The Calm before the Storm

[Kakita Kenji]

The tournament was about to begin. Kenji was nervous, he didn't let on to the outside, but he had to save the event somehow.

He was supposed to clean up, but he didn't do anything more than wiping around lost in thought.

[Kakita Kazuko]

Kazuko, noticing that Kenji has been wiping the same spot for several minutes now, grows worried and approaches him. Perhaps it's nothing more than a particularly troubling stain but the blank look on his face says otherwise. She leans in close and pokes him in the side a couple times, trying to inject some levity into the atmosphere.

"Poke poke, are you awake Kenji? You look a little distracted, how are you feeling?"

[Kakita Kenji]

Startled, Kenji flinched at first before he realized that suddenly Kazuko stood next to him. When he saw her, he had a warm smile on his face. Unfortunately, he hadn't listened. "Uhhhh, hey, how are you?" he asked somewhat lost.

[Kakita Kazuko]

"I'm doing fantastic, Kenji-san. How about you? You look a little distracted today." she repeats

[Kakita Kenji]

"I'm glad to hear. I'm just nervous. I hope the tournament will be fun," he said with a smile. "I mean, Doji-Sensei quit her position as a host and now I have to fill this position. This creates a little bit of pressure, I don't want to disappoint anyone" he spoke freely.

[Kakita Kazuko]

"I'm glad to hear. I'm just nervous. I hope the tournament will be fun," he said with a smile. "I mean, Doji-Sensei quit her position as a host and now I have to fill this position. This creates a little bit of pressure, I don't want to disappoint anyone" he spoke freely.

Kazuko can clearly see how important this is to you, her attitude and posture shifting to reflect the mood. She momentarily ceases all actions to place her hand over yours, squeezing it reassuringly to ensure you're looking her in the eyes.

"Hey, cheer up, this event will be amazing! We've been planning this for days so nothing will go wrong... I don't like the way she treats us anyway... I also made a certificate and some calligraphy for the event, do you want to take a look at it afterwards?"

[Kakita Kenji]

"You did that!" his eyes lit up. "You are a treasure Kazuko-chan" visibly happy he squeezed her hand back.
"Doji-sensei wants to teach us a lesson, I think. We were able to convince her to participate as a guest at the tournament, which wasn't easy, and was mainly achieved by Doji Sakura-san."

He chuckled.

"I didn't think she had it in her to corner a Doji, she's usually so airy-headed"

[Kakita Kazuko]

Kenji's appreciation and delight is reward enough for the time and effort Kazuko spent. Being called treasure is just the cherry on top. A soft smile touches upon her lips as she replays the scene in her head before snapping back to the present.

"Sakura-san stood up to Doji sensei? Now that is something I wish I witnessed firsthand. Who knew she had such a backbone in her? Maybe that Kitsune that keeps following her is rubbing off on her."

She shares a silent giggle with Kenji, imagining the short Sakura berate the ever imposing Doji sensei.

[Kakita Kenji]

"Maybe she's just playing the air-head and is in fact a master of the court," Kenji said with a serious expression on his face. Slowly, a smile crept to his lips before he started giggling.

"But I still have to get something for her. Not only did she make a wonderful art for us, she also calmed Doji-Sensei. Do you have any idea what she might like?" Kenji asked.

[Kakita Kazuko]

"Maybe she's just playing the air-head and is in fact a master of the court," Kenji said with a serious expression on his face. Slowly, a smile crept to his lips before he started giggling.

"But I still have to get something for her. Not only did she make a wonderful art for us, she also calmed Doji-Sensei. Do you have any idea what she might like?" Kenji asked.

"Sakura-san would love anything you give her, but especially crafting equipment. Maybe a gemstone she can work with or some new tools would be helpful?"

[Kakita Kenji]

"None of these are easy to obtain,..... but i could get them until we meet again at the Topaz Championship. I already gave her a Mochi, but it just seems so,..... little, compared to what she did. But the Topaz championship is eight months away...... "

He then realized something different.

"Kazuko-chan, I just realized that we won't see each other for a long time too" he said somewhat sadly and squeezed her hand.

[Kakita Kazuko]

"None of these are easy to obtain,..... but i could get them until we meet again at the Topaz Championship. I already gave her a Mochi, but it just seems so,..... little, compared to what she did. But the Topaz championship is eight months away...... "

He then realized something different.

"Kazuko-chan, I just realized that we won't see each other for a long time too" he said somewhat sadly and squeezed her hand.

"Kenji-san, it's the thought that counts. Sakura is our friend, we don't need to give her something so grand and embarrass her. I'm sure she'll be happy with whatever you come up with."

She smiles wistfully back and looks into his eyes. She shows no sign of regret at the prospect of parting, only a hope that they can make their last days here memorable.

"We're Kakita, maybe we can visit each other before the Topaz tournament... but if we can't, then let's make these last couple days the best ones yet. Speaking of which... meet me in the garden at the hour of the dog on the last day?"

[Kakita Kenji]

"I hope I can show you my home one day, just as I am looking forward to yours" he said with a smile. "Otherwise I'll have to work on my calligraphy."

He looked into her eyes "Of course, there's nothing I'd love more."

[Kakita Kazuko]

"I hope I can show you my home one day, just as I am looking forward to yours" he said with a smile. "Otherwise I'll have to work on my calligraphy."

He looked into her eyes "Of course, there's nothing I'd love more."

Eyes flickering away at the mention of her home, Kazuko imagines what would become of their relationship if her father were to find out now. He certainly wouldn't approve without mother to keep him in check and would much rather use her marriage as a political tool. She frowns in distaste briefly as she imagines being stuck with someone she doesn't enjoy being with simply to appease her father... No! Think happy thoughts, that won't happen! Her smile returns, determined to not let her last days with you be filled with thoughts of anxiety.

"I would be delighted to enjoy your company before the tournament. It would be easier for me to arrange a visit to your home, if you don't mind..."

[Kakita Kenji]

As she turned her gaze for a moment he remembered the events of two days ago when he found her crying. Something was bothering her right now, but this was neither the place nor the time to talk about it.

Whatever it was, Kenji would get the problem out of the way one day. But now he had to make sure she was happy.

"Of course! I think you will get along well with my sisters. We can go feed the koi, and, and, uhh.... I can show you grandfather's armor and the Old Oak and,and,and,....." Kenji started babbling, hoping he could shed some of her troubles.

He wanted her to be happy, and more importantly, that they could be happy together.

[Kakita Kazuko]

Kazuko's tension falls away, staring into your eyes as she envisions performing the aforementioned activities together. At least she can enjoy the moments right now, regardless of what's to come. Those are future Kazuko's problems anyway.

"I would be delighted to do all that with you and more."

[Kakita Kenji]

Kenji raised his hand and stroked her cheek briefly. "I'm looking forward to it, too"
He just stood there with her for a moment. The future was uncertain, but he had set himself a goal and he would do his best to achieve it.

/scene?

[Kakita Kazuko]

/scene