2/27/2003

04:09 PM

Logfile from Ichijin.

Empty Room [GRP 1]

Generally speaking, it is nothing more than one of those places where one can go inside and take part is sports that are generally reserved for being outside to do. There is a wall, one very large wall that extends up quite some distance, but it has been covered to look like rock, covered with all kinds of handholds and footholds perfect for those that wish to climb it.

Ichijin

Long and svelte, fair and lean, aquiline features attend the almost aristocratic line of cheekbones and the rebellious tilt of his nose. Mouth is but a tinted slash above a rather strong jaw. Cracked moonlight and shadow have their way with his eyes, dappling irises of malachite with indolent abandon. Brooding rebellion: an ever wayward lock frequently seems to manage to escape the loose plait his long ash-blonde hair is often bound within as a forelock falls negligently over his brow while the rest of his hair descends down to mid-back.

No suits or finely tailored clothes. No, he is in more serviceable wear that doesn't drape or fold with with deliberate elegance. Pants are form-fitting, a dark khaki, and descend to a pair of well-used boots. The shirt he wears is fits close as well, white and short-sleeved. His hair is bound back into that braid of his.

Ichijin appears to be 25 years, 2 months, and 24 days old.

He is awake and looks alert.

Sebastian begins to dial his phone.

Kourin answers her phone.

<Phone> Kourin says, ""Kourin here," she answers, perhaps a little breathless. That's what a martial arts workout will do for you."

<Phone> "Kourin here," she answers, perhaps a little breathless. That's what a martial arts workout will do for you.

<Phone> "Ah, Kourin. It's Sebastian." As if his accented voice alone couldn't be enough to figure out who it is. "I'm not calling you at a bad time am I?" Breathless voice? Oh my.

<Phone> Kourin chuckles, "Nope. I had just walked out of the dojo actually. Still catching my wind after my workup. What's up, Sebastian?" There's a pause as if some internal debate is being held for a handful of seconds. Then she says warmly, "It's good to hear from you."

<Phone> "And delightful to hear your voice as well." A breath, "Ahhhh, not too winded, I trust? And here I was going to offer you another sort of work out, although not quite along that mien. Dash, there goes all of my carefully wrought plans," Seb drawls, deliberate in his 'dramatic' disappointment.

<Phone> Sebastian can't see Kourin's eyes narrow though her voice is tighter when it speaks again, "Workout? Do tell, Sebastian. I'm awfully resilient afterall and it doesn't a lot to truly wind me."

<Phone> Sebastian chuckles softly in response. "Oh, you protest? Somehow I should not be surprised. Alright, Kourin... if you feel you still have a bit of spice left in you, I'd like to you meet me. And hopefully you don't have a fear of heights."

<Phone> Kourin is chuckling again, "Heights? Can't say I do, but it would help if you gave me some idea where to meet you, Sebastian? Then I'll be glad to demonstrate what spice I might have in me still."

<Phone> "Absolutely." Seb rattles off an address. "But I'll have a car waiting at your place if you would prefer that. I'll be waiting."

<Phone> Kourin knows she should say she'll get there on her own, but she doesn't. "Alright, I'll take the car you send. That'll give me a chance to change." She doesn't bother to ask how he knows where she lives.

Of course Seb knows where she lives. That's what all that money and those well-payed minions are for. He has more uses than being just a pretty face. He is settled on a bench just shy of the climbing wall, fingers tugging on the various straps and buckles upon a harness to make sure all is right.

Kourin is dropped at the place and recognizes it, though she's never been in side. When she enters, she's carrying a duffel bag, but at least she's managed to change. "Of course I'm not sure why I bothered to change," she comments upon seeing both Sebastian and the wall. "You do enjoy surprising me, ne?"

Sebastian is still plucking at a strap as she speaks. He blinks, looking back up to her and grinning faintly. "What? You expected me to take you out to the Tavern on the Green or something? A champagne cruise? Maybe a little nefarious kidnapping. No... do you climb?"

Kourin grins, "Actually, I think I'd prefer this sort of situation more than those others. Those others sound a lot like a real date." Her eyes drift up to the wall and she nods, "I can, I'd imagine. Or at least give it a try. Oh, and hey, I have something to give you." She sets her bag next to him on the bench and the thug it makes is odd, considering it /looks/ light the way she carries it. Unzipping the thing slighty, she pulls out a small plastic bag with the unmistakable words 'The Disney Store' written across it. The bag and whatever is inside is passed to Sebastian. Depending on how brave he's feeling, inside he'll find a Pumba plushie. "I saw it and couldn't resist," she claims.

Sebastian doesn't think he has ever passed into The Disney Store in his life. In fact, he has more than likely never breathed air in a Walmart for that matter. He blinks at the plushie, blinks again, and then actually chuckles as he sets it upon the bench. "Cute." Shaking his head from side to side, he moves to stand, flickering her a wry grin. "I think I'll be sure to set it on my chairs. I'm sure my housemates will enjoy it as well." And somewhere on high Homasubi is cringing. "You've never climbed before? I used to spend quite a good deal of time doing it back at home... Alas, it seems as though a faux cliff will have to do for the city."

Kourin gives Sebastian the once over, eyeing him more critically than she has before. "Not just a pretty face then. That'll get you extra points. I should get myself some equipment, ne? Or I could sit here and watch you have at it. Admire the view and such."

Sebastian responds to her look with a challenging grin. "Ah, people like me can use all the help we can get... point-wise." He lifts the blue harness, motioning towards her, "This is for safety, to make sure that incase you do manage to miss a hold, you won't fall." He crouches to spread it on the floor, "Just step into it and I'll fix it for you. And yes... you /will/ be joining me."

Kourin doesn't look like she's about to debate that particular command, though she is decidely amused at the command given to her. Considering she could easily pick him up and throw him to the top of the wall, she's more than willing to step into the harness as indicated. "Alright then, fix it up for me."

Sebastian bends over to pull up the harness around her waist. Yes, reaching around her to make sure all he belts and braces are where they are supposed to be. He moves infront of her, flashing her a knowing grin, before reaching down once more to give the belt a strong pull. "There, all set." He then takes a step away to straighten out his own harness.

Kourin hardly seems bothered by his arms around her or adjusting or whatever they do. It's not as if he's copping a feel. She would notice that. Her own hands give the harness an experimental tug and then she smiles, watching him, "Alright then."

Sebastian smiles and then extends a hand, gesturing to the side and towards the wall. He moves over, attaching a safety rope to his belt, and then another to her's. "Try not to exert too much... strength when you climb. I'd sure hate to have to explain things to the proprietor later." He indicates the wall. Yes, he picked the novice area, just in case. Long fingers curl upon one of the faux ripples in the 'stone' before levering himself up.

Kourin is nodding back to him even as he begins climbing. Stepping forward, she puts a hand on one of the 'rocks', tugging on it carefully. She chuckles, finding it not about to fall off in her hand and pulls herself upwards. So far, so good. "It's not as if I am that strong all the time," she says, once she gains her first foothold. "It's part of my power and requires use of my chi. Though, it does come quickly should I need it. I do, however, possess a decent amount of self-control. More so than my male counterpart I believe. He used to go around hugging and punching people to pieces."

Sebastian chuckles wryly, easily pulling himself up. He glances across to her, "No? Well, control is good." As he very well knows. "But I still had to make sure. You never quite know with seishi." Foot finds something of a hold as he climbs up a little higher, "Well, let me say now that while a man doesn't mind a good hug now and again, at least I won't have to worry too much should I ask you to dance."

Kourin chuckles as she continues her climb, not really finding much trouble to getting from here to there along the hand and foot holds. "Never know about us seishi? Come now, I've seen what you can do and the glee with which you did it. Not to mention that other useful talent of yours. I would say that you could be just as unpredictable and deadly as any seishi I may know. More so, because as an oni of a god I know little about, you have an advantage. Us seishi are always willing, it seems, to give info about ourselves, our lives, and our gods."

Sebastian glances over at her and smiles faintly, "I'm not sure I've ever heard the word 'glee' used to describe an action of mine. That's rather... different." He reaches higher, again easily pulling himself up. "Extroverts? The lot of you? And that is something I find fascinating in itself." He watches her, curious as to her progress. "And no, I'm not one to boast of my talents or bore you to tears about childhood mishaps or my latest business conquest. Mystery, my dear Kourin. Mystery."

"I think I'm beyond wanting to know. Or rather, beyond wanting to repeately ask. Hai, that's more of what I mean. If you ever decided to tell me, I would listen," Kourin says, making her way up the wall. Slower than Sebastian, considering her lack of experience, but she's surefooted at least and her hands seems to be dextrous. Not surprise really. She was never a clutz. That was Miaka. "I can be extroverted enough for both of us, Sebastian."

[

Sebastian clings by fingers and one foothold, turning to the side to look back at Kourin. He grins softly, "I'll be sure to remember that." Although the likelihood of that ever happening is slim to none. Well, unless he feels that different interests would cause him say such. Yeah... "Good. I will enjoy listening to more on your past experiences with the /male/ point of view." Another grin and he is drawing up higher.

2/27/2003

11:54 PM

Logfile from Ichijin.

Kourin watches him and, on her next set of hand holds, pulls herself up without using the foot ones. Just a little bit of her strength added in. She doesn't want to pull the wall down on either of them after all. "Hmm, I'll tell you anything you want to know about my past life. I was an interesting male. More... feminine than I am now actually. It's been odd."

Sebastian blinks down at her, chuckling softly. Now, being buried in a pile of rubble would not be fun at all. In fact, he is pretty sure it'll hurt quite a bit. "Odd? I suppose I'd have to take your word for that, not having been reborn or anything of the kind." It isn't all that much further to the top. He looks back at his own progress, scans for another acceptable hold, and pulls up a little higher.

Kourin concentrates on climbing without cheating and finds herself nearly slipping off the wall. "Shit," she mutters, watching where her fingers actually go this next time. "See, the last time I was pretending to be a woman for a long time. I was part of the Emperor's harem actually and I had the same name. Kourin. Though my birth name was Ryuuen."

Sebastian blinks at the curse, hesitating to glance back down at her. He watches her for a moment until she does get her hold once more. "Oh? A harem? Interesting," he drawls slowly. No sound of sarcasm or anything but true interest. "And as a... man? However did you manage that?" He blinks, chuckles again and then finally reaches the top.

Kourin glances upwards, smiling, "How about I tell you all about it when I finish this and we can get back down to the ground? This was a good idea though. I'd like to keep coming here and doing this." She ducks her head back down and goes about making her way to the top. It doesn't take her that much longer and she's good about finishing using only her strength and not her powers. "There. So, do we just hop on down?"

"Rappel," Seb responds, the safety rope will take you down at a slower pace. He shoots her a grin, "Next time... we'll try you on the slightly more advanced wall. And then, if you show to be rather proficient then that, I'll have to take you out to this delightful little rock down in North Carolina for an afternoon." He nods his head and then releases his hold to bounce down slowly to the floor.

Kourin actually looks a little more unsure about this rappeling thing. She'd almost prefer just to jump down all at once. With a sigh she follows suit and although she manages to do it without mishap, she's not at all comfortable. "I like down better than up, I think," she comments once her feet are on the ground again. "North Carolina? I've never been there."

Sebastian tilts his head up to watch as she comes back down, eyes following her movements 'til she reaches the flooring once more. He greets her with an amused smile, "Most people do. Ah, I was there once last summer. Simply beautiful day. One day I plan on making my way to Devil's Tower... it is in... Wyoming, I believe. A unique climb that would be." A breath, "I'm happy that you at least enjoyed yourself."

Kourin smiles in return, inclining her head in a polite gesture, "Thank you for inviting me and for sharing this with me. I've learned something new about you today and I like that actually. Less mystery, but I think you're still far from being boring, Sebastian. Not to mention I don't think I could find you less attractive."

Sebastian reaches a hand down to remove the safety rope and clip it to a ring along the wall. Fingers continue to work at the belt, removing the safety harness. He smiles at her once more. "Ah, my affinity for climbing? One of the rare enjoyments I get out of life. And... Kourin, you are a shameless flatterer. Continue with that and you might just turn my head." He takes a moment to stretch, looking back at Kourin. "Need help getting out of that?"

"Ah, but what would I do if I did turn that head? Even if I've been told I'm welcome to bring you home to my bed." Kourin winks back at him, her lips quirking into an implish grin as she works the buckles on the harness and gets herself out from its clutches. "I admit, I enjoy teasing you. More than I should."

Sebastian is actually left to blink at her, and then a grin broadens upon his features. "You've been told..." He laughs softly, lowly. "Dare I ask who you talked to about such a thing? Or is this a continuation of our last discussion?" He reaches over to take her harness as well, stepping over to stow it away upon a shelf.

Kourin is chuckling, "No, this one was a new conversation when I tried to explain to Hiro-kun that I was not sleeping with you. His reply was along the lines that it was my life and if I wanted to, he wouldn't object. We keep having the most interesting conversations." The remainder of the talk flashes into memory and she's suddenly frowning, hands balling into fists a moment before she forces herself to relax again. "Damnit."

Sebastian blinks and then blinks again, "Hiro... Hiroshi?" He nods his head slowly, "The teenager?" His grin is wry, "And you discuss these sorts of things with the others. My." He slowly shakes his head from side to side, only to frown slightly to her, "A problem, lady? I haven't kept you overlong, have I?"

Kourin is actually blushing, which is quite the feat. "No, I don't discuss those sorts of things with the others. Not usually with Hiroshi, but he's been upset over things lately and he wanted to make sure he knew how I felt. It's an odd logic, coming from him. He's been rather blunt. We aren't sleeping together and I didn't want him to worry about me and well.. oh hell... How embarrassing." She sits down on the bench and puts her head in her hands, shaking it. When at last she can look up without glowing scarlet she says, "No, it's that... Look, it seems Lexie talked to Trevor and brought you up in the conversation. From what Hiroshi said and didn't say, it seems she implied to Trevor that you and I /are/ having sex and that he should warn me away from you because you're just using me. Which is such a joke, considering we aren't f... er.. having sex and what would you use me for? Information? I don't have anything worth knowing. It's not like I want to redeem you."

As Kourin moves to sit, Seb shifts so that he stands before her. Head cocking to the side, he looks down at the woman, those cultivated features of his drawing into his emotionless stare. He listens quietly, waiting until she is through before answering. "You've no need to be embarrassed, Kourin." He pushes his braid from his shoulder and to his back. "They endeavor to meddle, don't they?" He frowns, and then draws over to take a seat upon the bench next to her, "Clearly this distresses you, Kourin."

Kourin brings her smile back to the forefront, straightening her shoulders. "I'll be fine. You don't need to hear about my problems, Sebastian, gomen. It's something that makes me either want to scream or to laugh. The fact is I don't give a damn if you want to use me. Hell, if you wanted to sleep with me you need only ask. It's just... it's just childish. I figure she didn't know that he and I are already finished. I think I'm more pissed off by the fact that Trevor thought /she/ was telling him the truth. Baka. I miss the man he once was. I am sorry. I know you don't care about this shit."

Sebastian frowns at her as he listens. He reaches over as if to take her chin in his hand, making sure she doesn't turn away as he speaks to her, "No, Kourin. I don't mind at all that you tell me the things that are clearly troubling you, or the things that concern you, or anything else. As I have told you before, I actually enjoy spending time with you, even if you are a seishi." He ends that last with a wink.

Kourin gazes back at Sebastian, her dark gaze narrowing for a brief moment as if she's debating some inner thought or action. She places a hand gently against his shoulder, leaning forward slightly, head tilting and she appears to be about to kiss the man even to the point when her eyes closed. Before contact is made, she stops, eyes opening once more. "Gomen," is said in a whisper. "I'm taking liberties."

Sebastian's own eyes are searching as he watches for her response. He smiles softly, sighs, and reaches over as if to press a finger to her lips, "No, you are not, Kourin. Nor do you need to apologize." Finger removes as he closes the distance with the intent to meet his lips with hers.

Kourin doesn't draw away from the contact but leans forward to meet his lips with her own. Her gaze is once more hidden by closed lids as she savors the contact, the hand at his shoulder brushing upwards to the nape of his neck, resting beneath the weight of his braided hair.

Sebastian smiles softly against her mouth as he pulls back, gently rubbing his fingers over her cheek. "Thank you for accepting me. And for not allowing the gossip of others to disrupt things. I trust all is well then? Or is there something that you require of me?"

"Something I require of you? I'm not sure I understand the nature of the question," she says in return, her fingers finding the line of his braid and brushing along its length. "I had long hair before," Kourin suddenly muses, her gaze drifting to the blonde hair falling from his head. "I had a braid like this one, but I cut it off. I cut it off when I decided to live as a man again. Strange the things that will trigger memories."

Sebastian nods his head slowly, "To make things easier for you, Kourin. If your companions have problems with my visiting with you, I do not wish to make things worse. I know well how difficult it can be to get along with your peers." He reaches over as if to take her hand from his hair and hold it before him. He listens to her once more, a quirk to his lips.

Kourin watches the movement of her hand into his, watches the way her fingers curl over his skin. "It is Hiroshi's opinion that matters to me. He doesn't have a problem with it. He does not question my loyalty. Sebastian?" Her gaze lifts away from their joined hands, settling on his face, eyes unblinking. "Hypothetically speaking, what would happened if I ever asked you into my bed? Since the subject has been brooched and since it's something others are already certain has happened, I'm curious to know."

Sebastian listens and nods his head, "That is understandable. I can tell that the young man clearly means quite a deal to you. As I'm sure you do to him." At her second statement, he frowns for a moment before offering her but the ghost of a smile to his lips. "I would certainly take you up on it, Kourin. You are a beautiful, engaging young woman. A pleasure to be around." His head cocks to the side, "Does that satisfy you?"

Kourin reaches out a finger to touch his mouth, casting her eyes downward to watch her own movements as if she's only a secondhand observer. "You frowned again before saying that. Just like you did that time you kissed me at the club. Tell me why?" Her eyes are upon his again, straightforward in their regard. "Hai, Sebastian. That answer does satisfy me."

Sebastian blinks at her in confusion for a moment, gaze slipping away. In the next breath though he is looking back at her, smile returning, "I suppose I am hesitant to say and do these things to you, Kourin. I do not wish to cause problems with you." Again, he watches her searchingly.

"Wouldn't it cause problems with you too? Hasn't it already?" Kourin asks, her voice growing softer, more quiet as she speaks. "Does it bother you that you find yourself not wishing to cause me any trouble? I've watched you, you know. You don't let much slip without a reason. Tell me to butt out if you want." She pauses then, a slow smile starting. "Tell me to just take you home with me." A wink follows, but the words were said nonetheless.

Sebastian grins wryly. Oh no, the problems will start when he does get home and finds the miko. But, he does shake his head from side to side, "Problems? No." Answered simply. He blinks while he watches Kourin, "As for it bothering me... again, no." But it is at her last words that a smile appears, "Now, that would make for an interesting possibility... to take me home with you."

"Interesting possibility," she echos, laughing delightedly. "That's one way to phrase it, I suppose. There is of course the possibility that you would just be using me, but I suspect it would be mutual. I haven't... I've slept with one man in the months since I quit my former occupation, Sebastian. Granted, you've never treated me like a whore, but considering the things I said to you in the warehouse, I wanted you to know that. I'm not sure why."

Sebastian responds to her laugh with something of an amused smirk, "You were only doing then what you thought you needed to do, Kourin. I well understand that, and you need not have to explain anything of the sort to me. I accept you as you are." But, naturally, he makes absolutely no mention of himself. "But, again, I appreciate you actually telling me, as I'm sure it matters to you."

Kourin nods, "Hai, did does and I seem more than willing in saying all sorts of things about myself. You on the other hand... I don't mind that I know little to nothing about you. I'm not sure why. Hmm, actually I suspect it's because I find it easier to keep things on a easy level this way. Less complicated. Though I suspose discussing sex could make it complicated. Who knows for sure. Though," Again a pause as her gaze meets his, a mischievous smile turning up the corners of her mouth. "What kind of lover are you?"

Sebastian follows along with her conversation quite readily, nodding now and again, offering a low smile. But, you know, at that last part, he blinks and then laughs in response. "My, we do get right down to the basics now, don't we?" Yes, the royal 'we'. "The kind that would like to hope that his partner won't be disappointed afterwards?" No, no blushes. Heck, the idea of Seb blushing is almost taboo.

Sebastian blushing would likely send Kourin running for the hills. "So modest. Is it all an act, she wonders?" Always fun to discuss yourself in the third person. "Now I have to decide, ne? If I should ask you home or not. It's very tempting. You're handsome and charming, in a vague sort of way. You are intelligent and talking to you is easy. Despite the lack of person information provided."

Well, considering the last time Seb's face was a little flushed, he came /extremely/ close to leveling the Elizabeth; So, running for the hills would probably be an advisable thing. "Again with the flattery, Kourin." He follows with a wink, "Grant me one boon and then I shall make a decision for the both of us."

... both of us?"

Kourin arches both eyebrows at him, though her following laughter suggests she's highly amused at the man who would make her decisions. Oh why the hell not, she thinks, nodding her head to him. "Very well. What would you ask of me?" What indeed.

Sebastian grins at her laugher, but waits for her response. Once the okay is given, head heavily bobs before he is reaching over once more, with the intent to take her head in his hands. His kiss this time isn't quite as soft as before, nor devouring, but with a good bit more attention than his previous ones -if you really want to get technical about it. Or, one could just say that his intent here is to leave Kourin with a smooch with heat to it.

Kourin's response has a touch of heat in it as well, responding readily to the embrace Sebastian offers. Part of her mind finds it odd in fact; there's been no denying her attraction to the man, but until this moment the consideration of something more intimate has only been fleeting. Always there is the question of compatibility, of shared desire. Seems her question has been answered.

Sebastian gently though, he pulls away, fingers brushing her hair. "And this is where I leave you, dear Kourin." Yes, you heard that right. "There will be no taking of anyone home this day. Well, that is unless you'd like to try out kidnapping. Having had plenty of experience in that, I would wish you all the luck in getting it to work out." Of course, technically, carried out the kidnapping act, but it is amazing what you get sucked into when you have the profound pleasure of being an oni. He draws up to stand, smiling pleasantly down at her.

Bah. ... technically, he never carried out... o.o

Kourin mmms back at him, not making any move to stand. "Ah yes, a very smart man," she replies, her lips curling upwards. "I think that is the best decision. Perhaps one day, but no, not today." At least she's not feeling rejected. If anything, she looks decidedly relieved. "And as pleasurable as it might be to have you tied to my bed, I think I'll leave off with the kidnapping. I would much prefer to have you come to me willingly."

Sebastian blinks at her, and then chuckles. He offers her a hand to rise, "Smart? I'm not so sure about that at this present moment, so I suppose I'll just have to humor you in that." Moving as if to take her hand, his intention would be to kisse the back of it in what could probably be considered a rather old and courtly gesture, but would be releasing it just as quickly. "I'll be happy to drop you off wherever you need to go. Alright?"

Kourin watches every moment of that gesture from the way his hand holds hers to the way his lips brush against the sensitive flesh. Nothing about it goes unnoticed. If the man offers you nothing verbally, study his actions. "One day," is all she says at first, only nodding to his offer of a ride. At last she smiles, offering, "Home. Thank you."