[Open - November Catch All] And you've got us feeling alright.

[gitarre]

WHO: Klavier Gavin and YOU!
WHERE: All Porter cities
WHEN: All through Novemeber
WHAT: Lost memories, music and fun times.
WARNINGS: None for now! If you have any questions, feel free to hit me up at jackets or at my plotting post here!

((OOC NOTE: Anyone listening to Klavier's music has the chance to 1) realize or acknowledge a truth about themselves, and 2) feel the urge to share their story with Klavier. This is due to the emotional aspect of Klavier’s music therapy power, which you can read about over here.

ETA: Note that characters are not forced to reveal things about themselves. They are capable of ignoring the urge to share their truth with Klavier if, for example, they actively believe he's an untrustworthy, dishonest or otherwise bad person.))



All Porter cities: November 11th - 18th. Memory Loss, OTA.

Whatever inspired him to throw himself into stacks of expensive law books as soon as he got to Heropa, Klavier can’t recall. (Wouldn’t it make more sense to take a more balanced approach? Hustle outside the job most days, while hitting books a couple times a week?)

Either way, he’s definitely feeling the financial effects. Good thing all those album royalties from back home didn’t make him forget how to be resourceful.

Klavier puts his quick learning to use.

He'd already started learning the acoustic versions of this country’s popular songs before now. It doesn't take long to cement the songs into his memory. Music the natives can relate to, happy memories that make them smile.

After that, it’s a matter of hitting the streets. Trendy areas lined with popular retailers, hip bars packed with 20 and 30-something professionals aiming to leave their work woes behind, and quaint cafes catering to younger people are top contenders.

There’s always a tip jar near him. Wads of money are already stuffed inside, encouraging passersby to give more.

Cash isn't the only thing people are sharing, though. For some reason, strangers sometimes open up to him about an epiphany or recent thought, usually of a personal nature.

Bars, streets, and cafes...it doesn't matter where. At least one person approaches him while he's taking a break.

Fancying himself a bartender or barista that serves songs instead of drinks, Klavier always listens

Comments

Chico (Lunch in Heropa)

[gitarre]

D33 (Instruments 101)

[gitarre]

[looseleaves]

After a year of intense music and dance training as an idol, Hajime appreciates solo acts so much more. He's outside on one such day that Klavier's decided to perform at a little open-air market, packed with people interested on getting their hands on this or that. Trying to ignore the music just isn't possible... he wanders over, a gentle smile on his face. This genre isn't his type, but he's learned the merits of taking something away from all genres, and Klavier's music is no exception.

Usually he's the frugal sort, but... as Klavier strums his last few notes and the crowd happily adds more to his already overflowing tip jar, something resonates with him, like a bell chiming inside of his head.

He's the last to drop some money in (he actually picks up some quarters and bills from the ground that'd been too carelessly tossed to place them in the jar. He's a tidy kid, okay?) but it's not the only thing. "I don't want to choose being alone, but I think it's the best path for me," he says with his quiet, timid voice, though he freezes up when he hears himself. "A-ah, I'm so sorry! That just--I was thinking aloud and..."

Cheeks burning red, his eyes dart away. "I meant to say... your playing is really wonderful. How long did it take you to learn?"

[gitarre]

A young man, perhaps in his mid-teens, approaches Klavier. When the boy contributes his own money to the jar, Klavier thanks him with a dazzling smile.

His tidying up is certainly unexpected, but Klavier is all the more grateful for it. He'd honestly been so wrapped up in his music that he hadn't even noticed the mess.

The greeting isn't what he anticipated, either...if it could even be called that. I don't want to choose being alone, but I think it's the best path for me.

What a bittersweet sentiment. There's almost something poetic about it, and Klavier very nearly asks him to clarify. But then the boy amends himself with an apology, and he focuses on his actual question for the time being.

"I've been playing since I was old enough to hold a guitar," he admits. "But an artist never truly stops honing their skills, ja? I'm glad you enjoyed the songs."

With another smile, he adds: "What brings you to the market today?"

No doubt it wasn't just to hear Klavier play, although he'd like to achieve that level of fame again in the future.

[looseleaves]

It's easy to feel the anxiety dissipate, when Klavier speaks. Why had he even said that? Maybe the sentiment was true, but... he wasn't even sure he wanted to hear it. Still, he usually kept everything close to the vest... he didn't like burdening people with his problems when he could just solve them himself.

Ah, no. Focus. The hand that had been covering his mouth drops to his side.

"Mm, you're right," Hajime admits with a little smile. "I've been falling behind my own practice... I should get back to it, but it's a little hard by myself. I wonder how long it'd take to pick up guitar..."

A moment of silence as Hajime thinks. "Ah--this market is where I can find the cheapest ingredients, but I got distracted by your music." His smile picks back up, warm and gentle now. "I've never thought about listening to this kind, but it's nice. I should listen to more of it. How long are you going to stay?"

[gitarre]

"You can find guitar tutorials online," Klavier says. Come to think of it, maybe he should put together a few tutorial videos of his own. Now that guitar makers are trying to gift him with their wares, he'd have a physical instrument to demonstrate with. Something to consider.

"Practicing with others will help you be more consistent, that is true," he agrees. Curious about what this particular practice entails, Klavier's expression brightens with interest. "Do you play an instrument?"

In light of his admission of neglecting to practice, it's a little odd that the boy thinks it's better to walk alone. Maybe his priorities don't align with the people around him. Or perhaps he wants to avoid troubling others. The latter would line up with how quick he was to apologize.

As for how long Klavier aims to stick around, he hums thoughtfully. Stay can mean a lot of things. So he may as well cover his bases.

"In the market? A couple of hours before I move to a crosswalk," he answers. "In Heropa? Until the Porter decides to send me elsewhere, I suppose."

[looseleaves]

"Ah--um, I do," he admits, rubbing his cheek. "I play the flute a little... but I mostly sing and dance. Not dancing every day can really set you back, it's, um--muscle memory! Like when you play. I should practice in case my power..."

His voice trails off, two and two connecting in his head. If he has the power to make people feel things with his songs, then...?

"... would it be rude to ask if you're an imPort?" Hajime asks, hesitant, but with a bit of clarity in his eyes.

[gitarre]

Ah, a fellow performer then. If he typically practices with others, does that mean he's part of a larger act? Klavier nearly asks, but then the boy's words seem to make him think of something else. Now there's another question.

"Nein, it wouldn't be rude at all," Klavier assures him. "That's exactly what I am. An imPort. I arrived in August, in fact."

And he'd immediately hit the books in a bid to become a criminal prosecutor as soon as possible. In hindsight, Klavier isn't sure why. For all he knows, the Porter will send him home tomorrow. Wouldn't it make more sense to juggle street performances with his night job? It would be a lot simpler, anyway.

"And you?" he asks, reminding himself to stay focused on the task at hand. Curious, Klavier leans down a little, putting himself closer to the boy's eye level. "Did the Porter whisk you away to a strange land too? You mentioned having a power."

[looseleaves]

There's a moment of surprise when Klavier leans down, Hajime politely taking a tiny step back and bringing a hand up to his chest in a slightly protective gesture. Despite being clearly at least in his mid-teens, Hajime's position as a idol meant that he was often his own representative--speaking with adults on the same level as a pro was what he was used to. Despite Klavier actually being kind enough to not "intimidate" him, it serves the opposite effect, causing Hajime to pull a little closer into himself.

"U-um, well..." He stammers a little before continuing, eyes flickering away. "America isn't so strange... but I'm from Japan, and this Earth isn't like mine... my power only happens when I sing, though..." it's then that he meets Klavier's gaze again, with a curious gaze that asks the question he isn't voicing: does Klavier also have that kind of power?

[gitarre]

Even though the boy doesn't verbalize his discomfort, his closed-off body language says everything. If that's his cue to dial down his enthusiasm, Klavier doesn't need to be told twice. He smoothly straightens his posture, hooking a thumb into his pocket. The kind smile never leaves his face.

This Earth isn't like mine. That's all he needs to say, for Klavier to get the answer he was looking for. He can't help but wonder what kind of impression he had of American, though, for this world's version to not register as too strange.

"Ah, so you have song-based powers as well," he remarks with a warm chuckle. "The Porter must have an eye for talent, ja?"

Reading the unspoken words in other people's eyes is something he's always had a knack for. This time is no exception. Klavier sees no reason not to answer, so he continues:

"According to my dossier, two of my songs from back home actually possess certain powers." Idly, he starts to play with the edge of his blond fringe. "Can't say I've played either of them today, though."

[looseleaves]

When he straightens, Hajime relaxes, settling back into a straightened posture himself and dropping his hand to his side.

(Obviously America was all patriotic and guns and such? Hajime is definitely not going to go into his embarrassment at his cultural faux pas, because there have been numerous.)

"Everyone is so talented, it's a little bit of a shock... I feel like a little fish swimming in a huge ocean." Hajime confessed, shyness overtaking his features for a brief moment. "It's hard to really connect with everyone when their powers are all--"

He made an exploding gesture with his hands, though it was small and still restrained. "--amazing, like that. Since I have to rely on my voice, it's not really fair... I don't know if I could stop a crowd in the middle of a busy street like you can with just your playing." His smile grows a little wider then, a little less shy.