A Night Out

[Mitsuko]

Around 4 PM Mitsuko took a shower and then started to get ready for a night out with Eve—Ever since she got older and had her children Mitsuko’s stamina wasn’t as high as it used to be, so she took Eve wherever she went. You could say that Eve was her protector and confidant whenever they traveled together. Mitsuko decided that since her husband Zero was going to be working the night shift it was a good opportunity to have a night out with Eve and talk to her about a few things, and to people watch and sketch them as a form of art study. Ever since making up with her husband Mitsuko had this renewed passion to draw in her sketchbook—something that she used to do many years ago.

For the girl’s night out however, there was a catch. Mitsuko let Eve pick the place to hang out at and of course the Southern Bell -that’s-rough-around-the-edges picked the Sweet Water Saloon which was thankfully not located out of Sougen so if Mitsuko needed Zero to pick her up then he would be able to with ease. 

When Mitsuko discussed this with her husband earlier, she could see in his big blue intense eyes that Zero truly didn’t want her to go to a bar as people could get really drunk and she wouldn’t be able to defend herself if something happened. In fact, when Mitsuko first talked to him about it his eyes widened in shock, and she could tell he wanted to tell her no that she shouldn’t be going there for her own safety, but he bit his tongue. He wanted to support her wherever she wanted to go to draw. To try and calm his worries especially since he was working late hours tonight, they made a compromise: that if she’s uncomfortable or if there is a bar fight, or if she just wants to come home early then to call him. His cellphone would be on for the whole night due to work, but she was always welcome to call him no matter how busy he was—and because he was working, he’d prefer a phone call as he wouldn’t be able to check text messages right away.

Being raised in Veyyard and being a bounty hunter really did make Zero super sharp with his instincts and aware of possible danger than most and considering that he was aware how Mitsuko’s energy level had changed ever since she did have their children, he was much more protective over her and even more so when they made up from a fight a few days prior. But the important thing was that they had open and healthy communication even if it did cause a little worry. Mitsuko also needed Eve to pick the hang out place because people tend to open up more about things when they are in a space that makes them the most comfortable, the most at home, and she needed Eve to be comfortable. She needed to find out why there was so much tension between Zero and Eve since Jean had got shot in the leg during a bounty hunting mission. Mitsuko wanted to understand her husband’s annoyance with Eve as they both were there when this incident happened. Their friendship seemed fractured somehow. And yes, Mitsuko could just go straight to the source and ask questions, but she needed information to go on, and it was best to have this discussion out of the house. And who knows, maybe Mitsuko will bump into an old friend or someone new? She was going there for a purpose, but she was okay being social with a friend or two.

For the night out Mitsuko dressed appropriately since it was very chilly in Sougen at nighttime, so she wore a pink jacket, and it was fitting as it matched the ring that Zero had given to her days ago. She did put on a little make up and perfume and then she packed her sketchbook in her pink angel tote bag. She stopped by Zero’s office, and he was already starting to work so she kissed his cheek, hugged him, and whispered that she loved him and wanted him to have a good night. And she promised she’d call if she needed him to pick her up. “Alright Eve. Let’s blow this popsicle stand.” The two of them left together after saying goodbye to Matthew, and made their way to the Saloon, which wasn’t very far from where Mitsuko lived with her family. As she entered the bar, she got a little over stimulated by the crowds—however she just took a few silent deep breaths and sat at a nearby table and took out her sketchbook while she had a minute to herself to do so as Eve went to the bartender to order some drinks. The angel watched people closely and began sketching in her sketchbook. Capturing their movements, the little details, the electricity of this place. She wanted to capture it all. Mitsuko was feeling like herself again. Whole. Being a mother, wife, and herself wasn’t so bad after all, especially since she was now fully supported by her husband. ‘Thank you Zero I love you.’

[Eve but Otherwise- OPEN!}

[Hikaru]

Hikaru has been sitting at the corner seat nearest to the barkeeper since the early evening. Since his younger sister, Eyuki, became well-known within the bar industry as a successful indie artist, he had been fostering good networking with the rest of the bar owners in case they wanted Yuki to perform in their establishment. Hikaru works partly as her manager, so the bar owners would contact him for any business enquiries.

He's in Sweetwater Saloon in the first place because the barkeeper and him go way back. Poor ole Tobias wanted some company, so Hikaru's here sipping free beer (responsibly) as he listens to the old man's problems. Tobias is a stocky old man with a thick beard and an even thicker accent. He's been a barkeep all his life, never leaving the confines of Sougen. Thus, he loves listening to Hikaru's many stories.

Whenever Tobias has no one to serve, he'd settle at the corner with Hikaru as the two engaged in a lively discussion about the most random thing. While they're in the middle of their talk, a brown-haired woman, Eve, approaches the bar to order some drinks. Hikaru notices her, but Tobias the barkeeper is enthusiastically talking to him. "Uh. Tobias." Hikaru points his chin towards Eve, smiling at her sympathetically.

Tobias the barkeeper looks over at Eve and nods at her to signal that he'll be right there. The old man then slaps Hikaru on the shoulder amiably, before taking Eve's orders. With his conversation buddy busy, Hikaru sips on his beer as he looks around. He did not notice Mitsuko at first, due to how full of people the saloon is. It was until the woman who ordered earlier was carrying over the drinks to a table that Hikaru notices someone in a pink jacket.

The redhead tilts his head to the side. That pink jacket is a stark contrast to everyone and everything else in this building, it's actually quite cute. Tobias is still busy with other customers, so Hikaru continues to stare at the pink jacket particularly, still with his head tilted at the side.

Some people standing between them moved away, and Hikaru can finally see the owner of the pink jacket. It's Mitsuko, and she is busy sketching, it seems. She lifts her head up from her sketchbook to people-watch, and their eyes finally met. Hikaru awkwardly raises an arm up in greeting, albeit from the distance, and waves.

They're so far apart in the bar, they most likely cannot hear each other by how loud everything is. The best Hikaru can do is to give her a visual cue that he recognizes her and greets her. He then raises his glass of beer towards her with that familiar brilliant smile.

He knows Mitsuko has company, and Hikaru has company too, so he leaves her alone with her female friend for now. Hikaru will go to her table soon to greet her properly and catch up after he's done talking to Tobias the barkeeper.

[NPC: Female]

“Christ. I forgot how busy it gets in here! Oh well at least I got what we wanted. But no alcohol for you right Miki? You started that medication yesterday, right? How have you felt since you started taking it? Has it started working? What did the doctor ask you?” Eve came back finally with those drinks and gave Mitsuko the non-alcoholic beverage.

[Mitsuko]

Even if Mitsuko wasn’t on medication for her PPD she would have still declined to drink alcohol as it just wasn’t for her. At first Mitsuko didn’t hear Eve’s questions as while she was sketching her in her sketchbook Mitsuko was in a trance like state and, her memories brought her back to how the events unfolded. The doctor’s appointment was arranged immediately as soon as Mitsuko had come home from visiting Syani and then visiting her daughter Savannah at her school—she wanted to see her daughter in person to get her supplies for her period and even a few treats to help her feel better. She took Savannah shopping for some new clothes, hair accessories, snacks, comfort food, drinks, new pillows, and even got her daughter a new ring. But as soon as Mitsuko came home her mental health was the priority and Zero kept good on his promise.

He attended the doctor’s appointment with her and held her hand the entire time. Zero also observed that whenever Mitsuko felt scared or even communicated that she was a little offended by the doctor’s line of questioning by using her facial expressions he would step in and say something, and other times when there wasn’t anything to say Zero just squeezed Mitsuko’s hand, or when the doctor stepped out of the room for a brief moment, Zero would kiss her hand just to show affection. He was protective of her the minute they had stepped into the doctor’s office. So little moments of affection were comforting him just as they were to Mitsuko. The angel also recalled the memory of what happened when Mitsuko walked into Zero’s office and greeted him— after staring at her for a few minutes as if he hadn’t seen her in months Zero hoisted her up into his arms from where she stood and kissed her while saying how sorry he was. Mitsuko didn’t want him to keep apologizing but she allowed him to say what he needed to say to her. Since she came home, they both were doing a lot better.

Eve’s questions brought Mitsuko back to reality and then once she regained her focus and greeted Hikaru with a friendly glance, she answered Eve’s questions one by one. “The doctor asked me if I was pregnant or if I was planning on becoming pregnant. I got nervous at the question because when Zero and I… did it almost a few days ago now, the condom broke that night. I ended up getting my period the day after I came back home so that put all my concerns to rest. So, Savannah and I bonded over us having our periods together. And the doctor asked about my moods throughout my pregnancy and if it affected my bonding with Savannah. Thankfully it hadn’t. Then there was the one question that I got so offended by. I understood why they asked it but still. I was asked if I had thoughts of harming myself or my child. I’d never hurt my child."  She paused her facial expression looking visibly upset remembering the question and then took a breath and to calm down any triggering emotions. "Anyway, long story short is that I am on medication until my mood evens out and I feel well enough to function without it, and I do have to block out some time for myself to do things I enjoy. Things like drawing, painting, anything therapeutic, not isolating myself. Keeping my family nearby, staying close with other mothers, not doing everything myself and asking for help, and eating well. And I am in a support group that meets every week. There was a delay in me starting the medication due to the rainstorm that happened too within the week, so after all the obstacles I am now getting treated. I’m not sure how the medication is affecting me yet but what has made the difference was more family support, going out and sketching, and confiding in my husband and keeping him involved in how I’m feeling and what I’m doing. He honestly feels like my best friend again.” Mitsuko will get well again but it’s a marathon and not a sprint and the depression medication is only for the short term because post-partum depression does eventually heal. In the next year or so she should be able to stop taking them but that will be determined by her doctor because of how late she started treatment.

Then the angel looked over at Hikaru again— she was curious as to how he was doing and if her memories weren’t failing her, she wondered if he was still together with his girlfriend. It had been so long since she had seen Hikaru, so she wasn’t sure if he was still with her or if something had happened. All Mitsuko wanted for her old friend was for him to be happy. It was her greatest hope that he had found happiness in his life. So, she locked eyes with him again letting him know that it was okay to approach her. Mitsuko, as everyone knows by now, was never too busy to talk with another friend and to provide support for him or her.

[Hikaru]

Hikaru spends some more time humoring Tobias until the peak hour of the bar starts up. Now this is when the crowd really gets rowdy and Tobias will be busy not just in barkeeping, but also to manage the crowd. The old man thanked Hikaru for talking with him, and Hikaru only lifted his empty beer glass, asking for one last shot. Tobias gave him a look but poured him a free one after staring at Hikaru's carefully constructed puppy-eyed expression.

Hikaru grins at his success in getting his free final drink for the night. He's unusually good at getting people to give him free stuff or discounts. After thanking the generous barkeep, he caught sight of Mitsuko looking at him eagerly. In an instant, Hikaru's body literally lights up in happiness. Just for a moment though, for he takes control of his light powers right after and dims himself to not freak other people out.

The redhead weaves his way through the crowd and approaches Mitsuko's table with a skip. Hikaru stops near her table, deciding to politely introduce himself before sitting down. "Hello Mitsuko," he greeted her with his now very adult voice. Come to think of it, he last talked to Mitsuko when he was still a child. He had seen her in passing, and of course he attended her wedding as well, but he never had the opportunity to talk with her properly. "You look well. It's good to see you."

Then, Hikaru turns his attention to the other occupant of the table; a fierce-looking woman with her long brown hair tied up in two ponytails. "Good evening. My name is Hikaru. I used to be Mitsuko's classmate back in school." He smiles politely at her as he introduces himself. "I've seen you before during her wedding. May I ask for your name, ma'am?" There's a certain quality that Hikaru possesses, and that is his extremely bright disposition. Plus, he's never rude, so people generally enjoy his positive presence.

"Do you mind if I join your table?" He gestured his drink to them with a smile, still standing at the side of the table to respect their space unless they allow him to join. When he's standing like that, he looks tall. His body has grown healthily through the years, from being so short and lanky to a generally manly triangular build. It's all thanks to his martial arts teacher that he can grow this strong. Hikaru has a black strap over one of his shoulders, and the strap is attached to a guitar case that hangs behind him. He looks almost like a musician carrying such a thing.