01 ★ video

[spellspeak]

[When the video turns on Natsume appears to be outside on the street somewhere, standing in front of a darkened building. It's... A little creepy actually, not at all helped by the fact that he's wearing a dark robe.]

Good NIGHT~ ★ While I have made myself known to some of you there are just as many whom I am not acquainted WITH, so allow me to introduce mySELF.

[He curls his fingers in the air, something like green light seeming to glow around them just briefly before he places his hand to his chest dramatically.]

My name is Natsume Sakasaki, and I am a magician and fortune tellER. In my endeavor to enrich the lives of those here with the allure of enchantment and the occult I ask you to allow me to announce the opening of Chymica Esoterica!

[He grins and snaps his fingers. Instantly the building behind him lights up, revealing what appears to be a small shop. The windows are hung with tasteful string lights and somehow candles seem to be flickering inside, although it's hard to tell exactly through the curtains that are made of some shimmery and slighty-sheer fabric.]

In addition to offering my services as an advisor and fortune teller I also can provide you with brews of all SORTS, as well as items to grant your own special magic power for a short WHILE. If you happen to be of the more discerning and particular type I would even be open to making something special just for YOU.

I now welcome any quesTIONS, but until then let all enjoy the darkness and stars of the evening together until we meet aGAIN...

[Natsume winks and waves before snapping his fingers again and the video ends.]

Comments

When Shu is late he's fashionably late

[spellspeak]

I appreciate your conCERN, but as of yet I haven't even managed to obtain anything that would be considered poisonous or even mildly toxic unless someone happens to ingest too much or have a unique allerGY. And throwing curses is a risky businESS, as if one isn't careful they run the risk of the effects falling upon them insTEAD.

[Shu please...

Send Eichi some hatemail for him, too.]

There's no need to be so riled up on my accOUNT, Shu-niisan.

[dollorous]

Hmph. Perhaps not. Unlike most of the dullards here, you've a good head on your shoulders, so I'm sure you'll be a success.

[This is probably the nicest thing he's said to anyone since arriving.]

...As soon as I am able, I'll visit your shop. And when I do, I hope you will have crafted something truly exemplary. It can be anything, as long as it's your best work, but I expect only the highest quality from you, so don't bother presenting me with anything less...and, naturally, I will compensate you fairly for it. Do we have an agreement?

[So basically, in a roundabout way, he's promising his patronage as soon as possible in his patented Shundere method.]

[spellspeak]

We DO, I'll do my best to prepare something worthy of your recogniTION. I look forward to your visIT.

[He's used to the Shundere and he certainly understands that type of personality. There's a beat before he adds:]

Have you been faring well so FAR?

[Because Natsume is admittedly a little... Concerned with the other Oddball moonlacing as much as he should. While his own sense of propriety and pride certainly made generating Chroma difficult for a while it's become significantly more manageable while living with a roommate who is so clingy.]

[dollorous]

[Natsume's concern is both reasonable and well-placed, if the way Shu hesitates before responding is any indication.]

I am alive, am I not? And I certainly intend to keep myself that way.

[Which is...not really answering the question, but listen: it's fine, and Natsume should be off doing his own thing rather than worrying about him.]

[spellspeak]

[Natsume ALMOST pouts at that pause and dismissive answer. It really does tell him all he needs to know. While it certainly isn't his place to scold his senpais (like it's ever stopped him before) he can't help but be worried.

Of course Shu and he are alike in that they both are tsundere have difficulties asking for help directly, and he recognizes that. Just telling the other to come to him for help would likely be fruitless and an affront to his pride, so perhaps he should try another tactic.]

Would you like to have tea with ME, Shu-niisan?

[dollorous]

[Well, how can he refuse, when it's a request from one of his fellow Eccentrics? Seems like Natsume's plan went off without a hitch.]

I have nothing better to do, so I see no reason to turn you down. I suppose it will give me an opportunity to properly assess the decor for your shop, as well...

[Not that he thinks Natsume would do a bad job or anything, he's just. Like This.]

[spellspeak]

I welcome your inPUT. My schedule is rather open for the moment so if you have any preferences on when we could meet I would be open to THEM.

[And he promises not to give you any aphrodisiac tea, Shu. He already had his test subject for that.]

[dollorous]

[NATSUME???]

Hmph...Valkyrie remains inactive, despite Kagehira and myself both being here. With that in mind, there is little to stand in the way of a visit...though perhaps it would be best to wait until the crowds that tend to flock to new establishments have died down.

[Not too long into the future, then, but he'd really rather not have a nervous breakdown in public, and crowds aren't conducive to that.]

[spellspeak]

[Shhhh don't worry about it.]

I understAND. Of course I also wouldn't be opposed to bringing something directly to you or you stopping by after HOURS. If it were Shu-niisan it wouldn't be an inconveniENCE.