estoria | ( OPEN )

[Haru likely knew his swords well enough to know how futile the effort in stopping them was once they got rolling-- and Koumei was more curious about what Kogi could do on his own with the strange, aquatic beast than anything else. Drawing an arm wearily across his brow, lifting his heavy bangs from his face, he siighed in relief that the job was over.]

At least no one was eaten in this venture-- I'll set up a sign to warn the others...and see what snacks we can procure to placate the beast.

[Because damn. He didn't want to see that thing when it was angry.]

In the meantime, tofu does sound good. Do you mind company?

Oh! Fishy food? We can get some while we go to the restaurant. They probably will have something lying about that we can bring back for it.

[ Meaning, carry-out for Fishy. What a spoiled alien! ]

And of course I don't mind company! Eating is always better with others, especially during these trying times.

[ The little fox curls an arm around Koumei, grinning. ]

Oh, and don't worry about paying! At this point, I basically own half of the place myself.

[ Because he's eaten so much tofu and has paid them so much out of his own checks... ]

[What a spoiled alien, indeed. Fishy has no idea how giving his current master is! Mulling over this, Koumei cast a curious glance upwards at Kogi as they left the apartment-- presumably toward whatever place Kogi planned to take them too.]

So the tofu shop sells more than tofu? Fascinating--although we really should be careful if we're purchasing anything for him. He might not appreciate it as as much as we think.

[And Koumei was going to worry about paying. He would just send payment later on if Kogi insisted on just walking out...]

Of course! The Kitsune Udon has to have noodles to go with the aburaage. Otherwise, it's just... well, I could go for either. But there's other food, only because some don't like the taste of well-crafted broth, fresh noodles, and the best fried tofu...

[ Kogi can be a responsible and well-liked little fox when he wants. Unfortunately, his manager doesn't know that because since day one, he's been trying to sneak food on the side.

This is why he is always in timeout. ]

And don't worry about leftovers, because whatever you don't eat we can bring back.

[ Or he'll eat it himself, fufufu. ]

It's hard to dislike noodles and tofu-- but, the general tastes of much of this city are suspect if that McCERES is as popular as it is. I still don't even understand the menu when I go in there.

[Because 'chicken nuggets' were a wonderfully vague item that was somewhat terrifying, for he had never even heard of a body part known as a 'nugget'. Where was it, anatomically?]

Hm! You know, I've never been to a McCERES. There's never been any need, what with Nakigitsune's deliveries, the snacks that we normally have around, and the noodles and tofu I eat at work. Is it an awful place?

[ BUT NUGGETS ARE THE BEST??? If you think about where they come from, you just get sucked into Culinary Hell... ]

[Too late. He was already there. After having to school a poor shop employee that there was indeed such a thing as chrysanthemum tea, he had no faith in the food industry of this city.]

There's no tofu on the menu, [he replied bluntly. Make of that what you will.]

[ NO... TOFU... ]

Will they make it on request? Maybe if I brought my own, they could do something with it? There has to be a better way to get tofu on a menu! Why would they deny the population such a wonderful food?!

[ He's heartbroken, why would CERES pick betray? WHY, INARI, WHY ]

[because this city is full of ungodly heathens, that's why.]

I'm sure that's considered some manner of rude and impolite-- and do you really want tofu that's been deep fried in the same oils as an untold number of strange things?

[It was an insult to the tofu!]

When you put it that way, I would be more worried about the reuse of oil than my manners. However, I believe that food should be judged by its taste and not by other means.

[ Even if there's no tofu, it bears exploration? It's not like he's going to suddenly dislike his favorite aburaage or udon! He's not going to leave his job to work for McCERES! Especially because he likes the restaurant... ]

... unless, is the food evil?

...I'm not sure. We can't see the cooks from the counter.

[Spoken in a flat, even tone. Was he joking? Was he serious? Was he just being a troll? It was hard to tell!]

Then, we should investigate. Come, let's go get something from McCERES, bring it back, and see if Ishikirimaru can purify it.

[ Because if anyone could dispel the corruption from food, it would be his Sanjo-forged brother! Or, at least, Kogi could get him to taste it before he did. ]

[First, it was a killer Fishy from the Ninth Level of Hell, and now it's purifying the proverbial 'fast food' that he was too terrified to actually try. Koumei pondered this for a moment, wondering about what exactly a purification ritual of this level entailed-- and what exactly it was that Kogi had planned.

But, sometimes it was better just to watch and see.]

Then the first thing we should bring to Mister Ishikimaru are those 'chicken nuggets'. As far as I know, there is no 'nugget' on a chicken.

... a nugget, you say? Like a gold nugget, but made out of chicken? That doesn't sound too bad. Perhaps you're worried for no reason.

[ Look, now Kogi's just plain ol' hungry? He could go for a nugget of chicken and maybe some of those tasty french fries?

Or maybe just a pizza. Heck, Kogi could go for anything. The best part about the colony is having so many choices because of so many unique visitors. ]

I don't know what it is-- that's why it worries me.

[Then again, he wasn't terribly fond of meat that wasn't seafood-- his own biases, truly.

...but he was hungry as well, and there were far too many things to choose from.]

Well then. Shall I carry you there?

[ A brazen request from a shameless 'small' fox, but he figures to ask Koumei anyway. He's always amused by the various reactions--- from blushes to shouting (mostly Donut), Kogi's seen the best and worst of responses. ]

[....w h a t.

Though he was royalty, he had never had anyone just up and offer to physically carry him places. Normally it was against his will, with his older brother bodily dragging him out of his bedroom and out into the courtyard to meet with their cousins, their father, or whomever else was around that required his presence. Either that, or he was being physically dragged by his ponytail, the loose folds of his clothes, or getting a sharp smack in reaction to his laziness.

The other, more shameless, subtext was also clear-- for he was not a cherry boy. The men of the Kou royal family were all experienced, and all had their preferences.

Most preferred not to play the field, in a direct reaction to the philandering of the Second Emperor.]

Ah. Uhm. No. That's not entirely necessary.

[There was no hiding his embarrassed flush with his fair complexion, even with his valiant determination to maintain as straight a face as possible.]

I can walk to our destination quite well, thank you.

Well, of course you can. I was just offering. [ He's pleased with Koumei's reaction. It definitely wasn't better than Haru's, and Donut would just scoff and make angry noises. The best came from Mikazuki, who would allow the fox his fun--- mostly because he's a beautiful treasure of a sword.

And as he starts his way toward the exit of the apartment, Kogitsune turns to look at Koumei with the most cheeky of grins. ]

But at least promise me, if we go somewhere else in the future... that you will reconsider my request?

[All he could imagine was being slung over Kogi's shoulder like a sack of rice, or being carried like a delicate princess. Lazy as he was at the best of times, and prone to napping whenever he was in a sufficiently quiet and comfortable spot, he couldn't say that he was entirely sure he knew what was being implied.

So...]

Mister Kogi, I'm afraid you might be mistaken. I'm neither a blade nor someone who is adept with one. Rather, what we should be striding toward is my being worthy of carrying you some day.

Although...

[He glanced up, purposfully emphasizing their startling difference in height.]

As things stand, that might not be so easy. I never imagined a 'small fox' would stand quite so tall.

[ Koumei would certainly not be treated like merchandise! Kogitsunemaru is a master of the art of Princess Carrying--- something that is a unique skill to have learned, somehow. Not like he practiced it throughout the Citadel, but it was certainly a good way to fluster another person (or spirit). ]

Well, if you do, you will find that I am quite easy to hold. Some of us are not exactly beginner friendly, but as long as you don't try to snap me in half, I would be happy! Though, you would need to ask Haruji first.

[ And boy, is he tickled by that last comment? Finally, someone understands him... he is the smallest fox, he's BEEN that since day one?! Obviously, not like Naki-small or Tiny Fox-small, but still! ]

Well, a small fox like me should be noticed--- even if it means sacrificing one of my most important qualities...

[ His hairears wiggle. ]

[How did hairears even work?????]

Such as...being actually small?

[It was an innocent question, truly.]

I daresay, you're taller than my older brother-- and he's an impressive man. A true swordsman, unlike myself.

[He held up his fan, as if to emphasize that fact. It was quite telling of a man's character when his chosen weapon was the equivilant of a magical fan.]

That said, I'm not unused to handling weapons. Never would I dream of breaking a vessel such as your's in half-- that's the epitome of disrespect to all parties involved.

[ Inari. That's how. Bam. ]

Correct. I'll take the attention any day. [ Kogi can't stifle the laugh, raising a hand to cover his mouth. Not quite a chuckle, but not a guffaw. ]

Impressive is in the eye of the beholder. As elegant as some of us swords can be, we are quite dangerous too? Danger doesn't have to be obvious, as well!

[ Finally, lowering his hand, he reveals a grin. ]

It was a joke, of course. I don't plan on breaking any time soon.

[But he doesn't even know who Inari is?!]

Impressive can be elegant and dangerous-- they're not mutually exclusive, and I've found that they often do exist hand in hand.

[Even his own skills were impressive, in both regards, and he didn't come across as a man who would be willing to even hurt a fly who got in his way.]

[ Don't tell Kogi, his heart will shatter into a thousand fox-shaped pieces. ]

I hope to see what sort of things you can do with your fan at some point in the future, Koumei. I am sure you are a very skilled fighter in your own right!

[ After all, fans are elegant, just like Mei. Either way--- Kogi's hungry. Food time. ]

[A pity. Kogi will eventually figure out that Koumei knows nothing of Japan besides what he's learned from the Swords....and largely consists of OH NOES DEATH and YAY TOFU.]

On the front lines? Not particularly. But, as a support? You'll find that it's quite useful.

I shall be honored if we ever have the opportunity to fight alongside eachother, Kogi.

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aslyfox - 2016-03-21 02:48 (UTC) - Expand