in fact, takasugi's sitting at the makeshift little kotatsu in the living area, wearing a thin red turtleneck and an oversized black cardigan draped over his shoulders. it might seem a bit strange to see him dressed so modern for the season all the time, but thatβs just how it is. the chill is clinging to everything inside and out in this part of the city, citizens with barely anything beyond their home clamoring together in huge coats on the pitch-black cobblestone streets to discuss the trials and tribulations of the year. in front of him is a jumble of papers, with a pen in hand and fancy ink smudging the pages and his fingers.
he's also unperturbed by the fox fact, that malkuth is being carried around like a hostage, or niki's apparent embarrassment. )
Welcome, gentlemen and quarry. Make sure to take your shoes off at the door.
( a simple request. that red tail of his billows out behind him. )
[ malkuth's ears flick as she looks him over, partially out of concern for his condition (she'd done the same to the two closer before rinne had lifted her up and over, having missed them for the better part of the month) and partially because it's so, so good to see him again, it almost feels unreal. like he might disappear.
so pardon if she tries to wiggle down, rinne, she wants to make sure takasugi's real since she's the only one who hasn't gotten to. ]
That's insensitive to us who can't wear them anymore, Takasugi.
[ yet there's nothing but warmth in her chiding, just as there'd been nothing but the same in her complaints to rinne and niki. ]
Have you eaten? Can I make tea for all of us? I've been practicing, though I can't promise it'll be good...
Look. When you still have toes, it's easy to forget there are some who don't.
( right? right. her dogged insistence on facing him while he's talking makes him feel a bit sheepish, specially since heβs been cooped up at home for a couple of weeks.
he jabs his pen in the direction of the open kitchen area that's no longer as bare as it used to be, adorned with cups of various sizes and decoration thanks to the noisy entourage that just bust through the door. one would think he'd keep that thing locked, but a certain someone knew well enough that it wasn't. )
Go ahead and prepare some tea everyone if you'd like. You probably know where everything is, including the cups, I'm sure. If you're going to pour the leftover wine in the fridge, though, be sure to make me a glass. And Shiina-kun, just drop those bags wherever you want; no need to be so formal.
Shaddup, Niki! Don't fall for Prez while you're around me.
[But he lets Malkuth back on the floor, careful to set her hooves down with a gentle clack. Kidnapping her wasn't so difficult when she had been so willing, but Rinne figured she needed an excuse to spend time with everyone for the new year β especially since a proud man like Takasugi wouldn't invite them all on his own. Maybe he expected this visit, though. Rinne hangs a red scarf and his coat by the door like clockwork β something that definitely wasn't there before their shopping trip.]
I won't deny that he's being cool, though. Looks like he's got his hands full writing wishes for the new year. People these days just write some lucky kanji, but I bet our poet's got something up his sleeve. Lemme get the wine and get this party started!
[ such a gentleman for someone so rowdy... they all were, in their own ways, and malkuth gives rinne room to take on the fridge as she does what she'd set out to do and begin to put a pot to boil, cups clacking noisily when she sets them down. three apart for wine, one for tea -- because she doesn't think niki enjoys the first, but she's not leaving him out of festivities.
... though she'll be making enough for all of them anyway, since wine in the morning sounds like it would wreck their stomachs. ]
Is that what they do...? I always remembered my parents [ elijah's parents ] just making sure they had all of their paperwork done before the turn over, and then the day after they'd return to work like always.
Gyah! My ear! [Niki shakes his head. He doesn't want to jostle his bags too much, so that's about all he can do to fight back right now.] There's no time to fall for Prez, I wanna eat! I've been preparing for this for a while!
[Seriously! Cooking here was more challenging than back home, but he'd worked really hard on this!]
Besides, Prez is being so professional right now, it's actually kinda scary. I feel like he might actually dock our pay for breaking into his home. Not that it was hard to do or anything.
[ As he pours them three glasses and one teacup of wine (sorry) with a flourish: ]
You know how the saying goes, Niki — tu casa es mi casa! And tu money es mi money. [ He doesn't know Spanish. ] Prez, skip the evals and gimme my New Year numis!
malkuth's tugging on rinne's tail very lightly though. stop that, complaining and trying to get niki to drink both. ]
Praise is all the sweeter when you're made to wait for it, Rinne, and I'm sure Takasugi has plenty of it for the both of you. Besides, aren't surprises fun?
[ and who has the best surprises if not takasugi? ]
He's doing actual work for once, so let him play at being our boss and wait like a good boy. [ sorry for the potshot takasugi. ] This is the cool side that your fans get to see exclusively... I'm a little jealous.
[ and, more importantly, excited to see what lucky kanji she won't be able to understand. ]
Ahh? And you don't think this is? Me and Niki didn't haul our manager's juicy ass and your damn osechi up this street just for you to make January 1st a working holiday!
[He's not serving Prez his drink. Someone more useful will have to do it.]
[It's okay, Niki will handle it!! He'd been busying himself with removing the containers of food from the bagsβfor the ones familiar with osechi, the containers are not quite as nice as they usually would be, but you know... They have to take what they can get here sometimes!
But also... sippy cup...
Admittedly, Niki isn't so sure why his cup is different, but because it was Malkuth who grabbed it, he doesn't feel like he should complain? He doesn't want to be rude. He simply takes it when Rinne offers it. Then he picks up a glass for Takasugi, too.]
Why do you have to say it like that...? [He really doesn't want to be hearing about anyone's ass... Especially first thing in the morning!] Besides, did you see the way he scribbled on that paper just now? I don't think now's the time to question him! I've always got bad luck with fortunes, but evaluations are actually something we have control over!
[Please... He wants to win. So he sets Takasugi's glass on his table in front of him, like the experienced waiter he is. He doesn't even try to take a peek at what he's writing. He's so polite!]
guess who's getting even better marks on his evaluation? ... maybe. it's still a mystery as to what he's been drafting, but is it above takasugi to pick favorites in the moment and elevate them to a higher tier? absolutely not. be wary, the rest of you. he tucks the thin of his cold shoulders and collarbone deeper within the oversized cardigan as he scoots forward, claws pinching the sides of his glass to let cold wine slide down his throat with no hesitation whatsoever. )
Mmh. But, osechi you said? Here, in Karteria? Now that's an interesting surprise.
( he's licking the corner of his mouth now, a stupid boyish smile on his face. )
We don't even have the environment here to grow half the vegetables required, but if you were in charge, Shiina-kun, it's sure to be a stunning setup. Consider me excited. In fact, tell me you managed to grab us some sea bream roe.
[Wow, he didn't hesitate to drink at all... That can't be a good sign!
But Rinne is rightβit is a special occasion, and Niki isn't one to spoil the mood on such an important day. So... he takes a sip of his own wine, too. Because of his condition, he isn't too worried about drinking first thing in the morning, anyway.]
You're just flattering me. [But Niki's smile says he's happy to be flattered!] I had to make a bunch of substitutions. It'll probably be different from what you know, but I still think it'll be pretty tasty!
Honestly, the seafood was actually the easy part. They don't really like to eat a lot of it here, but people still fish, so I had a lot to experiment with. Nahaha, that just means more for us~βͺ.
( big broad circles across another page now, while downing more of his glass. he's never been shy about his love of alcohol. )
And besides, seafood's my favorite. Here. I'll start clearing this table of my work so there'll be room to use the smaller plates from the cupboard at least. It's too cold to want to get out of this blanket.
( and there are other reasons not to want to move, takasugi setting the pen down flat to start nearly stacking his mess with black hands. )
[ so no one wants her tea...? sad sad mommy. malkuth automatically retrieves three small plates when he mentions them, holding them out to rinne to take over with a little wiggle of her hand. she's apparently not joining them -- in eating or at the table, considering how comfortable she's making herself at the counter instead. ]
More for you three, anyway. I don't think it'll agree with my stomach.
[ the sea? absolutely fantastic to hang around. the fish in it? well. ]
Anyway, evaluations should be based fairly on effort and growth, not personal feelings. Keep that in mind when you're finishing them up, Takasugi. And don't bother trying to fluff mine out any -- I'm the newest hire, so I'm really not expecting much.
[ nothing that he hasn't already told her directly, anyway. they've all credited her for things she still doesn't feel fully responsible for... and she's thankful for that belief, easy as it is to step around or brush aside in her mind. ]
[ Rinne takes the plates obediently like a good boy who will get a perfect score at his evaluations and places them where they should be. This will totally get him his otoshidama, right? ]
You're the one who's doing the most work here, though. None of us can do the boring shit, so someone's gotta. [ Like, Rinne could, but he'd rather play mahjong for five hours than do that... ] Niki cooks, cleans, and takes care of me. All I do is dance and dick around, kyahahaha!
[ This is just not true. He slides into the kotatsu next to Takasugi — he of all people should know why he's stuck here. ]
It's too bad there's nothin' on the radio or TV. We could be watching SS right now. I'd force Niki to watch it with me every year‐ Hey, Niki! Hurry up and gimme osechi!
What's an SS? A variety show, or a news bulletin of sorts?
( a television...
he never really needed one with his personal computer display in his awesome office at the huge tower he built for his company in SAITAMA. but maybe a tv could work in here, takasugi thinks as he leans back only to bump into rinne's shoulder as he moves his project to the floor, out of the way of the quilt and the table setting.
and, sitting next to him only means he's going to snug in a little closer, you know? such was the fate of whoever decided to sit next to takasugi first. his tail gently brushes against rinneβs while he rests his chin a hand. )
I could always project something out of Mini Arahabaki if you want it that badly.
When you say it like that, I almost feel like I wanna give you the food last.
[So demanding! But despite his complaint, Niki brings the now-uncovered containers over anyway.]
You don't have anything to worry about, Miss Manager! I'm not really stuck on tradition, especially when it comes to food. If Prez is gonna be all professional, then it's up to the bees to break the rules~βͺ
[There are still some other things to prepare, but Niki takes a moment to gesture to the food in front of them.]
See? We've got meat, veggies, and desserts, too. [He sounds so proud. He arguably went overboard!] But Rinne-kun's right. It does feel weird not having idol shows to watch.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2025-12-31 09:17 pm (UTC)in fact, takasugi's sitting at the makeshift little kotatsu in the living area, wearing a thin red turtleneck and an oversized black cardigan draped over his shoulders. it might seem a bit strange to see him dressed so modern for the season all the time, but thatβs just how it is. the chill is clinging to everything inside and out in this part of the city, citizens with barely anything beyond their home clamoring together in huge coats on the pitch-black cobblestone streets to discuss the trials and tribulations of the year. in front of him is a jumble of papers, with a pen in hand and fancy ink smudging the pages and his fingers.
he's also unperturbed by the fox fact, that malkuth is being carried around like a hostage, or niki's apparent embarrassment. )
Welcome, gentlemen and quarry. Make sure to take your shoes off at the door.
( a simple request. that red tail of his billows out behind him. )
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Date: 2025-12-31 09:32 pm (UTC)so pardon if she tries to wiggle down, rinne, she wants to make sure takasugi's real since she's the only one who hasn't gotten to. ]
That's insensitive to us who can't wear them anymore, Takasugi.
[ yet there's nothing but warmth in her chiding, just as there'd been nothing but the same in her complaints to rinne and niki. ]
Have you eaten? Can I make tea for all of us? I've been practicing, though I can't promise it'll be good...
[ just let her do something-- ]
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Date: 2025-12-31 10:42 pm (UTC)( right? right. her dogged insistence on facing him while he's talking makes him feel a bit sheepish, specially since heβs been cooped up at home for a couple of weeks.
he jabs his pen in the direction of the open kitchen area that's no longer as bare as it used to be, adorned with cups of various sizes and decoration thanks to the noisy entourage that just bust through the door. one would think he'd keep that thing locked, but a certain someone knew well enough that it wasn't. )
Go ahead and prepare some tea everyone if you'd like. You probably know where everything is, including the cups, I'm sure. If you're going to pour the leftover wine in the fridge, though, be sure to make me a glass. And Shiina-kun, just drop those bags wherever you want; no need to be so formal.
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Date: 2026-01-01 12:11 am (UTC)[Niki blinks. He's genuinely surprised! He's always taken Takasugi to be a late riser. Rinne didn't give him a heads' up or anything, did he?
He leans in close to Rinne, lifting a hand like he's going to whisper to him, except he very much says what he's thinking out loud.]
Isn't Prez being, like, way too cool right now?
[Tone it down, Prez... Tone it down...!!]
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Date: 2026-01-01 02:23 am (UTC)Shaddup, Niki! Don't fall for Prez while you're around me.
[But he lets Malkuth back on the floor, careful to set her hooves down with a gentle clack. Kidnapping her wasn't so difficult when she had been so willing, but Rinne figured she needed an excuse to spend time with everyone for the new year β especially since a proud man like Takasugi wouldn't invite them all on his own. Maybe he expected this visit, though. Rinne hangs a red scarf and his coat by the door like clockwork β something that definitely wasn't there before their shopping trip.]
I won't deny that he's being cool, though. Looks like he's got his hands full writing wishes for the new year. People these days just write some lucky kanji, but I bet our poet's got something up his sleeve. Lemme get the wine and get this party started!
[He's heading for the fridge now.]
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Date: 2026-01-01 02:35 am (UTC)... though she'll be making enough for all of them anyway, since wine in the morning sounds like it would wreck their stomachs. ]
Is that what they do...? I always remembered my parents [ elijah's parents ] just making sure they had all of their paperwork done before the turn over, and then the day after they'd return to work like always.
[ the very same thing she'd done, of course. ]
What makes a kanji luckier than others?
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Date: 2026-01-01 03:17 am (UTC)( it's either true or just nonsense, but the way he speaks with such confidence could lead someone to believe it's the former. a mystery for sure.
those vibrant pinks of his redirect back to the pages, while his right hand raises as if waiting for a drink to be served. )
But I'm writing your end-of-the-year evaluations in the form of new years' cards, so look forward to it.
( someone's clearly in a good mood this morning, to be acting like their boss again so blatantly. )
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Date: 2026-01-01 07:14 am (UTC)[Seriously! Cooking here was more challenging than back home, but he'd worked really hard on this!]
Besides, Prez is being so professional right now, it's actually kinda scary. I feel like he might actually dock our pay for breaking into his home. Not that it was hard to do or anything.
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Date: 2026-01-01 07:42 am (UTC)You know how the saying goes, Niki — tu casa es mi casa! And tu money es mi money. [ He doesn't know Spanish. ] Prez, skip the evals and gimme my New Year numis!
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Date: 2026-01-01 10:54 am (UTC)After I went to the trouble of thinking of something fun to do to honor our achievements from last year?
No. You can have that after.
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Date: 2026-01-01 11:27 am (UTC)[What happened to their fun CEO?! He's supposed to be the cool one!]
This year blows. I got turned into a furry, banned from the casino, evaluated when I don't even know my KPIs...
[Sliding the cup of wine towards Niki.]
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Date: 2026-01-01 11:43 am (UTC)malkuth's tugging on rinne's tail very lightly though. stop that, complaining and trying to get niki to drink both. ]
Praise is all the sweeter when you're made to wait for it, Rinne, and I'm sure Takasugi has plenty of it for the both of you. Besides, aren't surprises fun?
[ and who has the best surprises if not takasugi? ]
He's doing actual work for once, so let him play at being our boss and wait like a good boy. [ sorry for the potshot takasugi. ] This is the cool side that your fans get to see exclusively... I'm a little jealous.
[ and, more importantly, excited to see what lucky kanji she won't be able to understand. ]
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Date: 2026-01-01 12:05 pm (UTC)[The pout is practically in his voice as he whines and hugs his fluffy, fluffy tail.]
Well, no one can stop Prez from doing shit he wants to do...
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Date: 2026-01-01 12:30 pm (UTC)[ his kidnapping... the way she had to apologize to her real job on the way. she can take an absence for once, it's not like she slacks off. ]
... Besides, it's not your fault you were banned. I'll make it up to you somehow this year, okay? Promise.
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Date: 2026-01-01 01:04 pm (UTC)Hmm... It's not like I blame you, though? How could I ever be mad at my goddess of victory?
So long as we got our own playground, I got no complaintsβͺ
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Date: 2026-01-01 02:46 pm (UTC)( "good boy"? he crosses something off on a page several times for emphasis. )
I was saving the rest of that bottle for a special occasion, you know. Saving it.
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Date: 2026-01-01 06:11 pm (UTC)Ahh? And you don't think this is? Me and Niki didn't haul our manager's juicy ass and your damn osechi up this street just for you to make January 1st a working holiday!
[He's not serving Prez his drink. Someone more useful will have to do it.]
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Date: 2026-01-02 12:31 am (UTC)But also... sippy cup...
Admittedly, Niki isn't so sure why his cup is different, but because it was Malkuth who grabbed it, he doesn't feel like he should complain? He doesn't want to be rude. He simply takes it when Rinne offers it. Then he picks up a glass for Takasugi, too.]
Why do you have to say it like that...? [He really doesn't want to be hearing about anyone's ass... Especially first thing in the morning!] Besides, did you see the way he scribbled on that paper just now? I don't think now's the time to question him! I've always got bad luck with fortunes, but evaluations are actually something we have control over!
[Please... He wants to win. So he sets Takasugi's glass on his table in front of him, like the experienced waiter he is. He doesn't even try to take a peek at what he's writing. He's so polite!]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-02 01:30 am (UTC)guess who's getting even better marks on his evaluation? ... maybe. it's still a mystery as to what he's been drafting, but is it above takasugi to pick favorites in the moment and elevate them to a higher tier? absolutely not. be wary, the rest of you. he tucks the thin of his cold shoulders and collarbone deeper within the oversized cardigan as he scoots forward, claws pinching the sides of his glass to let cold wine slide down his throat with no hesitation whatsoever. )
Mmh. But, osechi you said? Here, in Karteria? Now that's an interesting surprise.
( he's licking the corner of his mouth now, a stupid boyish smile on his face. )
We don't even have the environment here to grow half the vegetables required, but if you were in charge, Shiina-kun, it's sure to be a stunning setup. Consider me excited. In fact, tell me you managed to grab us some sea bream roe.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-02 06:20 am (UTC)But Rinne is rightβit is a special occasion, and Niki isn't one to spoil the mood on such an important day. So... he takes a sip of his own wine, too. Because of his condition, he isn't too worried about drinking first thing in the morning, anyway.]
You're just flattering me. [But Niki's smile says he's happy to be flattered!] I had to make a bunch of substitutions. It'll probably be different from what you know, but I still think it'll be pretty tasty!
Honestly, the seafood was actually the easy part. They don't really like to eat a lot of it here, but people still fish, so I had a lot to experiment with. Nahaha, that just means more for us~βͺ.
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Date: 2026-01-02 10:26 am (UTC)( big broad circles across another page now, while downing more of his glass. he's never been shy about his love of alcohol. )
And besides, seafood's my favorite. Here. I'll start clearing this table of my work so there'll be room to use the smaller plates from the cupboard at least. It's too cold to want to get out of this blanket.
( and there are other reasons not to want to move, takasugi setting the pen down flat to start nearly stacking his mess with black hands. )
no subject
Date: 2026-01-02 07:39 pm (UTC)More for you three, anyway. I don't think it'll agree with my stomach.
[ the sea? absolutely fantastic to hang around. the fish in it? well. ]
Anyway, evaluations should be based fairly on effort and growth, not personal feelings. Keep that in mind when you're finishing them up, Takasugi. And don't bother trying to fluff mine out any -- I'm the newest hire, so I'm really not expecting much.
[ nothing that he hasn't already told her directly, anyway. they've all credited her for things she still doesn't feel fully responsible for... and she's thankful for that belief, easy as it is to step around or brush aside in her mind. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-02 09:17 pm (UTC)You're the one who's doing the most work here, though. None of us can do the boring shit, so someone's gotta. [ Like, Rinne could, but he'd rather play mahjong for five hours than do that... ] Niki cooks, cleans, and takes care of me. All I do is dance and dick around, kyahahaha!
[ This is just not true. He slides into the kotatsu next to Takasugi — he of all people should know why he's stuck here. ]
It's too bad there's nothin' on the radio or TV. We could be watching SS right now. I'd force Niki to watch it with me every year‐ Hey, Niki! Hurry up and gimme osechi!
no subject
Date: 2026-01-02 10:40 pm (UTC)( a television...
he never really needed one with his personal computer display in his awesome office at the huge tower he built for his company in SAITAMA. but maybe a tv could work in here, takasugi thinks as he leans back only to bump into rinne's shoulder as he moves his project to the floor, out of the way of the quilt and the table setting.
and, sitting next to him only means he's going to snug in a little closer, you know? such was the fate of whoever decided to sit next to takasugi first. his tail gently brushes against rinneβs while he rests his chin a hand. )
I could always project something out of Mini Arahabaki if you want it that badly.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-02 10:47 pm (UTC)[So demanding! But despite his complaint, Niki brings the now-uncovered containers over anyway.]
You don't have anything to worry about, Miss Manager! I'm not really stuck on tradition, especially when it comes to food. If Prez is gonna be all professional, then it's up to the bees to break the rules~βͺ
[There are still some other things to prepare, but Niki takes a moment to gesture to the food in front of them.]
See? We've got meat, veggies, and desserts, too. [He sounds so proud. He arguably went overboard!] But Rinne-kun's right. It does feel weird not having idol shows to watch.
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