The Coffee House.

[Teddy]

Genno shrugged. "If you say so... I'll take just a regular cup of coffee, black... An', I may have an idea, with the supposed martial arts competitions around here. I mean, they've gotta give out something to the winner." He turned and headed back into the coffee shop, slight spring to his step.

[Mistress Guendolen]

Elise picked up her step, following him back in and heading for a table. "A martial arts contest? I hadn't heard about that. I don't think I'd be a contender.... But from the sound of things, you could be. Wonder if anyone here knows anything else? Perhaps there'll be something in the newspaper.... They often have them in places like this." She waved to Neko. "When we're settled, we'd like one regular black coffee and one peppermint tea, please. Both on my bill." He looks... happier. Must be the thought of competing in that mysterious tournament. Unless.... Her fingers wandered up to her mouth again. No.... No, it couldn't be. It- it must be the tournament. The "men and fighting" thing. Yes, that's got to be it....

[Teddy]

"I already asked Neko, the only native here, about it, and she didn't really know anything... So, I guess I'll have to do something... Maybe open a dojo." Gennosuke then laughed at his own idea. "Maybe... Not. That's a pretty idiotic idea."

[Mistress Guendolen]

Elise gave it due consideration. "Not really.... I mean, your styles are pretty unusual, right? One of my first thoughts was that I could probably learn a thing or two from you. I'm sure other people might think the same thing. The only stumbling block you'd have- after finding a location, of course- is that people tend to expect dojo masters to be, well, older.... But hey, if you enter that tournament and do well, they'll have to take you seriously, right?" She looked distinctly brighter at that thought.

[Teddy]

"True... But that can wait for right now. All we need to focus on today is to find a place to live in for now. Well, I guess for me to find a place, as you wouldn't want to share something with a guy ya barely know."

[Mistress Guendolen]

Elise could feel herself blushing again. "Um... no offense meant, but, uh, yes, you do... have a point there.... Though I, uh, need to find a place, too.... Maybe- maybe we could at least, you know, look together? I mean, having company makes that sort of thing easier, right? And- I wouldn't mind, you know, exploring the city with you...." Uh-oh. That doesn't sound bad or too forward or anything, does it?.... Well, too late now, either way.

[Teddy]

Genno grinned at her, then nodded. "All right... If you wouldn't mind looking around this city with me, I would enjoy your company."

[Mistress Guendolen]

She grinned back. "I wouldn't mind at all. In fact, I think it would be fun...." Just so long as you don't go and start saying- or doing- things that mess with my head and make me blush and feel off-balance....

[Teddy]

Genno, as if on cue from some dark force, asked a question. "Well, we could share an apartment, right? I mean, two seperate beds an' all. It'd be SO much easier to only pay for half a rent than a whole one, right?"

[Mistress Guendolen]

Rats! There it goes- Her face actually felt hot. "Well... I- I suppose- um- if we- we found a place that had, you know, two bedrooms or whatever, it- it might be okay.... Y-you're right, it would- um- save money and all that...." She nibbled her lower lip nervously. Oh, how do I bring up something like this? Guess I'd better just be blunt this time. "Though we'd have to- you know- be careful about- you know- I guess, who uses the bathroom when and stuff, maybe setting up a schedule or something...." She nibbled her lower lip, flushing even deeper red at the possibilities of a mix-up in that area. "But- but it is something to look into, at least!" she blurted out hastily.

[Teddy]

"Eh, too bad. I had hoped to walk in on you while you showered." His grin got wider, with a slight hint of mischief in his eyes. "But, your whole schedule idea destroyed that real quick. But, hey, if you really won't mind, more money means... Well, a better life, right?"

[Mistress Guendolen]

If Elise had been drinking or eating something at that point, she would have choked on it. As it was, her face turned almost purple. "Ack- gah- ah...." Breathe. Breathe. Shock value. That's all. Shock value.... She took a few deep breaths, finally bringing herself under composure. "Well, remind me to make sure there's a lock on the door, then, when we look!" she finally gasped, fingers digging into the edge of the table. She managed a shaky laugh, but her face was still a distinctly different color than normal. I can't believe what I'm walking into with this, but I can't seem to stop myself....

[Teddy]

"Oh.. Elise? You all right? I mean, I really don't think your face is supposed to be that color... Or if it's healthy for you to grip so tightly onto the table."

[Mistress Guendolen]

She took a few more deep breaths. "As- as well as can be expected, given you just pretty much told me you wanted to see me- see me-" She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence, and breathed in a few more times. She forced herself to sit back and let go of the side of the table. She had no idea how her face color may or may not have changed, but at least her nerves weren't jangling so wildly anymore. "Sorry, but I'm not exactly used to hearing that sort of stuff, you know! Even if you were j-just, you know, joking.... But... I think I'm... doing better now.... Oh, where is that tea?" She looked around, any chance to change the subject from the dangerous area it had danced so close to.

[Teddy]

"Kidding, I was kidding. But, why are ya embarassed about it? Shouldn't you kick me in the chest or slap me, leaving me with your bill? I mean, I'd be offended in your position."