[open] roses blooming in her cheeks

[stealwithit]

WHO: Kasumi Goto + you!
WHERE: De Chima, Heropa, and Maurtia Falls (sorry Nonah).
WHEN: Through the latter half of August.
WHAT: Art appreciation, attempted art-ing and also vigilantism?
WARNINGS: None at the moment; will edit as necessary!


A | art exhibit | De Chima, evening
[ Kasumi is many things, and in spite of appearances and attitude, one of those things is actually an avid appreciator of art. Sure, she might also be an avid thief of art, but to her the two are about one in the same--which brings her to a small gallery in the heart of downtown De Chima for a couple of evenings this month. With the city so focused on science and technology, it only seems fitting that the focus permeates through the local art, as well, and that the installations are as technological as they are artistic. And that everything is flashy.

That being said, it's easy to accidentally be drawn into the exhibit (it's pay-what-you-can to enter), with the audio of some displays bleeding into the streets just outside the gallery's doors and the lights from screens and fixtures flashing, changing colors, what have you. There's a decent crowd inside, but there's still enough room to move around the different works at your own leisure and pace; within that crowd, sort of hanging back away from the most crowded spots, is Kasumi. Customarily dressed in her dark (read: black) clothing and hood, it's easy to spot her when things get flashy, but it's also easy miss her in the dimness of the lighting and the fact that the people who are generally attracted to this sort of show apparently also ascribe to mostly-dark-clothing. Gosh, is she even really there, or is she flickering in and out of sight somehow? Who knows. ]

B | Lucky Cat Cafe | Heropa, daytime
[ Knowing well how Kasumi's love for art tended to manifest itself, a friend once suggested that she take it up herself, sometime. You know, instead of just stealing art all the time. Kasumi would admit that she never took that suggestion seriously, even when she was gifted her own art supplies, but lately... she's been thinking about it. Mostly because after one and a half years of being stuck in this place and after passing a second birthday, she's honestly beginning to run out of things to do with her free time.

So she starts passing more of her time at the Lucky Cat Cafe, a change from her only occasional visits before. She takes up a table that's sort of nestled into its own little corner, as usual, and she has a modest pile of books on top of her table sitting just next to her cup of jasmine tea. But not as usual is the lack of (trashy) romance novels or classic mysteries and crime novels in the stack; instead, there are coffee-table type books on different painters along with books on painting with this or that medium. Also not as usual is the way that she's not really reading them, mostly looking at them for reference, her attention mostly fixed on what looks like a sketchbook that she's loosely scribbling or drawing in. Tucked into the corner as she is, what she's actually drawing can't be seen, but the way she keeps looking up and down at the stuff strewn across her table might be a clue. ]

C | streets | Maurtia Falls, nighttime
[ Of course, what Kasumi spends her free time doing once the sun goes down and Maurtia Falls' less savory locals come out to play is an entirely different story. These days, she mostly keeps a look out. She'd be a fool to try and take the big guys on without back up--she mostly observes their movements and only intervenes when she sees pettier crime being committed. Like, seriously, these guys are stealing from old grandmothers. They're just giving real thieves like her a bad name, honestly, and that's when Kasumi swoops in from the shadows and steps in.

When things are quiet (although things are never truly quiet in the Falls), Kasumi merely prefers to hang out on the rooftops of buildings, looking down at the streets and people-watching. Whether someone lives in the city and is just trying to make their way home, or has made a really terrible decision in walking these streets alone at night, or just plain looking for trouble, it's likely that she notices. ]

D | choose your own adventure

(( ooc; feel free to put up your own starter or PM me to figure something else out! ))

Comments

for garrus and joker;

[stealwithit]

[ So, in spite of all the fanfare Kasumi throws around Shepard's birthday, her own doesn't get nearly as much attention. Most people don't know when her birthday really is, just that it's sometime in August. They wouldn't even know that much, had Shepard not found out and decided to throw her a small thing last year.

This year, at least, seems quieter on many fronts. It's been a whole year since people were gassed and had mass hallucinations at That One Swear-in, and it doesn't seem like any new catastrophes are going to take place this August. Still, there's something utterly shitty with the fact that Kasumi's turned another year older here. Now she is twenty-eight and she hates it. And needs a drink.

And that is precisely why Garrus and Joker both receive text messages one evening with the name of a bar in Maurtia Falls, followed by: ]

I feel old come and drink with and be a degenerate with me?

text

[boneitis]

'i feel old' fuck you what are you like 25

what time

text

[stealwithit]

28 actually but I'll take that as a compliment.

As soon as possible.

[ That's it. That's the response. Please come and help, Joker and Garrus.

And sure enough, whenever either of the two have made their way over to the designated seedy-ish bar (which is already nicer than most joints in Maurtia Falls), they would find (1) petite thief sitting at the bar, already nursing a blue-colored drink with a tiny toothpick umbrella on it, because Kasumi is a classy lady. ]

[TEXT to ACTION]

[calibrating]

Sure. Will meet you in a bit.

[Garrus isn't one to pass up keeping a buddy company, and according to what he knows about humans, birthdays are Kind of a Big Deal, even if Kasumi put it in a very... Kasumi way.]

[Sure enough, Garrus shows up roughly on time to wherever Kasumi directs him, money in his pocket and wearing one of his least offensive sweaters. He doesn't have a full blown present for her, so this will have to do.]

So, I wanted to wait until we were in person before I said this--[He clears his throat]--you don't need a special occasion to be a degenerate with us. Or the other way around.

[TEXT to ACTION]

[boneitis]

[Right behind the craterfaced birdman over here is Joker, dressed like... the bachelor that he is. Okay, look, it's better than Garrus' gross turtlenecks, okay? Don't judge him.]

[And this bar doesn't even make it into like the top 10 seediest bars that he's ever been in. It's practically respectable, you don't even question if there's like botulism in the beer or anything. The glasses are all washed. The bartender is clearly not drunk.]

[See? Respectable.]

I dunno what you're talking about, Vakarian. I'm a fuckin' pillar of the community, you're the only degenerate around here.

for gregor;

[stealwithit]

[ Kasumi has never, ever met an Emperor before. Like, okay, maybe cocky people who called themselves emperors because they thought they were all that, but not an actual, honest-to-god Emperor with actual subjects and, like, royal blood or whatever.

Kasumi has given Duv's offer plenty of thought, but every time she comes up with a reason why she shouldn't, there's a reason why she should. She shouldn't, because maybe there's some unspoken consequence from transplanting oneself from one "Nexus" or whatever to another. It shouldn't even be possible. But maybe she should, especially if she could, because god only knows how much of her own will be left after the Reapers are through with it. In the end, it comes down to the same thought that she tends to have when she faces a dilemma: eh, why the hell not?

She can always decide not to go later on. But if they really are working on finding a way to travel across worlds and would be willing to let her avail of such a thing--she wants in. For more reasons she might want to admit. So she dresses herself like she's about to go into a job interview (because that is honestly what Duv has made this sound like it's going to be) and makes her way over on the appointed day.

Speaking of, another thing Kasumi has never done before: travel this far out in the countryside. Sure, she's been to some remote places before, but the Middle of Nowhere in Virginia is on a whole other level. She should probably be, like, properly sitting like a Lady or something while waiting, but instead she's standing and staring out a window. People actually live all the way out here...? ]

[vorbarra]

[ Gregor doesn't intend to keep her waiting; he's extraordinarily polite as far as emperors go. Indeed, he's exactly punctual, and is conscientious of the setting here and most galactics' lack of experience with royalty. He's gone intentionally business-casual, in a soft grey button up and black slacks and an easy-going, attentive expression.

His accent is a bit like Duv's but much thicker, that of a born Barrayaran, a sort of sibilant Russian. ] Ms. Goto, thank you for meeting with me. I realize this is all about hypotheticals, but it seems sensible to have things set up to be expedited in the future. [ Also, he's intensely curious about someone who Duv Galeni would label a 'friend'. ]

Would you join me upstairs?

[stealwithit]

[ Kasumi, for her part, is dressed in a gray pencil skirt, a patterned black blouse and a black blazer on top with heels that only go so far when it comes to adding to her height when compared to the giant that the emperor appears to be. She whirls around on said heels at Gregor's entrance, her own expression admirably concealing whatever hesitation she might be feeling with a cordial smile. One arm of hers has a light black jacket (undoubtedly with a hood, which she had been advised by Duv to remove before the meeting) draped on it; the other is free, and... uh. Should she shake his hand?

...Shit. Or should she have like, bowed or done a little curtsy or something...? Why did she not ask these questions of Duv instead of being all oh, I'll be fine, don't worry so much?

At length, she keeps her free arm tucked beneath the other, under the jacket, and she offers a polite nod. ]

Of course-- It would be my honor to, sir.

[ Double shit, that was hopefully okay. Duv had told her to simply call the emperor by "Gregor," but somehow that just feels too casual, so "sir" slips out. God, when was the last time Kasumi's even called anyone that? ]

[vorbarra]

[ He's so used to playing the political game that he only notices her composure in contrast to how everyone else here tends to be, something Gregor has quickly gotten used to enough to notice the difference. He himself is a consummate actor at seeming comfortable and unruffled in all circumstances, no matter how dire. This somewhat awkward meeting isn't a challenge for him at all.

He gives her a slight smile and gestures toward the stairs, then leads the way. Gregor's gotten used to shaking hands here but it's still not his instinct; people don't casually touch the emperor. Not unless they want his security to shake them down. And, true to Duv's advice, he does in fact prefer to leave as much formality aside as possible. ]

You can call me Gregor if you like, [ he offers, sure enough. ] Or if that's too much of a leap I am also Count Vorbarra, a typical interim step in formality. I'm not emperor of very much, here.

[ But, for the bits that he is, he is entirely emperor, so this is a bit disingenuous. Still, he's trying to put her more at ease, and humility is his reflexive way to do that. ]

B

[prostheticbody]

[The gloomy streets of Maurtia Falls get old after a while and even Motoko needs a little R&R sometimes, so she's taken a trip to Heropa to enjoy some sunshine. Coincidentally, she finds herself at the same cafe as one of her fellow Japanese imports. She smiles slightly when she notices the other woman tucked into the corner, absorbed in her artwork. Motoko invites herself over and quietly sets down her glass of iced tea and pulls out a chair across from Kasumi.]

Taking an interest in creating fine art, I see?

[stealwithit]

[ Kasumi notices Motoko not long after the other woman notices her, and she looks up from her doodling just as Motoko seats herself across the table. ]

A shocking turn of events, I know. Settling back in alright?

[prostheticbody]

[She absently flips through one of Kasumi's art books as they talk. She's never been skilled at making it, but she can appreciate it.]

Mostly. Jacob's been getting me up to speed. Sounds like it's been chaotic as ever since I left. I can't blame you for wanting to branch out into other hobbies.

[You can only beat up so many thugs in Maurtia Falls before you start to feel like you're not even making a dent.]

[stealwithit]

[ She shrugs. Funny that Motoko mentions Jacob, because... uh, there's a bit of chaos in that regard, as well. Kasumi's lips draw into a thin line. ]

Oh, you know. I can't be a troublemaker all the time, I guess.

B

[rideme]

Hey, Cas!

[Says the hulking figure shouldering the door open. Because he's got one of those styrofoam carry-out containers in his hands, and he's doing his best not to jostle it too much.]

[Someone is proud of himself today.]

[Except when he looks up, there's a different "Kas" at a table. His grin doesn't even falter.]

Hey! Look who turned up!

[stealwithit]

[ It's hard to miss Bull's entrance into the cafe, because it's Bull. Kasumi offers a smile, setting her sketchbook onto the table (drawing-side down, okay) before waving at him. ]

Hey, big guy. What've you got there?

[ She points at the carry-out container. ]

[rideme]

Long time no see.

[He plunks himself down in a chair across from here, bobbing his eyebrows. And sliding the box over to her.]

[Inside is this monstrosity.]

A new little project Cas has me running. Try it?

[stealwithit]

[ Kasumi just stares down at it. And then up at Bull. And then back down. Then back up. ]

There's, uh. A lot going on there. You're a cook now?

WILDCARD, I DO WHAT I WANT

[helpline]

Come on come on come onnnn, [ the Doctor practically whines as he takes Kasumi's hand, yanking her up a flight of stairs in Heropa 11.

He had texted (ew) Kasumi earlier, asking her to visit him at Heropa 11, absolutely elusive of what he wanted to show her. He just said 'it's important' and 'I want your input on this.' So, when Kasumi arrived, he grabbed her hand, yanked her in the house, and right up the stairs. ]

Hope you don't mind ladders and attics.

[ Reaching up to a trapdoor in the hall ceiling, the Doctor yanks down a hatch, ladder falling down to the floor when the hatch opens. ]

YOU DO YOU

[stealwithit]

[ Oh my god what is even happening, although she doesn't say it, that's definitely on her mind. If Kasumi was a clumsy person, she might have tripped from all the yanking up stairs and what not, but thankfully she's quite coordinated and manages to follow the Doctor step for step until they reach the ladder. Also thankfully, she's quick enough on her feet to shoot back with a sarcastic, ]

Are you kidding? I Just love ladders and attics, and especially in that order.

[helpline]

I knew you did!

[ said 100% serious. As he clambers up to the attic, he offers a hand for Kasumi to take if she wants. ] I want you to help double check my work.

[ Said work is star charts. The walls are covered in star charts, half from this universe half from the Doctor's universe. They're all hand-drawn, on chalkboards nailed up to the side, black poster board tacked up to the walls, and (occasionally) a few directly on the walls itself. Most of the time, the star charts look identical, though there are a few with minor variations. The floor is smudged with chalk, the Doctor writing things and making equations, rubbing them out with his foot when finished. Thankfully, one of the corners suggests actual human comforts and not the world's most bootleg planetarium. A few milk crates are zip-tied together to make a bookshelf, in which astronomy books are stored as well as a few children's textbooks and children's books themselves. There's a beanbag chair in the corner. A tiny window lets in light, as well as a single lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. ]

This universe is on the left, [ the Doctor says, gesturing to one of the star charts, ] and from what I can remember of my universe is on the right. A second pair of eyes are good, especially if they're space eyes, can you see if you can spot any noticeable differences?

[stealwithit]

[ Take his hand she does. She's not entirely sure what to expect upon entering but it certainly was not the world's most bootleg planetarium. So hold on, Doctor, I'mma let you finish, but-- ]

Holy shit.

[ Kasumi actually has to whistle at the sight before and around her. ]

You did all of this? From scratch?

B

[komarran]

[ His visit to the Lucky Cat is hardly unusual. With the Fall semester fast approaching, he's found himself to be far more productive when he gets himself out and sets up elsewhere.

What is unusual is that it seems his visit this time coincides with Kasumi's own. Drawing? That's an activity he hasn't seen her doing before. He glances over at her as he places his order for a plain coffee and it isn't until he has his drink in hand that he makes himself known. He clears his throat gently as he motions to the seat across from her. ]

Do you mind if I join you?

[stealwithit]

[ She spares him only a quick glance up from her sketchbook and offers a sarcastic, ]

I do mind, actually.

[ along with pursed lips and a pause until, at length, she gestures at the seat with a smile. ]

Come on, take a seat. It's good to see you.

[komarran]

[ There's a brief moment where Duv considers the legitimacy of her first words before a flood of relief fills him at the second. There's not much room for his own books, but he will make due.

He sets his coffee down as he sits and pulls out his laptop. ]

I could say the same. Did you come here to work on a project?

[stealwithit]

[ Aw, that was cute, the way he looked so relieved to find out she was joking. She should probably move her things to make room for his, but... nah. ]

Kind of. I guess I'm trying to pick up a hobby. [ She shrugs. ] And I'm going to go ahead and assume you're here to do work. Right?