destinystrings | [Action] OPEN

Who: Akane Awakusu and OPEN
Where: All around the Virgo district
Summary: Akane is looking for a job.
Warnings: None

[Now that she's been here a few days, gotten settled, and started school, Akane is ready to take on yet another aspect of grown up life. Getting her first afterschool job.

Because, as it turns out, living on you own with just the government stipend is a little difficult. Especially if you don't really know how to cook and have to eat out all the time. And if you weren't lucky enough to have your clothing follow you here. It's okay though. She remains undaunted. Because in this world she has a chance to really help people out. And to live on clean, honest money.

That said, an honest living is proving to be sort of hard to come by. It might be easier to find a job if she had any experience whatsoever. Or maybe if she was available for more hours.(But school is important too.) Or maybe it would be easier if she wasn't ten. Most people want to hire grown ups. Or at least teenagers. But that's not stopping her.

So those of you who have jobs in the various shops of the Virgo district may notice a little girl walk up to the counter.]

Excuse me, I'm looking for a job. Do you need any extra help here?

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[Femi was just putting out a new tray of pastries when a little girl came up to the counter, not unusual given what was sold in the bakery, but she wasn't expecting an employment question.]

You're looking for a job? I mean, it's good to be so ambitious, but shouldn't you be out playing with friends or something? You're only young once!

[At Ichiban Market, the employees have pointed Akane to the manager, not sure what to do with a girl so young asking for work. They figure it's his job to let her down.

The door to his office in the back of the market is open, and smoke wafts out as he smokes a cigarette and looks over some budget paperwork. He looks up when someone approaches, but doesn't expect that question to come from a girl so young.]

Ah... Forgive me, but... How old are you?

Well, I know the government gives us some money, but it's not a whole lot. So the extra money would really help. I could even save some for emergencies.

[Having expected similar questions, she's put a lot of thought into that response. She's quite proud of it. It sounds very mature, right? ]

Ten...

[She's trying hard to straighten up and appear taller than she is.]

But I'll work really, really hard!

[Very mature! Sadly, Femi is more concerned with apparent age than maturity level and it shows in the look she gives the girl.]

Yes, I can understand that but...well, shouldn't you be living with someone? Isn't there anyone to take care of you?

[That said, she's still going through a mental checklist to see if there's anything that the little girl could do around the bakery.]

[Note to self, Nikolai: look up Hinoto-ri's child labor laws.

He smiles faintly.]

I am sure you would, but I'm not sure I can allow someone so young to work here. Why do you want a job? You should be taken care of as far as a home and food, and you'll have school to worry about.

[Her gaze drops to the floor self-consciously. And her fingers fidget with the hem of her skirt nervously.]

Um, I don't really know anyone here. It's okay though! I can manage on my own...

The money they give out isn't a whole lot. And I didn't bring that much with me when I came here...

[And she never learned how to cook either. Eating out all the time is pricey.]

And I want to make sure to earn an honest living! I need a job for that.

[This time everything she has will come from hard work and not dirty money.]

That is true... [Nik stamped out his cigarette, looking her over. She seemed very earnest.]

"An honest living"? Those are strong words coming from someone so young.

I- I know I'm just a kid, but I'm really serious about this! I want to prove that I can live an honest life, that you can be happy without stepping on other peoples' dreams.

[Because if she can do it, then so can her father and grandfather. They don't need dirty money from casinos and drugs and things.]

[She moved around the counter and offered the girl her hand]

My name is Femi Robinson and I'm willing to give you a job.

But I refuse to hire anyone whose name I don't know.

[It was said with...what she intended to sound like authority, but she didn't do a very good job at it and even smiled at the end.]

[She excitedly steps forward to shake hands.]

I'm Akane! Akane Awakusu. I promise I'll work really hard and thank you so much!

[She grins.]

It's nice to meet you, Akane, and you're welcome. I can't promise it'll always be exciting, but I'll do my best if you do yours.

Now, do you go to school?

[Because that is very important.]

I will! It's nice to meet you, too.

[She nods happily at the mention of school. She's pretty excited about it. Maybe this time she can make some real friends instead of kids who are only nice to her because they were told to be.]

Yes! I just started the other day, but it's been fun so far.

[Nik sighs a little, tapping his chin absently.] If you're that sure... Maybe there is something you can help with around here. What's your name?

It's Akane. Akane Awakusu.

[Looking oh-so-hopeful]

It's nice to meet you, Akane. My name is Nikolai Volkov. And... [Thinking, thinking.] What would you say to sweeping, or maybe arranging the shelves?

[She nods eagerly.]

I can do that! Thank you, Sir! Thank you so much!

[In her excitement, she jumps up and down, ruining her previous attempts at seeming mature.]

When can I start?

Let's give it till next week, so I can get the paperwork sorted. [And figure his way around child labor laws...] I suspect you will be at school during the daytime, so you may work for a few hours before closing.

Next week is fine! And thanks for understanding about school.

[He gives her a small smile.] Of course. And welcome aboard.

You won't regret it, Sir! I'll work really hard!

[Her excitement brings a smile to Femi's face, the enthusiasm of children was always contagious.]

Good! That does mean you'll have to do your homework, I wouldn't want you to start doing poorly because of this job.

[Listen to her older sister tone. It is serious business.]

[Action] OPEN

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I'm sorry for the late reply