[ Video -- 1 ] Week One, Day Five

[sakurabito]

[An image appears, dark eyes peering down coldly at the device that has caused much grief in recent days. While there is no real expression of any kind, his jaw is set, appearing to be weighing his pride against the need. Having never been one to fend for himself, outside of battle, there are many things he doesn't know, and he seems to come to the

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[ Video ]

[ura_no_ura]

[ Oh, another order. Does this guy even know how to ask for things, or does he just always order people around? Kakashi snorts slightly as he watches the video, then decides to respond. He's seen him around the village, keeping mostly to himself. ]

There are a few supply houses around the village. I could show you where they are.

[ Video ]

[sakurabito]

[He'd been in the middle of taking a walk when he made the video, enjoying the scenery, the peace that comes in this place. It's unnerving but soothing at the same time and while they are not the immaculate gardens at the Kuchiki estate, there's a certain wonder that he can appreciate in these surroundings.

When he notices there's a response, he stares for a long moment. The same man who refused him information before... but it's not annoyance he feels. There's something else, a feeling he remembers from once before. There's no rhyme or reason, a sudden rush of something... something that's more than his devotion to Rukia. What... is it?

It's an emotion and emotions must be banished.

But it is not that easy. It's as if he'd be denying something too important.

His expression is blank, but his gaze is not so cold. When he speaks, his tone is not so commanding.]

They are in Hisato?

Re: [ Video ]

[ura_no_ura]

[ This is a surprise, Kakashi idly thinks as he looks at the man (what was his name again? Kuchi-something?) through the screen.

For once he isn't giving an order, isn't looking down at the whole world (or at him) with a haughty expression like he's a king and everyone should bow to him. Carry out his orders.

Maybe he's had a change of heart -- Kakashi doesn't really know. ]

Yes, Hisato has several supply houses -- some are dedicated to different foods, grains and beans. Others are for dried herbs, spices, and teas. There are also some fields with medicinal herbs, if you are familiar with them.

[ He pauses ]

It appears we also have a few armories...

[ Video ]

[sakurabito]

[There's a flutter when that man responds and it's almost as if he'd been waiting just for that voice, because it's the only thing that matters in that moment. He cannot recall that warmth that rushes through, that feeling of... joy? He has no name for it, even though he knows there is one. He tries not to think back. It's so familiar, recognizable, but that's nonsense.

Those feelings for her are much different than this. They must be. Nothing can ever compare to that. He blames it on time--time can make a fool of anyone.

But it does not solve his plight and he stares, bottling all those things up inside, though they threaten to burst, even if there are no words to properly describe it in this moment.]

I have not studied herbs or the like. You will explain them? [It's a mixture, a question, a command. He can't tell the difference. A proper request? That sounds about right.]

An armory. It does not surprise me.

[He hesitates. There have been few times he has ever hesitated, but this is necessary. It is important he phrase things

[Video]

[smiling_umino]

[It is the first person he sees before he even starts his morning; he is looking for tea. Ah, but he knows that tea that helps sleep does not help silence the thoughts that comes while sleeping. If anything, maybe it even helps it.

So he's pretty much just starting his day. And ... he is not sure why Byakuya is ... well, he's ... Iruka feels a flutter, strange and giddy like. The sort he remembers when he had been ... younger

[Video]

[sakurabito]

[Inwardly, he quirks a brow, because... well, it's strange. There is nothing more to it than that. Perhaps it's earlier than he thought, or he has not had adequate rest since he arrived. Umino Iruka had never been much help or much of a hindrance. He had no real disdain for him, no real care. He was simply another face in the crowd. At least this face had a name.

But it's not simply because he has no particular care whether or not he associates with this man. It's the offer that rouses confusion. As far as he knew, this man had little in the way of intentions when it came to helping him beyond what was necessary.]

Is that so? Where may I find this 'Kava' and 'Valerian'? [He chooses to ignore the oddity of his response. Maybe Umino's had too much sugar this morning.]

[ooc: oh iruka... such bad luck]

[Video]

[smiling_umino]

I have been around the fields here and have worked them. I recall seeing Kava in Hisato towards the western fields. And Valerian a little towards the north. I shall -

[There it is again.]

I shall bring it to you! Don't think this happens often! Because you are a new comer and I feel - I feel -

[And there is just a spike of courage. Perhaps the doings of the spell. Go on you can do it!]

I feel that I must help you settle a little bit because no person deserves the shit in this place and damnit, I am in a good mood! So just accept my feelings for you already and live with it!

[Deer in headlights? Check. That last bit came out in rushed half-panicked, half-babbling snap. He had to look away too.]

... that is, where are you? Right now? Uhmmm ...

[Video]

[sakurabito]

[What...?

Byakuya's convinced a part of him is far more tired than he cares to accept. Or maybe, excusing the fact that it's paranoia without a basis, he's just being mocked. He does not take kindly to being mocked, especially on a public network.]

You were not so eager to jump at my whim when last we spoke. Explain yourself.

[It's not that he didn't hear. It's because a 'good mood' is not reason enough for Umino to be willing to come to him. It's because this is strange and he will have his answer. It's because he will not be disrespected and if there's something to be said, it will be said properly.]

[firebendingtea]

...

[Oh, my. That was quite the emotional display Iroh saw, and it was a bit worrying to see such heartbreak and drama. Sad, really, how attraction can appear and disappear, and what happens when it is not returned.]

Are you still in need of assistance? Tea making happens to be one of my specialties, and I've been starting to gather my own supplies around Kusasato. Hopefully, I'll have my tea shop open again soon.

[At least Iroh found, that a good cup of tea did wonders for misunderstandings and soothing emotions.]

[sakurabito]

[A helpful man who appreciated the fine art of tea making. Perhaps there would be one in this world that did not agitate him from the moment they first spoke, a sure sign that something is looking up. Byakuya's authoritative tone doesn't dissipate for this man, though he can appreciate the offer.]

In Kusasato? What is your price?

[Nothing is free, after all.]

[firebendingtea]

Good tea is its own reward.

[It was a stock answer, one of his proverbs, but honestly Iroh hadn't given a thought about it. Between the storehouses and the plants surrounding the town, he didn't have a shortage of food, or anything else. And there was no where to spend any money, anyway. On the other hand, he knew some people hated being in debt to the kindness of a stranger, so he might as well offer an out.]

But if you have anything or a service you can trade, I would accept it. I don't know what would be reasonable -- it's not like there is a market here to spend coins. Or what wouldn't be a burden for you.

[sakurabito]

[He's never had someone answer so carelessly before. When faced with someone of noble breed, they've always waved price off, only to take advantage later on. The response isn't what he respects, but he supposes there is nothing about this place that's like home.]

We can discuss that when I come for it. I will determine what it is worth.