Stream of Consciousness [Hara]

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see A smile crossed Yumeko's face as she picked up on the literary reference. Of course, Hara would know Shakespeare, given her major. Yumeko respected Shakespeare's as a good storyteller, even if she wasn't fond of the bard's works themselves. Still, that fact that Hara was well-verse in literature made the author rather happy, calmly meeting Hara's hand and letting her hold onto it. The sensation of someone's hand holding onto hers wasn't new to the grey-eyed girl. Usually, it was in the context of someone leading the way, and as soon as the destination was reached, Yumeko's hands would withdraw to her sides or her cane, as if to minimize the duration of contact. Now that Yumeko thought of it, this time the context was the opposite. As long as she could feel Hara's hand, she knew that she wouldn't be bumping into shower heads and could be pulled out of the bath if she took too long. Maybe. And that kind of context was so surreal for the writer. Mindlessly, Yumeko's thumb seemed to graze over the back of Hara's hand, as if it was unsure if it was really there, and the author's thoughts were at risk of spiraling out of control if it wasn't for Hara's voice pulling her back. Grinning and chuckling, Yumeko looked up to Hara. "Heh, what do I say to that?" Yumeko asked, shaking her head and adding, "Well, how about 'You're welcome' for a start?" Reflexively, Yumeko squeezed Hara's hand gently. "Anyways. Really, I'm glad that you're you. It's bad enough not being able to pick up on visual cues." Though she still smiled, Yumeko tilted her head downwards slightly as she continued to speak. "It's great to not to have to wear a mask all the time. That said, I don't know why I'm so distant and formal. You'd think with outgoing parents, who's job makes them go outside and talk to people, I'd be more social, but I end up in the corner of the room, writing." With a sigh, Yumeko's free hand reached up to light press against her useless grey eyes. "Honestly, I don't want to blame these for the reason why I keep people away, why I keep myself shut in and to myself, literally, metaphorically. Just doesn't feel fair." Once more, Yumeko's frustration shone through on her face and as she held fast to Hara's hand, but the moment passed as she looked towards the dancer again and relaxed her grip. "But if it's you, I think I go out a bit more." Hara Kitakami | #WORDS | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND

Hara's hand instinctively responded to Yumeko's anxious thumb by giving the author's hand a gentle squeeze from time to time.  This was new to both of them, she imagined, so they would just kind of need to play it by ear.  Neither of them seemed used to having people get close to the real person behind whatever façade they put up for the world to see.  Whether it was the distant author or the stately prince, people didn't often get to see who was really underneath the masks that the girls wore in daily life.  It felt good to have the reassurance of someone there, hand in hand, who could speak this freely with her and to whom Hara could speak freely as well.  Even as the author spoke Hara found herself smiling cheerfully at the sound of Yumeko's voice.  It was reassuring.  It was a key that opened the locked door behind which being her regular self was hidden.

When the author pontificated about why she might act the way she did, Hara gave that hand another squeeze.  She nudged Yumeko's shoulder and told her softly, "I'm glad that you feel so comfortable with me.  And I'm happy to go out any time you need to get away from being shut in, or just want to be with someone.  It's scary to put yourself out in front of other people, so I get why someone would prefer to hide inside rather than deal with the sea of troubles that's out there."  

The dancer lifted her free hand toward the other girl's face, where it lingered for a moment.  Was it really okay to just touch her like this?  Holding hands with girls and embracing were fairly innocuous as far as Hara was concerned and friends tended to do both in her homeland.  Nothing remotely intimate about such gestures.  But given the setting and the closeness both physical and emotional between them, Hara felt some concern about pushing Yumeko too much.  She didn't want to upset her, but the thought that Yumeko might be feeling self conscious about herself was something she couldn't let slide.  So Hara gently placed her hand on Yumeko's cheek and smiled while looking into those grey eyes that to her were so very deep despite not being able to see her.

"But don't push yourself to do things if you're not comfortable.  The last thing I want to do is cause you unease," Hara told her, sounding half-princely as she brushed the girl's cheek and then lowered her hand, "I don't know if it makes sense to you, but I think your eyes are actually... beautiful.  But I mean, the person who owns them is more beautiful.. so I'd be honored if she feels more comfortable going places if I'm in her company."

After a very awkward pause Hara chuckled, "Sorry, was that weird?  It wasn't supposed to be.. just got a little teensy bit carried away."

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see The pressure in Yumeko's hand was reassuring, and the writer found herself loathe to let go. Why? Yumeko really wasn't sure. The warmth she was feeling, welling up inside her, wasn't just from the water, that much she knew, and it was starting to tear at her. It was like she knew the answer the question and didn't want to acknowledge it. Thankfully, the sensation on her shoulder distracted Yumeko, who smiled again. Of all people who would know the anxiety of being on-stage, of course the Prince of the Performing Arts Department would know it best, though in her dazed state, Yumeko couldn't help but giggle. It wasn't that composed giggle of some high class or aloof ojou, it was a very relaxed and girlish giggle that Yumeko had, one that she rarely ever did, especially outside of home. As the giggle subsided, there was another warm sensation, this time on her cheek. As if lured by it, the writer leaned towards it and smiled distantly as another thought of irony passed through her mind. She had felt other's faces before, but it was always a matter of practicality, getting to know someone. So what was this for? In the brief moment she had to ponder, the writer could get no other answer other than it made herself happy, and she chuckled out of reflex as she heard Hara chuckle beside her. "No, no! I don't think it's weird at all, Hara-san," Yumeko replied cheerfully. "Besides, I really don't mind you getting carried away like that. It's...well." The author paused, pressing her fingers against her useless eyes again. "According to my parents, and everyone else I've asked...they say my eyes are grey. Usually that's a colour to depict something sad or worn out or even drained of life and vigour. But I've also had the colour used to describe something more...serene and composed." Yumeko blinked, then giggled again, looking towards Hara with newfound joy. "Oh, now you're making me wax poetic too! That's quite contagious!" The novelist continued to giggle until she heard the sound of nearby splashing and other voices. With a resigned sigh, Yumeko shook her head and looked to Hara, her smile remaining but tinged with a bit of sadness. "Well, right now the next place I want to go...is the changing room. As relaxing as these hot springs are...I think now is a good time to get out, lest we get cooked by them." Yumeko squeezed Hara's hand and nodded, feeling around for her cane. "...do...do you mind leading the way back?" Hara Kitakami | #WORDS | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND

It wasn't uncommon for Hara Kitakami's princely words to have an effect on girls.  In fact it was fairly well documented that the Prince of the Performing Arts could cause hearts to stir with her turn of phrase, even if it was just something that was flowery nonsense at times.  Hara always preferred to make other girls feel happy with themselves, so she tried to say what she thought they would like to hear her say. With Yumeko it was different.  When she spoke of those gray eyes she was speaking from the heart with no filter, even though the end result was still a bit princely.  Yet even with the positive response from Yumeko, the ballerina felt awkward for letting her heart do the talking quite like that.  What was she doing, being all flowery like this?  Normally she could just be open and casual with this girl but today felt a bit more personal for some reason.

The prince's eyes rose from the water in front of her as she heard the sound of Yumeko giggling.  That was a rare thing indeed!  Once she realized that it was in fact her companion's laugh and not someone nearby, Hara smiled to herself.  Even that awkward statement from the heart hadn't made the other girl feel less inclined to show her inner self.  Hara then heard the residual sound of other girls entering the bath, and instantly her instinct was to protect Yumeko.  From what she had very little idea, but Hara had tensed up a little just knowing that the girl might need her to do something.  She too felt like sticking around here was not the best idea, that their little bubble had to relocate lest it shatter.  So when she was asked to take the lead to the changing room, Hara wasted no time in standing up to her full height and gripping Yumeko's hand firmly.  After glancing around to make sure they weren't going to bump into anyone or anything, she slowly helped the author exit the water, Hara's arm offered for extra support in case the floor was a little slippery.

"Your wish is my command, m'lady," she joked in her most princely tone as she took slow and careful steps toward the changing room. 

En route she found her eyes drawn to the girl at her side.  Many girls before had wished to be at Hara's side like this, she was certain of it. Probably a lot of other girls wouldn't have expected or understood what it was about this one in particular which had caught Hara's attention.  There was something of a grace to how the author carried herself, the strength which she showed in facing all of a day's challenges while trying not to let on that she needed assistance.  To be the person she'd let in past that barrier, to escort her like this.. to hear her laugh.. that, Hara had learned, was something very special to be earned.  There was more to it - something almost ethereal in the moment as they strode amid the steam of the baths which enhanced a beauty of form and spirit that Hara hadn't quite noticed before.  Or at least allowed herself to notice.  Yumeko was special.  And Yumeko was here, holding Hara's hand, like a lady being escorted by a knight or prince.  A big blush and smile spread over the tall girl's face, and she had to look away to avoid getting too carried away with her thoughts.  Which was fortunate, since she'd nearly walked into a shower head again.  It was right there, mere centimeters in front of Hara's face, but Hara had caught it in time.  She laughed at her luck to have nearly been hit by the same thing twice, and then side stepped it and led the way to the changing room.

Once there, and without further explanation for the laugh, Hara turned to look at Yumeko, "We hath arrived, your most fair exaltedness.  Please feel free to smack me for speaking like such an old fashioned sort."

Another laugh escaped her lips as something came to mind again.  Something that had been said in the bath.. and now seemed like it might have more meaning that she'd thought in the moment.  Maybe it was nothing.  Best to just set it aside while they changed at least.

"Well, that was definitely relaxing - I think I'm more relaxed than I've been in weeks.  Can't believe it took me this long to try out a proper hot spring," Hara spoke instead, "Are you doing all right?  I didn't take you out of there too quickly did I?"  I want to go out with you somewhere.  The thought lingered in her mind even though she'd decided not to speak the words again just yet.  Did that mean?  Hara really didn't want to presume that it did; let Yumeko speak of it first.

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see The sound of splashing nearby made Yumeko go into high alert, freezing the tiny girl in place until it processed in her mind there were other girls who were entering the bath. A strange feeling of self-consciousness sprang up within the author, who hastily grabbed hold of her cane just in time for Hara to lift at her other hand. But in the end, the cane was unnecessary; between Hara's gentle guidance and steady arm, Yumeko extracted herself from the water, albeit with a slight blush. And that blush lasted as Hara quipped once more in her princely manner, and remained even as they walked to the changing room. There was a certain sensation of lightness in Yumeko's feet, as if if she stepped and more forcefully she would start floating, and her quickened pace allowed her to stand directly at Hara's side, almost threatening to overtake her in excitmen. Only Hara's hand and the heavy metal cane seemed to keep her down on Earth. Until she felt that Hara had suddenly stopped in her tracks. For the most part, Yumeko wasn't tracking their position, only using her cane as a redundant support instead of using it to sense the area in front of her. Between her own memory and sound of falling water, Yumeko was able to deduce that they were in the showers, but where exactly she didn't know. Nor was she worried about being lost, rather her focus was on Hara again. Slowly and gently, Yumeko squeezed Hara's hand and looked upwards. But before the author could ask anything, Hara laughed walking around something and leading the way, where another shift in temperature, smell, and humidity told the writer that they had reached the changing rooms. A soft chuckle accompanied Yumeko's very gentle tap of her cane against Hara's hand. "And that's the most smacking you'll get from me for that," Hara-san, the novelist replied, smiling brightly. "And I'm glad you got to relax. I can't imagine all the pressure you've been under lately." A wary hand reached out to the cubby holes, counting spaces as Yumeko searched for her clothes. "I'm fine, by the way. You weren't too fast or anything. Just...you seemed to space out earlier while walking back. Ah." Finally at the right place, Yumeko finished drying herself off and started to get dressed. "I mean...something on your mind? I don't want to be so nosy, but...I'm admittedly a tad worried if you're spacing out because of stress. Sadly...I'm...not sure what I can do beyond hanging out with you more. We're in different departments, and..." Between the clothes going over her body and the frustrated mumbling that she had descended into, Yumeko might as well have stopped talking. Hara Kitakami | #WORDS | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND

There was definitely an elephant in the room as far as Hara was concerned, once she'd realized what she had been thinking about.  Now that she'd had the thought about wanting to go out somewhere with Yumeko she couldn't put the thought back in the box.  Add to that that there would inevitably be specific concerns about going somewhere in Fukui considering how well Hara was known to girls at their school.  Even if she were to simply just invite Yumeko out on an.. outing.. she would have to be very certain it was in a place where they weren't going to be interrupted by admirers.  All of this swirled in the New Zealander's mind as she debated whether or not to bring the idea up at all with the author with the beautiful grey eyes and sharp wit.  Hara stole glances over at Yumeko as she spoke, not sure what to do with her thoughts and hoping that they didn't just spill out in a highly awkward way.  Yet she also knew that it wasn't fair to keep all of this bottled up in her thoughts; Yumeko had opened herself to Hara, and she deserved to know what the ballerina thought.

When the author asked her if something was on her mind, that debate got even more heated in Hara's mind.  Was it going to ruin the mood if she asked a girl out after they'd spent a good long time in a hot spring and had enjoyed their time together prior to this?  She gazed down at Yumeko thoughtfully as she ran through the possibilities of what might go wrong with speaking her heart's desire.  Her hands tensed up as she imagined different scenarios where she was no longer able to hold a conversation with Yumeko, wasn't able to see her, or otherwise was made unwelcome in Yumeko's company.  The girl who'd been able to get past her princely defenses, didn't judge her for her less than homogenous Japanese looks or height, who had gotten her to speak openly and casually.  But again, Yumeko deserved to know how Hara felt.

So with a deep breath, Hara turned to face Yumeko and placed one hand on the author's shoulder.  After a glance to confirm they were alone she responded, "Yeah, there's something on my mind. Look, we've known each other for a while now and we've had some really good times already.  But I'm.. afraid that if I ask you something you might walk out of my life, but.. look, what I'm trying to say is that.. that invitation to do more things together is more than just hanging out.  I.. want to know if you, Yumeko Nakano, would like to go out with me."

She laughed awkwardly as she added, "It'll be a challenge since I have a lot of admirers in Fukui who might interrupt an outing like that.  But if you're all right with it, I'd really like to go out with you."

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see Yumeko stopped mumbling in frustration as she finished dressing herself, patting herself down with firm force. The gesture was a much to beat down her aching pride over her self-sufficiency as it was to check if she had everything she came with. At this point, she was out of ideas beyond trying to listen and talk to Hara more. She had no sense of medicine or anything that could be remotely useful with helping someone focus. This was something that the author accepted that she needed to talk to someone else for first. As soon as Yumeko finished patting herself down, she felt a warm hand on her shoulder and a deep breath. A confused expression washed over Yumeko, who held her cane tightly, but smiled brightly as Hara upfront admitted that something was on her mind. Lacking the means to pick up on visual hints, the author was...overjoyed to be with someone who could communicate with her. More than communicate, but someone she had enjoyed relying on. And yet... "Go out with you?" Yumeko echoed, somewhere between confused and surprised. A hundred thoughts came to her mind, and she tried to block out every single one of them. The world she balked at, that literary genre she derided, now seemed poised to take its revenge, and it scared her. "Go out, like...outside? As we are now instead of reading something in the library together like we usually do? W-wait. You said more than just hanging out..." No, Yumeko knew what Hara said, and that dreamlike feeling the author had earlier came crashing down. The novelist knew that every time she questioned why Hara made her so happy and why she wanted to be around Hara more and more, that she would push the question away without answering, lest it spoil the mood. But that was because she knew the answer already and the answer scared her. A creeping feeling of weakness started to take over, and the author kept opening and closing the hand on her cane, but each time her hand closed slower and slower. "Go out, like...on a date somewhere?" Yumeko continued, her voice getting softer, reaching a barely audible whisper. "...go out...like...g-girlfriends...?" The fingers holding the cane closed too slowly this time, and the metal cane fell to the floor with a sharp smack. But the author made no attempt to pick the cane up, instead reaching up to grip Hara's arm that was holding her shoulder. She looked up to Hara, almost in tears and fearfully asked the question that had been ringing in her mind, "Am I really...okay...to be...your girlfriend...?" Hara Kitakami | #WORDS | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND

Openness with her feelings for a girl was a big step for the Prince of the Performing Arts.  Flirting with girls had been a staple for her for years, but to actually feel so attached to someone was a change.  As she waited for the author's response to her decision, the ballerina's muscles tensed in preparation for possible rejection.  Yet her mind wondered what she was worried about - being turned away because she was different?  Yumeko had felt her face but wasn't likely to judge her for her appearance or height.  They got along so well and enjoyed the company of one another to such a degree that she would've been more surprised had the author actually turned her away.  When Yumeko showed she knew what Hara was asking and held Hara's arm, Hara squeezed the girl's shoulder gently.  This.. this was unexpected to the taller girl.

The very real fear in the author's voice said that the concern was just as real.  To see her would-be girlfriend so upset made Hara's heart ache.  She let her princely instincts take over as she tried to ease Yumeko's worries about whether they could really be together like that.  Hara's free hand reached over to brush a little hair behind Yumeko's ear; the ballerina simultaneously looked the girl right in the gray eyes and smiled even though she knew the expression wouldn't be seen.  After holding this pose for a moment she moved her hand from the other girl's shoulder and took Yumeko's hand in hers.  Slowly she guided it up to her own face so that the author could feel her warm cheeks as a blush fell over them.  As she did so she laughed lightly at her own reaction, which was far from princely as far as Hara was concerned.

"You have quite the effect on me, Nakano Yumeko.  I would be very happy if you would be my girlfriend," Hara replied with confidence, ".. as long as you're willing to put up with the occasional princeliness.. and occasional unexpected admirers of mine making an escape necessary."

That said she suggested, "Why don't we make a plan for our first date?  Somewhere fun for both of us that's also somewhere new for us?  We can bring some books for company of course."

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see Between the stillness around her and the swirling storm of emotions inside her, Yumeko could barely hear Hara's movement and breath. The sudden contact around her ear made her flinch out of reflex, and she could feel her hair being moved slightly. It was a strange sensation, a new sensation, and while the fear of the unknown still lurked somewhere, there as a sense of comfort that seemed to be overwhelming it, and so she held fast to Hara's arm instead of trying to pull away. A look of confusion washed over her, unable to see the smile in the New Zealander's face and unsure of the gesture, which turned to a look of bewilderment as the hand on her shoulder withdrew. The author was pulled off balanced by her attempt to follow that comforting hand, only to feel her hand being held again. Her head followed the hand that was guided upwards until her hand felt something familiar: Hara's cheek. Yumeko remembered that Hara was normally warm to the touch, but now she was positively burning. The novelist couldn't help but laugh along with Hara as her own hand slowly drifted up wards to mimic Hara's hand around the ear, blushing as she did so. Hara was a bit taller, so it was a bit of a reach, but as the nervousness waned, Yumeko seemed to relax her arm, pulling her hand away from Hara's ear and lightly brushing her fingertips against Hara's hand. "Then I would be honoured to be your girlfriend, Kitakami Hara..." Yumeko replied, sighing happily. Though she kept reaching out to keep her hand on Hara's cheek, the writer's other hand reached up to hold onto Hara's other hand, pausing to think of a good suggestion for their first date as proper girlfriends. "Somewhere new...maybe outside the city?" Yumeko muttered, leaning her head against Hara's hand little. That was a tad tricky, as it had to be some place that Yumeko would navigate (even with Hara's help), while not being either crowded or easily reachable by a potential fan of Hara. At the same time, it had to be some place that they would both enjoy, and the novelist was loathe to repeat places they had gone before. Suddenly, the cloudy grey eyes lit up. "Ah...! The mountains perhaps. Would you mind a bit of a hike? Maybe bring a few books to read as well?" Yumeko asked. "A-ah...right...just that...outside of reading...up in Sapporo, my family would take me up the mountainside so I could just...hear something different other than a busy city." Hara Kitakami | #WORDS | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND

The feeling of Yumeko's head against her hand made Hara feel quite warm inside.  Here she was in a hot spring with a girl she cared about, making plans for a date which would allow them to simply enjoy each other's company.  It was going to feel strange for quite a while, she was sure, but not out of any fault of her new girlfriend's.  Being the Prince of Performing Arts since her arrival at Fukui had meant a lot of flirting with girls and even more who had given Hara their affection.  This was the first time she could recall the whole process occurring without feeling obligatory, forced or awkward.  There was so much they might be able to do together, but getting to a place to do it might be really tricky since a lot of girls in town would recognize Hara almost immediately.  

Luckily Yumeko was able to think of something that would allow them to be together without a ton of interruption from unexpected fans.  The New Zealander's eyes lit up as the proposal was made for hiking and reading up in the mountains - that was definitely something different than they'd done before.  She rubbed the other girl's cheek softly in a sign of affection and appreciation.  A place with clean air, new sounds, fewer people and plenty of time to bond and read.  Not the typical first date but they weren't really a typical couple either - this would work fairly well, she thought!  

"So a journey into the unknown lands of the mountains, in search of adventure, mystery and excitement?  All with the promise of adventure and romance tucked away within the pages of a special selection of carefully selected books as well. If that is what you wish for, mi'lady, so shall it be," Hara replied with her best princely voice just before pulling the girl into a rather sudden hug, "I promise I won't make it too awkward for you.  Prince Hara doesn't need to come out when we're trying our best to avoid the very fans of that Hara to begin with. I'll make this the best mountain date you've ever had, though.. I guess it's also the worst you've ever had too since I doubt you've had one at all."

That said she held the hug with one hand and gave the author a pat on the head, "Would you like to try some Kiwi foods if I can find them?  Might be hard to track them down around here, but I'm sure there's a way I can get my hands on some.  We can hike, read books, try New Zealand food and have a grand time away from the sound and bustle of the city!"

Kindness is the  language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see The feeling on her cheek was mixture of novel and familiar, and Yumeko nuzzled Hara's hand as if she wanted more, both of her own hands hanging onto Hara's arm and not willing to let go. Why she wanted more, the author had a few theories that popped into her head, but figured now was not the time to focus on speculation. From the sound of it, Hara was amenable to a mountainside trek, so much that Yumeko was caught off-guard by the sudden hug. Hugs were also a thing that Yumeko was not unfamiliar with. After all, her cousin Yuka as more than fond of it. But then was the pat on the head. Normally, Yumeko would have brushed away the hand - she was very adverse to head patting, as it was a harsh reminder of how short she was. Although this time, there was something that Yumeko did mind, albeit minor. "Hara-chan?" Yumeko replied cheerfully, her face still buried into Hara's hug. "I'd be more than happy to enjoy some food from your homeland on our trip. But...I think you're too worried about your princely habits." With a soft chuckle, the author looked up from the hug. "Add your princely flourishes as freely as you wish, as long as it's...just you being you, okay? You don't need to do it more or less for my sake, so the only time it's going to be awkward is if you keep worrying about it." Yumeko adjusted her arms so that she could properly hug Hara, though it was as much as it was for support as it was affection. "...mn...shall we go home then?" Yumeko asked with a half-sigh of relief. "Mayhaps before a fan finds us and it starts the rumour mill running. And...c-can you see where my cane went?" Hara Kitakami | #WORDS | NOTES:

KAI'K @ WICKED WONDERLAND