blizzardrock: (premature burial)
Fubuki Tenjoin ([personal profile] blizzardrock) wrote in [community profile] thenearshore2017-07-22 06:27 pm

continuous spotlight

Who: Fubuki, Reisi
When: Aug 7
Where: Near Shore
What: Prayer #50


[This fine day finds Fubuki sitting on a bench somewhere (don't question it), holding a newspaper and pretending very earnestly that he isn't watching a young lady rip out a page from her notebook and throw it out.]

...She missed. [The crumpled page falls sadly to the floor beside the trash can. And she's not even going to pick it up!!] That isn't cute...

[...Near Shore denizens can't see them, but the newspaper held open in his face is for the benefit of any gods or shinki who might wander by. IT'S FOR A GOOD CAUSE IT'S FOR A PRAYER]

She came to people-watch, but she's just looking at flowers instead. Do you think she likes them?

...By the way, I didn't have an eye on her or anything, I just happened to notice this prayer when you suggested it. [Please believe him.]
mostsuitable: (11424019)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-07-25 02:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[While the young lady continues staring blankly through the flowers rather than at them, Reisi casually plucks the crumpled ball of paper off the ground and tosses it into the trash. Then he simply moves along without skipping a beat so that just in case anyone could, in fact, see the two shinki, they couldn't possibly suspect that Reisi's been keeping an eye on the girl.]

It may be possible. They did prove a distraction for a second or two before she started cross-eyed staring through them.

[Casting a glance at Tenjoin,]

I don't see why you need to validate being here. It's important to serve as an inspiration to others, especially those whose futures may depend on it.
mostsuitable: (11414567)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-07-25 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
If by 'something', you mean us, I highly doubt it.

[They've barely been watching her for thirty minutes.]

Besides, Tenjoin-kun. This is, in fact, the sort of thing many people do normally when feeling uninspired... or when attempting to cope with a great deal of stress.

[The girl paces a bit, seemingly uncertain about her next course of action.]

But the day is still young, which means there's plenty of time to observe her habits and find something to spark her innovation.
mostsuitable: (11424002)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-07-28 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
[Nonsense, there's nothing wrong with observing her to determine her habits and figure out what might best inspire her in this situation. In general, Reisi doesn't seem to recognize personal boundaries... which doesn't necessarily speak well for him even though he normally oversteps these bounds for the benefit of society as a whole if not for the person themselves. (And then there are other forgotten instances that are of a more personal nature, as the case is with Suoh.)

Though, even if someone confronted him regarding this creeper-like behavior, Reisi would be unlikely to clarify his stance unless he deems it absolutely necessary.

Reisi nods in agreement at Tenjoin's suggestion after the girl's friend arrives. Together, they begin following the pair. Reisi's keeping an ear open for anything that might stand out as the two converse when Tenjoin asks about the Sword.
]

... Hmm? What sort of giant sword?

[Of course, he figures that Tenjoin's alluding to the giant blue Sword that many at the Far Shore had seen that night when ayakashi appeared at the firefly viewing. But he wants to hear it more directly from Tenjoin before actually addressing it.]
mostsuitable: (11419773)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-07-31 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
If we do that, we'll miss out on their conversation. [See? Literally no real qualms about surveillance.] We can see them through the window at least. And there are other ways to find out more, I suppose.

[Actually, he doesn't just suppose; he knows. There's a sort of cryptic pleasure writ in his expression before he regards Tenjoin.]

Besides, you seem interested in talking about me. So, you want to know about my vessel form...

[He pauses like he's thinking of how to arrange his thoughts, but he's probably just biding his time.]

I think it went well enough. Why do you ask?
mostsuitable: (11412785)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-08-03 10:11 am (UTC)(link)
[Tenjoin isn't entirely wrong—the young lady indeed wouldn't have prayed if she could draw inspiration by conversing with a friend. Still, Reisi feels they might miss out on details providing insight on her interests and the like. However, he'll let this pass. Again, there are other ways to obtain such information. Besides, it'll do her good to take a break and relax rather than force herself when her inspiration has run dry.

Instead, he turns his attention to his fellow shinki in direct confrontation.
]

Because I was thinking about how it seems as if there's something on your mind that you're hesitant to approach... Am I correct?
mostsuitable: (11412786)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-08-08 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[The young lady's friend is definitely getting a cake for herself and appears to be encouraging her friend to do the same. Reisi pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose, an amused expression playing on his features. Were he in the friend's position, he might very well do the same, depending on the friend, of course.

He softly exhales before taking on a more patient look.
]

You're right; I take on the form of a cravat and am worn at his neck. Seems that neither of us has a weaponized vessel form... [No that this bothers him in the slightest, but Reisi can't help wondering if Kurosaki would rather have that be the case. ]

Nothing seemed amiss from my end. Was there something the matter with Kurosaki-san?
mostsuitable: (11412784)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-08-10 07:18 am (UTC)(link)
[Even if Reisi had been an actual weapon, he wouldn't have minded so long as he's fighting for a clear and just cause. More than his vessel form, it's the use of his power that's... hmm, not exactly worrisome, but Reisi does feel some degree of concern about it. However, he's not in any hurry to elaborate. In fact, it feels more natural to allow others, even those who he should be close to as his god and shinki he works with, to arrive at their own conclusions.]

About becoming a vessel? Not particularly.

[But before he could ask why, he watches the scene unfold before him, with Tenjoin making some interesting observations. Reisi goes with, asking,]

What do you have in mind, then?

[Though if she's overly focused on one particular model, it'll prove difficult to work with anyone else. Reisi can see how this is quite the dilemma.]
mostsuitable: (11344205)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-08-24 02:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[It certainly sounds like a good idea to get her attention and catch her off-guard, so Reisi moves on ahead to shower her with flowers from above.

She stops in her tracks as flowers litter the pavement before her, smaller petals scattering in the wind as they fall. The way things are, she can't help glancing around because it's like something out of a movie. When people in the vicinity begin to gawk and stare, she realizes the situation and panics before starting taking off, breaking into a run...

Turning to Tenjoin before giving chase,
]

That's certainly a reaction... if anything. But I think she liked it up until others started paying attention.
mostsuitable: (11419772)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-08-25 11:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[... Maybe the scene was too over the top, if a tad confusing. Not to mention that the friend's reaction (or lack thereof) seems to indicate this isn't the first situation in which the designer has taken off and left her in the dust.

At least she hadn't gone too far, leaning on a building with her head in her hands as she catches her breath.

Wearing an encouraging smile,
]

I think of a strong and unwavering resolve to accomplish anything, coupled with the conviction to remain true to oneself.

[That's what they need to coax out of her.]

She's caught in a cycle of her thoughts and feelings that may seem to be working against each other. However, it's a matter of realizing these things aren't necessarily in conflict and can, in fact, be harnessed to support her endeavors.

[They still can inspire her! They WILL inspire her!]
mostsuitable: (11424020)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-08-29 10:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[Indeed, it seems that the young designer is always at the cusp of confessing but never fully does so while her friend, on the other hand, is perhaps a little too patient and understanding to give her the proper push that she needs. When the designer crashes into her friend, she gets a good-natured teasing about her clumsiness before her friend helps brush her off, and then the two begin to move on.

The way Reisi sees it, Tenjoin's machinations aren't working because they're preconceived if not ill-conceived. Either he's on to something but not quite there, or he's onto something that isn't actually there, both of which are detrimental to pursuing one's goal.
]

I think they're perfectly fine, especially when used to do what's right.

[Which is why Reisi holds up the young designer's sketchpad where the other shinki can see. Apparently, he'd taken it while she was tumbling after Tenjoin had tripped her.]

Neither of them have realized it's missing just yet.
mostsuitable: (11347874)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-08-31 03:18 pm (UTC)(link)
—I meant my pickpocketing skills. [Just going to quickly get that out there.] Since you asked...

[But that's beside the point here.]

At any rate, let's see what we could do with this to offer her some inspiration with her designs.

[She can't have torn out everything she's sketched, can she?]

Let's see what we can learn and what we can use to draw out her potential.
Edited 2017-08-31 15:21 (UTC)
mostsuitable: (11419773)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-08-31 11:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's not that scary if it's used for the greater good, right?

In truth, Reisi generally takes a systematic approach to things, so this sort of prayer doesn't play to his strong points. But that may be the very reason he took it on in the first place—he's not one to shy away from a challenge, and this seems like a very interesting one.
]

For a start, sketches that give us an idea of who she is and what she can do as a designer rather than as an artist.

[It's also quite possible that she's just transitioning from design as a hobby to something more career-oriented... which could explain her getting stuck, especially given her preoccupation and getting distracted.]

There still is a chance that her preferred model, her friend, may prove a positive influence rather than a hindering one if we invoke the drive for her to own her designs as well as her model.
Edited 2017-08-31 23:39 (UTC)
mostsuitable: (11345339)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-09-03 02:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Design doesn't necessarily translate so literally, Tenjoin-kun.

[Glancing at the sketches, Reisi tries to find a common thread between them. They may not have any overt floral designs, but... surely there's something that brings them together.]

Perhaps they're incorporated in the color. Or in the petal-like tiers or ruffles accenting their various hemlines. It's possible these exist in a combination of the two.

[Still, he isn't entirely certain, even as he has Tenjoin turn back a few designs to peer closely at them.]

We should pay her home a visit to see if she's begun working on any of them herself. If not, we may have to give it a go ourselves, helping with the first step toward bringing her vision to life on her preferred model.

How about it?
mostsuitable: (11414564)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-09-04 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[As such, the two shinki make their way to the young designer's apartment, where she happens to live alone.]

She doesn't appear to be home just yet.

[He puts one hand on the door and the other on the knob. His hand glows light blue for just a moment before they hear the lock become undone, and Reisi pulls the door open.]

Let's try to make this quick, then.
Edited 2017-09-04 22:56 (UTC)
mostsuitable: (11414565)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-09-05 03:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[As far as Reisi's concerned, they should do everything they can to properly inspire the young designer. Breaking into her apartment is merely part of the means by which they can accomplish their goal, which is why Reisi has no qualms with it.

On the other hand, Tenjoin doesn't seem to share his perspective.
]

Hardly ever. I only do it when necessary.

[The apartment is average by Japanese standards. Beside the genkan is a closet-sized area connecting the toilet and bathrooms; the washing machine appears located in that small space as well. Past the genkan is a dining area connected to a kitchen area. There are a stove and fridge, but there aren't any ovens in sight. Just past that is a small living room area where her futon is rolled up by one of the walls.

Laid out on a low fold-out table are a few unfinished clothing designs from her sketchbook. Some are further along than others, but they overall appear to be a bunch of incomplete projects.
]

It seems that she's tried working on a number of them... But who knows exactly which is the most recent one, or how long ago she last worked on it?

[Still, Reisi feels they might have something to work with here.]

Are you, by any chance, good at sewing or anything of the sort?
mostsuitable: (11424011)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-09-05 09:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[Unfortunately, there wouldn't be any reassuring Tenjoin even if Reisi knew his job prior to his death. Certainly, he has no moral compunctions about doing what maintains peace and orderliness in society, but that has led to some extreme decisions that most people—Tenjoin included—would find questionable.]

That's just as well. [Reisi answers regarding the other shinki's lack of sewing skills, though he brings up a good point afterward.

They technically could play out a page of The Elves and the Shoemaker, but it's possible doing so would have the opposite effect of inspiring the young designer.
]

Good thing that you mentioned that. Besides, this isn't so much about her sewing than it is about her designs, most of which lie here unfinished.

[Are there any pictures of that particular friend around? Even if Miss Designer is in the picture herself, if they could simply link her designs to the care she has for her friend, then that might lend to a really good message...]
mostsuitable: (11412782)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-09-07 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[Although Reisi's ignoring the first question, he'd probably be pretty good at sewing if he tried it.

More importantly, he focuses on Tenjoin's comment about the photo and question about the designer's lack of focus before choosing to respond.

Taking the photo into a hand and studying it, he continues.
] While that isn't a reference photo, it can be useful.

So to answer your question, it might very well be a lack of focus or motivation to see the projects through.

[He holds the photo out near her unfinished work, revealing the pair's cheesy but fun-looking smiles.]

But if she could finish even one that her friend might wear it with pride... Don't you think that'd be more than enough to continue working on her designs?
mostsuitable: (11424018)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-09-09 12:47 am (UTC)(link)
[Reisi's of the opinion that it's better for all if he doesn't repeatedly draw attention to the fact that he does well at basically anything he sets his hand to. It's just wouldn't be right (or strategic) to needlessly flaunt his natural talents.

Anyway, her room is a bit cluttered here and there with the cleanest areas being those she's most likely to work in—namely, the area around her desk and the low table, and parts of the kitchen area where she likely prepares meals and eats. It's in a livable state as things are now, even though it's not perfectly tidy or orderly, which indicates more awareness and attentiveness in places where she's most active.
]

Yes, there are a number of signs pointing to that.

[He continues without skipping a beat.]

When we were observing her earlier, she crumpled up and threw away the design she was working on. One can't help wondering how many other pages she'd given up on before we came to answer her prayer. She seems to have kept whatever designs and sketches satisfy her, but it looks like many of them are still here as "works in progress"...
mostsuitable: (11347780)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-09-12 04:20 pm (UTC)(link)
While that's a perfectly good idea, Tenjoin-kun, we'd probably do well recommending a step by step process toward making this project a successful one with an achievable goal.

[Standards are subjective, and perfectionists generally set impossibly high ones for themselves, then wind up in cycles of depression if or when they're unable to reach the bars they've set in the first place.]

In other words, we can't simply set a deadline without determining what needs to be accomplished before then. Once that's determined, we should figure out steps to take and goalposts to reach so she can realistically see how to make it happen in a reasonable amount of time.
mostsuitable: (11419773)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-09-15 03:58 am (UTC)(link)
By arranging things in a manner where taking those steps is a natural course of action.

[He begins looking through her sketchpad to match incomplete pieces with their designs.]

We can start by figuring out which of the designs she's been working on, and narrowing them down to a small selection that may best suit her friend. Having too wide a selection range can lead to indecision.
mostsuitable: (11579800)

sorry for taking so long, i was burned out all last week

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-09-25 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)
No, but I’m going to see which designs she’s started working on and compare those to each other.

[While Miss Designer clearly wants to propel herself in fashion and is fixated on her friend modeling (or at least wearing) her designs, she still isn’t entirely sure how to get from Point A to Point B.]

Then, I’ll use post-its to mark the designs that stand out. [Still, doing just that will be meaningless if she doesn’t know what those markers are for.] It should help if we leave positive feedback and encouragement on the selections, as well as the casual reminder that her friend’s birthday is approaching.

Tenjoin-kun, your assistance, please? Let’s narrow the selection to five or six designs, if we could. [In case this part isn’t quite clear,] There are quite a few incomplete outfits, and having a large selection to choose from can be quite overwhelming, so we don’t want to mark and compliment each and every design available...
mostsuitable: (11423871)

looks that we may be reaching a point where we can turn this in!

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-10-02 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
[While Reisi's the sort who knows how to dress himself but has questionable tastes thinking dressing as a sea anemone is proper children's entertainment, it's not as if he knows much about fashion design himself. However, they're working with a deadline, so they'll have to try their best in whatever way they can now.]

Comments praising something specific about the designs and how well they suit her friend. [Though having some inspirational quotes here and there can't hurt, either.

After matching up designs with her works in progress, they narrow their choices down to about six.
]
mostsuitable: (11414567)

[personal profile] mostsuitable 2017-10-03 04:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[Barely a minute or so after they finish, they hear the apartment door lock click open before Miss Designer opens the door. She steps into her tiny genkan, slips off her shoes and places them in the shoe closet before stepping into her house slippers and shuffling into her apartment. Yawning, she lets her bag fall to the floor at her side before noticing her sketchpad sitting on the table with her works in progress.

Seemingly certain she'd left the house with her sketchpad, she actually asks aloud, "What's going on?" But it doesn't seem like she expects any actual response to that question because she makes her way to the table and takes a seat. Then she plucks up her sketchpad and flips through to the pages marked with post-its. She appears to be in awe as she studies the marked pages, glancing back and forth between the notes and her designs. Sometimes, she picks up the still unfinished outfit in question, turns it in consideration. Once in a while, she even turns it toward one of the conveniently placed pictures of her friend, as if asking for approval.

Finally, finally, she settles on one before checking her desk calendar. Re-energized by their comments—and inspirational quotes, if included—Miss Designer settles down to work on one of the pieces tonight.

Reisi turns to Tenjoin.
]

So, what do you think?

[All's well that ends well, right?]