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Post by Makino Tori on Jul 2, 2024 4:02:39 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: RejectionEpisode 471 “Kimono Conundrum”: After lunch at the Masanobu manor, Makino found herself in her room, rummaging through her closet. She was sifting through her collection of older kimonos—some store-bought, but many hand-painted by her mother. The sheer variety overwhelmed her, making it difficult to decide where to begin. There were kimonos adorned with landscapes, butterflies, flower blossoms, petals, leaves from maple, pomegranate, and oak, bonsai, and bamboo trees. Others featured koi, birds, dragons, fans, geometric patterns, and natural motifs. There were designs capturing sunsets and sunrises, the moon and stars, lakes and ponds, oceanic themes, seasonal changes, nature, and classical themes.
Not only did she have a plethora of kimono designs, but her collection of obis, obi-age, obijime, and obi-dome was just as extensive. Some obis differed in style—varied cuts, shapes, lengths, and widths. Some were solid colors, while others were patterned, yet each had a unique charm.
Makino smiled as she carefully unfolded and refolded each kimono, matching one, two, or sometimes three obis to their designated kimono. Each garment held a memory—some very special, some just happy moments, and others simply sentimental. Despite the fondness she felt for each piece, Makino was struggling to select a few kimonos to give to Riku. She considered talking to her mother about commissioning a kimono for Riku, but first wanted to see if there was anything she could part with in case her mother declined.
Hours passed, and the floor was lined with dozens of kimonos. Makino stood and walked back to her dresser and closet to retrieve yet another kimono when a knock came at her bedroom door. It slid open to reveal her mother standing in the doorway.
Makino smiled warmly at her mother, her eyes quickly scanning the room. "Watch where you step, Mother. I have a mess, as you can see." She giggled softly, turning back to her closet. "Do you need me for something?" |
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Post by Saya Masanobu on Jul 2, 2024 4:05:14 GMT -6
Saya shook her head, concern etched on her face. "No, I was just worried about you." She carefully navigated around the room to reach her daughter. "It’s not like you to be cooped up in your room for hours like this." She took a seat on the bench near Makino.
"What are you doing here?" Saya asked, her eyes sweeping over the kimonos scattered across the floor. "Spring cleaning a little early, are you not?"
"No," Makino giggled softly, "but I must admit, I never realized how many kimonos I had until I started this little project."
"Judging by the state of this room, I dare say you have more kimonos than Shirou," Saya remarked with a light laugh.
"Oh, gods forbid, Mother! Don’t let Shirou hear you say that. You know he’ll go on a shopping spree that would put a noblewoman to shame."
Saya giggled, nodding in agreement. "So, are you going to tell me what you’re doing here?"
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Post by Makino Tori on Jul 2, 2024 4:06:29 GMT -6
“Well…” Makino started as she turned and looked at her mother. “I am doing this to see if there are any kimonos I want to part with.”
Saya’s brow lifted, “part with? So you want to sell or give away your kimonos? Even the ones I did for you?”
Makino looked sheepishly at her mother, “Especially those.”
Saya blinked, wide-eyed as she looked at her daughter. “Are you in some kind of trouble, Maki-chan?”
Makino giggled as her head shook quickly. “Of course not, Mother. I…well…” Makino stammered some, “I made a new friend the other day and he is an admirer of your kimonos, and he wants to acquire one in a bad way, so I told him--”
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Post by Saya Masanobu on Jul 2, 2024 4:08:00 GMT -6
"You would commission me to make him one for free," Saya said with a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling as she looked at her daughter. "Am I correct?"
Makino's face lit up with a bright smile, her head nodding slowly. "But it was a swap between us. I was finally going to get an embroidered kimono from his mother in exchange for giving him a hand-painted one from you."
Saya's brow arched inquisitively. "And what do I and his mother get in return for our efforts?"
Makino shrugged, her fingers toying with the hem of her kimono sleeve. "Extra chores," she offered coyly, glancing up at her mother with a hopeful smile. "At least, that's what I can offer you. I'm not sure what Riku-chan will offer his mother."
Saya giggled, shaking her head in amusement. "Will I get to meet this young man?"
Makino nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yes, of course! This Saturday, when Naoru and Koko go out on their date, Naoru is bringing Riku over here to visit. You’ll finally get to see the person I've been talking about."
Saya's expression softened, her curiosity piqued. "Tell me more about him, Makino. What is he like?"
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Post by Makino Tori on Jul 2, 2024 4:09:01 GMT -6
Makino's smile grew wider as she sat down next to her mother, her hands animatedly gesturing as she spoke. "Riku is kind and thoughtful. He has a deep appreciation for traditional art, especially kimonos. He was so impressed when he saw the one you painted for me. He's also very polite and has a gentle way about him that makes you feel at ease."
Saya listened intently, her heart warming at her daughter's enthusiasm. "He sounds like a wonderful young man. I'm glad you've made such a friend."
Makino beamed, her excitement palpable. "He really is, Mother. And his mother’s embroidered kimonos are renowned for their beauty. I've always admired them from afar. This exchange feels like a dream come true."
Saya placed a gentle hand on Makino's shoulder, her eyes reflecting both pride and affection. "Then let's make sure this exchange is perfect. I'll gladly paint a new one just for him."
Makino's eyes filled with gratitude, and she hugged her mother tightly. "Thank you, Mother. This means so much to me."
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Post by Saya Masanobu on Jul 2, 2024 4:10:46 GMT -6
Saya nodded slowly, “So if I were to have said no, then I assume you are going to let Riku pick one of your kimonos to have?” She watched as her daughter nodded, “And I assume he is doing the same for you if his mother tells him no?” She watched her daughter nod once more.
Makino sighed as she looked back at the kimonos she had laid out on the floor, “But I am finding it really hard to pick some I want to give up.”
“Some? I thought it was just one?”
“It is, but I want to give him a few to pick from. I don’t want to give him one that he might not like.” Makino explained.
Saya mockingly feigned offense. “Not like one of my kimonos? Never.” She lifted her chin snobbishly, her fingertips resting on her upper chest, trying to act all self-important. She gave her daughter a side glance, and both of them suddenly burst into giggles.
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Post by Makino Tori on Jul 2, 2024 4:12:05 GMT -6
“Well,” Makino started with a wide bright smile and looked at all the kimonos still on her floor. “Since you are going to make Riku a kimono of his own, I guess I need to put all of these away.”Saya stood from the bench, “I will help you out.” She stepped up to the first pile of kimonos picking them up, “If I don’t help you will still be in here through dinner.”“Hey, I don’t move that slow.” Makino giggled as she stood to start putting away her clothes, she put her first stack of kimonos away looking over at her mother, her eyes lighting up with gratitude. "Thank you again, Mother. Making this kimono for Riku means a lot to me."Saya smiled warmly at Makino nodding her head, “You are very welcome, Maki-chan.”Together, they sifted through the collection, sharing stories and memories associated with each kimono, the bond between them growing stronger with every delicate fold and fond recollection.~END RP~ “Where is Aizen Part V: The Game - Ayakashi Twins vs. Karin”
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Post by Makino Tori on Jul 9, 2024 20:56:06 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: RejectionEpisode 480 "Surprises at the Masanobu Manor": (continued) Makino opened the door to her room, gesturing for Riku to enter. As he stepped inside, she followed, closing the door silently behind them. "What was that all about?" she prodded, walking to the center of her room and sitting down on a plush cushion. She looked up at Riku as he took a seat across from her.
"So, you caught that too?!" Riku exclaimed, falling back where he was sitting and gazing thoughtfully at the ceiling. "I wish I knew, but I'm as lost as you, Maki-chan. It gave me a heavy feeling in my chest, like he knew something I didn't.""Right? It gave me chills. Ojīchan just doesn't act like that," Makino agreed, her voice tinged with concern. She leaned forward and poked Riku playfully in the side. "Sooo~ do you want to come with me and my friends to the clean-up efforts tonight? It's from 6p.m to midnight." |
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Post by Riku Asuhara on Jul 11, 2024 20:33:33 GMT -6
Riku smiled and nodded. "I would love to. I'm always happy to help those in need. I just have to go home and change into more..." He looked down at his kimono with a giggle. "Blue collar clothing, you could say."
He grinned and pointed at himself. "I may not look it, but I'm not opposed to getting my hands dirty with good old fashioned hard work. Sometimes all you need is some elbow grease."
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Post by Makino Tori on Jul 12, 2024 0:57:41 GMT -6
Makino’s face lit up with excitement. “You’re going to love it! The cleanup efforts have already made such a big difference. They’ve cleared out tons of debris from the garden and replanted so many flowers and shrubs. The pathways are starting to look brand new, too. It's amazing to see the transformation.”
She leaned in, her eyes sparkling. “Just last the other day, they managed to restore an old fountain that hadn’t worked in years. Now it’s flowing beautifully, and the sound of the water adds such a peaceful ambiance to the garden. Everyone who visits is so happy to see the progress. It feels good knowing we’re making a real impact on the community.”
Makino sat back, her smile widening. “And the best part is, we’re all doing it together. There’s this incredible sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Plus, like I said, the food afterwards is always a great reward!”
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Post by Riku Asuhara on Jul 12, 2024 10:03:36 GMT -6
Riku giggled at Makino's enthusiasm. "Sounds like fun, and I'm excited to meet your friends. It'll be interesting to see what kind of company you keep."
Makino giggled, "They are indeed a colorful bunch. It makes me happy that we'll all be in the Academy next year. Though," her head tipped slightly to one side, "Shin and Rin will be second year students next year."
Riku tilted his head at Makino, blinking at her in surprise. "So you're going into the academy? What for? Is that why you were training in the dojo?"
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Post by Makino Tori on Jul 12, 2024 12:09:50 GMT -6
Makino smiled brightly, nearly giddy with excitement. "I’ve wanted to join the Gotei 13 since I was a little girl. My dad was a Soul Reaper in Captain Kuchiki's division."
"He was?" Riku asked, his voice full of concern.
Makino nodded slowly, keeping her head high. "He was killed in the Winter War."
"I’m so sorry, Maki-chan," Riku said softly.
Makino’s smile softened. "It was a long time ago. I’ve done my mourning. I still miss him a lot, but I know he's with me, watching over me every second of the day."
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Post by Riku Asuhara on Jul 12, 2024 14:08:03 GMT -6
Riku nodded with a smile and reached over to pat her hand. "I hope you find what you're looking for at the academy. I think you'll make a great Soul Reaper."
He looked around her room, looking for her closet. "Soooo, are you gonna show me more kimonos or do I have to raid your closet myself~?"
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Post by Makino Tori on Jul 12, 2024 14:14:55 GMT -6
Makino giggled as she stood and walked over to her closet, where her built-in dresser was. She slid the door open and presented it to Riku with a playful flourish. "Ta-da!" she announced with a bow. "You may look to your heart's content."
Straightening up, she wagged her finger at him. "But stay out of the top drawer. My undergarments are in there."
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Post by Riku Asuhara on Jul 12, 2024 18:01:17 GMT -6
Riku laughed and swatted at Makino. "Don't worry. I'm only interested in the kimonos. Unless you have a really cute pair of panties that you're just dying to show off." He smirked at her.
Makino's cheeks turned beet red, "RIKU!!" She turned away from him and patted her warm cheeks.
Riku laughed and raise his hands in defense. "I'm kidding~! Kind of." He moved over to her closet and filed through the kimonos. The kimonos were a rainbow of colors and patterns. He paused on every one, taking in the colors and patterns on the fabric. "These are so beautiful! Which one is your favorite?"
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