Flower Shop Girl & the Lion Repairman [Kan]

It wasn’t too strange for him to get called out to go repair something here or there; he used to do it much more often when he was younger. If anything he enjoyed the little outings; it let him see more of the city that he barely knew a thing about. See more people that he barely knew or didn’t even know existed! So with that he had decided to drive over to the back streets.

Most people wouldn’t bother; most people would take a cab or maybe just hoof it if they really needed something from this area. But not him; the massive man’s presence often was enough to dissuade people from doing anything. Given he stood a head, shoulders and sometimes even chest above those in any given location here.

Japan wasn’t known for having the tallest people around after all…

But it did have a plethora of options for vehicles! One of which he was driving at the moment; it was just a rental while his vehicle was off getting some much needed updates in the digital world. He knew that digital world gear was better than most human stuff so he had opted to just buy one there.

It was a decent drive from his shop to this one and it’d be about ten or so minutes from the end of the conversation that Honoka was having with her father before he showed up. The simple black car pulling up along the curb before shutting off. He’d stuff the keysinto one of his pockets and lean to pull his bag from the passenger seat.

A moment later he stepped out of the car; causing a few people passing by to glance at him. It was rare to see someone like him around; he still probably screamed american even if he had been living here for thirteen or so years. Closing the door and making his way to the entry of the flower shop he couldn’t help but glance up at the name.

Didn’t he do a service for them a while back? Or maybe he had grabbed some flowers for gretal when they were still dating?

It was hard to remember; so much had happened in the last decade that small moments seemed to just skip on by. Managing a small frown of thought the man would knock on the door; the blinds were shut and he couldn’t tell if anyone was around. Had he come at the wrong time? Kan grumbled to himself and pulled out his notepad; slipping on his reading glasses to take a gander at the notes he had written down.

No he was here at the right time; but maybe it was just the fact the store was closed that was throwing him for a loop? So he figured the next best thing would just be to knock on the door. A steady thump of one two three; thankfully right on the frame of the door rather than the centerpiece.

”Anyone in there? It’s the computer-repair-guy. Kan.”

It’d be even more of a pain if they had to run out and just forgot to put up a ‘back in five’ or something too… But then again he wasn’t exactly paid by the hour. He was paid for the job overall. Was a lot more stable that way given how fast he could work.

Given what the large man was wearing he probably didn't even look the part of computer repair man. More like a businessman just wearing his casual stuff. Jeans. white T shirt. Hawaiian overshirt. He didn't even know why he was wearing this today but it just felt kinda right. That and the weather did permit this kinda stuff around this time of year...

Not hearing anything immediately wasn’t a surprise; he’d just shift his bag so that it was hanging off of one shoulder before looking around. This area looked really god damn familiar to him but he couldn’t place his finger on it. Maybe he really did come here to get flowers before; he didn’t seem to recall ever being called here on business before. Most people outside of society hill usually didn’t bother with his services; more because of the distance they figured he wouldn’t be willing to travel.

But he didn’t much care; hearing someone call out that they’d be right there he relaxed just a little bit. But the older man blinked as he heard the voice call out again; one second? Well it’s not like he was paid by the minute and this was his only ‘job’ today. After this he’d probably go back home and just relax. He’d tilt his head and shrug; responding quickly if not a bit cheerfully.

”No worries. I’m not in a rush.”

Then came the struggle of opening the door; was the doorframe cracked or something? He’d frown a bit and shif tto help but… once the door opened he’d be greeted with a rather charming if not sweet looking young girl. She had to be about half his age if he had to guess and… was her hair pink? He couldn’t help but wonder if that was natural or not. Given that his own hair was a dark red it wasn’t too out of bounds right? No… definitely dyed. But that didn’t much matter to him. He’d return the bow with one of his own.

”It’s all right; I know how it can be. Only have two employees other than myself.”

If he could even call his ex-wife an employee. She was a mercenary of the digital world that was well versed in the human one thanks to him. He’d tilt his head ever so slightly as she continued on; so that’s why they were closed. Giving a nod at her questioning his name he’d raise his brows a little bit at seeing her bow again. Certainly polite; maybe a little too polite for someone such as him but he wouldn’t berate someone he just met for something like this!

”Well it’s a pleasure to meet you Ms. Nijimura.”

He’d return the bow; though his eyes followed where hers were looking and he noted that she seemed to be surprised at his device. If not a little.. What? Nervous? Would this be nervousness? He’d chuckle at her thanking him for coming; seriously it was his job! Why would he blow off someone asking for help?

”Not a problem. Now where’s the computer?”

If it was a hardware issue he had some things he could add in or shift around; if it was software that was easier. If allowed he’d enter into the flower shop; taking a quick glance around...

”Ah it’s all right. New people. I get that.”

Kan easily brushed the fact that he knew she was staring at his digivice to one side; some people recognized it. Some people didn’t. The only question he had for that was if she did or not. If she did then it was trying to figure out how to address this sort of stuff. If not… Well then it was probably wondering what kind of tech that was!

He’d lean to look at where she mentioned the computer was; he’d furrow his brow as he noted that well… The computer was quite old. Ancient even; at least by today’s standards. If it wasn’t booting up there was a plethora of problems that it could be.

”Older models do tend to last a while but if it won’t even start I guess the problem might be with the hardware rather than software…”

Kan rubbed at his chin and stared at it for a moment before following the younger girl to where it was. He’d blink as she took the chair and only shrugged in response of it. It didn’t look like it could support his weight in the slightest but you never knew.

”Makes sense, my first computer I tried and tried over and over to fight to make it work for as long as I could. Now it’s just sitting in my upstairs collecting dust and reminding me of fond memories with it.”

It was his escape when he was younger, programming. Hacking into various places; checking things over… All that and more. He’d shift and place his bag down next to the counter before taking out the tools of the trade. Quite a few things in fact. He even had a place mat for where he could put the parts once he started taking the thing apart!

Hearing her joke he’d shake his head; managing a small smile. It was a bad one he felt but she must have heard it somewhere. His ex-wife probably would have laughed. In fact he’d have to tell her about this later if she was around.

”Spose I wouldn’t know. Not the reason my ex-wife left me.”

Another chuckle and the man would first check if the pc would boot at all; figuring that if it at least was getting power he’d hear it try to kick up. If not? Well… that could be a load of different problems. No reason to take it apart without unplugging it either…

”Well. My ex-wife runs the shop when I’m not around or if I’m out on business. Though the employee I hired only works the afternoons after school so I don’t know if you’d count that.”

He’d frown a bit as he didn’t even get what he was hoping for with the computer. Shrugging to himself he’d move to unplug it. He’d have to crack it open and take a look at what was inside then!

”And for other stuff… Hmm. I suppose? If you really could call him a partner. But his form takes some getting used to.”

What did you call a spirit that was just in it to make sure you didn’t fuck up again? A guardian? Or whatever snyder was. He’d consider for a moment and tap his digivice. If she followed his meaning she’d probably get that he was a spirit wielder.

Or it’d just confuse her more. He wasn’t sure; if she didn’t have a clue about the stuff she’d probably think he was talking about some scarred up or deformed man he had to work with! It was all right any way you ran it.

”What about you? I don’t often see someone of your age working for places like this. With or without a partner around. Or parental figure I guess.”

Kan paused when the teen explained that this was the first computer her parents had bought together; hearing those four words he’d nod his head. He understood how things were; how it was hard to have change. He was the same when one of his friends had passed. Never having parents himself he couldn’t really relate to losing them.

”I know how it is when something so firm in your life is just gone all of a sudden. Upgrading might be for the best to be honest...”

The man shifted and well; he’d start to get to work. Taking great care to make sure the computer was unplugged, set on the counter and he could get into taking it apart. Inspecting each piece; hooking them up to a small hand held that would check if they were receiving power and if they were working properly. It was basically a small computer that just was made to run diagnostics for stuff. Made his life easy. If he found a part that wasn’t working he could easily replace it.

Hearing her talk about her forms definitely made him pause; so she was a spirit weilder just like he was. But rather than be a cat or dog or some kind of other animal it seems as though she was a plant based spirit user. He’d shake his head and chuckle at the irony he saw.

”When I was younger my form at the time was much bigger than I was. So getting used to the limbs was… interesting to say the least. Most of them had tails; it just adjusts your balance. It’ll take practice to get everything handled.”

He’d frown as he came across a couple pieces that seemed to be burned out. Likely from not wanting to muck with this piece of equipment too much else it might lose whatever spark it held to the rest. But it was an easy fix so far… He just hoped it wasn’t a dead motherboard.

”Mm I see. So youngest of three?”

It was a simple question that she didn’t have to answer; hearing that he was ‘up to other things’ made kan shake his head. He knew how that was; he used to be like that. But in a different way. His shop was always around after all and it was just so easy to get back into life.

”My only suggestion is if you practice? It’s easier to do in the shibuya station; well the shibuya station for people like us. Either that or find a bit of privacy.”

Another burned out part; this one had been dead for a while judging by what he was looking at. Shaking his head he’d set it aside and so far it just turned out to be three or four pieces. Easy fixes all of them! But now for the real ‘problem’ child…

”I’d also avoid usin it at school. I didn’t have to deal with that cause I was eighteen when I got mine.”

”Honestly, if the motherboard is fried I might as well just set you guys up with a new computer. I think she’d be happy to know that you guys are using what you can get.”

Kan sighed a bit; he didn’t want to push for information regarding what he presumed to be a dead parent. But he’d turn to her when she corrected him about her place in the family. That of four huh? Middle brother out of high school and… helped around the store and even had other jobs. The man rubbed at his chin thoughtfully and turned his head back to the computer. Just two more parts at this point that he had to go over. One being the motherboard and well.. The other was the fan. He doubted that needed replacement or even if it did it would be cheaper than anything else really.

”Ah yeah. Early on it’s hard to find time.”

He admitted quite plainly, when he was younger he had the same issue. Testing the fan he’d give a snort as it blew some dust on him. He’d brush it off and just shake his head. Then came the question that… well. Every tamer, spirit wielder and even mon he had come across asked him.

”It’s a seven to one ratio. One day here equals one week there. It’s why I can do rush jobs so effectively. They don’t particularly care if you bounce between worlds; their job is to ferry people. They have a set schedule too so just learn it.”

The man let out a soft laugh and glanced at honoka as she grimaced. So she was too fearful to transform at the school? Or in public? He’d rub at his chin thoughtfully and hearing what she’d like to do to some thugs made him actually laugh rather loudly.

”Ah yeah. I did the same thing when I was younger, but my first set of spirits couldn’t be perceived by people that didn’t know about the digital world. Worked out kinda. And yeah. DATS is what you have to watch out for; or rather neo dats I think they go by?”

He’d frown and shake his head; after the entire goldenweek incident the man had taken great effort to lay low. Not going out more than he needed to and keeping snyder in his digivice more often than not. The man shifted and started to check the motherboard. Frowning as he could smell a faint scent much like burnt toast.

”Ah. Yeah that’d do it…”

That also meant without a doubt that the flower shop needed an entirely new computer; at this rate it likely had burned out because of some fault in the power source giving too much to one part… and then just cascading into the others.

”There’s really not much I can do with this computer unfortunately. Smell this piece?”

He’d hold out the motherboard to the teen; his frown was evident and he knew that well. They likely couldn’t afford getting a new computer if their door was like that. But he had a few suggestions… And come to think of it his old laptop could easily serve as this places ordering device… It was a 2014 model which would blow whatever they had out of the park.

”One thing led to another and that smell basically tells you that it’s dead. And that's the motherboard; the brain of the computer. IE. Most expensive part. Well often more than not.”

”Fair I spose. I’ll have to ask them what they use it for primarily; other than for orders at least.”

Kan paused at hearing that her father would have to be the one paying; he’d look around and frown. Would he really feel right taking money from these people? Aside from the obvious physical problem here could they actually manage with whatever money he’d leave them over with?

Kan rubbed at his chin; his older computer would likely do the job for them… He’d have to wipe it and make sure that it was fresh and ready to go but… It’d be a far upgrade to what they were used to. He’d blink a bit as she asked about his spirits.

”All right all right. Let me explain. When I first started out I was a tamer, someone with a partner. I in fact had two separate partners; split apart by a few years or so. Then I became a spirit wielder nearly a decade ago. With my first ‘group’ of spirits being corrupt and kinda a problem. Now I have a completely different set of spirits with different goals and personalities. It’s very uncommon to change partners that often. You’ll more than likely have one major spirit line and a few offshoots depending on how much you do in the digital world.”

He’d shift a bit and look over the computer parts that he had in front of him. Having her smell that one piece and then her make comments about that new group well… He’d just nod his head. There wasn’t much he could say about it.

”You’d be surprised about what people don’t know.”

It was all that he could say about that; given that he had been doing this almost longer than he hadn’t been. Hearing the morbidness of it the man frowned; he would have reached out and patted her on the head but… Honestly he didn’t feel like that would be appropriate.

”Wither and die yes, but you also have to remember the beauty of things for what they are. And the smiles that they bring before they go. I think if I talk to your dad about this he’ll see the reason and I have something that he might not be able to turn down either. Though I spose it depends if he’s all right with a laptop and not a desktop…”

The man side eyed the computer and kneeled to give it a look; frowning a bit as he took a look at the other parts that were blackened. All told… it’d be about the equivalent of what the computer was worth. Kind of unfortunate given that actual nice working ones were considered antiques at this point…

”See I have this computer back at home that used to be my old laptop. Truth be told I don’t use it so I wouldn’t be against helping you guys out. One business to another. And don’t get me started on the sappy businessmen that come to my store either...”

No pity from kan; he knew how hard it was to run a store by yourself. He knew how much it pained people to have to look at this sort of stuff, see their livelihood being dragged down. The man rubbed at his neck; he knew the pain to the point of him having to reach out to the yakuza. Fix things for them, hide people for them, cars, guns… whatever. You name it he had fixed it. But they didn’t have an easy out like that; an out that he was still dealing with the fallout of.

He knew that this computer would help; so why wouldn’t he offer it? He was here to fix their problem with the computer and if giving them a new one would assist with that he would go with it. Something that he knew gretal would be surprised to hear about. Much less see him with the computer she had met him with.

”That’s always the question. Why me? Why this spirit? I had the same when I started and… I still have that question but I understand that the digital world doesn’t always explain things. Don’t worry about it too much; they teach us lessons that we need but there’s always more to it with each person.”

Kan rubbed at his chin and inspected the parts one last time; with all of them there… Well the man sighed. He’d have to be quick about it and started to text Gretal. She was digital side but; she’d be able to get to his shop and get things ready before he would even get back home.

”Just keep on the up and up. All we can do.”

Hearing that she was about to refuse his offer followed immediately by a bow and what he assumed to be a somewhat… forced acceptance he’d just sigh.

”Look. I’m not doing this out of pity or kindness. But from a business aspect. Customers come here for flowers, see you guys have a new computer; wonder where it’s from. Then of course you tell them you got it from me and then they come and check my place out.”

He didn’t get to fully finish before a gruff, if not overly masculine voice could be heard from around the shopkeeps neck. Though it seemed to be a little more lower...

”You are an exceptionally bad liar kan.”

...And that voice projected itself from his digivice; the man scowled and folded his arms while looking down at it. Snyder; his spirit must have been listening in and well… given that they were connected to one another it wasn’t hard for him to speak up with this sort of thing.

”It’s true though.”

”Yeah but when that’s your afterthought rather than what’s… how did you phrase it? ‘The right thing to do?’ You got issues mate.”

The voice let out a small laugh before kan shrugged his shoulders; charity wouldn’t be a good word for it in his opinion but he was also trying to remain cool about the fact he just got outed by a disembodied voice near his chest.

”Well my… employee will be here in an hour or two with the new computer. Seems she’s not as busy as she’d like.”

”Employee, Ex-wife. Same difference right?”

”Sovereigns help me… Snyder…”

”Heh.”