Estrea's Sandbox [6/4 - Treat]

[Shiawase_Honoo]

Sorry for didn't comment on the trolling to Ayumin.
Ayumin, You can't kill Haru because Maa-chan will not happy if you do that. Lol

The care and feeding of...
Maa-chan, genius girl.
Yes, yes. Haru is yours.
Not that Kanon-chan doesn't like Maa-chan. She just don't like how Maa-chan always skip away from the crime scene she did and runs to Tanasa-tan for helping.

[kawaii beam]

omg those last 2 u posted killed me essy

for the 1st one i totes feel bad for ayumin ^^; like i hate that feeling of trying to corner someone but it fails horribly and you then have to try and plan a payback ^^; hopefully her poor iphone case doesnt crack under the pressure

for the 2nd i kept laughing harder and harder and legit lost it at eripon 

[rndmnwierd]

What is this? I come back to two updates!? 

I always love to read your interpretation of events, especially since I can actually get so little news about certain ones. And the DuIshiSaya triangle that's going on is something alright.

Second: Maachan Just, just

Favorite part?

The Care and Feeding of Ikuta Erina

- Niigaki-san!
- Niigaki-san!
- Niigaki-san!

Note to self: Too easy.

[Estrea]

Moonlight


I don't believe in things like destiny. We aren't born to be or do something. We just are, and the rest is a result of our own choices and the choices of people around us. We are born to a certain lot in life, but we always have a choice whether or not to follow it. The rest is just hard work and a little luck.

I never intended for this. I wasn't born to this life, yet circumstances shaped me to become the person I am. Would I have chosen differently had I known where this path would lead me? This path that walks the line between dark and light, the way between loyalty and betrayal. I trade in lies and deal with death, in service to a lord that knows neither my name or face. I am eyes that see and the ears that hear, the lips that whisper into the shadows, and the hands stained with blood. Every day is another day on stage, my life a mummer's play, and I dance to an unseen melody, puppet and puppeteer both.

Once upon a time I was an artisan's daughter. Once upon a time I had a name, was part of a household, honoured among mere commoners and elevated by his Lordship's own hand to serve in his castle. But I am not noble-born, and an artisan's daughter is still an artisan's daughter, even if the artisan in question is valued for his craft. I was the firstborn daughter, which matters little. I was not the son my father needed, a role my younger brother, born years after me, would fulfill. I was the spare, though Father cared for me still, and gave me an education a samurai family might provide their daughters. I learned to read and to write, to do sums, the practical side of the craft my father was known for. The ladies of the castle, the ones who did the actual work of making things run smoothly while his Lordship gave orders for the realm, taught me the basics of running a household, and I became errand girl and servant and messenger as required. Being a mere commoner, I spent time with the servants and stable boys, the latter of whom taught me the basics of horsemanship as I helped to exercise the beasts and muck out the stables. I made myself useful in my youth, and the castle opened to me in a way only servants could see, and I learned many things there.

On hindsight, my childhood had shaped me to be one who is always there, but unobtrusively so. I was nobody, but I was everywhere, and I saw and knew what I was seeing. It was probably inevitable that someone who was trained professionally to be that way would notice a gifted amateur such as myself. Better yet, I was a commoner and effectively dispensable. Had I not chosen this path I would have ended up marrying someone of my own station in the castle, preferably someone who would have useful connections for my father. It was the way things were, and I did not resent it. That did not stop me from taking the first way out though, a way out into the world that did not involve banditry or something equally immoral.

Not that what I was doing was not occasionally reprehensible. But I had an oath to a master, which mattered in these times. My lord was new to his shogunate, though old and wise to the ways of lordship and the games of power the daimyos play. Sekigahara might have sealed a military victory, but holding a domain in times of peace is harder than holding it in war. More than a dozen years have passed since that fateful battle, and for common folk such as myself, the end of the major battles that ravaged the land was a welcome change. The people don't really care who ruled them, as long as they were fed, housed, and kept usefully occupied. My birth clan had reaped the benefits of the wars as best as we could, and even if we were mere artisans, we were nevertheless still respected in our own caste. In fact, my grandfather was one of the artisans responsible for the fine wedding tanto gifted to my lady Senhime. I was but a child still when she first came to the castle, but I still remembered the lady as she entered on a fine sedan, wife to my lord Tadatoki. I do not remember much else of the occasion, except for my sole glimpse of the lady's face. It was beautiful and sad and I was too young to know how I felt. Even now I still do not think I know.

No one man can rule a whole domain without help. And the shogun with his many fiefs and even more vassals? A strong leader could keep them in line, but the realm was vast, and not everyone was content with Tokugawa rule. I was born in the Himeji Domain, a loyalist stronghold since Sekigahara, ruled by lords allied by ties of marriage and blood to the Tokugawa. I knew no different life; I was born to a world where open war had ceased, and all were, on the surface at least, obedient to the shogunate. I was a girl in a time where women were subordinate to the men, but I had learned enough in my time among the servant women of the castle to know that there were ways for one of my sex to exercise power even within these constraints. These women might not have been well educated or raised in finery, but they had good common sense and knew how the world worked. I learned practicality and a kind of invisibility from them, something that would serve me well in my chosen path as the eyes and ears of the shogunate.

How else was a shogun going to keep track of all his vassals without reliable reports? Official investigators could only gain official records; access to information hidden in the hearts and minds of his subjects would require a covert, human touch. Was I a spy then? Perhaps. I served the shogunate in my own way. I was part of a an unofficial web of contacts and agents loosely coordinated by men of Iga. But I was more than a mere informer, not just one of the commoners who provided information in exchange for payment.

You see, I was chosen since I was but a mere child. I was to be given a comprehensive education and free rein to explore and grow for some time. By the time I first laid eyes on my lady Senhime, my fate had already been sealed, and I did not even know it. Perhaps I had seen her sadness, and even now I wonder still what I had realized in that moment, without knowing. In times of silence I sometimes wonder why I had been chosen. I was not an orphan. I had a family, a good life that awaited me, and my father was not so poor as to sell me to the first person he saw. I would never know for sure. To ask would give me no answers. In any case I at least had a choice, as compared to my less fortunate counterparts from more dubious backgrounds. That I chose to enter the same profession probably said something about my character, but no one could say that I was any less tractable than the most desperate apprentice out to prove themselves. If anything, I had to work harder to catch up with those who were raised from early childhood in the skills of our profession.

I am proud to say that I am one of the better students, despite having a slight disadvantage. Then again, as it turned out, my childhood had been less unattended as I had assumed it to be. The games I used to play around the castle turned out to be disturbingly similar to actual training exercises, and I needed no additional lessons in etiquette appropriate in court, considering I used to see it every other day and could probably tie an obi with my eyes closed while reciting poetry. Backwards. I did always have a gift for those blasted things.

Religious studies were more of a chore, and it was there I had to actually slog harder to keep par with the rest of my peers after I was turned over for formal training. Learning how to form and maintain active personas was a chore, since we had to learn various dialects from different regions, and comport ourselves accordingly in both dress and manners so as to blend in. It was less difficult in certain roles I was already accustomed to, but posing as a geisha or even a prostitute was certainly a great deal more challenging. Fortunately, I would have little use for those roles given my assigned duties.

I stare into the moonlit sea now, 15 years old and fully trained in covert operations. I was basically a sleeper agent, seeded into Kagoshima Castle in my birth identity. Perhaps this was why I was chosen in the first place. The Sayashi clan was well known among the exclusive circles of swordsmiths, and it was not unlikely for one of our ilk to gravitate to Satsuma in order to come into contact with the influx of foreign traders and the new weapons they brought.

You would think it would be easy to be myself. Problem was, I do not remember what it was like to be Sayashi Riho, daughter of Sayashi Kenichi, from the Sayashi clan of Harima Province, master artisans to the Honda at Himeji. I remembered being a child in Himeji Castle, but that time eventually came to feel like a prelude to my life in the shadows. I had had to use my training to fake my own identity, an ironic fact if there ever was one. 'Sayashi Riho' was as much of a construct as being 'Momo' or any one of the numerous roles I had to play before coming here.

So who am I? Perhaps as a nod to my origins, my master called me Sayamaru, and the name stuck. It was an affectionate name for a child, ubiquitous and an all-purpose moniker. It suited me in my new role, one with no fixed name. I might have been born as Sayashi Riho, but I have been remade into a different form. I am a liar in my own skin.

The city waits below me. I do not scale the walls in skintight blacks. I do not creep around corners and lurk in shadowy corners. I walk along corridors and down stairways, taking servant ways and keeping the right balance between unobtrusive and overt. I do not need to hide. I am myself and I have every right to be here.

And that in itself is the greatest lie of all.


====================================================================================


Dusted off a slightly crackish idea I had over 2 years ago, when Riho first joined and told us that story about her family name. Something about her ancestor being a scabbard maker in Himeji Castle. That pretty much tracks her lineage back for about 200 years at the very minimum. ;

So I did some research, discovered the spread of the Sayashi name in modern Japan (10 in Kansai, 2 in Kanto), and then came up with a crack theory to explain the split. But yeah, I pretty much just threw her into the beginning of the Edo period, about 20 or so years after the battle of Sekigahara in 1600.

All names apart from the Sayashi are actual historical figures. Senhime, which Riho mentions seeing coming to Himeji, was married to Honda Tadatoki in 1616 and moved to Himeji a few years after, by which time Riho in this story is about 5 years old or so. I placed her in Kagoshima, capital of Satsuma Domain, which was dominated by the Shimazu clan who were fairly independent of the shogunate and were growing rich off foreign trade. It makes sense that the shogunate would want to keep track of a tozama (outsider) lord who were not related directly to the ruling Tokugawa.

Not making any major changes to history. Just interested in fitting Riho into the framework and working within it instead. I chose Satsuma for a very specific reason as well. And the obsessive timeline? Means something to me. I may or may not continue. There's a very short story in there...

[Slack]

I loved how you wove in "Momo" and "Sayamaru".  Sayamaru is totally the kind of name a ninja would have!

Satsuma, eh? By that time Satsuma had annexed the Ryukyu Kingdom... which means dealing with Ryukyuan nobility... which means..?

The timeline would put this after 1625, when the Satsuma Domain banned certain family names as well. Huh, how about that.
I think I like where this is going.

[kitaoji]

well hi there sayashitsujimaru.   

I see access to Kagoshima-jo as a springboard to spy on the other domains of Kyushu who may or may not have been tozama daimyo.  This will be interesting... but Fukuhime's role is (or will be, depending if you continue) different from what I was recalling.

Okay, more thoughts to come.

[rndmnwierd]

Well, this is probably the most interesting way to learn about Japanese history. Bring on the learning! Sayashi style.

[Shiawase_Honoo]

I can't explain it with any word.
I'm not the good student of History (not only Japanese History, but also world history and my country history  ).

Waiting for sure

[Estrea]

I interrupt my own history lesson to bring you something a concert MC from the winter tour threw up.

==========================================================================


Cats of a Kind


"Tanasa-tan~ look at this!"

"Yes yes, what is it?" Reina looked over at her hyperactive and over-enthusiastic junior, who was running across the dressing room with another member in tow. Kudou looked somewhere between exasperated and resigned as Sato happily tugged the 'little brother' character of the group with her as if she were pulling on the leash of a reluctant puppy.

Reina couldn't help the grin that came as she looked at the kids. They certainly made life interesting around here. Allowing Sato to pounce on her, she ruffled the Hokkaido girl's hair affectionately and chuckled at the envious expression on Kudou's face. She gestured with one arm, inviting the youngest of the group in as well, and Kudou lit up like a Christmas tree as she tentatively but happily hugged the tiny idol. Reina hid a small sigh. To think Kudou used to be tinier than her when she first joined. Now the kid was way taller and did not look set to stop growing any time soon. Children these days...

As the kids detached themselves from her, Sato still talking excitedly, Reina briefly wondered again at the changes in herself. It was as if the walls she put up around herself didn't exist when the kids were around. Or to be more specific, the unstoppable force known as Sato Masaki held utter disregard for any and all walls before her. Reina had given in after much pestering. It was just too much work trying to repel Maa-chan. It would be like trying to stop the tides. Reina was not someone given to hopeless causes, so she chose a graceful retreat instead.

Not that it was really such a bad thing. Reina found herself smiling more often at work now, and while she would still get pissed off if the children screwed up at work, she found it impossible to hold a grudge against them. This was a good thing, she decided. She was going to leave soon anyway, so she really wanted to enjoy the time she had left.

Of course, her impending graduation also meant that Sato clung on to her even more than she usually did. Which was a lot. Even now the kid still held her hands hostage as she babbled on happily about school and squabbled playfully with Kudou. Reina laughed as Sato said something, and as she leaned over to one side to catch her breath, she was suddenly aware of someone else nearby.

The corner Reina had chosen in the dressing room was the one furthest in and the most isolated she could find. Which didn't count for much in a combined Hello Project concert. When you shoved that many young girls into the kind of space they had backstage, things got cramped and noisy like you wouldn't believe. There were times when Reina would be happily adding to the cacophony herself, but sometimes she also valued a little privacy.

So she was genuinely surprised to notice that Sayashi was barely more than an arm's length away from her, sitting by herself on a chair next to an already empty bentou box. When did the kid get there and how did she not notice any sooner?

As if aware of Reina's gaze on her, Sayashi looked up from the songsheet she was holding, nodding respectfully at the senior. The white wires of her earpieces trailed down to the iPod on her lap, and a pencil was tucked into her ear, next to a hastily pulled up ponytail. Reina returned the nod, holding the younger girl's eyes for a moment before allowing the kid to look back down again. Sayashi's lips moved soundlessly, or well, too softly to be heard over the unending din in the dressing room. Practicing, apparently. Reina nodded again, this time more to herself, before returning her attention to the troublesome pair in front of her. She let herself get carried by the easy conversation for a while, though her eyes roamed around in search of her longtime partner in crime...

...there. Trapped between Ikuta and Fukumura. Reina smirked. She was sure Sayu was only listening half the time. Catching her generation-mate's eye in the mirror, Reina glanced briefly at the pair before her and made a quick jerk of her head. Sayu got the message immediately. Minutes later Ikuta came bouncing over with Ishida in tow and miraculously managed to distract Maachan from her beloved Tanasa-tan. Reina took the opportunity to get up and slip away, ruffling Kudou's hair in passing.

"So, what's up?" Sayu asked without even looking away from the mirror as she fixed her hair. Reina had drifted over to the leader after her escape, and now pulled up the chair Ikuta had vacated earlier.

"When did Sayashi come in?" Reina asked briskly.

"Before I did. You came in here after eating your salad, and RihoRiho disappeared not long after you did. When I came in with Fuku-chan she was already here. You didn't notice?"

As expected of the Sayashi-stalker. Reina knew Sayu kept an eye on everyone, but of course Sayashi was her favourite and therefore worthy of especial attention. The two Rokkies briefly glance in the mirror where Sayashi was reflected, watching as the 14 year old girl sat apart from the rest with an intense look of concentration on her face as she practiced.

"Tsunku-san spoke to her earlier I think." Sayu continued on calmly, not finding it odd that she knew everything that happened around her precious RihoRiho, though Reina did raise an eyebrow at that.

"Wada is out with flu, so she has to sing that Peaberry song solo." Reina concluded, already one step ahead of Sayu's line of thought, and she looked over again at the kid.

"She already sings better than I do." Sayu sighed, putting her hairbrush down. She left the rest unsaid, but Reina caught on at once.

"At least now you can hold a tune." Reina replied somewhat distractedly, picking at an imaginary lint on her t-shirt. Sayu looked surprised by Reina's statement, but wisely chose not to comment. Reina was hardly ever this generous with praise, so she rather enjoyed what little she could get.

"I'm surprised that you aren't harassing the kid today." Reina said suddenly. Sayu shot the ex-yankii an arch look.

"I have some self control, you know." The narcissistic bunny paused, then sighed.

"I can't help her with that, that's why."

Reina smiled. Sayu really was very observant, and kinder than she let on. Even if her fixation on Sayashi sometimes bordered on slightly creepy. Reina still remembered how Gaki-san pulled her to one side and told her to keep an eye out for the children's sake. Reina didn't think Sayu would actually do anything, but she gamely played her part. It helped that the kids amused her at least.

"That brat's like a damn cat." Reina said suddenly. Sayu blinked and turned fully to face Reina.

"You are saying that? You?"

Reina snorted. Sayu had a point, but that was beside her point, so Reina ignored it and moved on.

"She's always just there." Reina pressed her lips together. A strange ache was in her chest. It reminded her of times long past. Sayu didn't say anything for a moment, then nodded in understanding.

"I see. You would know, wouldn't you?"

Reina stood up abruptly. Sayu waved languidly in farewell, though her eyes were sharp as always. Reina walked purposefully over to Sayashi, who looked up in surprise as the dai-senpai stopped in front of her.

"Tanaka-san...?" Sayashi stared at her wide-eyed. Again, as always, Reina felt a strange sense of kinship with the brat. It reminded her a little of a 13 year old girl who too was pushed to the center not long after her debut. Reina saw the wary respect in the girl's eyes, as well as the hunger and determination in there. She clenched her jaw briefly. She had resented having to babysit a newbie who could barely sing right at first, but Reina knew that the kid put in more extra work than anyone else in order to catch up. Her ears knew the truth, and Sayashi was always next to her on stage. She couldn't help but notice.

And even off stage. Reina realized with a start that while Sayashi didn't tend to approach her the way Sato did, the kid was always somewhere nearby. Reina bit back a laugh. She recalled doing the exact same thing once, a long time ago.

"Sayashi, you have a solo later right?"

"Ah...yes. It's not really supposed to be a solo though, but since Wada-san is unwell..." The kid looked uncertain for a brief moment, then that face smoothed into one of cool resolve.

"I'll just have to work twice as hard to make up for it."

And with that, the kid looked up at her and smiled. It was a brave smile, and if Reina didn't know any better she would have been fooled. She nodded though, allowing the gesture to go unchallenged. She respected the kid enough to do that.

"Good. Drink more of that tea I told you about. An idol has to protect her voice."

"Hai! Thank you for the advice!"

Reina wasn't one to care for others in the way Sayu, Gaki-san, or even Ai-chan would. It wasn't in her to pull the kids aside and tell them it was going to be alright. She wasn't the motherly sort. She would advise them on work related matters and listen if they approached her, but she rarely if ever went direct to someone to ask after them. In a way she was glad Sayu was leader now. Her generation-mate was good at talking to others and lending a listening ear. These kids would need it.

Reina might have mellowed a lot, but a leopard never really changed its spots. She knew Sayashi was worried, but she let the girl have her pride. It wasn't like the kid was getting complacent. If she had been, Reina would be the first one in line to kick her ass. She would not tolerate that kind of behaviour for someone who was going to succeed her. Sayashi had earned her approval, but god forbid if that meant she was going to go easy on the brat. Because she wouldn't. Not for the kid's own good.

Turning on her heel, Reina left the dressing room quietly and went in search of the staff members in charge of the audio for the concert. A leopard might not change its spots, but it didn't mean she never cared in her own way. Reina wasn't like Sayu. They were good at different things. Sayu had as much admitted she couldn't help Sayashi earlier, not for what the girl was struggling with. Reina could, however. She wasn't given to a personal touch like the poison tongued bunny, but Reina had her ways.

"Hey you."

"Ah Tanaka. Can I help you?"

"Sayashi's going to ruin her voice at this rate. Let me adjust her mic settings."

"Ah...okay...go ahead..."

Reina didn't bother to let the brat know. She was only doing what she had to. Of course, she hadn't counted on Sayashi figuring it out herself, with a little help from a big-mouthed staff member. To the kid's credit, she didn't ask why. And when the juniors came to thank the seniors as per custom, Sayashi took the opportunity to thank her personally. Not for anything specific, mind you. Just the usual "otsukaresama deshita" and "yoroshiku onegaishimasu". But there was no missing the gratitude in the kid's eyes. Reina respected the brat for not getting all sappy with her. With Sato around her image had already been shot to pieces. She didn't need to be exposed any further.

Unfortunately, she had also underestimated the canniness of a certain Sayashi Riho. Because the next day during a concert MC, the brat then went and informed the whole world about the mic incident. Well played, kid. Well played. Reina couldn't help but laugh. Damn brat was just too uppity for her own good. Turning the tables on her like that? Not bad for a kid.

She could leave now, and know that Morning Musume was in good hands. Until that time came, she would watch over them.

======================================================================================


So yeah, H!P winter tour, Riho and Ayumi got pulled out for an MC with Makoto. The topic was "unexpected kindness" or something like that, and Riho revealed that Reina went and adjusted her mic settings for her because she was worried that Riho was straining her voice too much. Reina did this without telling Riho about it, and Riho also said that she didn't complain to Reina about anything either, but Reina just upped and did it on her own initiative. I thought it was very story-worthy so here it is!

Reina has also said in several magazine interviews that she approves of Riho as her successor and that she had always liked the girl, ever since the Fashionable stage play (to Riho's pleased embarrassment ). In a H!P interview booklet thingy, when asked to name certain H!P girls as animals, Reina named Riho as a cat because "whenever I look around myself, I realize Sayashi is just right there. She's not like Sato who would just come up to me, but she's always somewhere nearby". I am abruptly reminded of MSF for some reason. Like "father" like daughter. I can just imagine Riho lurking near Reina but never really approaching her lmao.

Also Reina and Riho are both lone wolf types. You don't really see Reina playing with Riho like she plays with Maa-chan (or rather, Maa-chan plays with Reina...there is a difference ), but there's a kind of understanding between the two. Both aces, they share center, and I bet that Reina wasn't very happy with Riho right at first, but came to accept the kid gradually. In more recent interviews she said that "Sayashi is the only possible choice for center right now" and that she would pick Sayashi as her successor if she were the producer as well. Now, I don't know how much of that is just playing to the company line, but she said it and I am inclined to just take it at face value for now. I think it's very interesting to parallel Reina to Riho considering they were both pushed to the center from the start (Reina went one better, she was center for Shabondama, her debut single at least Riho didn't front Maji desu ka ska), they started really young, and Reina of all people will know the pressure of being in the center from a young age. Of course, it's actually worse for Riho now considering she's bearing the whole weight of the group because of a management decision, whereas at Reina's time you still had people like Miki-sama, Ai-chan and any number of seasoned members there to hold things up. I have a few more ideas regarding these two...they intrigue me.

Anyway, ciao~

[Slack]

I always liked your fics the best because you always incorporate the latest info we have into your characterizations. While die-hard overseas fans that keep track of them as closely as we do might be able to glean better ideas of the girls' personalities, that kind of insight takes a lot of close attention and a bit of active investigation. Since that is outside the language abilities or attention span of the average non-Japanese fan, I want to applaud you on making some of these insights more accessible while providing damn good entertainment in the process. Bravo!

I also love how your fics cover different genres, and not just modern-day angsty slash fic. Sci-fi, pirate adventure, jidaigeki, it's fun having the variety and it's all good! Even without having the extra enjoyment of picturing the members in the roles you've given them, I'd probably still read them just for how well-written they are.

I'm proud to consider you a colleague in the effort to inform and class-up the fandom. これからよろしくお願いします。

[Estrea]

^Thanks a lot for your comment! I try my best to contribute to the things we know about the girls, though of course I have a definite bias towards my favourites. I actually have a few unused tidbits from the H!P winter tour, and am figuring out how to work all the stuff I learned through Morning Jogakuin and MajiPyoko. Stuff like Harunan's friends at school nicknaming her "Ojou", or Riho and Harunan bonding over the fact they both nearly drowned once. The radio shows have amazing material and you can really tell how they interact with each other. I'm naturally intuitive about these things so I guess it's normal for me to work out personalities and stuff.

Stuff I found interesting:
1) Eripon is less KY than a year ago. Even her manager said so. "生田空気を読めた！" So epic To which Eripon is like "well I've been in Momusu for 2 years, I better have learned how to read the atmosphere around here by now..."
2) Ayumi is now the suberi chara. In other words, she fails. Hard. She made up her own nickname, IshiPro. And 10th gen loves to rag on her mercilessly.
3) Eripon gets along with everyone. It's amazing. She's my favourite on radio (barring Riho, but Riho is my oshi so it doesn't really count), and she really livens things up because she can find things to talk about with everyone. Also, her Niigaki-love is amazing. I also particularly like how when there was a joint 9/10ki broadcast and the topic turned to how their managers were telling them to brainstorm about new merchandise, first thing Harunan does is to direct it to Eripon, who she names as "our resident expert". And Eripon is all like "so I was talking to wota at an event the other day and we came up with these ideas" in a totally chill way. Geez, sasuga an idol wota. Despite being an idol herself, she's pretty savvy about wota since she is still one herself lmfao. I love Eripon.
4) 9th gen and 10th gen are totally different. Seriously. Too many fans just lump all 8 of them together because it's easy and convenient and even I do the same thing by calling them all "those new kids". But hearing the separate generation broadcasts, there is a definite sense that 9th gen is the senior and more serious, and you can tell that they have a huge sense of responsibility particularly with Reina's graduation coming up. As Riho says "after Tanaka-san graduates, Fuku-chan will be second from the top. I want to be able to help support you when that time comes.". They had a very sober conversation about their responsibilities and there's just this undeniable sense of....well, experience there. Whereas 10th gen was mostly still super self centered around their own generation, though they did exhibit a great deal of rivalry in terms of their 9th gen senpai, and also a sense that they have to get better before Reina leaves. You can hear the difference between them and I think it's important to remember that 9th gen is senior and more experienced and even now 10th gen themselves still use keigo in reference to 9th gen. I love 9/10kies, but I'll always love 9th more because they came first and well....Eripon and Riho. Lol. My two top for the next generation. ;
5) Oda Sakura. I'm getting the hang of her. Gods, she sounded adorable on that one Morning Jogakuin episode. I have several fic ideas in mind to explore her character in reference to the other members, particularly Eripon, Duu, and Riho. It's pretty amusing how Sakura seems a little intimidated by Duu. And Eripon once again proves that she is popular with everyone by being the first one Sakura is close to. And the Satoyama episodes seem hellbent on showing off the Riho/Sakura senpai/kouhai interaction.

In other words, I'm having fun and I'm letting everyone know about it. Too much 2ch and twitter stalking, but hey, information galore. I have an endless stream of new information from these avenues....unlikely that I'll stop writing, except for being busy or being lazy.

Anyway, ganbarimasu!

[rndmnwierd]

May not be a history lesson, but I'm still learning a lot here! I love hearing about these kinds of things, especially since it's so hard for me to get this kind of information. I know that the radio shows have so much goodness, but listening to them give me a headache after a while.

Anyway, your take on everyone's personalities is amazing, as usual. I love how Reina takes care of everyone just as much as Sayu does. It's really going to suck when she graduates because we're going to lose that great dynamic as well.

[Estrea]

Time skip back to before the Stacies musical~

Warning: Very Different Tanaka-san Ahead. This is not the Tanasa-tan we know. Not yet anyway.



===============================================================================

Walls


"Maa-chan doesn't get it!"

Worried frowns adorned the faces of her generation mates. The oldest of them, Iikubo Haruna, was chewing on her lip while desperately clutching her own clear file of notes. She too was having trouble remembering the dance moves and all, but Fukumura-san from 9th gen had been unfailingly patient. It also helped that her fellow 10th genner, Ishida Ayumi, was fairly quick with dances and often stayed to help her out on that front. This was the first musical for 10th generation as a whole, except for the youngest of them, Kudou Haruka, who had had the privilege of joining in on the Reborn musical the previous year, and who was now starting to get mad at one Sato Masaki.

"Why can't you remember the lyrics? You don't even have that many spoken lines! It's just the songs! We've been going through it over and over again with you! Are you even trying?!"

Yes, Kuduu was definitely pissed off. She might be the youngest, but she was also the most experienced out of 10th gen, having come from Hello!Pro Eggs before joining Morning Musume. This was only her second stage play with the group, but she had a major role in the show and therefore had many more lines. Only their senpai Tanaka Reina and Sayashi Riho of 9th gen had an equivalent amount, with Tanaka-san obviously having the lion's share. Kuduu wanted very badly to do well here, but she also needed everyone to do well with her. It was part of being a group, but Maa-chan simply wasn't cooperating. In fact, the 12 year old was sitting on the floor pouting like something fierce.

"But but! It's not Maa-chan's fault that the lyrics just keep flying out of Maa-chan's head! The lyrics are really difficult! Maa-chan doesn't understand them at all!"

I wonder if we're going to be fine like this... Harunan winced as Kuduu flared up again. Ishida tried to step in and make peace, but it didn't work out very well. Harunan had to forcibly separate them to make sure it didn't come to blows. Meanwhile, Maa-chan was already sulking in a corner and refusing to talk to them. The oldest 10th genner could feel an impending headache coming on already...

And just then, Fukumura-san came by with Suzuki-san in tow. The two 9th gen senpai looked concerned as Fukumura asked first.

"What's wrong?"

"Well, Maa-chan's having some trouble..." Harunan started with a sigh, explaining the situation. Fukumura nodded seriously, exchanging a knowing glance with Suzuki.

"You know, 9th gen is here with you too. We'll help as well."

"That's right. I'll talk to Maa-chan first?" Suzuki offered, already moving towards her junior. Harunan nodded gratefully, and was joined by Ishida next to her.

"Thank you so much...sorry for causing all this trouble..."

Fukumura shook her head. "Mm, it's ok. It might not be much, but we'e still your senpai and we really like to help out where we can. We're a team after all." The most senior of the 9th gen smiled at her juniors before her, who, ironically, were older than her.

"Now, is there anything else I can help with?"

~*~*~*~

"Oh Riho, did you see where Mizuki went?" Ikuta Erina, also known as Eripon, called out to her gen-mate. Sayashi looked up from where she was reciting her lines to herself while walking towards a vending machine.

"Fuku-chan was with 10th gen just now. Kanon-chan's with her. They asked me for help earlier with some of the dance steps...I only just stepped out to get drinks for everyone."

"I'll help!" Eripon stepped up next to the tinier Sayashi, and they talked about their scripts as they bought drinks for everyone. By the time they returned, it was to a scene of chaos and mayhem.

"...-HIS IS WHY YOU DIDN'T HAVE ANY LINES. IF YOU CAN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING YOU WON'T GET ANY!"

Kuduu was yelling at Maa-chan, who was yelling back with just as much vigour, if not as much sense. The other 4 present were desperately trying to pull the two elementary school kids apart with little success. Ikuta exchanged a wordless glance with Sayashi, and they both dropped whatever they were holding to help yank the warring parties apart. Ikuta was stronger, so she pried Kuduu off with ease. Between Sayashi and Suzuki, they were able to hold Maa-chan still while Ishida spoke urgently to the young girl to try and calm her down. Fukumura was at Kuduu's side with Iikubo, and the older girls were doing their best to try and make peace. Fukumura looked very stressed.

"What should we do? This isn't working..." Iikubo voiced her concerns first, worry showing in every line on her face. Fukumura sucked in a deep breath as she looked around at everyone. Sayashi and Ishida were trying again to work with a grumpy Sato, and even the normally sweet-natured Sayashi was starting to crack a little. Not to mention Ishida had already been putting up with that nonsense since early in the morning, and was beginning to lose her temper as well. Fukumura pressed her lips together as she made the only decision that could be made.

"I'll go to Tanaka-san for advice."

The entire room quieted. Eyes swivelled over to Fukumura, ranging from shock to concern. Tanaka-san had been extremely cool around them, barely speaking to them even when they first received the script at lessons together. Naturally, everyone was a little intimidated by their dai-senpai. As Tanaka had many scenes that were separate from the 9th and 10th gens, she had spent more time with the other actors rehearsing her lines, and only spent time with the children when they had to learn the dances. Even Kuduu, who idolized Tanaka, didn't dare to approach the fierce-looking 6th gen member who was the only senpai they knew on set.

"Mizuki, do you want me to come with?" Ikuta volunteered immediately, looking concerned. Fukumura paused, her own nervousness coming to the fore, but then she shook her head. No, this was something she had to do herself. She was the most senior of the 9th generation, and she felt responsible for them all. 10th gen had gathered here on their own initiative to practice despite there being no official session scheduled today. 9th gen did too, but even they hadn't come quite as early as compared to their juniors. Fukumura knew Tanaka-san was around the office today as well, because they saw her manager at the lobby earlier.

"I'll go now..." Dread boiled inside Fukumura. She knew it was the right thing to do, but it didn't stop her from feeling nervous. If only Michishige-san had been participating in the play as well! But they only had Tanaka-san, and they were at their wits' end with this problem. They absolutely had to get things right before the next scheduled practice, or else risk getting yelled at again in front of everyone. Everyone wanted to avoid that, which was why they all took time out in their own free time to come together to practice. Now that they had a problem they couldn't fix, the only solution was to consult with someone who would know what to do.

"Good luck..." Sayashi whispered as Fukumura passed her, and the older girl took another deep breath before stepping out of the room. Whether she liked it or not, she had to go through with it now. She was the most senior among the newer members. She could do this. She had to.

~*~*~*~

Knock knock.

"Come in." Reina was looking down at her own file of notes, which lay next to an open schedule book. Her manager had stepped out for a moment, and she had simply assumed that the woman was on her way back. To her surprise, the soft voice of her junior, Fukumura Mizuki, greeted her instead. The 15 year old slipped into the room with a quiet 'ojamashimasu' and came up to Reina somewhat nervously.

"Well, what do you want?" Reina asked bluntly, her pencil pausing from making notations on her script. She looked irritated by the interruption. Fukumura gulped. No backing down now.

"Um...Tanaka-san! We need your help!"

Reina stared at her blankly for a moment, then blinked. "Huh?"

Fukumura looked like she was either going to pass out or explode. The normally soft spoken girl took another deep breath for courage, steeling herself.

"Tanaka-san, 9th and 10th gen came today to practice, but Maa-chan is having problems and we just don't know how to help her any more...everyone's getting upset and we just don't know what else to do..."

The problem, once out, came quickly. Fukumura looked much more relieved the moment the tirade left her lips, though that didn't quite banish the scared expression in her eyes as she shifted around from foot to foot.

"So that's why we really need your advice! We really didn't want to disturb you, but I just couldn't do any more for them..." Fukumura was close to tears at this point. She felt horrible. As senior to the 10th gen, she had really wanted to do right by her juniors. All her fellow 9th gen-mates felt the same way. 9th gen had literally been thrown headfirst into the fray when they first started, and they had experienced all kinds of harsh criticism and been yelled at so many times that all of them had burst into tears in rehearsal at some point in time.

Which was why they wanted to spare 10th gen the same pain. Which was why 9th gen was always next to 10th, always guiding them, gently offering advice even before mistakes were made, in the hope that it would smooth their path and let everyone get along happily. After all, only a little less than a year separated their generations, and Fukumura felt that even if they didn't have that much experience to offer to their juniors, it was only right to do what they could. And they had reached the limits of what they could do with their current strength, with this musical. The pain of that reality very nearly brought tears to Fukumura's eyes, and she had to stop herself from breaking down right in front of their fiercest senpai.

"I understand." Reina's face was taut with a kind of repressed tension. A complex melody of emotions played in her eyes, though her face remained stiff. Seeing Fukumura practically shaking in front of her, Reina was suddenly made aware of the fact that she had been neglecting her juniors. What did Gaki-san say again? Oh right. She had to look after them. But that was what Sayu was for. Reina couldn't be arsed with the brats. It was a pain trying to get to know new people, and the brats were so noisy. She had ignored them for the most part, except when she had to correct them in the course of work. It was irritating that they weren't fully competent yet, and she had little patience for them.

But now, looking at Fukumura, Reina winced inwardly. Things must have gotten really bad if the kids had dared to come ask her for advice. Reina really wanted the musical to go well, of course, which was why she was focused on her own performance first. She simply figured that the kids just had to catch up somehow, which were what the official lessons were for. But they were still young yet, and Reina had been in the business for almost 10 years. She had almost forgotten what it was like to be young and inexperienced. Almost.

Reina bit her lip, putting her pencil down finally. She was the only senior the new kids had in this job. Sayu would be no help here. It was time for her to act like a proper senpai. God, she felt old.

"Get everyone in here. We'll work things out."

Fukumura instantly looked more relieved.

"Hai!"

=======================================================================


Inspired by this video:

130113 音ボケPOPS「モーニング娘。来店！」—在线播放—优酷网，视频高清在线观看

Lol Reina, your image!!! Seriously, her troublemaker past, her unfriendliness with the children (at least right at first )... Anyway for those who don't really understand Japanese, towards the end of the video, Reina admits that she put up serious barriers between herself and the new members. She wouldn't speak to them unless spoken to first, and she had no patience for them whatsoever. Then came the Stacies musical, and she really hated how she got stuck babysitting a bunch of brats (her own words ), especially since there was no Sayu there to help. And by then Gaki-san and Aika had already gone, so she was basically their only hope in that play. Fukuchan said that during the rehearsal period for Stacies, Maachan couldn't remember the lyrics and dances at all, no matter how both 9th and 10th gen tried to help. They were at a loss for what to do, until Fukuchan bravely went and approached Reina (for the first time in like, ever....this Reina admits ) for help. And then Reina was like "..." and she said that it was the first time she realized how bad things must have gotten and that the kids must have suffered a lot trying to do everything on their own before finally daring to come to her for help, so she finally called all of them to her and they had an emergency meeting to solve the immediate issues. And that was when, she said, that the walls between her and the 9/10kies started to fade away.

Now contrast to my previous one shot which is a reflection of Reina from the latest H!P Winter tour. Totally different. o_o Reina has finally grown up! I found it interesting which was why...here. I must admit, I like the mellow Reina more... ^^;

Also tried to convey the feelings of 9th gen and 10th gen. I hope I managed to capture each of the girls' little interactions. I'm particularly proud of the bit where Eripon immediately volunteers to go with Fukuchan, because I have this image of Eripon being like that, always eager to help, and very protective of the more innocent Fukuchan. Also, the part with the 10th gen fighting was also gleaned from MajiPyoko...they never actually said that they fought on the show itself, but Harunan admitted that she was concerned about 10th gen as a group right at first because their personalities were clashing so horribly in the beginning, and Duu on another episode also confessed that she didn't think they'd work out as a team right at first too. I just put two and two together from all the sources I had to put this picture together. I like to think something like that actually happened...

Hope everyone likes it too!


EDIT: I finally remembered where I got the bit about Maa-chan and Duu fighting in the rehearsals about the line distribution and stuff. Apparently they actually, really, fought because Maachan was mad that she didn't get any major lines and she was throwing a tantrum. It was pretty bad, but they managed to get her to calm down eventually. Yeah, Maachan was really difficult at times. Harunan calls her an "okochama", which is like "little princess" in this context. Definitely hints of "spoilt child" all over her....but we still like her. Somehow. Lmao.

[Shiawase_Honoo]

The Stacies thing,
Maa-chan and Duu had a fight with each other many times.
One of that I can remember; Maa-chan skipped away from the rehearsal because she got hungry while the others were practicing. Then Duu found out and scold at her because Duu just wanted Maa-chan to watch and learn the moves and script.

Addition, from "Top Yell", Maa-chan also said that her other generation-mates were in Maa-chan hated group in the first started. Anyway, they are now finally get along, it is a good thing after all. >w<)

[Estrea]

^ Oh yes now that you mention it I remember that food thing from Stacies. Man, Maachan sure was a problem child.

Anyway random one shot that just popped into my head. Enjoy~

================================================================


First Contact


"Sayashi-san! Good morning!"

Pounce.

"Uh, it's afternoon. But hi anyway, Oda-chan..." Sayashi Riho blinked at her newly gained kouhai-accessory. Maybe it's a single-person generation thing. While she didn't reject the hugs, she did stand quite still during them. Riho was hardly the type to return hugs so easily when she barely knew a person. The only people she was on hugging terms with at work were her generation-mates and the 2nd-gen S/mileage members she was close to.

Holding on to her school bag, Riho wondered whether it'd be polite to wriggle out of the embrace long enough for her to put her things down. She had come straight from school for the recording. Today it was just her and Oda Sakura, the sole 11th generation member. They had a duet for the next single, and they had both received the demo tape and songsheet a week ago. Riho had studied the lyrics for a long while, trying to figure out what kind of emotions she should be channelling. The tune was deceptively upbeat, but the lyrics definitely did not match the feel of the music. It certainly reminded her of the 52nd single, Help Me, in some way.

"I just heard from the director earlier that we weren't expected until later. So why did you ask me to meet you here earlier, Sayashi-san?"

A good question. Riho nodded as Sakura finally released her death grip, sinking down onto the couch of the lounge area. Taking the cue, Sakura sat down next to her, still awaiting her senpai's answer.

"Well I know it isn't your first recording since we just did the recording for Help Me a few days ago, but I thought we should discuss this song since it's a duet. Like the points we should note and stuff. You've looked at the lyrics and all right? How did you find it?"

Truth to be told, Riho knew that Sakura had stronger vocals compared to her, but even now she was still the senior, and vocal talent aside, she had insights into the song from a different sort of perspective. Given Sakura's vocal talent, Riho had thought it prudent to pick her junior's brain about the song to see what the newbie had to say about it. It could be a good learning experience for the both of them.

"Oh I see...that makes sense. I was just looking over the lyrics again last night, and I thought that it felt a lot like a continuation to Help Me, don't you think? There's a similarity to the beat and the sound is in the same vein on the demo tape..."

Riho nodded as Sakura discussed the technical aspects of the song, the two of them comparing what they thought about what they were given. It really was a challenging sort of song, and Riho had put a lot of thought into it. Sakura seemed to feel no pressure whatsoever, and Riho had to wonder what was really going on in the kid's head. Perhaps something like this still felt too easy for her...?

"You know, when you said that this felt like a continuation to Help Me, it's not just in the melody, but also in the lyrics." Riho said suddenly, frowning at the songsheet. It had occurred to her briefly that the lyrics were in a similar vein, but until Sakura had said that thing about continuity, and then things just clicked inside her head. Sakura looked up at her quickly.

"Eh?"

Riho waved her hand uncertainly. "I'm not fully sure, but it kind of feels like, you know, what happens after the events in Help Me... like the girl in Help Me has finally given up on waiting for that guy but doesn't want to give up at the same time. That's why it's Daisuki Dakara Zettai ni Yurusanai, she still loves him but can't forgive him. That's what I thought."

There was a long pause as Sakura studied her own lyrics sheet. After a moment, the 11th gen member nodded slowly, looking up to stare at Riho with a certain respect.

"I...didn't think quite as far as that. As expected of Sayashi-san."

Riho shook her head. "No, if Oda-chan hadn't said that thing about the music being like a continuation, I wouldn't have made the connection. But you know, the melody doesn't feel sad at all, just like in Help Me. I really have this image of a strong woman who won't let herself fall even if she's in pain. It's definitely going to be a cool type of song."

"Mm, I wonder how best to project that kind of feeling into the song..." Sakura leaned easily into Riho's side, shuffling closer to her senpai until they were practically glued together. Riho twitched, her head shifting away and staring at her clingy junior. Sakura seemed to have no sense of personal space whatsoever. Even Fuku-chan had mentioned it in passing, and Fuku-chan was usually comfortable with skinship. Riho herself was a bit more selective, since her first choices were basically Fuku-chan and Kanon-chan respectively in no particular order there. Even Maa-chan usually announced herself first before pouncing. Sakura just moved in without any preamble. It was...a little disconcerting at first, she had to admit.

"Well, Oda-chan is good at singing so I'm not too worried." Riho said calmly, her body still a bit rigid from having someone else press into her. She wasn't so rude as to flinch or even push Sakura away, but it didn't mean she was entirely comfortable like that. "This is only the first recording for Tsunku-san to assess our individual interpretations first before he decides how we're going to do this for real anyway."

"I know. But it still bears thinking about." No declaration of nerves or even worry. Riho sometimes wondered what was going on within the girl. For herself, she hid any concerns well enough that even Kanon-chan couldn't tell that she was nervous at first. Of course, after 2 years together her fellow 9th generation members had learned how to read her by now. Riho didn't express nervousness the way normal people did. If anything, she ended up looking sober and serious and exhibited a different kind of tension that Kanon-chan sometimes described as "like a predator stalking around". A normal Riho who wasn't nervous would be goofing around with the people she was comfortable with. A tense Riho, on the other hand, withdrew and became extremely quiet and straight-faced. Riho hadn't quite decided if Sakura worked in the same way, but she figured she would figure it out eventually. She watched everyone very closely after all.

It was nice to have a junior who was actually younger than her again, unlike Ayumi-chan and Harunan from 10th gen. It felt less strange taking care of someone who was younger, though it was still a little odd that even though Sakura was the same age as Maa-chan, they were in the same school year and the difference was quite stark there. There was a kind of gap, Riho decided, that Sakura had. When it came to anything singing related, there was a more mature Sakura who would seriously consider what had to be done, but at the same time there existed a needy Sakura who latched onto her like a puppy seeking warmth. Riho didn't quite know what to do with the girl. She felt like she had to take care of Sakura if only because she was a junior, and often did help the girl with her dancing and various other points at work.

Still, it would help if the girl didn't keep coming up to her for hugs all the time. Not even Maa-chan was this clingy, and Riho was starting to want to crawl out of her own skin from the excessive proximity. Perhaps she should follow Deli-kun's advice and say something?

"Um Oda-chan..."

"Hmm?"

"Can you give me a bit of space please?"

"Huh? Oh...I'm sorry..." The girl sounded a bit disappointed as she shifted away, her eyes flicking briefly to Riho before going back to her lyrics sheet. Riho instantly felt horrible. She didn't want to be a grouchy senpai or anything. It was just that, well, she had a quota on the proximity thing.

"Don't get me wrong, it's not like I hate it, but..." Riho groped around for the right words. It was hard to explain it in a way that didn't sound unfriendly. After all, her aversion could basically be summed up to the fact that she simply didn't know Sakura well enough to get all cuddly with her. She had good conversations with Sakura, but progressing to close contact took a little more time on her personal scale. It was a part of her natural shyness that she had yet to fully overcome. Then again, considering how averse she was to any kind of physical contact from anyone who wasn't family before joining Morning Musume, this was already a vast improvement. Still, she did not want Sakura to get the wrong idea.

"It's ok if Sayashi-san doesn't like it. I'll just have to be more careful next time." Sakura smiled at Riho, who felt like she just kicked a puppy with the slightly lost look in her kouhai's eyes.

"No that's not it...I'm just not used to people coming so close." Riho hung her head, clutching the lyrics sheet in one closed fist. "Being in the group has helped, but it takes me a while still to get used to new people. I don't want you to think I dislike you or anything, I just need some time to get used to you."

"Oh..."

"Well you can still hug me and stuff. Just don't expect me to get all cuddly right away and we're good." Riho said quickly, trying to reassure her junior. Sakura lit up at the remark, and Riho found herself engulfed in another bear hug.

"Thank you Sayashi-san! I hope we'll get along from now on too!"

Riho couldn't decide if Sakura was KY or simply air-headed. If anything, Eripon had been more KY and Maa-chan even more air-headed. But there was a simple earnestness to the words, and Riho was abruptly reminded that Sakura was alone in her generation. She gently returned the hug, patting her junior's back comfortingly. As a good senpai, she would have to watch over her. It wouldn't be so bad, she reflected. They got along in many ways already. Now it was just a matter of getting used to all this physical displays of affection.

That couldn't be so hard, right?


======================================================================


Just a random piece with no real point to it. I'm drawing from a number of things here. Always wanted to write something with Sakura in it, and since I'm naturally biased towards Riho...

Firstly, Riho mentioned on Riho-Deli that she wasn't used to how Sakura just randomly comes up to her and hugs her. And when Riho asks her what's up, Sakura is all smiles and is like "I just wanted to hug you ". Now Riho doesn't really have a problem with that, but she does have a problem with how often Sakura does it. Apparently if it's one or two times Riho is fine, but more than 5 times a day is a bit much by her standards. Deli-kun suggested that she tell Sakura to limit the amount of physical contact, but yes, that's what I used here.

Secondly, I basically used the fact that they have a duet for one of the b-sides of the 52nd single in order to place them together for the period of this one shot. I borrowed a little of what Riho said about Help Me, her impressions of the song basically, and then while I was listening to the radio preview of Daisuki Dakara Zettai ni Yurusanai, the lyrics suddenly struck me as a continuation of Help Me. It also helped that musically Maachan mentioned how each of the b-sides inherited portions of Help Me's backing track, and I decided to work a little of that in for Sakura to notice. Riho's comments here about the song is mostly just my imagination I hope it works out!

FYI, I really like the song. I'm trying NOT to think about the implications too much, mostly because I'm sure I would write angstfic if I delved too deep into the meaning of the lyrics, and I do not want to angst the children up. They're too young for my crap.

Anyway, bedtime and auuuggghhh I'm tired. Forgive any inconsistencies in the writing, I really shouldn't have stayed up so late just to write @_@

Oyasuminasayashiii~

EDIT: Wow this is why I shouldn't be writing at 4am in the morning. Typing on autopilot with my eyes unfocused is a bad idea. Even if I didn't make any spelling errors. Thanks for spotting it guys, fixed the paragraph in question.

[Slack]

Wait a second, isn't Sakura 10 months younger than Riho? Since the grade level cutoff seems to be April 1, being born in March would put Sakura at the younger end of her school grade, while Riho would be near the older end, being born in May.

The one 2 months younger than Sakura is Maa-chan, isn't it? I'm not 100% sure without checking, so I may be way off though.

[Shiawase_Honoo]

Another puppy, eh?
With something in her childhood had turned her to be too positive person and like to cling over people. I can't blame her. On the other hand, it feels so lonely to be a sole member. (^^;

Sakura-mochi (the name that Kananan and Meimei, the S/mileage 2nd refered to her) was born in 1999, 12 March. Which means she has to be in same grade with RihoRiho and Kanon-chan.

I think Sakura is clever enough to read the atmosphere, but she is the natural air-head after all. :lol

The c/w thing, it made me purse-shocking state. Damnation, why I am the music addictor. Orz....

[Estrea]

^LOL guys thanks for spotting my error. I knew I should have fact checked but I was too sleepy to check Sakura's age last night. 4am writing was a bad idea on hindsight. It's a miracle that's the only major error I made. Fixed though! thanks guys!

[rndmnwierd]

Did I really not comment on the Walls one? I must have been reading at work again

Every time I read some of your work, I always walk away feeling like I have more insight into the girls. Seeing you put these stories down like this makes me say, "That MUST have happened!" Like watching a behind the scenes or something. It gives me a greater appreciation, even though you're human too

[Estrea]

@rndy: I love climbing into the heads of the girls. It's fun for me.

=========================================================

Nights at Nagoya

"It must be nice to go home to stay the night..."

"Aww Riho-chan, are you going to miss me while I'm away?"

"Of course! Do you even need to ask?"

The younger half of 9th gen grinned at each other as they went about packing their stuff up. It was the evening after the Nagoya Hello! Project concerts for the day, and they were scheduled to stay overnight at a hotel since they had consecutive performances at the same venue for the next day as well. As one Sayashi Riho had so ruefully pointed out, Suzuki Kanon was able to go home to stay with her family for the night since she was originally from the area. Since they usually shared a room when on tour, Riho was going to miss her best friend in the group.

"So do you know who you're rooming with this time?" Kanon asked as she neatly zipped up her suitcase. Riho paused in her attempt to shove everything into her own mess of a suitcase, digging around in another bag for her phone.

"Um, Manager-san sent us a mail about it earlier I think...Maa-chan was squealing about rooming with Eripon just now..."

After a few moments of fumbling, the disorganized ace managed to retrieve her phone under masses of stuff. Overpacking, that was the Sayashi (Riho) way. Kanon was already done, and pulled up a chair to watch with amusement as Riho scrolled through her messages with her lips pursed.

"Hmm, Fuku-chan is rooming with Iikubo-chan...how nice... Ah, Ayumi-chan's with Duu... Yup, Maa-chan with Eripon...oh."

"Let me guess, Sakura-chan?"

Riho shot a grinning Kanon a mock glare. "Gee, I wonder how you guessed."

Kanon laughed. "She isn't so bad, Riho-chan. She's really nice and friendly."

"You get along with everyone, Kanon-chan." Riho whined, flopping down on the floor with unidol-like grace. "I mean, Oda-chan and I get along, but..."

"Riho-chan, you can't always room with just 9th gen you know."

"I've roomed with Duu before." Riho pouted, folding her arms.

"Yes, and the two of you somehow managed to drive Ayumi-chan insane. Eri-chan and I were wondering why she was screaming at 4am in the morning."

"I woke up too early from paranoia, and Duu's a light sleeper. We were bored, and you keep forgetting Fuku-chan helped!"

"Mizuki-chan only opened the door for you guys. She didn't actually do anything."

Riho muttered a "so you think" under her breath, but didn't dispute the point any further. She definitely did not want to incur the wrath of a certain Fukumura Mizuki. Despite her placid, kindly exterior, there lay a darker slice of personality within that ojou-sama aura. Riho was pretty sure she didn't want to find out for sure. She loved Fuku-chan dearly, but didn't want to tempt fate.

"Play nice, Riho-chan. She's still new." Kanon tapped the top of Riho's head in warning, making the ace squint and stick her tongue out instinctively.

"I'm always nice! I didn't even complain when Manager-san let you room with her the last time."

"No, but you were sulking anyway. Honestly, Riho-chan..."

"Fine fine, I'll be good. Say hi to Cha-chan for me." Riho smiled up at Kanon, referring to the bedraggled teddy bear that Kanon always slept with at night. Kanon grinned back, ruffling the mass of hair on Riho's head to the ace's stifled protests.

"Oh, Sakura-chan! You're rooming with Riho-chan later right?"

Kanon waved a lurking Sakura over, from where she had been standing at the outskirts of 10th gen...being 10th gen. Maa-chan was somehow riding on Duu's back, with the boyish girl attempting to throw her off without actually hurting her, and Ayumi was chatting enthusiastically with Harunan. There was literally no space for any outsiders, unless you happened to be Ikuta Erina and capable of walking into any conversation as if you belonged there. Case in point: Eripon was now chatting with Harunan and Ayumi, before Tornado Maa-chan suddenly assaulted her from behind with Duu laughing like a hyena behind her. Somehow, in the midst of all that ruckus, there stood Fuku-chan with a beatific smile on her face, her sketch pad clutched to her chest. Riho met her gaze, and they shared a mutual look of understanding as their gaze flicked over to the ensuing mayhem.

Sakura walked over with a cheerful smile ready on her lips. "Yes I am! Suzuki-san, you're staying with family tonight right?"

Kanon nodded, laying a hand on Riho's shoulder to bring the ace's attention back. Riho looked back and up at the new girl, giving a friendly smile and a head tilt in greeting.

"Sakura-chan, I must in all good conscience warn you...Riho-chan is horrible with mornings."

"Hey! Don't tell tales!" Riho protested, punching Kanon's thigh in warning. Kanon laughed at the indignant expression on her best friend's face, and the bemused expression on her junior's.

"I'm serious. If you can't wake her up in time for roll call, just call Manager-san and put it on speaker. That should do the trick." Kanon advised with all the wisdom of a veteran. Riho slapped her palm onto her face, hiding a groan.

"Kanon-chan!"

"I will keep that in mind. Thank you, Suzuki-san." Sakura returned the head tilt Riho gave her earlier, a little grin mirrored on her lips. "I'll be in your care too, Sayashi-san."

"Haaa..." Riho heaved a great sigh dramatically. "You could at least leave me a little dignity in front of a kouhai..."

Kanon folded her arms. "Well, she will find out whether or not I tell her. It's only right to give fair warning. You're absolutely terrible at waking up, Riho-chan."

"Still!" The duo playfully bantered back and forth for a moment, until their manager stuck her head into the dressing room and told them to get a move on. A chorus of 'hai's echoed in unison, and everyone started grabbing their things. Except Riho, who realized that she still had to tidy up her stuff.

"Oh crap! Kanon-chan, help meeeeeee!!!"

"Riho-chan, that wasn't funny at all."

"I wasn't trying to make a joke!"

"Yeah yeah, try that on someone more gullible."

"I'll help, Sayashi-san!"

"Da-chan! You're amazing! I love you!"

"Did someone call me?"

"No, Ayumi-chan, Riho-chan was talking about Sakura-chan."

"Forget them Ayumin, let's go get ice-cream! Come on! And no, Maa-chan I'm not buying any for you!"

"Duuuuuuuuuu! Come onnnnnn!"

"Go pester Ikuta-san or something!"

"Oi Duu, don't shove your problems onto me!"

"Hehe sorry Ikuta-san~"

At the door, Reina exchanged a look with Sayumi. The cat-like idol sighed, though she couldn't quite erase the upward quirk of her lips.

"These kids make me feel old."

Sayumi shrugged, her hands already busy. So many great candid shots of the children! She couldn't be more happy about it all. Morning Musume was wonderful!

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I love dressing room dynamics. You will notice that Sakura really doesn't quite fit in yet, as I took away from the Ikeburo Sunshine City event where she said that she hasn't really gotten close to her senpai as yet because the bonds within each generation was too strong to penetrate.

More fun facts:

- Riho really is terrible at waking up. It's kind of legendary by now.
- Riho waking up at 4am from paranoia. Actually happened. She was so paranoid about oversleeping one time that she ended up waking at 4am and then she couldn't get back to sleep even though it was way too early. Source: Musata. The rest about her and Duu tormenting Ayumi is fictional and only happens in Essy-headcanon.
- The rooming arrangements are accurate as far as I know, because Eripon and Maachan posted about rooming together, Fukuchan was with Harunan, and Ayumin was with Duu (and their ice cream haha). That leaves Zukki, Riho and Sakura unaccounted for, but since they were in Nagoya those two days, I figured that Zukki went home to be with her family, so that leaves Sakura with Riho. Hence this story.
- That Da-chan thing at the end. Riho mentioned on radio that she occasionally slips up and calls Sakura "Da-chan", which is short for "Oda-chan". Ayumi was on the same broadcast and she said that "I usually end up responding to that..." Interesting, I thought.
- I tend to let Fukuchan and Harunan be more quiet in these because I figure that they aren't quite as loud as people like Duu or Maachan.

Probably a part 2 to show more hotel hijinks. Depends on my mood.