Humble meetings

Dappled rays of soft light filters through the trees as a lone crow cries to herald the coming hours of dusk to a clear sky. The forest is serene with the fresh scent of pine and the temperate air clean, away from civilization. A carpeted ground of needles is soft underfoot, the occasional mushroom poking out in a pleasant but accidental array that only mother nature can intend. The Japanese woods seems deep, almost endless, a notable aura of years long past permeating the tips of leaves, down to the very root of the ground beneath.

For a soul wandering the forest, it would not take them long to find the scent of the air to change subtlety to one of heady flowers the farther in. A man-made clearing opens up from a hidden trail, overgrown with grass at the edges, that hides crickets chirping a tune until approached. Here and there, vibrant green moss is splashed around the clearing, trees spotted with ancient lichen providing cover to a simple, rustic house in the center. The home appears cozy, all the trappings you would find on an older Japanese-style house built out in wood but with an ever so slightly Western flair. One could easily imagine gentle light spilling from the windows in the darkness of night, inviting and warm. Gardens of chrysanthemums and other flowers adorn the edges of the building, some others planted around in choice places between oaks and pines.

Two men are seated at the base of such a tree, a large oak that is just touched with the changes of the season, edges of its leaves already a bright yellow. The larger of the two is working rhythmically, a slip of a floral dress in his lap and needle in hand as impossibly long legs are stretched out comfortably before him. A plain, leather bound book sits on the ground to his right, forgotten, his silver glasses that bring out the white in his shockingly platinum hair perch on his nose as he sews a tear in the frock with deft but scarred fingers. His bright green eyes are calm as he concentrates, the sleeves to the pressed, button-up shirt he is wearing rolled up, revealing more thin scars in his pale but tawny skin and disappearing into the cuffs. The sight is somewhat strange, the man wearing a casual but serious business attire complete with a tie as he is seated on the mossy ground.

Halfway through his sewing, he turns to look at his companion, a quick glance and a small smile placed on full lips before he patiently continues his project. The other man doesn't react, sitting in the shadier portion of their cover and swathed in opposing, dark colors. It is hard to say what has him preoccupied as irregardless of the nice weather, the shorter of the two has on a hooded sweatshirt, the hood pulled up over his head and obscuring his features. He sits idly, obscenely pale hands rested in his own lap as he faces a direction that's only source of movement is two butterfly fluttering gently together.

Black leather gloves tightening around a red oak steering wheel, the older man starts focusing into the lush and vagraint woods. Taking in the forign perfumes of the local flora; "Well, I suppose he does live is a rather discreet locus doesnt he." The man remarks to himself in a raspy yet gruff voice. His brow furrowing as an attentive posture overtakes him.
A few moments later the vehicle, a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II crests a gnoll. A cottage sits nestled within a graduation of various perennials at the end of the road to the mans elation.
Pulling to a head the gentalman collects his things laying in the red leather seat, a black felt wide brimmed hat and onyx cane with a crow affixed as the handle, silver lettering scrolled along the shaft can be read as "Factus sum stravi lectulum meum in charnels et loculis, quibus atra morte servat recourdum in trophis.

The blond pauses in his task momentarily, bringing the thread to his mouth and cutting it easily between straight teeth. He glances up quickly at the approaching vehicle, a sliver of sunlight cast through the trees hitting his face just right and causing his green eyes to appear as if they are a glittering gold color for mere seconds. He seems to speak something to his partner near him softly as he stands to his feet, his full height intimidatingly and almost impossibly tall. Folding the child-sized dress over one arm and pushing his glasses up onto his head, he calls out in an accented, higher pitched voice,

"Can I help you?"

The darker man turns his head sharply at the sound of the arrival, his face still partially obscured by his hood at a distance. His body language reads tension, heavily scarred hands that were before placid in his lap curl into fists, gripping the fabric of his jeans through tight fingers.

Reaching over to the handle of the door he opens it it with his right hand and pushes it open with his leg. Exiting the vehicle the man places the hat upon his his head partially covering his raggedy long white hair.
"Can I help you?" He hears from behind him and he turns with a start. He must have been so afixedated on the cottage that he completely missed the two individuals nesstled beneath the distant tree. " Good marrow sir! He exclaims. "Im terribly sorry to so randomly arrive unannounced, but is this by chance the residence Dr. Toyama? He starts in the tall individuals direction. Hobbleing slightly due to a antique metal brace affixed to his right knee, his left arm hangs seemingly awkward as he moves.

His expression is keen as he watches the newcomer approach, studying his movement closely before answering plainly, "That would be me. What can I do for you, sir?" Slowly, he reaches into the pocket of his khaki slacks and produces a carton of cheap cigarettes, never taking his eyes off the white haired man as he does so. He pulls out a smoke between two fingers, a vaguely feminine posture, patting around next for a match and lighting it with his free hand. Carefully, he shifts his body, a current of something unspoken passing to the man still seated on the ground, as Dr. Toyama positions himself just ever so more to his side.

The other man, still quiet and shadowed, stands as well. He is tall but not nearly as tall as the Doctor and more solid as the Doctor is lean in build. He does nothing but seemingly watch, his stance grounded and almost dangerously poised upon closer inspection. If one were to look closely as they approached, an odd red glowing can be made out from underneath the hood.

"Kikka." The old man says looking up at the Dr. With emblazoned emerald eyes as well. He tucks his cane under his left arm and reaches out for a hand shake with his right hand.

Yasuo tilts his head inquisitively but reaches out to shake the stranger's hand with his own extremely warm one, and takes a quick drag of his cigarette, "Dr. Yasuo Toyama. Though, I am not sure you have answered my question. Is there something you need?" His accent is minimal the more he speaks, tone continuing to be mild though he continues to study him.

The other of the two does not move at all, save for a natural tremor to his hands now at his sides.

"Kikka though I may be pronouncing it wrong, I know it as Chrysanthemum idicum, the perennials that are planted just outside your door." He gestures in the direction. My name is Dr. Archadious Jourdine. I am here attendind some seminars at the local colledge, A friend of yours implored me to visit and get to know you, she seems to think we may get along nicely. A pale smirk crosses his expreshion. You will have to forgive me, I dont rather get out much these days and have a typicaly astranged demeanour, i havent been out in ages you see." "I used to have vast knowledge in horticulture due to its medicinal qualities, I seem to have taken a fancey to it as a humbleing hobby as well over the years." "Though I do question the choice of chrysanthemum over vermeldia hydrangias due to the acidity in the local soil from the pine trees." " My friend aslo mentioned your brother as well Rai was it?" "She also said you dont talk much and seem to live up to the characteristic." "Fret not all is well!" He takes one finger and lostens a white chollar that is adorned to his neck. A platinum chain with a St. Christopher seems to be tied around his wrist.

A smile finally comes over Yasuo's handsome features, his eyes crinkling at the corners and hinting at his age, "Ah~ hajimemashite, Jourdine-san!" He exclaims with a small bow of his head, something he seems more accostumed to than the handshake. "Please, forgive us. We aren't used to vistors. Not many people know where we live, I am surprised you found it." Pausing, he glances at the many flowers and plants around their yard and continues, "Kiku. So you're interested in the flowers? If that is the case..." Trailing off he gently murmurs something in Japanese to Rai at his side, turning to him and reaching up to gently tug the hood covering the other man's head off. "...You will have to ask Raiden about them."

Now revealed, the younger man shifts uncomfortably, his dark brunette hair somewhat unkempt from the hood now. His eyes are downcast, staring at dirty sneakers on his feet with brows furrowed. His eyes are a strange sight, the left a lovely sky blue and the right a sinsiter blood red. Heavy scarring decorates his face, most notably surrounding his right eye and neck, however the scars seem random and are everywhere, even in places one might not expect. His skin is extremely pale, to the point it has almost an ashen gray quality and one can make out a few blue veins underneath the skin. Stubble adorns his young face, criss crossed through with scars here and there, some small and some a bit larger.

Raiden continues to be silent, nervously lifting the sleeve to his sweatshirt to his mouth and begins chewing on the wrist, seemingly a habit as there are a few holes in each cuff. His teeth are whiter than Yasuo's, a flash of fang caught if someone were to look closely.

"Well in that case!" He exclaims with a slightly mischievous smirk. "I think I may have just the thing to break the ice so to speak." He hurriedly does an about face and hobbles over to the antique vehicle, moving in an almost overly excited gate.
Opening the trunk you see him rummage through searching and talking to himself." Little of this, those, that...... Of course some of these!!! And for the good Dr. some of the good stuff, really get him going!
Closing the trunk he tucks a medium size box under his arm and rushes over to Dr. Toyama and Rai. Almost to them you see he staggers a bit when his bad leg catches a rogue rock in the drive. He catches himself in a fashon that seems to defy his years and normal ability, but in only a hair of a glimpse, He looks up almost embarrassed but you see a fire of blissful excitement in his eyes as he finaly gets to the two men.
"For you my comptratiot." He holds a small but long black box out to the Dr., you can see elegant crafting as it is made of what seems to be a pure black marble so black it almost seems to trick the eye and absorb light itself. " A little token of my craft as it were, im glad to see you smoke as well! Im not rather shure if u use pipe or not but this is from my collection, and no pipe would be good without some home grown tobacco, personaly aged and processed by yours truly! Opening the box it is lined with aburn suede, nestled within the fabric you see an intricate dark stained ironwood pipe adorned with silver inlay in a gothic pattern eventualy coming to a silver eagle at its bell. The tobacco so strong you almost get a euphoric drunken high as you just smell it, let alone ignite it.
" And for you Rai, no need to slight from me, we will have you chipper in no time! He hands Rai a box containing what seems to be hundreds of yellow packets neatly tucked into rows. Arch pulls one out of the box to show the gentalmen. " I have privously drawn images on them and depicted all of the different medicinal and growing information on them. This is only a handfull I carry with me at all times, so not to worry! Some of these are quite rare and dont grow anymore." He gives the young man a cheery wink and a comforting smile.

While Arch busies himself with rummaging through his vehicle, Yasuo leans down and picks up the tome he left on the ground. He briefly brushes dust off of the surface, removing the glasses from on top of his head and placing them into his breast pocket as well. As the other doctor returns, black box in hand, the blond looks briefly astonished, an honest frown gracing his lips. He marvels at the pipe, blinking slowly, "For me...? What for?" It is obvious immediately he isn't used to gifts whatsoever, looking around before placing the book back down with the dress folded neatly on top of it. As Arch gets closer, a gentle scent of a masculine cinnamon/spiced cologne reaches his nose past the smell of the cigarette dangling from his mouth. Taking the box awkwardly between calloused hands, he continues to frown, watching as he approaches Rai next. "Well, th-thank you. Can we repay you all? Which you like to come in? I can make you a meal or at least serve you some tea."

Rai takes a step back as the stranger comes closer, a flash of fear lacing his features for a split second as he pulls his cuff away from his mouth. He glances up, quickly, but diverts his gaze back to his shoes almost immediately, a blush beginning at his subtly pointed ears. There is a long pause as he looks to Yasuo a few times, almost as if he is asking what to do. Yasuo gives him barely a nod and says nothing before Rai finally reaches out, taking the parcels in his trembling hands. Interestingly, his nails are longer and almost pointed, appearing shiny and steel hard. He studies the packets quietly while chewing his bottom lip nervously. Another long pause and suddenly with a rumbling deep but soft voice, it appears he speaks, "...a-arigato gozaimasu...." The brunette bows his head, much like his brother, before growing silent once more.

"TEA!" Arch exclaims. "I have not yet become accustomed to the local herbs and gourmand, It would be a delight! Sorry to surprise you with the gifts, it is the custom when meeting someone new where I am from, I only wish u enjoy them. And Rai the color in your face suits you, glad to see it." Arch notices the features of the man and makes him all the more curious. Stepping back he allows the two gentlemen their way. "None the less, I can state that I'm rather envious of your property, I like the ambience it provides, the solitude brings comfort."

"Oh? Maybe you can tell us where you're from, Jourdine-san?" Yasuo remarks, gathering up his things again and placing them gently on the box as he turns towards he and Rai's home. He glances over his shoulder with an almost sheepish expression, smiling politely as he walks. "Well, I hope you are not disappointed. I am the only one that drinks it in our household and I am simple. It isn't the best tea on the market." He keeps mindful of his pace, though retains an easy posture as he walks. It becomes more apparent as he is moving how fit he really is underneath his clothing. He stops once, closer to the door and drops his cigarette, crushing it under polished shoes before opening the door. Patiently, he holds the door for them both, offering another smile before adding, "Thank you. We very much enjoy it...."

Turning an even more bright red, Rai tries to focus harder on the packets in his hand as he speaks. He trails along behind the two, eventually watching Arch's back when he thinks he isn't looking and studying him, now curious and shy.

When they enter the home, it is much like it is on the outside, rustic and simple. It opens up into the gekan and Rai stops near Yasuo there as they both remove their shoes, placing them on a getabako to the side, a few very small, child sized shoes in the cubby holes as well. The gekan opens to the livingroom where an old couch sits in front of a small, crtv. Breaking up the slightly plain, masculine decor is a smattering of toys for children haphazardly laying out.

Trying his best to not hinder his new friends Arch tries to keep pace best he can. Thinking to himself how he knows the young man behind him doesn't talk much but hes glad he has made him happy for the moment.
"Magnificent, I expected as much. A humble abode inside as well as out." Noticing the small shoes as he struggles to take his own off. "Little ones? Must be well behaved, I don't hear a peep." Taking in all of the style and architecture that is so foreign to him, he seems though he is a child in a candy shop, his curious nature taking the best of him he completely forgets his destination of which is his tea. Finding himself he peps up." I nearly forgotten. I'm sorry, I live in Stafford England currently, a small town northwest of London. Though I have called many a place all over Europe my home over the years." Arch takes off his cloak and his hat and hangs them up, revealing a grey vest and a black long sleeve dress shirt, the vest has a red cur-chief in its left breast pocket and a family crest depicting a golden dragon on a scarlet field with golden colored foliage around his last name. His black dress shirt has silver crucifix with mother of pearl inlayed as his cuff pins. His pants are a match directly to the vest, the ensemble is topped off with black tipped white wing shoes. he looks toward Yasuo and gives him a gentalmans nod so show hes ready.

Raiden passes by Arch has he removes his shoes, a pleasant aroma of rain following him as he heads into the other room.

Watching Rai go, Yasuo shakes his head just slightly, a small smile on his face before answering, "We have never traveled ourselves. I would love to hear about it.... Oh, and might I ask what kind of doctor you are? I see your collar there. Priest?" The look turns to one of mild pride at the mention of their children and he gestures to the photos of them placed on the wall as he makes his way to the kotatsu in the room. "Ai-chan is at school and the other three are with a family friend. I am normally on call at the hospital but I had a day off today and Raiden and I were spending a bit of time to ourselves. They will be here later if you would like to meet them." There are four children, three that seem to be the same age. The smallest girl has adorable blonde curls with wide blue eyes and an excited smile, hanging off of an older girl with long, light brown hair and a gentle, sweet smile of her own. The two boys are opposites, much like their fathers, one boy taller with dark hair like Rai and the other blond and carrying a slightly surly expression. Dropping his book and the dress off at the kotatsu, he beckons the white haired gentleman to follow him as he still carries the black box.

They enter the kitchen, plain and white with a table and a few chairs in the middle. Raiden is at the counter, placing a kettle on their stove quietly. Yasuo sets the box carefully down on the table and then pulls out a chair for Arch, flashing him a heart meltingly charming grin. "Would you like hot tea? I do have mugicha tea as the weather is still slightly warm... Would you like something to eat? I would be more than happy to make you something."

Looking up sheepishly to Yasuo as he sits at the table. "I have my doctorate in quite a few fields of study over the years so I cannot pinpoint a particular one, my personal favorite as you can tell though is plant biology. As for my collar I was a devout catholic once upon a time, this is more like a remembrance to me." A pleasant smile crosses Arch's face as Yasuo hands him a his cup of tea." Oh well I would be glad to meet them next time, a shame. I would love a decent meal after my travels! Plane food tends to be bland and yet overly salted."
A look of intrigue adorned his face as he sips the tea. "How about you my friend, he gestures the teacup toward Raiden, I would love to hear more about you my friend." Trying to break the ice with the quiet man sitting across from him.

The tea is cold, a refreshing iced tea and a specifically Asian drink of roasted barley. Yasuo just smiles at the two of them, leaving room for Raiden to answer if he wishes and turns to start a meal for their new guest. It doesn't take long before the scent of delicious, home cooked food begins to waft through the kitchen.

Rai takes a seat across from Arch, not meeting his gaze. A teacup is in his own hands now but it seems to be just plain hot water. He doesn't really drink it, just holding it between his hands, enjoying the heat from it more than anything else. Staring at the water in his cup, he is unsure what to say, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. After a long, long moment, he speaks up though it is quiet and hard to hear over his brother's cooking, "...I-I... also like p-plants..." His accent is much heavier than Yasuo's, a bit more difficult to understand him.

Waiting patently at the obvious unease Rai had to his question, Arch gives a polite smile as Rai answers in his own time. "Well that's nice, in time I would love to help u explore the different flora this world has to offer, but surely you must have other hobbies or things that interest you, I would very much like to get to know you both better." Turning to Yasuo, "well is there any particular field in which you have studied? I know you are a general surgeon, but beyond that i don't know much more about you. Also, this tea is magnificent. I tend to never have mine chilled like this but it is a delight!" Arch takes in a deep breath through his nose over his tea cup. His eyes widen as he smells not only the tea but the subtle aroma of his coming snack as it begins to cook. He closes his eyes with a pleasant and quiet smile and enjoys the moment."Good times all around!"
    "Ive always wanted a family, but as it seems time was never really on my side when it comes to it. My work has had its benefits, some sacrifices are always made I suppose. I must say I am rather envious of the humility and air that your family home has about it. You simply must bring your family to my castle back home. The patter of little feet running down its halls and laughing about the grand stair would be a change that would set my heart a strew."
    Arch takes out a gold pocket watch whit silver inlay of his family insignia upon it. "Where could he be, that man has never had any sense of punctuality. Lacey is going to give him the ringers I swear."

Rai turns a light pink at the sudden amount of attention, letting go of his teacup to chew on his fingernails nervously, a hint of fanged teeth again. He continues to not meet Arch's gaze as he chews silently, glancing up at Yasuo once or twice as if asking for help.

Yasuo just chuckles lightly as he turns from his cooking, catching one of the glances and approaches the table to ruffle his brother's hair affectionately with a free hand. With the other he sets a bowl down in front of their guest before answering, "I never settled on a certain field. I feel as if I can help more individuals by not specializing... However, I did consider pediatrics for a time. I am fond of children." Turning, he grabs another bowl and sets that in front of him as well, giving another charming smile. "Shirasu don and miso. Please, enjoy!" He states, pointing to each. The shirasu is boiled, and seems to be tiny, white juvenile fish, complete with little eyes topped over rice and shiso. A sauce of mirin and soy is drizzled over it, the texture fluffy and the taste salty and somewhat refined. The miso is simple with all the basic trappings of tofu and seaweed, steaming pleasantly.

"Ah, the mugicha is roasted barley." He elaborates, now wandering to a small window in the kitchen and opening it before coming back to take his own seat. "It is a drink typically had in the summer here. The season for it is almost up." Crossing his long legs, the man cracks open the black box still in front of them, removing the gift and beginning to pack the pipe. "You don't mind if we give this a try, ne?" He asks before laughing and continuing. "A castle? I don't think any of us have seen a castle before. Do you like children then, Jourdine-san? I am sure ours would be excited to meet you. As I said, we don't get many visitors here."

Fishing around for another match from his pocket, he watches as Arch takes out his pocket watch, "Waiting on someone? Will we have another guest?"

Arch takes the bowl and peers at it intently. Taking his time he watches Yasuo for a second, mimicking his behavior, unaware of the proper etiquette and not wanting to be rude." I wholeheartedly understand wanting to help as many people as you can its always a bittersweet undertaking, especialy for that of a general surgeon" Taking a sip of the miso, a look of bliss crosses his face. "This miso soup is so simple and yet has so much umami." Looking up at Yasuo as hes packing the pipe." A little smoke wouldn't hurt I suppose, but as I said its a rather potent strain, will Rai partake? It may take a little of the edge off per say." After he examines the pocket watch Arch gives a simple answer. " He may or may not show, you never know whit him sometimes." As he lets out a irritated sigh.

Yasuo's face continues to brighten at the compliment on his cooking, "Arigato! I always wanted to be a chef when I was young, but I found my true calling a bit later. I enjoy it as a hobby." He waits patiently for Arch to finish, smiling quite happily all the while. After he has finished his meal, the other man offers him the pipe. "Ah, you would be surprised what we can handle... As our guest, you don't mind going first?" Nodding briefly about the possible showing of a new person, he looks to Rai, cocking an eyebrow as if to ask if he will partake.

Appearing surprised at the suggestion of smoking too, Rai blinks a few times at them both. His eyes flick back down to the water in his cup and he gives a very small, hesitant nod. After a time again, he speaks slowly and softly once more. "...Wh-who... else is c-coming...?"

"You put a lot of care and detail into your work it seems, cooking and all other manner included. When I was younger I too felt I had a different calling in life, I much preffer the route I have taken I must say." Taking the pipe arch takes a long soft draught, his face melting into a stoic unblinking gaze as he begins to think of his past. Snapping back to himself Arch politely hands the pipe to a almost quivering Rai thinking to himself that he is rather cute in how the man carries himself.
" Yes, an old frined of Lacey and I was with me when she told us she wanted to meet you. He does what he wants in his own time and one can never realy tell when he will be around. I will let him introduce himself if he arrives."
"So, when you and your family are able. I would verry much like to return the favor and bring you to my home in Stafford, if its not to forward of me to invite of course. Do not fret, I understand it is difficult to get away from ones duties but I will make the trip a memorable one for you all I promise."

"I suppose if you think so..." Yasuo answers humbly as the white haired man begins to reminiscence. Arch cannot be sure it is a trick of his eyes or the tobacco, but for a split second as Yasuo pushes his hair back, two horns appear on either side of his forehead and then are quickly gone as soon as they were shown. "We all may have regrets but it is important to feel you are on the right path. I am content with where my own life is at." He pauses, eyes shifting to Rai as he speaks and then back, "I believe Raiden wants to know if you are speaking of Killem or another? You do have me curious. As for the invitation, I am honestly surprised you are offering, though I do appreciate it. You've only just met us, is all."

The brunette cautiously moves to reach for the pipe, plucking it ever so carefully from Arch's hand and immediately appearing nervous. It seems he is uneasy, staring at the thing before mustering the courage to take a puff. He coughs some, making a bit of a face but it honestly does not seem to effect him much otherwise, one assuming he may have a strange constitution. He squints slightly at the smoke curling in front of him, waving it away before giving Arch a polite nod. "...a-arigato..."

Taking it next, Yasuo does not hesitate at all before bringing it to his lips and taking a long drag. There is a moment as he exhales, smoke curling from his nose and out of his mouth as he loosens his tie and leans forward again, chin in hand. As if a switch has flipped on, the aura surrounding him shifts noticeably. With glasses gone, hair pushed back, tie undone and even his sleeves rolled up, the more serious air about him has completely gone, one more youthful and oozing a natural sex appeal left completely in its place. He takes another quick drag, crossing one leg over the other again in a vaguely feminine posture, his eyes glittering dangerously as he regards Arch. "I am not going to hesitate and make myself clear. I am not a man to lie." He murmurs, not taking his eyes off of him. "You are very pleasant and I really am thankful for that but if I find for one moment that there is something deceitful about all this..." Trailing off purposefully, he sets down the pipe. "I really would like to be friends, but all of it seems a little too good to be true at the moment for me, if you don't mind me saying. That may make me sound very mistrustful but I have a family that depends on me to make correct decisions. I hope you understand... So, I hope we can be honest with each other and you are serious about your intentions here."

Smileing at Yasuo." One does not reach my age by making enimies Dr. I just happen to be an old man with too much time and too much money and too much quiet... No ill be sought here, just an ending. "

Looking between the two of them with concern, Rai eventually reaches across the table and touches Yasuo's arm gently with a meaningful expression. Another wordless conversation passes between them as Yasuo looks back at his brother and then seems to ease with a sigh. "I am not meaning to be rude." He seems to be talking to both him and Rai at this point as Raiden retracts his hand. "I just hope you know what you are getting into, Jourdine-san, because we may just seem simple on the surface... I have known many different kinds of men in my day and I suppose it makes me overly cautious. Life has never been too kind to either of us and neither have other people... I am also not comfortable with you knowing us and our names before we barely knew yours... Also, old? How old are you really?"