Serenade Me [ YASUMI ]

The night turned out to be pretty festive. More than she had expected. Bright lights adorned the edges of rooftops and stalls, giving life to the usually dark and spooky nature of Kumogakure. Music blared from the middle of the village square and everywhere Saya went was filled with background chatter about something or other. The air was alight with the delicious smells of various foods being cooked and sold, making her mouth water.

Alas, tonight was not a night to gorge herself silly with all the cheap snacks she could spoil herself with. This particular night or any nights like that was usually when Saya would make her way towards the local karaoke bar to have some semblance of fun. The young kunoichi loved singing despite her quiet persona.

As she snaked her way through the thick crowds and dodged under people, Saya hummed an upbeat tune under her breath. She was beyond excited for this. Unfortunately, by the time she had arrived at the establishment there was no room for her to have for herself. Her shoulders sagged at the news, turning away slightly until she spotted a young woman nearby.

Maybe…?

Saya didn’t dare to hope or have any expectations that she would have a room already, but she gathered her courage and approached the dark skinned girl. ”Excuse me,” she began before plowing through with her query. ”Do you happen to have a room set up under your name?”

Her gaze was straightforward and a bit intense.

WORD COUNT: 253

Yasu had been out the first time since she moved here. Her destination was a karaoke bar where she indeed had reserved a room to celebrate her new Rank as Genin of this wonderful village. Originally she planned to go with her brother and unfortunately he had to cover for a co-worker who had fallen sick and he was a nice guy so he could never say no to a big eyed plea. Originally she had planned to then just let it slide and be good but why should she cut on her fun, she could have some although alone it would be a quite boring kind of fun, so as she was in line and just had stated her name to get her reservation checked when someone approached her from behind.
Slowly she turned her head to find herself eye to eye with another girl. She was wearing a white dress today with golden stitching around the edges today and free shoulders. It barely covered her stump but she loved its pure beauty and how it was complimenting the necklace with the moon and heart around her neck. "Yes I have", she would state as an answer to the girls question looking up and down on her, "I wanted to go with my brother but he bailed on me because of work. Why would you ask?", she would take a look around the bar, it was really kind of crowded in here and not so easy to talk to so she had leaned closer to talk to her.

WC: 259

If Saya noticed the lack of an arm of the young woman she had accosted, she gave no indication that she was aware of it or if it even bothered her. Her stare was firmly on the girl’s visage. As she had given her reply Saya observed that the lady had pretty blue eyes and a curious bundle of locks that were also colored blue. Interesting.

Shifting her gaze from the girl’s dark tresses, Saya smiled politely. This was her chance. It was fortunate for her that the girl’s brother had to work for this night. Selfish of her to feel happy about a man losing his time off, but this allowed Saya to have her own night of relaxation and fun. Straightening her body as if going into battle the little kunoichi said to the taller woman, ”I would like to take your brother’s place in your reservation.”

Blunt as always. It didn’t occur to the genin that she just might be sounding rude. She didn’t even ask but rather stated her intentions in her usual straightforward way. There was a short pause before the girl hurriedly added, ”That is… if you don’t my company. Miss…?”

Socializing was so hard. How could she have forgotten to ask the girl’s name? It was common courtesy. Saya internally sighed. Perhaps being away for so long had addled her brains. She needed the constant interactions with other people to keep herself in check lest her manners dwindle to nothing.

WORD COUNT: 249
TOTAL WORD COUNT: 253 + 249 = 502

She would look a little amused towards the girl that was standing beside her and kind of asking if she could take her brother's spot. Why not? It was more fun that way and she had not planned doing it alone, in fact she had thought about quitting the time she had reserved but now it seemed like she had a new companion: "Well in that case I will still take that room." Then she turned to Saya again and smiled at her: "I am Yasumi or Yasu for short what might be your name young lady?" She felt a little old being called miss but the girl did not seem so much younger than her but well who cared about age that much? She did not really care so much and it was a fun opportunity to meet someone new. The attendant nodded at her request and would name her the number of a room she had booked and she nodded agreeing. Then he would ask if they liked snacks or something to drink and Yasu thought about it: "If you could prepare some crisps and maybe salted nuts?", then she looked at her new companion, "I'd like lemon soda what do you want to drink? Feel invited." She would add that last bit with a welcoming smile towards her.

WC: 221
TWC: 480

Oh, bless the girl’s soul. She had accepted her suggestion. Saya felt her worry and dejection roll off her shoulders, leaving her lighter and more prone to smiling for the evening. ”Thank you for having me, Yasumi,” she said, feeling more confident as she stepped up next to Yasumi. She then ordered herself a bottle of sweet rice and a couple of choice snacks like karaage and a variety plate of vegetable tempura when the other girl put in her order of food.

After sliding the appropriate cash toward the staff member, she turned her attention back to the girl and gave her name in return. ”My name’s Saya.” They were interrupted by another staff member, gesturing for the duo to follow him.

”If you would follow me, ladies.” The man as relatively older. Possibly in his late 20’s and he looked quite haggard. Saya supposed she would be too considering the amount of people coming in and out of the establishment. She gave a nod of her head to both Yasumi and their guide before stepping back two paces and letting the two for first before following.

It didn’t take long to get to their reserved room and Saya could only nod in approval. The space wasn’t too big for two people and it would allow them to move around and dance if they so wished it. And in the middle of the room the table was already filled with a couple of glasses of water. Once the server thought they were settled in, he was quick to leave them. Saya blinked at his fast departure.

”You don’t suppose he couldn’t left any more swiftly.”

WORD COUNT: 280
TOTAL WORD COUNT: 502 + 280 = 782

After Yasu had also paid for what she ordered a man would take them to their room. It was nice and comfy, not too big and not too small as she would have imagined. There was the sound equipment with the screen to choose out of a ton of different songs. A register that would show the choices they had and a small stage to live the dream or something like that. Behind the stage there was a white wall and opposing it a projector. Maybe to throw the videos to the wall that where associated with the songs? A nice Idea to be honest, maybe even just some colourful backgrounds that could be nice as well.
The man that had taken hem here rushed out as swiftly as he had appeared and Yasu chuckled a little looking at her new companion: "Maybe, but only just maybe he could not stand being in one place with us two, because youthful beauties like us are intimidating to shy men." She would wink at Saya and then in her mind scold herself for her own cheekiness, but well why not be confident in her looks for once? Thanks to the long sleeves he might not even have noticed the missing arm yet.
Shortly after their arrival a Lady a little older than them brought them drinks and the snacks they ordered smiling at them: "Have fun!" Yasu would nod at her taking the register in her hand: "What to pick", slowly she would turn the pages over with her nose looking at the almost endless count of songs they had to offer here. Most of them seemed unknown to her but every now and then there was one she actually knew quite well, given where she came from this almost seemed like a miracle or something along that line. "I guess I have my first choice", she then said taking a sip out of her soda.

WC: 324
TWC: 804

Yasumi’s laughter caught Saya a bit off guard. Was it something she said? Or not. The older girl was quick to offer her a reason as to why the man had left. She blinked. It was such an odd comment, mostly because no one really mentioned her looks as something that was nice or complimentary to her person. Still, it took her just a tad bit longer to realize that Yasumi was likely joking around to which the petite girl’s eyes widened at the epiphany. Not to mention that little wink she was given in at the end. She clapped her hands in excitement at getting the humor.

She joined in on the laughter, albeit a little bit more energetic (if that was even the appropriate word to describe it). In honest truth, her giggling might have had a tiny bit of a “crazy” tinge to it. Not that she had any dark thoughts but the girl was simply ecstatic to have caught on. ”Maybe, but I don’t know anyone that could take on either of us.”

That was a good response, right? It certainly felt like it even though she wasn’t exactly sure what she meant. It was like a mediocre comeback (not at Yasumi, obviously) in a skirmish of disses. As she was saying so, Saya had settled herself on the couch provided. It wasn’t by any means new and fresh as it was actually slightly worn out. There were some parts that dipped a tad bit more and there were some frays at the edges of the furniture.

Like a whirlwind of pixie happiness a female staff member entered and immediately delivered their snacks and drinks. The lady certainly had more pep in her step and her smile was almost too blinding for the evening shift. Once again, Saya was caught off guard and was left blinking after the woman before turning to Yasumi who had been perusing the song list.

”You do?” Saya asked, curious as she leaned over towards Yasumi to try and glean what kind of song the girl might starting off for the night. She, herself, wasn’t sure on type she wanted to sing either. A slow to medium paced song? Or get right into it and try some kind of upbeat music? Nevertheless, her attention was on the one-armed girl.

What was she going to sing? Yasumi seemed to be a kind of ballad girl to her, but she might be completely wrong. Some people didn’t really exude their true interests in a span of 10 to 15 minutes after all.

WORD COUNT: 432
TOTAL WORD COUNT: 782 + 432 = 1214

Yasu would chuckle a little at the first a little confused reaction of her companion. It looked cute on her to be a little clueless, but it was even funnier to observe her reaction when she got what was talked about and then she nodded: "I am not so sure about myself because I am kind of gentle hearted, but I have made promises to keep watch over myself and not to let anyone harm me, so I bet not and since you look experienced as well we should be perfectly fine amongst us girls." She agreed with the girl although she was currently not quite versed in offensive movements but that could be compensated with wit and quick thinking.
Now that she had chosen a song she would memorize the number as Saya looked at the long line of possible songs she could see that there were a lot of them. Slowly Yasu would hand the folder over to Saya: "I think you don't mind me going ahead?", she chuckled and went over to the monitor where she entered the number and then pressed play starting a countdown from ten down in which she could grab the microphone and position herself on the stage. Her background changed into a setting with sand dunes at night shades of wind waving palm trees in the background and sparkling stars in the sky as an oriental tune started to play a little intro at witch end she started to sing: "In the darkest night, shines for only you, the crescent moon so bright And the starlight too", Moon and stars would give up pulsing light beams fitting the music while she sang eyes closed for the moment but now slowly opening the lids.

"Beneath his silver light, our world flips upside down, what once was divide, Will now be tightly bound", she would make a turn after the end of this verse going into the chorus with an almost trained shake of her hip. She had a long way to go if she really wanted to pose as a belly dancer and a change of clothes would have been fitting as well but this was okay, "Under the moonlight you belong to me. Hold onto my hand and we'll be living free." But indeed this would be a fun idea why not use what school had taught her. With a chakra thread she would hold up the mike and with her hand she would for the transformation and after that take the form of a belly dancing djin?
"A night without morning, time is standing still!"

She would freeze for a moment before she would go on with her little show, a bright smile would show fun at it the now blue and lightly see through body with the purple hair and the red silky and belly free outfit made her enjoy this even more. All the fake jewellery made this all worth the fun. "Tonight the stars will shine their glory coming through. Cause this wonder world of mine I made it just for you!", a hand placed onto her chest she would start to really get into this projecting her voice clearly through the room having much feeling put into each word. "Under the moonlight you belong to me. Hold onto my hand and we'll be living free!", while she would elevate the mice with her chakra she would raise her hands over her hand and while a small musical interlude do a slow hip shaking turn before going on. It was fun to hear everything chime so funny with each step.
"I promise you to be forever true to you and hope that you can see my world will do so too! Under the moonlight I belong to you. I hold onto your hand and I'll always be true", she would grab the micro again and then the music would slowly fade out, she felt a little rush inside her and a bit of exhaustion but still good then now looking at Saya again before bursting into a chuckle in which the transformation disappeared. If the other one wanted Yasumi would hold out the micro to Saya now and then sit down.

WC: 703
TWC: 1507

Saya certainly agreed with her newfound friend when she said that she was quite the gentle-hearted girl. From her overall appearance and first few moments of interaction, she concurred with that particular opinion. And her words after definitely got Saya nodding and smiling in approval. Good. She liked that in people, especially when it came to kunoichi like her who had to go through some trials and tribulations to get to where she was at now.

She nodded. They were definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with, in and out of combat.

”Not at all,” Saya replied, gesturing with an open hand to encourage her to go ahead and sing her song while her other appendage had grabbed a karaage stick. As she did so, Yasumi punched in her song choice and Saya sat up in anticipation of her performance.

As usual for most karaoke establishments the TV presented an outdated video while Yasumi sang. But the kunoichi was not focused on that; she was enjoying the girl’s show. It was certainly lively with the added dance moves, which Saya appreciated. She, herself, loved to dance.

And in the most surprising act that Saya had witnessed, Yasumi used a chakra thread to hold the mic while she transformed herself into a djinn. She sat up straighter, her stick of food hanging from between her teeth and lips, as she brought her hands together in a rapid succession of claps. They weren’t loud but it was enough to show the girl on stage that she was enthused by her creativity.

Alas, the song had ended and so did Yasumi’s fun performance. ”That was great, Yasumi! I really liked what you did earlier.” Saya rose from her seat and took the offered mic just as the other genin returned to the couch. Just like Yasumi, Saya went up with her song’s number in mind before pushing in the buttons and letting the intro fill the room.

It was an acoustic-esque song. The thrumming of the guitar boomed softly into their little space of a room and Saya smiled as she too closed her eyes and began to feel the rhythm of the song. A few percussion beats entered and Saya began her first line. ♫ ”Tongue tied, blush red. Isn’t it so obvious?” ♫ The beat was fast paced and energetic.

Saya sung a few more lines, hips swaying and arms moving to go with the song. ♪ ”If I wasn’t so afraid of words, I’d spend all my questions. I’d start all the conversations.” ♪ The song had slowed down for those few words and the next number of beats, allowing Saya to perform the handseals for the cloning technique. Two more versions of her popped out on either side and began to dance in unison.

♪ ”Give you all my confessions. Tell you all the things I’ve felt about you. You~ ” ♪

Though the kunoichi had very limited experiences in the romantic field, Saya did love the lyrics and how the song sounded overall. It wasn’t sad nor was it somber or too pop for her tastes. It held a bit of a story too if one paid attention to the words being sung. ♫ ”I don’t do words, but I’ve got my actions. Secretly hoping that you have been watching.” ♫

The dance moves became faster now, matching the beats. But at a particular verse Saya took a page from Yasumi’s performance and transformed one of her clones into a young man with dark hair and uniquely colored eyes. ♫ ”Maybe it’s better if I just forget about it. Convince myself to not be wasting all this time. But something ‘bout you makes me wanna be reckless.” ♫ At this point Saya was doing a bit of acting.

Her body turned away from the conjured man and her free hand came up to “hide” her face as if she was too shy to face him. ♪ ”And do whatever just so you can be mine~ ” ♪ Then Saya spun on her heels to face the mysterious man, arm extending to reach out to him as she finished the song.

♪ ”I don’t do words, but I’ve got my actions~ ” ♪

Saya held the note softly before she let it fade out and the song was over. She was smiling as she released her jutsu and turned to Yasumi.


WORD COUNT: 743
TOTAL WORD COUNT: 1214 + 743 = 1957

Yasumi would gladly take the applause and then snuggle down comfortably to listen and watch to her performance. A love song was it so much did she know and the lyrics where kind of straight forward. Someone loved someone but did not really have the courage to tell him. Funny thought the girl did produce a clone dancing along with her. Dark hair and bicoloured eyes. That was kind of rare wasn't it? Something Yasu would definitely ask her about if there was a boy she liked. First after the song she did applaud clapping her hand against her arm and waited for her to sit down again. Then she would look at her kind of amused: "That was a very sweet song", she nodded back to the stage. Then she would put one leg over the other and lean in to look at the other girls face: "Could it be that you have someone you like?", her brows were kind of wiggling while asking her and one could see by the gleam in her eyes that she was very excited about asking this. Recalling home there was never something like that, well sisters and brothers crushing on each other would be rather abnormal would it? So this could be her first moment for a girl conversation ever.

WC: 218
TWC: 1725