( closed ) i wanna be the one to walk in the sun

[assent]

WHO: Sonia, Katsura, Gintoki and Hijikata at various times
WHAT: Market shenanigans, the catphising strikes back etc etc
WHEN: During the November event
WHERE: Night market and at one of their places
WARNINGS: Stalking slander 😔 but I'll add any warnings for their sections, the worst it should be though is swearing probably.

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closed to zurako; market shenanigans

[assent]

{ sonia is ecstatic, which may or may not be putting it lightly. there's a slight bounce to her step, even with the difficulty of walking in more traditional japanese footwear, as her arm links around zurako's. they're both wearing the matching kimonos they got last month in celebration of sonia's birthday and unfortunately she did not bring a bag big enough for all the items she may want to buy while here, but it shouldn't matter too much--at least not yet. }

Now that we are here, is there anywhere you would like to begin? I do not believe I have been to a market quite like this before. It is quite overwhelming, no?

{ she doesn't know where to look, actually. there are so many stalls, fairies bustling around as they make deals or try and get people to come to their stalls for sales. her hand slips down, clutching onto zurako's wrist as she tries to make sure she doesn't lose her in the hustle and bustle of the market. there's an edge of protectiveness there too, even if there's no need for it. her friend looks beautiful though, who knows what weirdos may come and try and hit on her 😔 }

[bombdemon]

[ they can probably find some cute tote bags in the market!! it's fine. no need to worry about it just yet, because they've got plenty of time and they can spend a good portion of it window shopping without the need to carry much stuff... there's certainly a lot of cute things around, though, and plenty of the games look fun, too. ]

A little bit, yes. Reminds me of Kyoto New Years' market actually, though this is definitely more... magical. I heard they sell fairy charms here, perhaps we could start with that and then see what else we spot on the way?

[ you can never be too thorough with magical protection, after all! ]

[ zurako has absolutely no complaints about the clinging, honestly. the crowd is pretty easy to get lost in, and she'll happily tuck sonia's arm more tightly under her own, moving her other hand on top of hers reassuringly. ]

[ and then elbowing her a little playfully. ]

You look absolutely cute, by the way. I told you this was your color.

[assent]

{ there is so much going on around them that she's glad she's with someone who knows the ways of night markets. she's spoiled for choice, but glad to see zurako is already giving them some direction. }

I see, does Kyoto often have a market for New Years'? { her head tilts, before nodding in agreement. fairy charms sound like a good investment!

but as they walk along, zurako's hand falls on her arm and she feels the elbow she looks flustered at the words said to her. }

T-thank you. I put in a lot of effort for this evening. I am glad it shows. { because she isn't convinced it'd be the case without that apparently. } But I am glad this is the one I chose, yes. The pattern is very lovely. And... you look beautiful as well.

[bombdemon]

For most celebrations, actually, but New Years tends to be one of the biggest.

[ She lists a few more prominent festivals that usually draw in a crowd -- naturally, the local merchants try to capitalize on that. ]

[ Sonia's fluster gets a small smile, Zurako's lips pressed together as if she's holding back a giggle, and she squeezes her arm a little, reassuringly. ]

Of course it does! But the most important part is that you feel good about it, not what anyone else thinks or says. [ Fancy it up for yourself, sister! Her smile widens a little and she moves one hand up for a moment to press it to her chest in a playful gesture of appreciation. ] Why, thank you! It seems we have a lot in common~

[ Because they're both super pretty, naturally. ]

[assent]

I see. That is quite a good way to celebrate a festival. At least it will ensure people are kept busy, and have plenty of things to try. Does it also have games?

{ though she does smile this time. }

I shall endeavour to remember that. In the past I was meant to be in places like this for show, and my appearance was a requirement as part of my role. It is difficult to get used to genuine compliments.

{ she is happy though! enough a small flush is on her face, her lips are curved up and are unable to turn down now. }

[bombdemon]

Of course!

[ The player is not well versed in this but feel free to assume that Zurako rattles off a few traditional festival games-- ]

[ She does look a little sad for a moment when Sonia explains her relationship to public celebrations, however. It does make sense; she is a princess after all, but... ]

...That sounds terribly lonely, Sonia-dono.

[ What a lucky thing they're not beholden to their duties in Ellipsa, huh? ]

But you do not need to play any roles in this place unless you choose to do so. You're here as a regular person... and as my friend. And I do not compliment you hoping for a better standing with your country, but merely because it is what I think, and because I want to see that friend's smile.

[assent]

{ sonia will ask about any she doesn't know, brims with excitement for any she does know. nbut then she's waving the other off, as though she didn't just make things a bit sadder. }

Please do not worry, it is not the case now, after all.

{ she doesn't specify ellipsa, but it's quite easy to assume she means here. the truth of the matter is that it isn't the case back home either. }

I... am very grateful for it, however. That you think that. I feel the same for what it is worth.

[bombdemon]

...I'm happy to hear that.

[ But it used to be the case, evidently, and so she can still express sympathy about it. It's sad that it was ever true. But at least she's free now, right? ]

[ Zurako beams a warm little smile at her again and tucks her arm a little closer. ]

Of course. And... same here. I may have my reservations about this place, but I truly am grateful to have met you.

closed to zurako and hijikata; how dare you sir, she said no!

[assent]

{ it's been a breath of fresh air, while they have had their weekly girl nights of pampering, gossiping and watching dramas together it is quite different to being out in the city like this.

after an hour or so of wandering about, trying different foods and playing some of the games sonia's free arm is now curled up as she tries to hold the few labuwus she's got, plus other prizes and items she's bought. her bag is overflowing by now, after all.

despite this, she is still stubbornly holding onto zurako's arm. the touch mechanic here definitely makes it more enticing to keep holding on, the warmth of friendship something she isn't willing to let go of yet. besides, with the faeries taking touch magic as currency, it's needed to keep their funds topped up. }

Oh, something over there smells good, shall we give it a try?

{ unfortunately she does not realise that path leads to hijikata... }

[bombdemon]

[ it really is. now, they've probably gone to the mall together or something too at this point, but a fairy market is a whole other experience on its own. there's so many people and colors and lights and glitter, and real wind tickling the back of her neck, and she somehow feels both exposed and seamlessly blended in with the crowd. ]

[ sonia's touch is a welcome anchor, keeping her from spinning out and getting overwhelmed, and it's honestly... fun. both she and katsura have definitely been experiencing a lot more of that since ending up in ellipsa, but it's been scarce enough for the last decade, the last year or so aside, that it still feels a little surreal. ]

Absolutely. That's why we're here, right? [ she adjusts her own bag, frankly overflowing with labuwus and probably other trinkets and fresh vegetables at this point, and sniffs the air thoughtfully. ] There's... grilled something. Squid, perhaps? And cinnamon pastries, I think? Anyway, I still say we should circle back and get another bag, your arm is going to get tired like this! Or at least put something in mine, I think I could fit a couple more things in there if I shift the celery and--

[ As they approach the nice smelling stand, Zurako suddenly trails off because there's one very familiar V-shape moving towards the same destination. ]

[ Oh fiddlesticks. ]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata has been trading Labuwus with the vigor and ruthlessness of a stock market dudebro, and that's left him hungry! But the sight of Zurako thoroughly distracts him from the food stalls. Having run into her the other evening, it's not as much of a happy surprise as if he hadn't seen her at all since the auction night, but he brightens up nonetheless.]

Zurako-san!

[He halts his approach for a moment when he sees that it's Sonia next to her, but then gives himself a mental push and continues his approach. She may dislike him, but that's only because some random beautiul man told her bullshit about him! He has every right to approach the woman he's been going out with on and off in her presence.]

[assent]

{ she tries adjusting everything a little, thankfully none of it really digs into her arm or anything because of how her skin works now but she doesn't want the bag to break.

she glances up at her friend when zurako stops suddenly though, murmuring the words to reassure her }

Not to worry, I can find something else another time.

{ of course no further words come, so she tilts her head, gently asks: } What is the matter? { only to follow her line of sight to hijikata walking towards them. her eyes widen, glancing between them before her arm lets go of zurako--


--only to hold it out in front of her, half stepping in front of her to shield her. }

Would you like me to handle this?

{ her voice is probably much firmer and edged with anger than either of katsura's identities have seen. she's ready to throw hands for you bestie. just say the word. }

AIGHT LETS GOOO

[bombdemon]

[ This is... awkward. A little worse than that, probably. She hadn't made a decision on how to wrap up the whole catfish arc and it keeps coming back to haunt her! Does she make a dramatic breakaway, or try to smoothe things over and perhaps softly manipulate him into being a better vessel for her plans? It's not like Katsura hasn't noticed the Shinsengumi's destructive potential. If applied correctly, Hijikata could still be useful even here. And yet-- why is he still unaware of Zurako's true identity? This honestly makes her feel bad about the whole thing! It keeps getting worse! ]

[ At the same time, she can't just brush off Sonia's concern, either. What started off as a little white lie to make himself look less untrustworthy has grown into something unspoken but present, and now she's worried what unraveling it at this point could mean to their friendship. It's never as simple as merely telling the truth, after all. ]

[ She forces an akward smile, a little thin, softly touching Sonia's shoulder as if to say that it's not necessary just yet even if her body language probably tells a different story at the moment, and tries to resolve it herself. ]

...This is not a good time, Hijikata-san.

[ HE GOT DEMOTED TO HIJIKATA-SAN... ]

🔥

[mayoninofukucho]

[Oh no... the princess actually is going on confrontation course! What did I even do?! And then he gets hit with that cool-toned "Hijikata-san" by Zurako, which makes him stop in mid-step.]

Not a good time?

[He looks back and forth between them. Is something seriously amiss? But other than their expressions - Sonia's grim and ready to throw hands, Zurako's uncomfortable for reasons that aren't obvious to him -, everything seems to be alright. Were they just having a serious private discussion..?]

I'll see you later, then. Alright?

rip

[assent]

{ sonia is blissfully unaware of anything that has transpired other than what katsura told her. at least in this case though, she doesn't know if hijikata knows who is under the beautiful getup that makes zurako. she doesn't know anything, really, but she knows that her friend stopped talking upon seeing the man, and that's concern enough.

she glances back over her shoulder, still shielding her but definitely concerned and worried. sonia isn't the brightest when it comes to catching social cues and the like, but... the words and body language tell her she doesn't want to see this man. }

Only if she permits it.

{ she's stubborn, sorry. but that is the thing here--if zurako says no he better fucking listen. }

[bombdemon]

[ Unfortunately, Katsura has probably not informed Sonia about any of the catfish arc at all, something that will be rectified in this and/or the next thread, so her confusion is understandable, but he still appreciates her willingness to defend him. ]

[ It... does make him feel a little bad, though. Even if the story he decided to play forward with can justify this treatment at least a little bit, it wasn't supposed to catch her in the crossfire, and now she's ready to throw hands to defend his honor which was only hurt a little bit (or none at all, in reality, which he is aware of, contrary to the popular opinion). It's hardly fair. And yet, at this point he's not sure where to even begin unraveling this whole thing. ]

[ He should... probably tell her the truth. Or most of it. Some of it. Hijikata doesn't get the same courtesy, however, because in his case it would complicate things more instead, and he's still unconvinced about trusting him even if their time together has softened him up toward him a little bit. ]

[ Zurako gives a slight, polite bow, more of a nod, really, the tight smile still in place. ]

...I will try to find some time for you when I have the chance.

[ Isn't that just office speak for "We'll see" and "Please leave before I call the HR"? She could have said something more obviously negative, though... ]

closed to sonia and gintoki; cop defense cavalry is here

[bombdemon]

[ Eventually, with most of the interesting looking stalls checked, desired labuwus acquired, and the mood slightly dampened by the awkward run-in with Zurako's not-so-secret admirer, they decide it's time to head home. ]

[ They're having a difficult time parting ways, however, once they reach the point in their road home where they should be headed in different directions. ]

...I do truly appreciate your concern, Sonia-dono, but I hardly believe myself to be in real danger. While he may be persistent and dense, I'd like to think he would not stoop to kidnapping me on the way home. He did leave us alone earlier, did he not?

[ Or maybe that's only because Sonia was there-- ]

ok i am here!!!

[assent]

{ sonia's arm is still curled over zurako's and she frowns softly at her when the words come. }

He did... but he is not the only man in this place who could try something, is he?

{ she is very much pulling a 🥺 face at zurako now. sure, she can handle herself too but someone is less likely to try something if there are two of them! }

[permboy]

[ It's been a nice, pleasant day at home. Gintoki loves Zura, obviously, and he's happier with sharing the place than living alone, but having the space all to himself for a bit is always so nice.

That said, he is also happy to see Zura and Sonia come around the corner, because that means as soon as this walk with Sadaharu is over with, he'll have someone to bother. Not that he's about to express any of that happiness. No, he fully intends on passing them by with a lazy wave and a casual 'yo', except ...

What's this topic of conversation? Who are they talking about? Who's persistent and dense? Is it ...? ]

Did something happen?

[ Because Sonia sure looks quite worried, and Gintoki throws Zura a raised eyebrow that asks something along the lines of what have you roped her into now. ]

[bombdemon]

[ Zurako is about to argue that she's more than capable of taking care of any men who try something, but honestly, she's not that opposed to spending more time with Sonia. Maybe she can even invite her for tea and make the evening last even longer-- ]

I suppose not, but then you should not walk home alone either, yes?

[ Unless she's planning to teleport there or something -- but before she can entertain any further options, there's a flash of familiar white, and whatever excitement she feels about it is quickly dampened by that accusatory look. ]

Not at all! Please don't worry about us.

[ Probably worry a little then, huh. ]

[ She beams a smile, holding onto Sonia a bit more tightly again, and then raises an eyebrow back at Gintoki, staring stubbornly. What do you mean what have I roped her into? I've done nothing of the sort!! ]

[assent]

Perhaps so, but my body... is no longer that of a human's eit--

{ she looks sheepish as she says it, before she recognises gintoki's greeting, her eyes quickly darting between them both, especially when zurako's grip tightens. it doesn't hurt, but the extra pressure is worrying. }

Zurako-san, are you alright?

[permboy]

[ Yeah, not buying that for a second. ]

You know, Zura, when a woman says something like that it just means I gotta worry even more.

[ Spit it out. ]

[bombdemon]

Of course. We're both just fine.

[ Come on, Sonia, she doesn't want to get into the whole Hijikata thing in front of Gintoki! Read the room! Why does the clown to clown communication fail them in the worst possible moment... ]

[ She glowers a little at Gintoki. ]

It's not Zura, it's Zurako. [ testily. ] Sonia-dono is concerned about the safety of our streets, so I was merely reassuring her.

[assent]

{ because she doesn't know why they aren't talking about it--unless this is infidelity?!?! is this why zurako won't talk to her in front of gintoki about it??? she's seen too many soaps, too many stupid scenarios are playing out in her head even if none of this has been confirmed. }

Perhaps so, however, if you tried to stab me with a knife it would not work. My body is rather different to a regular human's now. I am more concerned about you than myself.

closed to sonia; girl night gains another topic uwu

[bombdemon]

[ HANDWAVED ]

[ Sonia escorts Zurako home and stays for some tea and girl talk. Upon her return from the bathroom she finds that Zurako got distracted from her task of putting all of her new labuwus into a designated shelf and instead was playing with the Gintoki and Katsura labuwus making them kiss-- ]

[ There are some defensive excuses ("he's like a brother to me!!") and some very careful inquiries and observations made after which Sonia explains that it is not in fact brotherly to feel this way and after some amount of crashing out Zurako asks her not to tell Gintoki because she's not ready and everything is too complicated!! But she'll totally do it in her own time (she may or may not be saying that just to get Sonia off her back...) ]

[ This in turn leads to Zurako having a few crisises and to Sonia gradually starting a matchmaking quest (subtle for now). ]