koboreta | Prismatica🌱 IC inbox

Good evening, Tsunashi-san. I hope you're doing well.

Right now? No, I'm not. Is there something you needed?

[After working with each other so many times, one would think that Sougo would be used to messaging Ryuu, but he still tenses up every time they have a private conversation. Is he being too formal? Should he say "good work" even though he isn't sure if Ryuu was working prior to this? Does it seem rude to not use exclamation points in response to such a friendly and genial message? Is it dismissive to ask if Ryuu needs something instead of explicitly offering his assistance?!]

[ shh allay your fears - ]

Oh, that's great then! Not needed, exactly, but I was wondering if you had some time to meet up with me.

Yes, of course. I'm free for the rest of the evening, so I'd be happy to.

I'm glad! Is Level 1 alright? It's all decorated up, so it seems a lot like Christmas would back home!

That sounds perfect. Even here, it's difficult not to feel the holiday spirit while looking at the illuminations.

Should I head that way now?

It's nice, isn't it? Lunatia is already bright normally...so I'm interested to see everything put together for a holiday.

Sure! I'll meet you there. By the entrance to the square?

Yes, I'm looking forward to seeing how everything changes as the date draws closer.

Alright. I'll head out shortly, I hope I won't keep you waiting.

See you there!

[ and true to his word, ryuu will be waiting at the entrance to the square where people are already bustling about. it's cold, but the darkening air seems to be alive with light. baubles, ribbons, tall spires, illuminated ads come to life with technology that still seemed so new back home. all around, there are decorations and displays going up, promising a happy firialia - what he supposes would be christmas on earth.

it's familiar enough to be at ease here. he's layered up warmly, maybe more than necessary; not even his years in tokyo completely eased the salt and sun from his body. but he seems in good spirits when he spots sougo approaching, tucking his phone away and stepping up to greet him. ]

Good evening, Sougo-kun. Thanks for agreeing to meet me.

[Always the type to be five minutes early if he can help it, Sougo tried to hit the balance between looking presentable and not spending too long getting ready. Fixing his hair in the mirror proved fruitless, given that the wind has whipped it about on his journey, but he managed to throw on a nice, fluffy cardigan and cashmere scarf that are serving him well in this chilly weather.

Much to his disdain, Ryuu's already waiting when he arrives, but it's impossible to feel anything but pleasantly amused upon seeing him wrapped up in all those layers. Even so far from home, he's a man of Okinawa through and through, isn't he?]

Tsunashi-san! [Smile tender, Sougo takes a hand from his pocket to offer a polite wave as he approaches.] It's my pleasure. You haven't been waiting long, have you?

[The classic date line. But it's appropriate here!]

[ you can take the boy out of the sunshine but not the sunshine out of the boy, evidently. none the wiser, he beams. ]

Not at all! I just got here, myself. I didn't even peek inside too much.

[ not that the square really has an "inside", so to speak, but there seems to be plenty going on along all the streetsides, the shops all illuminated and a fleet of new outdoor vendors hawking food, drinks, decorations, gifts. nothing quite as kitschy as caihong, but still charming. it's nice. ]

Do you want to get something to eat or drink?

Thank goodness. I would have hated to keep you waiting out in the cold.

[Leave it to Ryuu to even answer like they're in some kind of cliche romance drama, all warm and vibrant like the spirit of summer lives deep within his heart. Not that Sougo didn't know, but in this chilly weather, it's only more evident that all of the comments online are right: Ryuunosuke Tsunashi's smile is as bright as the sun.]

Really, I'm fine with anything. Did you have any plans in mind, or should we take a walk until we decide what sounds best?

[The reason they're suddenly meeting up isn't entirely evident, but in a way, Sougo's afraid that asking directly will shift this casual atmosphere. Of course, he's more than happy to simply spend time with Ryuu, but it feels like there's an unspoken discussion waiting in the wings.]

[ he's not a formidable man to stand across from for no reason, though his expression is that of someone who couldn't be happier to stand right where he is. that's the power of familiarity at work, of fondness. the atmosphere is a big help, but then again, so is sougo. right now, he's considering his blessings counted -

here he is on a new planet, of all things, and still. he has this. ]

Sightseeing a bit sounds good, doesn't it? I didn't have anything too strict in mind, except maybe hot chocolate! If that sounds good to you, of course.

[ with a careful shuffle of his heel against the ground, he angles his body aside with a nod towards the busy streets ahead as an invitation to follow him in as he gets moving. ]

[Nothing too strict in mind? If there really isn't any concrete reason that they're meeting up, doesn't that mean that Ryuu just wanted to spend time with him? That alone is enough to make him feel a little warmer, but all the same, wouldn't that essentially make this... more or less a date?! Sougo swallows hard, the slow realization that they're surrounded by an awful lot of couples not making this any easier.

Come on, Sougo! There's nothing awkward about spending time with a friend! ...But really, even just the fact that his life has led him to a point where he's able to think of Ryuunosuke Tsunashi as a friend is almost too much to bear.]

That would be wonderful. It's nice to take it easy sometimes, isn't it?

[With a fond smile, Sougo rushes forward a tiny bit to catch up and walk at Ryuu's side. Even if the hot chocolate is tooth-rottingly sweet, he'll bear it for this.]

The illuminations are beautiful, aren't they? I didn't know what to expect when the colder weather began moving in, but it almost looks like home. [And with a small, mild laugh:] You look warm, Tsunashi-san. I didn't even think about wearing gloves, but it really is getting cooler by the day.

Edited 2019-12-20 06:07 (UTC)

[ it is nice to take it easy. he's not a man who begrudges the use of a day off for things like this. and ryuu might be polite, but he's always thought a little brazenness is healthy, too. as they set out side by side, he gazes up and around at the illuminations, the chromatic hues and vivid neons. it reminds him of when he'd first arrived in tokyo, the barrage of sights that had welcomed him to what seemed like a whole different world.

except this time, it really is. yet his spirits are high as he gives a glance aside at sougo, a bit taken aback by his... glovelessness. ]

You didn't? Here, then!

[ removing his hand from his pocket, he holds it out towards sougo with a happy, beckoning curl of his fingers. ]

I feel like I've gotten a bit more used to the cold in recent years, but it's as I thought... I really like to prepare for cold weather.

[ a laugh. ]

[The moment the words leave his mouth, Sougo regrets saying them. Ryuu is far too warmhearted to not offer Sougo his gloves, so pocketing his hands is clearly the best option... but just as he does, Ryuu surprises him even more by extending his hand with that same genial expression.]

Ah... I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to sound like a complaint.

[He's so thoughtful that it really is hard to bear. In the past, Sougo may have jumped backwards or completely shut down over even this much, but with things as they are, it doesn't take more than a few moments for him to gingerly place his hand in Ryuu's larger one.]

Thank you. Even just this much is enough to make me feel warm from the inside out.

[This little outing felt like a date already, but somehow, Sougo can't help feeling somewhat at ease. Maybe it's the Chroma... or maybe it's just knowing that Ryuu is comfortable enough to willingly hold hands with him in public, smile bright.]

If that's so, then I'm glad to help. I know you're probably more used to it than I am still, but it feels nice, doesn't it?

[ lending his gloves, lending his hand - they're all things of the same nature to him, simple to do and twice as fulfilling. hand in hand, ryuu is content to just walk along the streets for a while, nothing the prominence of colorful antler decorations instead of things he'd be used to, like tinsel and holly.

with a nod upwards to draw attention to the antlers, he tips aside so sougo can hear him better. ]

Those are unique, aren't they? Do you suppose they have something to do with the moons?

[ like much of this city's other traditions. blessings aside, ryuu can't help but be a little fascinated when he can look at it this way. ]

It does. As much as I like the winter, sometimes warming up your hands up can help more than a second layer or a hot drink.

[All of them are best when combined, as far as Sougo is concerned, but that thought quickly falls aside when the other option is holding Ryuu's hand in his, broad and warm.

Cheeks lightly flushed from more than the cold, walking side by side and gazing up at the decorations seems almost dreamlike. And somehow, even though there's still a trace of nervousness thrumming within him, Sougo can't help being surprised by how comfortable he feels at Ryuu's side. Maybe it's the Chroma, or maybe something's changed between them after all.]

Are they antlers? Deer are associated with Iris, but Iris isn't in effect right now... [If it were, he certainly wouldn't be so composed right now.] So maybe they have some sort of significance here. They definitely give off a different feeling from the decorations we're used to, don't they?

They do! It has a bit of a rustic look to it... which is probably why it stands out so much. Everything else here makes me feel like I've been flung into the future.

[ the learning curve has been steep on many things, but not all of them. this is one of those moments where he feels content to do as he would at home, though maybe an opportunity like this wouldn't have come... but it's neither here nor there, right now. ]

Come to think of it though, I do remember reading something about the Moonblessings corresponding to seasons.

[ which would make sense. but ah, his first nebulously planned stop is coming up, and he nudges his arm a bit, nodding to a little stall with a handsome line outside it. overhead is a cute, dainty menu made of intricate neon lights, detailing an absurd amount of hot chocolate flavor combinations. ]

Would you look at that, it's so busy already!

[Who would have thought that they'd be able to be bond over antler decorations, of all things? Being with Ryuu really does feel like a little slice of home...

Moonblessings relating to seasons is a curious thought, but the gentle nudge to his arm comes just as Sougo's about to respond, and a glance over to the bustling little stall is enough to make all other thoughts fall to the wayside. This really, really looks like a slightly upgraded version of all of the niche food and drink stalls in Tokyo... and it's all hot chocolate, too? ]

When you said hot chocolate, I had no idea that this is what you meant!

[All thoughts of choking down sugary sweet hot chocolate for Ryuu's sake are swiftly pushed aside. Given this array of flavors, less sweet options must be available, but Sougo glances away from the list rather quickly in favor of smiling up at Ryuu.]

I should have known that you would surprise me. How did you come across such a unique place?

I'm in this district a lot for work. [ somehow they've managed to escape any proof of that... which ryuu is fine with!! ] I ended up passing by when they were setting up a while go... I couldn't believe the amount of flavors I saw!

[ bringing them over to the line, he steps into place without much fanfare, though he does give a point to a particular section of the menu that's quite adventurous. ]

Like that. Did you know there's an option to put spice in your hot chocolate?

[ not like cinnamon, or nutmeg - but legitimately cayenne, things like that. ]

[Sougo is no stranger to Ryuu's billboards and ads spread throughout Lunatia, but now probably isn't the best time to bring those up. Instead, he's happy to follow Ryuu into the line, more than content to wait no matter how long it takes.]

There really are a lot of them, aren't there? I would have never thought of most of these combinations.

[Right as Ryuu points up to the more abnormal section of the menu, however, his eyes grow a little wider.]

Spice... You're right.

[The association is so simple, perhaps even natural for anyone that knows him, but it's more than enough to warm his heart as just a hint of color rises to his already rosy cheeks.]

Thank you for thinking of me. And there's dark chocolate, too... I can't wait to try it. [As if there was any question what he'd choose.] Has anything caught your eye, Tsunashi-san?

Edited 2020-02-03 23:24 (UTC)

Don't mention it! It was hard not to, when I saw the option... [ with a slight swing of his arm in thought, he tips his head towards the menu. luckily he already stands a head taller than most of the line, so he doesn't have to strain to see. ] As for me, hmm.

Maybe I'll have something with dark chocolate too? I actually like bitter drinks quite a lot.

[ not to say something sweet is out of the question, but he can get regular hot cocoa anywhere, can't he? it only seems right to try something adventurous too. ]

Do you? I'm not surprised, based on your taste in alcohol.

[Awamori may be on the sweeter side, but Sougo knows perfectly well that Ryuu has never had trouble with any drinks during their outings together. Having a broad palate suits him somehow... friendly and rarely willing to turn anything down.]

Once we get them, you're always welcome to try my drink. It would be a waste not to, given how unique the flavors are.

[It's hot chocolate, so it surely can't be that spicy. Maybe he'll go light on the spice for Ryuu's sake... just in case.]

Is it that obvious?!

[ ryuu has to laugh, reactive as ever. not saying maybe he barely remembers half the things they've consumed in their bar hopping adventures, but... maybe he barely remembers half the things they've consumed in their bar hopping adventures. ]

During the summer, I like cold barley tea quite a lot. That kind of refreshing is different from a cozy winter drink, though!

[ at least to him. he thinks about things like this a lot. ]

So if you're sure, I wouldn't mind trying it out. Your choices are so interesting.

[ and one order at a time, they're nearly to the front of the line! ]

It's not a bad thing. You've always been willing to try a little of everything, after all.

[In complete and total honesty, Sougo probably remembers even less of their bar hopping adventures and alcohol-filled outings, but... it's probably best not to mention that, given that he's just a little afraid of what he's done during them.]

Of course! It's much nicer to share, after all. This one lines up with my personal tastes, but I'll be happy if you enjoy it too.

[Not that he knows how it tastes yet, but with a line this long, the hot chocolate here has to be good. And speaking of the line, they're up next!]

Would you like to order first?

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Emerges from the depths.

welcomes into my arms

♡

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