Which, you didn't even explain why you had to wash your shirt, by the way. Don't leave me sitting at the edge of my seat now. Which, I'm literally at the edge. This couch isn't very big.
She got my shirt dirty after I got the jump on her. Anyway, [ ANYWAY?! ] I called 'cause if it ain't Malkuth's idea, then I had a hunch it was Prez's. Apparently, Niki, he doesn't even know he's the sexy one 'cause he was too damn busy thinking about it.
East Sophia's revitalization plan.
[ This isn't why he called. It's just convenient. But doesn't it sound so legit? ]
( the whiplash of everything either irritating him or being funny in this video call.
he's got half a mind to toss his syntrofos behind the couch, but it wouldn't be... very... professional. whatever.
takasugi looks a little sullen over the call, gaze flitting away briefly and back. )
There hasn't been a moment since I arrived in this world that I haven't been thinking about something. You want me to be the "sexy" one in the group? Fine. I'll show you moves from Choshu that'll amaze even the most puritanical Karterian and leave them begging. But... I don't know anything about this revitalization project.
[ ... he is a good guy. malkuth smiles wider, pulling out of frame to continue her sketching. niki is so cute. ]
There's no new positions. He made me mad so I threw dirt at him, I put it in the wash and invited him over to hang out until it's done. The revitalization project is all my idea, kinda on the same lines of taking advantage of Patho-Gen's good will -- East Sophia will see a return of profits, and we'll carve out a space for 3kon in the same timeline. I'd like to everyone's ideas since you've all been here longer than me.
I dunno what Bambi's got planned, but... Kyaha! You've got a good eye, Prez. The new hire's got the great Rinne's seal of approval!
[ He plays an annoying guitar riff. And, since Niki's actually paying attention for once... ]
Whatever she's doing with her idea, she's making ramen. The revitalization's the broth we gotta simmer, but everyone's gonna be coming for the chashu. But no one's gonna eat the chashu if we throw it in plain hot water, yeah?
Shiina-kun, your phrasing. And Amagi-kun, your analogy is confusing. Well. Maybe not for the one it's meant for.
( he isn't getting proper answers to his questions that have nothing to do with work. he'll remember that. )
But I always knew she had the potential for this kind of insight when she came on board as my housewarming gift, so we both deserve some credit for it. Probably.
[ and SHE'S going to remember this. all of this, good and bad. malkuth sighs loudly from the side, coming back to sit. not close but nextish to rinne with a notebook. bigger than the one she had before for yana's benefit.
though she does still seem tense, sorry, this will not be solved and her soul Is bemoaning her letting a stinky predator into their den. ]
I don't think you can take credit for a gift that was handed to you, Takasugi. But the analogy isn't a bad one if Niki understands it.
[ which it seems old hat between them so!!! okay. she'll hold up the page she was working on, cute handwriting... maybe or maybe not showing clearly her words it's fine, she's dictating too. Let's Move On. ]
The base idea is that by improving the living conditions of those inhabitating East Sophia, we'll be able to turn a failed ambition into something worth staying in. I'm studying to be an architect [ loosely ] and I took a look around at some of the properties with a friend just to see what kind of work needs to be done, and... I mean, it's a lot, but by tackling the humanitarian needs first we'll be in a better position of having the people there help us in return.
They don't seem particularly against the Augmented either, so I figure it's a good foundation to build up from.
[ ... she's flipping the page, and it just says "3KON PROMOTIONAL PLAN" on it for now with some cute doodles of foxes. ]
That's the ramen and broth -- what I'll build off of and let soak into the noodles, while you three handle the toppings by being the toppings. One important factor of humanity is our ability to create things, from art to music to recipes, things we can leave behind and bring forth memories when they're interacted with again. There's plenty of graffiti artists in East Sophia, making their marks on the walls and abandoned lots, and a huge scrapyard full of old cars that've seen better days. Plenty of spaces we can clear and make something of if you aren't scared of a little physical labor. And plenty of people who want for something more, which is an idol's speciality to offer. Right?
[ ... right? this is the first time she's pausing sorry they're going to have to get used to her talkativeness, which... this might the most she's ever talked with any of them so far... ]
Yeah, I thought it was a pretty good analogy. [He's just biased?! He's pretty happy about it, though. Rinne always makes things so easy to follow!] That makes perfect sense to me. We can feed two people with one meal. [That's not how the saying goes.] Or lots of people, in this case.
It'll definitely look good for us if we can do something for the people who live here.
But that's right, Bambi. Naturally, I'm on board with everything. Karteria ain't exactly the funnest place to be, so let's bring the fun to 'em.
[ For Malkuth's sake, he doesn't make any sudden movements. Honestly, he's just glad they're not talking about the other reason he had to call. But that sure is bigger than her guide to making friends... She must be serious about this. ]
I mean, East Sophia's a blank slate. Whatever we do, it's gotta be crazy. Maybe we can build a big thing there to keep people coming, just like what they did with Vegas. Not that I've ever been! I just wanna see it.
[ He just wants to gamble. The lights, though... ]
Oh, right, right. Another thing: from what I hear [ read: researched several weeks ago for an unrelated reason ], their healthcare's the pits. If we can do something about that, we got 'em dancing in the palm of our hand♪
[ Does that sound shady? He obviously doesn't have anything planned on that front, but he's not sorry. ]
I don't have any problems with working together to make things more thrilling for the working poor, especially if it benefits us, either. I'm Takasugi Shinsaku, after all. You could say that's just business.
( and it's here where takasugi turns for the serious, tapping a finger in the air against something invisible. )
But we wouldn't be the only group doing so in that area, so it's best to avoid going solo. Rather, I’d prefer if none of you went alone without a pair in that part of town for awhile. I've been involved with a more unsavory crowd that's making similar headway, and it's better to keep your distance from them than collaborate. We can field our own projects for the pulse of the community, and for 3kon, naturally.
( a pause, as he adjusts to make sure he isn't laying on the closed wound. )
If anyone hassles you, give me a call. Or take Mini Arahabaki along. It can at least carry something. Or hit someone.
We know you've been up to no good, so we haven't been asking questions, but I kinda get the feeling we oughta start asking more. Anything else we need to know?
[ ... they really did mean what they said. there's no need to bow her head, she can speak from the heart and have it be heard, they all want for the same thing -- it tightens malkuth's throat a little and she sets the notebook aside, resting back on her hands. it reminds her a lot of her own coworkers, her friends, back in the library. the ease of conversation. the warm energy.
she really, really misses them. only once the hardness passes does she clear her throat and speak again. ]
As long as you're no longer involved with them, Takasugi, then I don't have any words about it. [ unsavory is just another day in the city. ] I'll keep that in mind once I start reaching out to the people I have in mind to help out in the healthcare and humanitarian areas, and-- don't worry about anything they might need or want in return, because my job is to make sure you three aren't bogged down by the unrelated.
[ so she'll handle that bit. least she can do, as their manager. ]
Which is ideal. We've been helping folks out here and there to get our name out, but it ain't easy when we gotta work on the music, too. We needed the focus. Thanks, Bambi. Now Niki and Prez can focus on being cute and sexy for me.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 05:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 05:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 05:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 05:17 pm (UTC)( malkuth? I TRUSTED YOU ? ? ??? )
Which, you didn't even explain why you had to wash your shirt, by the way. Don't leave me sitting at the edge of my seat now. Which, I'm literally at the edge. This couch isn't very big.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 05:19 pm (UTC)But why ARE we here?
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 05:26 pm (UTC)East Sophia's revitalization plan.
[ This isn't why he called. It's just convenient. But doesn't it sound so legit? ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 05:28 pm (UTC)[Sorry?]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 05:41 pm (UTC)( the whiplash of everything either irritating him or being funny in this video call.
he's got half a mind to toss his syntrofos behind the couch, but it wouldn't be... very... professional. whatever.
takasugi looks a little sullen over the call, gaze flitting away briefly and back. )
There hasn't been a moment since I arrived in this world that I haven't been thinking about something. You want me to be the "sexy" one in the group? Fine. I'll show you moves from Choshu that'll amaze even the most puritanical Karterian and leave them begging. But... I don't know anything about this revitalization project.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 05:44 pm (UTC)[Yay. ☆]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 05:47 pm (UTC)There's no new positions. He made me mad so I threw dirt at him, I put it in the wash and invited him over to hang out until it's done. The revitalization project is all my idea, kinda on the same lines of taking advantage of Patho-Gen's good will -- East Sophia will see a return of profits, and we'll carve out a space for 3kon in the same timeline. I'd like to everyone's ideas since you've all been here longer than me.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 06:11 pm (UTC)[He remembers what Takasugi said when they first met, about what he wanted to achieve here, so that makes sense to him.]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 06:16 pm (UTC)[ He plays an annoying guitar riff. And, since Niki's actually paying attention for once... ]
Whatever she's doing with her idea, she's making ramen. The revitalization's the broth we gotta simmer, but everyone's gonna be coming for the chashu. But no one's gonna eat the chashu if we throw it in plain hot water, yeah?
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 06:22 pm (UTC)( he isn't getting proper answers to his questions that have nothing to do with work. he'll remember that. )
But I always knew she had the potential for this kind of insight when she came on board as my housewarming gift, so we both deserve some credit for it. Probably.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 06:55 pm (UTC)though she does still seem tense, sorry, this will not be solved and her soul Is bemoaning her letting a stinky predator into their den. ]
I don't think you can take credit for a gift that was handed to you, Takasugi. But the analogy isn't a bad one if Niki understands it.
[ which it seems old hat between them so!!! okay. she'll hold up the page she was working on, cute handwriting... maybe or maybe not showing clearly her words it's fine, she's dictating too. Let's Move On. ]
The base idea is that by improving the living conditions of those inhabitating East Sophia, we'll be able to turn a failed ambition into something worth staying in. I'm studying to be an architect [ loosely ] and I took a look around at some of the properties with a friend just to see what kind of work needs to be done, and... I mean, it's a lot, but by tackling the humanitarian needs first we'll be in a better position of having the people there help us in return.
They don't seem particularly against the Augmented either, so I figure it's a good foundation to build up from.
[ ... she's flipping the page, and it just says "3KON PROMOTIONAL PLAN" on it for now with some cute doodles of foxes. ]
That's the ramen and broth -- what I'll build off of and let soak into the noodles, while you three handle the toppings by being the toppings. One important factor of humanity is our ability to create things, from art to music to recipes, things we can leave behind and bring forth memories when they're interacted with again. There's plenty of graffiti artists in East Sophia, making their marks on the walls and abandoned lots, and a huge scrapyard full of old cars that've seen better days. Plenty of spaces we can clear and make something of if you aren't scared of a little physical labor. And plenty of people who want for something more, which is an idol's speciality to offer. Right?
[ ... right? this is the first time she's pausing sorry they're going to have to get used to her talkativeness, which... this might the most she's ever talked with any of them so far... ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 07:24 pm (UTC)It'll definitely look good for us if we can do something for the people who live here.
1/2
Date: 2025-08-14 07:29 pm (UTC)[ He's just glad Niki's still part of the conversation. ]
2/2
Date: 2025-08-14 07:32 pm (UTC)[ For Malkuth's sake, he doesn't make any sudden movements. Honestly, he's just glad they're not talking about the other reason he had to call. But that sure is bigger than her guide to making friends... She must be serious about this. ]
I mean, East Sophia's a blank slate. Whatever we do, it's gotta be crazy. Maybe we can build a big thing there to keep people coming, just like what they did with Vegas. Not that I've ever been! I just wanna see it.
[ He just wants to gamble. The lights, though... ]
Oh, right, right. Another thing: from what I hear [ read: researched several weeks ago for an unrelated reason ], their healthcare's the pits. If we can do something about that, we got 'em dancing in the palm of our hand♪
[ Does that sound shady? He obviously doesn't have anything planned on that front, but he's not sorry. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 08:05 pm (UTC)( and it's here where takasugi turns for the serious, tapping a finger in the air against something invisible. )
But we wouldn't be the only group doing so in that area, so it's best to avoid going solo. Rather, I’d prefer if none of you went alone without a pair in that part of town for awhile. I've been involved with a more unsavory crowd that's making similar headway, and it's better to keep your distance from them than collaborate. We can field our own projects for the pulse of the community, and for 3kon, naturally.
( a pause, as he adjusts to make sure he isn't laying on the closed wound. )
If anyone hassles you, give me a call. Or take Mini Arahabaki along. It can at least carry something. Or hit someone.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 08:18 pm (UTC)[He's just joking. He kind of figured all this stuff, to be honest!]
I don't have a problem with that. I don't wanna work too hard, and it sucks to work on a full stomach, so I'd be glad to have a little company.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 08:32 pm (UTC)We know you've been up to no good, so we haven't been asking questions, but I kinda get the feeling we oughta start asking more. Anything else we need to know?
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 08:34 pm (UTC)( ....... )
I think.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 08:40 pm (UTC)she really, really misses them. only once the hardness passes does she clear her throat and speak again. ]
As long as you're no longer involved with them, Takasugi, then I don't have any words about it. [ unsavory is just another day in the city. ] I'll keep that in mind once I start reaching out to the people I have in mind to help out in the healthcare and humanitarian areas, and-- don't worry about anything they might need or want in return, because my job is to make sure you three aren't bogged down by the unrelated.
[ so she'll handle that bit. least she can do, as their manager. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-14 08:55 pm (UTC)[Obviously!]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-15 01:43 am (UTC)[That is NOT what Niki said.]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-15 01:49 am (UTC)(no subject)
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