806/Curry All Day, Curry All Night

Curry All Day, Curry All Night
Date of Scene:	25 November 2023
Location:	Korma Chameleon
Synopsis:	Nothing is better on a cold autumn day than some curry. Adrien spots Ryoko's fencing bag while they're standing in line to order, and ends up introducing her to several other Radiant Heart students as they eat their meal.
Cast of Characters:	Adrien Agreste, Ryoko Gushiken, Sayaka Miki, Usagi Tsukino, Norie Okana

---

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Thre was nothing better on a chilly almost-Winter day than a hot meal to chase off the cold. That's the thought going through Adrien's head, so his path leads him to the familiar Korma Chameleon. If he was lucky he might run into Rashmi, and see if there was any update on Chrono. If not he would at least get a pleasant meal and repreive from homework.

The blonde foreign student bumps the door open with his shoulder to try and slip inside without opening it more than necessary. That way he hopes at least to keep the could *outside* rather than opening the door entirely letting the wind in.

He pauses to look over the menu with a quick stamp-and-scuff of his feet over the floor mats as well out of habit.

Ryoko Gushiken has posed:
All that effort to keep the cold out and just a few moments later, Ryoko swings the door open all the way before stepping in. She's wearing athletic gear, though they don't seem to have any branding on them. They fit her like a second skin. Her winter jacket hangs open. Slung over her shoulder is a fencing bag.

She came here from her private lessons. She's hungry.

She doesn't bother to wipe off her feet, and passes right past Adrien to go up and order. Pork vindaloo. Extra spicy.

Sayaka Miki has posed:
Sayaka smiles happily, still giddy over the date with Hinoiri. Things going so well makes her feel very weightless, not even the winter cold is able to counter her good mood. Though that might also be because she is wearing appropriate clothes, a black shirt and buttoned blue skirt with white triangles at the rim with a light blue sweater with two different rhomboidal patterns, a dashed yellow one, and a blue filled one, in addition to a beige coat and an azure scarf with fringes at the border. And even then she wouldn't mind something warm to drink.

The bluenette is calmly walking with a hum on her lips as she spots the door of Korma Chameleon. More like her attention is forcibly torn that way by the noise caused by Ryoko's opening of the door. She makes her way in too, gently pushing it open before cleaning her shoes from the grime of the street.

Looking at the menu... she will probably have bergamot tea and some parmesan chicken nuggets.

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
What's the perfect treat after a long day? Korma, of course! Usagi is hoping she might see Rashmi - not for any special reason, but it was nice to hang out with friends sometimes, wasn't it? - but mostly she's hoping to get something delicious. At least one of these hopes will come true, today!

When she bounces into Korma (almost literally, so pleased is she at the thought of what she'll order), she's wearing an outfit that screams 90s - white collared undershirt under a neon green top and bright pink cargo pants, with an oversized purple jacket, complete with shouldler padding and large pockets. The joy of a jacket this size is she doesn't need a backpack or purse with it - her wallet and cellphone can fit in the oversized pockets. She's an absolute eyesore of a girl, with no shame about it.

Usagi looks up to examine the menu (even if she's sure of what she'll order), and grins when she realizes she recognizes the person in line in front of her. "Hey, Sayaka-chan! How are you?"

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Adrien Agreste feels the cold behind him. A slight shiver runs through him as he really hadn't worn a warm enough jacket -- Fashion was pain sometimes after all -- But that was how he realized that someone came in after him. Just in time to take a half-step to the side so that Ryoko could step past as she seemed intent on doing.

His attention is totally stolen by her however when his gaze lights on the familiar fencing gear that she carries. A bit boldly he offers out, once she orders, "You fence? Ah, sorry of course you probably do. I just haven't run into many others that do here yet." A friendly smile is offered toward the unfamiliar girl that he had just spoken to without warning.

"I'm Adrien. I missed joining the Fencing club because I enrolled a bit late, but I still practice on my own." Next quarter though? He was in that club. For sure.

The familiar (often loud) voice of Usagi greeting Sayaka earns a glance over his shoulder as well as another grin. "Ah, Usagi-chan! Good to see you again." Looking among those here he pauses a moment, then suggests, "I was thinking of grabbing a table if you lovely ladies would care to join me?"

Ryoko Gushiken has posed:
Ryoko Gushiken regards Adrien with an aloof detachment. Her expression neutral. Indeed, she's actually got the slightest frown. But that's just her resting expression. She disapproves of the world. She hates people.

But other people are a hell she must endure because she has to fit in. That's what the Grim Queen said. At least this boy was cute, and he fenced, so that was two things he had going for him.

"Yes, I do. Sabre," she says as she moves along so the next person can order. "When you say Fencing Club, you don't mean at Radiant Heart do you?" She meant to join that club herself, but she transferred in too late. "I'm Ryoko Gushiken, Grade 12. I just transferred in."

Looking from Adrien toward Sayaka and Usagi then back to Adrien, Ryoko shrugs. She needed to meet people, even if she hated it. At least she'd have vindaloo.

Norie Okana has posed:
Norie Okana arrives into the door, peeking in first, before she walks in fully and looks around. The black haired girl with blue eyes is flustered and has never been here before. And there's only one person she recognizes here and it's Sayaka and she bluhs a little and listens to folks talk about the Fencing Club as she waits her turn and---

Oh. Usagi. She knows Usagi. But. Not. As Norie. Which makes things lamer.

She ponders what to order here. Curry Donuts, apparently, are not a thing.

Sit. With a group? Well. "Uhm. Mind if I sit with too?" she asks. "I have..no idea. What to get here." she says. "F-first time." she mutters quietly.

Sayaka Miki has posed:
Sayaka turns around as she hears Usagi's voice behind her. "Ah, Usagi-chan, wello! I mean, hello!" the bluenette greets the older classmate happily. "I'm quite well, thanks. The last days have been awesome in fact." The smile she gives is so happy it's surprising it doesn't shine on its own.

"How about you? Anything good happening to you?" she asks back to the blonde girl while she takes a step forward in the queue. Soon it's her turn, and she is able to grab her tea and nuggets.

She looks over at Adrien when they are called, blushing just a little over the lovely ladies, despite herself. Maybe they will just attribute it to the cold? Hopefully.

"Oh, sure, that's good", she replies to his offer. "Sayaka Miki, grade 8", the bluenette adds after Ryoko introduces herself. "What's fencing like?" She knows nothing, about it, but maybe it could help her own sword technique? Either that, or another course maybe.

"Hello, Norie-san", she adds with detached politeness when Norie appears. Well, they had to meet sooner or later.

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"Oh? Awesome, huh? Something special happen?" Usagi's face splits in a bright grin, barely resisting the urge to rub her hands together and poke and prod for answers. Sayaka just looks so happy that something very good must have happened! But Usagi doesn't know what it is! "Nothing much, honestly. Everything's been a little... slightly less busy than usual."

She pinches her fingers, leaving the smallest gap. Sliiiiightly less busy than usual.

Adrien's voice catches her attention, and Usagi looks up, her excited grinning fading to a more warm smile. "Hey, Adrien-kun! I'd love to sit with you! Who's your friend?"

Her friend meaning the pretty older girl he was just talking with, of course. Usagi glances at her, but tries to avoid openly staring, and takes her turn to order quickly, asking for butter chicken with naan and a rosewater lassi. The tentative voice behind her tugs at heartstrings, just a little, and Usagi turns to look at the girl who'd slipped in behind her. "I don't mind, and I'm sure no one else will! What... flavors do you like? That will make it easier to order."

Adrien Agreste has posed:
"Great! I'll snag us a table then. You're all more than welcome to join," Adrien responds as he turns to place his own order for some butter chicken with naan and a mango lassi. It never hurt to have a fully rounded yummy meal.

The talk of fencing though, that has his interest piqued. He responds to Ryoko with a nod of agreement. "Yes, Radiant Heart. I practice Sabre from my old school as well and want to keep up with it. It's the best one after all." Definitely the most challenging with the smallest hit area, and most rules. All the more reason it was one of his favorites.

"I'm grade nine," he also adds with a grin. "A pleasure to meet you Ryoko-san." She was older after all! He tries to show proper respect. Gesturing the others in he suggests a table that had plenty of seats for all. Thankfully there were many like that here, just for such situations as a bunch of school kids showing up with large appetites.

"Oh there's a lot to choose from, but if you're not sure I'd suggest starting with one of the sample platters to get an idea of what you'd enjoy."

Ryoko Gushiken has posed:
Ryoko Gushiken turns to regard Sayaka when she introduces herself. She looks unimpressed, as she always does. "A pleasure, Miki-san," she says, her voice coolly polite.

She looks thoughtful as she follows Adrien over toward the table. Then she looks back toward Sayaka and says, "Fencing is like nothing else. It is intense, requires peak physical performance, quick wits, and practiced technique."

She sets her vindaloo down on the table when Usagi approaches. There's a brief flicker of a sneer on her lips before she speaks. "Oh, we've only just met. I'm Ryoko Gushiken. I just transferred in to Radiant Heart. Grade 12."

Was it going to be that easy to make friends? Ryoko laughed evilly. On the inside. In her head. What she actually did was sit down and take a bite of her vindaloo. She can't evil laugh with a mouth full of curry.

Norie Okana has posed:
Norie Okana ums. "I like...beef...but I think that may be. disrespectful if this is a proper Curry place? Something about... cows being... important in India. Unless that's all a bunch of hooey..." she says quietly. "So I'll just. Get a ... a..." she ruminates on choices a bit. "I'll get what she's having!" she sputters out as she motions to Usagi. There. Problem solved.

Her eyes turned to Sayaka and she wilted and ugh. "Hi. Sayaka-c---san." she says quietly.

"Norie Okana." she says softly as she goes to the table to sit down and huddle a little. Quietly, thought not exactly out of everyone's way. "I used to be in... dancing club. It was fun." she adds at the end.

Sayaka Miki has posed:
"Oh, well, I have been on a date, and so, it went great", Sayaka replies hesitatingly. "We were over at Gullwing Coffee, and I had a gift prepared too, and we enjoyed the enjoyed the lunch very much", she starts summarising, radiating happiness all the while.

"I wanted it to be a surprise, you know? So I went there on my own and hid the present under the table, and it all worked perfectly! Not only that, but we had a great chat and food."

Sayaka gives a wave when Ryouko introduces herself, then remains a bit disappointed by the explanation she gets. Really, is that all? She was hoping for something actually descriptive. "What's the style like?" she thus inquires further to Ryoko.

When Norie sits down at the table, Sayaka turns towards her. She does have one thing to talk about with her, to ensure everything went fine. "Did you get the package at your front door? The one with that guy's pay in it?"

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"Awwww, Sayaka-chan that's so romantic!! You've really got the most amazing taste - I mean, next to my Mamochan, but that sounds so sweet." She is impressed, honestly. It all sounds like something right out of a romance novel, and sure she's reflexively defending her Mamochan's greatest-ness, but still! She's absolutely in awe, as a girl who loves a love story.

It doesn't take long to have her food handed over, and she heads over to Adrien's table with a smile, waiting until some of the fencing talk dies down to return the introduction.

"Usagi Tsukino, Grade 9! Now we've all just met," she caught that sneer, but decides to power through it. Usagi has befriended plenty of possibly unpleasant people, before. This is just one more! "Norie, just so you know, what I got was the butter chicken! It's pretty mild and comes with rice. A lassi is a drink made with yogurt - I got the rosewater one this time, because Rashmi-chan told me her family raises the roses themselves!"

She settles into a seat - across from Ryoko and beside Norie, looking down at her food with a smile. Oh yes, it looks perfect, smells perfect, and is going to be perfect. Once everyone has their food, she offers a cheerful, "Itadakimasu!" and digs in.

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Adrien Agreste carries his own tray over with a light clearing of his throat at the rather brisk explanation by Ryoko. Oh well, not everyone was a social butterfly like he was. He could get that. "I'm Adrien Agreste, grade nine. Pleased to meet you Okana-chan, and Miki-chan."

He sits his plate down and takes a seat smoothly with the grace of someone who probably had proper manners drilled into him at a young age, then smiles toward the indecisive Norie. "If you'd like, you can try a bit of mine too. It's just chicken. No offense there really." Unless someone was vegetarian but so far as he knew no one else around was. So far. "But I'm sure Usagi-chan has excellent taste as well."

"Fencing has three distinct styles with differnt target areas and rules. Sabre style has the tightest target areas on your opponent, and deals more with slashing movements."

A little grin comes as Usagi gushes about the date he'd overheard. "Usagi-chan is also very well-versed in romance. Or else I need to go have a talk to my dorm neighbor," he suggests jokingly.

Ryoko Gushiken has posed:
Ryoko Gushiken regards Sayaka while Adrien explains a little further. The bluenette seems like the persistent sort, and just dismissing her would be counterproductive if she's trying to make friends. So if the bluenette wants a thorough explanation, she'll get one.

"The style is determined by the weapon," Ryoko adds. "There are three used in international competition: foil, epee, and sabre. The first two are primarily concerned with piercing attacks," she says, taking her chopsticks and jabbing them toward Sayaka. "Sabre is that, but also slashing, like Agreste-san said. A match is held on a piste, which is a narrow strip of floor that defines the bounds. We wear protective gear, including helmets."

It's nothing like real swordfighting. It's far too orderly and defined. There's too many rules and boundaries. But she's very good at it, and there's little Ryoko likes better than doing the things she's good at.

She picks up another piece of her pork and then looks to Adrien. "We can't join the club until next term, but if you need someone to practice with, I wouldn't turn down another practice partner." Then a glance toward Sayaka. "It's so much easier to show than tell."

Norie Okana has posed:
Norie Okana nods. "Mild is good to start out with." not that spice is an issue with her. She looks towards Adrien and Ryoko as they speak about fencing and looks over at Sayaka. Huh? Oh.. oh! "Yes. I did get it. Thank you...s..-Sayaka-san." she says quietly as she'll start eating when Usagi does and closes her eyes a little. "It's good. You're right, it's a little mild. I'll remember that for next time." she says as she eyes the lassi next. "Rosewater should be okay for me..." she then pauses. "I mean of course it would...! Wh=why wouldn't it?" she says as she eats for now.

She punctuates this will trying the lassi and closing her eyes. "Huh, that's a weird taste..." she trails off.

"I mean not bad, just weird..." she trails off. She then blinks a little as she listens to Fencing talk.

She leans over to Usagi and whispers. "I have no idea what they're talking about, do you? I don't...fence." she says.

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"Not even a little bit," Usagi whispers, shamelessly cheerful. She scoops a bit of her butter chicken atop some rice, then scoops a perfect bite into her mouth. "Swords, swords, things you do with swords, that's what I'm getting."

Mamoru likes fencing, she knows that much. He's good at it, she guesses as much. Adrien would really like to fence with him, but height differences have something to do with fencing being easier or harder.

"But, they're really excited about it, huh? And yeah - rosewater is a pretty rare allergy, so you're probably good! It takes some getting used to, huh?"

Sayaka Miki has posed:
Sayaka grins at Usagi, a bit more comfortable with talking about that in public. "Thanks, but Hinoiri is just as good with her dates. If it weren't for the fact, I want this to be special for both of us, she would only spoil me rotten."

And with that out of the way, she starts asking about Usagi next. "So, what's your Mamochan like?" She really wants to hear about what kind of person since Usagi is so quick at singing his praises. He must have a lot of sweet surprises for her.

"Why do you say that? What's with your dorm neighbour?" Sayaka asks to Adrien, eating one of her nuggets in the meanwhile.

She also listens intently to what he and Ryoko have to say about fencing, and especially the latter, who actually gives her information by the tons.

"Oh, thanks", is the first thing the bluenette says to the duo. "Ok, so Sabre is peculiar due to slashing, but what about foil and epee? Do they just do piercing attacks?"

She does get that is seems a little too rigid for an actual fight, but if nothing else, it seems like it would be nice to actually come and see. "That sounds nice, I will probably come look at one."

"It's just, I think knowing stuff like that could be useful", Sayaka comments to Usagi.

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Adrien Agreste allows the conversations to flow around him though he does listen. Still grinning over the fact that there was someone else to talk fencing with, even if only for a bit, he gives a bit of an eager nod at the offer to practice. "I'd love that. I've practiced with a few of the other club members but they usually just want to stick to their own practice times for the team. There's only so much you can do on your own to keep in proper form."

Sayaka's questioning causes him to pause as he scoops up a bit of his own curry to take a bite. It's gulped down quickly. "My neighbor is Usagi-chan's boyfriend," he explains with an amused chuckle. "Nice guy. Tall, cute. Quite the catch. And yes," he agrees with a nod. "Epee and foil are just stabbing attacks. The blades are thin and rounded so there's no other way to do it."

Apologetically he smile toward Norie. "Sorry to bore you with it. It's a sport I enjoy practicing."

Ryoko Gushiken has posed:
The best part about explaining something alongside someone else is that you don't have to answer every question. Ryoko lets Adrien field the rest of Sayaka's inquiry and opts instead to refocus on her food. Practice was hard. She's hungry.

The conversation then moves on to romance and boyfriends and Ryoko has nothing to say. She's too busy for things like that. The Grim Queen always has such high expectations of her, and those expectations have only lessened a little with school added into the mix.

She barely has time for curry, let alone romance.

"Okana-san," she finally says, "What sort of things do you find interesting?"

Norie Okana has posed:
Norie Okana looks like she's caught with her hand in the cookie jar! Eep! "U...uh. It's fine. It just. Not able to follow all this."

This is a lie. She follows to some degree, but she doesn't understand why. It's like recalling from. Somewhere. But not fully. She looks back to Usagi and whispers. "U-uh sorry. Didn't mean to be so loud!" she says.

She looks towards Ryoko and she head tilts. "I um. Like dancing. I also study. um. Zoology." of sorts- she adds mentally. She doesn't have to be specific!

She looks at the discussion of boyfriends, girlfriends and romance and she shifts a bit uncomfortably.

Like anyone would be into her, she thinks, quietly, as she eats her food quietly.

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"He's the best! He helps me study, and we hang out together all the time, and we teach each other things," admittedly she was teaching him to embezzle and he was teaching her English and Algebra, but, the point stood, right? "We went to the Masquerade together and he gave me this amazing music locket - it's called an orgel, I have a picture -"

She digs her phone out to flip to just that picture. "He makes me happy. The happiest girl in the whole world! And I can tell Hinoiri-chan makes you happy too, or you wouldn't be so smiley!"

Also, her Mamochan is Adrien's roommate, but, she lets him say that part, giggling a little after.
en Norie apologizes, she just shakes her head with a little smile. "No worries," she whispers back.

"Zoology! That's - wanting to work at a zoo?"

Close, but so far off.

Sayaka Miki has posed:
So, they are basically the same thing? Why call them by their own names? Eh, she can just let that weirdness pass, it wasn't the point, even if she would like to know.

Moving over onto the description of Usagi's boyfriend, Sayaka comments, half a tease, half genuine, "sounds like you have won all around, a kind handsome boyfriend that makes you really happy. Congratulations."

Then they were at the Masquerade, Usagi reveals. "Oohh, the one with the princess from D. Kingdom? Maybe I saw you, I was working there that day! What else did you have?"

Sayaka is interested a bit by the mention of Norie studying zoology, so she actually talks with her about it. "What kind of animals have you studied so far?"

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Adrien Agreste shifts in his seat to sit up a bit straighter as the conversation goes on. It's just to get a bit more comfortable while eating his meal as well as allowing him a chance to give everyone at the table proper attention as they talk. His green eyes dart around watching as he eats, and listens.

"Both of those are very good hobbies," he encourages of the apparently shy Norie. "I heard there's even an animal care club at the school. I'm not really sure that's in line with zoology, but you'd probably meet a lot of people with similar interests there if you want."

He hadn't forgotten about Ryoko though, and flashes her a grin. "We'll have to trade numbers so we can meet up sometime for a match."

Ryoko Gushiken has posed:
Having put in the minimal amount of effort necessary to be a participant in the conversation and make friends, Ryoko returns to her curry. It's almost gone, and she always finishes what she starts.

So she's hunched over her bowl, shoveling rice into her mouth when the cute boy asks her for her phone number. Whatever. It's not like she has time for boys, and he's too young besides.

Still.

She rather quickly finishes her bite and then nods. "Yes, of course, how else would we coordinate?" She reaches around to unzip a pocket on her fencing pouch and reaches into it, pulling out a small purse which she sets on the table. Out of the purse she pulls out a pen and a business card. She writes her number on the back and hands it to Adrien.

The front of the card reads: Ryoko Gushiken - Executive Assistant - RGushiken@Obsidian.com.

She finally turns her attention back to Norie. It's a required part of the interaction. She needs to act interested in the answer to her question. "Just think of fencing as dancing with swords," she says, then. "It feels like that sometimes. The give and the take in a match is a lot like the give and take between partners on a dance floor."

Norie Okana has posed:
Norie Okana seems to wilt visibly. Not in any sort of malice, but self-deprecation. She can't smile. or laugh. She tries to hide her frowny face by keeping her head down and shoveling food, and lassi into her mouth like nobody's business.

She catches a look at the music locket. "Oh, it's pretty...!" she manages to stammer out. She then looks to Sayaka and ohs. "Wild dogs." she says quietly. "Currently have my interest." she says quieter. Not quite a lie! Just wrong. Dimension. and all.

"Ah I couldn't go to that. I had an invite but..." she sighs a little. More face hiding. She's gonna run out of food to do that eventually with.

She nods a little. "I guess I can see how it's a little like that." she says softly. "But what if the person you're dancing with is using a baseball bat?" she asks curiously. "While you're using a proper blade...?" she adds.

Sayaka Miki has posed:
"Wild dogs? You don't have to pursue aggressive subjects every time, you know?", Sayaka whispers with a frown to Norie. "Why don't you try studying something nicer, like penguins, or puppies? It can't do anything bad to you."

The bluenette peers over at where the other two are trading numbers. She would still like to see even if it's not particularly useful. "Is it ok if I come over? As a spectator?"

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Adrien Agreste reaches out to take up the business card which he reads over a moment before flipping it to regard the other side. Which he pauses to stare at a moment with a single blink. "Obsidian? Huh, my father works with them. Small world!" A grin is offered back toward Ryoko as it's tucked away into the pocket of his shirt for the time being. "I'll drop you a line later to figure something out." Really he wasn't asking her out! He could be smooth but not that smooth.

The picture showed off by Usagi is regarded with a grin. "Wow that's really something special, Usagi-chan. Great choice on Darien's part. You two looked amazing at the ball, as well. Thanks for chatting with me a bit, those things always bore me."

He looks down to his own plate a moment only to sigh. "I should probably get back to my room to finish my studies. I just really needed a break." Pushing up from his seat he pauses at Sayaka's question to nod. "Of course. So long as there's no interruptions I don't mind if anyone watches."

Norie Okana has posed:
Norie Okana frowns hard at Sayaka... "Because they're cute?" she says softly. "Not everything h...has to be so... nrgftg..." she mutters as she just takes her tray over to the trash can and shoves her hands into her pockets. "I should...get going too. I'm only going to spoil the mood." she says a little angrily as she huffs and looks over to Adrien and Ryoko. "Thanks again. Maybe I'll stop by the fencing club sometimes." she saus softly as she leaves quietly without much ado otherwise.

Ryoko Gushiken has posed:
Ryoko Gushiken takes the last bite of her food and then looks at the bowl for a moment. That's it. That's what she came here for. And being done with it is her excuse to be done altogether. Following just a moment after Adrien, she scoots back away from the table and grabs her fencing bag, heaving it up over her shoulder in a practiced motion. Then she grabs her plate to bus it.

Adrien's dad worked at Obsidian. She would have to look at the org chart. They had just joined the firm, so she was still learning who everyone was. She makes a polite laugh and nods, "Small world!" That's what you say to that.

"I don't mind an audience at all, Miki-san," she says, nodding toward Adrien. Because he said about the same thing.

But then Norie is running off, and well, she'd asked a question. It was a very specific question, and it has Ryoko curious. "Okana-san!" She calls out as she chases the younger girl out the door to follow-up.

Sayaka Miki has posed:
'Because they are cute?' Can't account for taste, Sayaka guesses. She gives an uncertain gaze at Norie's hard frown, before deciding to just finish her own meal and bring the tray over.

"It will be very nice being there, and thank you for the nice chat", she says, waving at three of them before she too goes her way.