estoria | (no subject)

Who: Aoba

aocatch , Clear

gasmaskguy , Koujaku

kaba , and Vietnam

hoasen
When: Monday, December 1
Where: Clear's apartment
What: Family dinner!! Well, two neighbors/good friends and Aoba, but close enough.
Rating/Warning: This is bound to be embarrassing in so many ways.

[ Having some time off from work during a weekday had left Clear with an abundance of free time, but he's made good use of it, he thinks! While his friends and Aoba were busy at their own jobs, he got an early start preparing a nice dinner for the four of them to share. It wasn't a grandiose idea, really, but he felt it to be an important one - a necessary ritual shared among good company. It promoted a sense of familiarity, home, and happiness.

Of course, he didn't believe that Aoba or Koujaku had the privilege of meeting Vietnam yet, but when he sent out texts asking them to share a meal at his place tonight, he assured them that the additional 'new friend' that he'd invited was a very kind person that they were sure to like! As for Vietnam, he'd asked for the opportunity to introduce her to Aoba-san♡ and their cool friend from home. They're sure to get along well, he juuust knows it!!) ]

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[ Well she escaped him. No wonder he feels a little put out. This is just too awkward. ]

Yeah, but… [ Fuck this is embarrassing. He straightens up with an apologetic smile. ]

Why don't we head off somewhere a little quieter for a minute? [ He's sorry Aoba but this is Important. ]

[She tilts her head, exactly what is he worried about?]

Alright, where to?

[Outside in the hallway? Although she thinks they should still be within range for Clear and Aoba to call out to them.]

There's good. [ He'll just lead Vietnam to the opposite corner of the room, near the speakers. These are some really fancy digs Clear's got in here. Wonder if it's real.

He's not gonna poke them. Not yet. ]

I, uhh, I might've just told you something embarrassing is all. I didn't say anything, um… [ inappropriate? ] &helli;y'know…

[And she follows! Damn seriously, he's been really well off, either way.

Aren't they tempting.]

Something embarrassing? I'm not sure how embarrassed you felt, but nothing really happened that day, no? [Seriously all they had was some food. And really, she still didn't realise he was Talking Dirty. Had a feeling, but since he never acted on it, she gave him the benefit of the doubt.]

[ She's way too merciful tbh, but he is visibly relieved at that. ]

No, I guess not. [ Should he really be kind of disappointed about this? ] It's hard to remember, anyway. It all kinda felt like a dream.

[Which is a good thing! Because now she's found out he's Clear's friend, she doesn't want this to get awkward. Apparently, more awkward on his behalf (then again, he did mistaken lunch as boning and lunch outside as exhibitionism.)

Also Koujaku, why are you making it sound like you're sad they didn't pork.]

I can tell you what happened. At least, from my perspective. You seemed to be shocked by the concept of dining outside. In the end we had ramen, and it was nice.

[ Hey he's heartsick and confused!! Give him a break here. ~~As if.~~ ]

Ramen. [ He almost wants to laugh. Hysterically. ]

Yeah, that really was kinda weird. [ Weird, how? He can't bring himself to say it—not in this company or anywhere else. ]

[He's getting as much of a break she could give him!!! What a dude.]

Ramen. Not a fan of ramen normally? [Like she would know, since she didn't know what he was really like then.]

I am guessing you are usually not like that?

Yeah…that. Not like that. [ At least not usually, but he doesn't want to disappoint her, after all. ]

Not that, y'know, it was pretty fun sharing some of that ramen with you, anyway.

Oh goodness, then I apologise! You agreed to it then, but I didn't know. Had you told me, I would've lead you elsewhere. [At least he tried :(]

It was fun, but I think it would have been better for you if you were eating something you liked. Which is...?

No! No. [ He could say this forever, but he'll stop. It feels really weird to say no to a girl though. Shit, he's still getting used to that. ]

The ramen's great. [ Even though it isn't his favorite, but come on he can't ask for miracles here. ]

And so was the company. [ He tries a smile. ]

[He's just like on a denial day, god. Which means she knows he's trying. Hey, she can be helpful too!]

Even so, it could've been better, no? A place and time where you can be yourself.

I do owe you lunch this time. What do you prefer to eat?

Well… I really like home cooking. [ Might as well take her up on it, and hey, it's no lie. ]

But you really don't have to—

[HOME COOKING? Done, that's the easiest solution. There's no fighting this.]

Alright, home cooking it is. You need only pick the time and place.

[ And it's probably cheaper too??? ]

Hey, it's your place. Unless you wanna cook at mine? [ Which will be kind of weird but sure??? ]

[DAMN STRAIGHT she's all in for the cheap sales. Sorry if it's not like wagyu beef steaks, Koujaku.]

I do not mind offering my place. If you could excuse it for being a little bare. But I have all the basics, so it is still comfortable! [Whoa Koujaku don't underestimate the power of your place, it's got true CG power.

[ Hey we can't all cook like Tae-san now can we— ]

I know it will be. [ And since she's insisting on treating him anyway, he'll bring over a nice bottle of wine or something. Can't let go of tradition, and all. ]

I'll look forward to it, Vietnam. [ Their life is just a whole big bundle of food, isn't it… ]

[Wow is that a challenge.]

Ah, you will have to see it first, but I do hope it really will be the case. [Hey, she's not complaining about freebies if it's not the whole lunch since she insisted! So she'll welcome it.]

I look forward to it too. Please tell me your availability so I will be able to set a date! [He needs to eat more anyway, it's good for his brain.]

[ UM… ]

You're on. But I'll contact you later. Gotta make sure someone can cover for my shift at the club. [ His hairdressing business will be fine. He's his own boss, anyway.

Yep, his brain definitely needs more nourishment. ]

[Look she might not be a grandma BUT...BUT A COMPETITION...]

Yes, of course! Do not think you need to rush, it is only lunch. [Wow closing for the day, too wild! But yes the club needs actual muscles to take thugs down in this seedy as heck place.] How is work thus far?

[There see, she's looking out for him. His hair can't do all the work.]

[ VIETNAM NO. /SLAPS HAND ]

It's doing great. [ He guesses she means the club stuff? ]

You're not much of a drinker, are ya? I don't see you around there. [ Maybe because it's seedy?? ]

[SLAPS HIS HAND FIRST!

He guessed right too!]

That is good! And not usually, I only go if I have a reason to. I'm not against it, so perhaps I can go to visit one day?

I’ll look forward to it. The place isn’t half bad if you’re looking for a good drink. [ Besides, between him and Yang the hooligan population thereabouts has been surprisingly minimal during their shifts. Yay? ]