Irasshaimase !

[bunny_flower]

Characters: Unohana Retsu (bunny_flower, Kamui Shirou (kamui_heaven), Roy Mustang (whenimfuhrer), Ansem (wiser_fool), Kage (mech_logic). [Natsuki Kruger (silber_wolf) and Shizuru Viola (bewitchingtea) can join in at any time if they're available.]
When: Technically, shortly before Mello's death, but after discussing some details with Ginia. Also probably before Renji arrives at the Clinic.
Where: The Clinic.
Rating:I'm

Comments

[whenimfuhrer]

It had been a while since Roy had last been to a casual dinner party - even if the invitations had said 'casual' on the ones he went to of other ranking officers - 'casual' had never been a part of the equation. Of course, in the end he would find them extremely informative, and yet he would be lucrative and unlike the others around him, find other topics to speak of besides those they wished to know. He'd learnt from very early on to play his cards close to his chest

[bunny_flower]

Unohana heard the knock and picked Minazuki up, more by reflex than because she thought there was any danger.

She had not known what to expect, really. So many different people had turned up. She smiled nicely at the young man in some sort of military uniform who wa standing on her doorstep.

"Welcome. I am Captain Unohana Retsu. Do come in," she added, opening the door more widely to reveal the kitchen space.

"This is Kamui Shirou," she said, nodding towards the young man at the stove. "He is our cook for tonight. Can you use chopsticks ?"

[whenimfuhrer]

The Colonel's eyebrow arched slightly when the door was opened, and he inclined his head slightly, allowing himself into the room and instantly finding his gaze searching the kitchen, a smile spread to his lips.

"Unohana, I am Colonel Mustang." He replied softly, his gloved hands immediately finding their way behind his back, curiously watching the teen at the stove, a nod followed as acknowledgement of Kamui's work, before Unohana asked a question and he showed light amusement.

"Chopsticks, Yes. Wonderful." was his light response, looking generally light and rather airy about the whole occasion - he had to play it cool.

[bunny_flower]

Unohana could guess that the military rank was an important one by the way the young man was holding himself, even if it didn't exist in her world.

"I haven't assigned seating, Mustang-san, so feel free to sit wherever you'd like," she said.

All of the other guests had rather gracefully left the head of the table free for the moment, but Unohana could not wait to see how this particular guest would react. His apparent relaxation was at odds with what Unohana knew of new arrivals.

The evening was proving to be interesting. Now if only she could take Kaworu-san off her mind long enough ...

"I will make sure to take some time for you should you have any questions that you'd rather ask in private."

[whenimfuhrer]

Roy wasn't stupid, and because of it was very aware of how other would react to his disposition - of course, he loved walking fine lines - and this was one of the easiest he'd travelled. Another soft nod of his head, and one of his charming smiles latter and he was looking over the table, taking note of the arrangement of patrons.

He said nothing in response to the remark about seating, but at the mention of asking questions in private something about his expression lit up and his smile shifted into something more content than smug.

"I would appreciate the time you can put aside for me. Sorry, do you prefer Unohana?"

[bunny_flower]

"Unohana's fine, Mustang-san. It is my last name, but it is customary to use those with acquaintances where I come from. In fact, it is considered impolite to use first names unless expressly allowed to where I come from."

Just a little teasing note, she could not help it.

"It has been a little hile sinc I have had so many humans under my roof, I must say."

[whenimfuhrer]

Roy listened, and watched with just as much interest as Unohana spoke, taking in what she said with a smile, that light look in his eyes back once more.

"Well then, until expressly allowed, Unohana." He said smoothly, making sure to keep his expression anything but cocky. He'd learnt over the years how to react to different types of people - he had to please many in his plight through the ranks.

Her next sentence came as a slight shock, but again, the need for calm was above all else - it didn't take long for him to process the information, and wit was on his side as usual.

"I suppose we're all the same whilst we're here."

[bunny_flower]

"Unfortunately, Mustang-san, circumstances have proven that we are far from being all the same here, and those of us who are better armed do take the duty of protecting the others seriously ... at least, most do."

She led the way to the table, but slipped a whispered sentence as she did.

"I have questions of my own, Mustang-san."

[whenimfuhrer]

He considered what Unohana said with most of his present mind, looking at her squarely for a moment, watching as he walked by him and hearing quite clearly her words.

Almost instantly he smirked, but it was gone by the time he began to follow her. "and in return for the same i'll answer them as best I can." He responded, inclining his head to her as they arrived at the table, before moving to one of the seats that wasn't at the head of the table and kneeling down there, looking over at her with a meaningful glance before turning his attention the other patrons, his usual charming expression painted on his face.

[bunny_flower]

Unohana went to take the space at the end of the table, which place her right beside him. Everything that there was to seat was on the table, there were bowls an plates for everyone, tea and water were available, an things seem to be getting under way quite rapidly.

"Is this corner of the table private enough for you, Mustang-san ? Or do you wish to stay and help us with the washing-up afterwards ?"

[whenimfuhrer]

His intention hadn't been to find himself sat beside Unohana, although now that he was so close to her he had ears for the conversations cirling in the mean time. The question brought his attention to her thoughts, and he wondered whether she was bothered about finding herself some time when they could chat without any chance of ears.

"That would depend on who else will be listening in."

[bunny_flower]

"I am quite sure that any question you ask can be answered in the presence of all of my guests," Unohana said. "I do not have any secrets for these people. However, I would understand if you'd rather not anwser questions in front of everyone else."

She handed him the first dish with another of her disarming smiles.

"In such times that we have come to know, sharing information is sometimes our best weapon."

[whenimfuhrer]

"Forgive my caution. I come from a world where many of my aquaintances were my enemies." He said clearly, not allowing the attempt at disfigurement of his character.

The disarming smile wasn't as disarming as she'd intended, and he nodded his thanks as he took the first dish, whether the discard of her expression was natural or not was another question.

"I understand, however, I can't help but feel that I should need to remain guarded."

[bunny_flower]

"It is, I assure you, quite understandable. I was not testing you, Mustang-san, but I have been here for a long time. I was most probably one of the first to arrive. Cooperation was the only reason we survived."

She helped herself to the food in another plate as she talked.

"I do not question your caution itself. As a new arrival, you are, quite understandably, on your guard. As for trust, it would be foolish to ask it of anyone who has just been ripped from their world. But hopefully, we will not be strangers for much longer."