Senka was about five minutes early for her meeting so she headed inside and got settled in a booth. Her sketchbook was set out as was a sheet of paper for note taking.

It was the one place in this town she definitely knew how to get to, having been there twice already. On her third visit, Kami actually took note of its name, and in the noting she found herself laughing. Of course he liked this place, with a name like that. Shaking her head, she climbed the steps from the path to the parking lot and let herself in.

Standing just inside the entranceway, she shrugged out of her jacket, a black fleece lined fitted number with a designer label. Her silver grey locks were loosely curled, half hidden by an oversized knit slouch hat in deep cranberry. Her dark eyes scanned the room, looking for someone who looked like a Senka.

Folding the expensive coat over one arm, her attention landed on a woman sitting by herself in a booth. She?d turned in the booth since it was time, and watched the door. Her sketchbook was lifted in her hand in a way that if someone was looking for her, they'd likely notice it. That seemed promising, right? Closer examination revealed the sketchbook. Bingo. Kami moved in that direction, the heels of her boots clicking softly across the floorboards. "Hi," she announced herself. "Are you Senka?"

"I's is!" The book was set aside again and she stood up and stuck out her hand. Her puffy coat that she hadn't taken off yet detracted from the dress she was wearing while trying to appear somewhat professional. She had no idea how these things worked. Maybe her usual hobo-artist look would have worked. "Is nice for meetin' you, Kah-me?"

Kami wasn't real sure how these things worked, either. She'd been in tons of business meetings and not a few ...other... kinds of meetings, but never one quite like this. The woman stood, and she tipped her head back to look up at her. "Oh! You're taller than I expected. " She laughed, laughing at herself, not Senka.

"Yeah, I'm Kami. Nice to meet you." She stuck one hand out in formal greeting.

"I's tried to stop bot de legs jest kept goin'. V'was all dose veggies I's guess." She tried her hand at making a joke, she looked uncertain about it being funny. She gave the hand a shake and then motioned to the booth for the woman to join her. Senka took off her coat before sliding in. "So, did yous sink more about v'wat yous might v'want?"

Whether it was strictly funny or not, Kami smiled anyway, exhaling in a quiet laugh. "Maybe that's where I went wrong. Not enough vegetables."

Checking the security of her hat, the petite woman slid into the opposite side of the booth, tossing her coat into the corner once she'd settled. Her outfit was relatively plain tonight, skinny black jeans that fit her like they'd been made for her (probably they had), and an oversized sweater in heathered shades of black, grey and white. The outfit was simple, tasteful, and likely cost a small fortune.

"Ummm... well? I've never done this before..." she hadn't, either. Why haven't I done this before? "What do people normally do?" She was looking Senka over thoughtfully -- like there might be a clue to the answer hidden on her face somewhere -- when a flash of gold at the doorway distracted her. She blinked once, grinned, and then shifted her attention back, hoping like hell that where the one came, the other wouldn't follow.

The duels had ended earlier than expected, and burgers could only hold her attention for so long. After some celebration, Tahlia had headed over to the Inn, and quickstepped inside, since she hadn't bothered to change out of the gold hot pants and lace top she'd worn to the fight.

"I's sink it is sing wis people dat is v'where yous from? Yous v'remind Senka of she frend Tsoo. She is leetle an' cute too." She slid her sketchbook towards Kami if she wanted to see the work she had done before. There were copies of the Confessions Series tucked into it as well. " Yous can look if yous v'want. As for v'wat people normally do?" Senka laughed nervously. "Dis my first time tryin' dis. So, is v'really up to yous an' v'wat yous is comfortable wis."

A flutter of fingertips and a bright smile were shot over to the elegantly tiny woman in the booth, but Tahlia could recognize a private conversation from a hundred paces. Still smiling, she headed over to the bar, because that was where the bourbon was. And it was cold out there!

Kami grinned, pleased. "Thank you! I am pretty cute sometimes, I think." One set of mascara'd lashes dropped in a quick wink to show she was mostly just teasing. Taking the sketchbook when it was offered, she flipped through the pages, whistling low. "Wow. You're really good."

Poring over a few more pages, she thought about what she wanted. "Something...really classy. Like... " She tried to picture it in her mind. "Like a painting? Something you could frame and put on a wall, if you wanted."

"Dat can be done. Do yous v'want ashual paintin'? I's v'was gonna do jest drawins bot paintin' can be done. An' classy is good, I's like classy. It don' have to be like old fashion bootyrawr," boudoir "pishure. I's v'want it to be classy an' mmm modern tv'wist. V'we can do jest yous or add background."

Still thumbing through the images, she paused here and there to examine one more closely, sometimes shifting the book to look at it from other angles. The Confessions pieces in particular drew her interest, a murmur of approval on her lips. "These are really great," she said, her finger tracing the outline of a particular drawing just an inch above the actual work so as not to hurt it. "I love the tension you've captured here."

Listening all the while, Kami glanced up suddenly, brows lifted. "You can? I would of course pay extra." You could afford to be generous if it wasn't your money. "That sounds great. I'm up for whatever, so long as it's classic. A little racy, but not all out tacky, you know?" She turned more pages, nearing the end of the book, and paused on a face turned in quarter profile. "...Is this your friend? What did you call her... Tsu?"

Slipping behind the bar, Tahlia stretched up on tiptoe with a frown - someone had moved her favorite bottle of bourbon. Luckily, she was familiar with this trick, since it was a favorite at The Line, and managed to snag the bottle without dropping it. In the mood for something a little different, she grabbed a shaker, and added bourbon, bitters and sweet vermouth, along with just a splash of maraschino cherry juice, before shaking and straining into two glasses, and adding double cherries to each. Because splurging was a thing. One glass in each hand, she headed over to the booth where Kami was sitting with Senka.

It was hard to miss all that gold lam?, you know? Or... how little of it there was, really. Kami couldn't not look that direction, and a grin painted her mouth when she saw both glasses. Oh, I think I'm gonna like this one... Watching Tahlia approach gave her an idea. "Actually... can I hire you to do one of her, too?" She pointed out Tahlia. "Whatever style she wants. If you have enough time."

"Hey, Tahlia." She looked up from her conversation with a smile. "Thank you," her voice was practically a purr as she took the drink, scooting over so Tahlia could sit with her. Not that there wasn't plenty of room already, but hey. Sometimes gestures are important. She held a finger to her lips conspiratorially. "Presents for Ace. Want in?"

"Tank yous." She was proud of the collection, but modest enough to be appreciative when complimented on it. "I's can do de paintin' if yous v'wish. No problem. An' da, dat is Tsoo. Tell'd yous she is cute." She grinned at the paper and then looked to the approaching woman and waved. She remembered Tahlia. "I's can do she too. An' yes, Senka is de artist."

"Very cute," she agreed. "And you're right, looks like she's from Japan, too." That was reassuring; sometimes people who were really good at drawing one ethnicity managed to make others look like cartoons. She spent a moment looking at the portrait of the Japanese man on the opposite page. "...You know a lot of Japanese people here?" That was interesting.

Tahlia?s eyes widened, and a conspiratorial smile lit her face. "OOooohh...and of course, sexy...plotting requires liquid refreshment." Breathing required liquid refreshment, in her opinion. Winking at Kami, she slid in, and studied the drawings. "Those are beautiful..."

"I's know- uhm like dose two. Maybe Harry, I's dunno if she is from Jepen bot she kind of look like it. Dere v'was cute guy dat v'was not from dere but sum place not so far." Looking down to the man at the page, she glanced aside. "Dat v'was ah- boyfrend of Senka. Is cute, no?"

Smiling brightly, she looked from Tahlia to Senka. The woman's hesitation was kind of adorable. Snagging her drink, she sipped it thoughtfully. "Mm, your charms have found a fine audience, fear not." She murmured aside to Tahlia. "Well this is exciting. You'll need a new dress and some gorgeous lingerie."

"Oh- oh- I- v'we v'well- - " Why were words so hard around these two women? Senka used to be able to keep up with others like them back home. "Is new, I's don't know if dat v'will be needed."

"Gorgeous lingerie is always needed," she assured Senka. "Let's see, I need to look at houses tomorrow... how about Saturday?"

"Oooooooooooooh - Kami...are you thinking spa day?" Because the lingerie and the dress were a given...and shoes. "Better to have it and not need it...nothing worse than having to abandon a natural conclusion because things don't match." Not that she ever didn't...but she could imagine. Kami got a wink, and a nod of agreement. "They certainly have."

"I's see. Saturday v'works."

This was the weirdest business meeting ever. Senka was pretty sure this is not how they usually went. Her fingers toyed at the short hem of her black dress. It was supposed to be business attire but it kind of suggested she was into a different business entirely. Oops. She reached out to draw her sketchbook away from the women and back to herself. "I's not sure dat I's can join for dat. I's don't have v'one of dose magik cards wis de monies."

"Yes!" Kami practically squealed. "Definitely spa day." Lifting her hands off the book so Senka could reclaim it, her makeup-lined brows lifted. "What? Oh! Oh, no worries. You don't invite someone out and then expect them to pay. It's on me." Ace. It was on Ace.

Her cheeks puffed up as she stared at Kami. "Uh- bot yous is Senka's client, v'recall dat? I's not sure yous gettin' good end of deal."

The front door opened, letting in a gust of cold air along with Danny. Bundled in his coat, he scanned the tavern, fingers at work on his buttons. The sight of a few familiar faces brought a smile to his face, especially when he caught sight of Senka. Danny tossed his jacket up on a hook and made his way first toward the bar, letting her finish up business before butting in.

After one drink, Eri tipped herself back in her seat to better prop her boots up on the tabletop. Ankles crossed and legs stretched, while the delinquent stared up into the rafter beams.

"Magic card with the....oh! Oh, I think it's our treat..see?" Because Kami had beat her to it. If Ace didn't regret introducing them, his credit card balance might. But somehow she didn't think he'd mind much. "Oh...please...I'm pretty sure I speak for both of us when I say it?s our pleasure..."

Nodding her head several times, Kami hooked a gold-tipped thumb at Tahlia. What she said.

"Wis de v'way yous two is talkin' I's sink it is gonna be his pleasure..." She tipped her head over towards Danny who she spotted walking towards the bar.

"That too," Kami grinned, dropping one set of lashes in a playful wink.

"That is, usually, the desired result, yes." Tahlia looked over to Danny with a smile that may have resembled a feline who had caught itself something small and feathery.

He caught Senka's eyes, a little smirk on his lips as he winked to her. Behind, the bar, he went right for the bottle rack, pulling down a bottle of Irish whiskey, and setting to the task of pouring himself a drink. He noted Tahlia, tossing a little wave off of his temple to her as he poured.

Kami looked that way too, her subtly tilted eyes widening a little. "Ohhhh, is that him?" Her voice was hushed, at least. Her posture was ...less subtle, possibly. She practically bounced in her seat.

"Dat is heeem." She tried to say without moving her lips as she wiggled her fingers at Danny to say hello.

Tahlia blew a kiss over at the unsuspecting Danny, and subtly nudged the bouncing Kami with a hip. "It is. See what I mean?"

"Oh, he is cute." Kami nodded.

Now Eri had spotted Senka over there, once she was reclined enough to tip her head far enough back. She didn't bother with returning her feet to the floor or anything as sensible and well mannered as that. Instead she waved both hands and continued to observe her upside down as she cried. "Senka!"

"Don' tell him dat, he get all beeg wis his smile an' it jest make it v'worse." Cuter.

"Hi-low Harry!" Senka waved when she heard her name.

Why did he feel like he was about to walk into an ambush? He put the stopper back on the bottle and picked up his glass, heading back around the bar. That dimpled smile was offered to someone else as he walked. "Heya, Strawberry." He greeted his friend in passing.

Senka got a wide eyed, totally innocent look from Tahlia. Which totally hid the fact that she had every intention of doing just that as soon as possible.

Kami snickered, dividing her attention between each of them. She touched Tahlia's hip lightly underneath the table, either knowing or encouraging her to do it anyway. Of course! She had to see this amazing smile. There was a quick side glance at the upside down Eri, which brought a different smile altogether. This must be the other Japanese person Senka'd mentioned.

Danny came up alongside Senka, leaning in an planting a quick kiss at her cheek. "Hey there." He said with a grin. "Cool if I join you?" He checked with Tahlia and the stranger as much as Senka.

"Please do!" That's Kami, table spokesperson.

Intent on greeting Senka, Eri didn't realize she was tipping over backward in her chair until it was nearly too late. She flailed for a moment and managed to right herself, looking around self-consciously to see who might have observed the near crash. Catching Kami's eyes, she grinned sheepishly and gave her the v for victory sign along with a wink.

Tahlia chimed in with her assent as well. "Please do. Kami, this is Danny...Danny, Kami. You know Senka, obviously." Kami might be spokeswoman, but Tahlia was taking care of introductions.

Kami's dark eyes flashed with mirth, and she shot one back. Tahlia needed to make introductions! Kami was just making sweeping decisions for the entire group, don't mind her. "Nice to meet you, Danny."

A brow quirked along with his lopsided, bemused grin. He was well aware of Tahlia. "Kami?" He double checked with her and offered his hand to her. "Lovely to meet you."

Senka saw Danny was on the move. There was one seat open by her on the bench seat. She spread out, leaned to the side, kicked out a leg over the seat. One leg up on the table.. Nope that didn't work in a dress. She cleared her throat and tried to play it casual. Of course she wanted to hang out with him, but doing so in present company could be dangerous. Aww damn it. "Yous can join." She sulked and scooted over into the corner. "Don' believe any sing dey say. Dey is liars. Bose of dem."

"Senka! How could you say such things." Tahlia's bottom lip plumped, in an angelic little pout. "Just because we were discussing shopping and spa days and redecorating...and how cute Danny's dimples are."

"V'we did no sush sing." She shook her head no. "Dem dimples, bleck. No good." She put her hand to Danny's face and gave a little shove.

Kami held both hands up to declare her innocence. "All yours. I'm just getting into the spirit of the beauty pagea---I mean, scholarship competition."

There was a long pause, and then Tahlia burst into a musical burst of laughter. "Oooooooooh...I see. Don't worry, darlings...I have more than enough willing suitors than to have to chase the unwilling."

"Damn right, m'dear." He said and slapped his ass. "All yours." He stepped aside to let her out. He slipped back down into the booth and ran a hand through his auburn curls. "So...have you all been just sitting here discussing my finer attributes all night, or is this ego boost a recent development?"

Kami exchanged a meaningful look with Tahlia. This definitely called for gorgeous lingerie. "Actually, we were discussing taking Senka on a girl's day to get her all ready for your date."

She yelped and looked over her shoulder at him. Scandalized! Still needed a drink, yep.

He felt the urge to make sure they all knew he wasn't ACTUALLY that arrogant, because...you know. Danny. But he overcame it. Kami lived with a man who was, though, so she didn?t particularly notice or mind it. There was a nod of understanding from Tahlia. The arrogance barely phased her. She'd been surrounded with it her whole life, and Rhydin hadn't proven any different. "Spa day, shopping...the usual." Speaking of drinks, she took one of her own.

"Oh, drink, yeah" Eri seemed reminded as Senka got up to get one. She took up her bottle for another gulp of the jolly bird. Senka waved to someone else she knew as she went behind the bar to grab her favorite bottle of ice cold vodka and a shotglass. She was back to her booth a few seconds later.

His brows raised. "Really? That's...actually really nice of you." He said, mostly to Tahlia, who he knew mainly as kind of a smart-ass.

Tahlia gave Danny a rather hurt look. "Rejection AND insulting my character...I don't know if I can bear it...Kamiiii...why does he think such awful things about me?"

"Hey, now." He said, scooting over for Senka. "I said it was NICE...I implied an insult to your character." He grinned.

Senka sat down and started to pour. One shot down and another poured just in case. Danny put his arm up along the back of the booth again, his hand rested lightly upon Senka's back.

Ace's words came back to her, then. The more time we spent,I came to realize she had all of them. She looked Tahlia over thoughtfully, considering that a moment. What she said, though, was "...I don't know, Tahlia. Maybe he's just too good." She stressed the word like it was a private joke between them.

Senka's legs crossed under the table and she rested one hand on her bare knee and leaned into Danny. "Hi." She finally said. An appropriate greeting. Had she given him one before? She didn't think so but he deserved a new one regardless.

Danny turned his head to her and smiled warmly. "Hi." His thumb brushed the hairs at the back of her neck lightly before returning to where his hand had been. "Why do I feel like I'm the butt of a joke that started before I got here and still hasn't gotten to the punchline yet?" He didn't sound malicious or upset by it, more amused. He could laugh at himself, and he CERTAINLY did not take himself that seriously.

"Yous not a bott." She turned her head to look at him. "Dey v'was talkin' about shoppin' an' dey ask if Senka v'wanna go. I's say'd dat I's might need new dress because I's got date to go on wis yous. Dey say'd I's need leenjeryay." Lingerie. "I's say'd v'we not dere yet. Do I's need it?" One eyebrow ticked up.

"I'm often nice to people..." Tahlia sniffed petulantly, wide green eyes batting, and her lower lip a bit more prominent. She wasn't wrong, although her definition of nice might be a smidge different than some. Kami got a subtle wink, and a sigh for her efforts. "I suppose so. The good ones always judge first, don't they? Never really give a girl a chance to show her...hidden depths."

He snorted at that. "For a...well...technically a second date? Nah." He waved her off. "Frankly...even if we WERE there...it just gets in the way, doesn't it?"

"Second date? Oh, congratulations!" the delinquent offered with another softer single clap of hands. She raised the bottle she was drinking from and downed another considerable gulp to salute the sentiment.

"It is first v'real one doh." At least she thought so. There was an uncertain looked passed between Danny and Pinky and The Brain. Looking over at Eri, she smiled.

That ever-present cheery smile turned to Eri. "Thank you! Though...would we count dinner last night?" Annnnd then he had his answer. "Fair enough."

"I had my very first date ever last spring" Eri recalled wistfully. "I wore a dress and everything, and had trouble sleeping cause I was excited."

His brows raised. "Really? First ever?" He said, thinking back. "I don't even remember how long ago...ugh. That's depressing." He made a face, feeling a bit old.

"Eri, sugar, would you mind terribly scooting? I'm suddenly just...exhausted." Tahlia leaned over and brushed a kiss to Kami's cheek. "Shopping on Saturday, and let me know if you want to grab drinks tomorrow after house hunting." And suddenly she wasn't the only one.

"Senka, we'll see you for girls day...it was a pleasure, etc, etc."

Though she'd fallen quiet for a moment, Kami suddenly sat up perfectly straight, her back arching as a stifled whimper escaped her throat. It was barely audible, but she couldn't suppress it entirely. ****, what time was it anyway? Peeling her phone out of her pocket, the tiny thing squirmed in her seat as she clicked the display to bring up the time. Oh ****. No wonder. She pressed her fingertips lightly to her side as though brushing something off her sweater. "I've never been on a date," she announced suddenly, "--not a real one, anyway. Buuuuuuut it seems I need to go." Like, immediately.

He rose his palm, offering a little wave to Kami. "Cheers. And have a good night, Tahlia." Danny smiled to her and downed the last of his drink.

"V'we did go to dinner lass night bot v'was like not planned sing. I's v'wanted to -" She pointed to Eri. All of that. The dress and the everything. "Senka's first v'was Joo-lie forse dis year." She looked over to Kami then. "It v'was good for meetin' yous. Don' forget to test Senka." Text.

"Sure thing" Eri nodded and got up to let Tahlia and then Kami out. "Have a nice night!" A moment later. "Good night Kami!" Eri piped up, giving another v for victory as the versatile signal, this time for farewell.

"I's v'will see yous." She waved to both of them and then downed another shot.

Tahlia waved to someone else as she started moving, with a warm smile. "Night Droet." Danny got a rather bratty flash of her tongue in response. Kidding or not, seems he might have touched a nerve. Slipping out of the booth, she waved good night, and started toward the door.

"Nice meeting all of you. Senka, we'll hit you up Saturday, yeah?" She tilted her cheek into Tahlia's kiss. "Thanks, gorgeous. That'll be great." She followed Tahlia out of the booth, snagging her jacket as she went, and flashed Eri a V for victory right back before stuffing her arms in the sleeves. Then she was headed for the door on Tahlia's heels. Somebody wasn't always all that patient.


((OOC: Edited (heavily) from the room log, inspired by this playable. With thanks to Tahlia Faras, Senka, Eri Maeda, and Dah!))