[closed] all around the mulberry bush

[haruno]

Who: H. Sakura & Sai
What: Haircut times! In an effort to support Sai's mission efforts this month, Sakura decides she can afford a few inches off to cut down on the hair she's let grow since arrival last year. Whoops! Way to maintain.
When: May 20th.
Where: Hikipiki Hair Designs
Warnings: None, unless hair trauma is on your speed-dial for

Comments

[isatool]

Sai wasn't sure of his employers intentions in trying to attract refugees to her salon. On the surface she was just looking to drum up more business, more concerned with her bank account than subterfuge. However, he made sure to watch the comings and goings within the salon just in case there was something unsavory. He did not wish for there to be any harm coming to anyone because of his advertisement.

He was sweeping up from his last appointment, the hair of that particular customer being somewhat akin to fiber optic cable. He had spent the past hour applying coloring and braiding it into a great many number of small cornrows.

At the desk, his boss, a tall alien woman with blue skin and two extra sets of arms popped a bubblegum bubble and looked at Sakura's towel before letting Sai know. Coming out, Sai smiled and gestured for Sakura to follow to him to his station.

"I am glad you made, Sakura."

[haruno]

"I did say I'd be coming." She smiles, moving past the desk. It's a standard chair for sitting in, or at least ship-standard. Salons back home weren't quite as... sleek.

Walking around with a target painted on her back wasn't a new sensation anymore, but being told to carry it for a positive reward when the last time it had afforded anything was during the drive activation that had sent everyone's clothes to goodness knows where. Mail delivered by towel-clad worker. May it never be said she was less than pragmatic when she needed to be. (Or at least when she chose to be.)

"How has your month been here?"

A friendly enough question, if she wanted to know more than what tied in to topical banter.

[isatool]

"It has been very peaceful. I have been told I am good at this." It was a little unusual being praised for something that had no relation to his skills as a ninja. "My customers tips have been rather generous." However, there was not distinct pride in his voice. It was a mission so he did his utmost to fulfill its parameters.

Taking out the plastic body apron, Sai shook it out with a smart snap before draping it over his teammate, taking the moment to lower his voice so it might not be heard over the rustle of plastic.

"I have not seen much incident to prove that this business might have ties to the Purists."

[haruno]

She tilted her head toward him, for all the world appearing to regard herself in the mirror. "Think someone's in this just for the profit? The refugee population isn't all that big," she said, smiling like she was talking about anything else. "Unless she's trying to corner part of the market that's currently out of favor."

She twisted her head to the side, looking up at Sai. "Are we rinsing things out first?"

How clean was her business, really?

[isatool]

"It is possible. This neighborhood seems to be rather neutral in the conflict between purists and refugees." His fake smile came in useful as he took out a brush and made sure Sakura's hair was free of snarls. Barring those who truly knew him it was impossible to tell the difference between the fake and the real thing.

"So far everything is clean. I do not think a rinse will be necessary."