young_oldman | IC Inbox: Empatheias

...fine. [It's not like Elios or Peromei would know about mistletoe anyway, right? He'll make a small concession here then.]

So. What activities do you have in mind for these two Arehtei?

The not-date should be broken down into three parts. The first activity should be an activity that doesn't really require a lot of thought-- it's just something to get the two used to each other's presence. [ Obviously the Arehtei have been around for a long time, so this part isn't really required. ] You know, to make sure they are comfortable being together.

[ She taps the pile of romance books. ] But the next "activity" should be a meal together. Because after they've gotten comfortable with each other, conversation during a dinner will flow more smoothly! We don't want any awkward moments between them, only sweet ones, got it? [ Moving on! ]

--Ah, and for the last activity, I vote for them taking to the skies! [ Those mistletoe she's brought are growing in size, vines curling over the small cafe table. ] You may not know this, but flying is... is one of the best joys in life-- up there, you feel free and carefree. It's a fun, relaxing time. [ She sighs dreamily. ] To fly, to watch the sun set above the clouds--.... wouldn't that just be the most romantic end to a not-date...?

[ Sanae clearly thinks so. Watch as how those mistletoe begin to hover upward, as if wanting to position themselves above unsuspecting people's heads. ]

Then...

[And assuming that by now they've entered the cafe and have taken a seat, Lu Meng picks up a serviette and pulls out a pen from his coat pocket. Always handy to have one around!]

For the first part of the evening, we have to ask what the Arehtei themselves like to do. Perhaps a play, where hope and love triumph over adversities?

As for a meal, that could easily be arranged. The only difficulty is a location; I'm not sure how many restaurants are comfortable with serving the Arehtei. We could ask Alvin if From the Hearth would be willing to accommodate the Arehtei, I suppose.

[He's writing all of this down, so he's not noticing the mistletoe just yet.]

I think the first two parts of the evening is fine, but both Arehtei can fly, can't they? Would it really be a special event then for them to spend their evening flying?

Edited 2015-12-26 08:09 (UTC)

[ Aaaaand she's snapped out of her little not-date flying fantasy. ] Oh--!

[ A pause. ] Yes, of course it would be! [ She's adamant. ] Think about it-- these Arhetei have been out in the world in their weird, negative states for so long. They probably didn't feel like talking to each other back then, with Peromei being all about despair and Elios hating everyone and everything. Flying together can show how far they've come! And that love and hope go hand in hand!

But they flew into the city and returned together. That means they have been flying together. We just don't know for how long.

[He's still not seeing how this can be romantic.]

Edited (I failed my past and present tense right there, OTL) 2015-12-26 17:51 (UTC)

[ Double takes. How could he say such a thing---!

Ah, it's because he can't fly. That must be it. How can he, a 2nd-or-3rd century AD war general (don't quiz her on dates), know about ~romance~ and flying?! ] Yes, but there's a difference between flying together and flying together.

[ She explains eloquently. ]

Elaborate.

[He crosses his arms, still firmly unconvinced in spite of that eloquent defense of the romantic overtones of flying together...vs flying together.]

It's like... Okay, if you and I were just walking down the street, it wouldn't be romantic. But if you and I were on some kind of not-date, we'd both be wondering about there actually being a date, and-- and your heart might flutter, and one of us might blush-- and we might be thinking of what it means to date! [ Yes, this is totally how it works. She's projecting a lot. ]

But instead of walking, Peromei and Elios would be in the air! To feel that exhilaration and calm at the same time, next to someone you care about.... That's what makes it romantic!

[ Yeah, totally "Eloquent." ]

[Well, it's not like Lu Meng would know any better on how thinking about dating during a not-date would work. Still, there's a hint of skepticism in that one raised eyebrow of his.

But!! But he is considering what she said!]

Surely there must be more to inspiring affection between two parties than just taking to the skies together.

However...I suppose it would be akin to taking to battle with a trusted comrade. The thrill of a good fight, full trust that your comrade has your back. And reciprocating such faith by guarding their lives with your own.

[He nods to himself, very certain that he's Nailed It (tm).]

[ ...S...sure. Let's go with that. ] Mm, but more romantic-- more... with your heart fluttering!

[ He. He has experienced the doki-dokis, no? ] And less sword-slashing.

[ ...does he look like the doki-doki type? ]

So a reaffirmation of the camaraderie between two Arehtei who have suffered, and a chance to deepen their bonds further. [ It's like they're having two separate conversations here. ]

Alright. I suppose Peromei might also enjoy being flown about rather than having to fly herself.

[ Yeesh, this guy needs some work. She's going to recommend romance novels to him so he can understand romance. Prepare yourself for Late Sunset, a tale of a boring girl and a handsome yet bland vampire's romance. ]

Er, in my idea-- they'd both be flying. Side by side.

In my opinion, Peromei being flown about by Elios is far more impactful than flying side by side. With her on his back, she will feel protected and loved, knowing that Elios will uplift her as and when she needs it.

[ Sanae don't recommend him your favorite novels, he will analyze and critisize every flaw of the novel to bits. ]

Mmm.... I guess that could be a good idea.

[ She considers it. ] How about this: we instruct Elios to offer Peromei a flight. But if she wants just stay by his side instead, that'd be just as good.

Very well.

[ With that decided, Lu Meng pulls out a city map from his jacket pocket. ]

There are a few restaurants in the city that are consistently patronized by couples. [ Spreading out the map on the table, he circles the aforementioned restaurants, naming them one after another. His pen then settles on one that's a little out of the way from populated areas. ]

We should make bookings for this one. "Elios" opened recently, but have been rather short on customers since Sosyne attacked the city and the rise of the anti-Arentei movement. However the owners hold Arehrei-friendly views; I'm sure they will accommodate our bookings and any special requests.

[ This debriefing is conducted in a business, serious-like manner. Lu Meng may miss planning out strategies a liiiiiitle bit. ]

[ This guy.

Is really a tactician. He's even pulled out a map! ] Ahhh, a romantic restaurant for romance? That would be good for the both of them!

--But, have you even been there? How do you know if the food is good?

That is why we will be heading there ourselves. We'll try their dinner set, and you can decide if the food is up to standards.

[ Wut ]

Wh-- wait a moment, Lu Meng--- we can't go there! That place is for couples....!

I didn't see any sign there saying that two people going as friends were not allowed inside the restaurant. If you're concerned, we can speak with the manager and clarify that we are there to sample their food for a couple.

[ He. May legitimately think Sanae's talking about an actual "COUPLES ONLY" notice posted somewhere in the restaurant.

Aka he has not a romantic bone in his body and fails to see why she's making a fuss. They aren't going on a date, they're not even going on a not-date and thinking about a date. This is just a reconnaissance mission to determine if the food and setting of the venue is a good fit for Elios' s and Peromei's not-date. ]

[ But...! But! This is exactly how a not-date begins...! She's clearly flustered, glancing to the side as she sorts out her feelings and embarrassment. Going to a nice-ish restaurant that's popular for couples is...!

Is!

Someone might misread the situation! She can't have that happen...!

(She's having a little mini-freakout over here. Just watch how those mistletoe decide it would be great to begin flapping in mid air. ]

[ Okay, calm down, Sanae. Take a deep breath. It's not a date at all. And clearly Lu Meng isn't fussing over it. Besides, he's right. They can clarify that it's not a date that they're going on.

Besides, it's not really a date if neither of them have romantic feelings for the other! ]

[ ....And not to mention, even if she were to go on a date/not-date with him. It would not be a date at all. Just from this conversation alone, she can determine that he is that un-romantic.

Sanae sighs to herself. The mistletoe settle back down. ] A-...all right.

[ And brushing her hair over her shoulder. ] We should try this place out-- do you know if it's fancy at all? Will we have to change?

[ He glances over quizically at the fluttering mistletoe, and then the flustered girl.]

Is there something wrong with this restaurant? [ Y E A P. Still not seeing it. ] We don't have to go with this one if you know of someplace better.

No...! [ Oops that's a bit loud.

Sanae clears her throat. ] No, ...nothing is wrong at all. [ Onky Sanae is the one who is over thinking things. Which she tends to do. ] Where's this restaurant? We can talk about what the two Arehtei may do on the rest of their date there.

[He's not too convinced...but fine, if she insists. He'll just have to keep an eye on her.]

...alright. If you say so. The restaurant is [insert address here]. We could go by the theatre as well and check if they'll allow us to book one of those special private booths for Elios and Peromei.

The play they'll be performing is The Ash Maiden. Have you heard of it?

[If she hasn't, he'll proceed to give her a little plot summary, which remarkably resembles the plot of Cinderella, albeit with a few other human characters, no talking mice or pumpkins or fairy godmothers. Still, The Ash Maiden is the latest of Verens' plays; if it took the form of a movie in Sanae's world, it would be classified as a rom-com.]

Edited 2015-12-30 15:15 (UTC)

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