[ Ayame is hanging out at the shrine for some fresh air; lying down on a bench with a cup of coffee with a straw (actually booze), a sketchbook, and her trusty camera on the ground beside her. She was at a loss. An art block, perhaps? Or something else... Truth is, she watched a talk show earlier and they talked about the topic. It interested her enough that it's all she could think about. She plays with her comm device, lightly tapping it against her chin and lower lip while staring idly at the sky. With a hum, she fires it up and ponders on using the anonymous option to hide her identity to the network. But she decided to just show herself anyway.
Sitting up and fixing her hair, Ayame starts the video ]
Good morning, Genessia. I just have a quick question. Actually a couple. Might seem out of nowhere, but to the point: one - in your opinion, what are good places in this world to go on a date? Two - if you have you ever dated anyone while you were in here, was it worth it?
[ She doesn't really know a lot about things that normal people do, dates being one of them. But she knows enough about it that she can understand people's aversion to it here, since anyone can vanish at anytime. Still, with the alcohol loosening her usually reserved personality up a bit along with her morbid curiosity, she just had to know ]
To those unaware of what a date is. It's modern human vernacular for a time and place for people to meet and get to know each other, often romantically.
[ The sight of a familiar face made Ayame almost smile. Instead, she tilts her head just slightly enough to make a fringe of her hair brush against her raised brows ]
Ah, it's you. Hello again, Dante.
[ A brief smirk did tug on the corner of her lips as her part of greeting to Dante through the small video phone ]
I figured you'd be the beer-loving type, but not of the classics. Bars are frequently decent places to have fun, however. I can see why they make a classic choice.
That is true. But given the nature of this world and how it can sweep away anyone at any moment without warning, it's difficult for me to see why anyone would bother with starting a romantic relationship here.
1. There's a list of tourist attractions in the Welcoming Center brochure, actually. I had a lovely date with Hinata in the Crystal Caves. It's tricky to get the timing right; got to go when the fog's cleared up, but it may just be the most beautiful place in the world. Just watch your step and wear what you don't mind wetting.
2. Yes, I did during Valentine's Day. It was...very lovely. It felt as though we could simply talk and tell the truth to each other all day.
Why try one anywhere? I mean... people can leave anytime even without weird world shenannigans getting in the way. Maybe you don't get along as well as you do as friends, or a job comes up and they have to move, or something else happens.
Being with someone, even for a little, makes the hard parts easier.
The best one I had was at a place called...Nakiba. It's a fancy restaurant where you make your reservations in advance. I say it was the best date because it was the only one I had actually planned for myself. Although my reason for going wasn't for romance...
[ Ayame fell silent at Desmond's response. She is so ignorant on this topic that she didn't even think of that. But his response made Ayame more curious about this issue, and how people find romance ]
In the very least, people can have closure or some time to explain if they leave for a job, or having to move elsewhere.
However, I do see your point. It's just... I've never really heard of this concept of dating until now. I don't understand it fully.
I still have the brochure from my arrival here. But I'm thinking there would be places that aren't listed in there that only the locals or people who've been here long enough would know. My experience in traveling is that you can't always depend on tourist brochures and guide books to show you the best spots. Sometimes, the ones aren't listed are even better.
[ Ayame blinked a couple of times as she was kind of startled by Konoka's energetic introduction. She gives a sheepish half-smile and waves her hand in front of her ]
Oh no no... I was just asking. This is all simple curiosity. I've just never really understood the custom, is all.
[ D'awww. Well Konoka calmed down, momentary disappointment replaced by her usual chipper attitude. ]
Well, dating is really an act of romance. It tells someone that you're interested in them, and want to get to know them more. You also get to go to fun places and see how they mesh with you!
[Try as he might, Xander is unable to hide the look of curiosity on his face. His eyebrows are raised and his eyes are very animated. No trace of his trademark stern glare.]
I can't answer your questions, but I must confess you have me curious. What brought this on? Is there somebody you're interested in?
Haha, quite the opposite I'm afraid. Before that brochure I'd hardly heard of such a place. Perhaps it happened to exist very recently? This places creates so spontaneously. Goodness, you novelists and your love of untrod paths. [He says light-heartedly.]
Well, take it from me that the best place I've seen is, happily, well-known. Goodness, who'd be mean enough to keep it a secret? Though I suppose some pleasures are best enjoyed singularly. There are, I've found, some places that can be made; you remember Trevenant? He's a got a knack for woodland areas, and making space therein.
[ Ayame watches Xander curiously from the small screen of her device while she thought about his questions ]
Oh I simply watched a talk show earlier that spoke of the topic, and now it's my nagging at my curiosity.
[ Ayame shakes her head. Even if dates are a common tradition of her time, Ayame's sheltered life has prevented her from experiencing or knowing about a lot of things that normal people do on their everyday lives. ]
I can't say if there is somebody I'm interested in. At least, I'm not quite sure if my interest in them is of the romantic sort... The more important question is if there is anyone interested in me... I'm unfortunately quite boring.
[ Ayame spoke in her usual refined way with a sheepish smile, showing her last comment as something not stemming from a lack of self-esteem, but rather an acceptance of herself. She is fully aware that most people wouldn't find someone like her to be interesting. With her reclusiveness, unpopular interests and hobbies, and her background, she can't really blame people ]
I don't know who he is or if I even heard of his name before, but I'm glad you have a friend like that. It gives me hope for this world.
[ She isn't necessarily looking for a romantic partner, but rather things to look forward to or give meaning to her life here. Ayame may have started to like how the way things are in Genessia in her first couple weeks stay, but now she's feeling anxious about the future ]
[ Ayame taps her chin with her finger, humming in thought. Maybe a trip to the Crystal Caves is in order for her in the near future. But first, she needs an appropriate outfit ]
Ah, yes. I remember him. He's quite the hugger. How is he doing?
Haha, yes, 'arms' like a python, eh? He's doing as I assume he always will:
merrily. His happiness is almost invincible, which is good, because the
sparring partner I've set him up against never seems to tire of beating on
him. His physical nature seems to be made to withstand much abuse, like the
hardiness and long life of a mighty oak. Nature did well in blessing him
with an equally agreeable emotional nature to go with it. Isn't it
delightfully contrary for something that looks so sinister to be so cheery?
Like the ghost of Christmas Present or something. That's a very consistent
theme with our specters, I find: death has done little to dampen their
spirits. I sometimes wonder if they don't treat death too happily.
[Ayame you set off the motormouth why]
Well, I'm glad you took a liking to him. Women usually find him very
frightful, in spite of his jubilance.
[ Luckily for Ted, Ayame is one of those people who can keep up with listening to motor-mouths. She didn't seem bothered by it, but she did notice how Ted loves to talk. Not that it's a bad thing ]
Not all people are the same, woman or man. I suppose I've just grown used to seeing sentient creatures of all shapes and sizes that Trevenant is not strange to me.
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