Black and White. [Open]

[Lavender Hyuuga]

What bullshit! Completely and absolutely ruined!

To understand Lavender's frustration, we'll have to go a little back in time. The day had started like it should. Breakfast had been solid, consisting of good thick slices of bread, a boiled egg, some butter and jelly. After a good breakfast, there had been a minor workout session. Not training per se, but a little something to retain her good shapes..

After the morning workout, Lavender had been moving through the streets of Otogakure in an attempt to find a new addition to her attire. In the dark brown hair she had three braids. One had the addition of a feather, and was hanging loosely at her back. The second had a long string of blue beads intertwined into the braid itself. The third one was regular, but assisted in keeping a blue lavender in place in her hair. Wearing a black sleeveless shirt with a mild V-cut, one could only assume that Lavender would be cold. One had to suffer for beauty. Wearing a pair of high heels, they clicked against the pavement everytime she took a step. It would be hard to identify her as a shinobi, especially because she wasn't wearing her headband.

There, in the middle of the street, while she had been weighing some cloth between her fingers, and old man with a cane had been walking fast. By mistake, the tip of his cane had gotten a slight grip on Lavenders shirt. The ritch could easily be herd, as the fabric was torn on the middle of her back, leaving a slight hole where her skin was visible. As if it hadn't been bad enough, the old geezer had started complaining about how the youth was always standing in the way.. Having called the old geezer a f*ck bucket Lavender was now moving towards her favorite clothings store. With a little bit of luck, there'd be something to replace the now broken fabric she was wearing.. Maybe they could even sew it together without leaving any noticeable marks?

...A soft sigh left her lips.

[Umehara]

- Enter -

The streets seemed to bustle with a mild amount of life as the Uchiha appeared from the heavens, seemingly birthed into reality via a shunshin that would allow him a corporeal vessel until he'd fully materialize. Anotsu stood to full height and adjusted the headband upon his forehead, his crimson locks flowing gracefully against the tendrils of wind that had slipped through. Allowing the soles of his boots to click against the earth as he traversed the street, his eyes caught sight of various business and pleasantries that were taking place. His katana sat beneath his cloak on his western flank, a hand draped over it lightly. Green eyes meticulously took in the sights; this had been his first time here, and he was curious about the every day life of a shinobi of Oto.

But before he could pass, the sound of vulgarity would definitely catch his ears. The source of it seemed to be two patrons arguing at one another, the elder of the two holding a cane that now appeared to have collected a shred of the other person's attire. Atsu's eyebrow quirked slowly as the scene ended in anger, though he gave no particular concern to the incident. With a mere shake of the head, he would amble forward and attempt to distance himself.

But to no avail.

The two had seemingly come right into one another's path, his form slightly bumping into her own as he attempted to get past a crowd who had gathered to watch the miniature outbreak.

"Excuse me," he stated. It was then that he'd look at her fully, his eyes imperceptibly caught off guard by the pristine white of her eyes.

Stunning.

[Lavender Hyuuga]

Looking over her shoulder, Lavender grumped out a low asshole at the old fart, narrowly letting it escape the tip of her lips. How could people be so inconsiderate, and not mind where they were walking? Especially such an old fart with a potentially dangerous device at his side. Shameful. The elderly should have enough experience to know better. As the Hyuuga turned her head to continue walking forwards, she bumped into a certain someone. Due to the nature of the crowd, she was pushed a few steps backwards, almost falling onto her ass. "Well thats just perfect!" Lavender hissed in an angry tone, only barely avoiding a complete fall by a gentle movement with her hands. What she had been unable to avoid was the lavender flower dislodging itself, ending up on the ground and immediately being trampled by people travelling in either direction. Looking at it, it was clear that her frustration for the day had reached its climax.

Turning around while speaking, it started as a shitfall. "Tell me, have you got no eyes in your......."[/b] The milky white eyes met his eyes straight on. Apparently something had caught her interest enough to completely dislocate the insult she was about to fire his way. Tilting her head slightly to the side, perking her lips and narrowing her eyes...
"...Have we met before?"[/b]
The way he was looking at her was suggesting that he too had seen something he could recognice. Unfortunately for Lavender, she only truly remembered two kinds of strangers. The complete assholes, and the nicest ones.. Since this fellow had been mannered enough to excuse bumping into her, she was praying that he belonged in the second category.

[Umehara]

He watched with a mild amusement as she stumbled, though without thought he would reach out with his right arm and curl his digits about her arm to prevent her from falling too far into those who were passing along. He couldn't rescue the flower from its pending doom as feet trampled along it, but her mouth was more the surprise than the fact that she'd wound up outmaneuvered by a gathering of random patrons in the first place. Anotsu let her go only moments after he was certain that she'd be able to regain her balance. Fully prepared to meet the brunt of her insult, he was instead greeted by her tongue being caught by the cat.

Hearing her words, his memories began to rush through with haste. He couldn't remember seeing her countenance before, save the thorough curves that lined her figure. She was the epitome of an hourglass, and yet he hadn't the time to try and recall his past to answer her question with accuracy. "I can't say. But just in case we haven't, allow me."

His voice was one of gentle ferocity. "My name is Atsuhiro. But you may call me Anotsu," he stated. There was no need to provide his last name; the last thing he wanted was to be marveled at or hated for the eyes that he possessed. He couldn't help but laugh lightly at the thought of her asking him, of all people, if he had eyes.

Oh, he had them alright...

Atsuhiro would thereafter bend down on a knee, picking up the remnants of her flower carefully before regarding her with a rueful smile. "My apologies," he said. "And you are?"

[Lavender Hyuuga]

Slowly yet surely her brows found their regular position as her eyes unfolded once more. Rather than being narrowed to inspect him, she was now merely watching him. Memories racing to try and pin this persona on events that had happened in the past. For now though, Lavender remained unsuccessful. That hair and those eyes though. Where had she seen those before?... Biting her lower lip, the way he was looking at her had turned a slight bit greedy, and she wasn't one to miss noticing that. It made her lips slide into a confident smile, while her eyes remained somewhat wounded..? Having others attention in the manner she currently had Anotsu's always felt good.

"The name is Hyuuga Karasaki Lavender"[/b] Lavender said in a low tone, seemingly not too happy with today. Rather than being insulting, she had taken a slighty moody tone to herself. Stretching out her hand to pick up the flower between two fingers, she discarded it with a low grunt. The tip of her fingers had gently grased over his palm. "Today has proven itself one of those days."

Turning her back slightly to him, the sign of the Hyuuga was clearly noticable upon her back. So was the cut that the cane had left into her clothes. The movement however, also allowed him to check her out from a different angle, even if that hadn't been her intention by any means. "..An old bastard cut my shirt, and then had the nerve to shout at me."... Gesturing forwards, she pointed towards the clothings store. "..If you wish, you may accompany me for now. I'd like to know where I've seen you before"[/b] The tone it which it was spoken, it was clear that she was confident in the fact that she was pleasent company. Lavender seemed straight forward and optimistic. Two traits that were never bad in a shinobi.

[Umehara]

A Hyuuga, huh?

He'd heard about them a long while ago, the tension between his kind and theirs almost obvious whenever dealing one with the other. Her pristine eyes should have given him all that he had needed to know. But to one such as Anotsu, the only time blood mattered was when it was being spilled. He heard her words and caught notice of her "unfortunate accident", a hand reaching out so that the pads of his fingers might catch the shredded area of clothing and examine it. "I see that old men just want to have their chance at you," he joked with a small grin. He knew full well what it was like to have a day that seemed to simply desire to kill the one who was having it.

"Still insisting that you've seen me somewhere before. You seem so sure. But for what reason? Why me?" he asked. Anotsu seemed to be the simple type. Though few outstanding features were present - those luminous green eyes, scarlet tresses that were silken to the touch, a handsome countenance that spoke of passionate indifference - he existed and yet melded with the shadows all the same. Anotsu admired her confidence, at least. For one who was having such a bad day, she was exuding a light arrogance that was both inviting and enticing. As such, he would entertain her notion.

"I suppose I'll call you Lavender, unless you have a nickname?" He was new to the village, himself. Very few people recognized him for who he truly was, and his ANBU mask was hidden well out of sight by his very cloak. Not wanting to startle her for any reason, he'd keep a low profile until otherwise necessary. First impressions had to be natural. Fortunately for the Uchiha, he was always just that.

[/b][/right][/font]

[Lavender Hyuuga]

Letting out a soft snort and putting up a face as if she had been insulted she looked a bit to the side while biting her lip, raising an eyebrow as if she was looking after the man again. "You think so..? What an old pervert! I should've taught him a lesson!"[/b] Lavender responded in the same joking manner, putting up her hands and pulling her fingers into her palms to create two small fists. Moving one hand just a few centimeters ahead as if she was boxing, it should be obvious exactly how poor of a fighter she would actually be, despite of being a Hyuuga. It seemed like she'd have a lot of talent, that had never been nurtured..

"..To be frank, you remind me of two people, and I might just be going out on a limb here. One of the two has departed to the next world, though.."[/b] With her side still slightly turned towards Atsu, she was watching him somewhat out of the corner of her eyes. "..Its the color of your hair and eyes. It's not every day I meet that combination. Though, it is possible I may have looked at you with my real eyes when we met.. so a place more private would be helpful, if you would allow."[/b] Gesturing forwards, Lavender started to snake her way through the crowd. Perhaps without much skill in combat, but she sure knew how to handle her way through a crowd. Likely experience from shopping sprees?

"..I've not been one to have many nicknames. I suppose the most common ones are bitch, cunt and twat."[/b] Lavender said in a clearly playful tone, letting Atsu know that people could think of her what they wanted, she wasn't one to give a damn. "..Those who're calling themselves my friends call me Sanada. (Braided-hair.)"

[Umehara]

He couldn't help but let out a soft laughter as she boxed with the air; an inanimate object was harmless until kinetic energy was on its side. Anotsu's eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke of his features, and it was then that the gears of his cerebral began to turn. Through his past would he dive, swimming through the current of turmoil and his Kekkei Genkai's poisonous aftertaste until recalling many nights that he had spent alone and in the wilderness. He had spent quite some time within the shadows of Oto No Kuni. Perhaps he had happened upon her and quickly brushed the memory aside for lack of value? Though, he would not say such a thing out loud. Anotsu was direct, but he was not ignorant to feelings.

"Hmph. Well, I can assure you that I am not dead. I have seen many things, but death is seldom a partner of mine. She and I have an understanding - she takes those who stand before me, and I keep business productive."

Anotsu recalled the very change of his body when he had discovered his ability as a Soul Caster. Able to harness the power of his very essence and project it forward into a weapon, there were few that he surmised would have such a powerful technique at their disposal. The Reinhart brothers, the scientists he'd seen upon his awakening and finding this new body, had witnessed just how powerful he had become in his transformation. He had to admit, though - his scarlet locks were flawless in their composition. Spiked bangs lay kempt around the crown of his youthful countenance. Green eyes peered out and glowed with a certain gem-like glow. She had an eye for detail.

As they weaved in and out of the crowd effortlessly, it was clear that very few wanted to come into contact with the Uchiha. Perhaps it was the Wolf mask that shone slightly when his cloak moved, but none of the passers-by would even make physical contact with his garments. "Hmm. Sanada, hmm? An interesting name. Lead the way, and I will follow." Her confidence was admirable. He'd seen his own fair share of curses - demon, wraith, specter, destroyer - and yet, they only served to amuse him.

Still, he chose to live in the present. "Is it a coincidence that we found each other here among all these people? Or are you just that lucky?"

[Lavender Hyuuga]

People were parting like moses parted the waters, clearing the way for them, and while it was a bit peculiar, Lavender wasn't one to care about such trivial matters. It might've been that they had heard her outburst earlier and didn't want to cross her path. Maybe they had figured that furtherly pissing off a Hyuuga would be a terrible idea. That, or her companion was the source of this strange behaviour. Perhaps they had just decided that she was too good looking for them to come near. That was a plausible explanation, indeed.
"Nah, I had already figured you weren't dead. You've got far too much life in you, Anotsu-kun. Though, other people that walk around can appear dead. Its just a matter of definition. - Come, its just over here."[/b]

Having gotten upon an old tailoring shop that on the outside appeared to be nothing more than the graveyard of tailors, Lavender seemed content with entering here. Getting outside the stream of people was absolutely a welcome change of pace, and this place had quite the story to tell. The shop was old, and had everything from carpets, blankets, rugs, scarfs and various other handknit things. A dusty and gloomy aura was hanging over it though, and it was clear not everything could be done in time. If Anotsu would bother himself to get closer to the materials though, he would find that it had been sewn with only the best of the best thread, and knitted with great care and method. It was clearly a place where one could get stuff sewn, and at reasonable prices for the work that was done. An elderly lady entered behind the desk, raising her glasses to have a look at them.
A moment of shock apparent on her eyes, as she made a gesture at Lavender that could only seem inappropriate. Yet Lavender didn't mind. Anotsu would soon see why she loved this place. "Lavender-san! You've broken it, again. Dear child when will you learn?! Take it off, I'll fix it immediately.. and then don't you treat my wares that way in the future!"[/b] A soft smile ran onto her lips. Nothing said quality merchant as someone who took offense to having their things take damage. "Trust me, Trace, I gave him a mouthful for destroying your pieces of art"[/b]

Then, not caring for Anotsu's pressence, Lavender slipped out of her shirt and handed it over to Trace, who accepted the apology and shirt, before going out in the back. There, she would do her unbelievable magic and sew the threads back together like noone else could in the whole of Otogakure. With her back still turned towards Anotsu, he could now see the straps of her bra, and the silk-white skin of her shoulders and back. The brown hair and braids gracing halfway down her back. - Thats when Lavender turned out, seemingly completely careless of his pressence. "I do not believe in luck or fate. Coincidences happen all the time though."[/b] Holding up her hand in a seal, the veins around her eyes grew to double size, as she inspected him through the Byakugan. Thats when she knew for certain. Having had her suspicions, now she could say without a doubt. Anotsu had been the one to save her that many nights ago. The look she gave him had been the same as that night, when he had stretched his hand out to help her up on her feet. A confused but indepbted look.
"..You are.."[/b] She said, letting her jaw drop just a little.

[Umehara]

Her words were true enough. He had seen many things in his lifetime, and the Grim Reaper was no exception. It had claimed the lives of many in the wake of his battles, and yet he was no closer to it than when it had first arrived to claim his first victim. The Uchiha were a cursed blood. And yet, he had the pleasure of accompanying a beautiful woman like Lavender to the confines of private quarter. He held no particular intent, though the thought of him being the one to receive such a blessing was not lost on him. "Interesting..."

He found the place that she'd chosen to be one of wonder, his eyes crossing over all that was beheld. Much like a scene out of a dungeon or ancient antique shop, he had come to appreciate the timeless works of those who had come before him. As a separate voice from Lavender's own spoke out, the Uchiha could only cant his head to the side slightly in curiosity. There appeared to be an elderly woman with as much fire as a young vixen, her gestures and speech akin to Lavender's own. The Uchiha couldn't help but raise his eyebrows in curiosity, folding his arms along his chest as the woman examined her claimed work. "Ah. So you're responsible for such beauty. A marvel, indeed." He had an appreciation for art, and this would be no exception.

Anotsu watched as Lavender discarded her shirt. And yet, he remained just as normal as he had been when it was on. As stated earlier, he appreciated art - a woman's body was simply one of the more cherished and marveled of that category. Her curves were even more apparent as he viewed her from behind. The shinobi would have been lying if he had denied the bulge that now proceeded to manifest itself against his lower garments. "True enough. Luck or fate are merely concepts of whimsical faith. I, however, believe that mine own hand is responsible for the present and future." His words were barotone, almost commanding and absolutely sure. His eyes fell from Lavender's countenance to her ample bosom. Such supple breasts were truly facing restraint issues against the silk of her bra, though he would once again remain in all normalcy as he watched her.

And suddenly, as her eyes revealed the truth unto her, he would meet her at her point of confusion with a gaze into her Byakugan's essence. ".....That look," he started. It was one that was unmistakable, the same bewildered expression that etched itself across her features. He had first wondered if she thought the man a demon so long ago. But here, as she stood before him, it had been replaced with realization. Anotsu's memories washed ashore of his cogizance in those fleeting seconds. To one who looked from the outside, it looked as though they were lovers long lost to one another. But within the mind of the Uchiha, he only sought to figure out just what was so special about her that she had been attacked in such a way.

"...It's been a long time, it seems.." he finally said. His full lips were pursed afterward, their softness reflected in the neutral gaze he gave her.

[Lavender Hyuuga]

The light shined in Lavender's eyes as she took a few steps closer, allowing the Byakugan to once more fade away. Inspecting him with her own milky-white eyes, a warm and thankful smile had returned onto her lips. "I guess it would be customary to say thank you.. For saving my life, those years ago."[/b] Unknown why, she was drawn a few steps closer, until they were very close to one another. It was a strange feeling that was carrying her steps, almost as if it had taken over her body. Everything was so calm, and the only thing she could see was him.. Just before the feeling guided her even closer, a voice broke the silence, and made Lavender shake her head before turning around and eyeing the shopkeeper with a mondane look.

"I can't fix this right now - no time. You'll have to come back later. You go now." It was a rather strange way to speak to a buying customer, but the wares in here more than made up for the strangeness abound. There only seemed to be one problem. At least, Lavender found a problem, that might not have worried the old lady. "Trace-san, I can't go out there like this"[/b] Gesturing to herself and the fact that she was, by all means, lacking something to wear.
Grumbling lowly as if she had had enough of Lavender's complaints for one day, the old woman tossed a black and white striped blanket over to Lavender. "You better bring it back, or I'll make you pay double"[/b] With that, Trace disappeared into the back as fast as she had appeared, expecting the two of them to leave. The whole ordeal had lasted but a few seconds, yet it appeared so much had happened. From the back, her voice could be heard, only a few second later.
"I didn't hear you leave. Take your boyfriend with you, too."

Lavender, who had now clearly returned to being moody, wrapped the blanket around her body and went for the door. Once trace was in that mood, there was no arguing with her. While Trace was strange by all means, Lavender didn't consider the old woman a bitch. Trace was hard working, honest and straight forward. A few things she had come to respect, especially when buying clothes. Turning her gaze towards Atsu, an apologetic look was upon her face. "I'm sorry about all that. I guess we better leave." Not really sure wheter to say goodbye, or how to actually act, Lavender ended up just looking at Anotsu, hoping that he'd take the initiative to end this rather akward ordeal.