[ Lapis imagines how they look - which is incredibly sketchy, honestly - will be enough to deter the public. A girl in a school girl uniform and a guy dressed like a thug...
... They really need to find better clothes as soon as possible. But she can ignore any uncertain glances sent their way as she cants her head, humming under her breath. ]
You know a little more than me, then. [ Jinwoo just channelling Sonic right now -
Though Lapis is still having having issues adjusting to the Noise and Lights, so she's not been out that much. ]
I'll admit, I would like somewhere a little smaller too... Have you tried any of those bakeries yet? Ah, you need to tell me what kind of cakes you like too.
And it's fine she can deal with this... thirty minutes walk of shame. Conceal don't feel etc etc, though she's looking forward to not looking incredibly suspect.
And there's a hum of agreement, when Jinwoo calls this place strange. Seeing the devastation, but life still thriving around it... Her mind drifts to the looming threat in her own home, and she dearly hopes what LILTIH said about her still being 'there but also here' is true. ]
It is, but... It's kinda nice to see, that the people are doing their best. They still keep going, despite the attacks.
Though the lights and the ads flashing across my eyes will take some getting used to.
[ She closes her eyes briefly as if that will block it all out, face scrunching for a brief moment. She's used to working in creepy, dark places!! This is too bright for a cryptid hermit!!!
Also what is that answer Jinwoo. When her eyes open again, she fixes him with a flat look. ]
If you say something like that, I'm going to end up making a cake with a weird flavour one day.
[ Jinwoo can't help going back to what LILITH said about parts of their consciousness being transferred here—it seems to be the truth unless the organization went as far as fabricating the footage.
Does that mean he can try getting stronger here and back home at once? And if they could copy his abilities, could LILITH copy them again when he reaches level 100? Or maybe even a higher one...
Lapis' words make him snap out of his power fantasy rather fast. ]
Monsters or no monsters, life goes on. [ He lets out a soft sigh. ] Maybe we should get you sunglasses too?
[ Jinwoo takes her hand without thinking much. If she's sensitive to all the neon lights, he wants to help out. ]
Close your eyes and I'll guide you.
[ The comment about the weird flavored cake makes him chuckle, though. ]
[ Jinwoo please calm down with your power level lust - ]
Sunglasses? I don't think I would suit those.
[ Lapis had been prepared to just bare with it, blinking a few times when the light got a bit much, so when he takes her hand she can't help but tense in shock. It's very unfamiliar feeling, and she takes a moment to glance between their now joined hands and the man himself.
But then she sighs, letting her eyes close as she follows along. At least she can sense his presence, so that makes this a little easier. ]
Ah... alright. I'll be trusting you then. [ Lapis lets her fingers wrap around his hand in return, a small chuckle of her own following. ]
Are you sure? I know there's a lot of whale meat at the base, I could get creative with it.
Oh, so you want me to guide you everywhere? I see.
[ If Jinwoo has learned anything during his short stay in Neo Tokyo it must be that teasing Lapis will backfire sooner or later. Is possessing that knowledge enough to deter Jinwoo from doing it? Of course not.
He starts walking a little bit slower, making sure that he matches Lapis' pace. Guiding isn't about tugging someone around, after all. ]
[ Don't worry Jinwoo they'll get you actual sexp eventually. ]
Ah, my plan to find an excuse to keep holding your hand has been revealed.
[ And she punctuates her words with a squeeze of her fingers around his hand, warm and gentle. Maybe there's part of her that is genuinely enjoying this, but that's also something she shoves all the way to the back for now.
And Lapis notices how he walks slower, lips twitching into a brighter smile. Before she heaves out a sigh, already imagining how that... creation would look. ]
If I make it, I'm going to ask you to eat it. You can't waste food.
[ That squeeze reminds him that it's pretty much the first time he's holding a woman's hand. He's lucky that Lapis' eyes remain closed because the bright red blush that spreads across his cheeks can put ripe tomatoes to shame. ]
I fell for it.
[ He sounds more amused than anything while saying it. ]
[ They really need more attention on the, though. ]
I'll definitely need help with that cake.
[ He's dropped by the cafeteria and honestly he doesn't have much to say about the menu save for the fact that it's... unique. His hunch is telling him that the staff would be overjoyed if someone took some of that meat off their hands. ]
We're almost here. [ The entrance to the mall is just a few steps away. ] The lights aren't so harsh inside, so...
[ They probably don't have to hold hands anymore, sad. ]
[ Jinwoo you still look like a very questionable thug. Let's not add strange noises on top of that. ]
Alright, alright. I know what I'll be working on later then.
[ She'll need to think of what else to add to it... What works well with whale meat?? That will be her culinary adventure later. At least using up some of the meat means there will be less on the menu later...
There's a hum in response when he lets her know they're nearly at the mall, which does mean letting go of his hand. There's a fleeting pang of disappointment, but her hand gives his one last squeeze before she loosens her grip. ]
I guess I'll need to find another excuse. [ A pause, before her tone softens to something more genuine. ] But thank you, for helping me.
[ Whale cake for a month... None of them deserve that.
And there's a quiet, soft huff at his words; an eye finally fluttering open to glance over at him. ]
I'll get used to it eventually. I'm pretty nocturnal, so I'm more used to the dark and grim... But it sounds like you don't mind holding my hand again.
[ Do they deserve whale meat, though... LILITH has no issues with it. ]
Don't go alone at night, though.
[ Otherwise, he'll have to attach Iron to her shadow. ]
Um, well... [ While Jinwoo doesn't mind doing that, the way Lapis says it is more than enough to make him blush. Just in time for her to open her eyes, too. ] I mean if you need a hand... then it can be my hand.
[ This is not the first sketchy area Lapis' walked around at night, and it will not be the last.
And while she had been teasing him a little, she wasn't expecting to see him blush like that. Or actually... offer his hand? There's a moment where Lapis simply blinks at him, but she thinks she gets what he means. ]
Then I'll make sure to ask you to guide me, next time I need it. [ There's another brief smile, before she finally takes in the stores around them as they step into the mall. ]
So, new clothes first. I think your outfit is still getting some glances...
[ Jinwoo nods with a smile and makes a mental note to make Iron enter Lapis' shadow sometime soon, maybe even today. He's pretty sure she can deal with the thugs alone, but it shouldn't hurt. ]
I can't believe a schoolgirl is telling me this.
[ He's been acting fairly normally so far, yet it doesn't mean Jinwoo isn't going through it right now. ]
This shop looks good. I can't wait to get a plain T-shirt and a pair of jeans, honestly.
[ All Jinwoo has done is guarantee Iron gets adopted.
And that gets a laugh, shoulders shaking slightly before she grins wryly at him. ]
My outfit is a little less suspect than your very pink outfit. And lack of shirt.
[ While he sure had a reaction earlier, she's assuming that the novelty of it has worn off. He seems to be better at handling her in this outfit now, anyway. ]
Hmm... I usually like dressing up, but at this point something plain would be good. No more odd uniforms.
[ When she says 'no more odd uniforms' that's precisely when Jinwoo's brain serves him an image of Lapis in a plugsuit. A bright red blush spreads across his cheeks in no time. ]
No more odd uniforms... for now.
[ Says a guy wearing a pink blazer and no shirt. ]
Not that she's remotely bothered about it, and she follows along with his tug toward the shop. Even if it's for the brief moment, her fingers wrap around his hand in return. ]
Mmhm, it will probably be quicker. Just try not to get cornered by someone weird.
[ Even if that could be a viable way to obtain some information, Jinwoo wouldn't probably last a day without kicking everyone's asses. ]
I hope you won't meet any teachers either. See you soon.
[ He can tell that the shop staff is looking at him because of the lack of a shirt, so Jinwoo waves at Lapis and goes hunting for some casual clothes. Thankfully, plain T-shirts, jeans, and cardigans still exist. No longer than ten minutes later, the pink thug look is no more. After paying for the clothes, he decides to wait near the shop entrance. ]
Hopefully not, I've never had to deal with actual teachers before. [ Nothing like being homeschooled all her life. ] Mm, see you soon.
[ There's a wave back as Lapis gathers up her own clothes; at least simple shirts and skirts are cheap and easy to find. While that part is simple enough, it seems like she's more of a weirdo magnet than she was anticipating - a guy creeping over, offering to buy her something 'cuter'.
A sharp "no, thank you" and dodge out of the way brings her back to the shop entrance; while she would have liked to change, right now she just needs to get rid of this asshole. ]
Let's go, I don't want to start a fight in the store. [ Because she will throw the man if he tries to even put a hand on her shoulder. ]
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no subject
... They really need to find better clothes as soon as possible. But she can ignore any uncertain glances sent their way as she cants her head, humming under her breath. ]
You know a little more than me, then. [ Jinwoo just channelling Sonic right now -
Though Lapis is still having having issues adjusting to the Noise and Lights, so she's not been out that much. ]
I'll admit, I would like somewhere a little smaller too... Have you tried any of those bakeries yet? Ah, you need to tell me what kind of cakes you like too.
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Then we don't have to go too far. It's a ten-minute walk from here.
[ Which means ten more minutes of this walk of shame and maybe an additional twenty o thirty more before they find clothes that fit them. ]
Just figured out that it might be a good idea to scout the area, that's all... this place is so strange, though.
[ Even now, they happen to be passing a convenience store and a devastated building next to it. ]
I'll be fine with any cake, really.
[ Sorry, no easy mode with this guy. ]
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And it's fine she can deal with this... thirty minutes walk of shame. Conceal don't feel etc etc, though she's looking forward to not looking incredibly suspect.
And there's a hum of agreement, when Jinwoo calls this place strange. Seeing the devastation, but life still thriving around it... Her mind drifts to the looming threat in her own home, and she dearly hopes what LILTIH said about her still being 'there but also here' is true. ]
It is, but... It's kinda nice to see, that the people are doing their best. They still keep going, despite the attacks.
Though the lights and the ads flashing across my eyes will take some getting used to.
[ She closes her eyes briefly as if that will block it all out, face scrunching for a brief moment. She's used to working in creepy, dark places!! This is too bright for a cryptid hermit!!!
Also what is that answer Jinwoo. When her eyes open again, she fixes him with a flat look. ]
If you say something like that, I'm going to end up making a cake with a weird flavour one day.
no subject
Does that mean he can try getting stronger here and back home at once? And if they could copy his abilities, could LILITH copy them again when he reaches level 100? Or maybe even a higher one...
Lapis' words make him snap out of his power fantasy rather fast. ]
Monsters or no monsters, life goes on. [ He lets out a soft sigh. ] Maybe we should get you sunglasses too?
[ Jinwoo takes her hand without thinking much. If she's sensitive to all the neon lights, he wants to help out. ]
Close your eyes and I'll guide you.
[ The comment about the weird flavored cake makes him chuckle, though. ]
It's fine, I'll eat it.
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Sunglasses? I don't think I would suit those.
[ Lapis had been prepared to just bare with it, blinking a few times when the light got a bit much, so when he takes her hand she can't help but tense in shock. It's very unfamiliar feeling, and she takes a moment to glance between their now joined hands and the man himself.
But then she sighs, letting her eyes close as she follows along. At least she can sense his presence, so that makes this a little easier. ]
Ah... alright. I'll be trusting you then. [ Lapis lets her fingers wrap around his hand in return, a small chuckle of her own following. ]
Are you sure? I know there's a lot of whale meat at the base, I could get creative with it.
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Oh, so you want me to guide you everywhere? I see.
[ If Jinwoo has learned anything during his short stay in Neo Tokyo it must be that teasing Lapis will backfire sooner or later. Is possessing that knowledge enough to deter Jinwoo from doing it? Of course not.
He starts walking a little bit slower, making sure that he matches Lapis' pace. Guiding isn't about tugging someone around, after all. ]
Whale meat cake... I kind of want to see it now.
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Ah, my plan to find an excuse to keep holding your hand has been revealed.
[ And she punctuates her words with a squeeze of her fingers around his hand, warm and gentle. Maybe there's part of her that is genuinely enjoying this, but that's also something she shoves all the way to the back for now.
And Lapis notices how he walks slower, lips twitching into a brighter smile. Before she heaves out a sigh, already imagining how that... creation would look. ]
If I make it, I'm going to ask you to eat it. You can't waste food.
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I fell for it.
[ He sounds more amused than anything while saying it. ]
Are you going to eat it with me?
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You don't sound upset about that.
[ And, ugh... Does she want to commit to the bit -
- Of course she does. ]
If it's a gift for you, I shouldn't eat it.
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[ He tries to sound more upset, but he might not sound too convincing even with that dramatic gasp. ]
I'll be eating that cake for days, then.
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A little better.
[ And she simply hums in response, before she relents with a quiet sigh. ]
Well if you really don't want to eat cake for days, I could help.
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[ They really need more attention on the, though. ]
I'll definitely need help with that cake.
[ He's dropped by the cafeteria and honestly he doesn't have much to say about the menu save for the fact that it's... unique. His hunch is telling him that the staff would be overjoyed if someone took some of that meat off their hands. ]
We're almost here. [ The entrance to the mall is just a few steps away. ] The lights aren't so harsh inside, so...
[ They probably don't have to hold hands anymore, sad. ]
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[ Jinwoo you still look like a very questionable thug. Let's not add strange noises on top of that. ]
Alright, alright. I know what I'll be working on later then.
[ She'll need to think of what else to add to it... What works well with whale meat?? That will be her culinary adventure later. At least using up some of the meat means there will be less on the menu later...
There's a hum in response when he lets her know they're nearly at the mall, which does mean letting go of his hand. There's a fleeting pang of disappointment, but her hand gives his one last squeeze before she loosens her grip. ]
I guess I'll need to find another excuse. [ A pause, before her tone softens to something more genuine. ] But thank you, for helping me.
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[ On the other hand, it might mean whale cake on the cafeteria menu for months. There's no winning here.
That light squeeze just before Lapis withdraws her hand catches him off guard. Actually, it's no different from what she says next. ]
Maybe next time we should go to a more crowded mall. If you can't stand neons, I don't have good news for you...
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[ Whale cake for a month... None of them deserve that.
And there's a quiet, soft huff at his words; an eye finally fluttering open to glance over at him. ]
I'll get used to it eventually. I'm pretty nocturnal, so I'm more used to the dark and grim... But it sounds like you don't mind holding my hand again.
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Don't go alone at night, though.
[ Otherwise, he'll have to attach Iron to her shadow. ]
Um, well... [ While Jinwoo doesn't mind doing that, the way Lapis says it is more than enough to make him blush. Just in time for her to open her eyes, too. ] I mean if you need a hand... then it can be my hand.
[ What is he trying to even say here. ]
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I'll be fine, I've walked around worse.
[ This is not the first sketchy area Lapis' walked around at night, and it will not be the last.
And while she had been teasing him a little, she wasn't expecting to see him blush like that. Or actually... offer his hand? There's a moment where Lapis simply blinks at him, but she thinks she gets what he means. ]
Then I'll make sure to ask you to guide me, next time I need it. [ There's another brief smile, before she finally takes in the stores around them as they step into the mall. ]
So, new clothes first. I think your outfit is still getting some glances...
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I can't believe a schoolgirl is telling me this.
[ He's been acting fairly normally so far, yet it doesn't mean Jinwoo isn't going through it right now. ]
This shop looks good. I can't wait to get a plain T-shirt and a pair of jeans, honestly.
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And that gets a laugh, shoulders shaking slightly before she grins wryly at him. ]
My outfit is a little less suspect than your very pink outfit. And lack of shirt.
[ While he sure had a reaction earlier, she's assuming that the novelty of it has worn off. He seems to be better at handling her in this outfit now, anyway. ]
Hmm... I usually like dressing up, but at this point something plain would be good. No more odd uniforms.
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No more odd uniforms... for now.
[ Says a guy wearing a pink blazer and no shirt. ]
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You're thinking about something weird, aren't you.
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[ He just... takes her hand again and tugs Lapis along in the direction of the shop he pointed out earlier. ]
Should we split up?
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[ Jinwoo really just. Says things, huh?
Not that she's remotely bothered about it, and she follows along with his tug toward the shop. Even if it's for the brief moment, her fingers wrap around his hand in return. ]
Mmhm, it will probably be quicker. Just try not to get cornered by someone weird.
[ Says the one in the schoolgirl outfit. ]
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[ Even if that could be a viable way to obtain some information, Jinwoo wouldn't probably last a day without kicking everyone's asses. ]
I hope you won't meet any teachers either. See you soon.
[ He can tell that the shop staff is looking at him because of the lack of a shirt, so Jinwoo waves at Lapis and goes hunting for some casual clothes. Thankfully, plain T-shirts, jeans, and cardigans still exist. No longer than ten minutes later, the pink thug look is no more. After paying for the clothes, he decides to wait near the shop entrance. ]
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[ There's a wave back as Lapis gathers up her own clothes; at least simple shirts and skirts are cheap and easy to find. While that part is simple enough, it seems like she's more of a weirdo magnet than she was anticipating - a guy creeping over, offering to buy her something 'cuter'.
A sharp "no, thank you" and dodge out of the way brings her back to the shop entrance; while she would have liked to change, right now she just needs to get rid of this asshole. ]
Let's go, I don't want to start a fight in the store. [ Because she will throw the man if he tries to even put a hand on her shoulder. ]
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