[Semi-Closed] Happy Birthday!

[topgun_textiles]

Characters: Naoto Shirogane, Kanji Tatsumi & OPEN to their mishmesh of friends and colleagues, be they SEES, Agency or otherwise!
Location: Death City Heights, Building 6, 1-C
Rating: Varies
Time: April 27th, ~6 PM onward
Description: After the events of this log, Kanji has one last surprise. What's a birthday without friends?



It all started with a text sent to as many as Kanji could muster on such short notice that they were on their way up and to hit the lights and hide. Still sort of reeling from the London trip proper, Kanji couldn't help the little grin to himself. It was kind of amazing how many people were willing to give him a hand with everything; there was no way in hell, he knew, that he'd manage to pull today off on his own.

He held his breath as he played it casual, pushing open the door to a dark apartment. In his head he counted to three... and then, he flipped on the lights.

Comments

[timelessummoner]

So it would seem.

[...Huh. He has never really thought of himself as lucky when it came to his job, especially with his more recent doubts about it, but...]

...We have both been fortunate in that respect, haven't we? Being able to do something we believe in... Few have the same opportunity.

[pishirogane]

[She nods, but then, thinks]

We have our families to thank for that. We found interests in the occupation and they helped us reach this end. Some people don't have such relationships.

[timelessummoner]

[He mulls over that for a bit.]

I honestly can't remember which came first, my interest or the training from my family. Nevertheless, your point still stands.

[pishirogane]

At what age does your training begin?

[Or is that too much to ask]

[timelessummoner]

We are taught about demons and sealing rituals as soon as we are old enough to comprehend them. I must have shown promise from early on -- I was already being prepared to become the next Raidou by the time I was eight or nine. It was not official, exactly, but there seemed to be an unspoken agreement between my teachers.

[He shrugs a bit.] I never really knew about any other options.

[pishirogane]

So, you would have been trained for the next Raidou whether you wanted to or not...

[It sounds like Yukiko's situation where she was being trained to take over the inn, but later came to accept it.]

[timelessummoner]

[He nods.]

Technically speaking I had the option of refusing when I undertook the final trial... but by then it is no longer truly an option.

[pishirogane]

[She nods, understanding. By then, it seems like you would be in deep anyway.]

[timelessummoner]

I suppose I don't really mind. Becoming Raidou gave me the chance to grow stronger and protect people. Even if I could back down now, I can't think of a position that would allow me to accomplish as much as I am now.

[He looks a little somber saying that, but it's true.]

[pishirogane]

Considering your occupation concerns working with and against demons, it's understandable.

[Some cases, not even the police can handle.]

[timelessummoner]

Someone has to do it. [A pause.]

I tried imagining what I would do if I did run away. Just an idle thought I entertained one evening. Considering how often I miss school... [He smiles wanly.] Do you suppose I would make a good rickshaw runner?

[Oh look, Raidou trying to make a joke. He doesn't want to get into the problems he has with his job in the middle of her birthday party.]

[pishirogane]

[Naoto finds this discussion interesting. She has to chuckle]

Rickshaw runner? Possibly, but that's hard to imagine.

[timelessummoner]

I like to think I'm good at running. Although with cars becoming more popular, my career might not last very long.

[pishirogane]

You could consider some form of apprenticeship, or perhaps try getting into engineering.

[Naoto should not be encouraging this line of thought.]

[timelessummoner]

My technical skills would fall short, I'm afraid.

[This is the closest Raidou's ever come to consciously rebelling against what his family wanted of him. Even though it's all hypothetical and highly unlikely to ever happen, just talking about it is thrilling in a way.]

[pishirogane]

... I suppose I could teach you a few things while we're here.

[Might not remember them when he returns home, but hey, something new.]

[timelessummoner]

Would you? I know you are busy with the Agency and SEES. [And having a boyfriend, too.]

[pishirogane]

It's fine. It's something I do in my free time while Kanji sews.

[timelessummoner]

In that case I would be glad to learn. Modern technology tends to go over my head.

[pishirogane]

As long as you're willing to learn, I can teach you, Kuzunoha-san.

[timelessummoner]

I appreciate it, Shirogane-san.

[pishirogane]

[She smiles and nods. Glancing around... oh right, party.]

Did you get some cake?

[timelessummoner]

Ah, not yet. I thought it would be rude if I didn't even talk to you first.

[pishirogane]

I wouldn't have taken offense really.

[What is informal party etiquette?]

[timelessummoner]

Even so.

[You're asking him?]