Kina made her way quietly through the streets of Chicago; her cheongsam rustling lightly with each measured step. Humming cheerily, she picked her way carefully toward her morning errands through the growing crowd; her keen eyes taking in each face as they passed. She loved people watching... even if there were those few bad apples whose expressions tended to ruin the moment. As the gentle breeze stirred her dark hair, something on the wind caught her attention and ripped her mind away from everything else. The familiar scent of vanilla and bourbon wafted through her consciousness like the pounding wave of a siren's call, shattering all other thought and halting her mid-step. There were some faces she never seemed to see, no matter how often they passed. 

The slightest smile tickled the corner of her lips as she pushed through the aching curiosity and continued. "I know you're there," she whispered softly under her breath, almost like a prayer. Chuckling, she picked her way toward the market, still talking to herself. "You're always there., like my own personal Tennin... my secret angel." Shaking her head, she laughed louder at her own absurdity. Sometimes she wondered if there wasn't something wrong with her. Her grandmother had treated people with sicknesses that affected their minds... creating voices, visions, even tastes or phantom scents that were not really there. What would be more unbelievable? To think that she was ill? Or that she truly had a guardian angel who smelled like bourbon?? 

Her boisterous laughter at the thought only furthered the theory that she must surely be mad. Or, at the very least, ill. But... this was her life. Always had been. There was never a moment... not in all her years... even in childhood... that it wasn't so. So, better to simply accept it and live the life she'd been given... as fully as possible. Shouldering her colourful furoshiki bag, she simply shook her head once more and picked her way toward the docks. The first morning boats should just be returning. If she was quick... and very lucky... she might just be able to snag a decent cut for dinner tonight. 

"I know you're there..."

The words cut through the breeze and landed straight on Hiram's ears. He smiled, pleased that she had taken notice of his presence. She was growing attuned, and that was always the most difficult process of grooming; acceptance. Her laugh following the words tickled his senses and Hiram knew their time was nearing. He allowed her to catch glimpse of him as she walked through the crowd. Up the small set of stairs on the building to her right as she passed by. Hiram had leaned against a pillar on the stoop of the building. As she looked, he smiled and brushed his hair back away from his face, his longer strands falling back just beneath his shoulders.

He offered a nod and a wave of his hand before pushing from the wall and walking in her direction. He watched as her steps slowed with his approach, and he watched as she looked around when he disappeared into the crowd...

As he'd hopped down from the last step of the stairs, it was simple to vanish into the bustling crowd around them, simply going with the flow of traffic along the sidewalk. As she turned in slight frustration at his coy games, she bumped directly into the man standing in front of her. Hiram smiled and brushed back her hair before straightening her shoulders.

"Watch where you step my darling girl, or you may trip and fall..." He pointed to a crack in the pathway and an uneven alignment of the bricks that were along the pathway. As she looked up to thank him and perhaps -finally- introduce herself, he was gone.

Slipping backward and spinning in the crowd, Hiram had vanished using one of the oldest tricks in the book. Misdirection. He continued on his way, wondering where exactly she would be heading... It was normal that she would go to the market today, so why not head in that direction himself? Perhaps he -too- could snag a decent cut for dinner.

Hiram continued floating through the hustling crowd, veering away every now and then to put eyes on Tsukina to make sure she was, in fact, going where he though. So far she'd been able to be seen, but this time it was a little more difficult. His eyes dilated and he squinted, hopping on top of a nearby statue's base to get a higher ground. Where had she slipped off to that he'd not noticed?

Kina glanced down at the uneven pavement, stuttering out an awkward apology. But the sound of her voice fell silent as she looked up. Croaking and stammering, she stared up into empty space. Was she actually losing her mind? He'd really been there, right? ... the same blue-eyed stranger from yesterday. 

As she pondered her own sanity, Kina realized that people were beginning to stare. And with good reason. She was blocking the sidewalk after all. Shaking the thoughts from her head, she shuffled forward, letting the crowd swallow her up as she went. Drifting amidst the bustling crowds of Chicago, she let the city swallow her up... revelling in the small, plainness she felt. There was something reassuring about the normality of it. Being just another face in a sea of unremarkable plebians. 

Following the flow of the crowd, she slipped down a side alley and made her way into a small apothecary, sifting through the myriad herbs and teas before settling on a handful of new ingredients to add to her collection. Next was the open-air market. Sampling the scarce fare, she added a scraggly strand of dried ginger, two shrivelling oranges, all the kumquats and lychee she could find, and a single, pristine starfruit to her bright cloth bag. It wasn't much, but she was happy to find them at all with the current state of things.  Then came the general store for a few dry goods, and the seamstress to peruse the discount cloth. 

Each time she stepped back onto the street, her dark eyes combed the doorways that lined the sidewalk, alert for any sign of... well, she wasn't quite sure. Maybe it was slamming into that poor man on the street earlier. Maybe it was the slight chill in the breeze. Or maybe it was all in her head. But whatever the reason, there was just something about today that felt... odd. In a way that made her hyper-cautious as she made her way toward the docks. 

Where had she vanished to? She'd been there, then like he normally did, she'd simply vanished without a trace. It wasn't like him to loose someone he was tracking, so why now? Had he grown too cocky? Had he misjudged her path for the day? With a sigh he looked around for even higher ground, taking note of a nearby fire escape. Hiram smirked and made his way over, hopping to the ladder and climbing up to the second level. As his eyes scanned the area he noticed Tsukina's bouncing hair vanish into an apothecary shop.

Smirking, he tugged a cigarette case from his jacket pocket and popped it open. Flicking one of the smokes into the air, Hiram snagged the cigarette between his lips; the tip was already alight and burning a bright orange. He drew in through the cigarette and exhaled slowly, smoke passing through his nostrils and lips as he did so. "Of course, the apothecary..." Hiram chuckled out. "I should have known."

Waiting for her to finish, he leaned against the railing and watched the crowd below. Interesting people. Most of them had little idea just how fragile their lives were. How easily any one of them could be plucked away and taken from this place they called home... Gone, erased, forevermore. It was a sad thought that surrounded him as memories of his own brother again flooded his head. It had been some time since Sullivan's death, but for those left behind there were always moments of sadness that could be triggered.

Lost in his own myriad of thoughts, Hiram hardly noticed the window behind him open and a young man with a bat crawling onto the catwalk. It was the shaking of the escape itself that caused Hiram to look. There stood a young man, easily no more than sixteen or seventeen, with his wooden bat cocked back ready to swing. Hiram blinked, exhaling a plume of smoke above their heads as the two stared in stalemate.

"W-w-who are y-you? W-why are y-y-y-you on m-my esc-c-cape?" the young man stuttered out, trembling visibly as he spoke.

"Nobody you should worry about, kid. Just needed eyes on someone." Hiram turned his whole body toward the kid and held his hands up. However, the movement frightened the lad and he swung hard. As his arms twisted and launched the bat for Hiram's head, the boy closed his eyes. However, when the bat connected and stopped mid swing, he opened his eyes. Hiram held the heavy end in his hand like it had been nothing to stop the swing... One that the young man had given his all to.

"Calm down, boy. I'm not here to hurt you, or even your family. Hell, I can't even get in your place without you letting me in. I'm just a bodyguard to a woman that I need to keep eyes on, so if you don't..." Hiram trailed off as his eyes caught a glimpse of Tsukina leaving the apothecary. Tossing his cigarette down, Hiram ripped the bat from the young man's hands and turned to stare at him.

"Sorry boy, don't have time to do this." He snapped the wooden bat over his knee and dropped it on the escape before vaulting himself over it and landing on the ground below, his feet and knees acting as a spring board to catch him. His hand planted squarely on the concrete in front of him to keep the rest of his body from slamming into the ground before he stood and looked up at the kid. "Have a good day, boy." With that, Hiram turned, slipping his hands in his pocket and continued to follow Tsukina.

To the open air market... To the general store... To the seamstress... He was certain she could feel his presence. She looked around as she entered and exited every shop. -The hair on the back of her neck must be standing- he thought to himself with a chuckle. With his hands in his pockets, Hiram continued to follow Tsukina until she reached the docks.

The smell of fresh fish and the sounds of gulls filled the air. People could be heard all around, boatmen, dock workers, fishermen, customers... It reminded him of Shoaltz in New York before it was shut down. As Tsukina looked over one of the tables, Hiram made his way to the dockworkers that handled the stalls. Gathering them around, he put his arms around the shoulders of two of them and made a huddle.

"Alright gentlemen, see the lovely lady?" Two of them twisted to look where Hiram's finger was pointing before turning back and nodding. "Good. Anything she wants is paid for. Anything she asks for, give her the best you have. Double her order as well." Hiram patted the men on the shoulder and chuckled. "Wonderful, if you do this your day will be great... If not, let's just say you don't want to not, eh?"

One of the men rolled his eyes and tugged away. "I ain't givin' no yella, side-eyed bitch extra special treatment for anyone..." Hiram's hand caught the man's shoulder and spun him around. Their eyes met, and Hiram's dilated as they stared at each other. "I think you do want to... In fact, you're going to work the whole day for free just because you're such a nice person. All of your pay you'll donate to the orphanage down the street. Thank you..." Hiram paused as his eyes darted to the name tag for a split second. "Leslie. Thank you for showing everyone how wonderful and caring we should be with your selfless donation. Smile. Smile and have the best day you've ever known... Live, like it's your last day on Earth."

Blinking before releasing Leslie, Hiram smiled at the man. Leslie stood there for a second before blinking as well, then looked up at Hiram. "Ya know, pal... You're welcome! I bet those kids eat a really good hot meal with this money. Yeah, lemme help your gal out real quick, then I'm gonna go and take my money to the orphanage."

Leslie turned and headed straight for Tsukina as the other gentlemen turned and looked at Hiram.

He almost growled as they stared. "What?" he barked out. The men jumped and turned, two of them yelping out, "Nothing!" Hiram chuckled as the men scurried away like insects running from the light. Turning his gaze he looked just in time to see Tsukina talking to Leslie about fish, and him assuring her that she could, in face, get whatever she wanted today... It was covered...

Hiram leaned against a bell tower before reaching up and ringing it to let the others know the market was opened. Seemed the men who'd scurried away had forgotten.

Tsukina picked her way through the market, pausing every once and again to survey the day's wares. Only a few of the boats had returned as of yet, but there was no shortage of small fry and various sundries to choose from. She had just stooped to inspect a fine specimen Tako when she was approached by an astoundingly cheery fishmonger who seemed all too happy to see a customer. 

"Hello there, my exotic Asian beauty," he called cheerfully, "what brings you to grace our gloomy docks this fine morning?" 

Dumbfounded, Kina blinked up at the man in confusion. She recognized him from many previous trips to the docks, and he had never been anything less than downright caustic in their exchanges... even going so far as refusing to sell to her. So his sudden and stark change in demeanour immediately set her on edge. His change seemed to be for the better, and yet something was wrong.

Chuckling nervously, Kina backed away slightly; off-put by the whole situation. But, as the man persisted, assuring her that anything and everything was on the house for the day, she could hardly refuse. Despite finding his new-found altruism disturbing, she simply couldn't afford to turn her nose up at free food... even if she wanted to. Nodding gently, Kina thanked him, her voice timid and heavy with trepidation, "I'm looking for Tako... um... octopus. And lobster. Whitefish if you have any. The small cuts will do just fine."  

She waited nervously as the man packed her order, fidgeting with her hair as the lake breeze stirred it relentlessly... tearing the shorter curls from their smoothe updo. Accepting the brown paper package with another nod and a shy smile she turned away from the stall, tucking the well-packaged fish carefully into her furoshiki shoulder bag. Goods safely stowed, she scurried away with no small amount of relief. Her eyes went comically wide for a moment as she shook her head, mumbling softly to herself about the oddity of it all. 

At least she'd come away with a fine haul... even if she did suspect it was ill-gotten. There was far more here than she could eat alone. Having few friends, she'd have to smoke most of the food to keep it good... which would make lovely sushi later. Hugging the bag close to her side, she whispered a soft 'thank you' into the breeze. If she really did have a guardian angel, surely the had a hand in this turn of events. "But..." she trailed off, her voice almost comically scolding given that she was talking to something divine, "Next time, you leave people's personalities alone. They may be crass and tasteless trash... but we all deserve our own free will. Even if some of us do misuse it." 

Veering away from the crowd, she made her way home; keeping careful watch on the streets as she went. It was a beautiful day - bright and warm - and as such there were many faces out and about. She watched as women in colourful tea dresses bopped about their errands, men in fine suits and scruffy work clothes alike made their way to and fro on business, and children scurried through the streets laughing and cavorting gleefully. Each went about their day oblivious of the others... blind to the simple beauty of their lives coalescing in this singular moment. No one seemed to notice or appreciate the profundity of their coincidental convergence... the artistry and natural charm of this indefinable moment where each life intersected, however briefly, to create this rare and unrepeatable instant in the history of the universe. 

 The beauty and fragility of it all struck her as indescribably precious. And as a giggling gaggle of children stole her breath away, she turned and followed them blissfully into the park. The grass was soft and swaying in the cool breeze, the trees lush, the gardens verdant and laden with blossoms. It seemed like all the world was impossibly perfect as she strolled through the park, taking the long way home so that she could properly appreciate the awe and elegance of simply being. 

Breathing in the lush, damp humus and petrichor of the land she smiled; her whole body radiating her deep love and appreciation for life in its simplest forms. And in that moment, she was indefinably beautiful. 

Hiram chuckled as he continued to lean against the bell tower; watching, as he always did. The awkward fumble between Tsukina and Leslie was nothing less than comical, yet with the poise and grace she exhibited, Hiram had to nod and give her an imaginative hand clap. It was admirable the way she handled herself, and that made him happy.

As Tsukina made her way with her haul, Hiram took it upon himself to remind Leslie of his next stop. With his hand lightly upon the man's shoulder, Hiram whispered softly in Leslie's ear, "To the orphanage... Give them your earnings. Be mindful of your surroundings so no harm befalls you." The words sent Leslie into an almost zombie-like mindset and the man immediately began walking toward the orphanage. However, unlike a mindless zombie, he still had his wits about him and paused for traffic and walked around people. Hiram had learned the hard way, long ago, to be careful with his words.

As Leslie headed off in one direction, Hiram headed in the other to continue following Tsukina. He chuckled again to himself, knowing that the spell would wear off as soon as Leslie's duty was completed, and it would leave the man confused why he'd just handed the orphanage his pay for the day... Only time would tell if he'd be that asshole who took it back, or let the children keep one little day's pay. Hiram would check later, and if he'd let them keep it, he'd perhaps pay a visit to Leslie's home to make sure the man's own family did not go without.

However, that was neither here nor there, and Hiram was already falling behind while tailing the Lady Sakamoto. Like her, he watched as the children ran and played, and he watched as everyone existed in the here and now, sometimes wishing he could go back to that feeling... Back to the inevitability of death... Back to the wonder of what the world had in store! As it was, he lived vicariously through others. It was why he chose his next target at birth... It was why he watched as they grew... It was, inevitably, why he inserted himself into their life once they were old enough... It was why he enjoyed watching the many futures unfold into the reality that became the past... Even if it made him a bit of a creep. Tsukina was no different in that sense, but as his eyes fell on her in the park, his world spun slightly.

There she stood, magnificent in her form; her aura bright and glowing like the morning Sun cresting over the mountaintops in the old country. Like the twinkling of rays refracting off the beaches and rivers. It was as if his heart had stopped...

He chuckled to himself as that thought hit. It was as if time had stopped, frozen in this one particular moment as multiple paths lay out before what could happen. He moved silently through the threads of fate, stopping one child from dropping their ice cream, placing a hat back on top of another woman's head as it tried to blow away, and stopping the path of a rolling ball from continuing into the street. Everything seemed to be still, as if the hands of Father Time had hesitated to crank over, until he sat on a nearby bench.

Time caught up to him and he watched as the child thought they saved their ice cream, as the woman's hand smashed her hat to her head and held it, and as the kids who chased the ball looked around to see what had stopped it. He smiled, then turned to Tsukina, who still seemed to be lost in her own moment of beauty. Leaning back in his seat, Hiram outstretched an arm toward the open side of the bench and fished out his cigarettes with the other. Flipping one out and lighting it, he simply watched, and waited... Like he'd always done. This time, though, it wasn't from the shadows.

Kina twirled with the wind as it stirred the hem of her dress; her arms lifting loosely with carefree innocence and unassuming ease. Sure... she was far too old for such childlike behaviour, but she didn't seem to care in the least. People could watch and judge if they wanted. It was a sad and pitiful way to spend your beautiful moments of existence, but who was she to tell someone else how to live... or accept such advice form anyone else, for that matter? No. She had too much love for these little moments in life to give anyone else a second thought. 

That was until her gaze was caught by those haunting blue eyes that seemed to be following her of late. Catching Hiram's gaze, Tsukina froze midstep. The blissful smile slowly fell from her lips as a parade of thoughts and emotions played over her features. Twice was a coincidence. Three times was a pattern. But why? A rush of thoughts flashed through her head... all tangled and convoluted. Either she was being followed or the universe had something in store for her. Possibly both. For reasons that could be dubious or divine. Possibly both. And she had no way of knowing for sure. 

Standing frozen in the street... yet again... Kina chuckled. How many centuries of fate had to align in unimaginable perfection to bring her here to this exact moment in this exact way? Wasn't that, too, part of the beauty of life? There were infinite choices and chance meetings all leading her right here... to the precipice of destiny. She could pass by and continue on her way... allow chance yet another gamble. Or she could choose for herself... to some small extent, and seal that fate irrevocably. Such a simple choice, and yet... like all seemingly simple things... it would change the universe at a foundational level... in ways most people never even considered. It was thrilling and heartwrenching and beautiful. And the weight of it swam in her dark eyes as she gulped... swallowing her nerves and setting her jaw. 

Why not? If the Tong had marked her there was no surviving anyway. Might as well engage rather than running. At least she could meet her fate with some dignity. Tucking a stray curl behind her ears, she shouldered her bag and approached Hiram with a shy, bashful smile. He was stunning. For that, she could be grateful either way. 

"May I sit here," she asked softly... more for common courtesy than actual permission. Without waiting for him to agree, she slid onto the small bench next to him. "You know," she smiled up at him through heavy, dark lashes, "If I didn't know better, I might think you've been fol..." 

The teasing smile fell from her lips as the gentle breeze stirred the air around them. Vanilla, clove, and bourbon floated on the wind, halting her flirtations mid-breath. 

Gasping, she turned to face him, a mixture of shock, awe, and unabated curiosity dancing in her eyes. Her gaze devoured his features as she stared with a growing grin. Turning in to him, she leaned close and gently pressed her cheek to his neck as she inhaled his scent... unconcerned with the intimacy of the gesture.  

Pulling away she marvelled up at him with astonished wonder and recognition, "What's your name?"

A picture of strength, grace, and beauty as Tsukina paused once her eyes had found him. A snapshot of the universe for all of eternity. Hiram took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling as she decided her course of action and approached. He chuckled as she asked then sat anyway, and smirked as the breeze kicked up and cut her words short. He leaned his head away from her as she pressed her cheek to his neck and sniffed softly, then turned to look at her as she pulled away.

"What's your name?"

He smiled and sat there for just a moment, admiring her look of wonder and recognition. He couldn't help but take notice of the softness of her features. Her jawline structure, the birth mark mole just above the left of her lips, the almond shaped, deep brown eyes. He was just as enraptured in her as she might have been in him. Perhaps even more so.

"Hiram," he answered softly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, properly, Miss Sakamoto."

"Hiram." 

Kina mouthed the simple syllables a few times, adjusting to the feel of it on her lips as she nodded slowly. She seemed almost entirely unperturbed by the introduction. To her, it was a simple matter of course. He was familiar in ways that she could neither explain nor fully understand... like she'd known him her entire life. And, in a way... she thought... she had. How long had the scent of vanilla orchids followed her? As long as she could remember. There was no age it hadn't been with her. Every moment of peril... every success, every rite of passage... was marked with the scent of vanilla and cloves. 

In a way, she'd always known that it belonged to something... someone... watching over her. But she never thought...

A familiar glint glittered in her dark eyes as she beheld him... finally. Her Tennin, her angel... oldest friend and lifelong companion. 

Well... that or she was entirely insane. Chuckling softly, she hid her face from him as she let that thought settle. 

"You may call me by name," she said softly, lowering her hands from her face. "My friends call me Kina," she offered with blushing bashfulness, "Or... at least they would... if I had any." Rolling her eyes she laughed aloud, "Though you probably already know that, hm? Since you seem to be at the advantage here." 

"Tell me, Hiram," she paused, savouring the flavour of sweet spice and liquor, "What really brings you to the park today?"

"Kina."

He smiled. He'd indeed heard a select few people no longer in her life refer to that as she had grown up. Taking yet another drag from the cigarette, he offered it to her afterward. "You. You bring me here to the park today, Kina." Looking around at everything around them to draw in the moment, Hiram exhaled slowly and blew the smoke upward.

"I've been with you since you were a child, since you were born. But you know this. It's why you don't run. My scent is familiar to you. Do you know who I am, Kina? Who or what I am to you?"

He turned and looked at her, his bright blue eyes fixated on hers. "I've been with you for a long time, but I couldn't stay away any longer. The time to meet was upon us. You're special, Tsukina Sakamoto. Chosen."

He grew quiet, allowing her to take in what he was saying, to process it all. His eyes dilated slightly and he blinked, shaking his head. No tricks, he wanted pure, unadulterated Tsukina.

Suki accepted the cigarette with a grateful nod, giving the filter a sniff for anything laced before shrugging and placing it to her lips. She took a long drag as she looked him over, her almond eyes appraising as she considered how to answer his questions. Exhaling slowly she gulped audibly, noticing as his eyes changed... and then changed again. 

At a loss, she simply shook her head. "What could you be... to have known me this long and still look... like you do? I know you... in a way... I think. And yet... not at all. I remember your presence... as long as I can remember. In a way it's always been comforting... but there's something else, too. In my mind you've always been this benevolent companion, my whole life... a guardian and protector. But now that I SEE you... something in my bones is screaming for me to run... run like I'm running away from a rabid wolf. But... I don't want to." 

Lips pursed, she tenderly touched his face... as if to convince herself that he was real; her fingers tenderly tracing his brow and trailing across his cheek. She chuckled softly. This all sounded so absurd. "I used to say you were my Tennin... my guardian angel," she admitted with a blushing snerk. Pulling her hand away, her brow furrowed as she frowned, "But are you?" She looked up at him, her eyes innocent but devoid of naivety, resolved and demanding, "I think the better question is: What am I to you?" 

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I am far from an angel, my dear. In fact, quite the opposite. Yet still a guardian of sorts. An influencer at the very least." Hiram took the cigarette back and took another drag before gingerly placing the filter back between her lips. "You are, to me..." he trailed off, silent for a moment until he exhaled and blew the smoke away again.

"A lifetime." Hiram smiled and looked at her. "A companion to be, until you die or leave. If you would so choose of course. I'd never -force- you to stay, even though I could." He smirked. "If your instincts tell you to run, perhaps you should?" He chuckled softly, his hand reaching up and his fingers dragging lightly across her cheek.

"If you choose to stay, then the world around you will change drastically. You already know, though, don't you? That things are not always as they seem?"

Hiram relaxed into his seat and looked at her. "I seek acceptance more than anything, young Tsukina." He smiled again. "Would you believe that I picked you at birth because I could see this day when I first laid my eyes on you, and that I knew with the right amount of presence you would be more likely to accept me?" His face lost it's sparkle for a moment, the pretty smile fading. "That I knew if I inserted myself into your life enough that when this day came, you'd be less likely to run from fear at the sight of me?" He looked away, all of a sudden feeling shame for the way the game worked, but this was how he conditioned them to his presence... It wasn't fair for her, she'd had no choice in the matter... And now that she had a choice, there was a part of him that knew if she chose to run it would leave her broken for life. That part always made him feel bad for the ones that had run in the past. Always made him feel bad for the way he decided for them at birth... Often made him feel even creepier than -HE- liked to be.

Pushing those thoughts aside, he cleared his throat and returned his gaze to her. "What would you say to that?"

Kina laughed... a hollow, disbelieving kind of sound that belied the weight of all the questions racing through her mind. 

"Why me?"

"How do you choose?"

"So... you'd never pick someone you couldn't see?"

"You really think that you choose? That you can control fate THAT much?"

"That seems silly. I don't think you're that powerful. I imagine you're guided just like all the rest of us. So..." 

Pausing to breathe, she turned his face toward her. Looking deeply into his shocking blue eyes with such compassion that it felt like just her gaze could melt him on the spot. She wasn't afraid... not at all... which was probably by design. But beneath that, there was a kindness and empathy that he could never have expected. Brushing the hair from his face, she frowned, "You seem so unspeakably lonely. What kind of life have you known that your eyes would carry such shame, such heartache and isolation?" 

She blinked up at him, unflinching, "You say that I am a lifetime to you... yet, if what you say is true then my lifetime is already yours. So... what would you have of me? What is that you want from me, Hiram?" 

He smirked...

"Why you? Because when I held you as a newborn, I saw infinite strands of the web of fate extending from you, splitting and forking again and again. I wanted to see which future would come to fruition. Some you were already dead... Those I may have intervened because I enjoyed your zeal and zest for life and beauty. You couldn't die yet... So I stopped that from happening. I'm interested in your future, your futures. That is why you..."

"How do I choose? I held you as a newborn, and your future was shown to me... Well. -MANY- futures. It was as if thousands of lives flashed before my eyes, and every moment decided another fork along the already thousands of roads. The massive amount of possibility is what I chose. The inevitable chance that I could see what -would- come of your life that had so many possibilities. Some of which you were already married and had found love. To my knowledge I did not interfere with those that might bring you happiness. That would never be my intent. However, here you stand on your own, still without a husband. I almost feel sorry that this pleases me."

"I have, in fact, picked those I could not see... They did not turn out well for anyone. I no longer choose one who's future is hidden to me. They are inevitably marked by another being or marked by fate itself. Destined for something that some power denies me visage. It's best to not intervene or intertwine no matter how curious and interesting that future may be."

"In turn, I've picked those who's futures were certain, no forks. I tired to change that and force a fork on their path... That was also not wise and boded well for no one." He chuckled softly as he added that in.

"Yes, I do believe I choose... I chose you over three other children, one boy and two other girls. They were equally as interesting, but I wanted to see your life."

"No, I do not believe I control fate, but I do believe that I can help influence what web of fate we choose to walk down."

"You have no idea of the ability that courses through my veins, and perhaps it is best that way, for now... Though today would have taken a different turn had I not taken the smallest of actions... Three tragedies prevented here at the park just to make sure you got to experience the beauty without interruption."

"A child dropped an ice cream, and it melted. A man stepped in it, slipped, and busted his head open. He bled out." Hiram smiled. "This was one future... However there was another, if I stopped that..." He chuckled. "A woman's hat flew off, covering a cyclist's face and making him ride into the street to be hit by a car. He lived, but he'd never ride again." Hiram smiled at her... "A quick wrist placed the hat back on the woman's head, however that forked the future again to the boys playing some football." He pointed to the boys kicking a ball around and playing in the park. "Their ball rolled into the street and all three were struck and killed by a box truck delivering milk."

Hiram smiled, "Now you do not have to make flower arrangements like you offered for the boy's mothers, because your day is free and cleared to enjoy the beauty that is life, without having to experience the tragedies of what were some of the futures."

Of course it mean someone else, somewhere else, died in place of those boys, and someone died in place of the man who'd slipped on Ice Cream, and someone else was probably injured somewhere else as well... But they were of no concern to Hiram. They no longer affected Tsukina Sakamoto, and that was all that mattered to him.

"Small actions change the future... Kill a bug, and it changes what the future may hold."

He smiled as he watched her taking in all he'd said.

"What you are to me? What I would have? Honestly? I'd like to have a friend. One I can talk with, one I can spend time with, grow to enjoy and hope they enjoy me... One I can care about, and come to love. A friend, a companion, a confidant. These are what I want from you, Tsukina Sakamoto, but only if you feel you can do this of your own choice. If you can not, then you will never hear from me again and I will no longer bother you. You have my solemn vow that I will vanish from your life, forevermore."

Kina chuckled, "So you really think you've mastered the Butterfly Effect?" Her chuckled grew louder and more boisterous until she was laughing deeply from her belly. "Sweet, silly creature..." She shook her head as if he were the child, but said nothing more of it. 

She rolled her eyes a bit, shaking her head. She was definitely mad. But Wonderland was more fun, wasn't it?

"Fine," she said with an air of finality, taking him by the arm as she stood and resumed her walk home... dragging him along with her. "But you'll hide nothing from me. Even the worst parts. Otherwise, I will leave. That is non-negotiable. I'd rather be broken and driven mad than live a lie. You will never do that 'thing' to me... don't look at me like that. You know the one. Not ever." She held him firm as she shuffled home, "And... if it comes to it... you'll let ME pick the next. No questions asked. Those are my terms. And I reserve the right to alter or add to them as I see fit pending further development of our relationship." 

She smiled and nodded, pausing as they approached the porch. Sliding the thin paper doors open, she slipped the silken slippers from her feet and dropped them by the door before entering. Through the small wooden doorframe, he could see the clean, one-room flat that she called home. The furniture was simple... a low table, tatami mats, a small futon on the ground in one corner, and a washroom cordoned off by a divider screen. The kitchen was separated from the rest of the house by a low bar. The whole place open and filled with softly glowing afternoon sun. 

Suki left the door open behind her as she moved to stash all her groceries away. The air was heavy with the scent of wisteria and matcha... sweet and fragrant, beckoning him in to luxuriate in her presence... making his chest ache even more than it already did. Glancing up at him still waiting on the porch, she chuckled softly... taking note. Fetching a small bamboo tray, she laid out two empty cups, several small tins of various teas, and a large teapot. The water was already hot... she always kept a pot ready. Usually for herself. But today was special. Gathering spoons, sugar, and honey, she moved back to the door... gracefully pulling it closed behind her while easily balancing the tray on one hand.

With her free hand, she took his wrist and guided him to a small seating area near the koi pond, lower in the garden. "I have matcha, sencha, longjing, sakurayu, jasmine, and earl grey, and an herbal blend I've made myself. Would you like a cup? Then we can talk?"

Hiram smirked as he stood at the entrance of her home. The whole walk he'd listened to her terms and conditions, noting that -most- were acceptable. Now, as he waited, he thought on his own answer. Ultimately, he decided 'Yes'... but he'd wait to say it, placing his hands behind his back as he stood there watching her gather her tea set.

She closed the door behind her as she stepped out, taking his wrist and leading him. As they reached the pond Hiram removed his boots and placed them beside a tree. His feet dug into the grass and he sighed out happily. "It's been so long since I've just taken the time to enjoy how the earth feels beneath my feet." He smiled and sat down by the pond, watching the Koi swim around.

"I'll try the blend you made... I can only imagine it's lovely flavor." He smiled and dipped his head in a slight bow. "So what is it you'd like to know first?"

Kina smiled, as she prepared his tea; noting the arch of his brow with a sly smirk as the hot water released the heavy scent of the loose leaves... Pu'er (fermented black tea), Madagascar vanilla bean, cloves, and a hint of something sweet and smokey that he couldn't quite put his finger on. How adorably ironic. 

Passing him the steaming cup, she slid the sweeteners his direction... though the look on her face suggested that actually using them would be nearing blasphemy. 

Moving around, she perched on the raised lip of the pond behind him, motioning for him to sit. "First I'd like to know how you take your tea. Then... I suppose... we just talk. What other simple pleasures have you neglected as of late? What kind of things do you like to discuss? Do you have questions for me? And... at some point... I suppose the conversation will inevitably meander back to your original proposition. But... we can take our time getting there. It is precious... time... and we should treat it accordingly. Especially with each other. Don't you think?" 

"Come," she commanded, reaching for his hand, "Sit." She guided him to take the seat in front of her. "Drink your tea and  I'll rub your shoulders."

Hiram pushed himself up after taking the tea and scooted over in front of her, sipping the drink as he sat back down.

"I take my tea as it is served. How it is meant to be."

He took another sip and smiled, "This blend is lovely, that sweet and smokey flavor is... enticing. I like it." He smiled as her hands gripped onto his shoulders and worked the muscles beneath. It was nice to be touched, but truth be told, it felt no better or worse. Pain, in the physical sense, was mostly lacking to Hiram. His pain was in his own mind, in his own existence. However, he thought about her words on time.

"Time with you is precious... I will agree with that. Because you will eventually die and leave me behind."

His head rolled forward as she continued to rub along his shoulders.

"What are your favorite things? That is my question. I know you love life, and you love the plants and life in this garden, but beyond that..."

He lifted his head and watched the light dance through the leaves of the overhead trees and watched the rays bounce off the waters of the ponds. Taking another sip of his tea, he smiled. At least he was getting to spend this moment with Tsukina... He really couldn't ask for more than that. As long as she'd allow him, he'd make time in his days to spend with her.

Kina chuckled softly, her adept hands taking note of the indescribable feeling of him beneath her hands. She said nothing, but her touch grew much lighter... almost more for the touch itself than any other benefit. "Well, I like people. And simple things," she chuckled sarcastically, "Like people."

Ah, so she had wit. That was good. 

"I like things that have character, that have meaning. That's why I love the old stories... and rituals... Tea, fabrics, art, herbs, medicine, etiquette... things that require artistry and study of life's seemingly insignificant little details. Because ultimately it is those details that truly enrich life." 

Resting him against her chest, she paused to reach for a sip of tea... green was her preference, flowery and herbaceously fragrant; much like the scent of her skin. She sighed, moaning happily against his ear as the heat of the drink slipped satisfyingly into her belly. He could feel it, no doubt, as her flesh flushed in response to the added warmth. Returning her attention to him fully, she began running her fingers through his long hair, caressing his shoulders tenderly. "What about you? Tell me about you."

He smiled as she pulled him back against her chest, and again smiled at the warmth of her skin. As her hands played with his hair, he closes his eyes. This feeling, this acceptance... Even if it was feigned. This was what he longed for. Even missed from his many lifetimes ago.

"I enjoy life. Living, breathing creatures and plants. Vibrant energies flowing and hearts beating. Love. Romance, so many novels have I read of unrequited love, and so many poems of those who met their muse... I love the arts. The stories of old. Of Renaissance times! Oh those were wonderful times..." He chuckled. "I enjoy the closeness of humankind. The way you seek to join yourselves together. The way you throw caution to the wind for a chance at love. The passion in which you live your every day lives. It makes me want to live again!"

He smiled and laid his head back on her shoulder. "And you..." He turned his head just slightly so he could see her eyes. "Tsukina, my dear. You embody all of that passion. I could see it then, and I can certainly see it and feel it now."

He closed his eyes, his nostrils flaring as his nose set next to the vein in her neck. "I've lived a long, long time in comparison to you, my dear... And yet barely a speck of time compared to others." He chuckled, turning away from her scent purposely. "I am, as I'm sure you can tell just by your deft fingers, that I'm like you and not all in the same, yes?"

"I was more human once. Many, many moons ago..." He smirked, letting his words trail off so she could digest that.