☆A little little fun

[iitrebel]

Who: Those who signed up to perform, and anyone else
What: The Double S Charity Concert is go!
When: January 24th throughout the day
Where: Archer Park
Warnings: None planned

☆A Little Little Fun



On the morning of the 24th, the sun rises over Vista City and, more importantly, Archer Park- a series of rooftop parks connected to each other by bridges and overflowing greenery of all sorts. It's a popular on most days to start with. Today, however, is the day of the Double S Charity Concert. Thus, it's more packed than usual.

One of the park "islands" is home to a concert stage, and that is where the concert is taking place. All throughout the next couple of days, various musicians will perform songs they've written about or dedicated to another in the industry. With the entertainment value of the idea and the fame of the musicians, of course the place is packed.

The stage is where every musician will end up at throughout the day, performing for the masses, but behind it is also a rest area for them to either bide their time or just hang out. It's supposed to be restricted to just those musicians participating, but frankly... security is lax just enough that bandmates and the such could duck on in to see their friends. No fans, however, sorry. It's not the most impressive of places, with seating areas and a salad bar and all the pizza that could possibly be ordered, but hopefully it's good enough. This is also where one can find event organizer Jenny around, in case they need to bring anything up.

Of course, no one is required to stay back there while waiting their turn, or after they've done their performance. Attempts to raise money go beyond just the concert. Double S has all sorts of stalls set up, whether to explain to people the various causes they can specifically pledge support to, or to sell merchandise. Can't forget the food stalls. There is, of course, a stall showing adoptable animals. There always is.

Finally, there's one last thing Double S has set up for any willing celebrities. It's a meet-and-greet area for the fans, where they have the chance to meet their favorite musicians. Giving out autographs, taking pictures with fans... There's even a karaoke set up for everyone to use. Musicians can sing solo, or with others from their label, or even with a lucky fan. AKA feel free to get NPC MP here. Hopefully, it'll get some good publicity for those interested in that kind of thing.

Tickets have been made astonishingly cheap in the hopes that more people will show, with anything else being made up by merchandise sales or donations.

Comments

[lightthedarkness]

[Holding her bag of bean buns, Usagi saw Rei and gasped as they locked eyes. She was quick to follow. She had followed Rei home before, this was for a different reason. She swallowed her nervousness and hurried after her.

But she didn't want to call out in case other fans heard and made Rei uncomfortable. Instead, she hurried over to her, urging her legs to go as fast as they could in this form. She was just a little ways away from her and before she could stop her instincts, she reached out and grabbed Rei's hand.]

Rei. [She panted, blue locking with purple. When she realized what she had done, she was quick to let go and swallowed, blushing. She bowed deeply.]

M-My apologies. I didn't- Miss Hino I'm sorry, I didn't meant do that. I just wanted to thank you for, that is for these. [She held up the bag and smiled through her panting.] You're so sweet.

[faithfulflame]

[When she felt strange fingers on her hand, fingers that don’t belong to Yosuke or one of her bandmates, Rei very nearly panics. She very nearly spins into a reflexive aikido throw, but the familiarity in the way this girl says her name makes her freeze, all thought of resistance temporarily quelled. She hadn’t meant for this to be a big thing, just…give her the money, get her aside and thank her for coming, and that was all. The touch had basically ruined that plan though, making her draw back and in on herself, arms folding defensively around her. On stage was one thing, and interacting with a fan on her own terms was also something, but this wasn’t on her terms. It wasn’t how she wanted it to go. It was just supposed to be a simple “thank you for coming, please enjoy the concert. Eat, have fun.” But no…]

Please…don’t touch me like that. Not without…warning. [She looks away shyly.] I’m sorry, I’m just not very good with people. But I thought…I wanted to make you smile a little, and a concert’s no fun if you can’t enjoy some of the food.

[lightthedarkness]

["Please don't touch me." Her eyes started to water but thankfully she didn't cry even as she felt like she had been slapped in the face and been punched in the gut all at once.

'Don't touch me.'

She took a deep breath and bowed again, her hair touching the ground. She swallowed and tried to remind herself that Rei wasn't herself. Her Rei was just... just- you can't cry again, she told herself. Crying would make things awkward and push Rei even further away. With every ounce of her strength she stood back up and put on a neutral face.]

Of course, I didn't mean to do that. [She was speaking slowly so as to not let her voice crack.] I really just wanted to thank you for doing this. I hope you have a wonderful evening.

[She needed to go, she needed to go before she fell apart.]

I-I won't touch you again.

[faithfulflame]

[Serena's watering eyes are a hint, a clue, that something much, much different is going on. This isn't just a fan, a fan wouldn't seem so put out by a simple request unless they were completely insane and an astute observer like Rei can see that. She's no fool, no idiot, she can read people better than she lets on. It's how she hasn't been eaten alive in Virgo, and how she ended up in the most successful of the new bands.

This girl...there's definitely something else at work here, or she wouldn't be so put out. So, instead of letting it go, instead of letting it...just...end there, she reaches out and snatches Serena's wrist.]

I...I didn't mean it like that. I don't know what's going on, but...I just...that's not what this was supposed to be about! [She lets out a weak little huff of frustration.] You don't have to go, I'm sorry.

Just...warn me first? I don't really know you, and...and...[This is so hard. She doesn't know what to say, but her own eyes start to water, frustration at her own worries coming to the forefront. Why should she be afraid? Something about that...about this...just felt wrong. She wanted to cry, she wanted to be sick, but that wasn't going to accomplish anything. She just...she had to talk to this girl. ]

...I'm so, so confused...but I just want to see you smile.

[lightthedarkness]

[She had just been on her way to leave when Rei grabbed her wrist. She didn't pull and she didn't fight, but she couldn't face Rei just yet.

She was doing such a horrible job at this. This whole stealth and secrecy, it was a wonder her parents never found out she was Sailor Moon sometimes. But this... this was different. She finally turned to look at Rei as she was talking.

Usagi was a strange individual, as anyone could tell you. Her moods and emotions were easily seen as they weren't just worn on her sleeve, they were a flashing neon sign that sat above her head. But whatever was said about Usagi, crybaby or otherwise, her first concern was and would always be, for her loved ones. As soon as she saw how upset Rei was?

Her mood went from upset to something else entirely. No, no her precious Rei couldn't be so upset. She rested her other hand on top of Rei's. She gave it a gentle squeeze and came close to her.

Her hand than moved and gently tucked back a strand of Rei's hair and she was smiling, warm and tender. Minako was right. The soul was still Rei's, buried deep down, but it was there, slowly waking up and rising to the surface. She had to be careful, though, because she couldn't take Rei just yet. But knowing it was there? Knowing it was there reminded her why she had to be strong and have hope.]

I'm sorry I ever made you worry. [She whispered.] I know it's all a little confusing and I'm sorry for that too. [She wanted to hug Rei but settled for giving her hand a squeeze.] But you know, you can do anything, Rei. You're so incredible, no matter what you face. [Even when she didn't know she was facing it.]

You give me so much reason to smile. [And it was true, and the smile on her face spoke as much honesty as those words.]

[faithfulflame]

[This...only made it more confusing. She wanted to bolt, to break from this person who was so casually stepping in close. An invasion of personal space like that had all her senses on high alert, her breathing quickening and eyes going wide. Everything about her says to run, to get away.

But to where? A voice counters, You can't run from everything. And if you do, then you'll never figure out who this is.

So she bears it, eyes furtively flickering around, hoping nobody was watching this. She'd picked a secluded spot, but there was always the chance a fan could turn up, or paparazzi or worse. But as Serena finishes speaking, her eyes flit back and go a little out of focus.

Who is this girl...why is she familiar? Why did it feel like she knows everything about me?]

You...I don't...think I've ever done anything before the other day? I just gave you a gift, and I...I hope that's alright. But why are you acting like this? Why does it feel like...why does it feel like you're about to cry whenever you look at me?

[Her lip trembles, tears falling at last, spilling down her cheeks silently.]

Why are you apologizing...? And...why do I know you're not lying?

[lightthedarkness]

[She knew she couldn't tell Rei the truth, not the whole truth. If anything were to happen to her, she wanted to keep Rei safe. She closed her eyes at all the questions and knew how much it would hurt not to have any of them answered. Her grip was gentle and she gazed at their hands.

At the tears... she couldn't hold back at the sight of the tears, not from Rei. She wanted to hug her, always wishing she could comfort her with more than just hand holding. She would wipe away the tears but instead she just moved to shield Rei from the rest of the crowd. She wasn't tall, but she'd block their view as much as she could. But there was so much at risk and she was putting Rei at the most risk, which she would never forgive herself for.]

I'm really just very happy to see you. [After Rei had been taken from them. She was glad to know her senshi was, well not safe, but not alone. She closed her eyes.]

The gift is wonderful. You are wonderful and no matter what you tell yourself about not being able to, I want you to know you can do it. You've always been able to do it.

You've done nothing wrong. [Which was the safest thing for Rei.] I'm sorry that it's all so complicated and I'm not making it any clearer. [But she wanted to keep Rei safe. She had to keep Rei safe and keeping her in the dark right now was the only way she knew how in case the ones who kidnapped her tried to get anything out of Rei. She didn't want to give Rei anything more than a name. She already knew too much.]

But if... if you can just be a patient a little while longer... it will all make sense. It's just- I can't tell you. Not yet. I want to tell you everything. But just know that you've never done anything wrong.

[faithfulflame]

[The tender careful way that Serena observes her boundaries, even this close, is appreciated. It's a complex issue, one part brainwashing and one part natural distance from the world. She gave her all to the music, but in this story Rei hadn't had a guide into socialization. She'd had school and work and nothing more, until the band. And that had been all the socialization she needed. Slowly she was unfurling like her favorite flower, growing strong, more open, but it was at her own pace. She was too old and set in her ways to be seized and prized open.]

It's just...some money and food...nothing so special. [But it'll all make sense in time?

How? How could any of this make sense?

This girl was hiding something, probably just like the managers were. Was she connected to them somehow? A spy trying to root out problems? Shamefully, that's Rei's first thought. That Blanche had learned of her changes, of what the Doctor and everyone could do, and was trying to get them to give up the secret subtly. That's the only possibility that even enters her thoughts.]

I...I'm just so lost, Serena. I don't know anything about you, and you...you keep talking like you know me. But I just...ran into you in the flower shop. Did that really mean that much to you? No...I...I mean that doesn't even make sense.

[She sighs and looks away, snuffling and pulling out a handkerchief to dry her face and nose.

Fine, though, if Blanche was spying then fuck it, just get it over with.]

I can be patient. I want to know more. I want to know what's really going on, about those weird dreams. I can't just ignore it. But I don't know who to trust besides Yosuke and my family...

[lightthedarkness]

[If she had known what Rei thought of her, the knife in her heart would have dug deeper. But she didn't know, so small favors in that. Usagi looked at their hands again and she wished, above all else she could heal Rei right then and there, but...

But it wasn't safe. She took a deep breath and nodded.]

In the darkness, light will appear... there just needs to be a spark. You can do that. You've always been able to. You could set the world on fire with the brightness you have.

[She smiled.]

Just know that I'm cheering you on, Miss Hino. We did just meet in Vista, you're right. And I'm sorry I keep making things so strange.

[It would just be easier... if she stayed away.]

I don't want you to ignore of it. I just want you to be careful.

[faithfulflame]

[Some of this sounds familiar. Some of it sounds...really familiar. Like something out of a long forgotten dream.

She'd rather not think about it, she really wouldn't. But...]

I'll...just have to take your word for it. I don't...feel terribly bright right now. [Wiping away the last of her tears, she manages a muted, exhausted little smile.]

And I will. I can't...really say how, because I can't see where I'm walking, but I'm just...I'm here. I'm going to keep playing music. That's...really what's important, making people's lives happier.

I just wish...I hope...I can see you again sometime, when things are less strange. I want to know who you really are. I just...I want someone else I can trust in my life.

[lightthedarkness]

There is will always be light in the darkness, Miss Hino. They cannot exist without one another. Whatever darkness you are in now, it will eventually change. I know that to be true.

[She smiled. She wanted to tell Rei that her life and how she led others to happiness hadn't always been about music, but a life of service as a priestess. But she wouldn't mention that, not now, not here.]

Well, you can see me whenever you want! You know where I work, after all. And please know that I want you to be able to trust as well. Maybe it won't be me, though I would like it to be, but I want that for you as well. Will you be alright to head back? I can stay here as long as you need.

[faithfulflame]

[Rei's not really sure what to make of this encounter. She still doesn't really understand, and she still wants to just leave. She's not sure why she tried talking to this girl again, frankly, because the first time only made her cry. This time she'd cried in public. That was even messier. But at the same time...something was clearly important here, she was missing something. Some clue, some point.]

I...think I'll be alright. I should probably go home, get some sleep. Forgive me for upsetting you, again. I didn't mean to, but, like I said, I just don't know what's going on.

[And you're holding out information. she knows that much.]

I hope you enjoy the concert.

[And with that, she brushes past Serena and back out towards the doors to the parking lot, a migraine building. It was time to go home. To rest. Or to have a fateful encounter with Haruka.]