(closed)

[harepiece]

Who: Oz & Friends: The Musical
When: Post-event
Where: Out and about in the city
What: Various nerd bonding moments
Warning: None!

elsa;
[After all the chaos of Fortune-Telling Week From Hell settles down, it's time to make good on that promise for tea! Elsa seems like a neat person to know, after all, and even if their topic at the time had been a little heavy, that's just all the more reason to get to know her a little better. That sort of burden is hard to carry alone.

So after giving the directions and setting a time, Oz can be found sitting outside of the cafe in question. He's got something folded on his lap and seems to be alternating between people-watching and checking his phone, buzzing with the quiet excitement of meeting someone new.]

mabel;
[GUESS WHERE MABEL AND OZ ARE. That's right, on the best friend date ever. Ever. It's only just started and Oz is already having a great time, pressing his face against the CyBuddy displays and being stupidly excited in general over all these weirdass animals. Ciel has his big fat owl, so maybe said owl needs a companion...!

He stops in front of one display in particular though, where a very small dog with very large ears sits at attention, ready and waiting for the next customer to come test its functions. Instead of doing that, Oz just points with GREAT VIGOR and calls over to wherever Mabel happens to be moseying about, clearly excited.]

Mabel! Come look at this one! Look at its ears—!!

[This dog must be stopped.]

taka;
[It's nerd time in the library, time for all library nerds to go perusing at their collective leisure...! SO OF COURSE OZ IS HERE, looking around the shelves for anything that's been added since the last time he'd visited. Nothing really catches his eye yet; even with all of the books here, he's already read his way through most of the fiction section that had struck immediate interest and has yet to find anything actually useful in the non-fiction section, outside of how-to manuals for technological devices. He's almost at the end of the row by the time he spots it-

The familiar spines all lined up in a neat row. Finally. FINALLY.]

They have it—!!

[Oops, were you trying to read in a peaceful corner or actually get some work done?? IT IS PEACEFUL NO MORE, since Oz doesn't know how to use volume control when he's excited.]

yoon;
[Now that Oz has taken up trying to cook some things on his own, it also means that he has to learn to shop for groceries on his own... And normally, he isn't too bad at that! He actually has a fairly good idea of what makes a balanced meal and knows what he likes, so it doesn't take long to finish up and he doesn't spend time lingering in the aisles.

Today is unfortunately not one of those days. Living in the House of Eternal Sweet-tooth means that candy is never in short supply, but with all of the crazy goings-on lately, it's been a little hard to remember to restock the candy jar. Today, the grocery store happens to be having a buy 1 get 1 free sale, too, which means that all of the soup stocks and vegetables and fruits in Oz's cart are buried under a literal mountain of candy.

A mountain that goes sLIDING RIGHT OVER IN AN AVALANCHE when Oz takes a turn too quickly, burying the feet of anyone who happens to be nearby. SO, YOU, YOON. You are the chosen one.]

Oh— sorry about that! I guess I put a little too much in here. [An Understatement™. Oz will immediately move to start picking various bags of M&Ms and jolly ranchers up, though, because he's not a rudeass who makes other people clean up for him.]

ciel;
[IT'S 10AM, DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR OZES ARE?

In the kitchen, tiredly stirring around his oatmeal in an absent-minded way. Horror of horrors, there aren't even any sprinkles in it today.

Even though he tried his best to get some sleep the night before, he couldn't manage it. He's been wound with anxious energy for hours now, and it's exhausting, but there's no reprieve in sight just yet and even if there was, he probably wouldn't take it. He's got a lot of things to think about, some clothing to throw away, and apologies to make - later, after the general insanity dies down. But that leaves him in a limbo of sorts for the time being, and it's why he's staring somewhat absently out the window whenever Ciel moseys out of his sleep coma for the day.

His attention still snaps over regardless, and Ciel gets the same cheery:]

Morning!

sheba;
["I'll be meeting you for tea once all of this is straightened out." WELL THINGS ARE STRAIGHTENED OUT NOW!! And Oz, who needs to check up on everyone that he's watching out for anyway, will take any reason to make the standard "so did you survive" conversation pass a little more smoothly. Good lord, he's going to become one of the cafe's most valued customers in less than a week at this rate...

But that's why he's standing out in the apartment hall at around noon a few days after things settle back down again, knocking on Sheba's door.]

Sheba? It's Oz! Are you here?

[Maybe he should have tried calling first?! What a moron.]

Comments

[yooknowit]

[ ... WHY. WHO BUYS THIS MUCH CANDY? Oz does, apparently. The very thought sends a chill down Yoon's spine. The heart-attack burgers from McCERES and TGICERES alike were already disturbing for him. This is not helping at all. What's with people of the future, really! ]

Hey, I know this isn't any of my business. But I hope you're buying this much for a good reason.

[ Such as, maybe, opening his own candy shop. The amount is sufficient enough for a candy stall! ]

[harepiece]

[OZ DOES INDEED BUY THIS MUCH CANDY and shockingly Yoon is the first person to actually even remotely mention that it probably isn't healthy. Between the people who have been privy to their candy drawers in the apartment and the ones who know that Oz goes out for sweets so often, Yoon is The Only One™... Truly a miracle.

So he actually doesn't entirely know how to respond to that?! Like wow, it's almost as if he has no real conception of how unhealthy a mountaincart of candy is.]

Ah— Well! I'm buying it because we ran out...

[Is... is that an acceptable reason??]

[yooknowit]

"We," as in?

[ Young man, we need to talk. Yoon's motherly senses have picked up something; whether it is a good thing or not is yet to be determined. In the first place, he doesn't agree with anyone eating more than necessary. That's why it's called unnecessary intake or gluttony! If no one has ever called Oz out on it before, then clearly fate's answer is Yoon. This is for his own good.

Oz's expression reminds Yoon of a child caught taking cookie from the jar before dinner time. That makes him stare further. ]

I'm not expecting you to listen to a stranger, but at least reconsider your own actions. Hasn't anyone else told you that eating this much, much less sweets, is bad for you? Even if you disregard that, the amount of credits you waste should still be alarming!

[harepiece]

[IT'S AN EXPRESSION OF SHOCK BECAUSE HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE YOON AT ALL. Unfortunately, eating like an unhealthy moron is a side-effect of being raised as a noble... Even though he had been banned from the kitchen for pre-dinner sweets, he was almost always given what he wanted in the end and his massive sweet tooth from hell had never really diminished accordingly. While he's used to things like Ms. Kate yelling "don't spoil your meal!", this is truly an experience on its own level...]

It's not going to be eaten all at once! And it's not just for me, either—! [FOR SOME REASON HE FEELS THE NEED TO DEFEND HIMSELF... As if any of that will make him look like less of an embarrassment with way too much candy.]

Besides, there's a sale today...

[yooknowit]

[ Shrink more. Yoon doesn't like it if he witnesses people being so careless over their blessings. He can't help it due to how he was brought up. He feels this driving desire to correct people, especially the young ones, if he can. Farms don't grow by themselves, after all! Oz's answer doesn't satisfy him either, as it's merely a case of being spoiled. It seems no one has bothered to properly discipline him. ]

That doesn't change anything. Did you stop and think? Just look at your cart.

[ With such an intense amount, even a sale wouldn't matter. It will still devour a huge chunk of credits. ]

Even if you share them and reserve them for later, such an amount could even last a whole year. You can even risk expiration! What is the point of keeping that much? Sales will happen again later. You can restock properly then; it will only tempt you to devour larger amounts this way!

[cheats]

Ergh.

[ For once, the sound that Ciel responds with isn't a "friendship is disgusting"-ergh, but a "I am still sleepy despite slipping into a small coma"-ergh. Still. At this point, he's at least more used to having someone around when he wakes up, which had taken a while, so he raises his hand lightly in greeting before it moves to cover his mouth as he yawns. ]

Good morning... [ Ciel has to wake up first, which is why he wanders over to the kitchen to start making tea, which he's at least learned to do, since it's Important. ]

What time is it?

[harepiece]

[FIFTY SHADES OF ERGH... At least Oz is pretty good at distinguishing between friendship erghs, "this shit is gross" erghs, "I don't want to do this" erghs and "I'm still partially in a sleep coma" erghs by this point. He lets his spoon come to rest against the side of his bowl, favoring turning to talk to Ciel without awkwardly craning his head instead.]

Ah— [Dipping his hand into his pocket to take out his TRUSTY POCKET WATCH, which he pretty much always carries with him.]

It's a little past ten. What time did you get to sleep last night?

[cheats]

The same as usual.

[ Which is generally early, since Ciel is (a grandpa) a kid and has trouble staying up late... Ciel doesn't say as much, since he never does, but he hadn't slept very well the previous night either, but it wasn't for any particular reason. It was the usual for him.

He sets the kettle on the stove, then starts to dig around for his favorite Earl Grey tea, but finding the celebratory tea mug first, he grabs that. ]

What about you? You were out when I retired last night.

[harepiece]

[HOW DOES CIEL SLEEP SO MUCH?? Questions that Oz still doesn't have the answer to months later...

But he repockets the watch after that, setting his elbow down against the table and using the flat of his palm to prop his chin up.]

You know, I read a story from the library here that I think you should read, too. It's about a man who fell asleep once and didn't wake up until years and years later. I wonder if he was your ancestor...?

[IN TOP SHITTERY FORM ALREADY... Kind of, anyway. Ciel might still be a little too asleep to notice, but the comment doesn't flow as smoothly as teasing from him usually does. The question makes any stilt stand out a little more starkly, since he actually pauses before answering, though it's very brief.]

I ran into someone from home who was having a little trouble after my shift finished, so I stayed out later than I thought I'd be. You sleep like a real grandpa, but I was careful coming back in just in case.

[cheats]

[ He is indeed still too asleep to notice, so he just levels Oz a flat, unimpressed stare across the kitchen's bar. There's a part of him that's genuinely irritated and annoyed by that comment beyond his usual levels, but he's also not going to reveal why. It's something that he wanted Oz to be ignorant of, which is why Oz's care in coming home was unnecessary, ultimately. Ciel's room was so soundproofed that it wasn't needed.

Ciel grumbles in irritation, but continues to pull out his tea once he's given that unimpressed look. ]

Which one this time, then?

[uncoincidental]

[The door opens and JENNA APPEARS WITH A FLAMETHROWER. No, I'm kidding, it's just Sheba, who wasn't really expecting him because he's a nerd who didn't call first, so she actually looks a little surprised to see him. That surprise melts into a smile soon enough.]

What were you going to do if I said "no"?

[But then she steps aside and gestures for him to come in. She has the sneaking suspicion that this might be about having tea (since they'd somewhat tentatively made plans for it), but even if it is, she's going to have to clean up a little first so Jenna isn't left with a mess on her hands when she comes back. The living room is pretty standard as far as living rooms go, but there are a few cuttings of sheer fabrics in various shades of purple and red spread out over the coffee table.]

Sorry, it's a little messy... I was working on something.

[harepiece]

I'd call, I guess!

["I guess". He doesn't even have the excuse of not being used to the technology here?! Like he's not super used to it yet, but he definitely knows it well enough to send texts and messages now...

He doesn't seem too bothered by the potential near-miss, that said, and tromps in merrily after her once he's been invited.]

Oh— Are you sewing something? [CURIOSITY PIQUED. He'll get to the actual reason for inviting himself over soon...]

[uncoincidental]

[Oz please... Sheba chuckles and shuts the door behind him, then heads back over to the coffee table and gathers up the cloth.]

Kind of. I need to replace some things in my room. [Namely, the drapes over her bed that Jenna set on fire... whoops.] I can't decide which colors I like best, but I'll figure it out sooner or later.

[She tilts her head to one side and studies him curiously.] So, is this about the tea, or did you have another reason for coming over?

[harepiece]

[Ah... YEAH. Destruction had kind of run rampant, hadn't it... Oz needs to replace some things in his room too, so she just gets a understanding "ah", and he lets the topic lie there.

He's easily sidetracked by the question, anyway. It's met with a nod!]

Is now a good time? Things seem to have calmed down a little.

[uncoincidental]

Now is fine! Ah - hold on...

[She holds up one finger and darts down the hall to the door to her room, which she opens just long enough to toss the fabric inside. A mess is acceptable as long as Jenna doesn't have to see it, apparently...

When she returns, she grins.]

Let's go!

[thirdarrow]

[ Takakage actually jumps upon hearing Oz's voice - not just from the volume, but also from the recognition. His eyes immediately goes to where Oz was excitedly pouring over the shelf, and a twinge of guilt settles in his stomach once he recognizes what it is.

They had probably already been there for a few days - just that he didn't notice. Nevertheless, he rises from his seat to greet his friend. ]

Good morning, Oz. I see they finally updated this section, hmm?

[ he should probably have noticed it a few days ago but well ]

[harepiece]

[Oz certainly doesn't seem to care if he happens to be a few days late, because the important part is HE'S HERE NOW. He beat Elliot and anyone else who might want to start or finish reading Holy Knight, and now the entire shelf is packed full of the volumes he hadn't reached yet. TODAY IS A GLORIOUS DAY, TAKAKAGE.

He turns on his heel, hands already full... of books... But Takakage will be greeted with just as much enthusiasm as ever - even more than usual, actually.]

Takakage! Good morning! [HE CAN BARELY CONTAIN HIMSELF.] They did— take a look! That's every volume of Holy Knight to date!

[thirdarrow]

[ To prevent them from getting kicked out of the library, he puts a finger to his lips before glancing around to see if anyone had heard. Not yet, which is a good thing. ]

Oh my, that is certainly impressive. [ He shifts slightly to take a look at the numbers on the spines - yep, that should be it. It's interesting how books from their worlds just appear spontaneously. ]

I suppose you will be buried in them for the days to come, yes?

[harepiece]

Ah— Sorry! [At least that's enough to ground him a little, even if he's still so wrapped up in BOOK HEAVEN that he doesn't even look around to make sure he didn't disturb anyone.

The question has him looking back down at the books, though. AS MUCH AS HE'D LIKE TO-]

I told a lot of people about them, so I want them to be able to read it first. [He'll shift through his pile for a second before finding the first volume, holding it out.] Here! If you still want to take a look, that is.

sorry for late!

[shivered]

[Elsa is a little nervous. It's her first out-for-tea. Sure when she was very little, she and Anna would have tea parties, but that had been years and years ago, playing pretend long forgotten after her long isolation. So it's new! And a bit intimidating.

But Oz had been very sweet when they spoke, despite the seriousness of their first conversation. So nervous though she may be, she's excited too.

So as she makes her way to the cafe, there's a tentative smile on her face, one that only widens when she catches sight of bright blond hair. She makes her way over before tentatively piping up.] Oz?

[He's littler in person than she expected. ...cute.]

no worries at all!!

[harepiece]

[HE IS..... definitely not as tall or as bulky as he'd like, it's true. At a whopping 5'3", he has a bigger personality than actual physical presence. BUT HE SURE CARRIES HIMSELF WELL ENOUGH TO MAKE UP FOR IT. As soon as he hears his name, he's bounding up from the bench, tucking his phone into his pocket. The item that had been folded seems to be some kind of paper, which he slips into a different pocket, and then he's trotting over with a sunny smile.]

Miss Elsa - good morning! You didn't have any trouble finding this place, did you? I still get lost when I leave the main roads sometimes...

[Even though this place isn't far from the main road at all but still. Gotta make sure!!]

[shivered]

[Elsa's expression melts into a smile at the question. So polite. In a way it reminds her of home more than many of her interactions here have. She shakes her head.] Only a little lost.

[She admits, sheepishly.] But I did find it. I'm just not used to being anywhere besides the castle yet. I'm getting better though.

[And she made it here, so that's testament to that.]

[harepiece]

[Nodding along as she explains! Even though he's used to being an Adventurer by now and all, he still got lost a whole bunch when he first arrived... The set-up of a big city like Cerealia is just entirely different from what he's used to, so it seems like he entirely understands.]

It's definitely harder to find your way if you aren't used to wandering around in cities. Oh, but it gets easy pretty fast! The more you look around, the faster you can pick up how the streets are laid out and things like that.

[IT'S A SAVING GRACE. But Oz turns to the front door after that, gesturing with one hand.]

Do you want to sit inside or outside?

Quietly slips in here...

[ineptus]

[She's at Oz's side in a flash, peering at the dog in question with a bright smile.]

Oh my gosh it's so cute! What do you think those big ears are even for? Other than making it look absolutely adorable.

[At this point Mabel was ready to put the "best friend" stamp on Oz. Like really, this guy is way too nice and they seem to like a lot of the same things. And he goes out on friend dates. What's not to like?]

whispers mabel party hour has begun...

[harepiece]

[BEST FRIEND STAMP. Oz will cherish it whenever he ends up earning it. What a beautiful stamp award to win...

But he's just as excited about this puppy and its TOP TIER ADORABLENESS and seems pleased that Mabel knows exactly what's what here. This puppy is now king of the shop in his heart.]

I don't know! Maybe it's got some sort of... voice function thing? Or maybe it can record things by listening? Or maybe it's just designed to be disarmingly adorable for top-secret missions?!