synflux | ( closed ) let's get 'em

[ After finishing his daily workout, Jinwoo decides to leave the main base and spend the day outside after fighting a losing battle with LILITH's system—the fact that he can't edit his file. Honestly, he hopes for the best (maybe no one checks the profiles) and prepares for the worst (what if one of these robots will throw confetti into his face in front of other people?). While Jinwoo doesn't feel strongly about his birthday, it's impossible not to think of how for the past few years he celebrated only with his little sister.

Well, he doesn't want the attention either. Even if no one notices, he'd rather be safe than sorry. Besides, checking out the area is something he should do as soon as possible. If they're supposed to be fighting real monsters and not ones that belong in a simulation, it's better to have as much intel as possible.

Can he really sneak out completely unnoticed, though... ]

[ (Un)fortunately for Jinwoo, there is someone who does check the profiles - it's always been drilled in to Lapis to get as much information as possible, so it's best to learn about who exactly she's working with. Of course her attention mainly goes to those she has already spoken to, so when she notices a particular date on Jinwoo's...

Birthdays are something Lapis never really cared for; her sister made the attempt to celebrate hers, and Lapis did her best in return, but that was it. But... being brought here all of a sudden, and being alone...

Another (un)fortunate thing for Jinwoo is that his presence is one she's becoming used to picking out, amongst all the other strange auras of the base. Probably because she's spent a bit more time with him than others... Either way, when he's trying to leave, a voice calls out behind him; ]

Wait a moment, Jinwoo! [ And she's wearing some simple civilian wear, but that's not going to last for long - ]

[ Perhaps he should have known that when he sensed a familiar aura, it wasn't just a figment of his imagination. Jinwoo doesn't have to turn around to know who is calling out to him. Well, if Lapis needs him for something, they can take care of that quick and he'll be on his way before long. ]

Hey, what's up?

[ He turns around and greets her with a wave. ]

[ There's a small wave in return, before Lapis comes to a stop. ]

I was just... taking a look at some things, and I noticed the date on your profile. [ Wow that sure makes her sound weirder than usual, but she's committing to this so let's keep going. ]

So I just wanted to - [ Her words trail off when some sort of... error? Flashes across her implants.

...

If she didn't know any better, she could've sworn the jumble of letters said something like 'happy birthday :)' but surely -

- Or maybe her hunch was right, considering her outfit has changed. Once again, a uniform of some kind, different from before. Lapis freezes, before tugging at the bottom of her new vest. ]

... Ah. This again.

[ ... She remembers the last time this happened. Time to squint at Jinwoo to see if he's going to stare intensely into a wall again. ]

[ Before he gets to say anything, LILITH comes after his life using Lapis. His eyes dart to the birthday message but Jinwoo can't focus on them for too long, not when her outfit has changed into a school uniform.

Lapis might be pleased to see that he physically can't look away from her now, his mouth agape with incredulity. His cheeks feel warm, so he's almost sure that a blush has spread across his face in response to this sight. ]

T-Thanks. For the wishes.

[ Wait, Lapis didn't wish him anything yet, that was the hologram... not that Jinwoo realizes his mistake anyway. ]

[ Well. On one hand, Jinwoo is actually looking at her now.

On the other, this is a bit... embarrassing? But she quickly clears her throat, trying very hard to ignore what she's wearing. ]

I-I didn't... [ Okay she's maybe actually a little mad the hologram beat her to it. So she's going to very stubbornly ignore what she's wearing as she keeps speaking. ] I didn't say that, so let me actually say it.

Happy birthday, Jinwoo. [ This still feels a little embarrassing, but she once again forces herself through it. ]

I wanted to... see if I could treat you to something today as well - [ Wait. Saying that combined with what she's wearing... That does not sound right, and she immediately straightens up. ]

- That's not this! This wasn't part of my idea!

[ It finally sinks in that he's seen and not heard the birthday wishes and it makes him wonder what would happen with his soldiers if he died. Would they be released automatically? He kind of hopes that's the case, it would be a shame if they were stuck in some kind of limbo.

Listen, he needs to keep his head busy because the sight of Lapis in front of him wearing a schoolgirl uniform is just. A Lot. ]

T-Thanks. For the wishes.

[ Did he say the exact same thing again? Well, yes. ]

Treat me, huh... [ How is he supposed not to think about Some Things when Lapis' wording is Like That. ] What was your idea, then?

[ Lapis does try to grant Jinwoo some mercy, attempting to get the chip to switch her clothes back, but it seems like she's stuck with this look for the moment.

Well. She can always try throwing something on top of this, that should help. Or maybe take off the tie and vest, that should help make it look less... uniform-y? ]

I meant like, get you a small cake. Or something else, if you don't like sweets. [ She's being innocent this time she swears!! ] I would usually make something, but the base doesn't have much.

[ Besides a lot of whale meat. And whale meat cake is not something she's willing to branch into. ]

[ Maybe if it wasn't for the bright blush tinting his cheeks, he'd look more smug about this whole situation...

His eyes glow for a moment, revealing that he's accessing the network. Before giving his answer, Jinwoo wanted to check something real quick. ]

I have one condition. We're getting two cakes today. And if you have any other requests... I'll see what I can do.

[ He casts his eyes down and lightly tugs the hem of his shirt. ]

[ There's a blink from Lapis at his condition, head canting curiously. Two? ]

Mm, okay. But why two? [ Does he really likes cake... Maybe that's it.

And then she hesitates, taking a glance at her outfit as well. ]

... Maybe a slight detour, so I can get a shirt or something to put over this. I don't want you to risk getting a heart attack if you keep looking at me in this.

[ Of course she has to slide one tease in there. Just one. ]

It would be ironic if I died on my birthday. Would you summon me if that happened?

[ It takes all of his strength to act like this when he's exposed to that schoolgirl uniform, but it's worth it. ]

Two cakes because you had your birthday last month. And when I meant special request, I meant my outfit.

[ His hunch is telling him that her comeback might be the cause of his death for real... ]

I suppose I could do that for you. And I'll look after your soldiers too.

[ Mom will take custody of them -

But. Oh. So that's what he was looking at. Despite herself, she does end up turning a little red in response. ]

Oh, thank you... Alright, I can accept this condition. [ Though wait, his outfit? There's a pause, before Lapis hums under her breath - how she looks at him would almost seem innocent, but he knows the truth by now. ]

Ah, so you would prefer to see me in your clothes then. Since it's your birthday, I won't say no.

[ Does he regret offering that now. Does he. ]

[ Not Lapis becoming a single mom right off the bat...

How did it come this? Jinwoo only wanted to tease her (and maybe find out what kind of clothes she likes on men in the process) and yet it backfired in the worst way possible. ]

What am I going to wear if you're getting my clothes?

[ Does he even need to ask. ]

We'll switch of course, you wouldn't look bad in a skirt.

[ Lapis lets that hang for in the air for a moment, as if she's so absolutely serious, before she huffs gently. ]

I'm kidding. [ But she does regard him curiously now, fingers tapping against her chin. ] Though... Are you offering to change into something I like? Are you sure about that?

[ She threatens, but no she will be nice about it. ]

[ He tries to cancel out that mental image of himself in a school uniform. He's mostly failing, though. ]

Omg. [ Is that a sigh of relief when Jinwoo hears her 'I'm kidding'? ] Yeah... I'm offering that.

[ Why does it sound like a threat in Lapis mouth. ]

[ Did

Did he really just - ]

Did you just say 'omg' out loud. [ Lapis is never going to forget this, Jinwoo. Never.

But after chuckling to herself for a moment, she will consider that. While there's already a natural glow to her eyes, all very normal, it's more pronounced when she's using these implants.

Her eyes drift to the side, looking over some fashions, before finally sharing her display. Despite how very ominous she was acting, it's still his birthday so she'll play nice. ]

Maybe something like this.

Yeah. [ There's no reason for him to confirm that and yet. ] Oh, it's not a dress.

[ Jinwoo fully expected to be asked to wear one. Before Lapis can change her mind, he decides to change into the outfit she suggested, however, there's one tiny issue. The colors are slightly different and his new stylization didn't come with a shirt. ]

They need to improve this technology if you ask me.

I'll ask you to wear a dress another day.

[ Cross-dressing mission when -

But there's a blink when he changes, since that sure is. A look.

Hmm. Lapis is quiet as she just... considers him for a moment. Pink is a choice, and while physical appearance didn't really matter much to Lapis, the lack of shirt is...

...

Well, she won't complain about that. Though she pointedly looks to the side, lest it seems like she's looking too long. ]

Could be worse. At least you still have a jacket.

Lucky me...

[ Jinwoo lets out an exaperated sigh and realizes that whenever they go outside, they will definitely draw everyoe's attention. Thanks LILITH, he hates it. ]

Maybe we should grab the cakes and come back here.

[ So much for exploring the city. ]

Or at least buy some regular clothes on our way back in case this happens again.

[ They will... certainly make for an odd sight, when they head outside. Lapis is already in the process of tugging off her tie - it's too constricting - as she hums in agreement. ]

Maybe some regular clothes would be a good idea. I don't trust this technology not to do something like this again...

[ A pause, before she just casually keeps going; ]

Hopefully my next attempt to take you on a date won't start with a literal wardrobe malfunction.

Maybe we should hit the mall first, actually.

[ At least they should be able to walk around in peace once they acquire some real clothes. What she said about the next attempt, though...

Jinwoo scoffs a laugh, his cheeks feeling a bit warmer than before. ]

The third time's a charm. Or maybe I should do the asking.

So mall then cakes? Sounds good.

[ Tie finally removed, Lapis will shove it into her skirt pocket - thank god for the future and giving skirts pockets - before there's a gentle chuckle. ]

If you did the asking, I wouldn't say no.

[ She'll just ignore how her cheeks are a little warmer too. But she gives him another soft smile, not hesitating to lead the way to the metro station. While she doesn't particularly mind what she's wearing, she still would like something different - and Jinwoo's outfit is a whole different kind of eye-catching. ]

Have you been able to explore outside the base much?

[ Off they go. As they leave the main base, Jinwoo lets out a brief laugh. ]

Good to know that I have a chance.

[ As long as people just stare and don't try to chat them up, it should be fine. Thankfully, that seems to be the case—maybe they just look too odd for people of Neo Tokyo. ]

Just a bit. I think I'm familiar with most of Shinjuku now.

[ Maybe his idea of exploring was... running around the area as fast as he could. ]

I've seen one mall in Shinjuku and one in Shibuya so far. The one in Shibuya is a bit bigger, but I think the one nearby will be enough for our needs. There are also 3 bakeries in the vicinity.

[ 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.

( closed ) let's get 'em

MARCH

» lapis

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