asthehawkflies | [#000] Appointments

[Because it's so unbelievable is why it feels so good. Saori never thought she'd be sharing a picnic with a man she liked...pretty much ever. She'd never really even expected to like a man. Let alone whatever this was. Dating.

Wordlessly, she waved a hand, calling up wind to set up a spread. The basket contains small containers of Japanese soups, steaming dumplings, little balls of chicken, and even some carefully prepared sushi and rice. Japanese food, of course.]

I hope you're alright with eating Japanese. I didn't really think to include sandwiches.

[He laughs softly when she calls up a breeze, using it to set up the food. It was impressive for him, and he liked something about this practical, useful use of magic or whatever it was.]

I will eat pretty much anything. And this looks really good. Thankyou, Saori.

[It certainly beat stale bread and ants.]

I-it's nothing. It's not hard to prepare.

[She can't really help but stammer just a bit at the compliment. She sits up and offers him a small plate, holding it two handed in an oddly domestic gesture, with a slight bow of her head.

Model of manners, this one. And she didn't mind showing this demure side to him.]

But you took the time to make it. [Which counted for a lot in Clint's book. Hell, taking the time to buy him takeout was a big deal. It meant someone cared enough about his appalling eating habits to make him get something substantial.

It was part of why he enjoyed the floor's group meals so much.

He's a little surprised by the gesture, a little awkward, but he smiles as he takes the plate, fingers brushing hers.]

So, where should I start?

Wherever you would like. I tried to pick things that were easy to eat and wouldn't clash. And it should all be familiar food, I wouldn't want to surprise you with anything unpleasant. [She takes up a bowl of food herself, an apple, soup and rice, and slowly begins to eat, watching for his reactions. If he looked uncertain or unsure of something, she'd step in and explain, or try and find something he might like better...]

Well in that case...

[He tries a little bit of everything starting with some of the soup, and mixing things with rice as he feels like. He's never been a picky eater and it all tastes pretty good to him.]

Okay, I am sold on Japanese food. This is great. Really great.

I'm glad you like it. It's all I really know how to cook.

[She smiles somewhat bashfully, looking away. She's obviously quite pleased. Her next question came falteringly, almost like she was embarrassed to ask...]

Um. Adele mentioned to me that you...could sing. And that you liked music. I was wondering if...maybe you would? I will play for you after, if you like.

I can make fairly decent stew. Anything that you can cook for twenty people at a time in one big pot.

[He leans forward a little at that look, setting his plate aside and raising an eyebrow.]

I can sing. I dunno how good I am. I've never been taught or anything. [He looks a little bashful himself.]

But sure, I can manage something. And I'd like to hear you play.

Well...please do. I'd love to hear it. Music is a huge part of my life. And I think it would be lovely to hear you.

[She, in turn reaches around and takes out her shamisen, a three stringed instrument she was very, very fond of.]

In return, I'll play and sing for you. It will be fun.

Alright then. Gimme a second.

[He sips at his drink, considering for a moment while he watches Saori pull out an instrument that he doesn't really recognise. He hums softly for a moment before starting to sing in a low voice.]

Childhood living is easy to do
The things you wanted I bought them for you

[She sips from her own drink, listening to him sing with a very pleased looking smile on her face.]

[Well, Saori looks like she's enjoying it so he continues, voice becoming a bit more confident.]

Graceless lady you know who I am
You know I can't let you slide through my hands
Wild horses, couldn't drag me away
Wild wild horses couldn't drag me away

[She just grins, shifting to better regard him as he sings. She won't interrupt till he's done, and she is definitely happy]

[He reaches the end of the song and stops, giving a soft, awkward laugh, because all he knows is old rock and roll songs and nothing quite so classy as she deserves.]

[She's beaming at him. Old rock is something Yuuna enjoyed, and by extension, Saori had grown to appreciate it.]

That was lovely! Really, really lovely! Adele was right, you do have a lovely singing voice!

[Her smile is pretty infectious and ducks forward to kiss her cheek impulsively.]

I'm glad you think so. It's nothing I've ever really thought about much. I just enjoy it sometimes.

So, I get to hear you play now?

[She beams and kisses him back before he can pull away.]

Of course you do.

[And she begins to play. Slowly, at first, but with a gradually rising in speed and tone. An old tune from her country. She sings in her native language, though his wings would tell him the meaning without difficulty.]

Haru koro no hana no en
Meguru sakazuki kagesashite
Chiyo no matsu ga e wakeideshi
Mukashi no hikari Ima izuko
Mukashi no hikari Ima izuko

Aki jinei no schimo no iro
Nakiyuku kari no kazu misete
Uuru tsurugi ni terisoishi
Mukashi no hikari ima izuko

Ima kojo no yowa no tsuki
Kawaranu hikari ta ga tame zo
Kaki ni nokoru wa tada kazura
Matsu ni uto wa tada arashi

Tenjokage wa kawaranedo
Eiko wa utsuru yo no sugata
Utsusan toteka ima mo nao
Ah! Kojo no yowa no tsuki

[By the time she's finished, Saori's eyes have filled with strong emotions, the song always calling up evocative images of home, an idealized past, and of things she'd never have. She didn't cry, but she was definitely really into the music, and when it was over, she sagged forward a bit, clearly drained, but smiling.

[He knows that she's singing in Japanese, a language that he's never learnt, but he can understand it anyway. Her voice is full of emotion when she sings it, strong enough for him to feel an echo of it. It makes his chest tight, makes tears prick at the corners of his eyes at the beauty of it.

When she falls forward, he leans over, sliding an arm around her to pull her close, and pressing his lips against her hair.]

It's beautiful. Thank you.

[Inadequate words, but perhaps she'll forgive him that.]

[Saori sets the harp down on the blanket and leans into him, turning a bit to embrace him back and face him. Her eyes sparkled, and she couldn't help but huff out the softest laugh.]

Thank you, for listening.

[He hugged her close for a moment, then smiled at her, her laughter making him feel warm.]

I'm glad to. I enjoyed it.

I am glad you did.

[She hugs back, leaning her head against his shoulder.]

Would...you like a massage, Clint?

[She knows it's her birthday, but...something in her feels it's nice to offer. And his back is right there...]

[He looks a little surprised at the offer.]

Are you sure?

[It's a little uncertain. His back is a mess and this is her birthday and...]

I mean, if you want, I'd like that. I really like massages.

Well, would I have offered if I wasn't sure?

[She gives him a long, thoughtful look, and nods once, pushing him down gently]

But you'll owe me one later.

Fair point.

[He lets her push him down, and he hadn't been lying. His shoulders got knotted pretty badly sometimes.]

I'm quite happy to return the favour. Don't worry.

Uh... My back's kind of a mess. Just warning you now. [Not that he thought she'd mind, he just preferred to warn people before.]

I'm sure I've seen worse. Don't worry.

[She peels up his shirt, taking in the mess that was his back with an appraising look. It was torn up, covered in scars, and showed signs of some pretty brutal abuse. Her long fingers trace up and down them, unbothered by it all, and began to knead into various ki lines in his body. Loosening them might take time, but unblocking them would refresh him in a way he might not have known possible. Like acupuncture with her fingers. At first it might feel strange, but after a moment or two, she was certain Clint would begin to feel fresh energy flowing through his entire body.

As she works, she leans over him, speaking near his ear.]

How's that?

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