On The Same Page [Aya/Yumeko]

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see The Elements of Style. It was an old book, written originally in English. Yumeko had heard of it before and had read snippets of it for guidance. But never before, in either physical or digital form, did she read the entire book, and now she needed to for a class assignment. Of course digital formats were the most portable for Yumeko. She could store it on a tablet with a thousand other books with it, and not have to worry so much about physically carrying it. On the other hand, audiobooks had the drawback of relying on the pace of the speaker, and often times it was too slow a pace for the writer to enjoy. Thankfully, the Fukui Academy Library had a braille copy which Yumeko could borrow. For better or worse, it was placed in a special section designated for books used often by classes. While it made finding the section easier, it made finding the actual braille version a problem since it was thrown in alongside the normal copies instead of being in a specific place. Thus, Yumeko was left with the unenviable task of feeling along the spines of each book until she found the braille version. Already dreading the task of manually checking each book, Yumeko headed to the library after classes. The path to her target section was rather short and she had memorized it well enough to require minimal guidance beyond correcting herself after maneuvering around someone. It wasn't the first time the novelist had visited this serction, nor would it be the first for her to resort to the slow and exhaustive method, but it still left a horrible taste in her mouth, largely due to the wasted time. On some occasions someone did pass by to help, but otherwise Yumeko's stubborn pride made the process longer, and the writer was painfully aware of it. The metal cane softly tapped the hard wood of the bookshelf. According to the catalogue, the book was being held on the...6th level. Yumeko gritted her teeth. In the past, things were on the 5th level or below, where Yumeko could easily reach for the books. The 6th level sat between the reaches of what she could comfortably reach and what she could definitely not reach, and for a moment, she debated whether it was worth falling over while attempting to feel the spines on her tiptoes. It was only a moment's deliberation before Yumeko set her metal cane aside, letting it rest against the wooden shelves, and started to stand on her tiptoes. She would reach up, feel for any braille on a the spines of the few books she could reach before going down, stepping to the side and repeating. And so, Yumeko quietly did her search only pausing as she heard footsteps approaching. Ayaka Inada | 473 | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND

The Library. Aya's last stop of the day before being able to go home to her room and relax. And probably ignore the growing pile of homework she hadn't started on yet. Really, she wouldn't have been going to pick up The Elements of Style if it weren't for the fact that she needed to have read a section of it before class the next day. So, to the library.

Making her way back to the class references section (or whatever its proper name was, Ayaka didn't actually know) was a routine endeavor, she'd made the trip back here far too often, as she didn't actually own any of the required books. The section was something of a life saver for her. Still, while coming back here was routine for Aya, what was not routine was running into someone trying to get to the same book as she needed. There were plenty of copies, but it seemed the other girl was struggling to reach the book. She was definitely familiar with that feeling.

"Ah, hello," she began a little awkwardly. "Do you want me to grab the step ladder for you? It's just over there." Here, she pointed at the object in question, which was by the next stack over. "I actually need the same book you're trying to get there, so if I get the ladder for you, would you mind terribly grabbing a copy for me as well?"

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see The sound of another girl's voice caused Yumeko to freeze in place, her head subtly turning as the girl spoke so that the writer could get a better idea of where the voice was. A step ladder. That'd help immensely if Yumeko was aware of it from the start, and she carefully set her feet flat on the floor again. "Yes if you could, please do get the ladder. Thank you very much," Yumeko replied politely and out of reflex, bowing in the general direction of the voice. But then the author blinked. Actually getting the book wasn't a problem, was it? As she heard the other girl step away, Yumeko hopped slightly, her fingers feeling along the spines to see just how tall the book was. Much to the author's frustration, her fingers failed to feel the top of the book. So even if she had found the braille version, actually pulling it from the shelves would bed an issue. That meant she'd need the step ladder in any case. And even if she didn't need it, it'd be far safer to use the ladder to feel the spines. Yumeko took a deep breath and sighed in frustration. "Well, I must admit that I must add a bit of a condition to this arrangement," Yumeko said, turning to the general direction of where she was hearing movement. "I can most certainly get a copy of the book for you, but I will need assistance locating a specific version of it, if you are willing to help." Ayaka Inada | 264 | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND

The step ladder was a lifesaver for short book seekers like the pair currently struggling with the stacks. As soon as Aya'd gotten confirmation, she'd darted over to the ladder, thanking everything that it was lightweight and relatively easy to move. It still took her both hands to carry it, mostly because it was two-thirds of her height. As a result of her immediate action to get the ladder, however, Ayaka had missed the fact that the bow directed at her was a little off of where it should have been.

Carrying the ladder wasn't difficult but it still put her off balance. Not enough to tip her over but making her feel way to close to falling over for comfort. Thus it was a relief to put the ladder down next to the dark haired girl and take a step back, scanning the shelf. "Special copy? That's not a problem, I'll be happy to help!" Aya voice picked up speed, before returning to its usual rapid-but-relatively-intelligable pace as she continued. "Well, we will need to move it down that way," she pointed to the left, "If you're looking for the English version. I need the Japanese copy, but if you need me to move the ladder for the English version, we can put it down right next to where the English copies end and the Japanese copies start!" It was a solid plan, though it did assume the other girl needed the English version. However, that seemed the most likely as there were more English copies than any other language.

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see It was great that this girl was willing to help, though she did miss the reason for the special request. That said, Yumeko had to muse a bit about how this girl assumed that she needed an English copy. Granted, the book was originally written in English and Yumeko had no issue reading an English version if it came down to it, but she expected that kind of assumption to be thrown at her blonde-haired cousin instead. Still, Yumeko tried to take it in stride, reaching out towards the stepladder as soon as she heard it make contact with the ground. Now that she thought of it, the girl's voice was roughly just below Yumeko's ear level, meaning that she too would have issues reaching the necessary book. "Thank you, though I do suppose another issue has cropped up," Yumeko said as her hand waved in the air in the gap between herself and the step ladder, the back of her hand eventually making contact. Carefully, Yumeko's fingers ran along the sides and the rungs of the ladder to understand it's shape, all while Yumeko continued to talk. "While am I more than happy to pull down a copy for you, I actually am unable to tell which side the Japanese and the English versions are." Yumeko chuckled, finding the situation somehow humourous as she firmly grasped the ends of the stepladder. She looked towards the the voice of the girl with an amused smile, adding, "And the special copy that I need...is a Braille one. Ironically, in this kind of situation, someone who can see will have the easiest time spotting it." Ayaka Inada | 279 | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND

Aya was very happy with the way things were going this afternoon. The smile on her face faded to a puzzled frown as sh watched her partner in book acquiring interact with the ladder she'd brought over. The girl seemed to be very intensely interested in feeling out the ladder, for reasons Aya wasn't quite putting together yet. Her mind was, however, working on overdrive trying to figure out the puzzle, only for it to be solved for her.

Had the other girl been able to see Aya, she might have commented on the resemblance to a tomato. Ayaka was utterly mortified that she hadn't realized that was what was going on. "Ah... well, any of the copies right in front of you will work, the English ones are over to your left. Let me, uh, try and find that other copy for you, I didn't realize that was what you needed." Still bright red, the pinkette scanned the shelf far more carefully this time, looking for the Braille version. She found it not too far down the shelf, to the right of where the ladder was currently sitting.

Looking carefully between the placement of the ladder and the book, Aya nodded to herself. "It's about a half a meter down the shelf. It'd probably be easier to move the ladder down towards it than reach for it where you are now. If we move it down, I can grab it for you real quick, least I can do for making you grab a copy for me without realizing." She punctuated her statement with an awkward chuckle. Not quite as planned but it wasn't like she was going to treat the girl any different. Well, at least not intentionally.

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see The way in which the other girl spoke told Yumeko that her little quip managed to strike a chord, but not in an overly problematic manner. As soon as she was giving instructions, Yumeko started to climb the ladder again, her hand tapping the bottom of each shelf to count up to the sixth shelf, then smartly plucked a book from right in front of her as she was told the location of the braille version. "Down the shelf, you say?" Yumeko asked, grinning again. She started to climb down the stepladder. "You might have to be a bit more specific next time. As far as I can reckon, 'down the shelf' would usually mean this direction." With a chuckle, Yumeko pointed towards the ground with her free hand before stepping firmly back on solid ground. Yumeko contemplated for a moment on whether or not to get her Braille copy herself. It was a question between her pride over not necessarily needing so much help versus not being rude and accepting another's grace, and in the end she picked the latter, pulling the stepladder to the right. "There we go." Yumeko said with a proud huff. "Well, if you wish to get the Braille version, then please, you may. That will be an immense help to me. Oh...do you want me to hold onto this now or...?" Awkwardly, Yumeko held the book out to the other girl. Or where she last heard the girl speak. Ayaka Inada | 247 | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND

It was only after the blind girl drew attention to the the fact that she hadn't specified a direction that Aya realized that her description of where the book was was pretty useless for someone who couldn't see. An embarrassed groan found its way out of her and she hung her head in shame. "Heh... didn't think about it like that, sorry."

At the very least, her directions hadn't been totally useless as the ladder was moved to the correct place it needed to be. Aya grinned at her companion, shame a little overcome by the willingness to overlook the fact that her help hadn't been that helpful. "I'll get it for you, seems only fair. You got my book for me, I get yours for you." And with that, she ascended the short step ladder. The braille copy wasn't perfectly in front of the ladder but was close enough that she didn't have to lean to either side to reach it. The librarians had been very good about their job, it wasn't wedged in too firmly and slid out as easily as the copy she was checking out had. It was a little heavier than she'd expected. Hopefully its weight wasn't an indication of how interesting it would be.

She had gotten the book quickly enough that there had only been a brief beat between when Aya's copy of the book was held out to her and when Aya reached the floor once more. "I'll take it now, thank you so much!" She took the Japanese copy from the girl's hand and immediately placed the braille copy in its place. "And there's yours." Books acquired, mission accomplished! "So... what do you need this for? I gotta read a chapter and a couple excerpts for class tomorrow, and yes, I know it's last minute, but I've given myself enough time for it! Well, at least most of it."

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see Patiently, Yumeko waited for the girl to assist her, putting her hands down as she heard the other girl start to climb. Again it was only fair to let the other girl grab the Braille book, seeing as how Yumeko was able to grab the normal print copy. Once she heard the sound of footsteps descending, Yumeko held her arms out again so that the books could change hands. She felt the weight leave her hands only to be replaced by another, and instinctually her hand brushed along the surface of the cover and then along the rows of braille. The Elements of Style. That was indeed the book, and...in English. Though she hid it, Yumeko was surprised that the Braille copy was actually written in English. That said, the catalogue never specified and it made sense for it to be in the original language, even though given it's overall location was still in the Japanese side... There was no time to mull over the irregularites as Yumeko was asked another question. Carefully, Yumeko held the book at her side as she replied. "Well, likewise, I had an assignment to do with this book. I finished it already, but, since future assignments will require it, I decided to get something more tangible." Yumeko ran a hand over the cover of the book again, as if she was relieved. "There is something special about having a book physically in hand, and being able to read at your own pace is a rather nifty perk, instead of needing to rely on whatever pace the audiobook deigns is appropriate." An idea came to Yumeko's head. "I don't suppose you have the same assignment as myself? Another first-year writer?" Ayaka Inada | 290 | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND

Having exactly no knowledge of Braille, Yumeko's surprise and the reason for it blew completely over Ayaka's head. Still, she could totally agree with having a book in hand. "Yeah, I prefer having a physical copy too. I've never been one much for audiobooks, but I have had to find books online in the past and it's never quite the same and physically holding the book."

That they might need the book for the same assignment hadn't even occurred to Aya in the slightest, but it seemed rather obvious in hindsight. "Maybe? I am a first year writer, but I don't remember seeing you in any of my classes." It would be well and truly embarrassing if she'd known this girl all along and just not realized it. "Maybe we just have the class at different times?" Aya couldn't remember if there was only one Introductory Writing class or if there were multiple.

Of course, it would help if they exchanged names. Which they hadn't yet. Well that was a bit embarrassing already. "I'm Ayaka Inada, by the way, sorry for not mentioning that sooner." Aya tucked her book under her arm and was about to start walking toward the front desk to check out the book before remembering that her companion wouldn't be able to see what she was doing. Mentally smacking herself, she turned back to the dark haired girl. "Shall we go check these out then?"

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see Another first-year writer, and by a name that Yumeko did not recognize. Despite the cross-class projects that were going on, it came as a surprise that Yumeko had neither heard of this girl nor could recognize her voice among the many that Yumeko could remember. But that was a moot point now. "Nice to meet you Inada-san, Nakano Yu-" Yumeko bowed in greeting and was about to introduce herself but got halfway through the bow when she heard footsteps moving away from her, leaving the dark-haired girl bowing towards empty space. Standing upright and turning, Yumeko tried to brush off the awkward incident and nodded. "Well, I have no further books to retrieve, so let us be on our way." Gripping her cane with one hand and her book in the other, Yumeko quickly walked to catch up to Ayaka, clearing her throat again before saying, "Apologies for my poor manners earlier. My name is Nakano Yumeko, and it is indeed a pleasure to meet you. And thank you for assisting me earlier. You saved me quite a bit of hassle." There was a smile on Yumeko's face, even though it seemed to be blankly looking out into the distance. But after that, Yumeko was at a loss for words. "Ah, Inada-san, if you do not mind me asking, what kind of writing do you do?" Yumeko was never good at small talk, especially with classmates. Ayaka Inada | 242 | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND

Had Yumeko voiced her surprise at not recognizing the name of a fellow first year writer, she would have found Ayaka agreeing with her. It was a pretty small school, after all, one would have figured the two first years would have known each other. Then again, for all Ayaka knew they had met each other before and just did not remember. Assuming that thought, Aya made her way towards the front of the library alongside Yumeko.

A confused frown crossed Aya's face in response to Yumeko's apology. "It's all good, you don't need to worry about it. To be honest, I didn't even think you were being rude at all!" The frown went away with a shrug accompanying that remark. In truth, Aya felt she had been the rude one in this entire situation, but felt this wasn't the time to bring that up.

As for her writing... "I don't mind at all! Well, as long as you tell me what you like to write as well." Aya was still on the look out for writers with interests similar to her own. "I tend towards science fiction and speculative fiction, usually." A momentary pause as she sorted her thoughts to express what she wanted to say. "I like to explore ideas of what people can be, and what being a person even means. I know, I know, super broad and vague, so I guess if I'm being more specific, something along the lines of exploring what people are capable of at their best and why we aren't there yet. Of course that doesn't mean I write ideal heroes or anything, I write about... people. Just because I'm putting them in a setting with nonsensical or impossible technology doesn't mean my characters aren't just people who manage to do something positive. Or negative, as the case may be." She suddenly felt very self-conscious after going on that ramble of an explanation that she wasn't even sure really explained much. "I, uh... I also tend to write a good amount of fanfiction," she admitted, turning a little pink.

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see With Aya's voice at Yumeko's side, the blind author slowed down to match pace. While she continued to sweep her cane in an arc in front of her, it was far more limited as an attempt to not trip up Aya by accident. For the most part, all faux pas seemed to be been resolved, and the tangent that Yumeko branched out on seemed to have been received amiably. While she had no issues with her fellow mystery writers and the spate of romance writers that she had come across, it was a breath of fresh air to have someone who was in the science fiction genre. "Nothing shameful in fan-fiction," Yumeko replied, chuckling softly. "Many classic works were inspired by others. And to be quite honestly, I am glad to have met someone from the science fiction side." Yumeko's cane tapped the side of a wall and stuck to it as she rounded the corner. She waited for the sound of Aya's footsteps before starting to talk again. "My work so far has been in the Mystery genre. Police and detective stories, all in a rather...modern and realistic setting. I have tried writing the science fiction genre but...it has only amounted to the same type of mysteries just in a cyberpunk setting. If Inada-san does not mind I would like to hear about how to make one's work truly science fiction. Ah. Would you like to check out your book first?" Yumeko paused and pointed to the check-out counter ahead with her cane. Ayaka Inada | #WORDS | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND