[Open Post] Momijigari (Maple leaf-viewing)

[cute_shinigami]

The days are getting colder and shorter, and when he hasn't been napping on the couch or reading Anne Rice novels, Tsuzuki has been at work raking leaves on the garden paths and the lawns

Comments

[sweariwontdie]

Armand has mostly been too busy for melancholy, trying to put the flowerbeds to rights for winter, but his thoughts often return to the shinigami with the beautiful sad eyes. He's almost unaware that many people consider him too sad and solemn too. He doesn't feel sad at the moment--he's engaged to Karla, actually engaged--but he's worried about Tsuzuki.

But he smiles to see him out of doors, looking to be social. "Monsieur Tsuzuki, how wonderful to see you." He waves with his free hand. He has a bucket full of mulch with a trowel in it in his other hand.

[cute_shinigami]

Tsuzuki snaps out of his reverie and sits up higher. "Hey, hello there, Mr. Armand! How's it going? Long time no see? You putting the flowers to bed before the winter?" he asks, with a playful laugh.

[sweariwontdie]

"I'm trying," Armand admits. He sets the bucket down and crouches by the blanket, balancing on his toes. "I'm glad to see you out in the sun. Have you been well lately?"

[cute_shinigami]

"Ahh, I've been pretty good: this time of year kinda makes me a little... nostalgic," he admits, looking up at the maple above them. "The colored leaves make you think of people who've passed through your life..."

[cute_shinigami]

Tsuzuki has been gazing across at the orange and gold leaves of the trees beyond the Mansion, when he jolts, hearing that voice. He turns, smiling as a greeting. "Oh, hey there, sorry I didn't say something sooner. It's a lovely time of year and I was just admiring the leaves before we lose them."

[cute_shinigami]

"Yeah, I got here in the winter: it was pretty cold, and I couldn't wait for the summer to come," he says, shivering at the memory. "Brrrr!!" He looks to the pot of cider. "Would you like some spiced cider? I made it myself."

[sophie_darling]

Tsuzuki's never met Sophie, but he's about to be jolted indeed as the little girl runs out of the house, laughing.

She's got pigtails and some half-done make-up on her face. "Boo! Mister! Do you want a cookie? I made them!"

She's holding up a colorful and messy cookie for him.

[cute_shinigami]

He's been trying not to think about Muraki, but that's easier said than done...

Till a very cute little blonde girl comes barreling toward him with a cookie. Now that jolts him so hard he just about jumps off the grass. "Yaah! You scared me," he yelps, laughing. "Hi there. Did you say 'cookie'? I could use one about now."

[sophie_darling]

Sophie giggles. "You're funny, mister. Here, have the cookie. It's special because it's Halloween soon. I made them with my mummy."

[cute_shinigami]

"Thanks! I bet it tastes as good as it looks," he says, accepting it and taking a bite from it. "Mmm! Delicious! you and yer mum are great cooks!"

[pandora_antioch]

If Tsuzuki is still out after dark, he might notice some gentle rustling in the leaves above.

[cute_shinigami]

Despite the night's chill that has started to set in as soon as the sun sank past the horizon, Tsuzuki has dozed off on the blanket, a few leaves falling on him and settling on his shoulder as he lies there peacefully. But he stirs sleepily and awakens, shivering. "Brrr... I keep forgetting the days are getting shorter," he murmurs

[pandora_antioch]

Just as he finishes his soliloquy, a friend might land silently in front of him, followed by a small shower of golden and rusty leaves.

"And you'll catch death, if you don't pay heed," Pandora replies, and seems amused by some private joke.

[cute_shinigami]

The shower of leaves and the figure descending trigger a yelp from Tsuzuki, but he looks up to spy Pandora. He chuckles at his own jolt. "Ah, too late: I've already caught my death so bad, I'm a grinning reaper now," he says, laughing. "How's it going, Pandora?"

[tricky_bowman]

Perhaps Tsuzuki will be soothed by someone's attempts at relearning a skill at which he once excelled, but which he has not played in some time.

Tristan is playing the harp nearby, practicing for the ladies in his life, Isolde, of course, but now the little girl who it seems has now fallen under his protection.

[cute_shinigami]

The notes of the harp initially remind Tsuzuki of Maglor and his harp which could always soothe him, no matter how unhappy he was. For a moment, he winces, almost shrinking back into himself, but he forces himself to get up and approach the player, careful not to disturb him. Finding it's Sir Tristan, he can't help smiling a little. The guy sure is talented... nowhere as magical a player as Maglor, but still impressive.

[tricky_bowman]

To be fair, the only harpist who is better than Maglor is Daeron. That's a very high standard.

All the same, for a human, Tristan isn't bad - he's certainly better than most, though it's audible that he is practicing and not playing for an intended audience.

He hasn't noticed Tsuzuki yet.

[cute_shinigami]

He comes a little closer, and leans in to watch Tristan's hands plying the strings. He's curious, like a kid, and things like this fascinate him, though he knows he'd be all thumbs with an instrument.

"Nice..." he murmurs, impressed, but trying not to be too much of a disturbance.