Another Lazy Day (Misha)

Misha woke up feeling better than most days, Orochi even said good morning, which was a much needed surprise. Excited about their extra stock of energy, they put on their favorite outfit, equipped with the signature hoodie they loved so much. Misha left their apartment and jumped down the stairs, immediately tripping and hitting their arm on the railing. "There goes our good day!" Orochi laughed in which Misha quickly replied "Hush, you!" But Misha knew he was right and could already feel their energy draining. Despite this Misha pressed onward while rubbing the newly formed bruise
The Sun is Freshly risen, the sky a brilliant blue, birds are singing and the wind blows sweetly through Misha's long hair. Misha however has their eyes focused on the handheld gaming device in her grasp, they just recently just got the new fantasy game. There were many Boat operators and tourist about, excited to start their day and see the sights. Misha was so engrossed in their game that they kept bumping into people, every time it happened they would apologize way to much until both parties were uncomfortable. Misha would run away and repeat her mistake until her favorite fishing spot was in view. Misha was on their way to the river, they were determined to catch a fish and find someone on the Tokyo Strip to cook it into some delicious Ramen.
Misha sat in the chair that was always near by and cast their lure into the river as far as they could. They propped up the Rod on against their trusty tripod and loaded up the game again. Again and again Misha would ignore the rod, not noticing the signs of a bite and miss the fish. Misha would grumble and curse then recast and go back to the video game. Whenever Misha would notice someone watching her or even make eye contact, they'd get stiff and turn away pretending they didn't notice the other person.

Tamsin's boots crunched softly along the leaves. Some where freshly fallen, others had had time to darken and splotch and decay. Tamsin liked walking around in fall. The cool weather, not quite cold, was cool and crisp and full of scents. It was almost as nice as spring, but not quite. Presently it smelled a bit like rain, having rained a few days before.

River way was often busy this time of year, with people getting their last outdoor activities out of the way before winter fell over them like a heavy blanket. Tamsin's expression was set in mask of apathy, as usual, her resting face enough to scare off most who would seek to bother her. It wasn't that she disliked company and more that she just seemed to exude an air of "go away." That was what the kids told her anyway.

Still, it made for peaceful walks without people bothering her, especially this far away from Sunlake and the Orphanage. As she walked, she noticed a small-framed girl sitting in a chair near the edge of the river, and a fishing pole poking out over the water, bait bobbing. Despite the bobbing of the lure, the girl continued to play her game, oblivious.

Tamsin's expression became puzzled as she approached, raising an eyebrow as she came to softly peer over the girl's shoulder, not getting too close, but making sure she was within earshot. "Is that yours? Because if it is, it's getting away." She said calmly, pointing to the rod that was quivering against the pull of a fish.

Misha jumped jumped in their chair, startled by the person talking to them. Their expression melted into one of total dread *OH GEEZ. Oh god. Someone is talking to me!* Misha's thought are set ablaze with uncertainty, causing them to forget complex functions like 'speech' and 'manners'. Misha sat there in the chair with their back to the stranger for an awkwardly long time until a voice erupted in her mind *SAY SOMETHING, MISHA!* Orochi's voice snapped them out of their daze and they spun around to face the stranger.
A wind gusted between them as they made eye contact, blowing hair into Misha's face. The sun glittered brilliantly on the gentle waves behind Misha's Ebony colored hair. The very hair Misha was trying to blow out of their face, in vain. Misha finally composes themself to speak but can only muster a simple "Excuse me?" However Misha's gaze finds where the stranger is pointing and immediately going into a panic. "My Dinner! Noooooo" Misha dashes to the rod, dropping her game device, and starts to reel in the fish with all their might. "Please, please, please not Another one! I only want one, Mr.River! Misha curses at the river as they struggle with the fish, only to have the line snap. Misha falls on their butt, knocking over the chair.

Tamsin did not like being ignored. Especially when she had approached the person to attempt being helpful. She was about to drop her hand and leave when the...girl? finally turned to look up at her. something about the confusion and awkwardness of the other person's expression caught Tamsin off guard, and she found herself staring as they dashed over to the rod and started pulling on it.

a small smile came across her face as she watched and listened. The girl...girl, Tamsin had decided for now, though she was a bit unsure. The other girl was pulling desperately, only to have the line snap and go ass over tea kettle onto her butt and knock over her chair. Tamsin deftly sidestepped the falling chair, picking the discarded gaming device from where it lay on the ground, and pressed the start button to pause the screen.

Holding the gaming device to one side and raising her eyebrow at the disgruntled girl, Tamsin sighed. "If you paid attention to the rod instead of this game, you'd have probably caught one by now." Tamsin offered with an apologetic, but also slightly bewildered expression. Honestly, how did she expect to catch fish with her eyes fixed on a game like that?

"But why do one thing when you can do two? Besides have you played this game? its great! Its got giant monsters, cute cat buddies, and the fishing is much simpler."Misha's voice trails off, as they notice they are rambling. They start shifting uncomfortably, wrapping their arms around their knees. Misha pulls her hood back up over her head and mumbles "Umm... thank you for trying to help me. I should have known better than to even try." Misha's eyes gloss over and her expression become blank, they stand up and Bow to the stranger. "I beg your forgiveness for inconveniencing you and nearly hitting you with my chair." Misha's voice comes off distant like they are talking to a wall.
*I should have stayed home today. Now this nice lady is mad at me.* Misha's thinks to herself, only to have Orochi pipe in *Introduce yourself, Misha* Orochi's soothing sage like advice brings Misha's eyes back into focus.They shake the jitters out of their head and smacks both of their cheeks. Misha dusts off their clothes then turns to the woman and extends her hand  and says "Misha, I'm hi! Shit! Hi, I'm Misha" Misha mumbles the curse word under their breath. Misha feels their hand getting sweaty so they pull their hand back and just gives another Rigid bow. *OMG Stop bowing so much, you idiot.* Misha thinks as they straighten out their posture

"But why do one thing when you can do two?"

Tamsin's eyebrow quirked up at that, remembering something very familiar coming from her older brother. It almost brought a smile to her passive face, but not quite. As the girl extended her thanks and apologies, she stood up, and in the midst of bowing that followed, Tamsin realized that this girl was taller than her by a couple inches, and probably older too, despite her more animated and arguably child-like demeanor. Then again, Tamsin didn't always act like the child she was. "N-no...it's fine. Don't worry about it." she deflected the apologies with a slightly confused and concerned expression.

She frowned as the girl's words turned self-destructive, and shook the hand that was extended to her. The girl's confused greeting did manage to pull a small smirk out of the blond girl, though. "Tamsin." She offered in reply. And when the swift handshake was released she offered the gaming device back to the other. She studied them in silence for a moment, arms folded, before speaking. "Sorry, I can't help with the fish. Was it really your dinner? If you need something to eat, I know a soup kitchen that serves free soup for lunch around this time."

"Huh? Oh, No I couldn't take from those who truly need it. Its just... Well... There's this little cat guy in an anime I watch who said there is nothing better than fresh fish. So I really wanted to try it out." Misha cheeks turn red and they look down at they down at ground as they chuckle nervously, a little embarrassed at the reason. Misha shifts their weight to their right leg and begins tapping the tip of the left foot on the ground. They look up and towards the River, watching the boats float by.
This feeling of not knowing how to progress always engulfs them when they try and talk to people. Misha just doesn't know what to say next and the urge to run away grows ever stronger, but their feet just won't move. Misha rubs her arm, where the bruise was then turns to face the Tamsin. "Oh! I'm Misha, btw. Its nice to meet you." *Dammit! Stop bowing* Misha straightens out and Really looks at Tamsin for the first time. She was short and looked younger than them, but her expression seemed mature, so maybe they were one of those older loli types. Misha liked her sense of style and the ball cap gave off an I don't care sort of vibe. Examining her expression, Misha got the feeling she doesn't smile often.
*Ask Her Out* Orochi's voice startled them, making them jump a little. Orochi's words how ever turned Misha's whole face red. Misha's hands shot up to cover their face "Idiot! I can't do that!" Misha yelps, a bit to loudly. *IDIOT! Don't answer me out loud!* Misha's hand dart behind their back and they breaks eye contact with Tamsin. Misha rocks back and forth on their heels. "M-may I offer you s-some ramen? I know a good spot on The Strip. A-as thanks for trying to help, I mean." Misha offers as politely as they can, trying not to come off as weird.

Tamsin let out a small, humorous exclamation, like she did when one of the younger orphans asked her for a buttered chocolate bar or to put cool whip in their ramen. They'd only try it once, that was for sure. Still, a look of soft amusement passed over Tamsin. "You can't just eat raw fish like that, I think you have to cook it first." She explained.

"You already said that." Tamsin's amusement grew a bit as the other bowed again. Then they started talking to themself. Anyone else in Endymion could probably blow that off as eccentric. But Isaac had a sword that talked to him, that he used to fight demons. Every once in a while Isaac would catch himself responding outloud to something the weapon had said to him. Tamsin narrowed her eyes, face falling back into her neutral expression.

But it didn't stay there long, as she was offered a question. She wasn't sure if it was the suddenness of the question, or awkwardness with which it was delivered, but Tamsin felt a flush come to her face. She hesitated for a moment. "Um...Sure." She slid her hands into her pockets. "Ramen sounds good."

Misha couldn't help but notice the change in expression. Perhaps they really did freak her out but they were pleasantly surprised she agreed to hang out with them. Misha did feel grateful for her assistants, although the fish still got away, and wanted to show their thanks. It wasn't every day someone notices them, most wouldn't even give them the time of day. Misha had the perfect place in mind to help portray their gratitude.

*Good job, Misha! You should make friends with her.* Orochi said with an concerned tone. *Why are you so pushy today?* But Orochi offered no reply. Misha mentally huffed at their partner then returned to Tamsin. "Oh, I wasn't going to it eat raw. I was gonna find someone on the strip who would cook it for me. I'm no good at cooking myself." Misha Replied. Misha adjusts her hood and began leading the way. They walk along the river back towards the train that will lead further into the city. Along Tokyo Strip is where her place of employment is, Shine, and just a couple blocks from there lies a ramen cart. Not just any ramen cart though, this ramen cart has a super secret broth. A golden broth sent straight from the heavens to grace those lucky enough to find this hidden gem. "So what brought you to the river? You live near by?" Misha asked. Misha starts to wonder why she knows a soup kitchen, she couldn't think of any in the area. Although they've never needed one so maybe they just didn't notice.

As Tamsin walked beside the other, she nodded lightly at the explanation of what they were planning to do with the fish. That made a bit more sense. Did they know someone that worked along the strip or something? Surely it wasn't that easy to just get someone to cook a fish you just caught. But someone who lived in the area might know otherwise. It wasn't like Tamsin didn't have a few survival tricks with certain places in Sunlake, after all.

When the next question came, Tamsin shook her head. "I was just passing through. I live in Sunlake palms. The orphanage there." She said casually, eyes catching something in a shop window and causing her to glance away for a moment, before she returned her gaze to their current course. They were heading down toward the Ramen shop. Tamsin had to admit she wasn't immensely familiar with the tokyo strip. She came here every once in a while, but she didn't have much money, typically, so she stayed away from exotic places, because they tended to be expensive. as they neared the Ramen shop, Tamsin stopped. "Are you sure you're okay with it? I don't have any money of my own." she admitted, matter-of-factly. As a general rule, Tamsin tried to have as much personal composure and pride as she could despite having hardly anything to her name. You couldn't go around living every day upset about your pathetic life, could you? Regardless of your status in life, you still had to live it.

When Tamsin stopped, Misha walked forward a few more paced before stopping themselves. They pulled back their hood and spun around to face Tamsin, hands behind their back and leaning forward slightly. Misha tilted their head and forced a smile before reassuring her. "Its fine! Like I said earlier, this is just me showing you my gratitude." Misha returned to her normal posture and looks down at their feet. "Its not every day someone talks to me. Hell, sometimes I go weeks without human contact." Misha mumbles the last bit with a defeated tone. Misha spins back around, beckoning for Tamsin to follow. "We're almost there."

Once they reach the main road of the Tokyo Strip it gets noticeably more crowded. Hundreds of people going to and fro on the large road lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions. Misha points out their favorite places like the arcade, their favorite video game shop which she takes a prolonged look at through the glass going up and down on their tiptoes with excitement. When they walk in front of Shine, Misha stops for a moment and turns to Tamsin, hands on their hips proudly posing before the store front. The club's front is rather bland looking except for the bright pink neon sign adorning the area above the door. "And this is were I work!" As if right on cue, a man calls out to Misha and waves as he heads in the opposite direction. Misha shies away and pulls their hood back up.

They continue onward a couple more blocks and stop in front of an opening to an alleyway. The alley way is dimly lit and from where the two were stand, it doesn't look like it has any back entrances to the surrounding stores. To the naked eye it just seems like a shady area with no purpose, but a faint light can be seen if you squint hard enough. Misha just smiles and Tamsin and motions for her to enter.

Weeks without human contact? With all these people around? That seemed really lonely. Even with the amount of wandering alone in more quiet places, Tamsin often found herself conversing with strangers. Still, if this person spent as much time as it seemed alone then, she supposed it couldn't be helped. It would certainly explain some of their awkwardness and idiosyncrasies. Still, it was nice that they offered to buy her food, and as Isaac always told her: never turn down free food. She nodded, and allowed herself to be led down the pathway.

In spite of herself, Tamsin felt herself becoming more comfortable around this person who was showcasing to her different things that they enjoyed around town. It was a little glimpse into the strange person that she had just met. It wasn't often that a new meeting came with so much information about the person. Usually, like with Yuri and Patty, she was just left with questions about the person. When she showed Tamsin where she worked, Tamsin had to look incredulously from the shop to the frail person standing in front of it. Did this seemingly shy and awkward person really work at a place like this? She arched an eyebrow bemusedly, but said nothing as they hurried away.

The Alley that housed the Ramen shop in question was dark and kind of seedy. It was the kind of Alleyway Tamsin had been in before, for both good and bad reasons. It was an alley like this that led to her favorite batting cages. Now though, she found herself a little apprehensive. If she hadn't been led around town by this person, seen glimpses of who they were, there was no way she would have followed them down this alley. But now...she would do so with caution. Nodding, she followed the girl down the alley.

Misha felt happy to have some company to spend the day with. It was nice to actually talk with someone and show her their interests. Unfortunately that will make it so much harder when she leaves. But maybe this person will actually stick around, or at the very least Misha might see her at this ramen stand in the future. Nobody could possibly Not come back here. As the two walk down alley a little ways a light can be clearly seen from around the upcoming turn. Once they turn the corner the Ramen Cart come into view. Its was a small, quaint and some what lackluster for how excited Misha felt about coming here. It only had two seat and the employee end was blocked from view by a red velvet drape. On the front there was only one word "Angel's". Thought it was very unimpressive at first glance, Misha's eye were filled with excitement and glittering like stars. Misha's mouth was agape and some drool had gathered at the corner of her mouth.

The two sat down and Misha knocked twice on the counter. "Mr. Kami! Its Misha!" Misha called out quietly to behind the curtain. As soon as they finished her sentence the drape shot back to the side revealing a monster of a man. Everything about the man seemed unnaturally large, he was very tall with massive shoulders and arms as thick as a tree. He had a large bald head and a thuggish face that only a mother could love. His expression was stern and off putting but Misha simply smiled and was watching for Tamsin's reaction. "How are you today Mr. Kami? Misha asked softly and the large man replied with a somewhat positive sounding grunt. "Good to hear!" Misha chirped.
Mr. Kami looked Tamsin over with his piercing eyes that seemed to bore into her. After a few second Mr. Kami turned back to Misha and gave a thumbs up, his expression not changing in the slightest. Misha replied with punching him in the arm. The man turned away and with lightening speed set up two bowls of chicken katsu ramen with enoki mushrooms, soft boiled egg, and seaweed. In what seemed an impossibly short time the bowls were in front of them. The most amazing part of this whole experience was the broth, it was so golden it seemed luminescent, very much like the faint light you could spot from the main road.
The two began to eat, in silence at first as Misha melted before the taste of the ramen. Soon thogh Misha remembered they had company and turned to Tamsin. "So you said you lived in an orphanage? What is that like?" Misha opened her mouth to ask yet another question but paused for a moment. Misha quickly decided to ask anyway, she wanted to get the most out of today. They weren't sure when they'd get another moment like this again. "Might I asked what happened to your parents?"

Tamsin wasn't sure what to think as the neared the Ramen shop. The glow of the place was alluring, to be sure, and if she was honest, she'd started to get a bit hungry thinking about food. She sat down next to Misha, and drew back a little as the man sharply peered out from behind the drapes. As the man stared at her, she found herself staring defiantly back at him. If this was some kind of challenge, there was no way she was going to back down. She'd killed demons, and there was no way this back alley ramen salesman was going to--- oh, it was over. That wasn't so bad.

To Tamsin's surprise it wasn't long before the Ramen arrived, and true to what Misha had said, the broth seemed to gleam gold. Of course, it may have just been refraction of the gold light the place shone with anyway, but Tamsin wasn't about to worry herself over the science of it. Instead tasting the broth with the asian-y spoon the bowls came with. It was delicious. Using the Chopsticks was something of a struggle. Tamsin didn't use them much, after all. Most of the time when she ate ramen it was with a fork in the kitchen. She didn't get to come to places like this very often. Still, she made due without assistance.

Tamsin was sucking in a mouthful of Noodles when the other girl asked her questions about the Orphanage, and about her parents. She looked at Misha with a blank expression over her bowl for a moment before slurping in the mouthful of Noodles and chewing.

"It's crowded, busy, a lot of work. But I'm never really alone." She replied finally, shrugging. "My family died in the Divide. I was in the basement, and something very powerful leveled nearly the rest of the house. I was lucky to survive." Her voice remained a monotone as she could, but it shook just a little at the end, and she stifled the tremor by using her chopsticks to clumsily slide a couple enoki mushrooms into her mouth. "What about you? Do you have anyone?" She asked with a careful glance at Misha. She thought the girl might be sensitive about it, but she invited the question when she'd asked something so personal of Tamsin.

Misha enjoyed the sight of Tamsin clumsily enjoying her ramen. Misha felt at ease with Tamsin's matter of fact way of speaking, it made the exchange easy to take in. When a wild person appeared, the chatter box skill was super effective against them. It felt like each word would drain their energy, but Tamsin kept it nice and short.

As Misha took in the info Tamsin provided, they imagined themselves in her position. Cleaning, cooking, breaking up fights and applying bandages. Being surrounded by others people their age in a sort of makeshift family and being relied on by so many. Misha began feeling tired just thinking about it, but Misha had to admit it didn't seem all bad, just a tad bit overwhelming.

"You much be Really strong to be able to handle all that, Tam-chan! I know I'd buckle under all that pressure." Misha says admiringly. Misha's expression saddens at the mention of the Divide, her story was all too familiar to them. Misha's head hangs low and their leg start to rapidly bounce and their eyes fade out of focus as memories of the massacre flow through their mind. Orochi calms Misha with feelings of reassurance *Don't worry Misha, we'll bring the ones responsible to their knees*. Misha returns to the present and continues "My Family was torn apart by demons before my very eyes. I can remember it all So vividly." The recollection shakes Misha's voice as if they were about to cry but no tears form. Mr. Kami put a hand on Misha's shoulder and nods as if to say its okay. Misha straightens up and stops their leg "But I'm sure it must have been that way for a lot people, now a days. Nothing we can do about it."

Misha avoided making eye contact from then on focusing their gaze on the bowl of ramen or at their hands. Waves of sluggish weakness washed over them. But Misha wasn't going to let it get in the way this time. They kept the weakness at bay as best they could, not letting anything slip into their expression as they continued their dialog.