[It's an honor to be the first to see the café, and it's an honor to have a platform to stand on and recite his poetry. He's wasted no time getting to work on the poem, though he certainly takes his time writing it, giving it all the attention it deserves (because Haru deserves that). His smile is warm.]
[ It makes her proud to hear, unable to contain the swell of pride in her chest.
After all, she said she would work hard for this and ensure the Okumura was restored in one way or another. ]
I thought poetry would be lovely to hear at the launch. I enjoy a good live performance of music and such, but I'd like to think there's something about poetry that would connect and move people.
That's exactly what it should do. [He laughs.] I mean, if I do it right, then...everyone in the room ought to feel something, even if it's not the same thing the person next to them is feeling.
[He seems to catch himself rambling, freezing halfway through a gesticulation. Heat rises to his cheeks, and he laughs again, quieter this time.]
Listen to me. All I mean is... You're right. Poetry is a great way to get everyone connected.
Haru. I'm going to do my absolute best for your opening. I promise you.
[With a firm nod, Neil and Haru are in agreement. He takes the nearest table without much thought, eager to carry on, get straight down to the business that brought them here today. Haru seems to be on the same page about that too.]
As far as I can tell, all I need is you and your wish. Let's...start with something small, maybe.
[ Haru slides into the seat opposite, idly swiping away any specks of dust on the surface, trying to think of something "small" to wish for.
Something simple, perhaps. ]
I wonder... it's hard to think about what I may wish for.
[ There are many things she wants, but the lessons she's been taught have shown her that some things are not meant to be.
Her father can never be brought back, Akira can't stay in Tokyo, the Okumura name is still tainted, albeit back on track...
And with Father's Day approaching, it's not as if she hasn't already sat with these thoughts and emotions, processing it bit by bit. It's not her first Father's Day without hers, but it's a strange sensation to repeat it when it was August for her a few months ago. ]
[Neil's smile is gentle. He nods, encouraging. Haru seems nervous, or...perhaps just hesitant. Neil can't pretend to know why, but he's eager assuage her fears.]
[Neil offers what she's shared the reverence it deserves. He doesn't know much about Haru's father, and he has complicated enough feelings about his own, but it's not as if he doesn't understand loving them, wanting to hold onto those cherished memories. He waits a few moments to see if she'll continue, then, when she doesn't, quietly asks:]
[ When her gaze lifts, Haru's face is pink and bright and flustered, as if revealing this information is some sort of deep and dark secret she's been too afraid to share. ]
Um, yes! I know it's silly, but... we don't get to have meals anymore together and the thought is nice.
[ In her mind, back to the days before Okumura Kunikazu put profit and power before his own flesh and blood. ]
[ Oh, her face is hot and there's a fretful moment that Haru wonders if Neil can see her face, probably red as a tomato now, and if she should bury her face in her hands instead.
The boys in this world are too forthright! ]
Okay! Um...
[ No, Neil is far too polite and properly; he wouldn't do anything so uncalled for with her.
So her hands reach toward his, shaking just a little with anticipation. ]
Like this?
she's so scandalized - are u sure ur not the one from the 50s, haru?
[Having embarrassed her so badly embarrasses him too, and then they're both red-faced, but it's nothing to worry over. He holds her hand loose, friendly - and necessary, he thinks, to really make sure she gets what she's looking for...
[He closes his eyes. He tries to picture a perfectly cooked wagyu dinner - but he tries to leave some of it up to Haru too. He tries to, if he can, bring both their ideas together to create...
[A meal, right there between them on the table. Neil lets go of her hand and straightens in his seat. It looks good. Really good...]
How's that, Haru? [He laughs through his words, gesturing down at the plate.] A small miracle, isn't it? Tell me how it tastes.
Our work, I say. [All said while taking a bite himself indeed.]
Holy-- [Holy nothin'! Watch your tongue, Neil.] It's delicious.
But I mean it, Haru. When I took your hand, I tried to...I don't know...sort of combine our... Magic? Or just...our essence? [He starts laughing at himself.]
Oh, I don't know. I thought we'd work together to make it real. That's all.
[ Since the last time wishes were made, reality got bent in ways it shouldn't have and then there was the entire ordeal with Maruki...
Some lessons could only be taught in pain, which is why she's been holding off on doing much this new ability sweeping across this land. ]
But... thank you, Neil-kun! Yes, good food is nice, but it's nice to be able to share it with a friend. I am usually eating alone at home during the school year.
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no subject
It's brilliant.
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[ It makes her proud to hear, unable to contain the swell of pride in her chest.
After all, she said she would work hard for this and ensure the Okumura was restored in one way or another. ]
I thought poetry would be lovely to hear at the launch. I enjoy a good live performance of music and such, but I'd like to think there's something about poetry that would connect and move people.
no subject
[He seems to catch himself rambling, freezing halfway through a gesticulation. Heat rises to his cheeks, and he laughs again, quieter this time.]
Listen to me. All I mean is... You're right. Poetry is a great way to get everyone connected.
Haru. I'm going to do my absolute best for your opening. I promise you.
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Let's both do our best, shall we?
[ Father couldn't see it, but she would try her hardest anyway.
She then gestures to the room, for any table for Neil to pick. ]
Do you need anything before you grant this wish?
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As far as I can tell, all I need is you and your wish. Let's...start with something small, maybe.
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Something simple, perhaps. ]
I wonder... it's hard to think about what I may wish for.
[ There are many things she wants, but the lessons she's been taught have shown her that some things are not meant to be.
Her father can never be brought back, Akira can't stay in Tokyo, the Okumura name is still tainted, albeit back on track...
And with Father's Day approaching, it's not as if she hasn't already sat with these thoughts and emotions, processing it bit by bit. It's not her first Father's Day without hers, but it's a strange sensation to repeat it when it was August for her a few months ago. ]
... um, I guess there might be something.
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What is it? Tell me.
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It feels so silly, but he seems understanding. Maybe there's no need to beat around the bush with this. ]
A long time ago, Father and I used to sit down and share meals together. On Father's Day we would get wagyu, which was one of his favourites.
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Is that what you'd wish for? That meal?
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Um, yes! I know it's silly, but... we don't get to have meals anymore together and the thought is nice.
[ In her mind, back to the days before Okumura Kunikazu put profit and power before his own flesh and blood. ]
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Here.
[He lays his arm down, palm up, on the table.]
Give me your hand. [He's the sort of person to have a twinkle in their eye when they smile.] It works better that way. Trust me.
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The boys in this world are too forthright! ]
Okay! Um...
[ No, Neil is far too polite and properly; he wouldn't do anything so uncalled for with her.
So her hands reach toward his, shaking just a little with anticipation. ]
Like this?
she's so scandalized - are u sure ur not the one from the 50s, haru?
[He closes his eyes. He tries to picture a perfectly cooked wagyu dinner - but he tries to leave some of it up to Haru too. He tries to, if he can, bring both their ideas together to create...
[A meal, right there between them on the table. Neil lets go of her hand and straightens in his seat. It looks good. Really good...]
How's that, Haru? [He laughs through his words, gesturing down at the plate.] A small miracle, isn't it? Tell me how it tastes.
she may as well be
There's a small gasp, astonished that Neil actually managed to actualize her wish into existence. ]
Oh! You really did it!
[ She looks between Neil and the plate, mouth agape just a little before she realizes how silly she must look and conceals her mouth with her palm. ]
That's amazing... I can't believe this is actually happening.
[ She takes the fork and knife and cuts into a small corner, taking the daintiest bite.
But oh... this tastes good. Her palm presses to her cheek with delight. ]
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Well. How is it?
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[ It's amazing that Neil was able to grant this with such little information.
She nudges the plate toward him then. ]
Please have some. After all, this is your work.
[ She's not sure if it took anything out of him to grant the wish, but to enjoy a meal with someone? Well, that's just another part of her wish. ]
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Holy-- [Holy nothin'! Watch your tongue, Neil.] It's delicious.
But I mean it, Haru. When I took your hand, I tried to...I don't know...sort of combine our... Magic? Or just...our essence? [He starts laughing at himself.]
Oh, I don't know. I thought we'd work together to make it real. That's all.
no subject
[ Since the last time wishes were made, reality got bent in ways it shouldn't have and then there was the entire ordeal with Maruki...
Some lessons could only be taught in pain, which is why she's been holding off on doing much this new ability sweeping across this land. ]
But... thank you, Neil-kun! Yes, good food is nice, but it's nice to be able to share it with a friend. I am usually eating alone at home during the school year.
no subject
If you ever want company, I'll be glad to share a meal, Haru.
wrapped!
Please allow me to do the same for you then! I'm happy to share a meal with you as well.