synflux | [closed] april showers bring may showers

[ her, her, her. each word, reason, and pause warms her, tugs a smile to her lips, keeps the pulse under her skin fluttering; his ears are the same shade as her cheeks, and malkuth's caught by his mingling colors again. they really are beautiful.

her, though? her... it's something she's getting more used to in different ways. excited by her, her enthusiasm and wonder.

malkuth's gaze turns outside, pulling her grin behind her teeth and trying to figure out the words to say. he doesn't need anything to tell she's happy though. ]

... This place takes a lot of architecture from around the world. It's like they've put the whole Earth into one city -- a taste of every culture, every history, whetting the appetite of people who can't, or don't want to, travel anywhere else. It reminds me a lot of my city in that way, since it's pretty much the same but on a smaller scale here.

[ he likes to hear her talk, be enthused, catch her eyes on anything at all -- she's more than happy to share it. even when they've come to a stop, even when they're allowed out, malkuth will gladly hold his hand and chat on.

because he lets her, likes it when she does, wants her to beyond a friend's interest in seeing passion (though he'll always be that at baseline, if nothing else, her best friend that likes to see passion), and her voice is warm and fond. ]

March and I went shopping around a few places, and Yesod and I have gone to a Venetian-style mall together too. Each one had a different charm to it, and while I don't know what countries or cities or anything they're referencing, I think I could definitely point them out if we ever traveled there like we have here. For work and all. I'm confident in that!

[ The spot of silence between them initially wrackes his nerves. A deep-seated fear resurfaces, crawling under his skin, insistent that he had run his mouth again, and in the worst way possible. Louder than ever, it urges him to peek. To read the unspoken, for he cannot trust silence. He can't trust her. And maybe he would have. He'd already cracked once, in the lobby.

But Malkuth's lips part before his mind does, and though she's turned back to the city, though her words are about the city, they lift all the weight off his shoulders.

Seen, heard, and felt.

Her happiness cuts through his fear; sunbeams through a storm. ]

[ Kaito fixates his gaze on her lips. It's easier for him to take in everything she shares this way. That's the excuse. His eyes never stray for long after that. A brief glance to the operator as they depart, the occasional look to decide which aimless direction to turn; otherwise, he holds her hand and listens.

Every little detail becomes a moment tucked away to keep safe and secure.

By the time she shifts away from the myriad sights and shifts to current events with friends, the pair are somewhere on a wide thoroughfare full of tourists and eateries and all sorts of distractions.

Kaito finally speaks up. ]

America, above all other countries, has held the title of Earth's melting pot for many years. Over a century in my time. Thrice that or more, now. Maybe its total size only rivals that of one of your City's Districts, but that should give you a sense of scale.

You told me that countless cultures exist in the City, between its Districts. Imagine that condensed down to a fraction of the size, but with all of the bustle of different cultures and origins clashing together. That's America. That's Utah—the region that this city, Las Vegas, sits in.

[ While he talks, Kaito starts to swing their joined arms a bit longer, a bit faster, matching their leisurely strides through rows of different restaurants and souvenir shops. No two seem to align in terms of ethnic origin. ]

Back home, there are so many more metropolises like this. Maybe not quite as gaudy or hedonistic, but they're there nonetheless, and I was well on my way to see them all before LILITH snatched me. I wonder what they would look like now if this world hadn't been ravaged by the kaiju. The thought of it is exciting again.

More exciting knowing I'll get to see you like this all over again.

[ Golds brighten. ]

I holed up in my hotel room until today. My roommate, Saber, is an interesting fellow. Reminds me a bit of Tsurumaru for some reason. Maybe I'll try to connect with them a little more after tonight, before LILITH sends us kami knows where to work. I have a bit of catching up to do to be a proper tourist.

[ as he listened when she spoke, attention rapt, malkuth does the same in kind. a melting pot of a country. perhaps the size of one of the Districts of the City -- she can imagine one of the outer ones, maybe, but certainly not the ones that start to helix in towards the center -- but with every bit of culture that defines each individualistic District clashing and crowding together, like the afternoon rush.

it's hard to imagine. but it's also hard to imagine when you're living in one District the state of another, and it's only once you look outside you see that the City is all the same: every person is working hard to live, to survive; every culture defines itself differently, has customs all its own; every life has a story yet to tell, to be read... like the stars that dot the sky, hidden by artificial lights for now and far clearer once past the skyline in sooner time.

dazzling and bright. the varied origins of the shops and restaurants, the hopeful words of excitement, the way he looks forward to seeing them all... seeing her seeing them all.

her hand has gotten used to his. the swing is nothing, automatic in how easily she follows it. the awareness she might have had once in holding it (every nick, scar, callous) has long faded, a testament to malkuth's comfort. she knows where they are. she needn't be aware of them. ]

You'll have to point out some of your favorite spots if we drop by, you know. I'll be betrayed if you skip out on that bit of tour guide duty.

But please do get to know others a little better while you're stuck with them, Kaito. I nabbed my coworker since I missed spending time with her, but I've been out more than I've been in -- I know Gebura appreciates it though, she's not really the sort that likes company. The nights are more than enough for her.

[ since malkuth's keen on catching her up through the day, what she did and couldn't get it, avoiding speaking on how much money she'd spent shopping or at the casino... enough energy for the both. ]

I'd like to suggest the gift shops around the strip though, if you aren't opposed to novelty souvenirs! Marmar and I got a deck of cards among other things... they're hilariously huge.

[ she's gonna be playing them when they get back. it's gonna be so fun. ]

[ As for him, he's still studying. One might think there isn't much to take in after you've held a soft hand a few times, but Kaito's as detail-oriented (or obsessive (or perfectionist)) as Malkuth. Even small things like the way his finger pads graze against hers, or the way the lines in their palms intersect or run parallel become valuable details to remember.

He grins, a little sheepish at both the above and her request. ]

I'll try. The... getting to know more people thing. But, well. It's not easy for us pots, y'know? I've always been the type to keep my circle small. It's always been more comfortable. Easier.

With any luck, maybe I can live outside that comfort zone while I'm here. As for the tour guiding, you have nothing to worry about.

[ A beat. His smile softens. ]

That's how we met.

—Anyway, how huge is this deck of cards? I still have access to my Domain, so I'm looking to take some ridiculously massive souvenirs back to base. Discreetly.

[ For the first time tonight, Kaito's smile sharpens and that sorely missed (subjective) mischievousness returns to his gaze. ]

Maybe a gag gift for some of the grumpier ones...

[ Verg. ]

[ kettles are more social to him, huh... malkuth raises their hands as she judges the size, motioning with her free one beneath about the size of a large novel. her grin is similarly impish, thinking of the same. their grumpy mutual. ]

This big, maybe? They'll be fun to slap against the table back at the base.

[ dropping her hands again, letting their joined swing with a thoughtful hum. ]

What sort of gag gift would be funny... Something they can wear, since you should always wear a gift at least once.

That's ridiculous. I wonder if they sell anything even bigger.

[ Swing, swing, swing. ]

Hats are an easy choice. They rarely have to compete with a person's normal attire. Glasses and sunglasses are also good choices. Those are what I'll look for...

[ Kaito trails off, slowing to a halt in front of a costume shop before proceeding to gawk. There, atop the head of a mannequin in orange flannel pajamas, it sits. ]

...Kami above and below.

That. That's the one.

[ oh................. my gosh..............................

.......................................

is it wrong she wants it for herself. as a serious gift. it is, isn't it. resist. resist. ]

If I'm right about who we both have in mind, he's gonna hate it.

[ but with the tone of we absolutely need to buy it for him. ]

You are, but...

[ As if on cue, the goose head flails about on its stupid neck. ]

...........

I kinda wanna give it to everyone, including myself.

It's really good.

[ like. look at it. she's pulling him inside. ]

What's the harm? If nothing else, let's get enough for all of Everlight and others of our choosing!

[ gebura would fucking kill her? ]

[ He doesn't need any further convincing. The costume shop's full of silly doodads that he'll surely look at later, but right now it's all about the goose hat.

Apparently, they're not the only ones who've been mesmerized by its appeal, because there's an entire three shelf sections stacked and piled with hats... ]

Good. That means we're getting at least fifteen.

...

[ Kaito tugs her a little closer to the shelf so he can scoop up a hat and settle it loosely atop the brunette's head. There's a little button on the left earflap, probably to make the head swing.

He beams. ]

It looks perfect on you.

[ oooh... it doesn't match her outfit at all, but she can't resist it -- she presses the button and the head wiggles, causing her to grin and step away for a better ~pose~.

this is more her. malkuth had dressed nicely for kaito, wanting to take into account the things she knew he liked and offer a hand to see where it might take them if she tried, but this, this goose hat that swings a little for about a minute, is more what she prefers. ]

By my count, Everlight has twenty-two people including us... I'd like to get one for March, Vergilius, Yesod, Netzach... Ishmael, Rodya, Wriothesley, Izou-- Ryoji, of course, and... Shizu would love this too, actually.

[ ...

hmmmmmm. that's getting to be a lot of people. ]

And there's still others on top of that...

[ This is more his speed, too. Kaito's never been one to care about dressing to impress, but he wanted to at least make a conscious effort tonight.

...And it all falls apart when he grabs another hat and straps it onto his head. He doesn't hesitate to start his own hat's engine. ]

Let me level with you, [ he starts, beaming. ] Why don't we just buy out the whole stock? I've got more than enough kryptos, so you don't have to stretch your funds too far.

No, Kaito! Other people want these too, probably!

[ but it's not as scolding as she might want it to be, laughter fighting the playful irritation in her tone, and malkuth turns resolutely back to the hats.

...

on the other hand, ]

They most likely have more in the back. This can't be their only stock, after all. Let's buy them out and hand them off when we're back at base.

[ Kaito and his goose head nod in tandem. ]

Sound idea. And the best part is that we won't have to stick out carrying a bunch of bags.

[ Kaito squeezes Malkuth's hand. ]

...Let's look for other fun things before we check out, yeah?

[ what, like the snowglobes featuring everything from hotels in days gone by to scantily dressed women clothed in nothing but feathers?

yeah, she's toddling them over to look at the more building orientated ones. they light up... and play show tunes befitting the gilded age. there's also funny novelties like mugs that say "for earnings" and shirts that claim "came to vegas to win it all, left only with this shirt on my back", but

there's a lot of fun stuff. ]

I want to take it apart.

[ fun for her, stuff. ]

[ While Malkuth marvels over the other souvenirs, Kaito quietly slinks his way over to a slender cardboard box. Swift sneaking takes him to the counter, where he purchases the 'mystery item' and stuffs it into his Domain.

He returns just in time to catch her comment. Several large empty plastic bags flutter in his grasp. ]

All of it? No reason you can't grab one of everything that looks interesting.

I went to the front counter to purchase our goose hats. Shall we pack 'em up before continuing?

[ Rustle rustle. ]

The snowglobes, mostly... I want to see what makes them tick. Mostly since I'm trying to study mechanics a little more.

[ so like, literally what makes them tick.

but she'll turn her attention to the bags and grin, going back to the hats to slide an armful off the shelf. ]

Whatever I get is on me from hereon, okay? You can pay for these [ wiggles her armful ] but I am not letting you spoil me rotten.

[ even if. it's not a bad thought. ]

Your loss.

[ Kaito starts opening bags. She can grab and dump, that's fair enough since he bought the whole shelf out.

It only takes a few moments, and Kaito proceeds to sweep all the bags up and into the Domain in one fell swoop. It is fortunately late enough that they're the only ones inside save for the cashier who looks far too underpaid to pay attention to the oddity of nearly a dozen shopping bags vanishing over the course of seconds. ]

You should look for a music box too, if you're studying gearwork. Pretty sure I saw one at the register.

Where do you wanna go when we're done, by the way? Tired of walking yet?

[ a music box... she'll have to pick it up. along with the shirt, for izou. at least three snowglobes, a music box, the shirt... hmmm. the hat that says "babygirl" in rhinestone pink. yeah. this'll do. she'll figure out matching gifts for her and her coworkers at some point. ]

I feel like I could walk all night as long as I'm with you, honestly. Maybe we can grab some overpriced snacks and take the long way back? I'd love some popcorn.

[ Kaito makes a beeline for a plain black baseball cap with ツンデレ printed boldly on the front. This'll be good for Verg. A kaleidoscope catches his eye; he grabs two.

That'll do for tonight's shopping. Kaito slinks his way to the counter to reunite with Malkuth. ]

You're gonna make me blush again. [ The goose head nods. He still. Hasn't taken the cap off. ] I'm down for popcorn and drinks and taking it slow. Maybe a pizza, too...

I like making you blush, so that's really not discouraging me any! And it sounds like it'd be a good night in if we had movies to go to, but I don't think there's a theater that still shows things on a screen. Everything I've ever found was just in our implants.

[ fomo for something she's never experienced... malkuth makes sure to take one of the music boxes kaito had suggested, its gilded edges sparkling in the shop's light, before she pays and has a few bags of her own. ]

The selection hasn't been lacking, though! I've learned a lot through them.

[ which is

a totally flawless place to learn about the world!!!!!! ]

No?

[ Beaming, Kaito settles his scarred hand on her shoulder. Squeezes. Maybe that's the most forward he's been tonight. In sing-song, he adds: ]

Best mind the consequences, then.

[ Once they're done with their final purchases, he hooks Malkuth's arm and snags her hand again. While they make their way to the nearest snack shop, Kaito rubs the pad of his thumb in her palm, seemingly in an idling motion while his eyes scour the streets. ]

Maybe we can buy a television or something when we get back to base. Make our own theater room. Or... find one in Tokyo or Kyoto and see about restoring it?

[ Kaito sends a photo through the implant. It's of the hot springs area; there's a lot of lumber and cats laying on said lumber. ]

This project's been slow going. I plan on picking things up again when we get back.

[ the hand on her shoulder and the sing-song of his warning makes her laugh, and malkuth doesn't shy from his arm nor hand when it comes to clasp hers. it sort of reminds her of how she and march walk sometimes, though not half as entwined -- it's just the same sort of comfort, her head coming to lean on his arm as they walk. the goose head unfortunately pecks his cheek.

so this is him being comfortable around her? affection enabled, without worry? it's nice, it's the closest she's felt to him in a while, and it's a relief. the idle motion isn't anything weighty, isn't expectant, just nice. ]

If you'd like a hand, just say so! Even if it's just painting once you're all done. And honestly, restoring something sounds really fun... I feel like I could probably learn a lot from the way things were -- I did when I studied the costal buildings by the beaches Marmar and I helped clean, a whole different geographical history would be something else!

[ because there was a lot of history there -- history izou had lived himself, for what it had been worth, and she wouldn't want to turn it into something that was too far gone from his memory...

... even if a theater would be, she could at least style it to be a little older... hmmm. that'd be fun, she'd have to get his weigh in... ]

[ Maybe it's comfortable, maybe it's bravely trying to be comfortable. Either way, it's nice. Best not to think to hard about it—because the worry is still there, Kaito's just ignoring it for as long as he can. ]

I'll put out a wanted ad when we get back. With how much of Tokyo and Kyoto that are abandoned, I'm sure we can stake our claim to a building or two and make a project out of it...

[ The closest eatery is just a few shops down, and they're... rather robustly stocked. Pizza, burgers, popcorn, scorpion...

Kaito does a double take once he's finished his first read of the menu. A bead of sweat rolls down his temple. ]

I... think I'll pass on the Scorpion Meal. Just popcorn and a drink. What about you, Malkuth?

[ Scorpion isn't the strangest item on the menu, either. Lots of lizards and other reptiles are up for dining, and the only salad item features cactus leaves... ]

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