Fubuki Tenjoin (
blizzardrock) wrote in
thenearshore2017-07-22 06:27 pm
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Entry tags:
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.]
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
[He looks back up at Reisi.] Well... This isn't really the sort of thing people do normally... We don't know her or anything. [Is he saying that it would be normal if they did know her? Well...not as such. (He doesn't actually know what he means by that.)]
[But anyway.] "Inspiration," hm...? That sounded really nice! It must be harder than it sounds, though.
—Hm? She's getting up again. [She just sat down, too. Fubuki starts to get up, himself.] Did she notice something?
no subject
[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.
no subject
[Not to mention...observing her habits is the problematic part, Reisi... Though, he'd had this problem when it'd come to a prayer he'd done with a previous god, too; they'd gone into someone's home. The fact that he'd found it so easy to follow and watch this supplicant (before he finally realized what it looked like, just a few minutes ago) doesn't...speak well of him; who knows how many times he's done this kind of thing. Maybe even with... Maybe even with the god he seems to have remembered yesterday morning.]
[To avoid thinking about it, he goes over to the trashcan and picks up the crumpled page.] Hrm... [These are just circles and scratches. Just frustrated scribbling.]
[Movement near the young lady catches his eye.] A friend? [They greet each other, and then start to head off somewhere.] That's perfect. They'll probably discuss it.
[Seems like finding it a bit weird isn't actually going to stop him, as he moves to follow.]
...By the way. There was something about a giant sword?
no subject
(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.]
no subject
[The sword isn't what he wants to talk about, though; he was taking a roundabout approach himself because he can't let himself linger too long on what happened that night.] You went into vessel form? How'd it go?
[He's still holding the discarded paper, so he drops it into another trashcan as he passes. The girls ahead are still catching up with each other, it seems. If he's right in his guess, they'll— Ah, there it is. They head into a pastry shop.] ...Even if we're invisible to them, it doesn't change the fact that they're being watched. [So they might pick up on it.] Should we wait out here?
no subject
[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?
no subject
[Speaking of, Reisi seems to be having too much fun here, if that amused expression is anything to go by... But since he's here with him, Fubuki has no room to talk, though.]
If there was no problem, then that's good. ...But why did you pause?
no subject
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?
no subject
[He doesn't quite feel up to explaining why he didn't see the blue sword, but.] ...I wasn't there, but your vessel form is a cravat, right? [He's using it to dodge most of the issue, but it is a good thing to know shinki-things about each other, and Reisi's already seen his.]
[He glances behind him again. Their young lady is concentrating very hard on an elaborate cake—an expression he recognizes as trying to talk herself out of it, probably.] ...Heh. [He doesn't know why, but tension eases out of him at the sight.] Guess some things never change.
[He straightens and takes a few steps away.] About going into vessel form...you said there were no problems with it, but does it feel alright?
no subject
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?
no subject
[Because Fubuki gets worried whenever Shun looks like he might seriously go through with the idea of using Fubuki-in-vessel-form to jab things. He doesn't know how Shun would weaponize a cravat, but...he wouldn't be surprised if Shun could in fact think of something...]
[He glances over when the girls exit the store. Their budding designer glances at someone passing by on the street—wait. Hang on. He looks again inside the shop, at the clerk, then to the designer's friend. Same build, similar facial structure, even... The friend is wearing polka dots, the scribbles and circles on the paper he'd picked up... That's...]
[He pays more attention to their interactions for a minute, and...yep...] She's lovesick... [Why didn't he see this earlier, he saw how she'd been so quick to jump up and greet her friend...!]
Overfocusing on your preferred model, hmm? I wonder if she knows~? Reisi, let's go this way. [Off he goes, toward a florist.]
no subject
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.]
no subject
I'd love to help her get together, but...that wasn't what she prayed for. [Regrettably, some people prioritize other things over love. How tragic.]
[Flowers obtained—the same ones she was looking through earlier.] Toss this into her path!
[...So his plan isn't any more sophisticated than, "make her stop and think for a second," but sometimes that's all someone needs.]
Let's see if she reacts...
no subject
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.
no subject
[When they catch up to their designer, she's leaning against a building, her head in her hands.]
Looks like that didn't work. [He crosses his arms. Despite what he'd said earlier, it seems clear to him now that she won't be able to stop thinking about it while the issue with her crush remains unresolved. Having the courage to confess isn't something that can be given... But in this current state, they can't even encourage her, either.]
[But, designing to make someone you love happy isn't a bad thing, necessarily...]
[...CLEARLY THIS CALLS FOR A GRAND, IMPORTANT, AND DRAMATIC GESTURE]
[...Except, in this state, they can't do that, either.]
[...Would she get it if he showed her a note that said "Show your hand"?]
Bold yet sincere... Reisi, what do you think of when I say those words?
no subject
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!]
no subject
[But before he can say anything more substantial to that, Miss Designer straightens, takes a deep breath, and starts walking.]
Is she heading back?
[It seems like she is. And the friend is waiting a few feet away from the flower-scene.]
They didn't split up, then...
[Even if she leaves in a panic, she always returns, huh...?] Maybe splitting up would have been better for her. [Speaking of resolve—if someone is always nearby but never suspecting, that's a little too "safe," isn't it?]
[And that's what motivates him to step forward and stick out his foot to trip Miss Designer. He's so sorry miss this is for your sake...!]
[She stumbles, but doesn't fall, and the reason she doesn't fall is because she tumbles into her friend. They straighten themselves, but...nothing seems to have changed. ...Why aren't his heavily-metaphorical orchestrations working???]
...We'll have to be more direct. Reisi, how are your pickpocketing skills?
no subject
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.
no subject
Now all we have to do is— [Wait. He was all prepared to write something in her notebook, but...wouldn't that just be scary and freak her out instead? It has to be a sign...]
[He looks after them as he considers. She prayed for her design work but not the other thing...]
Why do you think they're fine?
no subject
[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.
no subject
Right... [He opens the sketchbook. ...Yep, that sure is a full-page portrait of her friend's face.]
She's too preoccupied. [It's why he wants to resolve it rather than something else.]
What do you think of when you say inspiration?
no subject
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.
no subject
[He flips through the notebook. The designs inside look fairly understated to him (unbeknownst to him, it's because his taste tends toward "incredibly tacky"), but he's not much of a design guy in the first place.]
She was looking at flowers, but there are no floral designs... [Yeah, that's all he's got.]
no subject
[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?
no subject
[Following her home was something he didn't want to do, too... But misgivings aside...he knows where it is.]
She lives in an apartment. [He points the way.]
no subject
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.
no subject
...How often do you do that?
[Considering he took the trouble to discover where she lives, it's not like he has much right to talk, but he was trying to locate her at the time, and hadn't gone in. He knew they'd have to do something when they got here, but that was too easy.]
no subject
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?
no subject
[...Maybe he was a policeman? He'd hope a policeman would have more compunctions about doing that kind of thing, though...]
[But for now, he answers the question.] Not a bit. [...Not that that was a thing he tried, but looking at the stuff doesn't cause any of the usual I-know-how-to-do-this feelings to bubble up. He picks up one of the needles to make sure, in case holding it in his hands triggers something... But nope.]
Even if we noticed something about her sewing, we'd still have to get the message to her. [He puts the needle back down.] ...And I don't think she'd be happy if we messed with her work.
no subject
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...]
no subject
[He keeps looking around.]
If she keeps starting new ones without finishing, that's a lack of focus... Is that what you mean?
[He bends down and picks up a photo half-obscured by the table—looks like it'd fallen. A picture of the two of them in front of a fancy building... He can't help a little chuckle as he hands it over.] This isn't a reference photo...
no subject
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?
no subject
If the focus is the problem, that's not an easy thing to fix...
[He takes a look at her desk. Magazines, pattern books... She actually has plenty of pictures of her friend, now that he's really looking. If she hasn't already finished, something's stopping her.]
...Do you see any signs of perfectionism? [Putting such stakes on her work might be giving her "stage fright."]
no subject
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"...
no subject
[He's still looking at her desk. He's already thought of a note, and already dismissed that idea. What else...]
[...A quote from a book of sayings? A song? ...A flier with a deadline on it?] Hrmmm...
[He picks up a calendar. One of the dates is circled?] Look at this... [He puts the calendar down and flips through a planner lying on the desk.] The friend's birthday? I don't suppose we could turn that into a deadline...
no subject
[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.
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[A step-by-step plan mysteriously appearing on her desk isn't going to make her freak out any less than a simple note would...]
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[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.
no subject
Are you going to take them out of the sketchbook?
[Because he...doesn't follow.]
sorry for taking so long, i was burned out all last week
[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...
no worries o/
...I wonder if she'll think a ghost did it.
[He picks up a pack of post-its and then goes over to take a look.]
[...He barely knows anything about true design. Clothes are for wearing, is the extent of his relationship with them.] What kind of positive comments do you have in mind?
looks that we may be reaching a point where we can turn this in!
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.]
no subject
[And then after this, a little bit of observation to make sure it goes off without a hitch, and that should be good.]
no subject
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?]
no subject
Heh. It's nice seeing that kind of expression on her face, isn't it?
Let's leave her to it. [He turns to go. Out the window, naturally.]