Her manager had informed her of a lot of little things that she shouldn’t forget; wear a nice kimono (was it right over left or the other way around?), show up at 1400 sharp to the cafe, and that her partner’s name would be — oh, that last one was probably pretty important wasn’t it? Oops.
It was a lazy day, couples passed on the street outside, arm in arm as the strolled. Sunlight peeked through drifting clouds, chasing after people as they strolled. Masami watched them, cup of tea in hand as she watched for a face. She wasn’t quite certain what the face was she was looking for, but witches couldn’t be too hard to spot, could they? They’re always so magical really. At least that’s how they always seemed to her in school.
Steam drifted from her cup as she waited, as slow and lazy as anything else was that day. Masami’s kimono was fancy, black with gold lace for trim, embroidered across the shoulders and sleeves with delicate spider lilies, it was, clearly unknown to the girl wearing it, tucked incorrectly with the right side slid over the left. A spread of cookies and small treats sat in the middle of the table, waiting for the arrival of one other person.
Now, if only Masami could remember what her name was.
//... into the dark she stepped, but never did she feel free of the gaze...//
Himiko hadn't liked the idea of being stuck with a partner. It wasn't just that it was someone else to share the spotlight with, but it was someone else who she had to deal with on the battlefield. Okay it was mainly about sharing the spotlight, but Himiko had been persuaded to look at it from a different angle, of twice the star power. She reluctantly agreed, internally laying the condition that her new partner couldn't surpass her.
So she strolled to the arranged meeting place, dressed a bit more formally than she normally did. Her sequined dress glittered in the light, ending around her thighs. She enjoyed the feeling of the sun on her bare arms and the exposed part of her back. A little prism necklace rested against her chest; a reminder of who she was and a promise to herself. This new partner wouldn't outshine her, nobody could. She was Himiko Yamaguchi, she was Iris, she was– at the cafe. Himiko stepped inside, idly searching for her new partner. Eventually she spotted a girl in a very fancy black and gold kimono, beautifully embroidered, that was absolutely tucked the wrong way. There was a spread of confections in front of her, as if she was waiting for someone.
"Masami Takemoto?" Himiko asked tentatively, unsure if this sleepy girl who looked as though there wasn't a single thought in her head could really be her partner.