Flights of Fancy

A small slip of paper sat on the varnished wood of Rosemary’s nightstand. It had remained there for three days now. It didn’t really serve a practical purpose anymore, the name and number scrawled across its face had already been tucked away in the contact list of her phone. She found herself still considering it daily. Before she went to sleep, as she passed her room, randomly throughout the day. Estelle Arnault. Written with elegant penmanship.

She had considered more than once taking to the internet to search the name of the woman she had met in her regular cafe a few days ago but it felt like such a breach of privacy somehow.  It was within Rosemary’s power to reach out to her, in theory, at any time but she was far too nervous. She even had switched up her morning run schedule around in an attempt to bump into her again at the cafe just yesterday just to avoid openly making contact. What was she so scared of?

“I should call.” The brunette murmured to herself, pausing in folding her laundry to stare at the paper again. This wasn’t the first time she had said this.

“She’s probably busy.” Huffing, she rolled a pair of socks into a ball, giving them a small toss into a basket of clean and folded clothing. She scrunched her face up, mulling over her conflicting feelings of disappointment in her own indecisiveness and worry. She jumped off of second story heights for a living, grappled with women twice her size and even LITERALLY knew how to sword fight. What was she scared of?

“Fine.” The brunette breathed out in defeat, flopping herself forward onto her bed with a bounce. She dug her phone out of her pocket, rolling onto her back to start tapping the screen. Navigating the menus she pulled up Estelle’s number and went to click the call option but froze again. Her finger hovered for a long moment before she scrolled down to send a text instead.

Rosemary: Hey. Is this Estelle? If I have the wrong number, I'm sorry.

“Yeah… See? Busy.” With a soft sigh, she sat herself up, starting to tuck the phone away when it vibrated in her hands with a soft hum. Blinking she lifted the device to find she had a message.

Estelle: Well, of course it is Estelle! Rosemary, I presume?
Rosemary: Yeah, how did you know?
Rosemary: Oh, that is probably a dumb question. You likely don't just hand out your number to random people.
Rosemary: Well, except me, I guess.
Rosemary: Sorry.
Rosemary: Hello!
Estelle: Well, hello you too!
Estelle: And for the record: I don't hand out my number to random people, but you weren't any random person
Rosemary: I wasn't?
Estelle: In fact, I was wondering when, even if you would text me at all!
Estelle: Well, we shared a lovely cup of coffee and some chat! Of course we are not random strangers now!

Rosemary plopped onto her back again, using her heels to scoot into the middle of her bed and lounge a bit as she read. Her smile broadened at Estelle’s reassurance that the Sky Captain had been worth remembering. Still, she wasn’t sure how to respond and wound up staring at the screen for several minutes before hesitantly typing again.

Rosemary: Sorry. I didn't mean to not text.
Rosemary: It was just...
Rosemary: This is different for me.
Rosemary: Just meeting new people like this.
Estelle: Oh, don't be so hard on yourself. I understand. Maybe I put some pressure on you by giving you my number instead of asking yours... So, how are you? Did you arrive to your appointment?
Rosemary: Oh no, you're fine! I'm just odd. Don't mind me.
Rosemary: Yes, I got there on time. Thanks for asking!
Rosemary: I'm doing well. How about you? I'm not interrupting anything, am I?
Estelle: I don't think you do. The only thing you interrupt is my dinner while I look through the window out of pure boredom, so feel free to interrupt as much as you like, dear

Rosemary let out a wistful sigh, trying to imagine their roles reversed. Apparently Estelle was high above Tokyo, staring down at all the bright lights of the city street. The view must have been beautiful at this hour. She glanced over to the window in her room. The small second story apartment looked out across the way to more apartments with nothing worth looking out at.

Rosemary: Well, at least you have a good view from all the way up in that skyscraper of yours.
Rosemary: Also, why are you bored? You have a whole new city to explore.
Estelle: But I'm so tired! Today I went a little bit overboard with my workout and feel like I cannot move!
Estelle: And hey! It's not my skyscraper! But yeah, the view is impressive...
Estelle: I also did some exploring, you know

Rosemary furrowed a brow, recalling how she pushed a few years back to get in better shape. She went far too hard and wound up getting herself hurt. It had put her on the bench for a few months, undoing all her progress. No reason not to share a few cautionary words.

Rosemary: Make sure to pace yourself. Working out is good but moderation is key! The whole "no pain no gain" slogan is very misleading.
Rosemary: Sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound like you owned it. But it's your place on top of it!
Rosemary: Did you see anything interesting then? Any recommendations?
Estelle: hehe well, I decided to start with Tokyo 101 so I went to Mt. Fuji! On my way I visited the Oshino ninja village as well!
Rosemary: Oh... wow. You really took what I said to heart. I mostly venture to a hole in the wall noodle shop. Here you are going to mountains and sleuthing out ninjas.
Rosemary: You really do like doing things big.
Rosemary: Did you learn any ninja tricks?
Estelle: Hahaha oh well, it was a very tourist-friendly route. Don't think I was hiking or exploring uncharted territory... And I didn't learn any tricks, but there was a guy dressed like a ninja charging people crazy amounts of yen for taking a photo with him (I got mine, of course )
Estelle: And hey, exploring the cool hole in the wall noodle shops is also good!
Rosemary: Also tasty!
Rosemary: And affordable.
Estelle: Sometimes you just have to indulge yourself and skip diet!

“You’re such a bad influence!”  Rosemary giggled softly, rolling forward onto her front as she peered down at the words. She bit her lip, as she lay on her front, casually kicking her feet behind her. She had cheated again today, just like she had the first time they met in the cafe and helped herself to some cookies again. With a mischievous smirk she tapped her screen.

Rosemary: Shhh, don't tell anyone. I got another cookie today.
Estelle: Oh my! You naughty Rosemary! My lips are sealed

“Naughty…” Rosemary mulled over the word for a moment, snorting softly to herself. That was certainly never a word she had heard directed at her.

Rosemary: Next time you go to a ninja village, I think you really should learn some moves. Maybe how to throw kunai even.
Estelle: But I don't want some ninjas pursuing me for stealing their secrets!!
Rosemary: That's why you just ninja vanish out of there!

She started as a buzzer went off in the other room. Her other load of laundry finishing up in the other room. She had to get both of thee folded up and put away before doing a bit more late night cleaning. As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t lay here all night chatting. Begrudgingly she started typing again.

Rosemary: Anyway. I'll let you get back to your dinner before it gets cold or something. I have some chores to do around my apartment.
Rosemary: Don't mean to be rude, but I didn't expect you to actually text me back right away.
Estelle: Well, of course I would text you back! You know, you don't have to wait that long to text me next time... Talk to you soon, Rosemary
Rosemary: Have a good night Estelle. It was nice chatting.

With a sigh she gave the phone a small toss onto her pillows, pushing herself up off the bed to slide off the nearest side to stand. She had other obligations to take care of.

Rosemary had been working up a sweat today on the heavy bag, putting in work on her kicks. This was nothing new, just part of her usual routine but lately she was feeling a bit more energized. She found that deviating from her normal schedule a bit had been doing wonders to keep things fresh, which as it turned out was all she needed to escape from her recent training fatigue. After a few solid minutes of circling and striking, she ended it all with a flurry of precise blows in rapid succession to get her heart rate thumping. She put her hands out to catch the swaying bag when she finished, easing it back to a still state before taking a small cooldown walk back to the bench her gym bag was on.

Opening her bag she pulled out a towel, draping it across the back of her neck, working to move to the track that encircled the interior walls of the gym she. She saw the message icon on her phone. The brunette groaned softly, figuring it was Scarlet making some sort of shopping request for her to hit up on her way back to the apartment. She really didn't feel like making stops though, she just wanted to head home and hit the shower. She picked up her phone and tapped the screen, blinking down at the message.

Estelle: Good afternoon Rosemary! Now that I have your number I can be the one texting first

"So you can." Rosemary beamed,  urging her bag aside to look down beside it, ignoring her end of routine laps. She had missed the message by a good twenty or so minutes but maybe Estelle was still around. Worth a shot.

Rosemary: Why hello there stranger!
Estelle: oh, now I am a stranger? You are going to make me cry, Rosemary!
Estelle: Wait, didn't you register my number?

The brunette pouted slightly, hoping she hadn't actually upset her new texting buddy. She kicked her feet under the bench, typing back quickly to clarify.

Rosemary: I was joking! Please don't cry.
Rosemary: Of course I registered your number! The same day you gave it to me.
Estelle: That is reassuring. How are you? Having a good day?

"Great."

Rosemary: I'm doing alright. Just finishing up some exercise, so I can't complain.
Rosemary: Recovered from your own killer workout?
Estelle: Oh yes, much better now. Had some days of rest. And you? Have you been naughty again? Any cookie you need to talk me about?
Rosemary: Naughty?

Rosemary giggled again at that word being used to describe herself again. She could think of a great many words that fit the bill for herself, but that certainly wasn't one of them. It was fun to pretend a bit though, as if her occasion snacks were some sort of sweet underworld activity that needed to be kept under wraps. She hadn't cheated on her diet again though. She pursed her lips in thought, pondering if all this drama over cookie made her look like a weirdo… she didn't think so, so she leaned into it a bit more.

Rosemary: Oh!
Rosemary: No, I have been good.
Rosemary: The first rule of cookie club is we don't talk about cookie club.
Estelle: Noted
Estelle: So, have you discovered any secret, new noodle corner lately?
Rosemary: No. I haven't had much time for myself sadly.
Estelle: Aww, don't be a busy one! Take some time for yourself now and then
Rosemary: I know I should. It's hard to carve out the time. I just feel bad when I break my routine and don't get anything productive done.
Estelle: Don't be so hard on yourself! Sometimes you just need to take some time out and forget about productivity. Trust me, I have a major graduate in business administration!

"That sounds easy coming from someone who looks like they strutted straight out of a beauty magazine." She caught a soft snicker from herself, lifting her head to peer around as if to make sure nobody, especially Estelle, had somehow heard her. The sense of guilt was almost immediate, feeling as though she was being snippy or judgemental… perhaps even a bit jealous? She found herself sitting in disappointment all the same, dragging her towel up and over her head to wear it like a good as she half moped.

Rosemary: I wish it was that easy for me.
Estelle: Oh I've had enough! You are going to see how easy it is!
Estelle: Later tonight I'm taking you out for dinner and you better say yes or else!

"What does she mean… what do you mean?" She blinked down at the screen as she gave the phone a small shake, asking it the question as if it would someone be able to answer. She considered for a moment typing that out, halfway way there before deleting the text. Was this a friend thing or a date thing? She didn't have much experience with either.

Rosemary: Are you being serious?
Estelle: I wouldn't joke with this! So, yes or no?

"That didn't answer anything…" Rosemary chewed gently on her lower lip, mulling over what to say. She had wanted to see her again and actually have time to talk with her. Their last conversation had been a short but sweet get away from her stale norm routine. She was supposed to be adventurous. It was part of being the Sky Captain, but she found herself in a rut with the same things every day. She needed to make some changes, take some risks.

Rosemary: I don't know. I'm sure you are really busy.
Estelle: Look, if I'm asking you on this it is because I'm not. And even if I had, maybe I just want to spend some more time with you
Estelle:  

"She keeps winking at me." Rosemary murmured softly, recalling that day in the face as they parted ways. Perhaps she was reading far too much into an emoji like some out of touch old person, but she liked to believe Estelle was really sinking right now. The other woman wanted to spend time with her. Rose wanted that too...

Rosemary: Okay.
Rosemary: Only if it's not a bother.
Estelle: You would never be a bother
Estelle: So, you better think of some of your secret noodle corners because you are in charge of choosing the place!
Rosemary: Oh.
Rosemary: Well... what do you like to eat?
Estelle: Surprise me
Rosemary: Okay...
Rosemary: What time?
Estelle: We are going to have dinner so... 20:00?
Rosemary: Alright. I'll figure out a place and text you the information. We can meet there?
Estelle: Of course. I will impatiently wait for your text. Looking forward to it!
Rosemary: I'll try to find a good place.
Estelle: I know you will!

Less than ten minutes later Rosemary texted an address to Estelle, though it wasn't a building. It was a street intersection with the only instructions:

Rosemary: Dress however, come hungry, will meet you there.

Through the giant glass wall on Estelle’s living room the afternoon sun rays spilled bathing the room with some warm summer light. The day was bright, warm and dry with only some little clouds scattered here and there but not able to block the shining sun, a wonderful day to go out and enjoy some outside fun. But for Estelle, and thank to her comfy atic and that enormous glass windowed wall it was also the perfect kind of day to goof off at home, and that was what the Swiss was doing at the moment. It was true that Estelle had some workout routines in her terrace earlier in the morning, some cardio and light weigh lifting to maintain the illusion of an organized working day. It was her day off and nothing was taking that from her.

As the sunlight softly hit her on her face Estelle slowly woke up from her nap. Writhing in the embrace of her comfy, big sofa the woman stretched out as she got rid of the brown locks blocking her vision, lightly yawning. On one corner of the sofa rested an open book, face down in a way that forced it open. Gently taking it on her hands as if she was apologizing to the book for the treatment received, Estelle got on her feet with a grin of somnolence and returned the book to its shelf. Her living room was decorated in a minimalistic way, but there still was some space for some small bookshelf. After all, Estelle wasn’t able to conceive life without books. Walking inside her open space kitchen she opened her fridge and got a tangerine, peeled it and put it in a bowl, returning back to her sofa. A boring, lazy afternoon lay before her, but what to do? As she took her cell phone Estelle smiled to herself. She was in the mood for some fun after all. She searched among her contacts and started typing.

When the deed was done she reclined back once more while having segments of the clementine. The fruit was sweet and juicy, a delicious afternoon snack to accompany some conversation, but an answer was not coming. After what it seemed like an eternity of waiting, Estelle’s phone buzzed and her face became radiant in happiness. She definitely hadn’t forgotten the British. There was something about that woman that piqued Estelle’s interest. It wasn’t the same as with some of her other friends or lovers from the AFW, this one had an aura around her, she was special and Estelle couldn’t help but feel attracted to that sweet and timid looking woman. Estelle definitely wanted Rosemary to come out of her shell, and she was more than willing to give the woman a small push out of it, hence her playful tone when addressing her in their previous chat conversation. She couldn’t help but think Rosemary looked like an interesting person, but also a little bit appalled and sometimes she thought it could have something to do with her more open personality. Luckily for the Swiss she shoved those thoughts off as the conversation kept going.

At certain point Rosemary went again with that melancholic, solitary tone she sometimes had, as if the British herself thought that she was bothering the Swiss. “You dummy, can’t you notice I’m trying to get to know you?”, she said to her phone well aware that Rosemary wasn’t listening. That was the moment Estelle had enough and made her final move. Rosemary wasn’t expecting Estelle to invite her out that night for sure and it showed in her skeptical reply, but in the end she accepted the offer and sent her an address with an invitation: “dress however, come hungry.” “Of course I will, honey.”, Estelle said to herself.

After a shower and some light make up and eyeliner, it took Estelle an eternity to choose clothes. In the end she settled for a long red summer dress that allowed her some freedom of movement but was demure enough not to make her friend appalled. She didn’t want to make her flee with some sultry clothes, after all. When she was ready Estelle made her way out of her atic.

After some minutes in the train Estelle arrived at the agreed place. She looked at her watch: 10 minutes ahead of the time of her date. She waited for Rosemary while looking for her friend in the distance.

The Sky Captain stepped out onto the subway platform among a crowd of committees. She caught a fair share of sideways glances, though nothing she was unaccustomed to. Unlike her previous meeting with Estelle, she had come out today in full regalia. To those unfamiliar with military dress, she could easily pass as a naval officer. It had a fantastical flare to it all however. Knee high boots laced meticulously and polished to a mirror shine. Black slacks and a white dress shirt tucked into her slacks. She wore a black vest over it all with a good chain timepiece in her pocket. Over it all a long floating white coat weekends with the gold insignia of the Sky Battalion, her own logo. To top it all off, quite literally, her hat sat perfectly straight on her head of chestnut hair.

She was early, as per usual, when she made her way up the sunken stairway to the city street, a few blocks from her intended destination. True to Estelle's request, she wanted their ultimate destination to be a surprise so she had given the other girl an address to meet her that was a small distance from where she picked. Rosemary checked the time on her phone as she walked, fully intending to beat her new friend to the meet up only to be surprised to see her already waiting when she brought her phone down and slipped it into her pocket.

She watched silently from a distance as Estelle stood by waiting, glancing around seemingly waiting for her. There was some hesitation as nervousness tugged at her mind and made butterflies flutter in her stomach. Estelle looked striking in her simple dress, the red complimenting her hair nicely. Rosemary hummed wistfully, unaware she was staring until she absentmindedly bumped into someone and was jostled out of the moment. With a shake of her head and a renewed sense of confidence for the moment she approached. "You made it. Quite early in fact. Eager to eat are we?"

Estelle had arrived around six or seven minutes earlier. It was a habit of hers when she had any kind of appointment or meeting. It was in her character to be some minutes ahead of time, even if she was flexible about the other party being late. How would Rosemary be about arriving on time? Not much more time until the Swiss found out. Two minutes before the appointed time Estelle saw from the distance her new friend’s silouette. It was obviously Rosemary since Estelle remembered her face pretty well, but there was something so unusual about her and it was her outfit. The British was dressed as some kind of naval officer, hat included. Of course Estelle didn’t know much about that, but it looked like Rosemary was a military officer, and she walked in that uniform as if it was nothing. Estelle liked that confidence, and she could only smile at her approaching friend while she tucked one of her brown locks behind her ear.

When Rosemary made it next to Estelle, the woman made some remarks on her arriving earlier and asked if she was hungry. “Oh, I’m so eager to see whith what you will surprise me today. After you, Rosemary!”, she said while signaling her friend to lead the way. After all, she didn’t even know where they were going to have dinner. “May I say that you look stunning?” Estelle decided from a bold approach from the start of her “date”. There wasn’t any hint of irony on her remarks about Rosemary’s unusual outfit. Even if Estelle was surprised at first, she could only admit that those military clothes fit Rosemary’s figure like a glove.

There was a reason Rosemary wore her dress uniform well. It, along with most of her clothing, was tailor made for specifically for her. Tucked away in her closet was a box cram packed with old sketch books filled to the brim with designs for her outfits and themes while she was first coming up in professional wrestling. The Sky Captain character, filled most of them. Each of her finalized designs had been lovingly transferred from page to fabric by those far more skilled with her with thread and needle. While most of these were holdovers from her days in Cutlass Wrestling, they all still fit and she kept them in pristine condition rather than entrusting their care to someone else here in Japan for upkeep.

It was a notable departure from her mundane jogging gear, those an astute observer might not the medals on her jacket lapel and on the front of her hat was identical to the design printed on her workout clothing. This however, was who she was, all the time outside of her workout routine or time tucked away at home far from the public's eye. In truth she felt more at home like this. She wore her character like a shield, buffering her from the outside world. She was a larger than life character as the Sky Captain and learned to not worry about how she was perceived for it.

"You may." Rosemary lightly bit her lip, as a rosy hue started to glow on her cheeks. She could feel the head in her face and turned away before slowing her wide smile. She considered paying a compliment back. It would be easy with Estelle. Her beautiful hair, her lovely red dress, her eyes... Rosemary took in a deep breath, deciding it best to not make a fool of herself by stumbling over words so she simply motioned a hand to her side to gesture for the Swiss woman to follow alongside her. The Sky Captain turned to lead, hands clasped behind her back, she walked along the sidewalk. She kept her pace slow and easy to follow, weaving deftly through crowds of passing people on the street as they went along. Her eyes roamed along entryways as they walked, coming to a slow stop at a long white and red curtain tucked between two larger restaurants.

Stepping up to the doorway, she brushed back the curtain with an arm, holding it open for Estelle to enter. The small shop had no visible name and simple wooden furnishings. The sizzle of cooking filled the air and a thin veil of smoke hunt along the high ceiling rafters. Seating here was limited, with a few patrons gathered at what looked like a hibachi bar. There was no host at the door to greet them, it looked like they just had to go find their own seating. "After you."

There was some notable contrast about Rosemary that piqued Estelle's interest like no one else had done in a lot of time. On one hand there was that style she had, elegant and confident in the way she moved and the aura she irradiated. On the other there were some details in how the British moved or talked that gave her a demure aura, almost a little bit oblivious, but it was when Rosemary timidly blushed and smiled when she would take Estelle's breath away. The Swiss couldn't help but get some red on her cheeks as well before Rosemary would start leading the way.

Seeing Rosemary elegantly opening the way to their unknown destiny, Estelle decided to crank up the intimacy level to see how the British would react to her advances. She caught up with her friend's rhythm while interlocking her arm with hers. "You must like playing the mysterious one. I like that, but you aren't going to give me a little clue to where are we going?", she asked with a playful wink.

It was a short walk for the two women, but a very pleasant one. There was something about the noise and urban aglomeration that Estelle disliked, but walking like that with Rosemary made it better. For Estelle, focusing on how her friend's arm felt around hers was a happy sensation she wanted to be longer.

But reality popped Estelle's bubble as they reached their destination. Just in a small opening in between two bigger restaurants stood a small entrance covered by a curtain. The inside looked modest in its decoration, but the smells and the sounds of cooking promised a very pleasant meal. In all her time in Japan Estelle had tasted local food, but that would be her first time in a hibachi bar. When Rosemary invited her to step inside first she smiled at her. "Thank you, miss." As she would enter the place, Estelle would try finding a nice table, far enough from everyone so they could have some privacy while still enjoying the atmosphere.

Her pace slowed at the suddenness of one of her arms being hooked from behind her back to walking arm in arm with Estelle. She kept her eyes forward, giving a small nervous smile as she swallowed hard. Her cheeks were a bright red as her arm hung rather loosely within Estelle's before she straightened up to take the lead again like a chivalrous escort. It was an odd sight, the both of them. Rosemary dressed like some sort of authority and Estelle the picture of elegance arm in arm with her, slightly taller. The looks didn't phase her. She was used to looks… just having the brunette walking with her like this made her feel more important though.

"First you ask to be surprised and now you want to know more. You should really try to make up your mind Ms. Arnault." Rosemary slipped the other woman a sly sidelong glance, seemingly having been prepared for the question. She had committed herself to Estelle's original request and had no intention on spoiling it, especially a few minutes before they would arrive. It wasn't though the place was of any real note, just a quant place she knew of that not only had good food but catered to a few different tastes. It was hard to find a good fit for what someone like the Swiss might have liked without asking her… which would have spoiled the surprise as well.

"Quite welcome, madam." She responded with a small wink of her own. They parted arms briefly as they reached their final destination, with Rose holding the door per se, by tucking back the curtain. Once the taller woman had moved inside though, Rosemary had moved up to her side, retaking her arm. They both had a similar location in mind, tucked in the corner. Once they arrived, Rosemary would part from her again to pull out a chair similar to their first meeting, waiting for Estelle to sit before nudging it in. She would make her way around the table, quietly unbuttoning her jacket to deal across the back of her chair. Her hat was plucked off and placed delicately on one of the empty chairs around the table. She slipped into her own seat, unbuttoning the cuffs of her dress shirt to do them up to her elbows to get a bit more comfortable.

"I hope you aren't disappointed. I promise, the food is more impressive than the atmosphere." Rosemary settled her hands in her lap as she peered across to Estelle. After a short while a elderly Japanese man would make his way over, speaking briefly in his native rogue and presenting them with a menu that consisting of one laminated page that was double sided with items and prices which was all written in kanji. He bowed his head and moved away leaving the two to look at it. "The rice bowls are yu- " she caught herself from speaking too plainly, returning to a more prim a proper cadence. "They are quite delectable. They also have hibachi as well as sashimi. I can order for us."

There was some strong sense of irony in the situation going on. Estelle was a woman that literally had sensual combat with sexy women in front of a crowd for a living, so she should be more than used to be in contact with gorgeous women, but there she was getting the butterflies in her stomach when Rosemary held the curtain for her and immediately retook her arm. That had been the first time the British had added some physicality by herself, the first time she had heavily implied that Estelle’s advances were not only welcomed but also corresponded, and that sent the Swiss to rapture. Luckily they would seat soon.

And there she was again. Just when they arrived to their table Rosemary got that gentle side of her take over once more, pulling out Estelle’s chair before sitting herself. “Much obliged.”, she said with a smile on her face and a pink light of blushing on her cheeks. That woman was definitely taking a place in her mind, and even if she felt like she wanted it to happen, it sent mixed signals to her. Then Rosemary tried excusing herself for the place she chose. Estelle disagreed with her: it was true that the Swiss liked elegance and had some class, but she liked better discreet places like that one. It was usually in places like those where one could have the best food at the best prices. “Oh, don’t be like that. You chose this place, and I would always trust whatever you chose so show more confidence! I really like the atmosphere in here. It is calm, quiet… intimate...”

When an elderly Japanese appeared with some menus Estelle could notice to her delight how her Japanese was getting better. She could understand perfectly what the man was saying, but that hope faded when she saw the menu written completely in kanji. She wasn’t bad with languages, but kanji was something she was struggling with. Luckily there stood Rosemary, really happy to give her some pointers and recommendations, so sweet of her. At some time Estelle suddenly felt really nervous. Rosemary was a sweet, gentle and beautiful woman and the Swiss started having some thoughts of inadequacy, like she didn’t deserve any of that, like she wasn’t ready to get involved like that, but she really wanted. That feeling threatened with tearing her appart, but she made her best to hide her thoughts from her face. “Excuse me, I will be back in one minute. Order for me the same you would order for yourself. I will be right back.”, she finished with a smile before walking to the bathroom.

Inside the restroom Estelle opened the tap so water started flowing. She closed her eyes and took some deep breaths, opening them back to look at her reflection in the mirror. “You are ready for this. You deserve this. She passed three years ago.” Estelle was trying to build some courage into her, but when she talked again it wasn’t to herself to whom she was talking: “I loved you, I mourned you, but I remained in here. I have the right to live and love.” More resolved but with some tears forming in her eyes, Estelle ended composing herself and went back to her table.

“So, I’m ready for a wonderful dinner, so let’s see what you have in store for me.”, she said with a playful smile. Knowing that Rosemary was playing along was reassuring, and with her new resolve Estelle was sure she could get this date to a good end.

"You should be careful with who you trust. Not that I don't consider myself trustworthy, but we do barely know one another. I could just as easily be a master thief or a lowly con artist." Rosemary spoke in a low tone which was lighthearted in nature, just loud enough for the both of them to hear as she settled into her own seat. She let her eyes wander a bit at Estelle's words though. She had been here only a handful of times. During the afternoons it was normally packed with people trying to grab a quick lunch on their break most likely. At this hour it was mostly devoid of people, save for savvy locals enjoying their time at the hibachi bar. She had to agree, the atmosphere was quaint, which is what she had been intending. She sat up a bit straighter at the word "intimate", Estelle had put a certain emphasis on that which Rosemary clearly caught by how she was now blushing.

After a quick not to the elderly man, the Sky captain had to glance away, pretending to eye the menus as she tried to obscure her rosy red cheeks. She slid the menu over to herself, tracing a finger along items she wasn't aware of what they were. She didn't really know how to read it either, but was familiar with the pictures displayed and the numbers associated with them. Just as she was about to ask for Estelle's thoughts on what she might want to try she was cut off. Blinking she looked up from menu as the other woman got up from her seat. She felt a knot in her stomach, thinking perhaps she had said or done something wrong but Estelle's sweet smile put her at ease. She nodded in return.

"Surprise you, right?" Rosemary flashed a small smirk, wholly unaware of Estelle's own inner turmoil. The brunette followed the other woman as she walked off, making sure she found the bathroom before turning her attention back to the menu. While the other girl was away, she went ahead and placed an order for the two of them and handed the menu back over to the elderly gentleman. She sat quietly, folding her hands on the table while interlacing her fingers. An occasional glance sent towards the bathroom. She had vague memories of jokes on old television programing about people sneaking out bathroom windows to escape dates... was this a date? She still didn't know. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and just waited. Estelle wouldn't do that. She barely knew the Swiss woman, but she could feel it deep down she wasn't the sort to just abandon a friend... or whatever Rosemary was.

The Sky Captain opened her eye, peering inquisitively at Estelle. The brunette had an incredibly keen eye for details and she could tell something was amiss. She wouldn't pry, keeping what she noticed to herself. There was still a need for her to inquire, even if it was only with a vague question. If Estelle wound up not wanting to share, that was fine. For all Rosemary knew, she might not be feeling well or was having to address some other womanly issues... Certainly not worth putting the other woman on the spot for just going to the bathroom. "Goodness, don't get too excited. I wouldn't want to disappoint your expectations... Everything alright?"