::it's a cloudy Sunday morn, bitingly chilly, smelling of hickory smoke and dew::

::however, the park, with its decaying trees of gold and red and brown, is already bustling with people to attend its small event: an open theater and 'faire' of sorts, a culture regalia of one-act plays and monologues from the West as well as the East; here are gathered several thespian guilds, presenting different plays around the park, ranging from choice pieces of Shakespeare to impromptu comedies which interact with the audience; it's not a large affair, but it's one that's held yearly by the guilds, free to the public, for often the money is made from concessions or donations of charity::

::on the bridge crossing over the duck pond, Ohtori waits, bundled up in a navy duster, and leaning on the railing, watching the bare water ripple in the slight breeze; the ducks have all migrated, sadly...::

Sengoku: ::appears on the scene, looking around for Ohtori, arrayed in a dark green jacket his mother demanded he wear and a bright red scarf she wrapped around his neck:: ::thankfully, Ohtori is tall and fair-haired -- not to mention standing on a bridge in the middle of a pond -- or he would never be able to find him in the mass of milling people:: ::bounces up and down to be seen, waving wildly:: Hi, Ohtori!!

Ohtori: ::looks up at Sengoku-san's call, and smiles warmly, lifting his left hand in greeting:: Sengoku-san, you can just call me Choutarou. We're good friends now, right?

Sengoku: ::finally breaks free the roaming masses to stand by Ohtori and grin:: In that case, you have to call me Kiyosumi. Or Kiyo.

Ohtori: ::makes a face:: That's really unseemly, Sengoku-san. You're still my elder.

Sengoku: ::makes a face back:: Then at least get rid of the 'san'. And I'm not older by alot! Just a little. ::makes tiny motion with his fingers::

Ohtori: ::smiles:: Just a little. All right, then, Sengoku-kun. ::reaches out to flick at a small little bell on the end of Sengoku's muffler::

Sengoku: ::it makes a pleasant silvery tinkling sound:: ::shakes head:: Mothers.

Ohtori: ::a sudden amused look:: So she doesn't lose you?

Sengoku: ::sighs and nods:: Oh yes ... and so I can't creep up on people without them knowing.

Ohtori: Smart woman. ::grins:: ::flicks at the bell one more time:: Oh! That reminds me... ::reaches into his coat and pulls out a small box wrapped in colourful paper:: I keep forgetting to give this to you--something keeps distracting me. ::a pointed look:: It's from my trip to Korea.

Sengoku: ::grins unrepentantly:: ::ooooo, present~! .... shiny bright present!, peers at it with great curiosity, leaning down with avid interest:: Wow ..... ::looks up:: You didn't have to do that.

Ohtori: Well, I just thought you might like it. ::smiles:: Open it!

Sengoku: ::lightly shaking the box, these things have to be approached scientifically, dontch -- oh the hell with it!:: ::happily rips the paper off and opens the box::

::nestled in some floral tissue paper is a ... small gong, about 6 inches wide or so, with a little tassled hammer::

Ohtori: It's called a qengkari, one of those small hand-gongs during ceremonies. ::smiles:: I figured you'd like something like that.

Sengoku: ::fishes the gong and hammer out, thoroughly intrigued:: ::taps the gong with the hammer to hear how it sounds:: ::a happy "bong~!" noise issues forth:: Cooooool ........

Ohtori: ::taking the trash from Sen to waddle it up and stuff it into his pockets::

Sengoku: ::happily whacking the hammer against the gong, exploring it's range of nois -- I mean sound::

Ohtori: ::his smile grows a little strained:: ::finally, after several minutes of this tortur--I mean, this pai--I mean, of this musi--wait no, I meant torture--after several minutes of this torture, Ohtori reaches out with a hand to press his palm against the back of the gong so it won't vibrate any more:: Sengoku-kun, perhaps we should take a look around?

Sengoku: ::is apparently satisfi -- I mean stopped, for he looks up at Ohtori, absolutely beaming delight:: This is great! ::glomps onto the taller boy for a hug::

Ohtori: ::sufficiently glomped, hugging the other boy back--Ohtori loves hugs:: I'm glad you like it. ... just... promise me you won't do that again.

Sengoku: ::shifts so he can grin up at Ohtori, a certain sense of mischief lighting his green eyes:: Okay.

Sengoku: Thank you. ::pulls away to tuck the gong and hammer away in the pockets of his jacket:: ::grins:: So, you were saying something about looking around?

Ohtori: ::oh, he's easily placated:: ::nods:: ::taking Sengoku-kun's arm, he leads the older boy toward the east end of the small bridge:: Have you ever been to one of these faires before? There is always something going on.

Sengoku: ::is lead, bounding along with Ohtori's longer stride:: Not since I was real young, so I don't remember much of it. How's it set up?

Ohtori: Well, this is my second year here, so if they're anything like last year, it'll just be interspersed to wherever there is enough room. There are no stages or sets--just the actors and their scripts.

Sengoku: Hmm, sounds interesting ... so it's all impromptu?

Ohtori: Not all the time. Some groups will definitely do impromptu, but others will simply rotate through a series of acts from various plays or monologues as the day goes on. Some groups even take requests. They're all very talented people. ::turning his head as they pass by two men playing a scene from Rosencrantz and Gildenstern are Dead:: It's all very interesting!

Sengoku: ::looking around with great interest::

::on the other side, a man dressed as a court jester is waxing lewd poetry::

Sengoku: ::claps for him:: My hero~!

Ohtori: ::flushing at some of the .. ah... allusions:: Sengoku-kun! ::elbows Sen::

::the jester bows at Sengoku, thanking him profusely in that same flowery language, before returning to his contemplation of a woman's.. er... flower...::

Sengoku: ::grins:: I didn't know most of those ... you were right, Choutarou, ::says the name as though he were trying it on for size, wrapping his tongue carefully around the syllables:: this is fun.

Ohtori: ::still flushed a bright red, leading Sengoku away:: Yes well, even the classical plays had their lower points. ::coughs::

Sengoku: ::oh, but his voice just drips innuendo:: Low points indeed.

Ohtori: ::even redder than before:: Sengoku-kun! ::his voice cracks::

Sengoku: ::pats Ohtori consolingly on the back, gently laughing:: Neh, neh, lighten up ... you're beginning to look like a tomatoe. ::pokes lightly at Ohtori's cheek::

Ohtori: ::gah! he can't help it!:: ::points as a distraction, to a stand with various marionette dolls and puppets:: Oh, look at that!

Sengoku: ::is eaily distracted:: Puppets! ::darts over, leaning foward to peer at the painted wood and careful strings on the variously hideous or amusing dolls::

::some are even FLUFFY!::

Ohtori: ::watching the guy behind the counter carve a wooden puppet::

Sengoku: ::trying out a puppet with a flowing beard and a gnarled cane:: ::walking it through the air ... and then having it waggle it's carved eyebrows at one of the pretty lady puppets::

Ohtori: ::snrks:: They're pretty neat, aren't they? : :to the clerk:: Do you make all of them yourself?

Clerk: ::an older man with thick glasses and a thin nose:: Oh yes, yes. It's a fine art, these days, puppets. I can craft any sort, any character. ::nods to a collection of dolls:: Why, here is the cast from Macbeth, even the witches, oh yes.

Sengoku: ::did someone say witches? peers at them with interest:: Wow ... do they have a cauldron, too?

::sure enough, a cauldron... and whatever is in it looks vile::

Sengoku: ::that cauldron rules:: Sweet... ::pokes through the animal puppets, searching for something::

Ohtori: ::looking over the man's handiwork--it's actually very good:: So you can make customized puppets?

Clerk: Oh yes, of course. ::whips out a card:: My card, oh yes. I can do anyone.

Sengoku: ::watching Ohtori out of the corner of his eye, wondering::

Ohtori: ::taking the card with some interest and then slipping it into an inner pocket::

Sengoku: ::picks out a frog puppet with bobble eyes:: I'd like to get this one. ::fishes around in his pockets for his cash::

Ohtori: ::curious:: Why the preoccupation with frogs?

Sengoku: ::smiles:: I find them amusing.

Clerk: ::taking the money--it's a whopping 2500Y though--and wrapping the puppet up in tissue and putting it carefully into a bag, along with a tag on how to properly care for your puppet::

Sengoku: ::having not bought anything extravagant in a while, he's able to handle the bite to his wallet:: ::carefully takes the bag and tucks it away:: I'd get a dragon, but dragons are snobs, they don't like to play. Frogs'll play anything.

Ohtori: ::amused:: Oh really? Who told you that?

Sengoku: Why, a little green frog!

Ohtori: ::laughs:: I think the opinion might be a little biased, but having not conversed with either a dragon or a frog, there is little I can say otherwise. ::leading Sengoku away::

Sengoku: ::grins and follows along::

Sengoku: ::suddenly grabs Ohtori and pulls him along:: Hey! There's a big group of them acting something out!

Ohtori: ::his eyes had meandered over to a soliloquy from Ibsen before he's jerked along by Sengoku with a slight yelp::

Sengoku: ::slows as they get close enough to view the action:: You know, we need popcorn, like in those interactive theaters. Then you can toss the popcorn at the bad guys and boo.

Ohtori: ::blinks:: That's not nice, Sengoku-kun.

Sengoku: Well, usually it wouldn't be, but in those theaters, that's what you're /supposed/ to do. In fact, if you don't, they give you this look like you're insulting their ability to act diabolical and evil.

Ohtori: ::incredulous:: What kind of theatre are you talking about?

Sengoku: Meller Drama.

Ohtori: ::blank, uncomprehending expression::

Sengoku: You, know, Melodrama.

Sengoku: But with extra corn. ^_^ ::it's such a bad pun, he should be shot::

Ohtori: .... ::makes a face:: Don't quit tennis to be a comedian.

Sengoku: They did say not to give up my day job. ::hands behind head::

Ohtori: I don't blame them. ::eyes turning to the play--it's a love story, aw::

Sengoku: ::waiting for the parts that have passion, betrayal, and secret lovers:;

::well, it turns out that that man is really her BROTHER! LIEKOMG!::

Sengoku: ::whoa, incest!:: ::makes a face, but remains riveted::

::and then there's a flying chicken!::

::and suddenly the whole thing turns into a musical!::

Sengoku: ::this deserves enthused clapping::

Sengoku: Yay, chicken! ::waves his arms::

::the chicken--which is a rubber chicken attached to a fishing pole, sweeps out and lands on Sen's head, before going back to join in the finale to the musical::

Sengoku: ::blinkus as the chicken flops around his head, then much clapping:: Lucky!

Ohtori: ::this is really ridiculous, but the crowd's certainly eating it up; some poppers go off and a spray of confetti and the play is done!::

Sengoku: Ah, there should be more chickens in plays ... but I guess the Romeo and Juliet scene with the roses just wouldn't have been the same.

Ohtori: I thought you liked frogs.

Sengoku: I'm an equal opportunity animal employer.

Ohtori: ::smiles:: What, no partiality to birds?

Sengoku: Hmm, perhaps I am fond of the shy ones.

Sengoku: ::tilts his head up to grin at Ohtori:: You know, the ones who hide their brilliant feathers beneath a coat of dust?

Ohtori: ::faint flush of pink:: Only the males have such plummage, Sengoku-kun, but only the exotic ones. The rest are the same within as well as without.

Sengoku: Yet all birds are free with heaven's wings, and men burn to have them. ::rather likes the way that the more flamboyant phrases trip off his tongue::

Ohtori: ::his head lowers down a little Sengoku:: Only because men believe that the birds have something they do not...

Sengoku: ::softer than before:: Love of freedom, fair avian, would make men fools to chase after golden feathers ...

Sengoku: ::tilts his head slightly, to add in a murmur:: ... and a piece of it, I'd borrow, if you'd but sit upon my finger.

Ohtori: ::flushed, his eyes dropping past Sengoku-kun, brows furrowing:: ::he opens his mouth to reply, only then he becomes aware of a group of girls hovering on the outside of their perimeter, giggling and whispering and pointing::

Ohtori:::taking Sengoku's arm and drawing him away::

Sengoku: ::blinkus, and then notices the chicks:: ::winks and grins at Ohtori:: So the bird would turn the tables and cage the man instead?

Ohtori: ::reddens:: No! ::lowers his voice:: No... That is... ... would you like something warm to drink?

Sengoku: Sure, if it's from you.

Ohtori: ::a long pause, and then..:: ::*red*:: ::shy grin:: Left myself open for that, I did.

Sengoku: ::an easy chuckle:: That, you did. Neh, but a warm drink sounds good.

Ohtori: This way. ::leading Sen toward a pavilion housing a coffee stand::

Sengoku: ::lets himself be led, visions of hot cider dancing in his head:: ::looks over his shoulder:: Man, never thought we'd actually draw a crowd.

Ohtori: Perhaps they thought we were thespians. ::smiling, getting into line::

Sengoku: ::amused:: Our flower speak must have fooled them. ::sniffs at the air:: Mmmm, hot chocolate.

Ohtori: I assume that's what you'd like?

Sengoku: ::weaving back and forth to read the sign:: Actually, I think I'll have hot apple cider. I feel for something fruity. ::looks at Ohtori:: What are you getting?

Ohtori: I'm fond of the spiced tea myself.

Sengoku: Sounds good.

::Ohtori orders for them both at the counter, paying for the drinks and handing Sengoku's cider to the other; the younger boy leads the elder to a tree, folding his lanky frame down on the grass, where they have a good vantage point of several theater groups within eye and ear shot::

Sengoku: ::thanks Ohtori as he follows him to the tree and plunks himself down on the grass, careful of his drink:: ::stretches out his legs as he leans against the trunk::

Ohtori: Did your mother get the flowers I sent?

Sengoku: ::nods:: She says "Thank you, they were lovely." Then she went on to singing your praises. :;grins::

Sengoku: You'll have to tell her your favorite food, so she can spoil you with it.

Ohtori: ::laughs:: I'll keep that in mind when I see her again.

Sengoku: ::takes a sip of his cider, watching the players::

Ohtori: ::tentative:: Ah... Sengoku-kun....

Sengoku: ::turns his attention back to Ohtori:: Yes?

Ohtori: ::turning his styrofoam cup of tea around in his hands, eyes on the steaming liquid, cheeks tinged pink, probably from the cold:: Uhm... may I ask a kind of silly question?

Sengoku: Sure.

Ohtori: .... I need kissing tips. ::and he's pink from embarrassment now::

Sengoku: ::blinks:: ::takes a sip of his cider and blinks again:: Uh ..... ::oh dear, he can feel the blush starting to creep into his cheeks:: ... alright?

Ohtori: ::really quickly, in a single breath:: I mean, I saw what you did with Atobe-san and he said that it wasn't that bad, so I thought maybe you might be able to give me some advice....

Sengoku: ::trying to find his suddenly scattered wits:: ::nods as he ponders a deep meaning within his cider:: ::clears his throat:: Well, ah, you just kind of let it happen .... ::considers for a moment how one goes about giving tips on kissing of all things:: Just kind of keep your lips flexible and mold them around the other person's.

Sengoku: ::flushes:: Practice helps.

Ohtori: ::nodnod--you have his full attention, sensei!::

Ohtori: Practice? With what?

Sengoku: ::squints and kinda focuses on the ground:: Other people, usually.

Sengoku: Oh, yeah, and just kind of not think about it too much. Be authoritative and bold!

Ohtori: Oh. Well, I can't practice with Shishido-senpai, he hasn't really said anything ever since that night... I think he's trying to avoid it... ::trails off, sipping at his spiced tea:: ::authoritative and bold, huh?:: So I should just take charge.

Sengoku: ::nods:: Yeah, that helps. Don't give the other person time to protest until after it's done.

Ohtori: Or if they punch you in the face.

Sengoku: ::sticks his tongue out at Ohtori:: You don't just go around kissing anyone.

Ohtori: You do.

Sengoku: No, I don't. Name who I've kissed.

Ohtori: ::thinks:: Well, there's Atobe-san--twice... at that same time, you got me on the cheek before we even really met.

Sengoku: Ah, but I only kissed you so you could pass it on to Atobe.

Ohtori: ::shocked:: I would never kiss buchou!

Ohtori: I mean.. he's extremely good looking and all... ::flushes:: ...but he's *buchou*!

Sengoku: ::impish:: Didn't know that at the time, did I? Besides, that was part of the game of .... hmmm .... annoying him.

Sengoku: I have a long and recorded history of doing that to him. Alas, you were a casual bystander caught in the crossfire.

Ohtori: ::curious:: You did mention in passing that you knew buchou from before. Were you... you-know... ::makes an airy motion, nearly spilling hot tea on his bandanged hand::

Sengoku: We went to the same tennis camp once. ::shrugs::

Sengoku: His ego was rather overpowering. So, I ... employed a little game that kept him annoyed and offbalance enough to leave us alone.

Ohtori: ... you don't think much of him, do you?

Sengoku: ::simply:: No, I don't.

Ohtori: He's really a good captain. And I think he's a good person too.

Ohtori: Yes, he is too proud--and I think someday that will come back to haunt him--but he is not the jerk a lot of people make him out to be.

Sengoku: ::a shrug::

Ohtori: ::sheepish look:: I get that reaction a lot for some reason. I guess it's just that hard to believe.

Sengoku: ::subject changing time:: ::grin:: So who do you want to learn kissing for?

Ohtori: ::was sipping from his tea--the subject change makes him choke a little:: ::coughing:: Sorry, sorry. ::clears throat:: Well... for someone. ::flushes::

Sengoku: ::lightly:: Someone, huh? Someone like a certain doubles partner? ::eyebrows dance, not waggle, dance~ with style!::

Ohtori: ::flushes even more, curse you!:: It was.. ::looks into his cup, eyes growing distant:: ... wonderful.

Sengoku: Oh? ::sounds curious:: Guess you really like him then. ::smiles:;

Ohtori: ::face grows long and he sighs, stretching out his legs:: I really like him. ::looking up at the grey sky:: I really like him... but I don't think the feeling is mutual.

Sengoku: What makes you say that?

Ohtori: Because it's Shishido-senpai.

Sengoku: ::lips twitch:: Which makes him what? Immune to your charms?

Ohtori: What? No, I can still get him with this one loo--hey. ::pokes Sengoku in the head with a finger::

Sengoku: ::grins:: What? Whatever did I do? ::takes a sip of his cider, considering:: You've kissed him already, right? Did he enjoy it? Or did he just blow you off?

Ohtori: A little bit of both? Shishido-senpai is hard to read sometimes. ::moving his legs out of the way as a kid comes screaming by, followed by a harried father:: He didn't hit me or say anything negative... but afterwards, nothing positive either. I think he just... tolerated the kisses. .... ::looks up again:: Sort of the way he tolerates my 'infatuation.'

Sengoku: ::thinks on it in silence for a moment, watching a pair of jugglers through some colored balls into the air:: There are only two options: He likes you and is keeping his silence, or he tolerates the situation and is keeping silent. ::pause:: Which doesn't really help the situation, does it.

Sengoku: Neh, you might have to poke at him a bit.

Sengoku: Eventually, he'll say yay or nay to the matter.

Ohtori: ::miserable:: I can't. ::straightening, looking at Sen:: You know that journal entry I wrote for you? Did you see it? We had a big fight, he and I... and it's because I pushed him too far. Like last time.

Sengoku: I did ... ::reaches out and very gently touches Ohtori's cheek:: Cheer up. You've pushing him because you're so close and you want to know /now/. A little patience is needed. Little pushes here and there accumulate over time. Just like your little pushes over my being the source of entertainment.

Sengoku: ::taps his fingers lightly against the taller boy's cheek:: Little pecks against the fingers in search of seed, never pressing hard enough to break the skin, but deeper and deeper you go to the heart.

Ohtori: ::quietly:: How do you know this?

Sengoku: ::light shrug, a lighter smile:: I watch alot of birds?

Ohtori: ::suddenly leans forward to press his lips to Sengoku's mouth::

Sengoku: ::startled by the sudden lip attack, but after the initial shock, he leans into it, molding his mouth to Ohtori's as his fingers spread to properly cup the other boy's cheek::

Ohtori: ::Sengoku's good, Sengoku's really good! man, how much 'practice' has the redhead been getting, one has to wonder:: ::eh, whatever experience Ohtori doesn't have he makes up for in enthusiasm::

Sengoku: ::has to set fumble his arm sideways to set the darn cider down so he can concentrate on the kissing:: ::lifts his now free hand to cup Ohtori's other cheek, framing his face between his hands as he shifts to press closer, because mmm, Ohtori tastes wonderfully of spiced tea and sweetness::

Ohtori: ::oh whoa, that's different; the younger boy bears down on Sengoku, almost pushing the redhead back with lips still locked... and you know, this is kind of awesome, Shishido-san would really---:: ::abruptly pulls away, pressing his wrist to his mouth, nearly spilling his tea::

Sengoku: ::suddenly off-balance at Ohtori's rapid departure, dropping back into a seating position as he catches himself on one hand:: ::blinks at Ohtori, catching his breath and absently licking kiss-swollen lips:: ?

Sengoku: ::mentally adjusts from 'whoa, nice kissing':: :;concerned:: Are you okay?

Ohtori: ::after a moment's pause, Ohtori flashes Sengoku-kun a sheepish grin, lowering his arm:: The intensity of the practice caught me a little off-guard.

Sengoku: ::rubs the back of head, also somewhat sheepishly:: If you're after Shishido, though, maybe we shouldn't ... ::flushes, waving a hand:: ... practice.

Ohtori: ::it did seem like Shishido was a little put out that time he saw Ohtori giving Sengoku a peck on the cheek that one time before...:: ::miserable look:: I wonder how long forever lasts? That'll be how long I'll be chasing...

Sengoku: ::all this effort to make Ohtori feel less miserable and they're back where they started:: ::shifts, turning so he can lean back against Ohtori and the tree, enjoying contact that is much more innocent:: ::gives Ohtori a smile:: Neh, if he's anything like Shindo, you just need to find the right angle.

Ohtori: ::laughs:: The right angle, the right approach, more patience than a mountain, and the ability not to commit stupidity.

Sengoku: Which begs the question: Is he worth it?

Ohtori: ::looks at Sengoku with a wistful expression:: My father always says that anything worth its salt is worth fighting for. Nothing good comes easy. ... but Sengoku-kun, what if... what if it's all for naught?

Sengoku: It won't be. ::gentle smile::

Ohtori: ::looks down at his cup:: ::drinks the last of his cool tea:: ::sits there in silence, watching a troupe perform an act from The Importance of Being Earnest:: .... I hate feeling like this. The insecurity, the anxiety... but then, I think about when he and I kissed, I think it's worth it. But then I think about it some more... yes, so something does happen between he and I. What then? Shishido-senpai isn't an affectionate person. What would change? Would he still push me away when I touch him, as if I were diseased? And then the anxiety comes back. The hesitation. ::a wry look twists his face:: If my father saw me now, he'd be ashamed.

Ohtori: ::pauses, shakes his head:: I apologize for ranting at you like that.

Sengoku: ::looks offended:: Just what do you think friends are for? To hear about sweetness and light?!

Ohtori: ::sheepish look:: Shishido-senpai hates it when I do that.

Ohtori: He would say it's stupid and that I'm blowing things out of proportion or taking it too seriously.

Sengoku: ::beseeches the heavens:: Lord have mercy on the poor fool! I'm your friend. I'm supposed to hear about all the crap /and/ all the good stuff.

Sengoku: Besides ... you're doing what most people in love do: Think about it too much.

Ohtori: ::defensive:: It's hard to think of much else otherwise.

Sengoku: Do not think, do~

Sengoku: Perhaps a balance must be reached. He doesn't like to be touched? Or will he accept a pat on the hand or a hand on his shoulder?

Ohtori: ::an amused look flits across the wryness:: You sound like a venerable master teaching his pupil.

Sengoku: Seriously, I'm beginning to feel like Yoda.

Sengoku: This is too much deep introspective stuff for me. ::grins::

Ohtori: ::Rising to his feet, dusting off the back of his coat:: Well, the day is still young. Let's catch a few other plays.

Sengoku: Will there be chickens? Perhaps there will be a rain of frogs. ::rescues his cider and stands, brushing off grass::

Ohtori: ::smiles:: If nothing else, you can ask to put your frog puppet into a play.

Sengoku: Oooo, that sounds like fun.

Sengoku: Which reminds me, we need to find a fortune teller!

Ohtori: Fortune teller? ::blinku::

Sengoku: I have pennies that must be read and treasure maps to be divined! ::bounds off::

Ohtori: Ach! Sengoku-kun! Wait for me!

Ohtori: ::gives chase after the bells::

Sengoku: ::jingling as he goes::