On Wednesdays We Wear Pink [Social]

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

OOC: This thread is a social that takes place several months in the past! Celes Castellanos and Shizuka know each other but Shizuka has yet to meet Aura Kyuketsuki. The setting is in the general downtown area where there is an outdoor mall, tons of different stores, the sun has already set, and it's very late Summer/early Spring. Celes and Shizuka can meet up, and Aura's free to join them or be brought along if Celes knows her.


Stretching her arms, it was finally time to call it a day. Shizuka felt like she was the only person left in the office at 5pm on a Friday. Her assistant, Chrystie, wasn't about to let her leave before all of her work was done. It didn't matter what the day was. Chrystie was absolutely relentless and was hired just for the sole purpose of keeping Shizuka in line so that she could do her job properly. There had been times where she tried to escape the office, but since her assistant was both faster and stronger than Shizuka was just naturally, it was always a lost cause. With a sigh and a glance out the window, the blonde soon realized it was snowing. She remembered the last time it snowed. She had good memories from that night.

"Well, since the end of the day is here, I don't think she'll mind if I head out. Whatever paperwork is left will still be here for me Monday. Who knew this crap would be so freaking boring? I didn't. I thought it'd be a massive boost in popularity and that was it. But here I am, in a giant fancy office, crying over my promotion. Ugh."

With absolute determination to not stay later than she had to, Shizuka grabbed her purse and made her way out the building. She walked by Chrystie, waved at her, received a wave back that essentially meant she was free to go, and all but ran out the door. She had plans with one of her besties, after all! Shizuka had called Celes the weekend before, having exchanged numbers at some point in their lives, and the Shinigami girl agreed to hang out. An odd pair, given the Fullbringer's past, but Shizuka absolutely adored Celes. Not only was she super cute, she was also super strong and a lot of fun. It was exciting when she'd agreed to come along.

Since headquarters was already close to downtown, it didn't take Shizuka long before she was standing outside of one of the shops, patiently waiting for Celes to show up. The nervousness and excitement grew. It had been a minute since they had the chance to hang out together for funsies. Shizuka, dressed in some of her favorite white dress pants and a pink V-neck, long-sleeved blouse, was in the process of pulling her hair back into a ponytail while she waited. Once her hair was done, she realized it was a bit cold outside since it was snowing and silently commanded the soul of the air around her to warm. She almost never needed a jacket these days.

The snow kept falling and eventually ended up hypnotizing the woman. It was beautiful. She stared up at the sky and appreciated the beauty that presented itself before her, not taking into account who may be around. She'd been looking forward to some company, especially given that it had been a few years since... well, since she was left alone again. This would be a good form of therapy. Retail therapy, at any rate. And she did have a little bit of money to spend. She just needed a breather, trying to wipe the memories from her mind as much as possible. She didn't want to be attached to the real world. She didn't want her mind to keep torturing her. She needed a distraction.

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

"Yes. Yeah. She is leaving right now. Mhmm. Yeah. Will keep an eye on her." a figure uttered softly whilst keeping himself glued to a corner. With a snap of the phone shut off the figure planted itself into the shadows, fading with darkness. This was the first motion of actually that the Bount was utilizing to move forward onto what was suppose to be a chance meeting. Unsuspiciously approaching the woman without the realization of whom she was to be until gaving at her face, with moments taken to understand with whom she came across. That was to be the scenario that Aura was to be taken part in, yet she couldn't help but feel a bit foolish about it all. Actually-

"You look so cute in that~" Nadia quickly mused at the appearance.




The slack given by what the woman was forced to put on made it both uncomfortable, and difficult to move in. The dissatisfaction in the entire appeal of what Aura had been given to wear for the occassion didn't match her at all. Fitted rather unceremoniously into a long sleeved cloud sweater, its stuffy material made it possible for an outing into the snowy evening. The black cotton skirt that covered all but her feet was something that mirrored a casual day for a highschool girl. With such clothes paired together, accompanying with black slip on shoes, Aura felt drastically out of place in what her Aid picked out for her. "I can not believe I agreed to this." the Bount couldn't help but refute what the girl stated. She felt more like being in highschool again, and not a set a memories that she wanted to venture down again.

Aura could only sigh with both anxiety, and disbelief on what the ongoing shenanigans that her Aid had brought on. Her black hair well-kepted and combed to the back of the womans body, keeping any of the loose bangs away from her deep red eyes. The pointed ears that the Bount had were easily able to keep much of the side bangs tucked away to freely expose the womans face without hinderance as she readied herself to leave the safety of her chaffeurs. It hadn't been long since Aura would be left on her own, seeing that the information given to her from Leon made it certain that the other Bounts will have to keep their distance. At least, to not provoke the woman.

To think that the man Aura came to know a bit about found himself infatuated by a Human woman, and one such as the Fullbringer. It wasn't unheard of for their kind to mingle with the Humans, often making use of them to procreate, or some other activities. Whether it involved some involvement in terms of business or pleasure, it wasn't strange at all. Not at all. What made it foreign to Aura was Leons history, given the details that he had shared with both Eris and herself, Aura found the pace to be rather suspicious. So, her curiousity got to her. Who could be the woman that drew his attention so much so that the man almost seemed to be a difference person. Men often don't pick up on those settle details, unlike women, so Aura wanted to investigate this herself.

While the Bount information network could pull up some information on the woman, from what they can find at the very least, being someone who leads Xcution now was a meeting to be involved with in person. Besides, there was a possibility that there can be someone benefit to it all as well. "You're on Mistress."

Huh?

Aura didn't hear the conversation of what was ongoing with her Aid and her phone. The details that were caught on was that the Fullbringer made the venture towards the downtown area of Karakura. A location often sought out for leisure and shopping, something that Humans came to do so when taking their minds away other matters. The fall of small snowflakes around the Bount made the entire scenario nostalgic. A time that she laughed so much with her school friends not too long ago. Years actually, but images and laughter that she could still hear and see clearly. A time that Aura wanted to be Human, and to spend her time in that world. But, that Aura died. She didn't exist anymore, so carrying on with that would only weigh her down. Occupied with useless thoughts. After getting kicked out of her own vehicle the Bount proceeded through the crowd of Humans, recognizing a face among them by the details. Long wavy golden hair. Sapphire eyes. Creamy skin. Features that matched so much that the Bount laughed when she spotted the Fullbringer, not recognizing how close to her she was when she did so.

"My my, you are as he said, Ms. Sanamizu. Nearly to the most subtle detail." Aura commented aloud, giving the space between the two spiritually aware beings. "Leon must have certainly kept you in mind so much that it was simple to recognize you among the people here. A pleasure to find you here. I am Aura Kykuetsuki." a small smile formed, plastered over the neutral expression that the Bount once held.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Shizuka closed her eyes and took a moment to appreciate the weather. It wasn't often that she was able to enjoy the snow like this since she was stuck inside a lot of the time. A smile spread on her face, serene in appearance and calm in feeling. Her breath was slow as she meditated for only a short time. The sounds of the bustle around her distracted her in a pleasant way, flooding her ears with casual city sounds and various voices. This was nice. These were the moments she looked forward to the most. And in only a short amount of time, she'd be able to just be normal for once and enjoy herself.

"My my, you are as he said, Ms. Sanamizu. Nearly to the most subtle detail."

Shit, she thought, getting startled by the sudden feminine voice that made its way into her mind from the outside. She jumped a bit, not having any ounce of energy sensory to even remotely be able to tell that anyone had snuck up on her. After blinking a few times to somehow wipe the surprise out of her eyes, Shizuka first looked the complete wrong direction before finally locking her gaze with another woman. She was... adorable. Eyes still wide, Shizuka felt her face get warm when she couldn't help but give the woman a very detailed lookover. The sweater, the skirt, even the shoes all matched perfectly and accentuated parts of her that the Fullbringer felt somewhat jealous about.

"Leon must have certainly kept you in mind so much that it was simple to recognize you among the people here. A pleasure to find you here. I am Aura Kyuketsuki."

"Leon?"

Realization slapped its way across Shizuka's face when she put two and two together. This person, Aura, with her pointy ears and general stature, was clearly a Bount. The fact that she knew Leon also made that connection very simple, and Shizuka found herself trying to think back to whether or not he'd ever said Aura's name before. Did he? Maybe not... wait. Did he? Shizuka kept doubting her own memory as she found it almost impossible to not continue checking Aura out. She was so stupidly weak to beautiful people. And what if she noticed?! Oh my god, what if she DID notice?! Panicking, Shizuka played with her hair nervously and struggled to keep her focus off Aura as she made an attempt to speak properly.

"U-um, if you know him, then that must mean you're also like him, right? I mean, obviously not exactly the same, or like, you're not a Fullbringer like me. Oh, unless you are! Wait. Are you?"

She was so embarrassed. This poor girl had a hard enough time when she first met people like Aura and thought she'd be able to grow out of it, but that would just never happen. Shizuka sighed, pinched the bridge of her nose between her index finger and thumb, and did her best to calm down. There was no reason for her to have such a difficult time being normal. With her free hand, she put her other index finger up, signaling for Aura to give her a minute to collect her thoughts. She probably thought Shizuka was a complete idiot. This was great. What a fantastic first impression towards someone who knows Leon, of all people.

"I'm sorry. Let me start over. It's kind of flattering that Leon speaks so much about me that you knew who I was just based on what I looked like..." With a more prominent blush, Shizuka shyly smiled at the thought of the man. She was suddenly hit with a very strong desire to see him. "But I never expected to run into someone like you here. Are you particularly busy? Or maybe this was just a coincidence and you were also out on your own errands?" She paused for a moment, furrowed her brows, then looked at Aura with a curious face. "Wait, what has Leon said about me?"

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

Is this girl a complete idiot?

That was technically the first thought that ran through the Bounts head as she vividly took into her sights, what would be portrayed as being at "war with yourself" phase of what the Fullbringer was doing. Aura knew what Humans were like from her prior engagements as playing the part as a Human years ago, learning the subtles and the in-betweens that weren't among the obvious. From witnessing the utter stupidity of their antics to that of sheer brilliance, what Aura saw unfolding in front of her was meaning towards the prior rather than the latter. "Yes, I am much like Leon, if not more than he is should you know what I mean." Aura closed the distance, walking with nothing but time on her hands to bask in the presence of someone who had the man weaved around their finger so much. Was this his sort of woman that he preferred?

Traits that Aura took a mental note of when speaking to the woman, letting her speak before responding herself. Stating of what Aura was emphasized that there were other Bounts within the city, especially one being more foregoing the secrecy of what she was to someone so new to her. From what Leon had spoken of about Shizuka, mentioning "She was a cool girl" being that someone who didn't particular care about the details. So, opening a bit about herself wasn't something that Aura saw as an issue. "I'm sorry. Let me start over. It's kind of flattering that Leon speaks so much about me that you knew who I was just based on what I looked like..." Aura laughed, breaking the neutrality in her expression upon listening. "Oh, do not fret over such things. With how he speaks about you, I was assuming that you two were already in union with each other. So, when I was about my business here and saw someone that matched such descriptions, I had to see for myself." the Bount chuckled lightly.

It was amusing that the Fullbringer was tossing and turning whilst standing, wrestling with thoughts that Aura could only assume were of a variety. More so before being able to add on to what she was asked of before, Shizuka went on from the topic to a tangent. It caught the woman by surprise for the moment, although reasonable when thinking about it a moment later. "But I never expected to run into someone like you here. Are you particularly busy? Or maybe this was just a coincidence and you were also out on your own errands?" She paused for a moment, "Wait, what has Leon said about me?"

"Oh, nothing much to be honest. Merely the details of your first meeting and your little excursion on a particular night. As someone who watches over him I had to know a little bit whom he has such entanglements with." The pair were side by side when Aura spoke, treading around the woman as she spoke softly with only brief emphasis on their night out. A little story that didn't provide much details aside from a simple dinner and a walk through stores. Not much that Aura looked too deeply into aside from what Leon shared with her. The Bount race in Karakura was to remain a secret to keep Soul Society from knowing. There had to be some secrecy in such information. However-

"But do not fret, he has nothing but praise in his words for you so much so that I found myself spending more time outside now in such areas, hoping to find such a specific person. So I am pleased that my time here has been fruitful given I have found the 'light in his world." Aura couldn't help but give a fangy smile when completing her round about of Shizuka. The difference of their hair was of that of night and day, transitioning from where the light complimented the Fullbringers hair with a heavenly shine of the twilight hour, to that of Auras black hair that glimmered with the dim lighting of the coming night. "And do not worry yourself, I wouldn't wish to know if you two have done more than the details he gave to me, nor would I be against it. After all, why would I if this is the first time I have seen him smile as such."

The crowd of Humans that were passing was steadily growing, turning over for those to work and for those to return home approached. Foot traffic grew with the two opposites in color stood in parallel to each other. Aura smiled, pulling her hanging bang over her pointed ear, "I am not busy seeing as what I came here for is in front of me now, so, shall we take this to another place." Aura proclaimed, suggesting to move to Shizukas pace rather than her own. An opportunity for the two opened itself, earnestly providing the women to go about what business needed to get done at their own pace as for them, the day was still young despite the hour.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Leon's clear kindness made Shizuka feel butterflies in her tummy. She liked the time alone that they'd had, wishing she could have more moments like that. He was unique to her but gave her a sense of familiarity that she couldn't let go of. Aura's interest in the Fullbringer also made her feel a bit uneasy, but not in a bad way. It was more that Shizuka was coming to terms with the fact that she had a type, and she was getting very nervous very quickly. Even thinking about Leon was starting to fade a bit as she watched Aura speak and walk around her, obviously somewhat sizing up Shizuka.

She felt the blood rush to her face as her cheeks became pink again. Aura was dazzling in her own right. Shizuka's awkward, nervous smile was all she could stand to do when the Bount became too close, and she found herself taking a very deep breath to try to center herself before she said something completely idiotic. The only thing that broke her from her internal focus that she was so desperate to keep was Aura continuing on, saying something that sounded like a quote from Leon about Shizuka being the 'light in his world.' Was that true?

"And do not worry yourself, I wouldn't wish to know if you two have done more than the details he gave to me, nor would I be against it. After all, why would I if this is the first time I have seen him smile as such."

The blonde laughed a bit, trying to fight off the nerves she was feeling. "Oh! No, no, no! It's totally fine! It's not like that! I mean, not that I would.. be against... um. Anyway..."

Shizuka trailed off a bit, averting her gaze to literally anything else. She was caught in a very difficult spot right now. She was forcing herself to think about how Leon liked her enough to openly talk about her with other people, and yet she was also entirely distracted by how absolutely beautiful Aura was. She really didn't need to make this so complicated for herself. She could admire from afar, and she was fine with that. She had no problem controlling herself around people like Aura. But she did have to admit how hard the Bount was making things just by being cute.

"I am not busy seeing as what I came here for is in front of me now, so, shall we take this to another place."

Oh thank god, she said something. With a more genuine smile and an excited sparkle in her eye, Shizuka nodded and accepted the offer. She took her phone out and quickly texted Celes saying that she'd met up with another friend and would keep her posted on where they were going. After a brief look around the area, Shizuka pulled up a map and checked on which shops were still open. That was her plan for the evening, anyway. She'd wanted to shop a little. Seeing that the majority of them were closing late, she reached behind Aura, placed her left hand against the Bount's back, and gave a little nudge before pulling her hand away again.

"I have a few things I wanted to pick up. Another girl friend of mine is going to meet us later, but she's good people. I hope you don't mind." She started walking down the sidewalk, spotting a Loft outlet just a block away from where they were. "I've gotten into buying some business casual clothes for work and all, and I'm in the market of getting a few new pairs of pants and some cute blouses. Maybe you can let me know how I look in them?"

No ulterior motive. Shizuka always valued the opinions of others, and Aura had no reason to give her any white lies since they had just met. At least if she tried anything on, the Bount could be quick with her thoughts and tell Shizuka to either buy it or try something else. And the only thing that Shizuka hoped for was to see Aura in an adorable dress. Cupping her own cheek with her left hand, she imagined how the girl must look in different types of clothes. She was like a doll, and Shizuka was struggling to keep most of this suffocated.

"Oh, Aura, before I forget - you have such a formal way of speaking. As you can tell, I definitely don't. Are you open to talking about what your day-to-day looks like?"

[Celes Castellanos]

A soft yawn escaped Celes' lips as the lime-haired Shinigami walked down the sidewalk. The past few days were an incredibly busy time for the Captain of the Tenth. Among the countless shift rotations that seemed to be taking place, field exercises, questions from her superiors about the sudden disappearance of Aoshi, and a nearly two-day-long party due to the recent promotion of Benjiro, Celes was exhausted. Now she was here, in Karakura, but not on official business. No, quite the opposite. Today, she had been invited to clothes shopping with Shizuka Sanamizu, CEO of XCution. Needless to say, it was an offer that she had not been expecting in the slightest.

The very idea would likely have been preposterous to most other Shinigami, but Celes was different. She had built a friendship with the Fullbringer woman and felt that she could use a bit of R&R. After getting some of her affairs in order, and calling in a few favors, Celes had been ready to go. After adopting a gigai and traveling to the Human World, the Shinigami was on her way to XCution headquarters. Given the cold weather, the girl had bundled up. Wearing a black sweater under a grey coat, a pair of white pants, winter boots, a cream-colored scarf and hat, this was anything unlike what the Captain of Soul Society normally wore. Nevertheless, it was a pretty cute combination.

After a few minutes, Celes finally found herself at the foot of the stairs which led to XCution headquarters. It had been a while since she had been here. Not since she rekindled her friendship with Shizuka. Not since she told the girl of her problem with an Inner Hollow. Letting out another soft sigh, trying hard not to think about her unwanted tenant, Celes walked up the stairs and pushed the doors open. Almost immediately, a comfortable warmth touched Celes' skin. The heater ensured that the building was comfortable for everyone inside. The girl looked around, skimming the room for that familiar blonde hair. After a few moments, she found nothing. "Didn't she say that I should meet her here?", Celes briefly pondered.

It was around this moment that the Captain felt a slight buzzing in her pocket. Sifting through and grabbing hold of her phone that she had recently purchased, Celes flipped it open. Seems she had a text. "Ah. Must be Shizuka.", she softly muttered to herself. Scrolling through her apps and finding her texts, Celes' eyes skimmed the message. She let out a soft huff and closed her eyes. "Seriously...? You left without me? Ugh, that bitch..", she mused to herself with mild annoyance. Reading the rest of the message, she hummed, "A loft outlet, huh?"

Quietly nodding her head, Celes pivoted on her heel and made her way out of the building. As her boots lightly crushed the light snowfall that stuck to the ground, she put away her phone and stared down the street. In truth, Celes had no idea what a loft outlet. The name of a store perhaps? Oh well, it seemed that the girl had been left to her own devices. Lightly cracking her knuckles, Celes let out a deep breath and placed her hand right above her right breast. She could feel a sigil burn with energy against her skin. She nodded, "Good. Still intact." With that, Celes quickly vanished from sight.

Dashing through streets with supernatural speed, she kept her eyes open for this outlet. Thankfully, it wouldn't take long and the girl suddenly materialized in front of the store. The bright pink lights just above the entrace read, Loft Outlet. Shrugging her shoulders, Celes pushed the door open as a familiar warmth touched her again. She let out a comfortable sigh. Almost immediately, she found herself approached by a woman who spoke in a cheerful tone, "Welcome to Loft Outlet. Can I help you find anything today, Ma'am?" Celes blinked and took a brief step back, raising her hands as she laughed nervously. "I- uh... n- not right now. I'm just waiting on someone for the moment. Thank you, though." The woman simply smiled back and nodded her head before walking around to tend to other customers. For now, Celes would have a look around and try to track down Shizuka.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Celes' Current Outfit}

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

"I- uh... n- not right now. I'm just waiting on someone for the moment. Thank you, though."

Shizuka's ears perked up at the sound of a familiar voice. The air wafting into the store was her first clue that someone had arrived, but the real hint was actually in the soft, feminine tone that had blessed her ears several times before. By this time, the Fullbringer had already picked up a few shirts and some pairs of pants with the intention of trying them on, so she passed them off to an attendant before working her way through the maze of displays. A variety of sweaters in every color was inevitably shoved out of the way as the blonde approached the door, completely cutting off any further interaction between the employee and her friend.

"Celes!" Shizuka screamed, excitedly. "You made it! You got my texts! You're here!"

She closed the distance between the two of them, waving the store employee off in dismissal. With hopes that Aura wasn't too far away since they had been having a conversation, Shizuka hugged Celes tightly and appreciated the softness of her scarf as it touched the skin on the blonde's cheek. A wave of calm washed over her, as if something had been lifted so quickly just by being able to see her friend again. Shizuka smiled and finally let go, still holding Celes' arms. She turned back towards Aura and waved again, though this time it was an invitation. In the middle of Loft, Shizuka was going to introduce them to each other.

"Celes, this is Aura. We just met, but she's adorable and we're best friends. She just doesn't know it yet." Looking back at Aura, she reversed the introduction. "Aura, this is Celes. She's the friend I said was going to meet us. I hope you don't mind the company, but I was originally planning for today to be her and me going shopping. I'm glad you stuck around with me, though."

There was a nagging sensation in the back of Shizuka's mind that she was likely annoying Aura since they only just met and she was still acting like her usual self. She couldn't help it, though. She was always this informal and it usually went well for her, but getting insecure and caught up in her thoughts wasn't going to help anything. So, with everything she could muster, she managed to push aside the negativity for the moment and focus on the fact that she was still hanging out with two super cute girls, and that one of them was very likely to reciprocate the excitement Shizuka felt.

Too much time had passed since she'd been able to feel normal about herself. She was still very unsure. She wasn't comfortable with trusting people. Aura knowing Leon made Shizuka feel very medium in general, even if it made complete sense because they both were Bounts. She wanted to hear more about what Leon had said, if anything, and suddenly felt herself grow very introverted very quickly. Hoping the two of them may have things to talk about, Shizuka chose not to respond unless they spoke directly to her for the moment. Actually, she found herself also wishing that Leon had come along with Aura. Maybe having him around would have made things more comfortable and she wouldn't be overthinking.

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

"I have a few things I wanted to pick up. Another girl friend of mine is going to meet us later, but she's good people. I hope you don't mind." Well, she certainly was perky, and energetic. Is this what Leon said about the girl being a bit forward about her mannerisms? It didn't seem that way to the Bount being perhaps a woman that made the perspective of Shizuka a tad different. From the conversation that the Bount had with her fellow Bount, Leon explained various details about the Fullbringer, being the CEO of Xcution being one of them. Rumors of the group were of many, difficult to miss when operating in the shadows as they did. A larger information network made it possible to uncover much of who the group was, although its members were many. Narrowing down as to who was who would take more time.

Xcution, an assassination guild of sorts that took on missions on behest of those looking to hire them. In front of the Bount was of the one who stood on the very top of the organization, being brought down her pillar from where Shizuka stood as is. The two didn't compare at all with Aura being recently new to the position of leadership. Yet, there was more to it judging from what Leon described the woman to be. This detail was more comedic than anything, and bizarre. She heard of such things people having an interest for, but, to this degree then perhaps- "Oh, Aura, before I forget - you have such a formal way of speaking. As you can tell, I definitely don't. Are you open to talking about what your day-to-day looks like?"

"Huh, wha-....eeehhhhhhhhhhh~"

Much to Aura's own surprise that she was being swept off of her own feet to follow the pace of someone else. Too much in thought that the girl didn't realize that her feet were already moving and running along the sidewalk towards the stores. Her head darted side to side to get a grasp of the situation. More in shock than anything else that she didn't know her voice nearly squealed back to when she came to. Even finding it difficult for the right words to come out in response to Shizuka's earlier question. "I um...That is.. What?" A dress was flung up into the air after another, shifting between brands that Aura had no idea existed. Time in the Covenant, within the underground Citadel, seemed to have greatly altered the Bounts sense of time. Too much time perhaps.

Rearranging operation groups, recruiting new Bounts, managing the Club on the upper levels, training, organizing, the mountains of paperwork, despite having a staff that worked under her, and Nadia on much of Aura's errands, there was little to no time to go out and actually shop for materials. One such activities, or errands, for Nadia to do was shopping. A group of Bounts would tailor what the girl returned with, and adjust it to Aura's specifications, which was what she normally wore. What brand, or fashion sense was completely beyond Auras ability to make a decision, let alone know what is currently in favor. Actually, this showed along the ditzy expression that the Bount was completely lost in, nearly panicking from the options. When did she ever panic this much on something so little?

There was not a moment to spare, at least not with the Fullbringer. How did Leon actually keep up with this lunatic? Yes, Aura wasn't the most physically capable when it came to mobility at this level. The hectic scattering about from one place to another without much thought was not something she was really accustomed to. Planned, coordinated movements were more her thing. Not this lunacy. And before Aura could even respond back Shizuka was already on the move. "Huh-" Already the woman was on the move to terrorize another individual. Brushing through the piles of clothing she made her move onto another individual, with Aura following some distance away with a lighter tread. She didn't hear much, but even Aura can see that the Gold Retriever was of familiar acquaintance with the stranger. Huh.

"Celes, this is Aura. We just met, but she's adorable and we're best friends. She just doesn't know it yet." Looking back at Aura, she reversed the introduction. "Aura, this is Celes. She's the friend I said was going to meet us. I hope you don't mind the company, but I was originally planning for today to be her and me going shopping. I'm glad you stuck around with me, though."

Firstly, this woman dragged her around in this uncoordinated rant in both talk and movement with little care about decency, or personal space. Secondly, pushing much of these clothes onto a person who has no idea about what any of the marketing options are in the store. What is even going on anymore? A nerve was felt being pulled mentally at the back of the Bounts head, finding the slowing pace now a bit of a relief from what was before, finally introduced to the individual that Shizuka was met to arrive with. Aura dragged her red irises from Fullbringer onto the acquaintance, dipping her form as she did with Shizu. "Well now, it is a pleasure to meet a close friend of Ms. Sanamizu. I am Aura Kyuketsuki. And it is a pleasure to meet you." Although the greeting was simple, Aura couldn't help but extend her Sensory out to find out more about this woman.

More information was needed.

[Celes Castellanos]

Not even a few moments passed between the Shinigami began looking for her companion, and the familiar blond making her way over to her. "Celes!", Shizuka screamed on her warpath. Suddenly, a slight blush crept up the Shinigami's cheeks as Shizuka practically made a scene. "You made it! You got my texts! You're here!" The Captain merely nodded in response as Shizuka's arms wrapped around her and pulled into a hug. It wouldn't have been difficult for Celes to resist, given her physical prowess, but she saw no reason to stop Shizuka.

Returning the hug, Celes chuckled and responded softly, "Yeah. I dropped by XCution, but I guess I was too slow this time.", she mused. Shortly after, as Shizuka withdrew, the girl was swiftly introduced to somebody completely foreign to her. "Celes, this is Aura. We just met, but she's adorable and we're best friends. She just doesn't know it yet." Before Celes even had a chance to respond, the Shizuka swiftly took the initiative. "Aura, this is Celes. She's the friend I said was going to meet us. I hope you don't mind the company, but I was originally planning for today to be her and me going shopping. I'm glad you stuck around with me, though."

Gently pushing herself away from Shizuka, Celes' eyes shifted to Aura. "Thank you for the introduction, Shizuka, but I do have a voice.", the Shinigami teased. It seemed that the other girl agreed, as she introduced herself anew. "Well now, it is a pleasure to meet a close friend of Ms. Sanamizu. I am Aura Kyuketsuki. And it is a pleasure to meet you." As Aura formally greeted Celes with what appeared to be a bow, or a curtsy of sorts, the Captain was immediately intrigued. "A little ol' fashioned, hmm? Oh well, all the same..."

Taking a few steps forward, Celes extended her hand and spoke softly, "Aura, huh. It's a pleasure." Celes paused for one moment, giving Aura the choice to grab her hand or not. It didn't matter ultimately as Celes continued, "As Shizuka noted, my name is Celes. Any friend of Shizuka is alright in my book~", she noted cheerfully. Taking a moment to study Aura, the Shinigami took note of her scarlet eyes. It was rare quality, having only seen it in Camila and in her own student, Kimiko. "Intriguing...", the girl thought to herself.

As Aura opened up her sensory towards Celes, it likely would not be difficult to read the girls' reiatsu. On the surface, Celes' Shinigami signature was extremely noticeable if Aura was familiar with it. The color of her reiatsu was a bright, vibrant green. Even Celes' reiatsu felt extremely soothing, and even warm to the touch, for those that sensed it. Even despite her difficulties of late, Celes could not hide her true nature. However, beneath the gentle waves of green reiatsu, another signature loomed. Far more faint, but noticeable if Aura dug deeper. The traces of maroon which lingered deep in her soul... was Hollow reiatsu.

After her greeting, Celes shifted to look at Shizuka. Clapping her hands together, Celes spoke with a little more pep, "So! We looking for anything specific? Any events? Formal? Casual?" It had been so long since the green-haired Shinigami had gone shopping so she needed to develop a plan. She wasn't all too familiar with Shizuka's tastes so this would be a good time to learn. Then there was Aura. Celes really didn't know a thing about her. Hell, she wasn't even sure if the woman was spiritually aware or just some random person who Shizuka met on the street. Not that it mattered, but the Captain was nothing if not curious...

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

The willingness that Celes had to be so friendly to a stranger made Shizuka jealous. It took the Fullbringer a significant amount of effort to put forth a friendly façade, despite the fact that she was still being genuine. Over the years, she found herself able to overcome most of her discomfort when it came to meeting new people, so that was why it was so easy for her to act like it didn't bother her. What she couldn't shake was the fear of judgment. She found that it was better if she judged first, though she always gave people the opportunity to change her mind. Well, she gave them several opportunities. Maybe that was why she found herself so comfortable with Shinigami these days?

That was an interesting conflict in and of itself, too. She was taught from a young age that they are never to be trusted. Her aunt had a lot of expectations of her niece, and that made Shizuka feel like she had to always be the best. If there were ever a time when she found she was less than, she made efforts to fix that as quick as possible. During their weekly calls together, her Aunt Momo never failed to tell Shizuka how proud she was, noting on the path the Fullbringer had chosen in life and how far she'd come in such a short time. This was a sentiment that Shizuka always made a point of commenting on, stating that it had actually been much longer than she realized. Thirteen years are a lot of years, after all.

Back in reality, though, she smiled at her friends and thanked whatever deity was listening that she could have people in her life who didn't pressure her or look for anything from her aside from genuine friendship and love. Aura may have been new to this, but she had hopes that she could win the girl over. She seemed agreeable, so the only fear available to focus on was the possibility that Aura was faking it the entire time. Even though that could be an option, Shizuka pushed the thought out of her mind and instead decided to focus on Celes' voice as she asked her question, making sure to snap back to reality just in time to think about how she wanted to answer.

"So! We looking for anything specific? Any events? Formal? Casual?"

"I'm open to whatever! I was planning on doing a little general retail therapy today anyway, so I don't have a preference. I was thinking maybe some more clothes for work? But I also wanted to see if Aura was open to trying a few things on. She's so tiny. I'd love to see her in dresses since she looks so cute now."

Her comments were expressed more matter-of-factly rather than flirtatiously, and she was careful not to make it sound like anything other than a simple observation of the Bount. She knew how she could get, and she was already feeling nervous around this girl, so the last thing she wanted to do was create any amount of awkwardness between them. Casually walking back to the racks, she fiddled with the idea of prying a little further for a couple of reasons, because she really wanted to get back to their previous conversation, as well. She was curious about what Leon had said, especially after what happened not too long before now, since he seemed to be expressing rather positive sentiments. But she also wanted to know about something else.

"Aura," she said, sifting through some blouses and occasionally showing some to Celes for approval. "Do you know a guy named Luke Clyburn, by chance? Probably a long shot, but I was curious. Not that it should matter a whole lot, I guess, but he disappeared a long time ago, and maybe I'm being presumptuous, but I figured you all would try to find each other for a sense of community. I know I've tried that, but without many Fullbringers here, I've gotten lucky enough to find people like Celes, and even Leon, who can give me that warm, fuzzy feeling instead."

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

Shinigami. Here? Something that the girl didn't wish to come into contact with was being in a vicinity with one of their kind. How long had it been since contact was made with a Shinigami? Months? Years? Aura couldn't put her finger when was her last encounter with one of the guardians to Soul Society, finding one casually running about in what Aura could believe it to be a Gigai. A tool that Shinigami utilize when wanting to physically come into contact with the individuals of the World of the Living. One of the many tools that the Shinigami make use of if not discard for a superior version. The information that Aura had on Soul Society was certainly first hand, although much of it was quite possibly out dated.

Thanks to her Energy Sensory, Aura picked up a lot of different details about Celes, having a level of caution now added to her own mental note. The soft green aura matched the gentle, yet alluring, shade of green of the womans hair. Much like her own uniqueness in eye color, so did the green of the woman stood out above all else. At least, at the moment it did. Aura did take a moment before accepting the Celes hand, cordially completing the introduction ceremony between two new individuals. To put herself in a position of what Aura was, something that she didn't wish for the Shinigami to learn about, considering the the history of the two races, and their own perspectives. The Shinigami were the the enemy. The clasp of hands were met, tangled in the others warmth. Was there any reason why Aura had to make contact beyond-

The crimson eyes widened, seeing something beyond the calm green....

It looked back at her.

Hollow

Not really knowing what was there despite its clarity, the instinctive reaction to pull her hand away wasn't something that the Bount could withhold at the moment. It was but a moment, yet Aura was force to react, and add to the momentary dilemma. "I apologize Miss Celes. My...." Think of something. Anything. Essentially what came across the Bounts mind when looking back for an excuse. Something that girls were into. Something..... ...nails... I had them touched...the day before. I did not want to scrap them against your skin." she uttered sheepishly in a low tone. Honestly, her nails? That was what she could come up with as an excuse? Aura really did lack modern day knowledge that made her look like an utter moron. How shameful.

"So! We looking for anything specific? Any events? Formal? Casual?"

Luckily, the ball was taken off of her side of the court, and thrown it immediately to Shizukas side. Apparently, the Fullbringer was more adapt in the selection of clothing, pertaining more to - But I also wanted to see if Aura was open to trying a few things on. She's so tiny. I'd love to see her in dresses since she looks so cute now." Eh? Aura nearly blurted out in surprise. "Myself? the Bount responded in question once again, watching the pair of women moozey on over towards another section of clothing. Shizuka did often remind Aura of a young girl, playing dress up, as many did in the Citadel. Playing with toys and dressing them in the many outfits that could be purchased at the proper retailers. While amusing to see and observe, it was not so much when she was the Doll now being played with. This was annoying.

"Aura," Shizuka said, sifting through some blouses and occasionally showing some to Celes for approval. "Do you know a guy named Luke Clyburn, by chance? Probably a long shot, but I was curious. Not that it should matter a whole lot, I guess, but he disappeared a long time ago, and maybe I'm being presumptuous, but I figured you all would try to find each other for a sense of community. I know I've tried that, but without many Fullbringers here, I've gotten lucky enough to find people like Celes, and even Leon, who can give me that warm, fuzzy feeling instead. Aura's eyebrow perked, finding the topic moving onto an area that caught the Bount by surprise.

So, she knows Mr. Clyburn.

Something pinched. Aura couldn't recognize what it was, but she for certainly felt it pinch something in her chest. Whilst looking at the new rack of clothing, what drew the girls eye was to that of her own bosom. No particular reason, but with a hint of astounishment at what the sensation could have been. The girl felt it before years ago, yet could not recall how or why. So why? "I know of a Mr. Clyburn. He frequents my establishment from time to time to relax. So, to say I know of such a man.....then a degree, yes." Aura responded, lacking the eye contact as her fingers re-continued with exploring the same rack as the woman, leaning towards the adjacent. "As to what community with him I am not certain of. For what I know of him is someone who is not trust worthy." the girl mentioned with a hint of bitterness in her tone. She didn't like it as she could recall such a past, furrowing her brow in discontent at the memories.

Aura shook her head to remove the thoughts that hindered her reasoning for being present, running her fingers through the variety of dresses. She didn't want to remember. They were not her own to begin with. So, why did that feeling struck her as such. "Finding a sense of community with your own is certainly difficult, yet not impossible. You merely require the insight as to where to look, Ms. Sanamizu." her fingers ran along the isle until stopping at a particular, daring black one piece, just as she stopped speaking.

[Kitai Yoru]

Shizuka: 26 paragraphs, one 20% boost awarded towards a thread with either Aura or Celes in it
Aura: 27 paragraphs, one 20% boost awarded towards a thread with either Shizuka or Celes in it
Celes: 12 paragraphs, one 10% boost awarded towards a thread with either Shizuka or Aura in it