3/27/2005

10:49 PM

Logfile from Gabriel.

 

Gabriel's

Opening from the front facade is a rather simple plate-glass door, banded on one side by a showroom front window giving hint as to what is currently available and trendy at this moment in time for the fashion conscious. Once within, the smell of new fabric and leather mingles with that of jasmine and tea rose.

The flooring is old wood varnished to new glory, but the entryway is set with a stone mosaic in the form of a starburst, both relics from the original building and diligently revived. Pale blue, nearly white, adorns the walls where brick and mortar do not just as the lighting is warm, hopefully inviting patrons to spend some time within. Clothing racks are set here and there along the floor just as the walls as well, a handful of clothing articles to each setting to dismiss any cluttered appearance.

Trendy desires are in evidence, along with that which might be considered more understated and simple in design -or as the proprietor would say: more able to enhance the person wearing the clothing, not the clothing itself. Along the back wall are a trio of changing rooms, and off to the left side is a long counter where transactions can be made.

Obvious exits:

Exit   Stairs

 

Hotohori

From elegance unmeasured to dignity well bound, this young man possesses a stature of rare nobility for all of his six feet in length. Athletic in build and form, an almost imperial subtlety tickles along his every movement and gesture. Long, silken locks of the richest chestnut brown descend with an almost ethereal grace and straightness to mid-back as the golden tawny gaze of his eyes is often partially overshadowed with a persistent forelock. Beyond the obvious aesthetic lines of a face wrought with gentle beauty, there is determination etched along the curve of his jaw and sensual charm imbuing the intensity of his eyes.

Light cotton, white, the shirt he wears fits fairly loosely to him, almost airy in appearance. Keyhole neckline is embellished with embroidery of white-on-white, a wide design that also winds about the cuffs at his wrists and the hem that lightly brushes at his hips. Lace-up fly pants are of a suede tobacco color, fitted low at the waist and slightly flared at the knee where they meet a pair of natural colored boots. His hair is left unbound, dark chestnut locks left to do as they will.

Hotohori appears to be 23 years, 11 months, and 20 days old.

He is awake and looks alert.

 

Houki

Deep purple hair falls in silky strands to her waist whenever freed from their usual long braided plait. Asiatic eyes of dark brown enhance the gentle sweep of high cheekbones and creamy skin, their color set off by slightly arched brows. The up-turn of her nose accompanied by the fullness of her lips set off the delicacy of her features without leaning toward frailty. At five and a half feet in height, she could hardly be considered tall, though that takes nothing away from the natural grace with which she carries herself.

Basic red - both bright and rich - colors the lightweight fabric that makes up the tunic style shirt that she wears, its dense material and long sleeves a concession to the current weather. Intricate embroidery twists about the rounded collar in a mix of gold hues which are then mirrored along the edge of each cuff, giving a touch of style to an otherwise plain garment. Her pants are in the same hue, and end neatly at her ankles, where a pair of black leather ankle booths peek out -- yet more protection from the cold.

Houki appears to be 23 years and 17 days old.

She is awake and looks alert.

 

<%%%===========================<< Background >>============================%%%>

Born in Kyoto, Japan, Sayami Matsuda is part of a long line of temple caretakers on her father's side, following in the Shinto tradition. She is a smart, kind girl, who enjoys and takes pride in her family's lineage as well in her own personal studies. After graduating high school, she left Kyoto to attend Tokyo University where she graduated in good standing. Thanks in part to both her own capabilities and to the wealth of her mother's family, she has come to New York City to attend New York University where she will be working on her doctorate degree in East Asian Studies with the intention of staying in the States to teach.

<%%%=======================================================================%%%>

 

The weather outside is getting worse and worse, but that doesn't keep Sayami from taking a cab to this store. She can only hope it's still open as she stands outside, looking at its front. Address and name match the business card Karen gave her. After years of searching she's finally here. Such a shame to find out they were born in two different countries.

 

At this time of night, and even on a commonly considered holiday such as today, a store such as this should have absolutely no business being open to the public. And, in fact, it is closed, but it is lit up (not to mention door unlocked) bright as anything, and there is movement within. That would be Gabriel, pattering about the place, doing some late evening inventory all by his lonesome. Resting a forearm upon the back counter, he picks through a list, marking this and that off.

 

Sayami is relieved to find the lights on and someone appears to be inside. Knocking insistently on the door, she presses against the glass, shading her eyes and trying to make out the occupant. She might even be chanting a little mantra of 'please let it be him, please let it be him,' silently to herself. She's already made one mistake today, she'd rather not make another. Karen did assure her...

 

Gabriel taps the pencil lightly on the paper, frowns in consideration, checks the laptop and then sighs with weariness. And, well, a little boredom too. Combing fingers back through his hair, he hops off of the stool and with graceful strides (and inventory in hand) moves on to peruse one of the racks closer to the window. "Size 2... 2... fawn, rose... where is the lemon," he murmurs to himself with another sigh. 

 

Sayami 's knocking because louder -- thank goodness for gloves. Oh look, she's waving and yelling,too, in effort to get his attention. "Hotohori-sama! Hotohori-sama!" There is no mistaking this man's appearance. She's fairly confident he doesn't have a twin. Surely Karen would have mentioned that fact if hand. Although she's acutely aware of how odd she must look doing this in the midst of the street and snow, she's not about to wander away denied.

 

Gabriel really wasn't expecting knocking at this time of the evening. He blinks, and finally glances up. Yep, far to engrossed in numbers and well.. chiffons, to pay attention to the outside elements, including whoever might me in them. Tucking the pencil behind his hear and folding the paper in his hand, he squints at the door, unable to see without because of the glare of the lights in the room. "What on earth..." he murmurs. He moves to the door, turning the handle, and opening it with a rather curious look to his features, "Whatever are you doing out in this? Hello?"

 

"Hotohori-sama!" For that instant Sayami forgets her upbringing and her manners, wrapping her arms around Gabriel and hugging him tight. Which of course means getting him wet and cold with the snow that's stuck to her coat and gloves. "I've finally found you. After all the years of trying to track you down, but not knowing exactly where to look and then the omens suggested I should come to the States and this city and Karen said you were here and thank Suzaku I've finally found you!"

Breathe woman, breathe...

 

Gabriel seems to have this ability that includes being glomped on a regular basis. This is apparently one of those times where it is in full effect. All he gets is a flash of hair before he is being squeezed with quite the hug, causing the man to totter back a couple of steps and release the door to close on its own. *thump* "It is nice to know that I've been found..." he answers in utter bewilderment. "But by who..." Although all of the 'hotohori-samas' give him something of an idea by what sort of person he was just found.

 

Sayami pulls back far enough so that he can finally see her face. Despite the fact there's snow drying in her hair and her cheeks are quite pink from the cold, it's still a beautiful face and a familiar one, considering there are two other women in this town to whom she bears a resemblance. "Gomen, gomen! Forgive my forwardness, but you see, I've been searching for you for several years and I only came to this country recently because I was told you and Nuriko would be here. I met Nuriko's sister, Kourin-chan today -- Karen -- and she gave me your business card. I should have called, I know this, but I wanted to see you again so much, Hotohori-sama."

 

Gabriel thought there was something familiar here, just tickling at his senses. His confusion only deepens as she leans back and he can get a good look at her face. Being such a connoisseur of beauty (his own mostly), he can still note the slight aesthetic differences between the girls, and just as easily the familiarity. But all of that is really not all that important, as this is quite a different person in his arms. Eyes grow wider as her words spill out. "You spoke with Kourin?" is all he manages, which is again not all that important right now.

 

"Kourin-Karen, but not Nuriko-Kourin. She told me that Nuriko was a woman now, but I thought Karen was Nuriko you see, because I saw her in a magazine and I was so pleased that she came back as a woman. I discovered I had the wrong woman, but she told me she'd met you and you were here." Here being the store. "I'm Sayami. Matsuda Sayami. I was Houki, Hotohori-sama. Do you not recognize me?" Now she's the one who's confused.

 

Gabriel is hearing a lot of words coming from the young woman, a lot. "Please-please-please," he tries to interrupt, looking a little confused. "I-" But he doesn't get any further from that as the word 'Houki' is spoken. Okay, that stops him cold, eyes opening even more wide than before. "Houki?" he repeats, his eyes riveted upon her, studying her even more closely. "Could it be...?" he speaks slowly, unsure and just a little frustrated.

 

Sayami is bobbing her head quickly. "Hai, hai! It is. I'm Houki. I was part of your seraglio and I looked a lot like Nuriko. She -- He -- and I were very close and I knew his secret. Then he joined you and the other seishi and when Nuriko died, I was there to comfort you. We married, but you died within a month during the battle with Kutou. We had a son, Boushin. I loved you very much and I always believed you cared for me greatly too. I understood your duty had to come first and I was proud of the time we had together." She's full of all kinds of information it seems.

 

Certainly, she also seems to babble quite a bit. So it is during all of this time when Gabe can't get a word in edgewise (not that he is really trying too hard at the moment) that he has a moment to listen to his past spoken of again by another, and try to get his thoughts somewhat together as well. He offers her up a slightly confuzzled smile that barely tickles at his lips. "I... I'm sorry." He finally notices the state of her appearance, trying to take a step back and give her some room. "Let me take your coat, and do come in. Can I get you some tea?" Again, playing for time to try to piece this together.

 

His reluctance -- as Sayami views it -- gives her time to pause and reflect as well. Nibbling at her bottom lip, she nods in silence to his question about tea, shrugging out of her coat and handing it to him. Not sure what to do with her hands, she clasps them together in front of her. "Forgive me, I spoke out of turn and I shouldn't have. I assumed that when Karen said you were here, that you had remembered everything. She said other seishi were here from different gods. Or perhaps..." A sudden blush stains her cheeks. "...perhaps my appearance is unwelcome? I'd been told about my previous life for so long, remembered what I could of it since I was young, that I always thought we'd be reunited. I never thought to consider that you may not feel the same. Oh dear. What I mean to say is that I didn't suddenly show here expecting you to marry me or anything like that. I only wanted to see you again..." But the words won't stop and she can't figure out why. She never had this problem at home on Kyoto.

 

Gabriel takes her coat, turning away to move toward the rear of the store. He closes his eyes for a moment, trying to will something to surface, and being unable to. He murmurs a curse under his breath and tries to school himself into paying attention to her once more. He blinks though, hesitating and looking back at her, looking most apologetic, "Oh, please. I'm so sorry. No, continue. What... you are saying certainly has a ring of truth to it, and your appearance is definitely quite as enchanting, if not more so, than Karen or Kourin. I cannot deny what stands before me, and I don't want to." He sighs, moving to drape her coat over his counter, and then turning to face her fully. He swallows before continuing, and an almost boyish smile starts across his lips, "Well, you've clearly recognized me for Hotohori. You... you really are Houki?" There is a hopefullness there.

 

Sayami takes her own deep breath, willing herself not to go rambling off like the idiot she truly isn't. "Yes, Gabriel, I am. My family take care of a temple shrine in Kyoto. We're trained in the Shinto tradition. There is much understanding of past lives within my family. I was raised to embrace these memories and to fulfill any fate that was cast my way. I've never shied from their implications and I did try to locate you and Nuriko, as I said. You two meant so much to Houki. It seemed only right to see you both again. If anything, I am glad I came. It was worth it to see your beautiful smile once more." She smiles as well, reaching up to gently touch his cheek.

 

Gabriel's frustration shows briefly, in the frown that touches the corners of his mouth and the lowering of his brows. No smile there for a moment. But it is at her touch that a smile does come back to his lips, along with an almost wry comment, "I think I look far better when I smile too." He lingers, and then moves away to start for the tea in the back room. "How did you come to find Karen?"

 

"I wasn't sure if Nuriko would be a male or a female, so I tried to look for both. Then one day I saw a magazine article with Karen's picture. Since she looked exactly like the Kourin I remembered, I thought she was Nuriko. Then I found out she was here in New York and the signs had told me to come here to seek you. I thought everything was falling into place. I located her address and went to visit. That's when I found out the truth." Sayami smiles gently, following after him. "I wanted to see you first before Nuriko, so I came here. Unexpectedly, which is so very rude of me. But, if I may pry, how is it that you know you are Hotohori-sama, but yet you don't remember?"

 

Gabriel looks vaguely embarrassed. He bows his head keeping busy with getting the water heated, but smiling softly as he listens to her. "I can imagine that Karen was quite startled by your visit. What all did she tell you?" He turns about slightly, looking to the young woman. "I... it is hard to say. There are things that I remember, and there are things that I do not, or so I'm told. I suppose you could call them holes in my memory. So, I really do need to apologize if I seem rather... distant. I'm sorry."

 

Sayami shakes her head. "I'm a stranger who has just burst into your store. It's I who should be apologizing. I should have called first. I shouldn't have assumed." Assumed what? That she would be forgotten. A smile is given to Gabriel, a quick mask of her own disappointment. "Karen told me that there were seishi of many gods in the city, that the situation wasn't as clear cut as Suzaku versus Seiryuu, and she asked me to please keep an open mind about what I would find out. I told her I would."

 

Gabriel moves away from the counter and approaches Sayami. He takes a deep breath, and then moves as if to reach for her hands. "Don't apologize. In fact, if anyone were to 'burst' in here, I'd want it to be you, the woman who holds Houki's memories, and looks like her. I'm glad it is you. I... I want to know these things. To fill in these holes, and maybe, if you are willing..." He trails off, frowning. "Or maybe I'm asking too much of you."

 

Sayami reaches out in return, clasping his hands before he can touch hers first. "Ask what you will of me. If it is within my power to grant you, I will. If you wish my assistance in remembering, I will try. We could puzzle through the parts that are missing. We didn't spend a lot of time together, but in the once month we did share all that we could. Even if nothing came of their -- our -- reunion, Houki would not want Hotohori-sama to forget her and the others."

 

Gabriel still looks a little uncomfortable, but her words do help. "You really don't know how much this means to me. I've been... trying to-" He sighs, unable to find the right words to say to describe just how frustrating and difficult it has been. He looks down at her hands for a moment. "I don't want to forget anyone either. There... has been attempts before to try to help me regain my memories, but they have failed."

 

"I'm not sure what help I will have to offer then, but as I said, I am willing to try. You could tell me what has been done? Are you able...is the character upon your neck still there?" Sayami had assumed it must be, if everyone recognized him as Hotohori, but considering the turn of events since she arrived, she's coming to realize that assumptions are not the best thing. "It must be frustrating, ne? To know the truth of something without knowing the reason why you know it for the truth."

 

Gabriel frowns briefly, and then shakes his head. "No. Nor have any of my apparent... powers. From what I have experienced though, there really hasn't been a need for them to happen." Well, other than the odd sword fights with brother dear, but those were something else entirely. Again, he looks a little uneasy, and then chuckles faintly, "Well, you could certainly say it is difficult."

 

Sayami's eyes widen. "But...you are Hotohori-sama. I know you are. I can see it in your eyes. You are the man Houki loved. Every part of her that is within me tells me this to be true and I believe it. If the other seishi are here, then they need you to come back to them. Perhaps not for my sake, but for theirs." She tightens her grip on his hands unconsciously. "Are you happy this way? Do you wish that you weren't Hotohori of the Suzaku no shichiseishi?"

 

Gabriel is rather reassured by her words, and it shows with the strengthening of his smile. "That is quite an interesting question you asked me. I..." He looks a little wry before continuing, "What I am is unsure. And I know that's something that is a huge problem. I want to be confident, sure, and be able to say 'Yes, I am happy to be Hotohori'. It is still just difficult, feeling as if I'm only a shadow, and not even a true one at that."

 

"Surely there must be a reason why your memories have not returned all the way. While I have some knowledge in this, I was never a seishi and I don't have those ingrain powers. I can recite what I know of your life and the life we had together, but perhaps it would be best for you to tell me what you can remember?" Sayami pauses to think, her brow wrinkling in concentration. "I think a good starting point would be to get you to bring forth your character. Are you at all familiar with Eastern philosophies such as martial arts?"

 

 

3/28/2005

08:54 PM

Logfile from Gabriel.

 

 

Gabriel reaches for the pot, moving to pour the water into a pair of cups. He offers one of them to Sayami with a faint smile, and a nod of his head. "The theory of why I don't remember everything has to do with an imposter Hotohori, who was here before me. But, he was discovered and had left. They believe he had somehow taken some of my memories to sort of... prove that he was who he isn't." He grins faintly at his turn of words. "I'm... fairly familiar. But what do you mean?"

 

Sayami doesn't seem to much like the news that there was an imposter. Let alone one that has stolen Gabriel's memories. "Thank you for the tea," she says first, cupping her hands around in gratefully. "The other seishi found out about the imposter then and were able to get rid of him? Do they have any ideas who was behind him? As for knowing martial arts, Hotohori-sama was a skilled fighter and swordsman. Do you know how to handle a sword, Gabriel-san?"

 

Gabriel settles the cup down before looking back across to her. "I believe he simply vanished. And it was not long after that when the others discovered the truth, in that he wasn't who he claimed to be. It was possibly a month or so following that when... well, we I was introduced to the rest of the known Suzaku. I really had no idea until around a year and a half ago... two years. Somewhere around then." Next, he nods his head. "Apparently, I'm a natural when it comes to that, or so I've come to find out."

 

"You've had to use your skills? That you have them is a very good sign. It means that your body and soul remember, even if you mind is having difficulty with the memories. I would have been greatly worried if you had no skill in either." Sayami sips from her tea, letting the steam warm her face before she sets it down beside his. "How did you find out about Houki then? Is that something you have some memory of or were you told by the others?"

 

Gabriel once more leans his forearm onto the counter, leaning forward into a slouch. "I remember the other seishi, but there just feels like the memories are... incomplete, as if I am missing pieces to a puzzle that were just randomly gone. And then there are entire sections gone completely. Such as... Houki. I can only tell you what I am missing, because other people remember these things, and I don't."

 

Sayami is unable to hide her disappoint fast enough. "Oh. I'm missing?" Clearly it's not what she was expecting, although she wasn't exactly sure what she did expect to discover upon meeting Hotohori again. "But you said you remembered the others, so you did recognize Nuriko when you met her again? Karen said she was well. I was glad to hear that. I..." she trails off, gaze falling to the floor. "Gomen. I... I didn't expect that you would have forgotten Houki. Of course I'm a stranger, even if we knew each other well once before. I promise I didn't expect us to be close, but I thought for sure you would remember at least part. I've remembered for a while now and..." Shaking her head quickly, she looks up, eyes suspiciously bright. "I'm not really this foolish."

 

Gabriel winces slightly as he watches her, suddenly feeling very foolish. "I'm sorry. I really am. I /want/ to remember these things. I want to know those people and what happened and I /want/ to be whole. I would also like to throttle the false Hotohori or who or whatever else caused this to happen," he adds ruefully. Looking a touch chagrined, he offers her an apologetic smile as he speaks softly, "I didn't forget her, she was taken from me."

 

"And I'm sure she'd like to come back to you," Sayami replies, her voice equally soft. "She misses her heika. He was such a kind, gentle man. He still is. He's just a bit forgetful at the moment." She gives him a warm smile, quickly wiping at her eyes. "So perhaps he will share some of what he's like now? Karen said you were born in the States? This is your store, so you must be doing well?"

 

Gabriel chuckles softly, giving her a warm grin. "Until that time, I suppose I will simply have to make sure to be around those that are just as eager for me to know her again." He clucks his tongue at her last words, looking a little thoughtful, "Well, /he/ is up to his nose with inventory lists... or possibly just my thumbs. Yes, this is mine. Well, the building is, from roof to basement. An investment. I tried my hand at self-employment, and am making do."

 

"I'm here to work on my doctorate at NYU. East Asian Studies. It seemed appropriate, considering my family's background and my outlying interests." Sayami keeps smiling, visibly relaxing as she picks up her tea again and sips. "It's a nice building and a lovely store. It looks like you have some very nice items." Not that she's done more than glance around briefly, but it's not difficult to tell it's quality merchandise. "Is your family nearby?"

 

And that question was going to be the very next on Gabe's lips: what she does. So he nods his head eagerly at her supplying that information. "Ahhh, its nice to see someone that is actually following through on their education. I only made it through one year." Yes, that is embarrassment there. "It is something you enjoy then? And the program here at NYU is good?" He does shake his head though, "Well, one family is here... my blood family is not. I was born on the west coast. But the family I have here is far more than enough."

 

"I seem to have a knack for school. I do enjoy it. I think that is in large part to the traditions of my family and for my grandparents' generosity," Sayami answers, smiling still. "I have a natural skill with languages it seems. I'm fluent or near-fluent in about eight, mostly Asian languages, but a few ancient ones. I came here because this is where I was going to find you and the others, so I thought I would also continue my education and teach. I was born in Kyoto. I miss my family, but it was important for me to come overseas."

 

Considering how much she talks, Gabe really isn't all that surprised about how many languages she can speak. He does blink though, and manage to look suitably impressed at her accomplishments. "Well, now that you are here, hopefully I can help make your stay more welcome... speaking of, where are you staying? Near the school?" He nods his head though, "And, seeing as you do hold Houki's memories, I have no doubt that you will find a family here as well, just as I have."

 

Sayami nods back to his question. "Not far from the school on East Houston street. It's a lovely little apartment in one of the brownstones. I hope you'll consent to come visit me sometime soon. I can make you a very nice dinner. In fact, I should plan on having the others over when I am able to finally meet them. Chichiri and Tasuki were around quite a bit after everyone else passed on; they were of great service to Konan always. But it's Nuriko I especially want to see again."

 

Gabriel nods his head quickly. "Oh, certainly... I'll probably call them first thing in the morning tomorrow, and I'm sure there will be quite a bit of excitement." He frowns for a moment, and then turns away to reach  for a pad of paper and a pen. "This is the store's address and number... but here *scratch-scratch* is my home phone." He glances over to her, looking beyond an overly-long curtain of hair, "You are to call me at that at any time, /any/. Be it emergency or simply to talk and visit, alright? Please, I want to... help you here." He clears is throat before tearing off the paper and handing it to her. "They'll be overjoyed. I know it."

 

Sayami takes the paper and presses it against her chest, both hands covering it. "But you must promise to do the same. In fact, I could cook for you every night if you wanted? I wouldn't mind the company and it's much easier to cook for two more more than it is for one all the time." The piece of paper is then tucked into a pocket and she reaches for the pen and paper. "May I leave you my contact information in return?"

 

Gabriel offers her a bright smile. "Now, that is something I definitely will do. My refrigerator is full of take-out boxes... I'm not exactly that great of a cook, and it really is no fun cooking for one, that is true." He flashes her a wink, and then startles, pushing over the paper and pen. "I wouldn't let you leave without it."

 

Sayami quickly writes down her address and phone number, explaining, "I don't have a land line, only my cell, but since it's with me all the time, that makes it easier to reach me. I won't be starting classes until the Fall. I wanted to come here early to find you and the others, so don't worry about interrupting my studying or anything of the kind. My family wishes me to focus on the things I need to accomplish, so I don't need to work. Not that I'm afraid to work! I would gladly offer my help here if you wanted. You wouldn't even have to pay me."

 

Gabriel blinks at her, and then smiles, "Now, I'm not sure what to say to that. First you want to cook for me and then you want to help me out here? Why do I have a feeling that I am suddenly taking advantage of you... and being spoiled in the process?" A teasing smile briefly makes an appearance there. "You are simply too good to be true."

 

Sayami blushes at the unexpected compliment, her gaze falling to the ground again. "I'm sorry for being so eager, but I would like us to be friends and I really do want you to remember. At least you don't think I'm some scary Japanese woman who's stalking you..." Suddenly looking up, eyes wide, she quickly asks, "You don't think that, do you? I assure you it's not true and you're more than welcome to contact my family. They will verify everything I have said. They know all about it."

 

Gabriel chuckles, shaking his head from side to side. "I can't say as I've ever been stalked before... well, in this world." He flashes her another teasing wink. "No, I don't think so. I doubt that you would be so eager to see Nuriko and the others if that was so." He smiles and moves to the side, "Let me call a cab for you... that weather is hideous and I want you safe." He hesitates though, looking back at her. "Thank you for seeking me out. It's important to me. This is."

 

"I..." Hesitating for a moment or two, Sayami finally reaches out to give Gabriel a hug. "It's so good to see you in person at last. I couldn't imagine not seeking you out. I'm glad you don't mind. Please, come visit soon and let the others know I'm here. I hope to see them soon too." Self-conscious, she steps back and smiles up at him, unable to resist the urge to brush the hair from his face. "I know we'll be able to make you whole again, Hotohori-sama. I have faith."

 

Gabriel doesn't hesitate in hugging her back, his own faith in this being true and right showing. "Well, if you have faith, then it definitely will be so." Even though she is by all rights a stranger, and there is still always the chance that she could be an imposter, he leans over as if to give her a kiss to her forehead before turning away to make that call.

 

Sayami blushes again, unable to keep from smiling at his words. "It will. Just you wait and see." She is very certain it seems and very determined. Then again, Houki always was a strong-willed, if quiet -- no more! -- woman. A glance out the window shows her the snow still hasn't let up. Good thing he's calling her a cab. Hopefully one will be able to come.