Yellow Scarves Queen

Saki Mikajima DRRR!! Affiliated with Toshi City

[eyedolising-deactivated20150129]

"Someone tutor me in everything from English to Math."

[mikajimaing]

"I can help with English if you'd like as well as math. What do you need help on?" 

[mikajimaing]

A Familiar Presence

It couldn't be...could it?

Izaya.

[mikajimaing]

*chicken noises*

[ikebxkuro-blog]

There’s a dull pang in Masami’s chest as her other hand goes to rest on Saki’s wheelchair handle. The fact that they both knew what could happen now, and the fact they had both chosen to ignore it…

How terrifying.

Regardless, it’s too late now, and Masami puts up a brave face as she goes to push her ex-girlfriend’s wheelchair through the slippery pavement. Despite any inner turmoil Masami was going through at that moment, she’s able to smile sincerely back at Saki, because in some aspects… she really did miss her.

Everything that happened in Ikebukuro, it haunts Masami, but the times she shared with Saki were bright lights in those dark days. Beating the Squares, gaining turf, having childish celebrations of the conquering of a city that was never truly theirs — it was all fabricated, but it was fun.

The school days where they’d sometimes sneak out or skip a class and meet at the back of the school to go watch a movie or head over to the arcade; the gang days where Masami would stand up on the podium and Saki would recline behind her on that worn couch and listen to her girlfriend’s speech to the gang; the celebratory parties each time the Scarves beat another battle with the Squares. Saki had always been quiet then, clapping a little bit or laughing, but the members respected the brunette just as much as they respected their leader. King and Queen.

Except nowadays it was more like fool and pawn.

It’s bittersweet, this meeting, but they can’t do anything about it now, can they?

"Oh, hey!" Masami chimes in, doing her best to switch her mood around. "Did you check out the food here? It’s pretty expensive, but it’s sooo good. The funnel cake is unbelievable, I can almost feel my arteries clogging!"

[mikajimaing]

Those days were truly something. Now it seemed like a song that she loved with lyrics she could barely remember, something like that. Saki wasn't sure this was supposed to be how they were to meet again. The way she pictured it, Masami would've smiled at her, fondly remembering their past, and move towards an even brighter future. Yet the other was shaking, she was still terrified. Still unable to move on. 

At the mention of food, Saki giggles a bit. 

"Expensive? It's not much more expensive than food back home!" She teases, allowing herself to go with the moment. When would she spend time with Masami like this again? "Can we try it? I'll pay. I got money from my mom before I moved here so I can afford to live a little. Can we try the chicken yakitori and the noodles too? It's getting cold so we'll need to warm up." 

This moment was so oddly deja vu and yet, all new all the same. Maybe it was the snow or maybe the new city but...this time, things were going to be different. For better or for worse. 

[toshiboutique-blog]

                                        ♔ | PRINCESS | ♔

     A new boutique has just opened up in Toshi City’s shopping district. Introducing: PRINCESS, a place where you can find a salon, stylist, and handmade clothes all in one! Whether boy or girl, you can certainly find anything for any occasion! From clothes to makeup to hair, whatever you need, PRINCESS has everything your heart desires! 

     It is currently hiring and looking for staff members! Send in applications through the Submit box! For more information, check out the blog or contact Kuranosuke mun here! 

     Hours of operation:

Sunday: CLOSED 

Mon-Thurs: 12:30-3:30

Friday: 10:00-2:30

Saturday: Appointment only!

[mikajimaing]

Sensei if you'd like, I can show you more interesting ways to die. Want to know how?

[mikajimaing]

*chicken noises*

[mikajimaing]

It seemed Masami was doing well. The other talked so softly, so hesitantly as though she were trying not to hurt Saki. While she appreciated the sentiment, Masami was in no position to be considerate of Saki’s feelings. She was free wasn’t she? She had come to this place to be happy—ah.

But with herself in Masami’s way, the other girl would never grow. Perhaps their meeting was too sudden. She mulled these things over and nodded. “That’s good! I had no doubts. After all, there’s much to appreciate about someone like you Masami-chan. Wherever you go, you bring happiness to people.” She chuckles and pulls out her cell phone, gazing at the screen with a small smile. “Masami-chan, you know, you’re a little too kind.” 

Saki picked her words carefully before placing her phone into her pocket and puts her hands over her wheels. “That sort of thing…is painful isn’t it? Just how long are you going to keep mulling over something so insignificant?” She rolls towards the other, making it seem like she was going to Masami’s side but instead, kept going past the other.

"I’m glad to have seen you again. It makes me so happy to know you haven’t forgotten how to smile but maybe it’d be better if we don’t cross paths after this. Our paths…no longer overlap one another." 

And with that, she keeps going, quietly ignoring the dull ache in her chest. 

[ikebxkuro-blog]

"Don’t call it insignificant!"

That’s what she had wanted to say, but the words are caught in her mouth, squished between the roof of her mouth and her tongue. They almost slip out for a split-second, but the words settle only on her lips and refuse to go any farther.

How could Saki say it was ‘insignificant’, that incident? How could she have the gall to ask why Masami has been mulling over it, when the answer is so obvious? It was Masami’s fault Saki can’t walk, it was Masami’s fault she’s stuck in that wheel chair, it’s Masami’s fault and it would always be her fault. How could Saki brush it off as if Masami had merely spilled a cup of coffee on a table?

It was borderline offensive.

The ex-gang leader can feel her hands in her coat pocket tremble. She can feel that unmistakable knot in her throat that made her feel as if her head would explode, and it takes every ounce of willpower she has to keep the tears from even welling up.

Saki was the selfless one, not Masami. She was the one who was too kind, not Masami. She’s the one who’s opting a way for Masami to escape instead of Masami fighting for an escape route on her own. Saki’s words were nothing but sugarcoated lies landing in Masami’s ears.

For the second time, the blond slams that door of opportunity shut again. She refused to run, even if Saki was the one suggesting the idea. It just wasn’t happening again.

As she turns around, she realizes that this really was the point of no return. Once she got back to Saki, there was little to no chance of backing out again, even if Saki did decide to try and open another door to escape.

"Hey." Masami’s voice is surprisingly even as she steps forward to shoot her hand out and land a firm grip on the handle of Saki’s wheelchair. Little clouds puff from Masami’s hanging mouth as she grappled for words, before she finally continued, softly.

"Your gloves are going to get filthy like that if you keep rolling yourself around, you know? Let’s check out the festival together."

[mikajimaing]

Even in their closeness, Saki and Masami saw things differently. How things unfurled between them, how it ended--while they both arrived at the same conclusion, how they got there was not the same. 

How could Saki ever have blamed Masami? It was Saki's own blindness. The hope the other would come for her, perhaps hoping a certain information broker would also come for her, but harboring that sort of desire was her fault. Her broken leg? It was the price she paid for having given way to such high expectations. Even if Izaya had asked her for something like this, by now, Saki knew what her feelings were. What they had been. Masami was freed from that. Saki couldn't hold her back any longer. 

And if anyone had been truly selfless, it would be the other. She wasn't held back by lies nor was she afraid to express herself. Even if she wasn't honest, at least she had fun. Who was Saki to prevent her from that? 

The feelings that churned away in her stomach made her feel a little bittersweet. She finally got to see the other and she was pushing her away for Masami's own sake. Saki wanted to ignore the selfish desire to just let Masami into her life again. What if she were to get hurt again? Masami had done so much to finally give way and still...

The blonde's voice rang in her ears as she turned her head back to get a good look at the other.

"Masami-chan..." She sighs softly, unsure how to ever up the other. "Well, if you insist. I suppose there isn't much I can do." The girl chuckles and leans back into her chair. If the other wants this--so be it. There was no telling what sort of chaos this was going to lead to. 

[mikajimaing]

*chicken noises*

[ikebxkuro-blog]

Masami has to take a moment to register the name’s Saki had listed off. She was only unfamiliar with one of them— the rest of them were names she’d gotten familiar with over the numerous outings and events Toshi City seemed to be keen on having almost every week.

C-ta was the boy with the fluffy, brown hair, wasn’t it? A friend of Yata’s, and a friend of that Atsuro’s boy as well. She remembers him from playing a round of Cards Against Humanity, and something about stripping, but we won’t get into detail about that. She knew the guy was pretty friendly, though, so she wasn’t surprised he and Saki had hit it off pretty well.

Then there was Shintaro, which was the real surprise here. Masami had met the boy probably just a few weeks ago at that masquerade, but she’d seen him time and time again afterwards, most recently at the Christmas party, and even today briefly at the festival. It was surprising, since the boy was somewhat shy or at least didn’t go out of his way too much to make a friend, so for Saki to have spoken to him and already gotten on good terms—

She was already making herself permanent here.

Whether the brunette knew it or not, she was getting closer and closer back to Masami, and it scared her.

"Ah, I’ve… made a number of new friends, yeah," she finally replies, shifting in her place. "My neighbors are pretty cool, even if we argue. Um… I know Shintaro-kun, he’s very nice. I met this Fei guy last week, he’s sweet, and… yeah, there are a couple of other people."

[mikajimaing]

It seemed Masami was doing well. The other talked so softly, so hesitantly as though she were trying not to hurt Saki. While she appreciated the sentiment, Masami was in no position to be considerate of Saki's feelings. She was free wasn't she? She had come to this place to be happy--ah.

But with herself in Masami's way, the other girl would never grow. Perhaps their meeting was too sudden. She mulled these things over and nodded. "That's good! I had no doubts. After all, there's much to appreciate about someone like you Masami-chan. Wherever you go, you bring happiness to people." She chuckles and pulls out her cell phone, gazing at the screen with a small smile. "Masami-chan, you know, you're a little too kind." 

Saki picked her words carefully before placing her phone into her pocket and puts her hands over her wheels. "That sort of thing...is painful isn't it? Just how long are you going to keep mulling over something so insignificant?" She rolls towards the other, making it seem like she was going to Masami's side but instead, kept going past the other.

"I'm glad to have seen you again. It makes me so happy to know you haven't forgotten how to smile but maybe it'd be better if we don't cross paths after this. Our paths...no longer overlap one another." 

And with that, she keeps going, quietly ignoring the dull ache in her chest. 

[mikajimaing]

*chicken noises*

[ikebxkuro-blog]

Masami physically winces and casts her eyes the other direction, and moves her hands to her coat pockets where her fingers began to curl into fists. She supposes she doesn’t mind seeing Saki, but she does mind seeing Saki in a fucking wheelchair.

It was her fault she was in that thing, wasn’t it? It was her fault her leg broke. It was her fault she was crippled this holiday season. How’d she even get here to Toshi City, anyway? Did she do it all by herself? Packing, getting on the train, leaving? All on that thing? It must’ve been a burden, every step that Saki metaphorically took.

And Masami blamed herself for all of it.

Her attention is captured again when Saki offers that window of opportunity, that one chance to let Masami run with her tail between her legs and excuse herself from this chance meeting all because “she was keeping her friends waiting.”

The fact that Saki herself offered that excuse — she really did know Masami well, didn’t she? She knew she liked to run. She always knew that. But maybe Masami can prove her wrong.

"I actually came alone. I’ve run into a couple of my friends, but they’re all busy doing other things, which is alright. Um, did you come with anybody?"

Or maybe Saki had just trapped her again.

[mikajimaing]

Foolishly prideful as ever. No matter, Saki wasn't one to deny company, no matter the circumstance. She offered Masami a chance and she decided not to take it. It would be her own doing then. Yet while she thought over the idea of pursuing the other, Masami was delicate. There wasn't going over that. She didn't move closer to the other. She kept that invisible wall between them.

"No. I figured I'd take some time for fresh air and go explore on my own. I did make a new friend. Shintaro-kun is very kind and Tidus-kun! Ah, and C-ta-kun too. Everyone has treated me kindly here." She chuckles softly, rubbing her leg a bit before casting her gaze down. "And knowing you Masami-chan, you've made lots of friends already. Are you sure you wouldn't want to see them?"

...in the end, Saki only wished for Masami to be happy. Being here was only going to hinder her from obtaining it, wasn't it? 

[mikajimaing]

*chicken noises*

[ikebxkuro-blog]

Masami is frozen in place, not necessarily held by fear, but held by… something. She can’t describe it, but she’s unwilling to move from her spot. Yet, at the same time, she had this overwhelming desire to run, to turn on her heel, to disappear, to hole herself up in her apartment and not come out for at least two weeks.

Running was something she was good at.

"Saki," she breathes again. There’s another moment of silence until Masami snaps out of her stupor, finally focusing on the other girl’s words and digesting them to come up with an appropriate answer.

"Yeah, it— it ran off," she blurt, then launches into another topic entirely. "I didn’t know you were here, I— Are you visiting? Does your older brother live here or something?"

[mikajimaing]

"..."

Whether Masami knew it or not, Saki hadn't lost her touch in reading others and most especially someone like Masami. After all, they had been close in the past, hadn't they? The mixed feelings in the other's eyes, the way the other girl wanted to leave--for some reason, she knew it all too well. 

At the mention of her older brouther, Saki shakes her head. That's right--Masami didn't know too much about him, did she? 

"No. Nii-san isn't here. I actually moved here just recently...kaa-san said it was okay. I mostly spend time at the hospital." She pats her broken leg with a small smile. Ah, digging up the past weren't they? Maybe she shouldn't. After all, it looked like Masami was about to cry.

"You've come here to see friends right? You shouldn't keep them waiting." 

[mikajimaing]

*chicken noises*

[ikebxkuro-blog]

Masami had been taking snapping pictures from her cell phone to show her neighbors when she returned back to her apartment complex, but her attention is captured by a light voice that—

… That was very familiar.

A look of disbelief passes over the blonde’s expression, and she lowers her camera phone to look at the brunette beside her. Instead of answering her question, Masami murmurs a question of her own.

"Saki?"

[mikajimaing]

Ah. 

Unmistakable blonde hair, a petite figure--how could Saki ever forget, even if she wanted to? She puts the small animal down and turns her wheelchair around completely to take a good look at the other. So, she was here too?

"Well the offer still stands. Although, I think that little chicken ran off somewhere." 

[mikajimaing]

*chicken noises*

Chickens were so warm! Saki was able to actually hold one but they were warmer than she though! Wait--there's a farm around here? Once Saki got better, she'd definitely go take time to see the farmer and his livestock out in the country. 

"Did you want to try and hold it too?"

[apatheticshutin]

A prize.

Shintaro had always been good at shooting games. Be it rigged, not rigged,a  video game, anything that involved shooting. That was why, standing where he was, he shot down the last bottle that helped him to win a gift. Mostly, the gifts were ones for girls and that made him scrunch his nose. He really just wanted to see his score in the game but he figured he may as well take the prize. Someone might want it.

Picking a random bear plushie and shrugging at the stand runner, he took it when it was brought down and handed to him. Too bad Momo wasn’t here, she would’ve loved it. Letting out a small sigh, he tucked the small toy under his arm and set off to the other games around the fair. Moving in line behind someone who seemed to be having a bit of trouble with a different shooting game, he smirked some.

Setting the bear down on the clean counter he motioned for them to walk over then slowly showed them how to work the fake gun, of course, standing a little ways behind. “And that is how you do it.” He mused, nodding at his ‘pupil.’ “Now, show us what you’re made of.” He grinned.

[mikajimaing]

Saki figured she'd take her hand at some games this time around! She'd gotten off easy with just snacking on things and those games where you shoot water to hit the middle target--but an actual shooting game? How exciting!

She took hold of the rifle and tried to help herself onto a taller chair so she could aim properly. If she had stayed in her wheelchair, she definitely wouldn't have hit anything. Soon after, she hears a familiar voice of a person she's been running into way too many times at this fair. 

"Shintaro-kun, fancy meeting you here. Okay, I think I've got it now. Thanks for all your help today. The fair's been so much fun thanks to you." 

[mikajimaing]

Fairgrounds

[apatheticshutin]

Shintaro had noticed the girl in the wheelchair multiple times during his visit through the fair and wondered faintly why she was alone. At her sudden shouting when he found himself near her again, he let out a small chuckle and scratched his cheek. “Yea, I agree.” He mused softly, looking around before he spotted the Ferris wheel as well as the carousel, and other rides. He had yet to go on that ride today and looking at the female, he wondered if she was missing out.

Walking over, and looking just as bit a creep as he felt, though he wasn’t a creep. Promise. He leaned down and looked her in the eyes, red hues glinting in the sunlight. “Would you like to go on a ride with me? I’ll help you on it. We can go on the Ferris Wheel, or the carousel. You seem like you’re being left out and that’s no good.” Sure, he didn’t get out much, but that didn’t make him a total dick.

Besides, the guy needed friends and she looked new and like a nice person to befriend.

[mikajimaing]

When the other approached, she couldn't help but smile. Making friends here at Toshi was relatively easy! Well, with a fair putting them in a good mood, how could it not be?

"You mean it? Hee hee, you sure I won't be too heavy or anything? I wouldn't want to ruin your fair experience if I'm going to hinder you but..." She looks up at the ferris wheel and scratches her cheek sheepishly. "You saw right through me. If you don't mind--I would love to go with you! Oh, my name is Saki by the way. Yours?" 

[mikajimaing]

Fairgrounds

[bokukakkoi-blog]

He hadn’t been staring. On the contrary, it had been her outspoken cheer that caught his attention, in return giving him hers. It’s strange, he thinks, to host a fair ground — with amusement rides and mechanics that could easily crack under the cold — in the middle of winter, but that isn’t what strikes him as strange at the moment.

This girl… really has a peculiar smile, doesn’t she? Surely, her hair works well to accentuate her face, as if positioning a pretty picture in the warmest of painting frames. It’s in his nature to study people, to look past the outer shell, but she’s so patently hidden that it’s comforting.  

"It really is!" He replies with a mirroring enthusiasm,  not only because it’s polite, but because the fair definitely is something to be admired. "Planning on riding anything?"

[mikajimaing]

"I would love to but unfortunately, I might not be able to stand up all too well without crutches. I think I'll pass the rides this year. I really wish I could've gone on a ferris wheel!" She waves off with a gentle smile before rolling herself closer. 

"The weather's been really cold too! It's a good thing a lot of the vendors are selling really warm things to eat." Saki giggles, her mind being consumed by the idea of eating things. And while she let the simple things pass her lips, she already felt as though the other was interesting himself. Call it intuition, being a people person, whatever you'd like- but there seemed to be more than the other was letting off of.

"Ah, I didn't mean to go off like that without even introducing myself. Saki--Saki Mikajima. I just moved here so to have something nice as a fair happen is really a nice welcoming gesture. Toshi City really seems...fun!" 

[mikajimaing]

Fairgrounds

The fair looked like so much fun! Saki couldn't believe she arrived just before something so great! With a thick coat on and some gloves, she somehow managed to push herself into the fair, deciding where she should go next. She picks up a little map so she could figure out what to do first. Maybe eat? Or play some games? 

She would ride rides if she could but...well, seeing as her leg might cause her some problems, Saki felt it would be best to just watch from the sidelines. 

"This place is so great!" She laughs before noticing someone watching her. She straightens herself out and smiles. "Don't you agree?" 

[dragonskinned]

The upcoming fair had sounded interesting, to be honest, but things like that weren’t something Hakuryuu really.. participated in. Unless specifically asked, of course.

And he hadn’t exactly made friends in the city yet, so.. staying home did sound nice enough. It looked cold out.. and, yet, he was tugging a jacket on and heading out..

Maybe taking a peek at this event would satisfy his curiosity.

[mikajimaing]

With the help of kind patrons, Saki was able to make it out of her apartment and right to the location of the fair. She rolled herself along, not minding the work it took to push her wheelchair along. Eventually arriving, she found herself with a young man with a peculiar scar on his face.

"Ah...would you like to get your entry ticket first? I can wait." Saki offers, casting her gaze down as to not stare at the other. How beautiful he looked. She was taken by surprise how light his other eye was. 

[poweryetunknown]

*◤ open; will draw for tips

Neku has taken a liking to people watching in his recent years, so even though fairs weren’t really his thing, he came anyway for that reason. It was one of the few ways he could grab some inspiration to draw, after all.

That was why, instead of lining up with the masses to take part in the many attractions available in the carnival, he was comfortably situated on a bench in the observation deck where the entire Nagaretoshi Fair could be viewed. A black messenger bag, that was normally used as his school bag, was settled right beside him on his left. In his hands, was his sketchbook, his hands mindlessly doodling whatever comes to mind. A tin box of colored pencils sat on his right, as well as a tin can with a piece of paper taped onto its side labels ‘TIPS’.

To be honest, he wasn’t even sure if he was even allowed to do something like this in here. He’s gotten flak about it a few times before back in Shibuya, whenever he was inside somewhere like a mall or in school, but looking for a little pocket change wasn’t a big deal for him. He was moreso just wanting to gain more artistic practice and it was just better for him to draw someone when they’re actually staying still than if they were walking out while he hastily tried to get as much detail in before they got away.

A shadow covered the white sheet of sketch paper that Neku’s eyes had been glued on the entire time. His eyes shifted towards the source once they continued to stand there. His hand automatically shifted towards the mp3 player around his neck to lower down the volume of the music blasting in his headphones.

“Yeah? What’s up?" He placed his sketchbook on down, all attention was all undivided for the stranger in front of him.

[mikajimaing]

"Your drawing," Saki hums thoughtfully, rolling her wheelchair a bit closer to Neku before pulling out a little bit of change. "Could you draw something cute? I've needed things to put around my apartment to make it more lively."

She'd spotted Neku from behind, interested in his large headphones as well as what he was doing out and about here. The fair brought along a lot of people and it was really a sweet sight seeing everyone have fun. Saki would go walking around too if she had the ability to. Hopefully she'd be out of her wheelchair in no time.