you don't know me

[insertusername]

bad rap

The things we become known for aren’t always what we’d like to be known for. Reputations are hard to run from. Sometimes they’re not even deserved. So here’s your chance to set the record straight. Clear up some misplaced assumptions, debunk any rumours about yourself and defy your stereotypes.

how to play:

Top level with something(s) your character is tired of people assuming about them, blaming them for, or pigeonholing them about, etc. Say it in person or over text.

Comment on any surprising, or not so surprising declarations.

Comments

[hatician]

Quite often, sweets! Oh! I suppose as well, I've been trying to broaden my horizons as of late. The other day, I tried making bagels.

It was an interesting attempt but I didn't feel confident enough to put them up for sale.

[flirtyfox]

I can't overindulge, but I am a fan of treats, especially chocolates. Do you sell cake?

[hatician]

There aren't any cakes up today but I do have chocolates! I did molds this morning!

Today's designs are emblems of Karakura-Raizer and their weapons!

[flirtyfox]

What flavor? I've focused on bigger desserts, but some smaller chocolate might be interesting.

[hatician]

We've got three, though I'll admit the flavors aren't too adventurous this time around. The smaller pieces are divided into milk chocolate, white chocolate and the last has a pocket with cherry filling.

Now, do you mean bigger desserts in terms of being more filling or just... I suppose, larger? I made a full replica of Don Kanonji entirely out of carved chocolate!

[flirtyfox]

Larger than small chocolate molds. Slices of cake, for example.

I can't be too lax about how much chocolate I eat so I wouldn't want to use my fill on just chocolate. I wouldn't mind trying the cherry filling.

[hatician]

Ahhh, that does sound lovely. An aromatic tea and cake make for a pleasant afternoon, right?

[With a flash, he wrapped up a single chocolate in plastic. It was mostly for kids but they looked like most any other chocolates of that size.]

Here! One on the house if you'd just like to try!

[flirtyfox]

[ Sui accepts the chocolates with a smile. ]

Thank you.

[ He takes a moment to appreciate it's appearance as he replies to the previous comment. ]

I have high hopes since you seem to understand. Warm tea enhances the taste of sweets.

[ Now, it's time to actually try the dessert.

Another smile forms as he chews. ]

Mmmm... It is good. It's simple, but I'm sure you use good ingredients, and the skill is obvious.

[hatician]

Why, thank you! These days, I have to wring compliments out of my customers with force...

[Snapping his fan out to cover his grin--] Just kidding.

[Ever inclined to fish for compliments and chat, Kisuke snapped his fan shut right away. To the point, he rarely explained his processes unless it was one of the more mundane aspects of his life.]

It's all hand-made down to the cacao and I believe I've become very adept at tempering it properly. [He snatched a plastic-wrapped bag of chocolates from one of the shelves and bounced it on his open hand.] These? They go comfortably well with bitter coffee so much that I assume they'll be the death of me!

[flirtyfox]

I prefer mine with tea.

This is where you invite me to visit your shop.

[hatician]

Wait. Did you read my mind?

[Did he leave it written on the palm of his hand again? The sales pitch demanded a pause and, at the very least, a moment spent subtly bring up another product!]

I do have a table set up for coffee and snacks but it's on the patio. Would that be alright?

[flirtyfox]

Hm? Did I?

[ An elegant smile falls into place as he gently teases the man before nodding at the offer. ]

I'd enjoy a patio if the weather is nice. I hope the view will be worth it?

[hatician]

Oh, it's a bit of a modest view, I'm afraid. It's only of my garden.

[For once, he wasn't quite exaggerating. With a stroll through the back door of the shop, Kisuke held out his hand to show off a small inner yard with grass, a rock garden dug out in the center and a bonsai tree standing at three feet height. Just to the side, a little wooden table with scuffs from repeated use and a couple of chairs.

He was a little proud of that modesty, strangely enough.]

Once in a while, a couple of the elderly folks around the neighborhood come around to play board games and enjoy some tea. Does it look alright to you?

[flirtyfox]

[ It fits Sui more than Kisuke could know. He enjoys the quiet, serene atmosphere, the almost old-fashioned setup when compared to busier, more modern cafes. Both have their charms, but Sui feels almost at home here. ]

It's nice.

[ Sui pauses and allows himself a moment to take it all in. ]

I haven't seen a rock garden in the city. Did you create this space yourself?

[hatician]

I'm glad someone appreciates the work I've put in! None of my guests appreciate it. Not the delicate patterns or the bonsai trimming. Even Miss Yoruichi left an open bottle just lying on the stones--!

[Well, there was no sense in complaining, even if he was likely to ramp it right up very, very soon. Turning around, Kisuke held up two a few boxes for Sui to see after plucking them from a nearby shelf.]

Look, look--I have earl grey, green tea, assam black and camomile.

[flirtyfox]

I enjoy earl grey with chocolate.

[ The right pairing is very important. Not all tea and food combinations are equal. ]

Have a cup with me. How often do you take the time to appreciate your own labor?

[hatician]

It certainly couldn't hurt! Though, I'll warn you that I'm my own worst critic above the rest of them.

[And the answer was: absolutely never. It was the fun part about centuries of anxiety.

Kisuke stole away the Earl Grey and tended to the outdoor kettle, humming and looking to Sui.]

So, what brings you to this little quiet part of town, Mister...?

[flirtyfox]

I'm shooting a promotion and had a day off so I wanted to explore the town.

[ Now is as good a time as any to enjoy your work, Kisuke. Sui wants the company. ]

It's a lovely little place, and I'm curious what kinds of treasures it's hiding.

[hatician]

A promotion? [He wondered what Sui's profession might have been. Actor? Model? Both? By the handsome look of him, he had his doubts that he was in marketing or just serving coffee on set.]

Oh. Well-- [The underground lab was a little off-limits but was arguably not nice enough to be considered a 'treasure'.

Maybe Sui would have liked the bottle of expensive whiskey he hid inside the bonsai.]

--I like to think my whole store is something of a treasure. Is that cheating?

[flirtyfox]

I'm an actor from China. We normally stay there, but they want to promote it in other countries, too. We're doing a photoshoot nearby.

[ And Sui will be professional but once work is over, he's going to do what he wants. ]

That's definitely cheating. It's nice, but you have to share your favorite part with me. Would you really want me to go back to China without experiencing the best you offer?

[hatician]

Ahh, I let my guard down and now I have a discerning eye paying mind to my humble shop.

[He didn't suppose Sui was wrong for such a request. An imposing question like that did deserve a response in kind and Kisuke could be generous with such things when he was in a mood.

He was already plenty flattered, after all. So, he put one finger to his lips and stepped out of the room only to return with a covered tray. An old tea set, many times broken and many times repaired, even if only in small ways. It was one of the first things he bought for himself in the human realm after he was left with essentially nothing and he liked it well enough to make it last over a hundred years.

The patterns were simple, inlaid with gold designs that looked like flowing wind. At the time, he thought the set was just a little charming.]

It isn't the oldest heirloom one could own but it's lasted my family quite some time.

[flirtyfox]

Have you noticed...

[ Sui reaches out to run elegant fingers over the tea pot, using the same care and caution that one would expect around an antique. ]

The difference between modern tea pots and those that are older? Now, they're either white or overly decorated, but in the past, they chose simple designs that still managed a delicate flow.

[hatician]

I couldn't say whether or not the artistry really speaks to me. I'm a bit of a dullard in that I just appreciate pretty designs and let that sway my heart. Still, I do have a great deal of love for the effort and patience that went into making it.

['Art' was something out of his wheelhouse but crafting and effort weren't.]

Even the blemishes received so much care. [With a little 'tap', he rested the full kettle atop the stove and sat down at the table with Sui to slip his hands into his haori. He drew an old kiseru pipe from his clothing and glanced aside.]

Do you mind?

[flirtyfox]

I don't mind.

[ He barely acknowledges the pipe. ]

But it's a shame. You're not alone in being unable to see the real art in its simplicity. I find too many details to be gaudy.

[ If you have to scream for attention, how flattering can it really be when you receive it? ]

You said it's been in your family?

[hatician]

[Stuffing the pipe and lighting it beside the stove, Kisuke allowed it to rest, poised on his hand comfortably like a pen before reaching up to breathe it in. He'd be scolded for the smell later but it might have been worth it to enjoy his time.]

The set never survived a generation unscathed. I've even had to fix a few pieces, myself.