[D4MA] Dreadful weather (expecting but open)

[Usogawa Narumi]

I suppose that's the advice I would get, talking to a Scorpion... she swallowed a lump in her throat and her eyes stung.
"I'm reminded of something Yasu-san said to me. Some samurai are brilliant scholars, some beautiful courtiers, others dangerous bushi. And some simply exist in between to brighten those samurai's day with simple rituals.
I'm no scholar, or courtier, or bushi. This miai has done nothing but remind me of everything I am not. But I am an entertainer- not in the way Emiko-sama is- but in the way of our school taught us; in hosting, conversation, de-escalation, and negotiation. I do not believe the Deer will be testing us for any of these things, and so I flounder. I.. I don't know what I'm doing here. I shouldn't be here."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"Living up to society's expectations?" He mused on it bitterly.

if you can't be the hero, at least brighten the hero's day? Who wants that?

Hikimasu scowled.

"Tomorrow, or the day after, or the day after that, as many as it takes, that's what you have right now. That's why I'm suggesting you focus on what you can do, the time comes and you'll need to be the Usogawa Naruni does what only she can, perhaps not a kemari champion, or a legendary poet, not yet anyway", he said. "But someone who can read people, and knows that a person is only great in the moments they have."

[Usogawa Narumi]

He's disturbingly uplifting.
Live in the now? she chews on that for a moment or three.
"Thank you. That ...helps." the pitter patter of rain on her umbrella nearly drowns out her gratitude.

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"You're welcome", he said as softly. He let the rain fall between them a little longer, trying to just share the moment, burden and all.

Then eventually...

"Would you like to hear some music?" He asked
"I've been practicing."

D4 MA, agenda with Narumi, earth/courtesy | TN: 1 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 2

Agenda roll, success, opportunity earth, used to remove 2 strife off Narumi.

[Usogawa Narumi]

Another deep breath and she feels calmer still. Even offers Hiki a small smile and an incline of her head.
"I'd love nothing more."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"Well you say that but I warned you i'm practicing, not a master", he said a little nervously. Don't get all happy telling me you'd love it, gives me weird ideas.

His flute appeared in his hand after a deft move and he set his umbrella down, then adjusted his hat. Taking a deep breath he faced the forest from where they stood, he shut his eyes, and played. Long, soft notes played against the rapid patter of the weather, a calming mood against the dreary day. Or so he hoped.

D4, MA. Air/Perform for Narumi. | TN: 3 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 1

Weill cancel that strife with the opportunity.

[Usogawa Narumi]

She listened carefully, appreciatively, glancing to him under her umbrella now and then, but certainly not staring.
When he's done, she gives him time before she speaks.
"Your practice has paid off. You're not terrible. In fact, you're very good."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

He let out a breath and listened to her words.

"Call it desperation to please your audience, I was inspired." He bowed.

[Usogawa Narumi]

Finally, a smirk lifted her lips, but her head shook. "That's my line. Desperation to please, and all. That's the catchphrase of my life as a river rat."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"I don't feel desperation from you toward me", he said with a shrug and put his flute away. "So you're doing bettet already. I was even rewarded with your smile." He picked up his umbrella and smugly offered her a smug smile, with an extra side of smug.