young_oldman | IC Inbox: Empatheias

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)

Ooh, I've heard of it, yes! There's a similar story of that in my own world. [ She explains. Yes, good, a distraction from the fact they'll be going to a ~couple's~ restaurant. ] Have you seen it at all?

[ And when they stand up, she'll begin following him towards the restaurant. ]

No, but I chanced upon a commentary in the newspaper. The premise seemed appealed to me, so I asked around the theatre for the full plot. I thought the story was very inspiring. The Ash Maiden lived a very hard life but never complained. Even when the tables were turned she forgave her parents; truly a model of filial piety. I only hope that her parents learned their lesson.

What of the story in your world? Did it have as happy an ending as the Ash Maiden?

[Walking towards the theatre now! And because it's cold, it's likely they'll be wearing scarves, right? It only occurs to him as they past a display showcasing winter fashion to check if she's wearing the one he bought her for her birthday.]

She gets married to the prince at the end!

[ She smiles brightly. Can he tell that she likes happy endings. ] And lives happily ever after! Peromei would love a story like that!

[Who doesn't like happy endings. Isn't that what everyone is fighting for?]

Elios too. A story where love triumphs over hardship and social standing, allowing a downtrodden maiden to wed the handsome prince of the land and secure her happiness.

[He nods, satisfied.

And it turns out the theatre isn't too far off from them. A few quick checks, a talk with the manager, and a hefty fee (Lu Meng was appalled at the price, do people actually waste that much money on entertainment!!???) later, and they've secured the booth for Elios and Peromei.]

I can't believe it is that expensive to watch a play! [She can bet he'll continue to grumble about this all the way to the restaurant, but he had the decency and sense to wait until they were outside the theatre to do so.]

[ Oh and for the record she is wearing the scarf he got her. She always wears the scarf a person bought for her when she's going to meet that particular person. Her choices become difficult when she's going to meet a group of people, though. ]

Let me pay for Peromei's ticket, Lu Meng. I'm the one that's aligned to her. [ She offers as they walk.

She'd rather pay for the tickets herself than him not grumble about it... An unhappy Lu Meng is not a fun Lu Meng. ]

[...hopefully she won't notice the little snow flowers that are springing up behind them as they walk on.]

No, it's fine. I can't let you pay for either of their tickets; that wouldn't be right. [It's not the gentlemanly thing to do. And besides, he will grumble anyway even if she pays for Peromei's ticket. It's not the cost to him that irritates him, but rather the fact that the ticket could be priced so high.]

150 syvls a ticket! Why are people willing to pay so much just to see those actors? [...keeping in mind that in his time, actors were one of the lowly paid in society.]

[ She doesn't.

But she would wonder exactly what emotion they're representing that he's creating. ] it's not just them the ticket goes towards-- it goes to the theater, the crew, the costume designers, the make up artists, the musicians!

Good talent should be rewarded!

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