2026-09-28: New Leaves
- Log: New Leaves
- Cast: Hana Fukami, Shinobu Shimizu
- Where: Red Light District - Main
- OOC Date: September 28, 2026
- IC Date: January 16, 2013
- Summary: Shinobu calls to check on Hana, and Hana invites her over to talk. Hana reveals a secret, and they affirm a friendship--as well as a potential working relationship.
(|======================== Red Light District - Main =========================|)
-===================================================== Tokyo/Shinjuku Ward ====-
It's said if you go out the wrong side of Shinjuku Station, you lose a whole
day. Go out the correct side though, and you still might find yourself on the
wrong side of town. Even walking into Shinjuku's Red Light District subjects you
to endless barkers and touts, looking for opportunities to pull tourists and
young women alike into places where they might get scammed and exploited by the
predators of this place.
Neon signs glare offering disorienting guidance to businesses stacked upon one
another. All the vices of the city are available in smoky bars where one might
forget their dreams at the bottom of a glass, or take offers of companionship in
shady host or hostesses clubs.
Be careful. As smart as you are, wiser people than you have lost everything
here.
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
Hana Fukami has moved since the last time Shinobu saw her outside the Kingdom! She still resides in Shinjuku, but in an even nicer building--up high on the 34th floor. When Shinobu called to see how she was doing, Hana invited her over. It's now evening on Wednseday, and the door opens.
Emisa Higa is the one to open the door. "Oh, hi there," she says in some surprise, but only a little. "Na-chan mentioned you'd be over. She wanted to hang out on the balcony."
Miyako is also there, on the couch, and she waves at Shinobu on the way over; in moments, though, out on the balcony overlooking the city, there is Hana.
She's seated at a small round table, and smiles when Shinobu comes over. She's in clothes more suited to herself than back in the Kingdom. Emisa smiles back. "Let us know if you want anything," she says, and heads back inside.
It's dark out, and the city is bright. It's a lovely view.
"Thanks for coming," Hana says. "How are you doing?"
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
Hana's new building is even more impressive than the last. That one was already something, and this... Shinobu cranes her neck up to look at it.
...It's quite tall. Rolling her neck, Shinobu heads inside.
She rides up to the 34th floor, and finding Hana's place doesn't take too long at all.
"Hey, Higa-san. Hope you've been doing okay." Shinobu greets, offering Emisa a nod of greeting. "Cool, thanks."
Miyako receives a nod and a wave too as she passes through to the balcony.
"Nothin' right now, but thanks." Shinobu replies to Emisa. She looks out over the city, then - taking a moment to breathe in the winter evening air.
"Nice view." Shinobu acknowledges, offering Hana a smile. "City's really something else at this height."
She takes a seat, then. She takes note of her outfit - it suits her a lot better than what she was wearing before... That's a good sign, she'd like to think.
"No problem. Thanks for inviting me." Shinobu replies with a nod. "Been doing pretty well. I've had some time to relax... been nice."
She leans back in her chair.
"...How about you? How're you holding up after everything?" Shinobu asks. She doesn't know how much she remembers. It's better to leave the question open-ended until she figures that out.
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
It comes of having four incomes to throw at it! ...And the fact that a lot of smaller, more traditional places don't want to rent to someone like Hana...
"Now that Na-chan's back, we're all much happier," Emisa says, allowing a brief moment of vulnerability. Shinobu might spot that Miyako takes her hand when she goes to sit back down.
but now, "I really like it," Hana says. "It was definitely part of what I wanted about the place. ...We thought about a house instead of just a big apartment, but... Well, the housing market's a little daunting, isn't it?"
She inclines her head. "I'm glad."
Everything...
"Since I ended up in a weird TV Studio dimension held by the green copy of my old boss?" she asks in a low voice. "...Much better, thanks to you all. I couldn't have beaten that... other me, without you."
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
"Yeah, I imagine..." Shinobu replies, massaging the back of her neck. She offers a nod to both of them. "...I'm happy for all of you. Must've been rough."
Hana says she really likes the view. Shinobu smiles.
"It'd definitely be a plus. Can't really beat fresh air and a good view." She comments - and laughs, as Hana brings up the housing market.
"That's for sure. I'm sure not moving out of my own apartment any time soon..." Shinobu replies. She nods as Hana says she's glad she's doing well, and then listens.
Thanks... It's pretty rare to actually receive thanks for doing something like that. She's not sure how to take it.
"Hey, no problem. We weren't just going to leave you there." Shinobu assures, and considers her for a moment. "...So you remember everything, huh? Most people don't. Usually they forget - fades to the back of the mind, details getting chalked up as something easier to justify."
She laughs lightly, then.
"...But yeah, that was something else, huh...? That Producer was a real piece of work. How'd he compare to the real thing?" She asks. "And that Shadow of yours..."
She pauses, as something clicks. She doesn't just say it like she remembers seeing her - she says it as if she was there. But Snow took her to safety in the middle of the chaos.
"You... remember fighting her?" She asks, hesitantly. Does she mean, like... metaphorically?
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
Hana grins. "Yeah. We wanted to mvoe in together," she says. "...Well, originally, I wanted to move in with Teruo," she says, "But that was hard. Two single 'men'," she grimaces, "According to a lot of people. When... we decided to move in with Emisa and Miyako, it got easier. And then, well..."
"Things got more complicated," she says with a lopsided sort of fond smile. "But we're happy. So it's okay."
But thanks! "I appreciate that," Hana says. "A lot of people would. ...Mm. I do. And so do they," she gestures inside. "Not that they saw that much. But they know I wasn't kidnapped by terrorists."
"...The real thing is more intimidating," Hana decides, "But the fake one had a little more bite. I put him off the 'blackmail' already. I just had to go see him and sort it out. ...Funny, taht I could've done that all along."
She then pauses. "I do. ...Mm..."
"So, keep this to yourself. I feel like... it's good, if i don't spread it. But remember 'Snow'? That's me."
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
Shinobu listens as Hana explains how it happened. First she wanted to move in with Teruo, but... Shinobu makes a face.
"Ugh. Yeah. Assholes." She replies, shaking her head. It got easier when they decided to move in with Emisa and Miyako... and then it got complicated.
Shinobu leans forward, propping an elbow on the table with her chin resting atop her arm as a knowing grin crosses her face.
"Hey, that's all that matters, right? Long as all of you are happy with it turned out." She replies.
Hana appreciates that she couldn't. She confirms that she remembers - and so do Emisa and the others.
"I see... I guess that kind of makes it easier for you in some ways." Shinobu considers, leaning back again. Having to keep up the 'terrorist' lie might be difficult.
As for the Producer... Shinobu nods thoughtfully.
"Makes sense..." She considers. She's visibly relieved, though, when Hana says she put him off the blackmail already. "Really? You don't waste any time... Good. I was worried about that, you know?"
She 'hm's for a moment.
"I guess you... just had to know you could have." She considers.
She watches Hana as she confirms that she does remember fighting her. And then when she explains the truth, Shinobu's eyes open wides.
It's like a floodgate opens - now that she says that... she can see the things she overlooked before.
"That... makes a lot of sense, actually. ...But yeah. Probably for the better that don't spread further that it needs to." Shinobu considers. She studies Hana for a moment. "...Can I say something?"
A grin crosses her face.
"...You were pretty darn cool back there, Fukami-san." She says. "You did good work."
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
Hana appreciates that, too--that Shinobu gets it immediately, and disapproves. "Mm-hm. I don't blame all of them for being old-fashioned..." She reflects. "No, I kind of do," she realizes. "I was just being nice to go along. Even the old ones can adapt if they really want to."
Anyway. She smiles a moment later. "Yes, we are. ...Though we have a lot to talk about, now..."
"It does. So that's usually what happens?" she wonders. "People forget?" She hasn't seen this kind of thing before, herself. "I guess that explains why there's not more information out there about all this..."
"Heh. Well, I wanted to roll on it when I was feeling on top, I guess." Another smile, this one a little slyer. "Thanks. ...Hm..."
"That sounds right. I had to know I could."
And there, the answer. "You can."
Hana laughs. "Thanks," she says. "...i have to figure out how much I can tell them," she admits. "I've been largely honest, but... I don't intend to stop here. There are things out there I have the power to do something about now. So, I plan to try."
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
Shinobu listens as Hana comes to a realization.
"Yeah. People can change. If they're stuck in the past... that's usually on them." She agrees. She smiles when Hana confirms they're all happy, and then laughs. "Yeah, I bet you do."
She nods, though.
"Yeah. The memories fade... and then a cover-up story usually goes out that makes it easy to paper over the old ones." She confirms. "...Like deciding that the Producer's Security were just terrorists, and that they were stopped by the police even though they did jack shit."
She pauses. Katsuya isn't counted in that, of course, because he's currently off-duty and did, in fact, do a lot of work.
"Makes sense." Shinobu considers, when Hana explains what happens with the producer. That sly smile gets a smirk out of Shinobu. It's good to see that kind of look from her.
Hana confirms that she can, in fact, say something - and Shinobu grins at the laugh she gets in return.
"...Yeah. It's rough, with this kinda thing. You don't wanna worry them, but at the same time... hiding it's hard, and not just keeping the secret itself." She admits. "Was the same way with me and my sisters."
Hana doesn't intend to stop here. There are things that she has the power to do something about... Shinobu nods.
"If that's what you wanna do, I won't try to stop you." She replies. "You need any backup, let me know, yeah? ...And if you need help figuring anything out, I can help you there, too."
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
"Right!" It is on them. As to talking, "Mm-hm. You kinda... heard a lot of our business, thanks to that 'other me'. But..." Hana sighs. "Na-chan and I--Emisa--we haven't even talked about... kids, or something like that. I guess it's on my mind, though. That 'Shadow'... she really was right about some of what i was afraid of--but they were just fears. Not the 'truth'."
"...Mostly not the truth," she allows after a moment. "Some of what she was scared of I've seen for myself."
Anyway... "I see," she says. "It makes things easier at the studio, anyway..." That secrecy.
"Right," she says. "I don't really..." She sighs. "I don't plan to keep from them tht I'm doing something, but I don't plan to give them the details, either. I know... someone told me that it's dangerous just to know some things. But I won't be dishonest with them."
"Thank you. But, well... I think I will need backup. You, Uchida-san... Sergeant Suou." More, who she doesn't know are associated together.
"I could use the help with figuring things out, too, i'm sure--there's all sorts of things I don't know..."
"But..."
"Have you heard of the New World Order?" she wonders. "That's what I know I need to do something about. I have... a friend... who's trapped by them. For her safety, I can't say who she is. But I want to help."
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
"...Yeah." Shinobu admits, as Hana mentions that she heard a lot of their business. She nods quietly - she remembers the other Hana expressing her fears, how afraid she was... and that's on Hana's mind, too.
"...That's how it works, I guess. Those fears dig in deep and it's hard to get 'em out." Shinobu replies, massaging the back of her neck. "...I hope the talk goes well for all you."
She nods reluctantly, as she mentions how it makes thing easier at the studio. That is one convenient thing about it, she supposes.
"...It can be, yeah." Shinobu admits, when Hana mentions that someone told her that it's dangerous just to know some things. "After a certain point, there's no going back."
Hana admits that she'll need back-up. Her, Tamaki, Katsuya, and the others, too.
"I'm sure we'd all appreciate the help, too." She agrees. Hana could use the help figuring out, but also...
...The New World Order. Hana has a friend who's trapped by them. A considering frown crosses her face.
Yua... came up a lot in what Shadow Hana said. And Yua told her herself that she was with Hana when she was taken. And now Hana brings up a friend trapped by the New World Order... Shinobu hesitates for a moment.
"...I think," She starts. "...And I won't ask you to confirm anything, that we might have a friend in common."
"...But. Yeah, I've heard of them, alright. Me and the others... we've been trying to fight back." Shinobu replies. "So if that's what you wanna do, you're in good company."
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
"Mm. Well, I'm glad you're... being nice about it. Some people seeing that side would... not be."
Is that how it works? Hana looks distant for a moment, thinking about it. "Thanks," she says after a moment. "Me, too."
No going back... "I don't want to, at least," she says. "I'm glad I can do something. And this 'secrecy' is going to help."
"...Great. Then, let me know, when you do, and I'll do the same."
Yua. Of course, Yua. But Hana isn't quite ready to nme her openly, for all that her Shadow definitely did. Maybe soon.
"...We might," Hana says, and leaves it there.
"I see..."
"Well, I guess that works out, huh? If I work with your friends, I'll probably tell them, too--but until then, I'll handle reveals, if anybody needs to."
"But, horrible conspiracies aside..."
"That was pretty bold," she says. "Coming out in the middle of that fight, with all those people. You were pretty darn cool yourself!"
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
Shinobu offers Hana a sympathetic smile.
"Yeah, probably not. But I don't wanna be that kind of person." She replies. Hana thanks her, and Shinobu nods.
She doesn't want to go back - she's glad she can do something.
"Take every advantage you can get, I say." Shinobu agrees, and nods. "Will do. We'll keep in touch."
Hana doesn't elaborate further on her friend, and Shinobu doesn't take it further than that, either. Instead, she nods.
"They're good people. I trust 'em. ...But only when you think you're ready." She says. "Sounds like a good plan."
Shinobu grins, then, laughing sheepishly as Hana compliments her.
"Ah... you think so? Thanks." Shinobu replies, massaging the back of her neck. "It just kinda felt like the right moment. ...And it did feel pretty good to be so open about it for once."
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
"...That's what it comes down to," Hana reflects. "The sort of people we want to be." She nods, and feels good about that one.
"I definitely will," Hana says of advantages--and then, that they're good people, well.... "I think there's a lot of good people involved in this. I even got to meet a couple of the Phantom Thieves, who seem... really genuinely concerned with 'justice'. That gives me hope."
Hana smiles widely. "I do!" she says, animated about it, gesturing at Shinobu. "I bet it did! Even though it wasn't my choice to come out to the world... I still like what I can do, as an example. And it makes me feel good to see one of us being able to be open. ...Maybe my partners can, eventually."
"...Besides," she says. "Being open does make it easier to date."
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
Hana reflects, and Shinobu considers that.
"Yeah. I agree." She replies. Hana mentions that there's a lot of good people involved in this.
"...There are. A lot of 'em are still just kids, but... they've got good heads on their shoulders." Shinobu repllies with a nod. As for the Phantom Thieves... "Yeah. I've been able to talk with them a time or two. Some of them can be reckless and kind of hot-headed, but... they're a good bunch, and they hold tight to what they believe in."
'Reckless and hot-headed' pretty much describes herself, so of course that's only a plus for her.
Shinobu grins when Hana confirms, enthusiastically, that she thinks she was cool and that it must have felt good.
An example...
"...Yeah. It's... good, to be able to do some things to help people in situations like ours." Shinobu agrees. She thinks back to a conversation she had just earlier today. "...Yeah. I hope they can, too."
Hana points out one of the advantages and Shinobu laughs.
"That's for sure." She agrees. "I've been thinking about it, you know? I think I'm ready to give it a real try again."
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
Just kids... "I'm surprised how young a lot of the people who came for me are," Hana says then. "But I guess it makes sense. When you're young... you're hungry. Adults can have it too, but a lot of us just get used to how the world is, and live with it like that. They haven't done that yet, so they're more likely to try to do something."
"Something like that, maybe." She smiles. "Yes."
It was cool! "Yes," Hana agrees. "I feel good when I can. Though... I admit, i wasn't helping everyone. When I get back to work... I think I'm going to make a few changes."
She laughs back. "Good!" Hana says. "It's definitely worth it--at least, I think so. But I used to mostly meet people at clubs and bars. I met Teruo at a bar--I liked him because he wanted romance instead of just a hookup. And that's how it started."
"If you ever want to talk about that too, then... We're friends now, right?"
"We don't only have to talk about the terrible things going on."
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
"It's kind of wild, isn't it?" Shinobu agrees. Her expression turns thoughtful for a moment as Hana thinks about it. Most of them are used to how the world is and are resigned to it... but they haven't done that, yet. "...Yeah. You're right."
She grins.
"...I wish they didn't have to - but I think that so many of them want to is a good sign." She says.
Hana agrees, and says she feels good when she can. But she's going to make a few changes...
"Well... now you can. That's what we were talking about before - people changing. I think you'll do a lot of good." Shinobu says.
She grins as Hana supports her decision, and explains how it went for her and how she met Teruo. Wanting romance, instead of just a hookup...
...Well, that was the old her, now that she wants to try not to run away from things getting more serious...
"Oh yeah? That's cool. So it can work out that way..." She considers. "Yeah. I think it'll be worth it, too."
She nods, then.
"Definitely." She agrees, about being friends. "It'd be great to talk about it again sometime."
She nods.
"For sure. If we let them keep our mood down, that's basically letting them win... and I dunno about you, but I hate losing." Shinobu replies.
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
"it is!" Wild, that is. But Shinobu seems to come around to agree with her. "Right," Hana says. "it's pretty dangerous stuff for kids... But then, it's dangerous for adults too, I suppose."
She smiles back. "Thanks," she says. "I hope so. I know before... i was sort of reinforcing the wrong message. So maybe I can do differently."
"Don't get me wrong," as Hana watches Shinobu's expression. "I've had a good time on hookups. But... he made me feel special. That was different."
Hana beams. "Good." A beat, "Yes. I think that's true, too. ...I'm not a big fan of it, either."
A beat, "Would you like to meet everyone? It's fine if not, of course--but it is getting a little chilly..."
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
"Yeah, it is." Shinobu agrees. "We'll just have to keep looking out for each other. There's a lot even we can learn from them, too, besides."
She nods as Hana thanks her, and admits that she was reinforcing the wrong message before.
"As long as you remember that feeling... I think you'll do good." Shinobu assures.
Talk turns to dating - and Shinobu laughs a little sheepishly as Hana catches the meaning behind her expression. She nods, though. Making her feel special...
"...I'd kind of like to be able to do that for someone else someday." Shinobu admits.
Hana admitting that she's not a big fan of losing either gets a grin out of Shinobu. And when she asks if she'd like to meet everyone...
Shinobu thinks about it for a moment and then, with a nod, stands up from her chair.
"Sure, I'd be happy to. It'll be good to get to know 'em, after hearing you talk about 'em." She agrees. "Let's go."