[ It's not too much longer before Tezcatlipoca will have to head out to work for the day, but honestly, he's come to enjoy his shitty little bar. His supreme annoyance at having to get a job had at least faded into a sort of warm indifference. Being a bartender suited him, so long as no one was expecting fancy drinks.
But the thing about his job is that it's definitely a later shift. SO, after some trial and error, he'd at least learned that he needs to grab a meal beforehand. In his defense, it just really wasn't something he'd ever had to consider before. It's as he's en route to the cafeteria (and hoping they have something halfway decent...) that he sees March stepping out of one of the offices. He doesn't exactly see people go in those save for LILITH staff. ]
Huh.
[ Well. He's definitely nosy enough to ask. As raises a hand in a lazy greeting as he approaches. ]
Yo. 7 Ocelotl.
[ He'll still lightly tease with how her name relates to his calendar, but knowing she might not remember, he adds: ]
I'm unarmed this time, March. No water bottles in sight.
March is clutching her camera a little closer once she's stepped out of the office, a hold that turns protective until Tezcatlipoca clarifies he's unarmed (though maybe that won't remain the case). Still, after a few seconds, she relaxes her grip a bit.
Maybe it's fine. She's going to be alert this time, regardless. ]
Did you need me for something or is this just a drive-by hi?
Which does seem to be his thoughts, since his shitty little smile turns to a displeased, but light grimace at her nickname in return. ]
What'd I say about that one? Least call me "Tez" or something...
[ He grumbles something indistinct, then sighs. No, it's not worth it. ]
Yeah, just headin' to dinner before I head out to work for the night. [ He looks at the camera, since he has some warm curiosity for it, but he focuses on the practical first. He nods to the door she'd come from instead. ] Don't see our people go in there often. Or ever, but haven't been here long. You lodgin' some complaints?
But I bet everyone calls you Tez. [ And that's boring.
Still, she glances down at her camera, then back over her shoulder. ]
Not a complaint, exactly. But I was speaking to them on if it was possible to set up a photo wall in the base! With pictures of everyone who's still here and who isn't. I think it'd be great to share for memories.
Nope. People call me Tezcatlipoca. But if you gotta go with a nickname, Tez. Or Tezcatl, if you wanna be correct about it.
[ Hilariously, no one calls him Tez… IC, anyways. But the correct is given lightly, since her idea intrigues him. He nods to the camera, and his expression is more openly curious. ]
Thought that was a camera…
[ He takes a step closer so that he can take a better look at the camera. He’s never seen one in person before! ]
Well… It’s complicated. Know what they are, but never seen one in person. God stuff, y’know.
[ He doesn’t think she does, but it gets enough of the point across without having to explain things like the Reverse Side of the World or omnipotence. He feels like the idea of gods watching over the world probably isn’t that foreign, especially with her situation.
…He assumes it must be that situation that makes her value the photographs too. There’s a brief expression of something gentle, almost fond, but it’s gone as he smiles with interest. ]
Couldn’t exactly get one where I was hangin’ out, but I did want one. Mind givin’ me a quick tutorial on how to use one? I could add to your wall. Well, once I buy a camera anyways, but I'll figure that out.
Why don't we go camera shopping now, then? It'd be good to get one when you've got an expert with you, so you don't end up with something cheap or too clunky, and then I can show you how to use yours. They're all just a little bit different.
[ He may tease her a lot, but this is important to her, clearly. ]
[ He's a little taken aback, but it's honestly his own fault. Very similarly, he wouldn't expect that kind of consideration when he hasn't exactly been nice... But his interest is genuine and he doesn't have anything else going on, so. After recovering from that surprise, he nods. ]
...Sure. Makes sense. They that complicated?
[ He doesn't think he would be overwhelmed by it or anything, but that there's that much variation is beyond the kind of knowledge he's picked up. ]
[ ...Secretly, he's a little charmed by her enthusiasm. But he plays it cool and just nods with a little laugh. ]
Well, you're the expert. Lead the way?
[ He definitely doesn't know where to get a camera... But once they get going, he will strike up a little more conversation. ]
I was interested in photography before I started my world-hoppin' adventures, but couldn't exactly get one in the jungles of Mictlan. But had a similar thought as you with the photo wall, I think. Nice way to remember things. Ain't quite as fallible as just memory, right?
Yeah... that's why I started carrying a camera around in the first place. If I got sealed away again or anything happened with my memories... again... this time I'd at least have my camera with me and all the photos I took! And I've got a little photo wall in my room on the Express, so I've got tons of great testimony on how good it is!
[ But off we go, into the city proper! ]
How'd you hear about photography, anyway? Or did you automatically know about it?
[ Her explanation softens his expression, and he nods. That's essentially what he expected her rationale to be, and he finds it sweet. It makes perfect sense to him, though he wouldn't express it straightforwardly. So, instead, he just skips over the first part to answer her question. ]
Mm... The latter, mostly. I can watch over the world, so I knew a little about it, since it's pretty prolific. But what I learned when I got summoned filled the gaps.
[ He follows along after her without complaint, though he does look around as they go to make sure to note the route. ]
It's a good invention. Humanity's had a lot of 'em, but photography has been one I think of as especially positive.
It's a way to capture memories. Because even if you have a good one, I think there aren't too many people who can recall all the little details. And whether you were a part of those memories or not, seeing them kind of helps you understand the subject a little more.
Pretty much. I got a better memory than most, but I still like the idea of having something to show for it. I'm not much for dwelling in the past, after all.
[ Which might be odd or ironic, considering, but he seems perfectly sincere. Maybe unsurprisingly, the way a god thinks can be a bit... odd, to put it lightly. But despite that soft, sincere sentiment, it doesn't last long. It's like he's allergic to it. ]
—Besides. Would like to see what kinda shit people get up to here. Don't know the term for it, but catchin' people in a photograph when they aren't paying attention to ya? That's what I'd want to add. Real genuine stuff.
[ He pauses, because it feels silly to him all of the sudden. It’s a sort of sentimentality he’s really not supposed to hold, but luckily, he’s incredibly stubborn. So, he laughs it off with a wave of his hand. ]
Well, a real feelin’ of a memory, to use your explanation. So, yeah, let’s take some candid shots once I’m properly armed. I’ll help ya have plenty to put on the board so it doesn’t look lonely when it first goes up.
Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of photos to stick up on my own, but.
[ But. ]
It's going to be an experience for everyone, so the more people participate, the better! And speaking of being armed--
[ She takes a sharp left now, into a shop that manages to look incredibly cozy, for all of the sharp and sleek-looking technology that greets them as soon as they walk in. March offers a cheery wave to a bored but chic-looking lady manning the counter. ]
Nothing for me today, but we're getting this first-timer a camera! Don't worry, I know where they are!
[ Oh, quick! Tezcatlipoca’s surprised that it’s so close, but, hey, that’s convenient. As soon as they step inside, he’s looking around with open interest. When he’s not throwing water bottles at people, he can be nice, apparently. Even charmingly so. ]
Woah— There’s a bunch.
[ It’s more than he expected, clearly, but that’s what happens when you only know cameras conceptually rather than literally. He just follows after March, since she’s the expert here. ]
Damn, glad you’re picking… I don’t think I realized cameras were this complicated.
Don't underestimate cameras! They're here for all sorts of specialties, and I know we could use the implants, but I like the feel of something solid in my hands.
[ A firm nod. ]
So do you like long shots, for example? Like for backgrounds.
Yeah, the implants are kinda cool, but I also kinda hate it. Would be one thing if it was basically just a phone, but I'm not a fan of the shock collar feature.
[ Most people would learn the intended lesson to behave and stop thinking about murdering your teammates, but also, consider: no. ]
Hm... I think I'd prefer it focus more on people. Background doesn't matter so much, so long as you get a general sense of where it is, yeah? It's the people that are worth remembering more than the place, since the place is gonna stick around. Generally speaking.
[ He’s not imagining it, and though he notices, he doesn’t comment on it. It’s not even that he knows he won’t have anything helpful to say to her, but it’s more that it’s well-trodden ground at this point. The Outsiders can have their laments, but so long as they keep pushing forward, that’s what he cares about. He doesn’t see the need to give her that push, at least not at the moment.
…Besides. The topic at hand is more fun, at least in his definition of “fun”. ]
Yeah. Not surprised you don’t know about it. You strike me as the kinda person that ain’t gonna trigger it.
[ she’s a good bean, basically… ]
Found out right away, myself. Hell, not long after we met, in fact. Ran into Izou, got to talkin’ and realized we were technically enemies, and— [ He waves a hand dismissively ] He draws his sword, I draw my gun, and we both get zapped before we can kill each other. LILITH doesn’t want us to have any fun, apparently.
※ march
But the thing about his job is that it's definitely a later shift. SO, after some trial and error, he'd at least learned that he needs to grab a meal beforehand. In his defense, it just really wasn't something he'd ever had to consider before. It's as he's en route to the cafeteria (and hoping they have something halfway decent...) that he sees March stepping out of one of the offices. He doesn't exactly see people go in those save for LILITH staff. ]
Huh.
[ Well. He's definitely nosy enough to ask. As raises a hand in a lazy greeting as he approaches. ]
Yo. 7 Ocelotl.
[ He'll still lightly tease with how her name relates to his calendar, but knowing she might not remember, he adds: ]
I'm unarmed this time, March. No water bottles in sight.
no subject
[ You wanna tease? You wanna tease?????
March is clutching her camera a little closer once she's stepped out of the office, a hold that turns protective until Tezcatlipoca clarifies he's unarmed (though maybe that won't remain the case). Still, after a few seconds, she relaxes her grip a bit.
Maybe it's fine. She's going to be alert this time, regardless. ]
Did you need me for something or is this just a drive-by hi?
no subject
Which does seem to be his thoughts, since his shitty little smile turns to a displeased, but light grimace at her nickname in return. ]
What'd I say about that one? Least call me "Tez" or something...
[ He grumbles something indistinct, then sighs. No, it's not worth it. ]
Yeah, just headin' to dinner before I head out to work for the night. [ He looks at the camera, since he has some warm curiosity for it, but he focuses on the practical first. He nods to the door she'd come from instead. ] Don't see our people go in there often. Or ever, but haven't been here long. You lodgin' some complaints?
no subject
Still, she glances down at her camera, then back over her shoulder. ]
Not a complaint, exactly. But I was speaking to them on if it was possible to set up a photo wall in the base! With pictures of everyone who's still here and who isn't. I think it'd be great to share for memories.
no subject
[ Hilariously, no one calls him Tez… IC, anyways. But the correct is given lightly, since her idea intrigues him. He nods to the camera, and his expression is more openly curious. ]
Thought that was a camera…
[ He takes a step closer so that he can take a better look at the camera. He’s never seen one in person before! ]
That’s a cute idea. I like it.
no subject
[ People either recognize it or are like "what the hell". ]
But thanks! I can take a bunch of pictures of everyone, but I think if anyone else also had pictures to share, it'd make it even better.
no subject
[ He doesn’t think she does, but it gets enough of the point across without having to explain things like the Reverse Side of the World or omnipotence. He feels like the idea of gods watching over the world probably isn’t that foreign, especially with her situation.
…He assumes it must be that situation that makes her value the photographs too. There’s a brief expression of something gentle, almost fond, but it’s gone as he smiles with interest. ]
Couldn’t exactly get one where I was hangin’ out, but I did want one. Mind givin’ me a quick tutorial on how to use one? I could add to your wall. Well, once I buy a camera anyways, but I'll figure that out.
no subject
Why don't we go camera shopping now, then? It'd be good to get one when you've got an expert with you, so you don't end up with something cheap or too clunky, and then I can show you how to use yours. They're all just a little bit different.
[ He may tease her a lot, but this is important to her, clearly. ]
no subject
[ He's a little taken aback, but it's honestly his own fault. Very similarly, he wouldn't expect that kind of consideration when he hasn't exactly been nice... But his interest is genuine and he doesn't have anything else going on, so. After recovering from that surprise, he nods. ]
...Sure. Makes sense. They that complicated?
[ He doesn't think he would be overwhelmed by it or anything, but that there's that much variation is beyond the kind of knowledge he's picked up. ]
no subject
[ But she's practically bouncing on her feet here. ]
Either way, we can probably find a good one that won't be that pricey.
no subject
Well, you're the expert. Lead the way?
[ He definitely doesn't know where to get a camera... But once they get going, he will strike up a little more conversation. ]
I was interested in photography before I started my world-hoppin' adventures, but couldn't exactly get one in the jungles of Mictlan. But had a similar thought as you with the photo wall, I think. Nice way to remember things. Ain't quite as fallible as just memory, right?
no subject
[ But off we go, into the city proper! ]
How'd you hear about photography, anyway? Or did you automatically know about it?
no subject
Mm... The latter, mostly. I can watch over the world, so I knew a little about it, since it's pretty prolific. But what I learned when I got summoned filled the gaps.
[ He follows along after her without complaint, though he does look around as they go to make sure to note the route. ]
It's a good invention. Humanity's had a lot of 'em, but photography has been one I think of as especially positive.
no subject
It's a way to capture memories. Because even if you have a good one, I think there aren't too many people who can recall all the little details. And whether you were a part of those memories or not, seeing them kind of helps you understand the subject a little more.
At least, that's how I see it.
no subject
[ Which might be odd or ironic, considering, but he seems perfectly sincere. Maybe unsurprisingly, the way a god thinks can be a bit... odd, to put it lightly. But despite that soft, sincere sentiment, it doesn't last long. It's like he's allergic to it. ]
—Besides. Would like to see what kinda shit people get up to here. Don't know the term for it, but catchin' people in a photograph when they aren't paying attention to ya? That's what I'd want to add. Real genuine stuff.
no subject
[ He gets it! A comrade! ]
We can go around and see what we can catch, once you've got a camera of your own. How's that?
no subject
[ He pauses, because it feels silly to him all of the sudden. It’s a sort of sentimentality he’s really not supposed to hold, but luckily, he’s incredibly stubborn. So, he laughs it off with a wave of his hand. ]
Well, a real feelin’ of a memory, to use your explanation. So, yeah, let’s take some candid shots once I’m properly armed. I’ll help ya have plenty to put on the board so it doesn’t look lonely when it first goes up.
no subject
[ But. ]
It's going to be an experience for everyone, so the more people participate, the better! And speaking of being armed--
[ She takes a sharp left now, into a shop that manages to look incredibly cozy, for all of the sharp and sleek-looking technology that greets them as soon as they walk in. March offers a cheery wave to a bored but chic-looking lady manning the counter. ]
Nothing for me today, but we're getting this first-timer a camera! Don't worry, I know where they are!
no subject
Woah— There’s a bunch.
[ It’s more than he expected, clearly, but that’s what happens when you only know cameras conceptually rather than literally. He just follows after March, since she’s the expert here. ]
Damn, glad you’re picking… I don’t think I realized cameras were this complicated.
no subject
[ A firm nod. ]
So do you like long shots, for example? Like for backgrounds.
no subject
[ Most people would learn the intended lesson to behave and stop thinking about murdering your teammates, but also, consider: no. ]
Hm... I think I'd prefer it focus more on people. Background doesn't matter so much, so long as you get a general sense of where it is, yeah? It's the people that are worth remembering more than the place, since the place is gonna stick around. Generally speaking.
no subject
[ He's imagining it if he sees her shoulders slump a bit, she's fine-- ]
--Wait, it's got a shock collar part??
no subject
…Besides. The topic at hand is more fun, at least in his definition of “fun”. ]
Yeah. Not surprised you don’t know about it. You strike me as the kinda person that ain’t gonna trigger it.
[ she’s a good bean, basically… ]
Found out right away, myself. Hell, not long after we met, in fact. Ran into Izou, got to talkin’ and realized we were technically enemies, and— [ He waves a hand dismissively ] He draws his sword, I draw my gun, and we both get zapped before we can kill each other. LILITH doesn’t want us to have any fun, apparently.