★ pick someone you want to play with and put it in the subject ★ leave a pic or a prompt or w/e ★ havesomemoreideas;) ★ have fun! ★ fyi "late" doesn't exist. ★ let's go let's do the cute holiday thing
Of course - she complains about a lot of things, and being snowed in at the airport is going to naturally be near the top of her list. Her scarf falls around her neck as she places her hands on her hips, her pout obvious. There's not much use getting mad at the intercom system that made the announcement though.
[A wave of a hand! A jolly smile! A... surprisingly bare face because it looks like this Santa Claus fool apparently didn't commit the whole way to the costume. He's not even fat. What's the deal, Chiaki?
Yet despite the fact that what he's wearing is definitely just a costume, he doesn't even seem cold from the chill of winter. Rather, he's got a grin as warm as the sun and his hands wrapped around an actual giant brown sack that's hefted over his shoulder. So why did he call out to you?]
[ more than the halfassed santa costume, what gets akaashi to actually stop on his way home from practice is that ridiculously bright grin. there's really only one person he knows who is capable of being a human lightbulb, and this guy is giving bokuto a run for his money.
but now that he's gotten a better look at him, akaashi doesn't recognize the non-bearded face. maybe he's a transfer student? he doesn't look that much older than him. in any case, akaashi nods, pulling his thick scarf a little further down his face so he can talk properly. he's assuming this guy's doing some sort of charity gift thing; a generous cause. ]
Yes, I have. Thank you.
[ he just came from the volleyball club's Secret Santa Exchange Without Bokuto (tm), in fact. he'll have to remember to bring bokuto's gift tomorrow morning. ]
Oho, really? That's wonderful!! Ah, it warms my heart to hear....
[UNDAUNTED.
Still though, Chiaki's grinning - tilting his head as he sets a hand on his hip and hums in approval that no one really asked for.]
Truly, it is a merry season, isn't it? For people to be so generous with each other, I am surprised that I managed to catch you after you've already received one!
[And yet—]
But why stop at one? Please, accept one of these presents, my friend!!
[Not even waiting for a response, Chiaki's going to heft the bag that's over his shoulder onto the ground and start digging through to try to figure out what's the best thing to give to a total stranger.
[ it's really a testament to how accustomed he is to dealing with bokuto that chiaki's strange friendliness hardly fazes him. he's pretty sure bokuto considered them to be friends the first day he joined fukurodani's volleyball club, and especially after he became vice captain. having some random santa cosplayer suddenly announce their friendship is hardly the strangest thing he's experience.
but the gift giving, that's a problem. this boy seems nice and if he gives akaashi a gift, then akaashi would feel obligated to return a gift, which he unfortunately doesn't have. purchasing a new gift would require money and he is trying to save most of it for the yakiniku party they promised bokuto at the end of the week. on the other hand, he could give his secret santa gift away, but it's a new pair of knee pads and those are hard to come by, and as nice and cute this boy seems, he's not going to give up his new knee pads. sorry. ]
No, that's fine. [ ah, he's already putting the bag on the ground. why are all excitable people like this?? ] Please save it for someone who has yet to receive one.
Ah, I see! Well, you don't need to worry, there are plenty of gifts here! These are the extra ones after plenty were already distributed to the children. [A sparkly little smile and pleased hum - Chiaki loves kids so much, it's ridiculous. But regardless, he also likes making new friends and so.] What type of practice did you come from? Do you enjoy sports? What are your interests? Hobbies?
[Then - pausing quite suddenly from where he's going through the bag - a look up and he might be a little starry-eyed.]
[ there's a few seconds' pause while akaashi tries to make the connection between sports and sentai, but he rallies. ]
I came from volleyball practice. I wasn't very interested in sports to begin with, but I enjoy volleyball. So, I guess that could be considered my main hobby. I don't have an opinion on sentai.
[ he vaguely regrets saying it after being exposed to the sparkle in chiaki's eyes. at least he didn't outright say he wasn't interested in it? ]
[you're really giving chiaki the benefit of the doubt if you think there's ever a logical connection between the current topic and sentai
but he's not too bothered by that - he gives a little bit of a grin and a laugh. Then a nod!]
Ahh, good, good! Volleyball sounds like a heart-pounding, exhilarating sport. I don't play it much myself, but it is fun to watch? Then... Hm... Perhaps this one!!
[HE FOUND A GIFT - it's a miracle that he manages to remember what is put in each of the boxes, but he does! ... Or at least he thinks he does.
Which is why he's going to hand Akaashi a brightly colored present! He thinks there's a water bottle inside.
[ he's giving chiaki the benefit of the doubt by thinking he knows how to make logical connections in the first place.
but anyway, he nods sort of noncommittally at what he says. volleyball is exciting to begin with, he supposes, and it's especially so when you have a temperamental ace for a captain. he's about to suggest chiaki try volleyball sometime when he gets a gift shoved at his face.
should he? open it?? it'd be kind of rude not to, right??? so he does. ]
[ akaashi is usually pretty good at restraint, but even he feels a little embarrassed by the teddy bear, feeling his cheeks warm and not from the cold. he carefully places the bear back in its box and gives it back to chiaki. ]
And we're hardly on first name basis, considering you've yet to introduce yourself.
[ it's not exactly much of a joke, but he tried. ]
[it's like the reminder that he hasn't introduced himself is an automatic trigger, causing Chiaki to straighten immediately and press his hand against his chest, excitedly reciting:]
I am Chiaki Morisawa, the one with the burning heart! The hero of Yumenosaki Academy...!
[and for some reason that doesn't embarrass him
yet he laughs, shaking his head as he reaches his other hand out]
Ah, but... My deepest condolences, but I cannot accept that gift from you.
"The one with the burning heart" sounds needlessly dire.
[ it just sounds like he's suffering from heart burn?? don't jinx yourself, chiaki. anyway, when chiaki refuses akaashi just sort of gives him a flat look for a few seconds before he tries to politely push it back into his hands. ]
This isn't a gift to you, I'm returning it. You said it was supposed to be a water bottle. This is false advertising.
[Only mistakenly. Accidentally. There's a moment where he looks genuinely concerned before shaking his head all the more vehemently, the little puffball on the end of his hat nearly hitting him in the face with the fierceness of his motion.]
You may still keep it of course - I will retrieve the water bottle...!!
[ A flicker of lights, then a gentle sound outside the door of the bookstore - in the brief interval of Zen passing by the indoor cafe, conveying recognition with a call of Jaehee's name, they were presented with an obstacle: a barbaric wall of snow huddled against the electric sliding doors. Unfortunately, said doors repelled from the other, dusty snow and the unpleasant breeze tumbling into the building. ]
... I'm going to be left behind at this rate. [ Not that grabbing a taxi wasn't a possibility. But, he was looking forward to it - the spontaneous purchase of compiled short stories that were supposed to accompany him on his metro-ride home. However - ]
I shouldn't complain. Knowing that jerk, the weather isn't enough to give his only assistant a break. [ Tucking his novel into the pocket of his coat, he approaches the Final Boss From Hell, offering the 'wall' a imprint of his hand afterward, testing out how sturdy it is (it wasn't, thankfully). ]
Jaehee, want to try something out with me? I can't promise that it'll be fun, but it'll totally be a win/win outcome! You'll trust me, right? [ An attempt to lighten the mood with the RFA member he feels the most distant towards.......... ]
Edited (forgot the subject line smh) 2016-12-27 03:57 (UTC)
[ what jaehee had thought would be a simple errand of picking up cat food is quickly turning into more trouble than she initially expected. she didn't exactly prepared to be snowed in upon leaving the office, and she is glad that she at least had the foresight to switch out her heels before heading out. she's also glad that she isn't the only one stuck here with the wall of snow, even though guilt plagues her for troubling zen in the first place. ]
Of course, [ that's said without hesitation, and it even surprises her for a moment after saying it. she doesn't take it back, however. ] What did you have in mind?
[ Caught off guard - at least for a moment. He was an actor, but off stage, Zen's emotions were always worn on his face; wide eyes, slackened smile, he was the obvious recipient of a pleasant surprise. But, it was the boost of confidence required to motivate him a tad. ]
I'm going to bulldoze through the snow! All you have to do is follow close behind. I know it sounds crazy, but there has to be an end to that thing, right?
[ the impulse to feel embarrassed by that admission is quickly pushed aside once zen reveals his ingenious plan. though her distress and incredulity only show on her face through her frown, she's quick to try to dissuade him. ]
It sounds very crazy. I don't think it's a safe idea?
[ it was honestly not meant to come out as a question but jaehee is still trying to wrap her mind around the idea that he wants to literally bulldoze through the snow with his bare hands. ]
There must be another way out. You have a show coming up soon, don't you? You shouldn't overexert yourself more than necessary.
Rather than my show, the longer you're stuck here, the more affected you'll be, right? You barely get any sleep to begin with.
[ Alien, really: someone of Jaehee's prestige, offering even a smidgen of consideration towards a struggling performer like him. Zen tucks in the uprising gratitude, wrapped it in the knowledge that if it weren't for the RFA, their coordinator, a somewhat flippant interaction over the cold-blanched obstruction wouldn't have come into fruition. ]
Besides, this place is pretty huge... It took me awhile to find the bookstore, too.
[ Didn't seem to be budging from his suggested saving grace for the situation. But, he wasn't going to force her to comply, either; Zen doesn't move from where he continued to stand, anticipating consent - or another refusal. He'll live either way. ]
[ sleepless nights aside (when was the last time she actually got a good night's rest? she doesn't remember), the fatigue hasn't raised its head yet. maybe it's the fact that she actually had a chance to leave the office, or maybe it's because of seeing zen in person rather than in the chatroom. jaehee's days usually revolve around the office, her apartment, and jumin; it's not often she gets to see or spend time with anyone else. it's that thought that leads to the realization that she isn't really in much of a hurry to wade through the snow.
but the last thing she wants is to inconvenience zen, who likely has more important things to do than accompany her on mundane errands. jaehee takes what she can get. ]
If you insist on braving the snow, then please allow me to assist you. [ if he thought she would leave the bulldozing to him, he thought wrong. ] Maybe a shovel might make things easier, if we can find one.
[ Zen offers a complying hum in response - outwardly confident, inwardly meek, muffling out the rest of his worries like a reminder as to who he was speaking with. His fingers drummed against his recent purchase, an unconscious distraction and a means to keep a part of him busy, temporarily lured away from his steadily congesting thoughts.
In jest, Zen raises his book, a beat or two after the word 'shovel'. ]
I think we have a volunteer.
[ Hard cover, wrapped air-tight in plastic - it's plausible! Except not really, and he knew that. They needed something sturdier, reliable in size - and maybe he should cut back on his jokes, abide by her suggestions than to divert. After all, she probably had enough of that with her boss - rarely, if ever, listening to her protests, going about life without any regard to how she may feel. ]
But, I shouldn't have a lady participate in any dirty work. Looking around for a detour is way more harmless. Pretty sure I saw another way out near one of the escalators...
[ He begins to walk forward, leading the way, though he wasn't arrogant enough to make-believe that anyone would follow after. So, Zen risks a glance over his shoulder - just to make sure she's still around. ]
You know, if it was anyone else, I bet it would be really easy to get distracted and confused. Being snowed in with you makes things seem less stressful. I bet everyone in the RFA would agree.
[ Filling in the creeping silence with conversation - he was genuine with his praise, but still. ]
[After the fall of Insomnia, Gladio had been sure that Christmas would have been a quiet, subdued affair. All of them were being pulled in different directions, trying to save the world, riding chocobos, fishing... So when Gladio had been told an hour beforehand by a no-nonsense looking Monica that they were having a Christmas party, exchanging gifts, and having cake, Gladio knew better than to argue.
Iggy had quickly and unsurprisingly been roped into helping cook, while Prompto and Noct were on decorating duty. Gladio didn't envy them one bit, and to spare Iris from the bickering that would undoubtedly happened, he ushered his little sister out the door on the premise they would go find a tree.]
Monica is something else.
[If he sounded impressed, it was because he was. Not very many women made it into the Crownsguard, and those that did were usually tougher than the men.
Rubbing the back of his neck tiredly, he shot his sister a sideways glance.]
You know the area pretty well. Where is the best spot to find a good tree?
[ Squall reaches up to scratch the chocobo's neck, gloved fingers threading expertly between feathers without bending or pulling. The chocobo leans into the sensation, releasing a softer, far less demanding kweh, and the corner of Squall's lips twitch in a smile. Then he's back to fastening straps and adjusting fabric, making sure that the chocobo's blanket is secure. An open air stall will keep the wind and snow at bay, but when it comes to warmth, the chocobo's primary source will be its own feathers and the thick blanket covering them. Having slept under said blanket himself on more than one occasion, Squall has no doubt that the chocobo will be fine.
[ It's only after he's ensured the chocobo's comfort for the night that Squall looks to his own. An inn — small, but with a crackling fire visible through a window — is what initially drew his attention to this town. And that's his destination as he heads back into the snow, shoulders raised and chin tucked into the fur along his collar to protect his face from flurries. The jingling of his many belts is oddly amplified to his ears, but maybe that's because few others are out crunching through the fresh powder. ]
[ caesar has no timeframe for when cherche will come back.
surely there had been several paths laid out for him since cherche had left for the war across ylisse. though he had promised, there was nothing binding him into waiting for her. she might understand if caesar had fallen for someone else—a maiden within the village boundaries, a traveler, a woman he had met on a trek outside of his town. cherche was not the only woman (or man) in the world, and caesar was still human, perfectly capable of developing and offering his affections elsewhere.
it was even true that since caesar had fallen for cherche, he might have become even more favored by the women within the village. cherche's stay had wrought new changes within him. he had developed a more humble and hardworking nature. he fought longer, harder battles. he became more self-sufficient, tending his own gardens and animals with the help of few farmhands, working for the benefit of his hometown and sometimes others. he became less of a chauvinistic womanizer and more of a capable, reliable warrior, more than suitable for building a wholesome, stable home with.
still, he would not relent. no matter what pretty faces passed him, anyone could see that his eyes were always elsewhere, looking for cherry streams of hair wrapped neatly in a kerchief. even after what seems like the climax of the war against the Risen—the sky dark for (what they guessed might be) days, the attacks more rampant, the town on the defense rather than the attack—caesar still waits. he understands the risks. his bloodline might sputter out into nothing. cherche might as well be dead. still, he waits for her when the sun finally rises and the town begins rebuilding itself.
today seems no different than the others. caesar is stationed in one of the village's courthouses, working with other councilors over plans to rebuild one of their lost armories. one of the younger soldiers enters and gently interrupts, stating to caesar with an apology that a red-haired woman arrived in town and has been asking for him by name. she was last seen at the tavern that caesar had seen her before she left him for the war. caesar passes along his work to the men in a hurry; they all stammer and scramble to grab his sleeve, but he already escapes out the door and into the town.
he has to calm himself as he enters the tavern again. he's older, more grizzled now; he's heard remarks on how he had retained his features well, but there are signs of aging, more scars, a little more exhaustion. he's changed, he's stronger, surely, but even if she remembers him, would she still love him as he is, the way she claimed to before? he has to keep cool.
he searches through the crowd of people, craning his neck to see over the top of the small crowd. he greets back whoever calls out to him, but they leave him be when they notice how distracted he's become. with little luck, he finally calls out in the crowd: ]
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yama!! THE CLASSICS
[Complain a little louder, Lili.
Of course - she complains about a lot of things, and being snowed in at the airport is going to naturally be near the top of her list. Her scarf falls around her neck as she places her hands on her hips, her pout obvious. There's not much use getting mad at the intercom system that made the announcement though.
But still, she's grumbling quietly to herself.]
They can't expect us to sleep here.
[those chairs aren't even comfortable??]
idk whoever I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE
[A wave of a hand! A jolly smile! A... surprisingly bare face because it looks like this Santa Claus fool apparently didn't commit the whole way to the costume. He's not even fat. What's the deal, Chiaki?
Yet despite the fact that what he's wearing is definitely just a costume, he doesn't even seem cold from the chill of winter. Rather, he's got a grin as warm as the sun and his hands wrapped around an actual giant brown sack that's hefted over his shoulder. So why did he call out to you?]
Did you already receive a gift this year?
[HE'S ON A MISSION.]
i apologize too
but now that he's gotten a better look at him, akaashi doesn't recognize the non-bearded face. maybe he's a transfer student? he doesn't look that much older than him. in any case, akaashi nods, pulling his thick scarf a little further down his face so he can talk properly. he's assuming this guy's doing some sort of charity gift thing; a generous cause. ]
Yes, I have. Thank you.
[ he just came from the volleyball club's Secret Santa Exchange Without Bokuto (tm), in fact. he'll have to remember to bring bokuto's gift tomorrow morning. ]
i'm laughing help akaashi
[UNDAUNTED.
Still though, Chiaki's grinning - tilting his head as he sets a hand on his hip and hums in approval that no one really asked for.]
Truly, it is a merry season, isn't it? For people to be so generous with each other, I am surprised that I managed to catch you after you've already received one!
[And yet—]
But why stop at one? Please, accept one of these presents, my friend!!
[Not even waiting for a response, Chiaki's going to heft the bag that's over his shoulder onto the ground and start digging through to try to figure out what's the best thing to give to a total stranger.
when did they become friends]
his life is suffering
[ it's really a testament to how accustomed he is to dealing with bokuto that chiaki's strange friendliness hardly fazes him. he's pretty sure bokuto considered them to be friends the first day he joined fukurodani's volleyball club, and especially after he became vice captain. having some random santa cosplayer suddenly announce their friendship is hardly the strangest thing he's experience.
but the gift giving, that's a problem. this boy seems nice and if he gives akaashi a gift, then akaashi would feel obligated to return a gift, which he unfortunately doesn't have. purchasing a new gift would require money and he is trying to save most of it for the yakiniku party they promised bokuto at the end of the week. on the other hand, he could give his secret santa gift away, but it's a new pair of knee pads and those are hard to come by, and as nice and cute this boy seems, he's not going to give up his new knee pads. sorry. ]
No, that's fine. [ ah, he's already putting the bag on the ground. why are all excitable people like this?? ] Please save it for someone who has yet to receive one.
i admit i'm not going to make it any better
[And then, as if Chiaki did not hear him—]
Ah, I see! Well, you don't need to worry, there are plenty of gifts here! These are the extra ones after plenty were already distributed to the children. [A sparkly little smile and pleased hum - Chiaki loves kids so much, it's ridiculous. But regardless, he also likes making new friends and so.] What type of practice did you come from? Do you enjoy sports? What are your interests? Hobbies?
[Then - pausing quite suddenly from where he's going through the bag - a look up and he might be a little starry-eyed.]
Do you like sentai?
[No, Chiaki.
You like sentai.]
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I came from volleyball practice. I wasn't very interested in sports to begin with, but I enjoy volleyball. So, I guess that could be considered my main hobby. I don't have an opinion on sentai.
[ he vaguely regrets saying it after being exposed to the sparkle in chiaki's eyes. at least he didn't outright say he wasn't interested in it? ]
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but he's not too bothered by that - he gives a little bit of a grin and a laugh. Then a nod!]
Ahh, good, good! Volleyball sounds like a heart-pounding, exhilarating sport. I don't play it much myself, but it is fun to watch? Then... Hm... Perhaps this one!!
[HE FOUND A GIFT - it's a miracle that he manages to remember what is put in each of the boxes, but he does! ... Or at least he thinks he does.
Which is why he's going to hand Akaashi a brightly colored present! He thinks there's a water bottle inside.
It's actually a pink teddy bear.]
1/2
but anyway, he nods sort of noncommittally at what he says. volleyball is exciting to begin with, he supposes, and it's especially so when you have a temperamental ace for a captain. he's about to suggest chiaki try volleyball sometime when he gets a gift shoved at his face.
should he? open it?? it'd be kind of rude not to, right??? so he does. ]
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words that Chiaki would use if he cursed, but he's trained himself to be G-rated at all times so he doesn't.]
Wh-Wh-Wha....?!
[OOPS.]
No - that's not...! That's not a water bottle?! [no shit, sherlock]
Please don't misunderstand! We just met!!
[foot, meet mouth]
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And we're hardly on first name basis, considering you've yet to introduce yourself.
[ it's not exactly much of a joke, but he tried. ]
I'll pretend I didn't see it.
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I am Chiaki Morisawa, the one with the burning heart! The hero of Yumenosaki Academy...!
[and for some reason that doesn't embarrass him
yet he laughs, shaking his head as he reaches his other hand out]
Ah, but... My deepest condolences, but I cannot accept that gift from you.
[does he think he's trying to flirt back
chiaki no]
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[ it just sounds like he's suffering from heart burn?? don't jinx yourself, chiaki. anyway, when chiaki refuses akaashi just sort of gives him a flat look for a few seconds before he tries to politely push it back into his hands. ]
This isn't a gift to you, I'm returning it. You said it was supposed to be a water bottle. This is false advertising.
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I never do anything falsely!
[Only mistakenly. Accidentally. There's a moment where he looks genuinely concerned before shaking his head all the more vehemently, the little puffball on the end of his hat nearly hitting him in the face with the fierceness of his motion.]
You may still keep it of course - I will retrieve the water bottle...!!
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chiaki being so adamant just makes akaashi regret everything, and he puts more effort into giving the bear back. ]
That's unnecessary, as I've already said I'm returning it. The water bottle is also unnecessary.
[ he's going to put this bear into chiaki's sack and there is nothing he can do to stop him. ]
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[HE'S AMAZED. CONFUSED. DISTRESSED?!
Though Chiaki's a touchy person and that's why he's reaching out to place a hand on Akaashi's shoulder, his brow furrowing.]
My friend... it's the spirit of Christmas!
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Peace is obtained by freeing yourself from materialism.
[ or something. akaashi doesn't really give a shit. he just wants chiaki to take this dumb bear back and stop trying to force gifts on him. ]
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Chiaki is blinking at that, taking the bear if only because-]
How... cool!! Oohh, is that Buddhism? Or your personal mantra?!
Whoa!
[he's easily impressed]
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[ why is he so easily impressed??? please stop. this whole exchange is making him a lot more exhausted than it should. ]
It's not for everyone. Please don't feel the need to deny yourself and others gifts just because of that.
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Ah... well no - I do not think I could adhere to it myself, I am too fond of figures?
But still! To hear someone say it so seriously... How manly! I respect you!!
jaehee ; let me know if i ought to change anything!
... I'm going to be left behind at this rate. [ Not that grabbing a taxi wasn't a possibility. But, he was looking forward to it - the spontaneous purchase of compiled short stories that were supposed to accompany him on his metro-ride home. However - ]
I shouldn't complain. Knowing that jerk, the weather isn't enough to give his only assistant a break. [ Tucking his novel into the pocket of his coat, he approaches the Final Boss From Hell, offering the 'wall' a imprint of his hand afterward, testing out how sturdy it is (it wasn't, thankfully). ]
Jaehee, want to try something out with me? I can't promise that it'll be fun, but it'll totally be a win/win outcome! You'll trust me, right? [ An attempt to lighten the mood with the RFA member he feels the most distant towards.......... ]
looks good to me!
Of course, [ that's said without hesitation, and it even surprises her for a moment after saying it. she doesn't take it back, however. ] What did you have in mind?
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I'm going to bulldoze through the snow! All you have to do is follow close behind. I know it sounds crazy, but there has to be an end to that thing, right?
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It sounds very crazy. I don't think it's a safe idea?
[ it was honestly not meant to come out as a question but jaehee is still trying to wrap her mind around the idea that he wants to literally bulldoze through the snow with his bare hands. ]
There must be another way out. You have a show coming up soon, don't you? You shouldn't overexert yourself more than necessary.
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[ Alien, really: someone of Jaehee's prestige, offering even a smidgen of consideration towards a struggling performer like him. Zen tucks in the uprising gratitude, wrapped it in the knowledge that if it weren't for the RFA, their coordinator, a somewhat flippant interaction over the cold-blanched obstruction wouldn't have come into fruition. ]
Besides, this place is pretty huge... It took me awhile to find the bookstore, too.
[ Didn't seem to be budging from his suggested saving grace for the situation. But, he wasn't going to force her to comply, either; Zen doesn't move from where he continued to stand, anticipating consent - or another refusal. He'll live either way. ]
sorry for the delay!!
[ sleepless nights aside (when was the last time she actually got a good night's rest? she doesn't remember), the fatigue hasn't raised its head yet. maybe it's the fact that she actually had a chance to leave the office, or maybe it's because of seeing zen in person rather than in the chatroom. jaehee's days usually revolve around the office, her apartment, and jumin; it's not often she gets to see or spend time with anyone else. it's that thought that leads to the realization that she isn't really in much of a hurry to wade through the snow.
but the last thing she wants is to inconvenience zen, who likely has more important things to do than accompany her on mundane errands. jaehee takes what she can get. ]
If you insist on braving the snow, then please allow me to assist you. [ if he thought she would leave the bulldozing to him, he thought wrong. ] Maybe a shovel might make things easier, if we can find one.
no worries! you're good!!
In jest, Zen raises his book, a beat or two after the word 'shovel'. ]
I think we have a volunteer.
[ Hard cover, wrapped air-tight in plastic - it's plausible! Except not really, and he knew that. They needed something sturdier, reliable in size - and maybe he should cut back on his jokes, abide by her suggestions than to divert. After all, she probably had enough of that with her boss - rarely, if ever, listening to her protests, going about life without any regard to how she may feel. ]
But, I shouldn't have a lady participate in any dirty work. Looking around for a detour is way more harmless. Pretty sure I saw another way out near one of the escalators...
[ He begins to walk forward, leading the way, though he wasn't arrogant enough to make-believe that anyone would follow after. So, Zen risks a glance over his shoulder - just to make sure she's still around. ]
You know, if it was anyone else, I bet it would be really easy to get distracted and confused. Being snowed in with you makes things seem less stressful. I bet everyone in the RFA would agree.
[ Filling in the creeping silence with conversation - he was genuine with his praise, but still. ]
nanako or any purse owner i am game
nanako?!?
cole kim!!
mERI XMAS HAPPY HOLidAYS!!!
idk my sis iris
Iggy had quickly and unsurprisingly been roped into helping cook, while Prompto and Noct were on decorating duty. Gladio didn't envy them one bit, and to spare Iris from the bickering that would undoubtedly happened, he ushered his little sister out the door on the premise they would go find a tree.]
Monica is something else.
[If he sounded impressed, it was because he was. Not very many women made it into the Crownsguard, and those that did were usually tougher than the men.
Rubbing the back of his neck tiredly, he shot his sister a sideways glance.]
You know the area pretty well. Where is the best spot to find a good tree?
iris.... (or anyone really i'm good)
[ Squall reaches up to scratch the chocobo's neck, gloved fingers threading expertly between feathers without bending or pulling. The chocobo leans into the sensation, releasing a softer, far less demanding kweh, and the corner of Squall's lips twitch in a smile. Then he's back to fastening straps and adjusting fabric, making sure that the chocobo's blanket is secure. An open air stall will keep the wind and snow at bay, but when it comes to warmth, the chocobo's primary source will be its own feathers and the thick blanket covering them. Having slept under said blanket himself on more than one occasion, Squall has no doubt that the chocobo will be fine.
[ It's only after he's ensured the chocobo's comfort for the night that Squall looks to his own. An inn — small, but with a crackling fire visible through a window — is what initially drew his attention to this town. And that's his destination as he heads back into the snow, shoulders raised and chin tucked into the fur along his collar to protect his face from flurries. The jingling of his many belts is oddly amplified to his ears, but maybe that's because few others are out crunching through the fresh powder. ]
u know who
surely there had been several paths laid out for him since cherche had left for the war across ylisse. though he had promised, there was nothing binding him into waiting for her. she might understand if caesar had fallen for someone else—a maiden within the village boundaries, a traveler, a woman he had met on a trek outside of his town. cherche was not the only woman (or man) in the world, and caesar was still human, perfectly capable of developing and offering his affections elsewhere.
it was even true that since caesar had fallen for cherche, he might have become even more favored by the women within the village. cherche's stay had wrought new changes within him. he had developed a more humble and hardworking nature. he fought longer, harder battles. he became more self-sufficient, tending his own gardens and animals with the help of few farmhands, working for the benefit of his hometown and sometimes others. he became less of a chauvinistic womanizer and more of a capable, reliable warrior, more than suitable for building a wholesome, stable home with.
still, he would not relent. no matter what pretty faces passed him, anyone could see that his eyes were always elsewhere, looking for cherry streams of hair wrapped neatly in a kerchief. even after what seems like the climax of the war against the Risen—the sky dark for (what they guessed might be) days, the attacks more rampant, the town on the defense rather than the attack—caesar still waits. he understands the risks. his bloodline might sputter out into nothing. cherche might as well be dead. still, he waits for her when the sun finally rises and the town begins rebuilding itself.
today seems no different than the others. caesar is stationed in one of the village's courthouses, working with other councilors over plans to rebuild one of their lost armories. one of the younger soldiers enters and gently interrupts, stating to caesar with an apology that a red-haired woman arrived in town and has been asking for him by name. she was last seen at the tavern that caesar had seen her before she left him for the war. caesar passes along his work to the men in a hurry; they all stammer and scramble to grab his sleeve, but he already escapes out the door and into the town.
he has to calm himself as he enters the tavern again. he's older, more grizzled now; he's heard remarks on how he had retained his features well, but there are signs of aging, more scars, a little more exhaustion. he's changed, he's stronger, surely, but even if she remembers him, would she still love him as he is, the way she claimed to before? he has to keep cool.
he searches through the crowd of people, craning his neck to see over the top of the small crowd. he greets back whoever calls out to him, but they leave him be when they notice how distracted he's become. with little luck, he finally calls out in the crowd: ]
Cherche?