An Old Industrial District, Tokyo, Thursday Evening

[soniaroadsqueen]

One of the things that Ringo really loved about visiting home, besides seeing her awesome sisters, was getting to AirTrek with people who had been doing it almost as long as she had. The scene had continued to evolve since the last time she'd visited, but that just meant that it was possible to get involved in a pick-up match of almost anything. You could even get into a casual game of Balloon, which hadn't really been something she'd ever imagined.

And while she might find it difficult to admit, the public nature of AT gatherings in Tokyo (well, public within the community, anyway) gave her a chance to show off. Sure, Ringo tried not to be too, you know, arrogant or anything, but she knew she was good. Really good. And having people who could recognize that, and appreciate it, was a real thrill.

It just felt awesome to have people clap and whistle appreciatively at some of the tricks she'd spent so much time practicing over and over back at Fandom. The hard work wasn't for nothing.

"This is so much more amazing than last time I came out to one of these!" Ringo declared excitedly as she flopped down on the ground next to her sisters to take a quick breather and chug water from the bottle she'd brought with her.

Comments

[that_oldsaying]

It wasn't a bad thing to watch quietly. Alluka was good at it and it was enjoyable.

Besides, between Ringo and her sisters, and the crowds, Alluka felt a bit... overwhelmed.

She watched, enjoying herself that way, while holding Mr. Bubbles.

[soniaroadsqueen]

g one of her rests, Ringo ended up sitting down near Alluka. She looked over with a grin. "You still having fun?" she asked. She was a little worried that Alluka might get uncomfortable with the crowd and might not say anything.

[that_oldsaying]

"I'm having fun!" Alluka insisted, smiling for Ringo. "Though you look like you're having more!"

And, well. Yeah. There were an awful lot of people around compared to what Alluka was used to.

[soniaroadsqueen]

Ringo laughed. "Yeah, well, I don't get to come this close to cutting loose very often."

She looked around, taking in the human chaos that surrounded them.

"You want to get out there at all, or you happy just people-watching?"

[that_oldsaying]

Uneasiness crossed her face as she looked out at the crowds.

"I'm not very good," she said, though even to her eyes she could tell she was better than some of the people out there, laughing and having a good time as they skated.

[soniaroadsqueen]

Ringo smiled. "It's not about being good," she said softly. "It's about having fun!"

[that_oldsaying]

"But... but being good is part of it being fun, isn't it?"

Like, what if people laughed at her?

[soniaroadsqueen]

"Well, being good is fun," Ringo had to admit. "But look over there," she pointed to where a group of clearly new people were gathered with some more experienced folks getting pointers on how to safely jump off of a curb.

[that_oldsaying]

Alluka did as she was told, and looked.

The new people looked like they were having fun and so did the people helping them out.

"I... I guess no one cares?"

[rebelseekspizza]

"She definitely likes the audience," Dante commented, scooting over from his seat to get closer to Alluka. "Milking it."

[that_oldsaying]

Alluka giggled, looking over at him.

"She is very good though," Alluka said happily. "So, so I think it's okay if she shows off."

[rebelseekspizza]

"Maybe," Dante said, "But it's also better if it doesn't go to her head." He looked at Alluka. "You enjoying this?"

[that_oldsaying]

"I..."

Alluka shrugged a bit.

"I like watching Ringo, and I like AirTrek."

The crowds and the press of people all around them, though, were not her favourite things at all.

[rebelseekspizza]

That... was not exactly the answer Dante had been expecting. "Huh," he said. A pause. "You don't like the rest of it?"

[that_oldsaying]

Because Dante treated her like she was a grown up, she tried hard to be that way around him, so Alluka had answered honestly rather than hiding behind Mr. Bubbles.

"It's awfully loud and crowded," Alluka said. "I... I don't like that very much. My toys never made so much sound."

And Fandom was a lot quieter too.

[rebelseekspizza]

"Okay," Dante said, frowning. He looked back up at all the AirTrek people doing their thing, thoughtful. "You wanna go find somewhere else to sit?"

[rebelseekspizza]

"Still could do better, Ringo!"

Yeah, you expected Dante to be here and not heckle? Come on, Ringo.

[soniaroadsqueen]

Ugh. Why had she even invited him.

(Maybe it was the way she grinned as she flipped him off.)

"You want to get out here and do better?"

[rebelseekspizza]

"What, hoping I'll pick up your slack?" Dante said, giving her the finger right back. "You're dreaming."

[soniaroadsqueen]

"Uh huh." Ringo rolled her eyes.

"You at least enjoying the scenery?" she asked. After all, serious AirTrek folks were in shape. And even in December you could work up enough of a sweat to toss your jacket with the rest of your stuff.

[rebelseekspizza]

"It is not a bad show," Dante had to grant her. "Some of these people really know how to push it."

Yeah, sure. That was it.

[soniaroadsqueen]

She rolled her eyes. "Bet you could pick up more chicks out here if you knew how to do some proper tricks."

Though, given Dante's look and attitude, he probably wouldn't have trouble finding someone without even putting on a pair of ATs, even here.

[rebelseekspizza]

"The only reason I haven't picked up someone yet is because I'm here to hang with you for like... two days," Dante pointed out. "But hey, I can go off and spend that time better, you're right."

[soniaroadsqueen]

Ringo grinned. "Aww, you do care!"

And she was glad. It meant a lot that he'd agreed to come.

[fudgehushed.livejournal.com]

Its tremendous :)