But before that, I need something clean to change into, so my second order of business is to take Nariel shopping—outside an airport this time.
I haven’t shopped in Kyoto as much as Tokyo, but fortunately a quick conversation in Japanese with the ryokan staff points me in the right direction, even with all the festival preparations in the streets.
I strike out at finding nice sandals—my feet are too long for a lot of shoes here, so cleaning off my dirty boots it is. But while Nariel browses on his own, I do quick work at finding a cute short skirt with a basic top. In color, even. I don’t have the personality to pull off some of the more elaborate tops that are common in Japanese street fashion, but I can dress stylishly enough to not embarrass myself in front of Ayaka.
When I finish with my purchases, Nariel is waiting for me with a bag of his own.
I raise my eyebrows in mute query.
He raises his back in daring challenge.
I laugh and lead us back to the ryokan.
No time for the full hot spring treatment yet, but I clean up, get changed, and when I’m ready to leave, Nariel is waiting.
He’s still in mostly black, though he’s shifted his style subtly to match summer streetwear. His shirt flows a little differently, the jacket has longer, softer lines, and he’s added fancy sunglasses.
He looks, to put it mildly,extremelyhot. I give myself a moment to take a deep breath.
“Good look,” I say as casually as I can. “Love black for you.”
He grins, bending his sunglasses down to glance at me, and despite my best efforts that look zings through me powerfully. Goddammit he’s beautiful.
“I admit I’m surprised to see you in a skirt,” Nariel says. “I would’ve thought you’d consider them impractical.”
I shrug. “Not planning on getting into any fights until tomorrow, and even if I do, I still have my wand.”
This is in fact why I have a very light—August in Japan is no joke—sweater. Probably there’s no way to not embarrass Ayaka if I’m openly wearing a wand when I meet her.
Nariel nods thoughtfully, but I see a glint in his eye as he says, “I believe I have the perfect final touch for you.”
And then he floats a hat onto my head.
I burst out laughing.
I glance in the mirror and decide he’s right. It is perfect.
So is he.
We meet Ayaka in a fancy dessert café she picked out in the Gion district of Kyoto. She’s clearly taken the train directly from work and looks sharp in a classy blouse, pencil skirt, extremely tall stilettos, and perfect makeup. Even her shoulder-length black hair looks fresh from a straightener, mysteriously untouched by the humidity of Japanese summers.
Here’s what I know about Ayaka Takahashi. She’s about my age, from somewhere more rural but can afford to live in Tokyo. She’s a woman killing it in the business world despite a lot of cultural sexism still in the workplace, and you don’t succeed to the degree she has unless you’re ruthlessly determined, really fucking clever, and with nerves and a will of steel.
That last is what I’m really counting on.
The other parts might be what gets me into trouble.
Ayaka smiles as she arrives at our table, gracefully taking a seat. “Sierra, it’s been too long,” she greets me in Japanese. “I was so glad to be able to meet you today.”
This is subtle code for: My time is valuable, and you’d better have a good reason for me to come out here on such short notice.
“It has been a long time, hasn’t it?” I reply in Japanese and bow slightly. “I’m so sorry you had to come so far. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule.”
A thing about training your brain to recognize and adapt to spell patterns is that, like programming, this translates fantastically into learning other languages. I’m at least passably competent in the languages for pretty much everywhere I’ve traveled a lot.
Understanding cultural nuances in how to employ those languages is something that I am much worse at, but Japan has so many power spots I’ve spent a lot of time here over the years.
“Oh no, it was no trouble at all,” Ayaka demurs, because what else is she going to say, but also I’ve done my part in conveying adequate gratitude so she doesn’t feel like she has to push it. Especially when she can instead put forth: “I didn’t know you would be bringing a friend! I think I’ve only ever seen you on your own, haven’t I?”
