numbers are easier to get involved with. But no, I have to meet some nice people and want to do something for them..." So why'd you come then? * Kaede looks over at Remi calmly. Or trying to look calmly. Because I thought maybe for once a boy actually liked me. That was pretty stupid of me. You... * Kaede blinks slightly and resists the jaw drop. "Wait..what? Back up." To what? I told you that already. Yeah but... You want ME to like you? ...why? * Remi shrugs. "You seemed like a nice enough guy. And I thought you might actually care about me." * Kaede sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose. "Seemed?" * Remi finishes her food again. "Well, you obviously don't think about me the way I thought you did." I've..never really considered it before. Of course not. You're too busy thinking about Katie. Now, I don't know why you think that. I'd say the same about Nanami. And I hope you don't believe I'd want to go out with my own sister. Would you if she wasn't your sister? No! * Kaede looks at Remi frantic. Why? Because she's Nanami! I mean...really... And? What do you mean "and"? There isn't an "and". You wouldn't go out with her because her name's Nanami? No, that's not it. Then why? Because Nanami acts like Nanami. And going out with someone like Nanami is just... * Kaede makes a very very disgusted face. Is just what? It's wrong! Look, I don't want to think about it. Can we change the subject? * Remi leans back and taps at her empty plate. "Fine." * Kaede looks down at the table, his shoulders really slumped. Poor guy. So do you always ask depressed people over for dinner? No. You're the first person I've ever asked to dinner. I mean Nanami's had some people over, but I never asked personally before. * Kaede 's still looking down at the table. Nice table. Then why'd you ask me? ...apparently because I'm a glutton for punishment. Well, sorry I'm being such trouble. * Kaede doesn't look up, he's completely avoiding Remi's gaze now. * Remi watches Kaede for about a minute, then gets to her feet. "I should go." ...I'm sorry. * Kaede gets up slowly, his head still hanging as he lets out a deep sigh and pushes up his glasses. I must be the worst company... * Remi sighs as she makes her way to the shoe cupboard. "No, it's my fault too." * Kaede blinks and looks up. "How so?" * Remi puts her shoes on. "I shouldn't have made those asumptions." About coming here or about Katie? Both. * Kaede nods slightly. "...maybe we'll get a second chance at this then. You're right. It wasn't really great at cheering you up." * Remi nods. Then she smiles. "Well, at least it was a free meal." I hope at least THAT was enjoyable. That's still a secret. * Kaede holds the door open for her and looks over curiously. * Remi walks on out. ... * Kaede closes the door and his head thunks against it. *thunk* [Akemi comes out of Nanami's room, hands on her hips. "Well, that didn't go well at all, did it?"] I'm definitely...no good at this. You were listening? * Kaede 's head's still against the door, mind you. * Akemi smiles. "The whole time. The loud music wasn't a problem." Do you always listen in on people's conversations or am I just lucky? Although your sister doesn't have much taste in music. Only when someone's trying to hide me. She IS 14 you know. So? That's not that much younger than you or me. It's young enough..what DO you listen to then? And her diary was pretty insightful, too. But her clothes wouldn't fit me. Oh, and you can have my portion of the donburi if you want. I've suddenly lost my appetite. * Kaede blinks and takes his head away from the door to look at Akemi. "You.. looked through her diary?" * Akemi winks. "Gotcha!" * Kaede hmmphs and goes over to the couch, plopping down on it and rubbing his forehead. * Akemi helps herself to some food. "I considered coming out to save you, but that might have led to something worse." So why would you want to be here? I mean, Jin brought you so you obviously don't WANT to be here but..." Wait, why would you want to save me? * Kaede looks over his shoulder over the couch at her. * Akemi snickers. "Because you obviously have no idea how to act around a lady." ...well, no. I've never needed it. Well, you need it now. I mean the whole dating thing is a waste of time anyways. Especially when you've got a whole business to run. * Akemi picks up the plate and walks over to Kaede, eating. "You think?" * Akemi leans forwards, trying to making sure Kaede gets a good look. "Well, business can be fun, too." Well, what's so important about it? Isn't dating just an inefficient way of finding someone who is sufficiently able to procreate? I've got too much to worry about and I'm not ready for that yet, so I might as well concentrate on the shop. When you're worried about getting kicked out or your grandfather's costs adding up..." * Kaede turns away from Akemi, leaning back against the couch and sighing. Actually, it's about finding someone fun to be with, so you don't have to go through life alone. * Akemi takes another bite. "Although the procreation part is fun, too. I've been alone so far just fine. Everyone just ends up leaving you alone anyhow, so I say why bother with the first part? Not if they like ya. * Kaede shrugs slightly. "So I guess that means no one likes me. You're not really good at this either, you know?" * Kaede looks back at Akemi again though. * Akemi laughs. "I don't usually have to help guys out." So why am I the lucky devil? Actually, I feel sorry for the poor girl who was here. * Kaede blinks slightly and looks up. * Kaede looks down again. "I didn't...mean it to go so horribly wrong." * Akemi takes a seat wherever's convenient. "That's why you need help." * Kaede shakes his head. "I probably should just not bother. It'd be easier on the female community in general." Can you live like that? * Kaede shrugs indifferently. I bet you can't. Yes. You also seem to think all males are...how did you put it? Raging perverts? "A man cannot live alone, nor should he live alone." Know who said that? ...I can't say I do. * Akemi grins. "I don't mind raging perverts. Go ahead and look at me all you like." * Akemi bounces once. Do you like the other type? * Akemi grins. "I like everyone!" Except the homicidal murderous type. I don't like them. Everyone everyone or everyone who looks at you everyone or just male everyones? * Kaede looks at Akemi, pushing up his glasses for response. * Akemi grins. "I like girls, too. It's fun to compare their assets to mine. But I like boys, too. So... yeah, everyone!" That's...a pretty twisted way to look at the world. And locking yourself in a box and avoiding girls at all costs isn't? ...no? * Kaede mumbles under his breath. "I like my box." * Akemi finishes the food. "Mmm.. She's right, delicious." I think it is. And that guy who said that? His name was Socrates. Well, at least one good came out of it then. I got to cook. * Kaede looks up at Akemi oddly. "...you're very strange. Why would you pay so much attention to your body when you've got a good mind on your shoulders too?" * Akemi bounces. "Because I can do this." * Akemi grins. * Kaede watches the bounce for once, and sweatdrops. Besides, I'm not THAT smart. I couldn't remember that guy's name for a few minutes after I asked the question. You're still rather smart. I really don't know why you try to play like you're not. There's a whole bunch of reasons. * Kaede leans forward a bit, resting his chin on his fist. "Such as?" An actress needs to be able to act less competent for rolls, and of course she needs a pretty face and a beautiful body. And some guys just like less intelligent women. ...I don't. * Akemi shrugs. "Some don't. Some do." * Kaede blinks at that. "So you play yourself just to impress whoever is around?" What's wrong with that? How can anyone ever trust you like that? Aw, come on. It's not like I'm doing anything wrong. * Kaede frowns slightly. It's true. You believe that? There's nothing wrong with me acting how I want to, is there? * Kaede stops himself and looks at Akemi. "...I guess not." * Akemi smiles. "See?" ...Did you mean it when you wanted me to be your agent? Or was that what you just thought I wanted to hear. Actually, I was kidding at the time. But do you want to? I wasn't lying when I said I didn't like the one I had now. And it's not a hard job, since people are always handing me work anyway. I...don't know. I'm good with numbers though. But as far as relation goes... * Akemi pouts. "You don't like me?" It's not that, I just...don't think I'd be any good. It's not THAT hard. I'm not worried about that. Then what is it? * Kaede rubs his forehead. "..this is just too much." What? * Kaede leans back on the couch. * Akemi leans forward. * Akemi is good at leaning forward. * Kaede looks at Akemi...and notices how close she is..and practically jumps off the couch. "Gah!" * Akemi grins. Don't do that! * Akemi pouts. "Most people like it when I do." * Kaede puts his hand over his chest and pants heavily. I'm not most people. * Akemi pouts more. "Okay. I'll be nice." Thank you. So who told you you were Arcana? Saki hinted at it first, than this other guy told me. Ryuji Hazuki. He goes to your school, so you might know him. * Kaede nods a little. "Why would Saki tell you though?" It's a long story. Let me guess, one that you don't want to tell right now? Oh, I don't mind. * Kaede blinks. "Really?" * Akemi nods. I just..have trouble believing another Arcana would be helpful. I mean..most of them, when we first met them have been nothing but trouble. And that includes Remi. Though she got better as we got to know her. And am I trouble? Yes, but not the same kind. * Akemi pouts. "You wound me." * Kaede pushes his glasses up and smirks faintly at Akemi. Don't tempt me. * Akemi bounces for Kaede. "You wouldn't hurt a pretty gal like me, would you?" Not on purpose. I have a tendency to though as soon as I open my mouth apparently. ...and you're going to ruin the couch like that. Well, we'll work on that. What? The couch? We can work on the couch, too, if you like. I...don't follow. * Akemi grins mischevously. * Kaede takes a step back. He still looks lost but doesn't care for the look. So, anyway... * Kaede tries to talk a couple times before actually getting words out. "..M..maybe I should escort you home you think? I don't want it to get too late..." Okay. Although I could even stay here overnight if you like. * Akemi smiles. Would that be easier? I wouldn't want to put you out... I wouldn't mind at all. * Akemi grins. Alright...I've just got to think how to explain this to Nanami... Tell her you're my agent. ...do agents often have their actresses spend the night? * Akemi smiles mischevously. "Some of them do." * Kaede rolls his eyes. "Innocently?" What's that word mean? * Kaede groans. It's going to be a long night. * Akemi laughs to herself. "Maybe I should go home anyhow, for your sake." If you're sure. * Akemi stands up and nods. "Yeah. We'll wait until I know you better before we start sleeping together." * Kaede coughs and walks, perhaps a bit too quickly to open the door. * Akemi laughs and follows. "It's what we'd be doing! Sleeping! In the same place!" * Kaede doesn't answer, holding the door open. So do you know what powers you have? [When Kaede opens the door, Nanami walks in. She's got a nasty bruise on her eye and a bloody nose.] * Akemi starts to speak, but stops at that. * Kaede blinks and looks at Nanami. "Nanami?!? What the hell happened??" * Nanami looks at Kaede and says simply. "I don't know!" But...you're hurt! * Kaede kneels down in front of her and surveys the damage. * Akemi does too, and luckily for Kaede, doesn't collide with him. * Nanami nods. "I was coming home and... and someone attacked me and... I just don't remember anything about him at all!" (She'd just bounce off anyways.) ( Boing! ) What? Not what he looks like, not a name, or what he did? Anything? Better put some ice on that. * Nanami shakes her head. * Kaede nods and helps Nanami in, scowling. "Why is everything screwing up in my life TONIGHT?" [Mini End!]