Nakahama

Yasuki Taraka had dressed for a fun night out, and what fun night out was complete without a trip to the dance club? The music was pounding, the bodies were shaking, and no one had a care in the world.

Kazushi and the twins decide to have one last night out, as well. Katsumi and Kurumi head to the dance floor, while Kazushi seeks the bar. Taking a seat and turning to look out at the dancers, he notices Taraka...and his expression grows guarded. He gives a friendly nod, though.

Bayushi Kazushi wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:45 pm Kazushi and the twins decide to have one last night out, as well. Katsumi and Kurumi head to the dance floor, while Kazushi seeks the bar. Taking a seat and turning to look out at the dancers, he notices Taraka...and his expression grows guarded. He gives a friendly nod, though.

Taraka returned the friendly nod with a nod and a questioning look that read, 'Come dance?'

With a shrug, Kazushi downs his drink and heads out to meet the ladies on the dance floor.

"I...wasn't sure how welcome I'd be," he says over the loud club music.

Bayushi Kazushi wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:10 pm With a shrug, Kazushi downs his drink and heads out to meet the ladies on the dance floor.

"I...wasn't sure how welcome I'd be," he says over the loud club music.

The music WAS loud, but Taraka did look somewhat confused.

".....Because of the Moto?" she guessed, against trying to put her voice over the music loud enough for him to hear, but not broadcast to the club as a whole.

Kazushi shakes his head.

"I didn't like having to give Kisha-san that news, but that's not...you know what? It's not important. Let's just enjoy a last night out!"

Bayushi Kazushi wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:20 pm Kazushi shakes his head.

"I didn't like having to give Kisha-san that news, but that's not...you know what? It's not important. Let's just enjoy a last night out!"

Taraka nodded. She certainly wasn't going to try and pry secrets out of the Scorpion on a dancefloor. Definitely not with her training.

Still, either she was really good at concealing things, or Kazushi's reputation with her was still intact.

The Fox and his monkey were watching the floor from a premium booth. It was clear that anyone was welcome to join them.

Kitsune Kiyoshi wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:46 pm The Fox and his monkey were watching the floor from a premium booth. It was clear that anyone was welcome to join them.

And there was Haruhi. She had changed into an outfit for dancing. More modern.

The contrast to her first night here was clear. She'd found a way to feel like herself, and yet ... also feel dance club worthy.

She smiled to see Yasuki-san and Bayushi-san on the dance floor. A friendly wave for them.

And - there was Kitsune-san and Detective! She walked over to join them. A bow for each.

"Good evening, Kitsune-san. Detective-san. How are you doing? Have you thought about what you will do next? Any chance you are planning to linger here?"

Kakita Haruhi wrote: Tue Dec 09, 2025 7:36 am "Good evening, Kitsune-san. Detective-san. How are you doing? Have you thought about what you will do next? Any chance you are planning to linger here?"

He couldn't help but stare for a moment. Then, he smiled and bowed in greeting. The Detective bowed as well.

"It's likely. We are still negotiating for a proper preserve or conservatory. I'd like to see that through before my final tour." Kiyoshi explained. "What about you, Kakita-san?"

"Oh that's wonderful news! I'll be here searching for all the native birds, as I have been. I hope we'll have the chance to do good for animals together again. And to just hang out."

"There is so much yet unexplored here. I have a list of birds to look for, and perhaps there is even the chance to discover one that is not known!"

She swayed to the music, feeling the beat as much through her feet as her ears.

'Perhaps I'll be able to help with that. We may be able to finally explore the jungle." he offered.

Standing, he moved towards the dance floor and held out a hand. "Would you care to dance?"

Her smile turned even brighter.

"I"d love to dance!"

She took his hand.

"I have definitely not forgotten about the jungle! Though it may take an army of Crab to explore. But there must be Crab eager to test themselves in fierce places."

"And if you'd like a thrill of a different kind, I think the Nakahama by Night is continuing. Of course, I remember you were a loyalist, but your outfit was spectacular, and if you ever wanted to come over to the rebel side, there is a group of us enjoying the prospect of more dress up and roleplay."

She danced beautifully, and with more abandon than she had when she'd first arrived. Inspired by those she had met here to be a little bolder.

"I am sure we can find a proper jungle escort." he agreed. "As for Nakahama by Night, you make a very tempting offer."

He grinned and danced. It wasn't a performance, for an audience of fans. It was joy, in the moment, with the music, for her.

She smiles. Joyful indeed.

As songs start and finish, her energy and pleasure in the dancing with him is undiminished.

"You were such a help with the jimen tori! Have you watched the trail cam yet? They seem happy. You'd know for sure. I wish I could talk to them, like you do. What a gift that is."

"I wish the incantation allowed me to include others." he said with sympathy. "But, you did a great thing for them. You gave them their new safety and happiness."

"I liked it so much. The idea of an entirely safe protected hidden space. I wish I'd found a place like that, at times in my life. And they are such happy creatures. A great big flock. And all the fish they could want to eat! Ah, I have been indulging since I arrived here. Crab portions are so generous! And no sensei watching and rationing."

He laughed. "You deserve happiness too, Kakita-san. There's nothing wrong with indulging yourself when you can. Come visit me at Natsuzora Ryokan. I'll treat you to a spa day."

"Oh is that where you've been staying?" She looked impressed.

"I love a good spa day. Such a treat! What have you enjoyed most there?"

"The perks of being a celebrity." he shrugged. "The view of the jungle is magnificent. And, the privacy is very nice."