destinystrings | (no subject)

Who: Mitsuru Kirijo and OPEN
Where: All around Cancer and Virgo districts
Summary: Christmas shopping, basically. More like Mitsuru failing at Christmas shopping.
Warnings: NOPE

Christmas was never that popular or had the same sort of sentiments in Japan as the rest of the world. But without school here and the Group's projects to worry about, maybe she can relax. Maybe even treat Christmas the same way as others do.

After all, her friends and SEES deserve something. They've dealt with a lot and maybe a gift or two wouldn't be such a bad idea.

The problem is just a matter of what. A cookware set might be good for Shinjiro, and with Aki's obsession with protein powder, that would be simple enough. But it should also be something special, shouldn't it? And she doesn't exactly have the funds like she used to back home, so not everything was an option.

Why is this harder than it looks?

((OOC: Hey guys, I've been kinda MIA so this is me trying to get back into things! Old CR and new are more than welcome))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A president doesn't need those! Well, she's never had them either. She looks up and turns to Mitsuru, hands stuffed in the front pocket of her hooded sweatshirt and a frown on her face.

"They...sell candy." This is a strange culture all right.

Clearly to hear, this is a taboo thing. Mitsuru can't help but be curious. Did she come from a land where selling goods was a bad thing? Was there any kind of economy there?

"How is it distributed in your home?"

She pulls herself away from the glass to look up at Mitsuru.

"Ha, candy is everywhere back home. Lakes of frosting, peppermint trees, racers...that's just how my world works. Pretty sweet, right?" Had to get that pun in there.

She smiles gently at the pun. It's more endearing than funny, but hey, it's a hell of a lot better than Junpei's wisecracks or Ikustuki's bad humour.

"Perhaps so. This city must be quite different than what you are used to. Are you adjusting well?"

She looks so young. Hopefully she's not here alone.

Ah, a smile! Someone appreciates her humor.

"Me? Of course, of course..." She closes her eyes and gives a confident nod, but only a second later looks a bit uncertain and steps closer. "So, uh, how do you get this yen stuff everybody wants anyway?"

Somewhat understands it at least. So long as it isn't humour that's hitting on her, or slang and jargon she doesn't understand, she's good.

Mitsuru isn't quite ready to believe that. Although she isn't quite as good with social cues as Minako might be, but that quick dismissal was a little suspicious. But she won't bring it up now, just keep an eye on Vanellope for now.

"Yen is the name of the currency here. It's what the economy is revolved around and is used to pay for goods and services. Like the candy.

"Typically, it's earned through work. If you find a job and work for a certain amount of hours, you will get paid a specific, set amount in Yen."

She doesn't mind the company, at least. Mitsuru's not trying to imprison her in a dungeon or chase after her, so they're off to a good start. "Kind of like gold coins, I see."

She rubs her chin thoughtfully. "A job, huh. Shouldn't be too hard to find one of those, right? I'll get a job and get lots of yen!"

"It shouldn't. But just as a precaution, your age might be a hindrance. Not everyone is so willing to let children work for them." It's not meant to be a lecture, but she just wants to make sure Vanellope knows what she's getting into. It might be hard.

"But as a start, you could try and ask this shop's owner if he's looking to hire anyone." A candy shop shouldn't be too bad.

"Like I've got another choice? I'm president of my world, that should look good enough for a job!" Or make her look delusional and/or more like a child. "I'll beee right back..."

And after a brief exchange with the owner, she stomps out with dissatisfied scowl on her face.

President? That earns a raised eyebrow from Mitsuru. It must be a childish game of some sort. Yeah, that's it, Vanellope's just playing around.

But it doesn't take a genius to guess what had happened or what the owner said. "I wouldn't worry about it. There are plenty of establishments in the city and one will be able to hire you."

Provided they don't step on any child labour laws.

"That's right! He's crazy not to notice my potential. I learned how to drive in a day! If that's not a quality of a good employee, I don't know what is!"

Normally, she would agree, nod and help support Vanellope. But something catches her attention instead, and she can't help but stare at the girl because of it.

"You learned how to drive? How old are you?"

"Me? Nine years old! Gonna be celebrating the big one-zero pretty soon." She puffs out her chest proudly.

She knows what its like to be a child and have adults underestimate your abilities.

But she has to be kidding. Nine is just too young for something like being a president. "What exactly are you President of?"

"My world, Sugar Rush." She crosses her arms and smiles confidently. "Well, I'm supposed to be the princess, but that title's kind of old, plus I like the whole democracy thing. Less groveling and more racing."

It's hard to tell if this is an elaborate make-believe persona or not.

The possibility of it being a make-believe world is certainly tempting, but Mitsuru keeps a strong facade and her inner thoughts aren't reaching her face.

"I suppose that is... a fair and valid reason for wanting a different title." It's still awkward as hell though. She's just a kid!

"I know, right?" This is nice, having a normal, respectable conversation!