Presentsss! [forward-dated to the 20th]

[doyoulikecake]

Seeing as the Fuchizaki "household" (oh yeah, and Molly) are going to be leaving soon for the Christmas Family Reunion in Japan (with a small detour through California), Kaden's taken it on himself to play Santa early, for everyone he knows. Not that he's planning on personally delivering all of these gifts, of course -- most of them he's planned

Comments

[trappedbyhate]

An hour or two after Kaden drops off Mio's gift, this note appears in his journal.

[Locked to Minoru Fuchizaki]

Dear Minoru,

Thank you for the gift basket. Although really, you shouldn't have gone through the trouble. Now I'm obligated to you, and you know how how money is for Wanderers. [It's not even close to what she made at Black Wolf Productions, but Mio makes damn good money by Wanderer standards working for Torchwood. But she's not going to advertise that to Kaden.]

I'm normally a tea drinker, but sure, I'd be up for coffee. I'm pretty busy, but my schedule is pretty flexible overall. Need a break from grading finals? [Why yes, Mio has been doing her research. There are only a limited number of universities in Chicago that would be of the caliber of an AoK.]

You can tell Iris she's free to tag along, if she'd like.

Sincerely,

Mio

[doyoulikecake]

Mio --

You don't have to feel obligated; it's no trouble, really. Though we can consider coffee -- or tea, in your case, as I'm sure any self-respecting coffeeshop will have tea -- to fulfill the obligation if you prefer. :) Could be my treat, if you're that worried about money.

Been talking to my Guardian, have you? I suppose it shouldn't be surprising, given your job and her status. [Her doing her research has somewhat prompted him to poke into her background a little as well]

- Minoru

[trappedbyhate]

Minoru,

I'm afraid cultural indoctrination is a bit difficult to overcome. I feel like I should bring at least a token of my appreciation. And money's not that tight; my pay is more than enough to meet my needs, it's just quite a bit less than I'm used to. I actually need to be considerate of my expenses now, but not so much that I could allow you to treat me after you sent that gift basket.

I've talked to Iris a bit, here and there. She seems rather captivated by you.

--Mio

[doyoulikecake]

Mio --

Well, if you must, I won't protest. Believe me, I know how that is, I just wasn't brought up with that particular bit. :)

I am her ward, albeit artificially, so I guess that's a fairly good excuse for someone to be captivated by someone else. Not that I'd describe her as 'captivated', myself. Just a little idealistic and naive about the whole process.

I'll extend the invitation, though. :) Any particular time for you? With my schedule I don't so much have free time as have to forcibly make it.

- Minoru

Locked

[ripsouthearts]

[Ran never uses the journal, which doesn't make sense, considering what a big troll he is. The narration will have to fix that]

Kaden,

It works very well. I checked it on myself.

I have no money, but you can have an IOU for one assassination of your choice. I can't kill innocents, but who really is in this fucking city?

Ran

[Locked]

[doyoulikecake]

You do realize your name comes with the entries you write in the journals, right? You don't have to sign it twice. :P

It better work well. Damn thing was expensive.

In this city? You'd be surprised.

Re: [Locked]

[ripsouthearts]

Maybe I was trying to follow human mores and be polite by signing my name anyway?

[no. He didn't realise]

I'm going to assume that most people you might want dead aren't. I'm not sure how to rules apply to maiming innocents, but if that's allowed, we could work it into your present.

[Locked]

[doyoulikecake]

What makes you assume I of all people would want someone dead?