Skirts Are For Hot Summer Days [Open]

[Ren Mitarai]

[In which TA fails at topic titles...]

It was hot and Ren sighed to himself as he stepped out into the blazing summer air outside of Akihabara station. Curse needing a new mic, and curse actually having a show coming up where he actually needed the blasted thing. Of course, his old one, which he'd had since his days in a band with his two best friends, had broken. It was really just his luck. Smoothing down his red, pleated skirt which had been ruffled by a cool blast of air from the station's doors sliding open behind him again, he started walking. It wasn't long before the whispers started, and he grinned. Even with his usual red contacts replaced by a warm, honey brown, and his black ears being left at home, he was still being recognized by people. Whispers of, 'is that Black Cat?' and squeaks of people sure that they were correct followed him, but rather than calling more attention to himself by confirming who he was, the blond just kept walking. It wouldn't be long before the whispers would fade out. He would be marked as a look-a-like soon enough.

...still, he couldn't help throwing a few winks that had girls and guys alike swooning a little before escaping into the crowds. It was much too hot to be messing around, and it didn't help much that he'd decided to wear a black hoodie of all things, not to mention the acoustic guitar case hanging from his shoulder. Soon, he'd need to stop somewhere for a cold drink. Luckily, he'd just gotten paid at his boring, going no-where job that day, so he had a little extra money to burn.

Making his way to his favourite music store was easy, and it wasn't long before he was walking out, new mic in a bag hanging from his wrist as he decided what to do next. He didn't really feel like going home right that moment, even though it was hot. Tugging the strap of his guitar case a little, he decided that he'd maybe find a nice, quiet (and hopefully air conditioned) cafe somewhere and work on his newest songs. Song-writers were usually quite welcome in little cafes, he'd found. Especially when they added the fact that said song writer was a popular indie idol. He tended to attract crowds and gave places like that some good business... Now it was just a matter of finding one that suited him. Tugging lightly on the chain linked between his lip and ear thoughtfully, he turned and started walking, humming softly under his breath.

[Aina Thorne]

"Hello, Master!" greeted a dirty blonde girl in a maid uniform as she stood in front of a quiet, peaceful little maid cafe, handing out flyers to passersby. "It is quite hot outside, so please do come out of the heat and have yourself something cold to drink!" she exclaimed, bowing politely as she handed out the last of her flyers.

'That's the flyers done...' Aina thought to herself as she courtseyed toward the people passing by and turned to head back in. Being the daughter of a popular toy company, she didn't really have any need for a part time job, but the owner of the cafe was a friend of her aunt's and she was in desperate need of some help. Who was she to say no? Besides, it gave her the perfect excuse to waltz around in a maid costume, and not be any bit out of place. As she headed in, she paused, glancing over her shoulder. That blond coming up... was that who she thought it was? Turning around to face him properly, she saw that it was indeed Black Cat! She used to watch videos of his performances on the internet back home! He looked like he was hot, too. Why not try and pull just one more into the store? After all, it was the Black Cat!

"I beg your pardon, Master," she started, bowing respectfully to him as she approached. "But if you're feeling a bit parched, please do come in and get out of the heat." With that, she turned and opened the door, motioning inside, her head bowed respectfully. With any luck, he'd take the bait and enter the store. She wasn't going to just let the idol walk by without at least trying to lure him into the cafe. Not when it'd give her a chance to wait on him.

[Ren Mitarai]

Ren froze at being addressed as 'master', of all things, looking at the other blonde with a raised eyebrow. Maid dress? Yup, he was standing in front of a maid cafe, and the girl was holding the door open for him. Blinking, he let his lips quirk into a casual, lop-sided grin. "Well, who am I to say no to such a lovely lady?" he replied with a wink, laughing quietly as he accepted her invitation. He couldn't help but let out a brief, relieved sigh as he stepped into the air conditioned building, shifting his guitar case and shopping bag as he looked around. It was wonderfully quiet in the cafe, and despite it being a maid cafe, the place had a nice air to it. It was absolutely charming. He liked it, and was even considering making a return visit before he even sat down. Given that there was a lounge area with comfortable looking chairs and classy tables, this was no surprise. It looked like a nice spot to just sit and relax and he headed straight for it after noting that there was no one sitting there already.

Settling himself in one of the plush chairs, his things set neatly next to him, he pulled off his cat-eared hoodie, revealing an equally black sleaveless t-shirt under it, a pair of red cat-eyes staring out over kanji that read 'kuroneko' screen printed on the front. Sure, it was one of his own shirts, but he was all about self advertising. Plus, it wasn't like he was really looking completely the part today, what with his usual contacts switched out. He could have easily just been a look-a-like. He'd seen enough people dressed up as him lately, after all.

[Aina Thorne]

Aina followed the blond inside, allowing him to take a seat where he wanted as she grabbed a menu. This gave her the opportunity to calm herself down. It was Black Cat. It had to be. He had the right facial features, and he was even carting around his guitar and it looked like he had bought some new equipment, too. She had watched enough videos online while she was back in America, and after coming to Japan, she made a firm effort to make it to his performances whenever she could. If anyone could recognize the real idol among the hordes of his lookalikes, it was her, and he had called her a 'lovely lady' too! She was so happy she could die!

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she turned and made her way to the table and gently lay the menu before him, trying her best not to spaz out again. "Here is your menu, Master. Please let me know if there is anything you'd like," she said, somehow managing to keep her voice calm as she straightened herself and looked at him. It was as she thought. Not only did he look like Black Cat in every way possible, but he also was wearing a band t-shirt. Musical groups often wore their own shirts as self advertisement. There was the possibility that this was a lookalike, but the appearance was so uncanny that she severely doubted it. If it was they got it right down to every last detail, which was something not very many people could do. Well, aside from her that is. When it came to reproducing someone's look and making costumes, she liked to consider herself a pro.

Bringing her mind back to the work at hand, she smiled professionally at the blond before her. "Could I get you anything to drink, Master? Because of the heat, I recommend the frozen lemonade today. It comes in a variety of flavours, which you can find at the bottom of your menu right here." She gently reached forward and indicated the section stating the frozen lemonade flavours. Now all she had to do was wait. He had taken her invitation and now she was able to wait on Black Cat, of all people! Her Fighter, Niato, wouldn't like the thought, but she seriously could die happy right now!

[Niato Xian]

I know it's only getting better

Let's be traditional
And non commissional
Got my elbows down, pinkies up

Smiling as he looked around the shops he wanted to get Aina something this time. After all the last time he tried it didnt end well, he was distracted by having someone ram into him. So this time he was making sure to watch where he was going and not run into anyone because he couldn't afford to be distracted this time.

So as he walked throw a few shops he had to actually stop and think back to the last time the two of them talked. She had mention something about her likes now what were they? Taking a minute he closed his eyes as if he was researching his own brain. thats right she said she liked flowers, music and costumes.

But Niato had no idea what 'costume' he could wear. heck he didnt even know where to get a 'costume' So that was out the question for sure, which left music and flowers... she said she loved zinnia but they didn't show off beauty like her. So he sighed as he looked around the stores.

Just looking at all the different types of music players and holders he wasn't sure which ones Miss. Aina had and which ones she didnt so he walked out the store, not even tempting to ask for help. As he did he spotted a beautiful flower shop not far down the road. Walking in he smiled as the lady welcomed him.

After looking around a bit he walked back out and smiled as he held three pink roses in his hand. Smiling as he couldn't help but to think of there meaning. A pink rose, is a symbol of grace and elegance. Smiling he couldn't help but think this be perfect for his lovely sacrifice.

But the real question was where was she at? He could feel she was around here somewhere but he honestly had no idea where to find her so he started walking around till he could feel his neck tingling. Looking up he seen a cute little cafe shop. Was she in here? or was it just him wanting some more tea. he really did have a craving for it after all.

As he walked in he was a bit surprised to hear the female call him Master. He was about to say something but realized it was a part of her job so he smiled at her sweetly as he spoke. "Ah, thank you.. but by any chance is Miss. Aina throne working here today?" His voice was soft and tender as looked at her. Seeing her nod her head with a giggle he followed after her. So he was right she was working here.. So that meant she be wearing a maid outfit like this nice lady infront him?

that was going to be an interesting thought. As he was lead over to where she was he bowed his head to her after giving a soft 'thank you Miss. Smiling he walked over to her. he had a solid white suit on today. his jacket, under shirt pants and even his shoes was snow white. He had a black ribbon tie around his neck. For once he didnt have on his hat nor his cane.

Instead he had a set of three pink roses in his hand. As he looked over at Aina he noticed how she was acting. The second he looked at her he could easy tell she was trying her best to hide the fact she was practically drooling over this guy infront of him. Looking over him he seen the way he was dressed. Was he really advertising his own self. Just looking at him he wanted to give him a deadly glare that said. 'I will kill you if you touch her.'

But being the gentlemen he was he smiled one his signature smiles. He had a rather charming and sincere smile on his face. "Ah Mi Lady you look extra lovely today. I hope I'm not intruding on your conversion or nothing. But I thought I'd stop by and give you these. When I was walking by the store I caught a glimpse of them in the corner of my eyes. There grace and elegance reminded me so much of you."

He said with a soft smile before bowing his head to the male. "Excuse me for interrupting your order sir." he said with a light laugh trying to show he meant it. Or rather to be kind and admit it was rude of him to do. Smiling as he held the roses out he couldn't help but to wonder if she knew the difference in the colors of the roses.

This one was slightly a darker pink rose which normally meant, "appreciation, gratitude" and "thank you for being in my life"

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Ren Mitarai]

Ren was fighting the urge to laugh as he took stock of the situation at hand. It certainly wasn't any coincidence that this girl had called out to him. The look she was giving him as she handed him the menu was one of pure, fangirl glee. She was one of his fans... and a really cute one at that. The blonde, blue-eyed look was always one that appealed to him. You didn't see that too often in Japan. Smiling a bit more, he accepted the menu, looking it over as he listened to her. The frozen lemonades did sound wonderful... "Hm... the strawberry lemonade sounds nice. Thank you for the suggestion," he replied, setting down the menu. "Oh, and miss? I know it's part of your job to call clients 'master', but I'm kinda not comfortable with it. You can call me Ren," he added before Aina could escape. Sure, he didn't usually give out his real name to fans... but he decided to make an exception for this one. But only his given name. He didn't really feel like giving anyone stalking fodder.

Just after he finished speaking, a rather tall man dressed almost completely in white aproached, giving his pretty waitress flowers as he spoke. Boyfriend, then. When the man turned to address him, Ren shrugged. "It's cool. I have no issues with a guy giving his lovely girlfriend flowers at work," he replied, grinning. "They suit her, too. Good choice." And then he paused, looking between the girl and her flowers before his eyes lit up and he scrabbled for the notebook he had tucked into his guitar case. Pulling it out along with a pencil, he hastily scribbled down a few lines on a page already heavily crowded with hastily scribble lines, some of them scratched out, most unreadable to anyone but him due to his chicken-scratch writing. And then, as if realizing what he'd done, a light blush coloured his cheeks and he laughed somewhat sheepishly. "...sorry 'bout that. Inspiration strikes and I just... have to get it down," he muttered. And this, he reminded himself, was why he didn't go to cafes to work on his music. This was a dumb idea.

[Aina Thorne]

"Hm... the strawberry lemonade sounds nice. Thank you for the suggestion," the other blond replied, setting down the menu and she moved to quickly scribble down his order when she heard his voice again, causing her to look back up. "Oh, and miss? I know it's part of your job to call clients 'master', but I'm kinda not comfortable with it. You can call me Ren."

He just gave her his name. Wow, she must've had something on a number of other fans, now. She smiled brightly, unable to help herself. "Is that so? In that case, Ren-san it is. You may call me Aina in return," she replied, finishing jotting down his order and picking up his menu. She was about to excuse herself to go and prepare Ren's lemonade when suddenly, there was a ticklish feeling at the back of her neck and, startled, she turned to see Niato approaching. Great. He had to appear when she was meeting Ren, the Black Cat. This was going to get complicated real fast, but it was too late to escape.

"Ah Milady, you look extra lovely today. I hope I'm not intruding on your conversation or nothing. But I thought I'd stop by and give you these. When I was walking by the store I caught a glimpse of them in the corner of my eyes. Their grace and elegance reminded me so much of you."

So sly. He came by to spoil her, and he picked a timing where she couldn't exactly escape, too. It didn't help that she had seen how he had looked at Ren, either, and she knew he was jealous. How could she diffuse the situation and cause the least misunderstandings? There were already going to be a number of them, especially since they were drawing attention to themselves again. Why was he so flowery and elegant all the time? Every time she was with him, she could feel the eyes on them, and while she normally didn't mind the attention, it sometimes got to be a bit much. She gently took the roses from him when he offered them to her and she stared down at the bundle of three pink roses, feeling her cheeks heat up slightly as there was a low buzz of murmuring from around the cafe. Great, now they were gossiping as well as staring, too.

However, as a girl who grew up tending to flowers and loving them deeply, she couldn't help but smile a little bit as she stared down at the flowers in her hands. Of course, the meanings of the flowers weren't lost on her. Grace and elegance for the lighter roses, and a very obvious "thank you for being in my life" for the darker one. 'What a charmer,' she thought to herself as she glanced up at him. At least he was a sincere gentleman, even though he was quite charming. It showed that he didn't hide much behind his good looks, which was a very good thing. "Niato-kun... I must admit I'm a bit surprised to see you here today, but... Thank you. These are lovely," she said softly before she heard Ren comment that he had nothing against a guy giving his girlfriend flowers.

What? He thought that she was Niato's girlfriend? She almost whirled around and stared at the other blond in surprise. "W-What? Girlfriend?" she practically squeaked out before she glanced around the cafe. Now that she thought about it, people at that park thought they were a couple, too. Do they really look that way? Sure, they greeted the new year together and then went to the shrine in winter kimono, as promised, and the might've gone flower viewing together in the spring, but neither had come forward and confessed anything to the other, so as far as she was aware, they weren't really a couple, or anything. Besides, even if he complimented her regularly, he was a gentleman and was raised to be that way, and she was his sacrifice, whom he was bound to protect. Did he even feel that way for her?

She was brought out of her thoughts as Ren's eyes suddenly lit up and he immediately dove for a notebook he kept in his guitar case. She watched, a bit taken aback as he started hastily writing down lines on the page, clearly having been struck by some sort of inspiration by something. After a few moments, he seemed to come back to reality and realized what had happened and apologized sheepishly, to which Aina could only chuckle and wave her hand in dismissal. "It's okay, haha. You're an artist, right? You've got to go with the inspiration whenever it hits," she said kindly, hoping to reassure him a bit. "I'm... glad we could help with that?"