Hello Kitty [ATTN: Dare, Takumi]

[Dare Madison]

Dare smiled and squeezed Taki's shoulder when he said he was dating Izzi. As he was formulating his reply, Lace answered in an odd voice and with a strange facial expression. When she stopped talking she then ran off. Dare frowned and said softly, "I think she has been hurt before."

"Dating is one of those words with multiple meanings and strengths, Taki. You can go on a date with someone you barely know, but if you are dating it implies commitment. If you haven't implied that then it would be okay to go out with another girl. Like if you have only asked for one date. Girls are very sensitive to these things and I think since you said Lia and Izzy are friends, it might not be a good idea. I doubt it would not come up in conversation," Dare advised. He hadn't ever dated himself, but he had watched a lot of that kind of activity among his dad's band mates.

Dare wanted to spend more time talking to Taki about it, to here more about the situation to better advise him, but Lace was inside and upset, so he thought they should rejoin her. "I think we should see if she is all right," he said, squeezing Taki's shoulder, this time softer, less congratulatory than comforting, though it wasn't really like that.

[fryn]

Takumi smiled at Dare as they trailed after Lace. Yes, he trusted Evan's opinion but the two boys - Evan and Dare - were very unalike. Dare was perhaps closer to Taki's own nature, therefore he might be wiser to heed Dare's words a little more than perhaps Evan's? It didn't feel right to actually ask Lia out of a date but he could still have a fun day with her on Saturday... couldn't he? Hanging out together was fine as they had been friends long before he'd even contemplated asking her out.

He ran a hand over his face, wondering as he did so why life was so confusing. He'd see how their first date went and then perhaps be able to discover how committed he should be. After all, for all he knew Izzy viewed this as just a casual evening out and he could very well be making far more of the situation than it warranted.
Drawing in a deep breath he stepped into the shop and looked around, spotting Dare and Lace immediately and over to his right.

Takumi grinned as he watched their enthusiasm, walking over to stand at their backs.

"So... what shall we take for Ginger?" He picked up a fluffy basket. "This might be nice for her to sleep in... but what else do kittens need?" There was so many items on the shelving... and he still had yet to tell his parents about their latest house guest...

[Lace Kellan]

When the boys rejoined her, Lace was already lost in a haze of squeeze toys and kitty litter. Ginger was on full alert at every new thing she was introduced to by Lace. It seemed as though it was a blur whether it was Ginger or Lace who was getting excited about buying pet stuff.

"We should get a scratch post, kitty litter, cat food but only ones that have like a balance of nutrition and proteins since she's practically a new born..." Lace prattled on and on about cat necessities, including food and water bowls, chew toys, a carrier, grooming supplies and some other miscellaneous stuff. She didn't even stop to wonder whether the boys were listening to her as she chose all the things for Ginger's new home.

The more things she added to the collection, the more Ginger perked up. A very patient sales person helped her pick out the best of the best after she specifically noted that money was no object.

By the time she was done with her shopping, she turned to the boys with a huge and satisfied smile, her pale cheeks reddened in a soft excited flush. "Is there anything else you think Ginger might need, Dare? Or Takumi? Since you're going to be the owner of her for now. And please, please don't dress her up in silly cat clothes." She giggled. "Very unbecoming of her. Oh you're going to be so comfortable living with Takumi, Ginger!" She pressed her face into Ginger's soft fur.

[fryn]

Takumi pouted. "No cat clothes? Aww..." He grinned, easily telling Lace he hadn't considered such a concept... Until now. But no, he wouldn't do that to Ginger...

The Japanese youth had put together his own basket of 'essentials' - including the fleecey bed patterned with small prints of cat paws. A fluffy grey mouse was also in there, as was a caterpillar with a hat on its head, complete with a small bell. A tub of catnip and a book called 'Kittens for Dummies' completed his purchases. He paid and went over to join the others.

"I think we have more than enough between us," he stated with a laugh. "If you could take my bag in the car I will lead the way to my home." He couldn't wait to get Ginger settled in her new home... and to share that experience with his two friends. "Izzy will love her," he added as they headed back to their respective modes of transport. She had still to meet Hashi and now she also had the kitten to see.

The ride back home took less than 5 minutes and Takumi parked his Vespa close to the garage door, leaving space for the large limousine. "I will go in first and break the news to kachan," he said and tugging his t-shirt down a little he headed quickly inside...

* * *

Taki was back within seconds, a broad smile etched across his face. "My mother is most happy to have Ginger," he told them. "Please... come inside..."

He stepped back, head dipped slightly and hands clasped in front of him as he invited them into his home. Into Ginger's new home.

[Dare Madison]

Dare basically followed the other two around, though he had bought a bag of puppy treats for Rufus. When they arrived at Taki's house, he found himself getting excited. He had never been in the home of a true Japanese family. He hoped they had decorated traditionally, but he was sure that there would be many interesting things there even if they hadn't.

Dare guided Lace inside first trying to be a gentleman, though truthfully he hadn't much experience with that sort of thing. The kind of women he had met in the past had not expected or even wanted that kind of thing, so he only really knew what he had seen in movies. He was suddenly very glad he was gay and so would only have limited reason to act in such a way. "Taki... is there some special way we should greet your mother? I don't want to offend her," Dare asked before they were fully inside.

[Lace Kellan]

Lace giggled at Takumi's pout. The boy was positively charming. After paying for the things, they got into the car and drove back to Takumi's house, Ginger ran around and around in the limousine only pausing to start biting Lace's exposed ankles. She laughed as it tickled more than anything.

The short ride to Takumi's house suddenly made Lace a bundle of nerves. She had never been to another person's house unless she was with her family. Sure she knew common courtesy but she never thought she had to apply it anywhere where she was not with family.

The feeling got worse when Takumi went inside because he wanted to 'break the news' to his mother. She held on to Dare's hand with one of hers while the other cradled Ginger who was finally calming down. Once Takumi came back with a huge grin on his face, one would think that would calm Lace down but it somehow heightened until Lace was sure she was going to have a heart attack but she was instantly distracted by Dare's chivalry. She gave him a shaky smile and thanked him before stepping in the house apprehensively.

"Should we get the things inside or can that wait?" Lace asked in a whisper.

[fryn]

"Takumi leaned closer to Dare. "She will be happy if you just say hello but if you want to get extra mochi you could bow your head slightly and say 'hajime mashite'... It means I am pleased to meet you."

"Haj..."

"Haj...ime mash...ite," he repeated far more slowly. "But don't worry too much as she speaks English better than I do. The greeting would surprise her though," he added, smiling as Dare repeated the phrase a few times. "Perfect, Dare-kun!" he praised.

He then turned to Lace. "If we just take in Ginger for now we can get the other things later." He looked at Lace and Dare. "Would you like me to go in first?" Two nods answered him and with Dare uttering the greeting again under his breath Takumi stepped into the living room.

Dare wasn't going to be disappointed at the house had been redecorated in a mainly traditional manner. As much as it could be given the building's actual structure. The colour scheme was basic black and white with flashes of red used as highlights and focal points. The flooring was bamboo hardwood throughout with a heavily textured natural fibre tatami mat before the open hearth. Not a scrap of clutter could be seen and dominating the room was a large and low table, surrounded by cushions. In Osaka it would have also had a heater beneath it... a traditional kotatsu... and perhaps they would get one when winter arrived... Takumi hoped so as he loved falling asleep beneath the kotatsu back in their old home.

Back home the doors would have been fusuma and the room would have been particioned with shoji screens - both made from paper and thin strips of dark wood but here the doors were more western but still with a definitely Japanese air to them.

A petit woman came towards them and Takumi smiled dipping his head slightly. "Kachan... these are my friends. Lace and Dare..." he said with a proud smile in their direction.

[Dare Madison]

Takumi's mother made Dare feel large for the first time in his life. He smiled and bowed slightly, saying "Hajime mashite, Takumi's mama-san," in a low voice. "Your house is lovely."

And it was, Dare was very impressed with how balanced and peaceful everything seemed. "I am very honored that Takumi is my friend, your son is a wonderful young man," he said, hoping he wasn't stepping over some line he shouldn't, but he wasn't entirely sure what to say when meeting a friend's mother for the first time as this was the first time he had been invited to someone's home.

[Lace Kellan]

Lace followed how to greet Takumi's mother by silently mouthing the words until she thought she got it right. Stepping further into the house, Lace was astounded by the architecture of the house. Elegant in all its simplicity. "Ginge...look at your new home...isn't it wonderful?" Lace whispered to the sleeping cat.

Her eyes zipped from room to room, not settling on anything for more than two seconds before a new thing caught her eye. Everything seemed to fascinate the girl whose idea of Japanese culture is sushi and anime.

Just as the brown-haired girl was about to gush about how lovely the home was, her eyes paused on a petite woman who couldn't have looked any older than her early thirties.

As Takumi had instructed before, Lace dipped her body and head slightly and uttered the greeting. The motion must have squashed Ginger for she mewled loudly. Lace squeaked before pulling the cat from under her. "Sorry, little kitty!" She gushed, stroking the disgruntled little kitten on her head.

She looked up and smile embarrassedly. "Almost squeezed the little angel to death." She chuckled nervously. "Hi...I'm Lace. This is Ginger." She held up Ginger's tiny paws and waved it at Takumi's mother, hoping she didn't think Lace was kooky.

[fryn]

Sonomi Yoshino was pleasantly surprised by the greetings offered by Takumi's friends. She smiled, clasped her hands before her and dipped her head slightly in response. "Hajime mashite," she replied to first Dare and then repeated the process to Lace. She smiled at them both as Takumi watched on, also very pleased with their initial meeting. His mother would have been happy with a mere 'hello' in English but the added effort they'd taken would warm her heart completely. "I am honoured to have you here... and that you like our home," she added. Takumi had such well-mannered friends. He'd been lucky to find them both and she looked forward to meeting more of them.

Sonomi glanced at the kitten in Lace's arms. "Cats are lucky in our culture, Lace," she said in her softly accented voice. "A home isn't complete without 'Maneki Neko' to provide both fortune and welcome." She straightened slightly. "Matcha, Takumi?"

"Hai, kachan!" he instantly replied and his mother vanished towards the kitchen. "Matcha... a really special green tea. I hope you like it! Now, where shall we set down Ginger? We have time to get the stuff in from the car as it takes a while to make matcha." Things were going even better than he'd hoped!