Been a While (Shiori)

Subject: Been a While (Shiori) Sat May 02, 2009 12:00 am

My shoulder rests against the doorframe separating my bedroom from the living room as I watch the male technician finish setting up my realm 2.0. My arms folded at my chest and an impatient look is on my face as I watch his move through my living room getting the pieces together for what was supposed to be the ‘next big thing.’ The worker with the cable company, Elgoog, seemed plenty talkative; something I did not like, but thankfully he would be gone soon, or so I assumed. He crouches near the right corner of the room in a pair of khaki’s and a Elgoog polo shirt as he continues to ramble on while tinkering with a small device which I suspected was a portion of the realm projection system. Up to this point, I assumed him to be in a conversation with me, though I had not participated in it yet save for the occasional, “I see.” He continues to go on about how he met his girlfriend on realm, and though they’ve never met, they’re supposed to be getting married or something and how he finds all the best deals online. Lil Ghost sits on the ground to my side on his rear as he watches the movements of the male intently.

It was the weekend and I was given the day off from my job at Division 12. Thus far it was a good day, the weather was great this afternoon and it seemed like the night would be fair as well, but I had no major plans for the day. My cell phone rests passively on the bar separating the kitchen and living room. It was mainly only used for work now. After losing my main reason for motivation, I hadn’t done much save for work a part of a team in the employ of the division basically doing my job. I had gotten over the whole, “ghosts can’t possibly exist” phase and entered the “I take care of spirits for my day job… what of it?” phase. At this point I was simply living life; a bachelor with no family, notable friends, or social life. The contrast in my lifestyle led me to recognize just how much of a change Tre and the others brought to my life, but because of their deaths, I probably would not try to get too close to my co workers in the division. Then again, I wasn’t the type to make friends easily. Sticking to myself was just fine enough. I played chess online on occasion and shot at the gun range, but this would be the most conversation I’ve had off duty that didn’t consist of a “mew” as a response. The man continues to speak in the background explaining the woes of online harems. I wondered if guys were really that desperate to go to such a place. Of course, after that thought, I wondered what it was like. Hopefully this would make chess more fun… if such a thing was possible. 505

Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Sat May 02, 2009 12:18 am

"Ah hell," I look at the time and rush out of bed. Yume had gone home for winter break. But I had too much to do to go with her. I would visit on the winter solstice to give her the gift I bought and that was it. I honestly.. Just didn't want to intrude. I love Yume and her family but I wanted her to spend this time enjoying her parents. I nearly trip and I curse again as I stumble into he bathroom, my cell charging on the counter. I look at myself in the mirror and frown. Eww.. I look like I just rolled out of bed, which I did. But still. I look bleh. I walk to the shower and turn the handle, the sound of rushing water instantly filling the small area. I flick the stereo on and find myself relaxing as I pull off the large t-shirt I wore to bed then I shuck off my panties. I drop both articles in the laundry basket and begin to sing to the song play, swaying lightly to the music before stepping under the spray. I shiver at the temperature change before I relax under the hot stream of water. It makes me smile and I feel all the tension melting away. I had to go shopping today now that I was free of Kendo and work. God the finals before winter break nearly murdered me. But again. I passed with high mark, finishing as first in our class. If I hadn't I would have heard from... Grandmother. I tense as I think of her before shake my head and making her go away.

I listen to the music and think a bit. I frown. I haven't had time to call Jyn. Guilt weighs on me. I got so wrapped up in life.. He and I kind of drifted. I sadden further. I really like him still. I wonder.. Is he still single? Do I even stand a chance to be with him again? He was the first guy, other than Takuto, that I feel so free and comfortable with. And we had a lot in common. I cut off the shower as I finish, stepping out and snatching up a dry towel, rubbing it over my body before wringing out my soaked tresses. I sigh and look at my phone. Would Jyn even want a call from me? I mentally slap myself. Pull it together girl. You're not a pussy. You can call a guy without wimping out. Right?

I shake my hand and put my hair up in the towel to help soak up more of the excess water. I glance at the cell again but pass it to head to my room and pull on some clothes. I choose a cute pair of jeans with a black, long sleeved turtle neck. I move back to the bathroom and pull the towel form my hair. I look in the mirror and smile as I fix my hair up into a cute messy bun, allowing strands to frame my delicate features. I then add a cute hair pin into the bun of mistletoe entwined with holly. Got to have the spirit after all. I pause now that I'm done and look at my cell. I chew on my lower lip before finally picking up the cell and unplugging it from its charger.

"To do or die," I whisper as I walk out of the bathroom, hitting speed dial '6' for Jyn. The phone begins to ring. Kami.. Please let me still have a chance. Please.

-600

Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Sat May 02, 2009 2:37 pm

I continue to watch and listen to the Elgoog technical support specialist as he takes his time, pausing from his work to look up and think about the conversation he was forcing upon me. Interrupting a rant about a backdoor that he knew of but would not advise others of using, I interject, “well, I know you must be busy today…” His gaze shifts to me as he smiles reassuringly and comments, “don’t worry, you’re the only call I have until 4.” Internally I sigh and hang my head as I think, “great.” He continues to speak, now about movies or something of that nature. My attention is easily diverted by the sound of my phone vibrating on the surface of the half bar, which separates the living room and kitchen. My shoulder pushes off of the doorframe as I make way over to the phone, reaching for it and opening it as I brought it to my ear. I hadn’t taken the time to look at the number since I was assuming something would happen at work on my day off to call me in. I simply bring the phone to my ear and answer, “This is Jyn” in a casual manner awaiting whomever may be on the other end of the phone. 214

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Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Sat May 02, 2009 11:28 pm

I twirl my finger in a strand of hair that is by my ear, the cell pressed to my other ear and held lightly in my hand. I listen to it ring and chew my lower lip as I wait. What if he found someone else? Kami.. What would I do if I called and he's with that someone? I shake away the thoughts ad then a voice comes and I realize he picked up.

I nearly drop the phone in surprise. But then I smile, his voice still the same. I bunch up my courage again. "Ano.. Konnichi wa, Jyn. It's Shiori..." I paused, stopping in the living room and shifting from foot to foot. "Ano.. I.. Umm.. Gomen for not calling sooner. School and kendo got super busy and umm.." I'm blushing as I talk to him, stuttering stupidly. "It's just.." I sigh and try to relax. "Eto.. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

-156

Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Sun May 03, 2009 10:19 am

Whatever the maintenance guy is talking about is pushed further into the background as a soft voice comes through the phone. It takes me a while to process who it was, but I quickly understand that it is not from work as I had anticipated. It had been a while since I spoke to her. After the day date we lost communication for some time. With the realization that it was Shiori from Moonbucks, my back turns to the maintenance guy and I take a few slow casual steps towards my bed room as I hold the phone to my ear and answer back, “hey… That’s no big deal… No, you’re not disturbing me at all. I wasn’t doing anything of importance.” Since it would probably be redundant to inquire how school and kendo were going, I decide to move on to a simple, “how have you been?” I was curious of the origins of the call out of the blue, but I wouldn’t contest it. I actually found myself quite happy that she had called me all of a sudden. There was a feeling of happy anxiousness that comes to the pit of my stomach as I wondered if she had thought about me in a good way. It felt almost as if I should be saying ‘I’ve missed you’ but then, something like that probably wouldn’t be appropriate given our brief relationship thus far, however it was defined. 240

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Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Sun May 03, 2009 10:52 pm

I hate to say this. BUt I missed the deep baritone of his voice. That date had been so nice. We had talked a lot and I had slowly become addicted to listening to him talk. I know its a bit silly, but I really do like his voice. I sigh in relief as he says I'm not disturbing him. He then makes me smile brightly as he asks how I am.

"I'm doing well. A bit tired from everything. But now I'm relaxed and free from a bit of responsibility for a bit. Especially since my room mate went home for the winter holiday," I say to him as I walk into the kitchen and lean against the counter. "How have you been, Jyn?" I ask, needing to simply listen to him talk. I then blink as I feel my demon blade pulse in my room. Odd. I don't like when it does that. I push off the counter, keeping the cell to my ear as I head for my bedroom to see why my blade is acting up yet again.

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Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Sun May 03, 2009 11:01 pm

A simple question like that invokes thoughts of a much larger answer. How have I been? In theoretic response to that question, thus far I’ve gone through the gambits of ups and downs. In rethinking that statement, it would have to be altered to ‘middles and downs’ since no real ups have occurred. I’ve certainly had a lot of ‘experiences’ between the last times we spoken. The most significant thing would probably be the death of my friends and my new line of work, but she would not be familiar with any of that. Plus she was a normal human and a civilian, so the second half wouldn’t be possible to explain, since normal people do not deal with the supernatural. In times and conversations like these, I found I was more comfortable keeping things simple. Much like the example of the robust service technician that continues to monologue in the background, I knew that too much information could be a social turn off. Keeping with that theme, I simply answer, “I’ve been well.” In some aspects that was a lie, but overall, it was true enough. I continue my statements, augmenting, “I’ve gotten a little busier, but I have the weekends off. Speaking of which, are you doing anything tomorrow night?” It was pretty forward, but so was she when we first met. I had been thinking that perhaps I was too passive with her the last time, which led to the lack of making ground in whatever type of relationship we had. I would take the route of being straightforward for the time being and see how it works. 271

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Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Sun May 03, 2009 11:11 pm

I reach my room as he says he is fine. "That's good," I respond out of habit and pick up my blade, frowning. I then blink at the sudden question. I perk entirely and nearly forget about my blade until it pulses at me in annoyance. I give it a small glare. I cradle the phone between my ear and shoulder as I strap the blade to my hip.

"I would love to do something tomorrow night if you're free to meet somewhere," I chirp happily. "Eto.. Anything you'd like for a winter solstice present? I was gonna get things today.. And um.. I wanted to know if there is anything you'd like at the book store?" I say, knowing I'm being a bit forward by getting him something. But I want to. Also.. I really like Jyn and I want to give him something that shows I'm honestly interested in him and a real relationship with him. He's nice and kind.. And he likes alot of what I like.

The blade pulses again and I nearly curse. Fucking hell. Probably a demon to go and slay. Since when did I become the resident Shiori the fucking demon slayer? Oh that's right. Ever since I got this blade and it enjoys feeding off the life force of other demons. It hums in anger at my thoughts about it. Deal with it, pansy ass blade.

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Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Sun May 03, 2009 11:19 pm

My venture is rewarded with a encouraging answer. I almost fine myself having an “aww” moment when she asks if there was something that I would like for a solstice gift. It was thoughtful of her and sweet; but did that mean that I had to get her something too? What could I possibly get on such short notice? I wasn’t good at things like that. If I got her something she didn’t like, it would be worst than getting her nothing at all. “You don’t have to do something like that,” I begin in my response, but knowing that if I denied a gift it could be considered mean, I amend, “but the new War of the Realms should be out. I’ve been meaning to pick it up.” In a half joking manner I add, “I might need a Realm 2.0 for Dummies too… I just ordered the service it and it’s being set up right now. It took me 2 hours to create that avatar thing on it.” 170

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Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Sun May 03, 2009 11:26 pm

I nearly wilt when he says I don't have to get him anything, but perk back up as he says some things. Laughter then bubbles up as he talks of the newest sensation to hit the streets. I'm tempted. I mean.. Computers are my thing and I remember being 'forced' to try out one of the prototypes when grandmother invited the creator to one of the social dinners. It had alot of kinks but seemed fun. I wonder if I should go get it while I'm out. wouldn't hurt. And I'm sure Yume will have a blast on it if I do.

"You know.. If you need help I can help you, Jyn. I'm quite good with these things. But.. At least I have gift ideas now," I say in a happy tone. "Oh. And don't worry about getting me anything. Really.. I mean it. Going on a date with you again is enough of a gift," I say and quickly blush at my own words. "Eto.. That sounded a bit corny.." I say in an embarrassed voice.

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Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Sun May 03, 2009 11:40 pm

Hmm… There was a choice. She says that I do not have to get her anything, but was that was she really meant? I remember men talking about women and saying that they say one thing while meaning another. Thus far in life, my luck with meaningful relationships wasn’t so great, or rather, instead of luck, effort. Since I had put no real effort into a relationship I wouldn’t get the small idiosyncrasies that existed to be known. Deciding to just take her at her word, I decide I would have to just make it a good date. That concept sucked since I had no clue where I would take her. I had asked her out with no thought into where I would take her. I didn’t like the whole dating concept anyways; I felt it was fake. Two people who were dating generally stopped dating. Dating was the lure and the relationship was the product. It was false advertising in most cases.

“Not at all,” I assure her, “then I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.” There is a pause in the wall of speech behind me and the workman approaches from the side and says, “all finished. I just need you to sign a few papers and then I can walk you through the demo.” I pause for that moment as I give him my attention after a short “one moment” to Shiori as not to be rude. After it is explained, I return in the tone of speaking to her as I say, “I have to go, but I will see you tomorrow night, okay? I can meet you wherever you would like me to pick you up.” I also had a car now, so it made things a bit easier on me. “So is that fine?” 300

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Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Sun May 03, 2009 11:49 pm

I smile a bit even as my blade pulses at me in annoyance, telling me to get my ass moving. Dammit. This blade it being a whiny bitch today. It pulses a bit more harshly as if slapping at me. I hold back a growl and listen to Jyn as a male talks to him. Oh! So he was getting his system set up now. Nice!

I give him a moment and then he speaks to me again. I grin happily. "Hai hai. Just pick me up in front of Moonbucks.." my blade pulses and I nearly hiss as it rubs against my shochou. "Eto.. I have to go also, Jyn. I'll text you later. Okay?"

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Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Mon May 04, 2009 8:48 pm

“Okay,” comes my answer before I disconnect the call. Tomorrow, eh? I would have to have something appropriate thought up before then. I had over 24 several hours to think on it, so I figured that I would come across an idea within one of those hours. My attention turns back to the technician as he hands the papers to me to sign for this new system that may very well end up being a waste of money. Hopefully my off time wouldn’t be so boring as I would be forced to use it as there was no telling what type of weirdos were online. 105

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Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Wed May 13, 2009 7:43 pm

Updated Shiori.

Subject: Re: Been a While (Shiori) Tue May 26, 2009 11:28 am

Updated by Shin.

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