[Accidental Video/Action if wanted]

[alwaysimpaled]

[The video feed clicks on with an extreme close up of a Tepig nose. The little scamp was climbing over Dante's stuff again. Dante, however was sitting just behind the Pokemon at his desk, feet up on the desk, Nevan in his lap. He simply stares off into space, idly strumming an oddly somber tune on the demon guitar. From time to time, he glances back over his shoulder at the massive fleshy blade hanging on the wall in a sort of position of honor. This goes on for around three minutes before Dante glances toward his device, noticing the feed is on and reaching over to pick it up.]

I'm going to have to start calling you Nuisance if you keep this up, guy.

[And unceremoniously the feed clicks off.]

Comments

[action]

[captain_by_the_book]

[ It's actually not the video that draws Cassian's attention, but the music coming from the other room.

Even song aside, Dante seems a lot more somber than usual. It's enough to hold Cassian back from snapping about playing music during work time, and instead just watch him solemnly. The Swablu having made a nest of his hair as usual chirps her approval of the music. ]

I didn't know you like music.

[action]

[alwaysimpaled]

[He shrugs.]

I like to think of myself as a sort of classic rock buff.

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Cassian shoots him a little grin. ]

That tells me nothing, but if it's anything like what you've been playing, I might come to like it... but maybe in your free time, hm?

[alwaysimpaled]

[Dante gives an indignant huff.]

You act as if I've been shirking my duties. I'll have you know I've got all my paperwork done for the day, and have already gone on patrol. I'm on lunch break right now.

[And indeed, Cassian would find all of Dante's paperwork actually done and filed correctly. Quicksilver is a godsend when doing paperwork.]

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Cassian shoots him a pointedly incredulous look and hesitates, tempted to actually check up on it. But that would be the kind of move his own superior would have pulled, and annoyed him endlessly with. He huffs and crosses his arms over his chest. ]

Then I'll just tell you to keep up the good work, and commend you on your dedication to paperwork. [ He lets a heartbeat pass. ] Maybe I'll cite you as a good role model to your colleagues.

[ Text ]

[mortal_son]

That's the weirdest sword I've ever seen.

[ Text ]

[alwaysimpaled]

i mean you're not wrong. i've got quite the collection

[ Text ]

[mortal_son]

Straight out of that "demon world"?

[ Text ]

[alwaysimpaled]

it's a tad more complicated than that, but the short answer is yes.

[k2so]

I didn't know you played music. I like the song, even if it's a bit melancholic.

[alwaysimpaled]

Eh, I usually do more upbeat stuff. Just feeling a bit... contemplative today.

[k2so]

I see. Did something happen? Or it's just one of those days?

[Cassian got moods too, mostly back at home.]

[alwaysimpaled]

I was just thinking. I'm not used to going this long in relative peace. Back home, I'm usually out on a job every month, with big one coming along every year or so.

Here, I've got more time to think than I've ever had. Not that this is a bad thing or anything.

video;

[unhappy]

How'd it turn your device on?

[ She just sounds honestly curious, since you can't even get someone else's device open without their DNA/memory set match. Otherwise there are so many people she would mess with. ]

video;

[alwaysimpaled]

He didn't. He just made the video public. I usually have the video thing making a private video to myself when I want to cut down distractions. Keeps any other alerts from coming through.

video;

[unhappy]

They do say pigs are supposed to be smart. You know you can just turn it off though, right?

[ She's kind of disappointed, she was hoping there was some kind of mystical hacker pig on the loose. She'd go 100% team rocket and steal it if that were the case. ]

video;

[alwaysimpaled]

I could, but this lets me flip back to my notifications faster in case someone tries to contact me. Turning it on and off takes too much time.

Video

[savage_nymphxii]

So you're a musician. I'll have to keep that in mind if I ever meet you in person.

[Larxene likes musicians. She finds them intriguing. She also finds that creature intriguing, which is the main reason why she's contacting... the decor in the background helped.]

I'm Larxene. New here. What's that thing you're keeping as a pet?

Video

[alwaysimpaled]

I wouldn't say I'm a musician by trade. This is more of a hobby really.

[Dante leans to one side, scooping up the Tepig who swiftly snuggles up to Dante.]

This guy? He's what ya call a Pokemon. A Tepig specifically.

Video

[savage_nymphxii]

A hobby sounds like it would be even better. I'm sure it's better than using it to try and survive on the side of a street with tips. You sounded good, if it's worth anything.

[Almost smiles because she can't help but think that the little Tepig is kind of adorable.]

What an oddly appropriate name for a creature that looks like a pig. A "pokemon," huh? [Sighs, giving up.] Okay, it's cute. Are there other creatures like it?

Video

[alwaysimpaled]

Why thank you. I'll always take praise from a beauty like you~

[He chuckles and lets the Tepig down where it scampers off to get into more mischief.]

Oh yeah. Though I don't think you're going to be able to find any that don't belong to anyone now.

[Private Video]

[zenoh]

[ Later that night, Ayame just got back home from Fayren, and just taking a little break before she gets dinner and do whatever it is she has scheduled for tonight. When she appears at the video screen, she can be seen in front of a classy Blüthner grand piano that she recently purchased, and placed in her living room. Ayame is playing the same tune of Dante's guitar earlier, with Hibiki watching her curiously and guarding the glass of whisky on top of the piano. All just to acknowledge and subtly send a message that she saw his video earlier, and as her way to ask what's going on. If there is any ]

Hello Dante. Want to grab some dinner tonight?

Re: [Private Video]

[alwaysimpaled]

[Ayame was a sight for sore eyes that's for sure. And she had a habit of helping him forget his own issues.]

I'd love to. Got any ideas?

[zenoh]

[ Ayame hums thoughtfully as she continues on with her playing, thinking of her options. She lets her fingers off the keys to gently clutch that glass of whisky for a sip, and a quick stroke of Hibiki's chin with her fingers. ]

Hmm... Hibiki votes steak.

[ Luckily, she knows a good steakhouse in Attleton's suburban "downtown" area that she's been meaning to go to, a little romantic place to hang out especially at night, with the nice atmosphere provided by the small stream next to it, decorated with warm string lights and indistinct music. Ayame puts the glass down on the piano, feeling a little proud of her choice. It's a casual enough place that Dante wouldn't need to dress up, and she wouldn't look so out of place with her business-y look ]

Meet me at the creekside steakhouse. You'll know what it is. I'll get us a table now, so just show up. I shouldn't be hard to spot.

[ And with that, Ayame stands up and drops the video call. Instantly, she was there in the restaurant, requesting a table for two on the outside patio where Ayame is already seated. She gives Dante a warm smile once he arrives, beckoning him over with a raised hand, which she later uses to tuck a wisp of hair behind her ear when she feels herself faintly blushing. ]

Hey.

[alwaysimpaled]

Hibiki is a smart cat. [He nods as if he just heard some sage and timely wisdom.]

I'll be there.

[He may have been a couple minutes late, but he shows up fairly promptly. He smirks as he approaches, guitar case slung over his shoulder. Of course he didn't bring Nevan but never left home without Rebellion.]

Well don't you look absolutely stunning tonight. I gotta ask... [He smirks, lowering his voice as he takes a seat across from Ayame.] ...are you on the menu~?