New Horizons....And sushi!

[Guest]

The sun was shinning beautifully overhead as a cool breeze shifted the heat of summer about. A lone, well-dressed man wandered down the street with his hands in his pocket, surveying the small town he had called his home for the few months or so. He had had to leave Okinawa behind for some reason.... One morning he just was gone from the restaurant he had been working and staying at, and he... he had the strangest sensation that he should not return. He hated it when he couldn't remember important things like that!!

Sighing lightly, he adjusted his tie so it was a bit looser around his neck, the red a swatch of color amongst the black and white of his clothes. A white button up with black dress pants and a blazer was the most comfortable thing for him. What did it matter with the weather? Scratching his scruffy black hair, the rather tall Aerugese man noticed a street performance going on, a small smile rising to his lips as he joined the crowd that was watching them.

It was a young boy and girl doing various balancing tricks and contortion. Oooo that always gave him the shivers. It was so weird to see a body get bent out of shape in that way. And for some reason, it made him think of dinner. Food was very important after all, and thats why he was out and about. No idle entertainments! He had an important thing to do! Clapping for the pair, suddenly everything got all shifty..... Blinking in confusion, he wasn't sure why the world was...

As his eyes opened, the gray was gone and replaced with gold, standing up much straighter than he had been. God his posture was terrible! Staring cooly at that performing pair, a grimace formed on his features as he continued onward towards the market. Monkeys. Thats what they bloody were. Dance puppet dance, and pray for a few coins. Like those goddamn bastards who had done this to him, and the slob managed to block most of it out of his mind! It didn't piss him off. It was so.... infuriating. Shaking his head, his steps held more of a regal manner to them, a perfect match to the arrogance that had been in his eyes.

Stupid fuckers.... As he wandered up to the bustling marketplace, there were various stalls with their wares, children scurrying under foot with their cheerful laughter. Aw hell-- His eyes closed as he slowed in his step, a hand coming up to run through his hair. And his eyes were once more grey. Blinking twice, Kyosuke was rather confused as to what had happened, glancing around at his surroundings. Wait, when had he gotten to the market? Hadn't he just been.... "Not again..." He murmured, his shoulders slouching in disappointment at himself. Maybe he should get these blackouts looked at...NO! No that meant needles, and doctors. No, he was fine. FINE. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly, it was ok... Just go about his business as usual.

Walking over to a nearby stall, he bought a woven hemp bag, double checking just how much money he had brought with him since he didn't want to end up spending too much. The bare necessities, thats all. Some cabbages--CABBAGES! Perking up, he made a beeline for the stall, a bright smile upon his lips as he bought a couple of them, humming happily to himself as he continued on with his shopping. Mmm, happy day, happy day~

[Guest]

Aerugo was always so cute. All the little Aerugese people roaming around, being efficient with… whatever it was they were doing. It was nice. Quaint. Especially the town she was in today. It wasn’t on her schedule, but then again, she deserved a nice vacation after her last shoot. Plus, there was a market open today. And that meant cute Aerugese…

Walking down the market corridors in her tank top and short shorts, her high-heeled sandals occasionally scuffing against the concrete walkway, she looked through the different tables and stalls. After buying a few trinkets, and something small to munch on, she couldn’t help but browse around. Not the shops, mind you. There was just something about the Aerugese that was so appealing. Maybe how they made her feel a bit more like a giant, whereas back home, she was merely average in height…

And then, she saw him. A true giant of an Aerugese was browsing through the stalls a few rows over, and bought some… Cabbage? Actually, he looked quite familiar…

”Hikaru-kun!” she shouts excitedly, but to no avail. Maybe he didn’t see her? No, they had worked together enough to recognize one another. He probably didn’t hear her, then… In fact, it HAD to be Hikaru. A man so tall in Aerugo, and native as well? How many others could there be, anyway? No, that was Hikaru, in all his… big-ness.

Following the man, she waited for an opportune moment to strike. ”Hikaru-kun~” she says, grabbing the man’s one arm and spinning him around. ”It’s hasn’t been that long,” she says, standing on her toes and leaning in to kiss him. ”How could you forget...” She pauses, mere inches from his face. ”You’re not Hikaru-kun,” she says, tilting her head to the side. She was disappointed, but still, life threw curveballs at you. ”Well, hello to you anyway,” she grins, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

Taking a step back, she stands up straight and smiles at him. ”I’m Vervada, by the way,” she says, bowing politely. ”And you would be?”

[Guest]

Mm, now what should he make tonight? There was a recipe he had been meaning to try some lettuce wraps.... Would it still work? Maybe he should adapt it some. And what meat? That was importa---

Suddenly his arm was grabbed as he pondered what to make for dinner, spinning about to find a..a.... wow-a-wow-wow-woof. Pretty lady was pretty. Had she been following him? Oh god, she didn't work for them did she? No, Hikaru-kun? A person she was familiar wiiiith OHMYGODHERFACEWASCLOSE! A blush rose to his cheeks as his eyes grew ever wider as the space between then was lost. It was a miracle he didn't drop his bag as his body went all stiff yet loosey goosey. "Wh-wh-w I..." As their lips met for that brief second, it was as if a puff of steam went out the top of his head. At this point he had given up on speaking as he felt his heart hammering in his chest.

What...What was this gorgeous creature before him? He had never seen her before in his life and and she just kissed him. A peck on each cheek he knew was customary in other countries. Hell, even rubbing noses. But.. but what? His brain was in five different places at once, all of them racing to find some sort of conclusion before running into each other. He should be happy, right? After all, it wasn't like this was an everyday occurrence. Clearing his throat, he finally blinked and moved, rubbing the back of his head nervously. Oh man was he flustered.

Speak! Speaking was good. Bowing slightly from the waist, he forced his arms to his side quickly, almost flailing a bit since he was having such issues thinking. He never had such an issue like this with people before, not even a beautiful woman! Straightening up, he smiled weakly to her, exhaling slowly as the blush finally faded from his face. "M-miharu Kyosuke. Its a pleasure Vervada-san." He stammered, taking a deep breath to calm himself further. At least his heart rate had gone down. "This, Hikaru-kun, you two are close?" He asked, his friendly nature coming out to shine. It was true her greeting was rather unconventional and... strange, but it wasn't a good enough reason to treat her differently right? "I've never had someone mistaken me for someone else. I can honestly say nothing like this has ever happened before." Laughing lightly, he gestured for them to continue moving, having only a couple of other things to buy.

Glancing around to the others in the marketplace, he noticed how their eyes watched the two of them, only able to guess what secret judgment they must be making. Always show your outward face, pleasant and hospitable. But behind those closed doors of your home, speak your true face. Ah the duality of their culture. But it didn't matter, least not to him. "So what brings you here Vervada-san?" He paused, chuckling nervously as he stopped in front of a stall and picked up a couple of things, his grey eyes coming to rest upon her once he was done paying. "I apologize, I'm asking a lot of questions." He murmured, curious as to just how old she was. She still seemed rather youthful, so perhaps younger than him. He wouldn't worry about that for now, just... keep cool. Oi.

[Guest]

She giggled a bit at how he was reacting. It was cute. He reminded her of Hikaru a bit, too. Beyond the looks, you know? It brought her back to the first time she worked with him, which was his first gig…

”This, Hikaru-kun, you two are close?” She nods, somewhat pleased to hear the man finally speak again.

”We spend a good amount of time together… We were co-workers, but also good friends. But we had to move on.”

He gestured for them to start moving, and she followed him at his side. It seemed like he had things to do anyway, and wanted a companion while doing so. "I've never had someone mistaken me for someone else. I can honestly say nothing like this has ever happened before." She smiles.

”Sorry, but you look so similar to him. So tall! Hikaru was tall, too. It was really surprising, too. You hear that name, and then see someone so…” She grins, her eyes almost glazing over from that memory. ”Anyway, when you’re around me, plenty of things that never happened before will happen.”

She continued on, feeling the eyes on her but ignoring them. She was used to it. The attention, especially the negative attention. But this was also culture, so it was best to keep smiling and move on.

”So what brings you here Vervada-san?” She looked back at him, watching as he browsed one of the stalls.

”I’m… in between jobs, at the moment,” she says, before realizing what she implied. ”Well, it’s… I’m employed, but I don’t have any work right now. So, I guess that makes this a vacation!” She was rather pleased by that last bit. It'd been long enough since she had a proper vacation, and her she was, talking to Miharu Kyosuke. It was a wonder where life could take you.

"I apologize, I'm asking a lot of questions," he said, paying for a few items and looking back at her. So cute, thinking he was a bother.

”Oh, don’t worry, Miharu-san, you’ve been a complete gentleman,” she says. ”If a cute girl mistook me for someone close, then kissed me anyway, I’d sure as hell stick around her and ask some questions!” She laughs, walking over to a stall that caught her eye. ”So what about you?” she asks, sorting through a collection of books. ”What brings you to a town like this? You seem more like the city type to me,” she says, motioning to his clothing. ”Don’t get me wrong, the countryside is always nice, but I’ve never been able to resist the call of urban life.”

Picking up a couple books, she pays the stall vendor and turns towards Kyosuke again. ”It’s alright that I ask you questions too, right?” she asks, tilting her head slightly and smiling.

[Guest]

Listening to her as they walked, he couldn't help but wonder what sort of work they must have done together. Pausing in front of a fruit stand, the strawberries looked reeeaaally really good but... Glancing into his wallet, he sighed lightly. Should he splurge?

Chuckling at the apparent similarity, he did end up buying some strawberries, glancing to what he had inside his bag. He could pick up the chicken from a supermarket, pausing to glance over to her. It made him smile to see her get so lost in memories. They must be good ones for her to have such a reaction. "Well I suppose I'll look forward to it then." He laughed, finding himself growing more and more curious about this beauty with him. Vervada.... he felt like he had heard that from somewhere before. He just wasn't sure where...

Wandering over to a liquor stall, he licked his lips as he looked at the variety of sake's lined up there. Tonight was a night for drinking! He had decided this. Vacation.... Pausing in his motions, his eyes sort of grew distant as the world went all shifty. No nononononono, not now. He wanted to remember this! He didn't want to blackout now. What would she think of him? ”Oh, don’t worry, Miharu-san, you’ve been a complete gentleman,” Drawing back, the world refocused and solidified, blinking twice as he turned his gaze to her. "Well I'm glad." Chuckling nervously, it seemed like she hadn't noticed his slip-up there which was a relief to him.

Watching her go over to the books, he picked out a smaller bottle of plum liquor, adjusting his grip on his bag as he followed her over to the book stall that had caught her pretty blue eyes. They really were gorgeous... Oh! Questions were being asked of him! Finding himself staring down at the books, a slight laugh rose from his throat as she pointed out his choice of clothes. "Heh, I've heard that before." What had brought him here? Was it the facility-- Shifting. Again. Needles, no..No, go away. Looking away from her for a moment at a sound, his eyes changed once more, the light glinting off of the gold.

"...nice, but I’ve never been able to resist the call of urban life.” Turning back to Vervada, he raised an eyebrow as he realized.... Well well well, what a delicious looking creature was with him now! What had that buffoon said to her? Straightening up, he tightened up his tie with a hand, wondering what she must have asked. Considering the fact she had been talking about location, it was either where he was from or why he was here. He couldn't imagine what this goddess was doing in this small little town. Ah well, at least it was good for cover. "Well my dear, I had to leave my hometown by the sea many years ago. I've resided in different places here and there, but I wanted to try something new," He began, picking up a philosophy book delicately between his fingers. Ah the thinkings of man.... So pointless.

Glancing over her body, he wondered where she must be from. Oh no wait... the accent that she held... "Of course you may. Now, pardon me for the suddenness of this, but are you from Drachma?" The puppy was gone for now, but let us see if she could understand what he was saying. His native tongue... felt strange in his throat. Cretarian felt so much more natural. Perhaps he should ask her to dinner... Glancing into the bag, he noticed what was in there and his eyebrow twitched. Dammit all.

As his head straightened up to look at her again, Kyosuke blinked twice, the gold replaced by gray as he stared at her. What had just happened? Had he answered her? Oh god... what if she thought he was a nut?! A crazy man who couldn't remember everything of his day. Coughing once, he was really nervous now. How did he act? "I-I..." Sighing heavily, he let his arms hang at his sides, knowing he should answer her. "I felt like a change of pace, so I moved here. You know how the city can be, you can lose yourself amongst all those people." Laughing nervously, he must sound like a fool right now. A crazy fool who...who...who realized how alone he was. A friend. She was an acquaintance now, a potential friend. He didn't have many of those right now... He really didn't want to mess this up. Forcing himself to look her in the eye, he brought up a small smile that seemed genuine for all intensive purposes.

[Guest]

She raises an eyebrow when he started speaking in Cretan. His stance changed, his demeanor… Was he more confident?

“Now, pardon me for the suddenness of this, but are you from Drachma?”

She blushed a little, fidgeting slightly. ”Dah, I am Drachman,” she replies. ”Like I said, vacation, yes?” She felt embarrassed that she didn’t know Cretan as well as Kyosuke, or even as well as she could speak Aerugese, but still, maybe he would respond well to how she spoke it. Plenty other people did. And… it was better than how much she knew in Esparian or Amestrian, though at least those were amusing.

“I felt like a change of pace, so I moved here. You know how the city can be, you can lose yourself amongst all those people.”

Back to Aerugese now, hm? And to the cute-awkward thing. Weird, yes, but still cute. Just like Hikaru. Moments of awkwardness interrupted by the occasional boost in confidence. But there was a conversation to tend to.

”I guess you’re right,” she says, glancing over at him. What a strangely colored eyes he had, but… They were nice. Different. Unique. She liked that. ”So, Miharu-san, what do you do for a living? Judging by how well you speak Cretan, I imagine you might be a linguist. But sometimes something like that can be deceiving, right?” She chuckles.

[Guest]

Wait, what was she saying? He had no idea what she was speaking. Maybe Cretarian, but he still had no idea. So why had she suddenly switched languages? Aiya....he was so confused! He couldn't even guess at what she had said. Oh well, he had begun to pick up on the fact that she might be Drachman judging by her accent. Least he knew how to speak that! He wondered if she'd feel more comfortable with speaking in her native tongue or not. He was still hesitant to shift since he hand't had to speak it for a while.

At least... At least she didn't seem bothered by his sudden lack of memory. His grey eyes scanned the marketplace before he nodded his head in the direction of the supermarket. He wanted to keep talking to her. He couldn't explain it, but... There was just something about her that made him want to get to know her more. And it wasn't just because she was... Curvaceous and beautiful. He wanted a friend, and he felt like he could find that in her. If nothing else, she was very different from anyone else he had ever met. Meeting someone for e first time and getting kissed would do that he supposed. Heh.

Blinking at her question, he was about to respond when she brought up languages, his brows furrowing. A linguist? Cretarian? Smiling nervously, he didn't want to lie or play along. Enough of that had happened in his life before now. Best not to add to that. Bending... No, no he would stay. Children laughing, refocus. Much better. "I'm.... Afraid I don't speak Cretarian Vervada-san. I'm just a simple cook for one of the restaurants here. I do know a few other languages though." He murmured, grey depths meeting her own. Aiya... He really hoped he wasn't screwing this up.

"I could speak to you in this language, Creig, Xingese, Amestrian, and of course my native tongue Aerugese.". He intoned, still holding an accent as he switched to Drachman. Smiling awkwardly to her, he bowed slightly to her, his tie fluttering in the wind, "I appreciate your thought though. I probably could be a linguist if I chose to.". Laughing nervously, he cast his gaze about before focusing on the fact the child performers were gone. Must have moved on to a different street. He supposed that was for the best since he had blacked out the last time he saw them. And he didn't want to black out again. Strange things had happened, or seemed to have happened based upon what she had said. "I apologise, you must think me very strange. I understand if it makes you uncomfortable."

[Guest]

He didn’t speak Cretan? But he just… Well, maybe she was imagining things. Maybe. Best to move on with the conversation, right?

”An impressive feat for just a mere cook, I think,” she says. ”And you are strange… but in a good way.” She giggles at that, grabbing his hand and pulling him along through the stalls. ”And believe me, I’ve been in more uncomfortable situations, if you’re really that worried. On a somewhat related note, always use a good-quality key along with a cheap lock. Otherwise…” She stops herself, giving a playful grin back at Kyosuke. ”Sorry, that has a lot of stuff I’d need to explain first.”

She stops, after they exit the hustle and bustle of the market, spinning around to meet Kyosuke by pulling him close to her. ”Anyway, maybe we could go somewhere more private?” she asks. ”Maybe find somewhere to dance?” She presses up against him, one hand taking his and raising it up, her other taking his second hand and placing it at the small of her back. ”Are you a dancing man, Miharu-san? Because I just love to dance.” Peeking into his bag, she asks, ”Or perhaps you can cook me a meal? I’m certain I can pay you for it somehow,” she ponders aloud. Shaking her head, she looks back up at him. He was a lot like Hikaru. Now she wondered how similar they were. Out of curiosity, of course.

[Guest]

Chuckling, he felt an embarrassed sort of pride at his abilities since he knew where they had come from. He still wondered how he had managed to escape, or what had really happened that night many years ago. He felt a twinge in his brain, his eyes briefly flashing gold before solidifying in their greyness. God things were so strange lately. Ever since he moved here. Glancing as a pair of children almost ran straight into him, he swung to the side and laughed, raising his warm gaze back up to his beautiful Drachman friend. Her words brought him some relief, for it meant that she wasn't going to send him off to the loony bin. And well... maybe they could keep talking. He liked that. "Hehe, well thank you." He bowed/nodded his head to her, a big smile spreading across his lips. This was a good--

Oh boy! As she took his hand, his eyes widened in surprise and he stumbled after her, his other hand holding tightly to his bag of groceries. "Neh? Really?" He almost asked what sorts of situations, but as she continued on, he... Wait... Key with lock? What was she-- The grin was what sent his brain to really working as his brows furrowed, trying to puzzle out what in the world she meant. A quality key with a cheap lock? That didn't seem very practical from a security standpoint. Unless.... As his brain clicked, a slight blush rose to his cheeks as he chuckled knowingly. Ahhh, he saw what she had done there! Aiya he was slow at this.... "All at your own pace Vervada-san. No need to rush such things hm?" Smiling once more, he realized he was rather goofy for his age, but it was just how he was. Not all almost-thirty-year-olds needed to be serious hm?

Though his smile gave way to another look of surprise as they were suddenly so close again, his eyes practically as wide as a silver dollar. ”Anyway, maybe we could go somewhere more private?” Aiya. ”Maybe find somewhere to dance?” Double aiya. Those melons... pressing against his body... Aiya. Sweat beaded on his forehead as his eyes only grew wider, his cheeks flushing with a lovely rose color once more. He felt her hand in his, how she moved the other to rest on her body. He still held those groceries dammit! Ok.. Ok Kyosuke... PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER MAN! SHE'S USING HER WILES UPON YE! Clearing his throat, he blinked furiously for a brief moment as he cast his gaze about. God, he couldn't even really look away because his eyes always darted back to her. Wh-what did he do?! He'd never had many experiences with women! They always ended poorly!

Closing his eyes for a moment, he took a deep breath, his fingers rubbing her back slightly as he calmed himself. Yes, calm. He knew how to do that well. He thought things went bendy for a very brief second, but he knew he must be imagining it as he opened his eyes and smiled. Was it wrong to let things happen simply because this was nice? Maybe this wasn't the most suggested of paths, but... well... He might as well see where it led, right?

"I was planning on trying out a recipe I've read about for some lettuce wraps if you don't mind trying them with me. I just need to get chicken from the supermarket near my home. You don't have to worry about payment, I enjoy company once in a while you know? Doesn't happen very often." He finally answered, stepping to the side of her as his one hand slid away from her back to hang at his side, also taking hold of the bag. Beginning to walk once more, he led her down the streets towards their destination, pondering what the night might entail. Would it be a one-night stand? Would it be fast and loose? Or... He felt his features become hard to read, staring ahead down the street with distant eyes. Or would it grow into something more? As farfetched as it seemed, he couldn't help but wonder. Heh, he had to stop thinking so much about it.

Ah! But he hadn't answered one of her questions. "As for dancing, I can honestly say I've never really tried. I've not had the chance to...." Tall, cold rooms. Maybe the occasional interaction. A punch to the face. Shifting. Bowing his head at the onset of his memories, he winced before standing up much straighter than before. Cold, arrogant golden eyes stared down at her as he realized that he still held her hand, lifting it up to kiss it as a gentleman should. However he shifted how their hands were so that their palms did not meet as his lips touched the back of her hand, those bright golden eyes watching her throughout the motion. And as quickly as it happened, he stood straight once more, his fingers lacing with her own. Well well, things had clearly progressed quite well hm? But what in the world had they been doing? Maybe she preferred his other self hm? Clearly the buffoon had done something right.

Lets use this to our advantage, yes.... "Well now my dear, what would you prefer to do now? I can't say that there is much here, but what there is to offer, I can give as best I can." He spoke rather elegantly, hoping to god he didn't have to cook. That was the idiots specialty. As for the beast.... He inwardly shuddered, ugh. So unrefined and just... rabid. Lets not summon him here. "Have I told you that you have rather stunning eyes? Truly." He smirked, merely walking since he had no idea where they had been going before.

[Guest]

She felt bad, playing around with him like this, but it was fun. She didn’t mean to torture, but was being herself. She’d apologize to him later, after the meal. Sure, he said that she didn’t have to pay him back, but that didn’t mean she still couldn’t. Plus, she was sure she had something to pay him with.

She pondered on that for a moment. I was like she’d been in this situation before… Probably one of her movies, no doubt. Now to only figure out an appropriate amount of—

She blushed as he kissed her hand, looking into his silv- no, gold eyes. Deep golden eyes.

"Well now my dear, what would you prefer to do now? I can't say that there is much here, but what there is to offer, I can give as best I can."

”Aren’t we buying chicken so you can co-“

"Have I told you that you have rather stunning eyes? Truly."

”W-why thank you,” she replies. She’s used to men hitting on her, but they’re normally more blunt. Not a whole lot of this “wooing” thing she’s always heard of. It was nice for a change. ”Can’t decide on what to do now?” she asks, plotting out the different ways in how the night could end.

Grabbing his arm and hugging against it, she looks at him and says, ”Maybe we can just go back to your place and one of us could whip up a meal? I know a great recipe for vodka cake...”

[Guest]

Thats right you little sweet thing, fall further and further into this web that is being woven. Become entangled. Then maybe I should... Shifting.. Chaos. Ack, NO! The beast would remain within! If there was anything about this idiot boy he was trapped in that he actually feared, it was the other man within Kyosuke's body. He knew he was there, hiding in the shadows until he was needed unless triggered by some poor idiot. Then the blood bath would begin. Unrefined and.... terrible. As pompous as he knew he was, at least he didn't decide it was 'fun' to play 'drag the body' by someones entrails while they still kicked and screamed.

But this was hardly the time to think of such things. He had a pretty pretty thing on his arm!

Buying chicken? Ahhh, so the idiot was planning on cooking for her then... Such a naive boy. If you merely make a girl dinner, she'll most likely walk all over you as much as she might enjoy the sentiment. It did depend on the girl he supposed. In any case, this one was an experienced squeeze. Chuckling lightly, he offered his arm to her like a proper gentleman would, shrugging lightly at her statement. "Ah, but spontaneity can be the spice of life, no? Plans can be so overrated." He pointed out with another little chuckle, happy to see her take his arm so. Well now, she was a little anxious--

--Vodka cake? NonoNO! That idiot would-- As he turned to look down at her, his eyes seemed to glint, returning to their normal grey hue. Woah! When did she hold his arm? Wh-what had happened? "I...um..." Blinking twice, he had to just roll with it, wondering if plans had been shifted. "S-sure! Um...I can try that recipe another time. Not like I have a shortage of ingredients for things at home." He really hoped he didn't sound as nervous as he thought he did, finding his eyes sliding over her body once more. What DID she do for a living?

"Heh, right this way." He led her down the street a bit further before stopping in front of a small apartment place. It might have been a hotel at some point, but it had been readjusted despite serving essentially the same purpose. Walking up the stairs to the side of the building, the pair followed the pathway to the end where he pulled out his keys to unlock the door. Opening it, he reached around and flicked the light switch on, his humble abode soon being revealed.

The door was right next to the kitchen which wasn't too tiny surprisingly enough, a small little dining area off to the right before a wall. Then there were sliding doors that lead into the main room that held his futon in one corner, a small entertainment center in another, a kotatsu already set up in the center of the room, and a desk resting against the wall where the window let light spill in. Yep, your typical Aerugese apartment. There was a bathroom off to the right on the other side of the wall that separated it from the kitchen. And of course, everything looked clean and in its rightful place. There was the occasional thing that made it his own, but he clearly hadn't decorated much.

Slipping from her grasp, he removed his shoes and slipped on one of the pairs of slippers by the door, moving into the kitchen to gather up what he'd need to cook. "So what would you like?" He asked brightly, turning his head to look at her with a warm smile, placing the plum wine resting on the counter before he turned to place the strawberries in the fridge amongst other things that he bought from the day. Aiya.... he must be doing something strange... Why couldn't he just remember everything?!

[Guest]

He seemed adorable again, and his go- grey eyes were looking over her again. She thought this would be a fun night, a good change of pace to break apart her otherwise educational, but dull, vacation. Plus, a free meal!

Looking around the apartment, she lets go of Kyosuke’s arm. Small, quaint, clean. Very Aerugese, she figured. Copying Kyo, she removed her sandals, but stayed barefoot. More comfortable, she always though, though that meant Kyo was that much taller than her now…

” So what would you like?” She turned to him, pondering.

”How about you surprise me?” she replies, looking around. Grabbing a nearby apron, moves to the dining table, putting her bag on the table. ”You don’t mind if I get comfortable, do you?” she asks, already slipping off her top. Without hesitation, she continues to strip down to nothing, and putting the apron on in their place. After all, she didn’t want to get dirty, did she?

Putting her clothing in her bag, and slipping a bottle of ethanol out of the bag, she saunters back into the kitchen, searching through the cupbards for…

”There you are,” she says affectionately, pulling two tall glasses out. Filling both of them with water, she brings one up to her mouth, taking a long, slow sip from it, grinning. She loved her little trick. It created such a tingling sensation on her tongue. It never got old.

Swallowing, she puts the other glass on the counter near Kyo. ”Vodka, Miharu-san?” she asks, before converting the other glass – her glass – into vodka. Drinking a healthy amount of vodka, she leans over the counter, looking over at Kyo. ”So, did you think of anything you wanted to eat yet?” she asks, giggling.

[Guest]

Well, considering she hadn't asked him about something, he assumed he must be playing along just fine even though he was only remembering bits and pieces right now. He just.... He resisted the urge to look over her again. She really was a beautiful woman, and she seemed very interesting. If not a bit... forward. But assertiveness wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Just different. He didn't know what he wanted. A friend for certain, anything more? Was it right for him to hope? Romance was a foreign country in itself to him. Clearly he was doing something right though.

Laughing lightly, he shrugged lightly as he actually crouched down in front of his fridge. He could hear her moving to the dining room, but since the refridgerator door was blocking his view, he couldn't see what she was doing. "Hai, hai." He blinked as his brows furrowed to her question, tilting his head slightly. "Not at all, make yourself at home!" Grabbing a few things, he hummed lightly to himself, turning away from her to put them on the counter. Fried rice was always safe. Maybe some fish. Aiya... he hoped she liked fish. Some people didn't.

Running through the recipe in his head, he picked out a couple of last things, hearing the clink of glasses towards the other end of the kitchen near the door. Ah! Right! He probably should have.... As he straightened up and turned, he froze. A...Apron.... His eyes rolled over her body very... very.. slowly. N-naked.... What she was doing wasn't helping in the least bit as the blood rose up to his face, going bright red. It was hard to swallow. Thinking... thinking wasn't.... dear lord.... WOAH BOY! Clearing his throat, he forced his eyes away as she offered him vodka, he was praying to god that the little soldier would stay down trying to ignore the...the... He started to turn his head-- Just don't look! Reaching a hand over, he felt glass touch his fingertips, quickly bringing it to his lips and gulping down about half of the glasses contents. Oh ouch... he forgot how Vodka burned as it went down. Hold the phone... He knew this taste.... "Th-thank you Vervada-san." He stammered, his voice practically a murmur as his hands trembled placing the glass back down. Sweet fluffy jesus what was he going to do?!

Taking a deep breath, he felt his eyes drift back towards the goddess before him and.... and... Ohhhhh this could get bad and awkward fast. "I... I was going to go with y--fried rice and some fish. M-m-maybe s-some..." He stopped and closed his eyes, cool. He had to play it cool. Had to! "Um... Vervada-san... does removing most of your clothes mean "getting comfortable" all the time for you?" Crapcrapcrap stupid! Well.. it got to the point...DOWN SOLDIER DOWN! Aiya... At least he wasn't staring. Right, staring. Bad. Opening his eyes slowly, he forced with all his might for his eyes to remain on her beautiful sapphire eyes, the alcohol causing a light tingling in his fingertips and head. Ohhhhhhh this could get so bad!!!

[Guest]

"Um... Vervada-san... does removing most of your clothes mean "getting comfortable" all the time for you?"

”Of course, Miharu-san. This is a private room, right? So long as there aren’t any cameras, although even those…” Trailing off, she takes another sip of vodka, though she keeps glancing over at Kyosuke. He was obviously having some sort of… reaction to how she was dressed. ”You know, Miharu-san,” she says, putting her glass down and sauntering over to him, ”I don’t mean to be a tease…” She wraps her arms around him, pulling herself tight against his body, looking up into those magnificent silver eyes of his. ”But this is how I get comfortable, Miharu-san.”

Standing on her toes, she slowly kisses his neck while one hand slides down his chest, and swiftly unlatches his belt. ”I don’t know if you’ve seen my movies, but I do actually look for nice people.” A few small movements, and his pants button is undone, followed shortly by a few tugs on the zipper. ”You’ve been quite the gentleman, today, Miharu-san. So, if you want something from me…” Slipping her hand into his underwear, she gently caresses him. ”All you need to do is ask, Miharu-san,” she purrs.

[Guest]

A rather weak smile rose to his lips at her jest, one of those anime sweat drops rolling down the side of his head. Taking a deep breath, he turned back towards the counter and started to sort out everything he needed for the fried rice, trying to find something, anything to get his mind off of what was right in front of him. Just stay down soldier, we'll be out of the trenches soon... Was what he kept telling himself, starting to reach a hand for that plum wine that was so close at hand. Yes, because getting drunk was the best option right now.

Forcing his hand to stop, it didn't really take much to since she said his name again. His head turned aaaand she was now getting closer. Boing, boing.... Not good, not good, NOT GOOD. What did he, how did he, what should.... His mind was a stuttering fool as all he could do was stare with clear embarrassed discomfort (yet in a good way), as she slid her arms around him and pressed that delectable body right up against him. Mmm....... that shouldn't feel so good.... No, not at all. Well! There was no keeping that soldier down now. Holding her gaze, his face had practically begun to dye itself red from how much he was blushing, his ears even seeming to turn that color. Or maybe they actually were..... "I-is that so?" His voice squeaked, clearing his throat in an attempt to not sound like some mouse. oh this was baaaaaaaad..... and good... and... NO. YES. SHIT.

Afdpawiefnkensaldkfjsiwjelrn WORDS WERE NOT HIS FRIEND. WHAT DID HE DO?! Shivers ran down his flesh at her touches, that kiss to his neck... Exhaling slowly, it shuddered a bit and he startled as he suddenly realized just where her hand was. "V-Vervada-san!" He stammered, but stopped as she was speaking. Wait, movies? What kind of--OHMYGODTHISWASN'T--SHE...He.... HOW DID STUFF LIKE THIS HAPPEN?! He... was with a porn- sorry, adult film star.... He didn't even watch that stuff though.... Still! It was the principle! He should be happy about this! Overjoyed! He had no doubts that there were men, and probably some women, who would kill to be in his position right now.

Yeeeeeeeeaaaaaaah that was his penis.... "Iiii'm going to the special hell..." He mumbled as he sighed with pleasure. She wasn't even doing anything major! It just felt... reeeeeaaaaally good. No, no wait, he should be trying to stop this! And suddenly everything got all shifty as his eyes closed for a moment at her caresses.

Mmm, well now, wasn't this a pleasant thing to come back to? Opening his eyes, he reached a hand and gently grabbed her wrist, the golden depths glinting as he leaned close to her pretty little face. His other hand slipped forward along her body to rest on her lower back, his lips about a hairs breath from her own before he moved further to her ear. His warm breath caressed her skin as he smirked at the sensations in his nether regions. Girl was good at what she did. "Might I ask we continue this..." The hand upon her back pressed in a little more, her body and his closer together as he lightly nibbled on her earlobe before kissing her neck. All delicate, slow, and completely at ease. "Somewhere more comfortable? Or would you rather explore our options here, hm? Lovely lady?" His voice had lowered slightly in tone, rather seductive for a man as his face came back up in front of her own, his eyes meeting her gaze. He couldn't help but smirk as he towered over her, suddenly leaning forward and kissing her gently yet with force. Lets dance this tango.

[Cue blackout and skip ahead!]

[Guest]

She couldn’t help but blush. His confident side had emerged once again, and in full-force. With a soft sigh, she ran a hand through his hair. ”Why don’t you show me around a bit? You never really gave me the tour…”

[Insert family-safe time-skip here]

Nevada slowly stirred herself to consciousness. Parts of the night before were simply a haze… And not the kind from her vodka, either. Quick snips of scenes, a blur here and there, but it was largely intact. But she didn’t mind. It was a good night, after all. No, good didn’t quite cover it. It was amazing, excellent, and… surreal? Yeah, surreal might cover it.

Looking around, she tried recalling exactly what they had done. Though, honestly, it’d likely be easier to list what they hadn’t done. She sat up on the side of the bed, smiling at that thought. Amusing might apply as well, then…

Looking behind her, she smiles at the sight of Kyosuke on the bed. Cute? For sure. Handsome? Certainly. Interesting? Definitely. But how to describe him last night? No, that was much more complex. She couldn’t narrow it down to a single word. There was too much to consider on that. Not that that was a bad thing, of course.

Reaching out, she gently caresses his cheek. ”Good morning, Miharu-san,” she says with a smile. ”You slept well, I take it?” She chuckles. "I hope I didn't wear you out too bad..."

[Guest]

Mmm..... What a lovely nap that- OH MY GOD WHY WAS HE NAKED?!?!?! Kyosuke was having one of those really pleasant wake up moments where the world steadily comes into focus, he was all warm, his bed was comfortable and..... and he was naked. As was Vervada. WHAT HAD HAPPENED?! Why was she carressing his cheek? Why was... oh he knew that sensation.... Things had happened.... And he didn't even remember them. Shit shit shit!!!

"I'm uh... Why yes, yes I did." He answered her question with a nervous smile, rolling onto his side and propping himself up with a hand. Oof. Various parts of his body groaned with soreness. Jesus, what had they done? His grey eyes darted up to meet her pretty blue eyes, really hoping that she couldn't tell how he wasn't really sure what had happened at all. That was a bad thing, right? Girls normally would probably prefer you remember these things.

So he tried to cover it up! "Oh n-no! Not at all. It was... it was... " He was grasping for words, what should he even say? "I don't know that I can describe it." Which wasn't a lie all considering. The last thing he wanted to do was lie about something like this. It felt important you know? It was one of the few 'encounters' (as he was going to call them) that he had since it wasn't like it was easy for him to get close to people at all. The whole forgetfulness.... that and he moved a lot. "So.. um.. Vervada-chan.." He could call her that now he felt, maybe? "W-where does this leave us? I-I realize that maybe thats not the best question to ask but its a point of um... curiosity I guess we shall say."

Honestly he had no idea how she'd answer him. He realized full well that this could just be a one-night stand and that was all. Though.... did he really have the right to hope for more than that with how he was? No, no he didn't like the mentality 'take-what-he-could-get' so he would just abandon that thought right there. He hoped that things could be more, but what a way to start things out huh? Aiya, he felt like such a girl right now. Nay, he wasn't! He was merely figuring out the guidelines, and what was going on. That was fair, right? Right! Running a hand through his now messy, shaggy hair, he gave her a slight smile that was rather sweet upon his lips. He was being such an idiot.

[Guest]

“It was... it was... I don't know that I can describe it.”

”Anything less than amazing would be a blemish to my good name,” she says with a laugh. ”Though, from your performance, I’d say that the same applies to you, doesn’t it?”

"So.. um.. Vervada-chan.."

”Yes, Miharu-chan?”

” W-where does this leave us? I-I realize that maybe thats not the best question to ask but its a point of um... curiosity I guess we shall say."

Aww. Just adorable… But a good question, nonetheless. Blushing slightly, she pondered over the answer. This was going to be… complicated.

Walking over to the bed, she sits on the edge of it, reaching over and running her fingers through his hair. ”Depends on the type of person you are. You know I’m an ‘adult film star.’ Could you handle that? Knowing I have convincing fake sex with other men and women?” Her hand shifts so that it’s caressing his face again. So cute, so adorable… ”I am trying to ease my way out of the business, but I still need some startup funds for my future.” Her fingers running under his chin, she pulls it up delicately so she can look at him straight in the face. ”So, do you think you can handle that? Me going off other places for my job? Or, would you rather take things more casually?” She smiles slightly. ”Mind you, there is no wrong answer here, so, you know, no pressure.”

[Guest]

Kyosuke couldn't help but smile weakly at her candor, at least remembering some of the details that had come before the blackout. An adult film star.... It just... it was just so crazy! How did his luck work this way? Clearing his throat in embarrassment to her compliment, his cheeks flushed with color since... since... Er... Yeah, he just wouldn't mention that he didn't remember diddly about what had happened. He supposed in the end it didn't really matter since he had passed with flying colors. Or well.. yeah. Ahem.

To see her blush was rather... cute since it just seemed like it was something that didn't happen too often to her. Or maybe he was assuming too much. For Christs sake, they had only met the day before! Why was this all happening so fast? He felt like he heard laughter in his mind and it made him glance about in confusion. Where had THAT come from? His knitted brows relaxed though as he was suddenly aware of her touch in his hair, those soft hands against his body. You are such a little bitch. The voice again. No, no focus on the beautiful woman before him. This woman who had stepped with such ease and grace into his life and completely thrown it off track with a flick of her wrist.

"Could you handle that?"

The words rang around in his head. What did he even want from this? That was probably the better question. His grey eyes darted to her hand as he felt flesh meet flesh, drawn back to those shimmering sapphires of her eyes. "B-but you have your vodka business don't you?" He asked, but hushed as he felt those strong fingers lift his chin so he didn't dare look away from her. She had him around her little finger, and they both knew it. All he could hear were those words said by the various facility staff when they thought he wasn't listening. "Puppy." Thats what they had called him. Darkness was encroaching, and he wanted to slap it down.

Yet it vanished as he focused his eyes upon her own. This radiant woman, despite what some would call faults, whom he... Hell, he didn't even know anymore. "So, do you think you can handle that? Me going off other places for my job? Or, would you rather take things more casually?" Shit. Blinking dumbly at her, he pushed himself up off of his elbows, the blankets still laying over the lower half of his body like drapes. He hadn't even thought of it, but she had seen his scars now. The ones that lightly laced all over his body. Especially the needle pricks on his arms, to the ones that criss-crossed on his back. Even the occasional knife or bullet hole on the front of his form. Only a couple really stood out clearly, a mar against his skin.

It felt like he kept flipping back and forth in his head, getting pulled this way and that. Light and dark, known and unknown. "I.... I don't know, I mean.. We just met yesterday and-" And why should that stop you? "Shut it!" Wincing, he touched a hand to his head that had steadily begun to throb, one of his eyes glinting gold while the other remained a steady silver. But gold became red before flickering back to match that calm gray, albeit rather startled and confused. What... what was wrong with him? Nevada. He had a rather deer in the headlights look as gently took her hand away from his face. He had to think clearly here despite... voices, ringing in his ears. Get that throbbing to stop.

"Sorry, I'm... I'm just a bit flustered. Not like anyone finds themselves in such situations often. Or maybe they do. I don't know." He laughed nervously, a sheepish grin upon his lips as he still held her hand. He found himself staring at that seemingly simple gesture, his steely fingers could crush hers if he squeezed too tight. Very carefully he held her hand within his own, his thumb drifting thoughtfully across her skin that was soft as a peach. What did he want? He was overthinking this way too much. He was quiet for another moment before he finally spoke, "A friend would be nice. Lord knows I have few and far between of them." He wasn't bitter, it was just a fact. Lifting his head, he gave her a warm smile that seemed to have relaxed him some from the tension he held before. "If there's more, then there will be more. It's not like your job is all that you are Vervada-san. What we do can't always define us, neh?" He offered, his eyebrows lifting as his smile grew. Just because he could be a puppy, didn't mean he didn't know how to be a wolf.

[Guest]

She tilted her head slightly, both surprised and concerned for him. He certainly was an interesting man, in many ways… But perhaps she was judging him too soon.

Standing up off the bed, she smiles. ”Well, friends, then? At least until my vodka business starts paying for itself.” Walking out into the dining room, she quickly grabs her clothes and starts redressing herself.

”I’m sorry if I mislead you, though” she says from the other room. ”I’m usually on the move, so I don’t often get a chance to settle in with someone. Enough time for fun, but never something serious, you know?”

Walking back into the bedroom, she takes out a piece of paper and a pen, quickly writing on it. ”I’m afraid my vacation’s almost over, and I have to head into Creta for my next shooting. But why don’t you give me a call sometime?” Handing him the slip of paper, she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek. ”I hate to leave on a note like this, but I have to start heading out. Keep the bottle of vodka and use it to cook, or something. Folks love when you cook things with alcohol. But… Keep in touch, alright?”

With one final kiss on the lips, she makes her way out of the apartment and back onto the streets of Aerugo. Pulling out a cell phone, she dials a number with a smile. ”Hey, Ivan?.. Yeah, I’m heading over now. Listen, next time we’re in Aerugo, I’ve got a food recommendation. I met an amazing chef the yesterday…”

[EXIT THREAD]

[Guest]

Her smile did offer a chance to relax, it meant that she didn't think him.... crazy. Lord knows he wouldn't blame anyone who believed as such after the display he had just given. Maybe he should go get-- The world briefly was fading out, and he immediately terminated that thought, focusing instead upon the fact she was speaking. Stay. Now. Listen!! This, here, right now, MATTERED.

Upon watching her walk, he didn't really notice where his eyes drifted for they went up and down her form. They didn't focus upon any attributes, no matter how lovely, because that wasn't all there was to her. Or thats what he believed. He felt like he might be called naive, but he preferred optimistic. It sounded so much nicer. At least pulling on his boxers, Kyosuke pushed himself up off of his futon, her words continuing to flow into his ears. He couldn't help but chuckle at her apology, wondering if he could really call this misleading. "Oh I understand. I tend to move around every once in a while myself." Not that I usually know why. There was only.... one time? Yeah, one time where he actually chose to move, knew why, and everything. Every single other time he found himself in a new place, and he just knew he had to keep going from there. Sometimes he wondered how people were faring in those places he had left.

His grey eyes refocused upon her as she came into view, watching her write down her information. "Sure, sounds good-" A kiss on the cheek. He couldn't help but stop short. God... this was such a strange situation! Were they friends who were fuck buddies now? Hrm, wouldn't that mean friends with benefits? Oh he didn't know. And quite frankly, he didn't care. Nodding once, he was about to answer her when their lips suddenly met, inwardly smiling as he quickly returned it. Boy, she did have to go didn't she? He didn't even get a final word out. Maybe it was better if he hadn't. He was so alien to a situation such as this.

His stomach growled with the roar of a dragon, causing a sweatdrop to roll down the side of his head as he looked at the slip of paper in his hand. Sighing lightly, he walked into the kitchen and stared at that vodka bottle just sitting there on his counter. His eyes lowered, Nevada Vervada. Yea.... he'd definitely have to stay in touch.

[EXIT THREAD]

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