1876/Dream Keys and Dream Eggs

Dream Keys and Dream Eggs
Date of Scene:	27 August 2016
Location:	Uminari City - Shopping Strip
Synopsis:	Flower Princess Needs Ice Cream, Badly. Nagihiko to the rescue! And to get rescued over an etiquette question.
Cast of Characters:	Haruka Haruno, Nadeshiko Fujisaki

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Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka is mildly melting, though her hair seems to be counter to that, flying away from her in a giant dandelion puff where it isn't contained by an aggressive, slubby braid. The Royal Faeries even seem to be melting in the heat, Puff draped heavily on one of Haruka's shoulders and Aroma perched atop her head like an absurd purple hat.

The Princess of Flowers is muttering to herself about the lack of fans- or anything to alleviate the heat- in the Verone dorms. Her absurd feathery headpiece is occasionally agreeing, with the dog-fairy on one of her shoulders just making pathetic whining noises occasionally. Because of the heat, Haruka is hunting for somewhere that is either air conditioned or has ice cream. So far, this is going... rather slowly. Mostly because it is ridiculously hot and she exhausted her ice water a while back, the bottle loosely held in one of her hands.

There's a distinct trio of grumbling voices when she drops it. It's almost too much effort in this heat to grab the thing.

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Nagihiko's enjoying the shopping strip. He has a small bag with that new skirt he'd been admiring, and now he's on the lookout for something to get Kukai.

Officially, he's using the excuse that Kukai got him that hanging charm while they were fighting. (It' still hanging in his room. And whichever room he decides to sleep in, he moves it there.) Really, he just wants to get Kukai something.

His sense of fashion is interesting that day. Jeans, nice sturdy boots, but his top leans more toward the feminine and there are bracelets that clink together on one wrist. And if one looked closer, the jeans wouldn't be found in the men's section, and the boots have clunky heels.

He peers into a window that promises quality sports equipment, but that seems...obvious. Getting him something clothing wise, especially if he leaned toward his own fashion sense, feels too much like trying to 'brand' Kukai.

He;s staying to the shadow of the buildings when he can. The heat itself doesn't bother him, he's grown up in stage makeup and the heat of those spotlights. But the sun can be cruel to his fair skin and putting make up over that hurts. (Plus there's the added incentive that Kukai worries about him and the sun.)

He pauses in front of a linen store and his cheeks grow a faint pink. That would be a bit...awkward, wouldn't it? Maybe a bit weird? But Kukai loves to sleep when he's able and he deserves to be comfortable...

He's passing a girl when a bottle slips from her hands. It's reflexive that he turns and grabs it before it hits the ground. Rhythm cheers and holds up a small placard that has a '10' written on it and Temari's applaud is ladylike indeed.

He looks up at the young girl, blinking a moment at the dandelion puff of hair and the fairies. But he's offering her a wide smile. "Heat's a bit brutal today, isn't it."

He straightens and offers the bottle over, perhaps enviously devoid of sweat on his face.

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Aroma's crest rises a little- he can see Rhythm, and he's squinting a little at the fairy-sized humanoid. Still, he's not commenting on it for the moment. Haruka thanks the young man, though she stammers a bit when she does so. "I- um. Thank you--" She glances at small duo, eyebrows going up slightly. Puff doesn't seem interested in doing much at all, and her tail flicks in a halfhearted attempt to wag.

"Um-- do you know if there's an ice cream place around? It's really hot, and I'm not used to big cities..." She looks utterly pathetic, and Puff's expression is nearly a match for Haruka's own. Aroma is just looking at the two Chara Guardians in surprise, feathers slicked-flat in preparation of flying off.

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
His smile is wide and friendly, and yes, very pretty. Bishie sparkles may come into effect, though Tadase is far more talented at using them. "You're welcome."

Rhythm notices Aroma's reaction. Fortunately for the flighty bird (haha) Temari has ahold of the back of the blue chara's shirt, leaving his little limps to pinwheel. Rhythm wants to hug!

Nagihiko's expression is one full of sympathy. Being hot stinks at the best of times. (And sometimes all too literally.)

"Specifically ice cream? I don't think so. But there's a place that serves good milkshakes. Though they call them ice cream smoothies there now. I think there's a story behind it." Another smile, and he tilts his head as he holds out his hand to help her up. "Plus, it seems to be a favored hangout of some magical people, so if your friends get into mischief there won't be more than a few raised eyebrows. Come on, my treat."

After all, he needs an excuse to pause! Coming back at the problem of what to get Kukai with refreshed eyes may help a lot.

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Those bishie sparkles just make her flush slightly. It honestly sort of reminds her of Prince Kanata, not that she'd say as much around Aroma, for fear of ruffling feathers. "I am fine with whatever as long as it's cold." Because it's not exactly like she can do what she did with Momoka and splash around in the river going through their hometown here.

The Flower Princess turns bright red, and both Puff and Aroma briefly get looks of alarm on their faces. "Ah...haha. How could you tell?" she asks, more than happy to follow Nagihiko's lead to the ice cream smoothie shop. Granted, the bright pink dog might have been a clue, but Puff is doing a better impression than usual of a stuffed animal! Haruka flashes a weary and embarrassed smile at Nagihiko. "I'm Haruka, by the way. Haruka Haruno. These two are Puff and Aroma."

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
He laughs. "Well, it's an arcade, really. But it also has air conditioning."

He leads the way and his his eyes twinkle in mischief. "Because Rhythm is trying to get at your avian friend for hugs. Though I suspect he's the least likely to welcome them, knowing his luck."

Once she's up and walking with him, he slips his hands in his pockets. "Nagihiko Fujisaki. And this is Temari and Rhythm." He looks to Puff and Aroma. "If one of you gladly accept hugs, could you let him know? Otherwise I'll do my best to keep him at bay, but." He shrugs his shoulders.

Haruka Haruno has posed:
"Puff will accept hugs when she's not melting-pafu..." Puff mumbles from Haruka's shoulder. Aroma just looks ruffled and fixes Rhythm with the stink eye of a thousand skunks. Haruka visibly perks at the comment about air conditioning.

"Air conditioning and milkshakes? I think I might not wilt after all!" Aroma groans at the pun, earning a small, dirty chuckle from Haruka. "Both of them are so adorable! I will totally give them both hugs when we get there." Haruka hangs on to her water bottle with a crooked smile on her face. Air conditioning! Yay! She's not going to melt like chocolate in the sun!

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Rhythm's arms raise in victory. "Yay! You're awesome!"

Temari notices the stink eye and gets in front of Rhythm. Aroma's stink eye is met with Temari's glinting eyes. The ones that promise a thumping!

Nagihiko chuckles as he leads her into the arcade, the sudden burst of cool air very welcome against his relatively dry skin. "Come on, the diner's upstairs."

He leads the way, and when they reach the counter he perches on a stool. Not that they'll be there long, there are plenty of booths available.

Motoki looks up from his last order, expression open and friendly but not with the familiarity he would show a certain schoolgirl in odango. "Hey, what can I get you two?"

Nagihiko hums. "Whatever the lady would like, and..." He takes a moment to peruse the option, finally setting on a milkshake that is one of those combinations no one would usually think of, but when they hear it, a lightbulb goes off because of course! Also, a plate of hot, salty fries, because those are amazing with milkshakes.

Nagihiko tilts his head toward Haruka. "Did you want to refill your waterbottle, too?"

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Aroma flattens a little at Temari's glare, crest going down. At the blast of cooler, drier air, he warbles happily in the back of his throat and closes his eyes. Puff's tail wags a little more, and Haruka looks less wilted by far. She follows Nagihiko and smiles cheerfully at the young man. Haruka asks for a strawberry milkshake, and beams when Nagihiko asks if she wants to refill her water bottle. "Please! It is so hot outside."

Haruka sets Puff on the table, making it look like the Royal Fairy is a stuffed animal. Complete with braiding Puff's ears up. The fact that Puff keeps wagging her tail is completely incidental.

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Temari's eyes narrow a little before she looks away. She's a very protective 'older sister!'

Motoki grins and accepts the water bottle, filling it with the cold tap. And then he sets out a glass of ice water for them both while he gets their order ready.

Plus, there's the whole Magic thing, so if anyone can see Puff, it's extremely likely they do mistake her for a plushie of some sort.

Which is for the best, seeing as how Rhythm takes Puff's words earlier as literal, and pounces her for a hug as soon as he sees an opening. "Yay!"

Temari, for her part, pulls out a Chara sized tea set from her sleeve. She borrows some water from Nagihiko's glass and soon is heating it up for tea.

Nagihiko, who would usually be more aware of his Chara's doings, worries at his lower lip in thought. Finally, he turns to Haruka. "Hey. If you were dating someone, and they got you a really nice gift and you want to get them something in return, something you know they'd probably use a lot, would really soft sheets be...taboo?"

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Puff wags her tail excitedly, hugging Rhythm back with her tail wagging furiously. "Yay! If it's not rude, can I ask what you two are-pafu? I've never seen people my size before-pafu!" She beams at Temari, who is gorgeous and ladylike and a lot like what Puff has pictured a Japanese princess would be like, ever since she got to Japan. Even Aroma seems mildly impressed.

Mildly.

Haruka takes a long sip from her glass of ice water, and then sets Aroma down with a look that says everything about how much of a butthead he's been lately. She pauses and looks up at Nagihiko, turning red at the question. "...Well... I don't see why it would be? It's not like it's a ring, or... proposing to them? I think if someone gave me nicer sheets than the dorms at Verone give people, I'd definitely kiss them, which kind of sounds like the point..." Aroma splutters at Haruka, shaking his head.

"Says the girl who turns red whenever Prince Kanata's name comes up-roma!" At least his tone is affectionate teasing. It seems he's come to terms with the idea that Prince Kanata could end up with one of the Princess Precure. The fact that this makes Haruka turn furious red and try to hide her face in her glass of water is incidental.

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Temari, realizing this is more or less Rhythm's show, returns Puff's beaming smile with a gentler one of her own. The girl knows she's pretty, but it's always nice to be admired! The tea is done, and she serves it out between Chara and Fairy alike.

Rhythm beams. "We're charas! Na-chan is a char bearer! We're the embodiment of his hopes and dreams!"

Temari's expression is wry for a moment before she interjects. "You keep forgetting that I am Nadeshiko's dream."

Rhythm turns pale for a moment before he quickly covers by rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, well, I only keep forgetting because you're always there to watch out for me."

A large, beaming grin is directed from the blue to purple chara. And while Temari shakes her head and rolls her eyes, her smile is affectionate.

Nagihiko leans forward a bit on the counter. "Right, that's kinda what I'm going for." He blushes. "Okay, the kiss wasn't part of the plan, but it's a nice bonus."

He shifts a bit and turns toward Haruka. "See, he loves to sleep. But sometimes he...doesn't get to as much. Because of things. And some people may not think what he got me is a big deal, but it keeps me calm when I need to be. So that's what I want for him, you know? Soft, cloudy sheets so that when he is able to sleep during the times he's not able to, he'll be comfortable and warm."

Nagihiko realizes he's rambling a little, but this is in part because he's not used to using 'he' in regards to romantic relationships (or anything in regards to romantic relationships, come to think of it), but also because, well, bedsheets.

"I just...don't want him to think I'm...saying anything more with them than I am?"

Haruka Haruno has posed:
The Princess Precure team all stare at Rhythm at once with a horrifyingly unified intensity. "Hopes and dreams?" they ask in unison, and then break the intensity of the moment by looking at each other and making a face. "We might have more in common than I originally thought, then..." Haruka murmurs, wrapping a finger around the cord she keeps her Dress Up Key on. Still, that's not the conversation being had right now!

"Well, I imagine if you're dating, you talk to each other, right-roma?" Aroma asks. It seems a lot simpler when it's not you involved in the situation. "Why don't you just... explain it to him like you just explained to us-roma?"

"Who's Nadeshiko-pafu?" Puff asks Temari, bowing slightly at being given tea. Her tail is still wagging.

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Their reaction causes the chara trio to have raised eyebrows. All mirrored and at the same time. "Oh?"

Again, in unison.

Nagihiko pauses to think for a moment. "True. And I suppose I could preface it with the explanation."

Their milkshakes and hot fries are brought over. With the tiny tea set out, Nagihiko figures that unless Haruka expresses the desire to move, sitting here is just fine.

Temari stands and pulls out a surprisingly large poster from her sleeve. "Nadeshiko is Nagihiko's twin." She unfolds the poster for them to see, and on it is Nadeshiko's most recent poster for her latest performance. On it, though she's still obviously young, her attire is elegant and every bit that one the traditional Japanese dancer.

Nagihikos cheeks turn a bit pink because he didn't even know Temari carried that around!

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka pulls out her Dress Up Key, letting it hang on the outside of her shirt. "Puff and Aroma are two of the Royal Faeries from the Hope Kingdom, and I'm a Princess Precure-- I'm supposed to fight to protect people's dreams, and my Dress Up Key responded to the power of my dream to let me transform." She smiles at Nagihiko a little.

"Not everying has to be complicated like that."

"You mean you'd tell Prince Kanata that, outright-roma?" Aroma asks with a sly note to his voice. Haruka squawks and turns red, shoving the Dress Up Key back under her shirt hurriedly. She bats faintly at Aroma, earning a laugh from the fairy.

"Nadeshiko-san is really pretty, just like Temari-san-pafu!" Puff announces, her tail wagging furiously. Haruka nods, her own cheeks still faintly pink.

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Nagihiko listens and nods. He's sure he's heard of Precure, but he's woefully out of touch with the magical community. (Not like Kukai.) "Sort of the same here. These guys help us protect the dreams of others, while letting us find our own."

He watches the interaction with an amused grin, but then...everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked.

"Oh, she is. Very much so." There's a mischevious gleam in the small purple chara's eye as she looks at Nagihiko. "What makes her even more so is she doesn't realize how pretty she is."

Nagihiko, for some unknown reason, is blushing a deep scarlet. "T-Temari!"

Then he clears his throat, and he's trying to turn the attention elsewhere! "So! Who's Prince Kanata?"

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Aroma is watching the exchange closely, fluffing out his feathers and ruffling himself. "That sound similar to Haruka, except she already found her dream when she was little-roma," he offers. His tone is almost' innocent except for the note of mischief in it. "That's when she met Prince Kanata-roma!"

Haruka tilts her head at Nagihiko's blush. Why is he blushing over something about his twin sister?

And then he goes for the kill as far as turning attention elsewhere. Haruka, instead of talking, goes for her milkshake. Puff looks slightly sad, and Aroma puffs his feathers out even more. "Prince Kanata is the Prince of the Hope Kingdom-roma!" he announces proudly. "He apparently ran into Har-aughhgh Haruka!!" The rest of his sentence is cut off by Haruka, who is still attacking her milkshake, covering him with a hand. Her face is bright, furious red.

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Curioser and curioser! The mischevious eyes are completely borne from habit. "Oh really?"

Well, pff, obviously not because he's actually his own 'twin' and that Temari enjoys making him blush when he can't defend himself! HAHAHAHA of course not!

And though he's rather amused by the antics, he decides to take pity on the girl. Not by changing the subject, he isn't that nice, but through commiseration. "Heart get all fluttery and weak knees?"

And he very much doesn't give a wistful sigh. He's only just gotten back into town. Apparently, summertime means traveling dancers.

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka buries her face in her hands and frees Aroma in the process. The bird-fairy grumbles and waddles over to preen his sister, obviously annoyed at his mistreatment. "I... have you ever read The Princess of Flowers by Yume Mochizuki?" Haruka asks. She sets a hand on her bag, a fond smile on her face. "I read that when I was five, and I wanted to grow up to be a princess just like the Princess of Flowers. Kanata found me after one of my classmates basically chased me off and told me I couldn't be a princess in a million years, and gave me my Dress Up Key. It didn't... really do a lot until recently." There's a definite wistful fondness to her expression now, and even a milder creeping blush.

Aka: yes, she has it bad, and for a fairytale prince, no less.

At the commiserating tone, Haruka nods fractionally. It's... a bit hard to admit, especially since she hasn't seen him since she was five, and for most of that time in between, she always wondered if she didn't just find the Key on the ground or something. But... no, he's a real person, out in the Hope Kingdom or what's left of it, fighting to protect what's left for the sake of his people.

"If you see some guys wearing big locks, or monsters with big locks on them near someone in a cage that is full of despair, could you possiby text Haruka-pafu? The guys are generals of DysDark and they want to lock away peoples' dreams and cover the world in despair-pafu," Puff asks. "That's... what happened to the Hope Kingdom, and why we're here-pafu." At Puff's request, Haruka snaps out of her slight reverie and digs out an actual card with her name and phone number on it. She's moved up since small, torn scraps of paper, since she's been giving out her phone number a lot lately.

"I think only the Dress Up Keys can unlock the cages of despair, but people also seem to be able to put a few good cracks in them from the inside out if they're stubborn enough or persistent enough about their dream. It's probably why I haven't been targeted, now that I think about it..."

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Nagihiko's eyebrows raise. Temari offers the abused Aroma a small pastry. "I'm familiar with the story, yes." After all, it's one of the classics. He gives a derisive snort about the children chasing her off, and continues to make the noises of one listening!

"Well, take it from me. Even if you're 'not supposed' to be something because others tell you so, you can be whatever you want. Or whatever it is you need to be."

He's working on his.

Rhythm, meanwhile, is staring up at Haruka with stars in his eyes. His own little pastry drops from his mouth. "You mean, even when they told you..."

Suddenly, ZOOM! There's a Rhythm splatted against Haruka's face, hugging her tight and cheering! "Yay! Your beat is so awesome and you followed it! I'm so proud of you! Yay!"

Nagihiko's cheeks tinge a bit pink again. "Sorry if that's...unwanted. He's doing a lot better, trust be. Just sometimes he gets excited..."

He pulls the card over to him and looks at it a moment before sliding it in his wallet. He pulls out a card of his own, one for the Fujisaki Dance Company, and scrawls his cell number on the back. "So, you can call me if you need help. Or just...you know. Stuff."

His eyebrows furrow for a moment as he taps his chin in thought. "Actually. And this isn't me shuffling you off. The summer months mean a lot of travelling. I'm also giving you Kukai's number." And of course, the scrawl is a touch neater, he's trying to hide his grin a bit too much, and then of course there's the softening in his eyes. "He's also more in the loop about things. Tries to help everyone he can." And now maybe even a touch of pride!

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Aroma pecks at the pastry with a murmured thank-you, and Haruka nods. "I think part of it is that the kid who did it was just a jealous jerk because I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and he didn't, yet." She nods at Nagihiko with a smile. She yelps in surprise at Rhythm's assault-hug.

"It's fine! It's actually really sweet!" She cuddles him close with a soft laugh. "Plus, by chasing after my dream, I can help protect the dreams of other people." She nods as Nagihiko writes down the second number, pulling out a second card from her bag and handing it over.

"Kukai-san is who you want to buy sheets for, huh?" she asks in a tone that invites conspiracy.

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Nagihiko sighs with a nod. "True. I think there are too many unhappy people because they're so focused on other people. I think part of it is from fear, being afraid to even try to figure out what your dream is. But usually, even if they don't know it, their hearts do." He smiles at Haruka. "And it's good, protecting those hopes and dreams so that their eggs will hatch one day."

He's relieved that the hug is welcome. "Good. I'm glad."

Temari pipes up. "He has angered some people in doing just what he did now." Temari's words are a reprimand, but her tone isn't quite so. "But it's true, he's shown considerable restraint today."

Speaking of restraint, Temari has shown enough of her own. She begins to put Puff's hair up in many, many curlers.

His cheeks are pink, and his grin is wide even as he's biting his lip to try to keep it from being wide, but still he goes for nonchalance. "Maybe." His finger idly traces that number before he looks up at Haruka. "I haven't seen him in awhile. Been travelling with the family, dancing, that sort of thing."

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka nods a little. "Well, I mean, I can see how he'd surprise someone that way, but Puff wakes me up sort of like that every morning, soooo..." Puff giggles sheepishly at that, and Haruka sticks out her tongue at the dog-fairy. "...What do you mean by 'their eggs will hatch'?" Haruka asks, tilting her head slightly, careful of bothering Rhythm.

Puff wags her tail at the curlers, clearly enjoying the attention. "Are you a princess, Temari-san-pafu?" Puff asks. "You and Nadeshiko-san are pretty like princesses-pafu!" Haruka giggles a little at the question- after all, something about Puff's innocent curiosity is adorable and endearing.

At Nagihiko's attempts to hide his reaction, Haruka just snickers. "Turnabout is fair play, I think!" she declares. "You should probably see him as soon as you can, though! Being busy sucks-- I mean.. I wouldn't know about the traveling part, but my parents own a restaurant sort of out in the sticks and it's awful when we're all busy, because even if we see each other we're not really seeing each other, if that makes sense... no time to actually talk about things, or for me to help Momoka-chan with her homework..." Haruka makes a face like she tried to eat grapefruit pith. "It sucks."

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Nagihiko grins. "Yes, there's been more than one morning I threatened to ship Rhythm to Dubai if he woke me like that again."

And of course, Rhythm just has a cheesy grin.

He blinks at her question. "Oh, right. Eggs."

He looks around a little before pulling out a pink egg. The shell is cracked through the middle, obviously open. "This is Temari's. Usually when dreams are unrealized, they're nearly all white. Pure in their innocence. However some people can...corrupt these. So if you ever see a black egg with an 'X' on it, please, if nothing else, message Kukai." He blinks a moment. "And if you ever see a blonde chara bearer who's chara wears a crown, please refrain from using the word Prince. I say that because your story involves one."

He shrugs, then, still keeping an eye out for looky-loos. "I used to think everyone had an egg. But I think it's different for many other people. Some have crystals. Not everyone has an egg."

Then he shrugs as he looks up and off in the distance. "Or maybe everyone has an egg, and everyone has a crystal, because even though you can only have one, it's like Greek and Roman mythology. Different names for the same aspects. Hmm."

Temari gives Puff a small smile, and her cheeks are pink. "No. Well, when we unlock, we become Yamato Maihime." There's a little timer set up, and when it goes off some seconds later she undoes the curlers. She fiddles with them until they're a nice drape of curls, very fancy. And then she styles with braids and maybe sprigs of jasmine.

Nagihiko nods. "That makes perfect sense. The entire time I was gone, they were the people in charge of the Fujisaki Dance Company, and rarely Mama and Papa." This is why Aunty sometimes comes with...

He places his hand on her shoulder. "But even if you don't see them, you're always there. Even if they have to be someone else for a moment."

He doesn't say this from his parents' perspective, but his own. Because even when he's full on Nadeshiko the Performer, there's a small sectioned off part of her brain devoted to the people important to her. He feels that that little part is what can turn a mediocre dancer into a stunning vision.

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka nods, looking at the egg with curiosity on her face. "So Chara Guardians are a lot like the idealized form of what you want to be if you followed your dream?" Haruka asks. It's this insight that has let her get into Verone-- even if she is not the most book-smart person, she is definitely intelligent and capable of finding patterns in things. She pulls out her Dress Up Key and looks at it thoughtfully. "If things had gone a little differently for me, I could probably see my Egg hatching into a Princess a lot like the Princess of Flowers, if my guess is right. ...And when I transform into Cure Flora, I kind of look very similar anyway." It's a thoughtful frown that's on her face.

Aroma flutters up to land on Haruka's head again. "It could be- or it could be that being linked to the Dress Up Key sort of precluded Haruka from having her dream take the form of an Egg, since Dress Up Keys are drawn to very particular strong dreams-roma. Do you guys have any way of seeing other Eggs, or if someone doesn't have one like usual-roma?" Aroma's perch wrinkles her nose a bit, trying to figure out what Aroma's game here is, before it dawns on her.

"There are two other girls that will end up with Dress Up Keys like mine- a yellow one for Cure Twinkle, and a blue one for Cure Mermaid. If I don't have an Egg because I have a Key instead..."

Haruka nods at the note about x-eggs, though. "I definitely will call if I find an x-egg, though-- this other Chara Bearer-- does he have an ability called Holy Crown?" Because she thinks she might have met him.

At the hand on her shoulder, Haruka blushes a little and nods. "Still, I would have rather been Momoka-chan's big sister than someone she saw in passing running around like a headless chicken because our restaurant got rushed."

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Nagihiko shrugs. "That's possible. Or it's possible, too, that you were born without an egg because --" He cuts himself off as Aroma begins to speak, then nods toward him. "Exactly. And also, this is all theology and supposition without proof. Of which I have none."

Nagihiko furrows his brow and tilts his head. "Tadase-kun? Very pretty, even for a boy, could sparkle you into doing anything you wanted?" He nods. "That's him!"

He glances around, again, before he sighs. "Let her know, then. During the times when it's not so busy. Tell her. And even if you have to tell her for your parents, as well. Trust me, Aunty did that for me when I was younger. It really helped."

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka nods. "It is kind of all up in the air, but I think it makes sense...? I mean, both of our powers essentially come from our hopes and dreams for what we want to be in the future, and-- if I'm not mistaken-- our strength of owning up to and staying dedicated to them? Like... I think the Key just wouldn't work for letting me transform if I ever let myself get bullied into giving up on my dream." She eyes the Key speculatively. "I wonder if the fact that the shape of my dream has changed some will change anything..." She picks up the key and tucks it away again. "...because as much as I want to be a princess, I also want to be someone who can protect the dreams of others, and that's new since I showed up in Tokyo." New since she started transforming, to be honest.

At the mention of Tadase, she nods a little. "I didn't really get his name- he was there when a couple people tried to steal some stones and a fight broke out." Which is why she knows his power- or at least one of them- without a name attached.

"I do. I mean, I call Mom and Dad every week, but right now Momoka is so mad at me for getting into Verone and leaving her." Haruka does feel obviously guilty about this. "...Still... I think part of that is just small-town mindset. A lot of people back home are sort of miffed that I decided to leave the town instead of staying and taking over the restaurant. Mama and Papa aren't, but a lot of people are, and Momoka is still pretty little." She sighs heavily and shakes her head. "I'm sure she'll come around, and I'll visit her on other breaks, I just wanted to get here early for my first semester."

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
He sighs. And thinks. And something tickles the back of his brain...

But not yet.

"Okay, so." He pulls out his phone and opens up pictures. "This is Tadase-kun. He's the one making googly eyes at Amu-chan, who is unfortunately away for the moment. Exploring the world." A wistful sigh. Because either as Nagihiko or Nadeshiko, he misses Amu.

And after a moment, he scrolls over. "And this is Kukai. And he's very pretty."

Finally, things are a bit...

He sighs. He looks at Temari and Rhythm both. The blue chara looks excited, whereas the purple looks more resigned.

"Follow me."

He grabs Haruka's hand and tugs her along, careful of trips and spills and all that.

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka nods at the pictures, committing the names to memory. She blinks when Nagihiko sighs and looks at the two charas, tilting her head. Oookay, she is officially Confused and Alarmed, especially when Nagihiko grabs her hand and tugs her along. Still, she's game for whatever he seems to have in mind, as long as it's not ditching on the bill. She's pretty sure that's not it, though. Puff follows, wagging her tail and careful not to step on her hair. After all, walking like a dog seems more normal, even if she can float.

"O...kay?"

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
He doesn't stop until they're on the roof. There's no one around, and he checks both the skies and the door.

(It's very much not ditching. His wallet has been left behind, and that wasn't an oversight on his part. He left it there as a promise to Motoko, a promise that he'd be back.)

"Did you know you can have more than one dream?" He looks over his shoulder at Haruka, his voice raising in pitch just a touch.

He looks around the roof a little, fiddling with the hair tie around his wrist before working his hair up into a high ponytail. "I've always been...more of a boy than I probably should have been. I mean, in other families, that would be fine, you know? And in mine, too, really. But we have a tradition. We are famous for our Japanese dance. And those parts belong to women."

She looks up at Haruka. Her voice is an octave higher, her posture is more demure. "I am a boy. I am happy being a boy. It's taken awhile since I've realized that, but...I've had help." She walks toward Haruka. "But even as I love being a boy, even though I know it's what I was born to be, I've always wanted to know. I've needed the grace, the composure. I need Temari. Because she helps me realize that even though I am so happy being a boy, I would love to know what it's like to be a girl. And not because of who I am off stage, but because of who I can be on stage."

Nadeshiko pauses and considers her actions for a moment. "Am I making any sense here on my point or have I crossed into really creepy territory without that being my intention at all? Kukai would know."

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka tilts her head at the sudden change in her new friend, except... well... it makes sense. "I thought there was something a little weird about you having your sister's chara around you, too. That seems a little too... close to the heart to pass off to someone-- even as close as a twin." She's not shocked. After all, if she can dream of being a fairytale princess, what she had once thought to be a literal impossibility... Instead, Haruka smiles. "You're very pretty and graceful, either way." It's not said in a cheesy, chat-up way. Puff nods and wags her tail.

"If I can be a princess, your dreams can be whatever you want. It's not weird. The only weird thing is... what do I call you?" Haruka's tone is slightly plaintive at the end, and Aroma starts snickering at just how pathetic his human perch sounds.

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
And she knows it's not cheesy or chatting her up, and that's why her smile and blush are so genuine. "Thank you. I think Temari's more or less biased on her opinion of me."

And then she's feeling a tad frustrated, taking Haruka's hands and being very much one with the eye contact. "I'm not telling you this for me. I'm telling you because I want you to know you can have more than one dream. Amu has three, at least, and neither seemed compatible with the other, but they all work. Rhythm shows me...it's okay that my beat doesn't follow that of everyone else's."

And then she's ducking her head a bit and looks...sheepish. "For simplicity sake? Nadeshiko when I have a ponytail, Nagihiko when I don't. Or go by voices, because it's hot out. And if all else fails...some people call me Na-chan."

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka turns red and sheepish at that direct eye contact, but she nods. "Well, being a princess and fighting to protect peoples' dreams obviously isn't mutually exclusive at all... and from what I've always wanted to be, it's not that I want to be a princess who is waited on hand and foot, I just--" she makes a frustrated noise in the back of her throat, unable to quite find the words.

"Strong, kind, and beautiful," Aroma pipes up. "I don't think Haruka wanting to be a princess and wanting to protect peoples' dreams are two different things at all-roma. We have a thing in the Hope Kingdom- the Princess Precure have the ability to, through their strength, kindness, and beauty, become Grand Princesses. And I'd say protecting the dreams of people definitely needs at least strength and kindness-roma!" Puff nods her agreement, wagging her tail.

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Nadeshiko arches an eyebrow at Aroma. "I think it's more intent than all that now. If you stay as you are now and still protect people, the Princess title should come with no worry."

And then Temari sort of...speaks for them both. "Chara Change: Unlock."

And it's Maihime suddenly...Poster Nadeshiko times a billionty in terms of beauty. Thanks, Temari.

She looks at Aroma, her head tilting, even as though it seems Maihime should be dancing. "The strength within. Even when, and especially when, you don't believe its there. Right?"

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka nods at what Nadeshiko says. "But still- the intent and what he's saying are pretty much one and the same anyway. The kind of princess I want to be is the kind of princess who would protect people's dreams." There's a certainty and determination in her voice that would be radiating flowers at any other time.

At the Chara Change, Haruka's cheeks flush. "Wow." She's not entirely sure what else to say. Maihime is gorgeous. She nods, and Aroma follows it.

"That's exactly what I was talking about- that and just... I'm kind of hoping Haruka can become a Grand Princess. The last Princess Precure couldn't do that, but they also weren't from Earth, so-roma..."

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Maihime giggles a little behind her fan. "You think so? Thank you."

And then Maihime's delicate hand cups Aroma's feathered cheek. "Please, do more than hope. Sometimes the belief of those dearest to us can make all the difference."

And then Rhythm's making noises, and he barrels into Maihime...

And POOF, Beat Jumper! Temari tries to capture all the pretty birdies flying around her skull.

Beat Jumper grabs ahold of Aroma, and Puff, and even Haruka. "What ever it was like in the past won't matter now! Haruka has her own rhythm and it is awesome! Learn to dance with her, Aroma! Learn to--"

Then POOF, it's Nagihiko again. "Would you two please NOT?!"

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka pauses at the hand getting close to her head, cheeks coloring a little because gorgeous purple-haired regal person in her personal space. She watches the change to Beat Jumper and yelps in surprise as she's grabbed.

"Wow, that has... got to be confusing." She's so lucky that Aroma can be annoying and Puff clingy, but not much more than that. "At least when I transform it's not-- that abrupt and externally influenced." She laughs nervously. "Though I don't... really look like myself when I transform. Pretty Cure! Princess Engage!" Haruka has her Dress Up Key out and the Perfume in hand alarmingly fast, and the Key goes into the top of the Perfume. There's a storm of flower petals and bright pink, and the most visible part of it is Haruka pulling a crown out of the air and putting it on top of her own head, her hair glowing and growing out to a blond-to-pink ombre. She curtsies and smiles.

"See? I... don't look very similar at all."

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
It's also tiring!

Still, Nagihiko isn't in any danger of falling asleep. Mostly because his charas took on that exertion.

When Haruka changes, he squints and tilts his head. And he considers her and her new attire, and he considers it all seriously.

"True. You don't look overly similar. But you feel similar." He blinks a little, and then he's worried it will be taken as an insult. "With how you are normally, that's a good thing."

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Flora blinks and tilts her head. "I do? Huh..." She looks herself over, then shrugs. "I'm not sure how..." She shrugs again, running a hand down her outer skirt before her transformation dissolves in a flurry of petals. She giggles.

"I think we should probably get back in before the nice guy thinks we're up to something weird up here."

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
He shrugs. "People have their own feel. It's who they are at the core. And your core just seems...nice."

He stretches a bit, and then remembers himself and puts down his hair. Very Nagihiko now.

"Well, he wouldn't think we're skipping out. My wallet's still down there."

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka turns bright red at the 'nice' comment. "Thank you..." Puff nods her agreement to that assessment.

"Well, you met me because you helped me since I tripped-pafu!" And that was what let her transform the first time, or part of it.

"Still, we're a boy and a girl apparently very intent on a conversation with lots of blushing involved, and not wanting other people to hear our conversation. And then we temporarily ditched to the roof. What would other people think?"

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Nagihiko's eyes widen, and though it's not an unlock, it's more or less a chara change. Suddenly there's a flowery clip in his hair, but instead of a naginata, there's a fluttering fan in front of his face. "My word, that would be so untoward! Don't worry, I'll make sure your reputation leaves here unscathed."

And the suddenly, normal again. But Temari is still blushing.

"Ah, sorry. I mean. I really don't think anyone would get that idea, but if it's hinted at, I'll do what I can to assure people."

Okay, Nagihiko is blushing, too.

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka blinks with surprise at the sudden fan, and then giggles. "Still, we should probably get back. If nothing else, it's hot out here and it's cold in there. It was fine while I was transformed, there's this whole breeze thing going on with it, but..." Haruka makes a face. She starts toward the way back down with a sheepish smile.

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
Nagihiko sighs as he blinks up at the sun. "True. There's very little shade up here." He escorts Haruka back inside. "And I don't know which would be worse: Putting the make up on over a sunburn, or watching poor Kukai fret."

Motoki looks at them both with some concern. "Everything okay?" He puts the wallet back near Nagihiko, their stuff still there.

"Oh yes. Just showing her where to shop when she doesn't wanna go too far from her school. Refills for both, please."

Motoki makes a nod of understanding and off he goes!

Haruka Haruno has posed:
Haruka winces. "I think a sunburn with makeup on it would suck really bad. I've never done makeup before." She smiles at Motoki as they return, flushing a little at his concern. "Thank you for your concern!" She beams at Nagihiko. "So, um, I know you were using it as a cover... but I really don't know much about Tokyo except by getting around from rooftops."

Nadeshiko Fujisaki has posed:
"It does." Nagihiko gives a shudder. He's always careful these days on just where he falls asleep. "I could help you, if you ever wanted to try. Give you the tips most people stumble over the first couple years."

He looks at her and grins. "Why do I think I used that as an excuse? I could probably help you find a market, at least, and other stores with the necessities that are close to you."