synflux | [closed] we shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us

[ getting him a cat plush was a good idea. nts remember to have her drop it off. would he like it if she scratched his head like she did rumba. ]

Oh, Vergilius! He's sweet, right? We go out drinking together sometimes, it's fun. How'd you meet?

I'm not surprised you two are already acquainted. [ Though it leaves an inexplicable feeling in his throat. ]

I tried pranking him with white chocolates last month. He didn't take kindly to it. But we made up in the haunted mansion. He seems tired. I saw something familiar in him that made me want to get to know him.

[ pranking... a guy with dark hair and a smug face... ]

Oh, you're his least favorite.

[ hahahahaha ]

Yeah, I get what you mean. To be honest, he's one of the reasons I don't feel so alone here -- we're both travelers, and... we've a number of similar, if different tragedies in our time. Just don't mess with him too much, okay? He's like me, except he really will drop you if you annoy him too much.

Did he really say that I'm his least favorite! Hah!

[ They share a laugh, but past it Kaito continues to etch her words into his mind. He's taking notes. He's. Not sure why he's so intent on taking these notes. Kaito realizes he was drawn to Verg because of what he perceived as a bond of many shared traits just waiting to be unearthed. That's been partially true so far.

But these two also have a candid connection, and that's. It's.

—That's good. It's good for Malkuth, who needs the camaraderie most. Who doesn't deserve to feel so lonely.

Yeah. Kaito's eyes have glazed a bit through that stint of deep thought. He shakes the fog out. ]

I think I'm finding a balance. Our first meeting should have ended in disaster, but our second was more than half-decent. I think I can at the very least earn his friendship before things get to dicey. Or icy.

He likes direct, honest words and appreciates a good cup of black coffee. Won't turn down a free meal either, and...

[ hmmm. what else can she say. resting back in her chair... ]

I think as long as you keep at it, as slowly and as patiently as you were with me... then he'll at least give you the time of day. Vergilius doesn't put up a fuss about us going out anymore, anyway. I consider that a win.

[ and it's obvious she's fairly fond of the old geezer too, even beyond the advice she gives -- her tone's a little affectionate, amused at the way vergilius is. ]

Direct, honest words. If only he could have met me ten years ago, [ Kaito teases, sticking out his tongue. But he keeps the rest of that in mind. They share a coffee preference.

The rest of those feelings tugging and twisting away at his heartstrings can fuck right off. He reluctantly leaves his Malkuth-shaped perch to stand and push everything down and away—except her, of course. She gets an outstretched hand. ]

Thanks for the encouragement. If I'm half as fortunate with him as I've been with you, I think we'll be good friends before you know it.

Now, shall we get to the bar and enjoy our second-slash-third date?

[ she'll take his hand, pull her up carefully now. ]

Only if you promise not to let me drink too much. I've been told I'm a pretty terrible drunk.

[ but she doesn't seem bothered by that fact! ]

[ Her ascent is as smooth as the tail end of that spin maneuver they practiced in class... to the point that Kaito almost pulls her flush to his body. He just freezes, lets his ears burn, and offers an apologetic smile before hooking his arm 'round hers. ]

You'll drink just enough to have all the fun you want, on my honor. [ Good. An unclear, vague quantity. ] Send me the bar's name again? I'll program the route into my bike.

[ Speaking of which, the moment they step outside, his fancy schmancy new cycle roars to life, complete with the same yellow accents and trim that adorn his usual hoodie ensemble. Kaito swings on first, then extends his hand again to help her mount the seat. ]

[ he will regret the unclear quantity once she starts hitting them back and all of a sudden she's very interested in being right against him like she almost was just now (heart skipping, frozen for a moment herself before she laughs it off and hooks her arm to his) and then doesn't remember anything in the morning.

but that's a later problem, malkuth is staring right now with some trepidation at the motorcycle. hold on let her. send him the info. there. okay. ]

... Is that safe?

Statistically speaking, no. This is far more dangerous that being in a car or even walking.

But you're with me, and I'm experienced in driving these from back home. If it makes you feel safer, you can sit up front and I can cover your back. You're small enough that we can manage it.

[ hmmmmmmmm. she's staring at him, then at the motorcycle in contemplation. behind... she would be putting all her trust in his ability to drive, and she'd have to hold onto him. in front of... she'd be able to see the road, but he'd completely envelop her. just like...

...

no... that's not good... malkuth's neck burns and she carefully steps to behind him, patting his shoulder. ]

I think I'll live dangerously.

[ she cannot... quite handle the way the thought of it makes her feel otherwise, an emotion unfamiliar yet nostalgic in a way. let her on, kaito, she needs to figure out how best to adjust her dress to sit comfortably. and once settled (it's. an interesting experience already, she decides she likes motorcycles) she'll wrap her arms around him.

this could be comfy. it's sort of nice she has someplace to rest her cheek. ]

Like this?

[ In fairness, he regrets offering her the front spot almost immediately. Thank god she seems to also detect the Danger™. Kaito's happy to help her onto the rear end of the seat. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a spare helmet. But he also doesn't plan on going too crazy. The bar's not too far away anyhow.

Her arms feel like they're phasing straight through his clothes to embrace him directly. Gods. It's a good thing he has HIS helmet so she won't see any aspects of his blush. ]

Yeah.
Hang on tight, okay?
I'm gonna ease us to top speed, but this thing goes fast.

[ Vroom.

Sure, it's not nearly as fast as either of them at their peak, but that's not the point. It's a new experience for her, or so he hopes. Before long, they're streaking down the main thoroughfares to get to their jazzy destination.

The whole ride probably doesn't reach five minutes, but for Kaito it feels like five hours. Stupid brain. ]

Edited 2024-04-10 03:20 (UTC)

[ it very much is a new experience.

and his feeling isn't going to be helped by how tightly she holds onto him once they're off, air stolen from her lungs when she laughs at the speed of it. where it feels like five hours to him it feels over far too quick to her, and she lingers against him missing the wind whip around her already.

at least the braid held. it's a little frayed, naturally, but it's held enough. ]

... I want one.

[ can you hear her sparkling. ]

[ Once they're parked, Kaito swings his leg clear over the bike to hop off first. Flexibility, ahoy. This time both hands are offered to Malkuth to aid in her dismounting. Then: a playful 'chop' to the forehead. ]

Quit smiling all cute like that... LILITH will afford us some discounts. I'll help you navigate it when we get back to base.

[ For now... The bar awaited them. And booze. Lots and lots of booze. ]

That's great to hear, but I've never driven anything in my life.

[ she's as useless as march there.

ahem. the bar has a dim lighting to it, with a space for a live performance on one end and the bar on the other; between it and the jazzy sound being sung out by human performers, because robots haven't mastered the particular soul of the genre that makes it so popular, are a number of small tables to sit at on one side of the floor and a clear area where couples cling to one another in a dance.

it's a more lowkey sort of dive, a respite from the neons outside, and malkuth stares at the dance floor with a vague sense of "i am forgetting something and i don't know what". she knows that feeling. it's because she drank too hard. but in her defense, it was really good. ]

Last time I was here, I had a... ginger...

[ what had it been called? the gravely, low voice of vergilius rumbles in her mind, and she leans her head against kaito's arm as they step in. ]

Ginger nama genshu. It was super tasty, Vergilius ordered it for me because I liked sake and I don't know my way around a drink. Same deal now, you can order for us and I'll take what I get.

I'll teach you, then. I gave March some lessons last month.

[ Surely it'll go as smoothly. Surely. There's a certain energy that hangs thick in the air of the bar; he can't help but notice it as soon as the doors close behind them. It takes a moment (and soaking in all the little features of their surroundings), but he eventually realizes it. This place is so intimate. No matter where they sit or stand, he's sure that he'll have a hard time focusing on anything but...

Malkuth. ]

You like sake, huh? I think I know what to get us, then. [ Kaito tugs at her arm, guiding the brunette to the bar where he puts in an order with the robot. ]

Two toji moons. Please tell me you know how to make them.

[ The bot relieves his fears in as robotic a manner as it can by simply nodding in the affirmative. Off it goes! Satisfied, Kaito takes them to the table furthest from the stage and dance floor. Their own little pocket of space, all to themselves.

(Well, as 'to themselves' as you can get in a public space.)

Once they're at their table, Kaito settles her into a seat... before realizing he's still got his fingers wrapped around her wrist. Stupid.

He doesn't let go. Stupider. Rather, he shifts to hold her one hand between both of his as he plops down. There's a silly (stupid) smile tugging at his lips. ]

Your hands are always so soft. Compared to mine, anyway. This isn't even the third time I've held them but somehow it feels like a fresh experience every time.

[ she'd wondered when he would notice, enjoying the small contact between them (reminded, again, and then putting that reminder aside; not with kaito, or... with kaito, but not--) before he expands it to holding her hand entirely between them, cheeks pinkening in the dimness as she grins wider. at least he can't feel her heart through her wrist now, fluttering as it is. ]

I wasn't a working woman, Kaito. The only scars I'd ever have would be from papercuts, even if I fought in the Library.

[ ... and torn fingernails, bleeding at the beds-- but she'd been saved from reliving that particular trauma with this form, watching their hands before clasping her other against his. trapped as well. it

feels warm, and it's almost like he's flirting with her... but he's just a tease as always, and friendly to boot. while malkuth can't deny him the satisfaction of getting a reaction out of her, she can at least turn it around on him instead, her free hand's fingertip tracing a scar. ]

I like your hands, though. They've got a history to them.

I suppose that makes sense. [ He squeezes. Her hands were so unbelievably soft, too. ] ...It's just nice.

[ Silence takes over for the next minute. Kaito's expression is warm and bright, and doesn't really tell whether he's looking for words to fill the space or simply content to let this moment pass without words. It doesn't matter. In time, the bartender rolls up with two drinks. The scent that wafts from the glasses is nothing like sake—it's honeyed and spiced, almost like Kaito had ordered an ale instead of something related to sake.

He finally lets go of Malkuth's hand, poking her drink forward. ]

These are named after the winter solstice back home. You'd sit in a nice hot bath, enjoy snacks, and relax. This is tart and sweet. The taste of sake is hidden behind everything else—

[ Kaito pauses to shoot her a pointed look. ]

—So you can only have these two, got it?

[ He taps the rim of 'his' drink. Winks. ]

[ it's important to be able to sit in silence with someone, but she still isn't quite used to it with kaito; the bartender is a relief she didn't know she was waiting for, interest taken by the drinks and their explanation. ]

I think you underestimate how easy I go down.

[ but he already said they're both hers, so she's taking his glass and pulling it next to hers proper with a playful grin. this is hers now.

but he's welcome to steal it back whenever, she isn't resource guarding... sipping at one of the glasses, it is a nice taste; the other had hidden its more alcoholic tang behind ginger, this one does it... with something else. malkuth kicks her feet under their table. it's good. she's going to go through this so easily. ]

Can you drink yourself?

Consider this a litmus test, then.

[ Kaito smiles. She can have the drinks. The bartender returns a few seconds later with a clear bottle housing a sweet-smelling golden spirit. Kaito pours into the provided glass. It's plum wine. Taking a sip is answer enough, but he gives the glass a swirl after drinking and nods. ]

I can. I have the opposite problem, actually. Though, you might not call it a problem. I haven't been drunk in years. My tolerance is a little on the ridiculous side. I think I got it from my mother...

[ fascinating. not what she meant, though it's definitely a problem. it means he has to spend more money on drinks. her? she'll finish this and not feel it hit her until she startd in on the second or until she stands. ]

I feel sorry for you. You have to spend so much money just to get a kick. But I mean, like... can you drink yourself?

[ waterboy. ]

Also, I wanna try yours too.

I'm surprised it took you so long to ask. That's usually one of the first questions I get after showing someone my abilities. The answer is yes, by the way.

[ Kaito offers her his wine glass. ] This is umeshu. Plum wine. It's my favorite drink, by a long shot.

Anyway, don't feel bad. I don't enjoy being drunk. It's a control freak thing.

Edited 2024-04-10 21:24 (UTC)

[ remembering that. umeshu for alcohol. she takes it from him, the sweet and sour a pleasant taste, though she thinks she prefers hers right now. nodding... it is good though. ]

I'm tired of being a control freak myself. It was a lot of responsibility in my second life, so I'm pretty okay with someone else taking the reins sometimes... and I'm always drinking with people I trust anyway, so it's fine.

[ she was careful around izou, at least. just a little bit of a drink. malkuth rests her cheek in her hand, sipping at her drink again. ]

I think it's fun... the whole world warms up, moves at a different speed, and you start to feel like you're not you. I get kind of giggly when I drink, I think, and more physical too. Touchy. See? We won't have to wait for a real third date after all.

[ she's teasing. ]

Good thing I've got strong hands. I can hold the reins for as long as you need.

[ Kaito's... Is he teasing? There's no devious lilt or playful gaze to accompany that line. He just takes his glass back and empties its contents.

Hmm. He listens while she talks, pouring himself another round. The bottle is already half empty. This time he does smile, sticking his tongue out at the tease. ]

So you become cuter than you already are when you get drunk. Understood.

[ His smile brightens—but only for a moment. ] It still isn't for me, though. I have enough issues with self-identity as it is. No need to exacerbate them. Hah.

[ A severe understatement. He's only casually bringing up his greatest fear while he drinks—and he already regrets mentioning it. ]

[ malkuth'll probably let him, really. she is tonight.

though she's kicking him lightly under the table for the tease, stop that, except her grin has the opposite message.

still... what a problem to have. ]

You're worse off than me there. Though I've been thinking more about Elijah lately, and how I'm sort of... living the experiences she should've been having, that I should have been having in my first life -- even if I would've never found the time to do half of what I do now back in the City.

[ a longer sip this time, swirling the drink lazily when she sets it down again. ]

Is it because of what you mentioned before? The multiple deaths thing.

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