He was nervous. Even as the day had not been entirely what he wanted, this was the moment he was looking forward to. The cool air after the storm was refreshing, and helped against the nervousness in his stomach. In his hands, a small box. He remained in the dress uniform, finding it comfortable. On his collar, his Rank emblem caught the light of the arcade. The muted dark grey of the Spider mon on his shoulders barely perceptible against the black of the coat.

He stood as a sentinel, waiting for his date.

"Daigotsu-san?" Ishiyo walked up, she was wearing one of her civilian outfits and had seemed to given the extra effort toward her makeup and jewelry. It was not a gaudy effort, the Crane was better then that, but it showed it meant more to her then a normal night on the town. She smiled upon seeing him, "It is good to see you again."

Ishiyo approached, stopping at the minimal distance for propriety. "I hope I have not keep you waiting to long." She placed her arms behind her back and her smile grew a fraction.

"Not at all, Daidoji-san." He beamed as she approached. She was a wonder. He took a step closer, the box in his hand feeling heavier now. "It is wonderful to see you, too." His long hair was tied back in a fox tail, strands framing his face.

"I had a streak of good luck last night. I saw this and thought of you." His arm extended, offering the box.

All the games had to be played.

Ishiyo spent a moment just studying the Spider before responding, “You look ratheh gallant tonight, Daigotsu-san.” Her eyes dropped to the box, she had skipped the game their first meeting but things demanded a little more formality.

“I had little luck at the arcade last night, I would not wish to deprive you of an earned prize.” Her eyes twinkled as she spoke.

Refusal #1

"You deserve a Prince. This is the best I can do, Daidoji-san." He stood a little taller at her compliment, the box offered again. "Luck came to me with a purpose, and I immediately knew who it was meant for, as clear as a vision." His smile reached his ears.

Offer #2

Ishiyo's eyes grow wide and her face reddens, "How did...." She looks a way for a second, "No...wait nevermind," Her pale blue eyes return to his, the smile was back, "A Prince has no need to glance to a Marquise," Her smile twitches and some inner amusement shines for a moment in her eyes.

"Are you sure, visions are tricky things. Many have been led astray by acting on impulse. Perhaps it best to not consider the gift first before deeming myself the recipient?"

Refusal #2

"When I saw the hue of it, the elegance contained, there could be no mistake, Daidoji-san. There was only one name tied to this gift when I won it, and it was not mine." The box extended once more, as he bowed deeply. "All I can ask, is the honor of you accepting this gift."

The 3rd Offer

Ooc: Inside would be a fasionable bracelet. Silver, with elegant etching. On the wrist side, a single blue gemstone.

Ishiyo was probably wearing fancier, she was after all tied to a very rich family...but that was hardly the point for the young Crane. A thousand finer bracelets would mean less to here then this one. Her eyes light up, "Foh a man who claims to not be a Prince, you bring a gift fit foh a princess." She smiles and accepts the gift, slipping off one of her existing bracelets and putting this one on. "Thank you Daigotsu-san." Her head dips in a small bow.

"It was my pleasure, Daidoji-san. I must confess... this has been at my forefront of thought all day." Even being chastised by the Magistrate could not dampen his spirit. Boldly, Ryuu stepped closer, bringing them just a step apart.

"Shall we play?"

Ishiyo did not step back this time, "Lead the way Daigotsu-san." She grinned and gestured toward the interior of the arcade. "I have had a few meetings myself...but this was also the one I most looked forward to."

He nodded, grinning like an idiot, and went about escorting Ishiyo in, the bright lights and the sounds of arcade games being played around them bringing chaos to their senses. Yet in his mind, all he could hear was the beating of his heart in his ears, all he could see was her smile.

Moving through the various samurai, they would weave their way through the crowds, heading towards Moshi Moshi Super Sunrise Overdive 3. While not as crowded as the night before, it was still a popular spot.

"You did well at this morning's competition. I could stand to learn some diplomacy, it seems."

"The secret is understanding no one is going to be happy, you just have to make everyone content." Ishiyo laughed, "But apparently you can rock you-eh way to peace."

"So in away maybe this is diplomacy," A nervous chuckle escapes her lips, "...that was a pretty lame joke. I guess as a doshin peace is more something you enforce and keep instead of make no?" She wanted to inch closer to him...but the demands of propriety still keep her bound from doing so.

He wanted to reach for her hand. To lean in and whisper in her ear as tbey spoke. He was sure, here, there were likely cameras keeping an eye on everyone, especially to track the potentials. "You are not wrong. My tasks are more suited to enforcing than worry about how to make. But if I am going to be useful in the future... it is not bad to learn." He did nod.

"That is the point. To secure suitable matches that benefit both Clans, and solidify alliances. Hopefully we can find a measure of joy for ourselves, but for some Clans, that may not be a priority." His mouth tightened, but he let it pass quickly.

"I am excited for tomorrows competition."

"Ah yes the hunt," Ishiyo's smile becomes more muted, realizing she had been grinning like a schoolgirl. "I guess tomorrow you will be able to show off you-eh skills." Her eyes brightened a little, "I wish you all the luck I can for success."

She added softly, "I know you will do well."

"Yes...there is always the needs of the clan looming oveh any potential matches. Clan and family." Ishiyo held the bracelet to her chest looking at the gift, "Duty above all. But one can hope Duty and Happiness will intersect."

He turned slightly red. "With your belief, I will be bolstered in my performance." He softened with her, before clearing his throat. "I believe it can. It just takes effort and the will to do so." Ryuu nodded, turning to fully face her.

"What is your preference in music, Daidoji-san?"

"Hmm...." Ishiyo looks over the music selection and then blinks...leans in, "That one!" Her finger points to The Amazing Adventures of Space Hero Pilot Captain Inu Shikoku-ken, Courageous Warriors of the Stars! Episode 96: Attack on Primus. It was something from a children's show and the Crane suddenly had a look of absolute seriousness on her face.

"Good beats per minute. Complication level at challenging without being nerve wracking." Ryuu almost assessed the song's stats with a cold, clinical precision. But it was the excitement in her voice, and the seriousness with which she addressed in that made him smile. "This will be fun." He stretched his neck one way, and then the other, a slight pop heard.

Stepping onto the dance pad, he bowed to Ishiyo. "I would be honored to dance with you, Daidoji-san." He came up, smiled, and boldly extended his hand to help her up.

Ishiyo took it with her eyes blazing with fiery passion....directed at the origin of the song sadly. "We must! WAN! WAN!"

And with that she was off! Leveraging every trained reflex, every bit of her pilot agility, and every shred of Crane grace. That Kakita trained focus was turned to mimicking a children's song. And by the end she was exhausted by the end of it...exhausted but apparently successful...

-------------
Dance Roll for Moshi, Moshi. Unskilled. Can not declare low or high...all dice are kept. Roll 2: 3d10 19

Dance Roll for Moshi, Moshi. Unskilled. Can not declare low or high...all dice are kept: 3d10 23

Her exuberance was intoxicating. He was not one to question or judge what others passions were. In that moment, all he cared about was not disappointing her with a poor performance. He kept in step with her, and the song. His feet moved quickly, tapping along the arrows as he focused on the screen, and glancing at her as she danced.

Sweat formed on his brow as the music grew in intensity, finding that through his ability to use Daigotsu's will, and his natural peforming talent, he was in sync with Ishiyo.

He laughed in joy as the song ended, beaming at her. "That was excellent!" As the machine kicked out a pair of matching pins.

EN4 - Tarantelle - Moshi Moshi Super Sunrise Overdive 3 - Co-Op with Ishiyo (Agility 3, Perform: Dance 0, Sensation Phantom Rank, Strength in Terror +3, TN16 to TN23): 2#4d10o10k3+3 29 24 Choosing the 24 to be within 3 of her 23.

Ishiyo was grinning, "That was more amazing! Wan!" She blushed and recomposed herself, "I mean Daigotsu-san is a wonderful danceh. Perhaps sometime we should dance outside of the game." Her eyes looked to the pins and she picked both up. Pinning one to her blouse, she held out the other to the Spider. It was nestled in the palm of her hand, right in the middle of slightly up turned fingers.

"Thank you."