[Akechi would probably actually hate the French, so if he ever somehow takes Amber for a visit in his world he would abstain from taking her to France wholeheartedly. Japan has plenty of passable French cafes to sustain them. He laughs, shaking his head.]
From what I understand, the French people are actually very haughty and annoying. I've never been to France, or anywhere in Europe, so I can't speak of personal testimony. [I forget if he started a kettle but we'll pretend he did-- when it starts whistling he claims it and pours the boiling water into the press.] French Kissing, French Fries, French Bread..., a French Press. [He gestures neatly.] French Lavender, French Vanilla... [He brings his hand to his mouth and sets his first knuckle against his lips, thinking. It smushes his lips up funny.]
Haughty and annoying? How can the people from a country that makes such wonderful things be like that!?
( to her, it makes no sense! France sounds like a paradise!! lord help him if she does go to his world because she Will Want To Experience France. the more he describes, the more her face lights up. )
Kissing, fries, bread, coffee, lavender, vanilla...! ( she sighs! ) What a paradise! I'd give anything to go to the real life France to try all of these things in their place of origin. I'll bet there's no greater joy than drinking French coffee with a French pastry ... in France!
( she flicks a playful smile at him, then giggles. )
And, uh, we can get a spot that's super isolated away from everyone. Just so we can enjoy amazing coffee and bread without any haughty people bothering us!
[He just watches her Be Excited, and is distinctly reminded, once again, of Sumire. He turns back to his French Press, despite it needing absolutely not monitoring, and sets his hands at the back points of his pelvis, turned inward against his waist.]
France is pretty far from Japan, but I suppose if ever presented the chance I could escort you. Though I don't speak very much French.
Oh...! ( Amber makes a high, excited little squeal when the inflection in her voice pitches sharply. )
You would do that? For me...? ( she laughs happily. ) That would be such a dream come true! I always ... ( the woman softens her excitement, and smiles. ) I always dreamed of travelling places. Getting out there, seeing the world! I want to see how deep the rabbit hole goes. And I suppose language barriers would be one of the challenges of the trip, right? But it helps it feel like an adventure! Like ... "I'm definitely not at home", is what I'd think to myself.
[He doesn't quite flinch at the sound, but he does startle slightly.]
I see no reason not to, though it seems to be a very hypothetical, and moreover improbable scenario. [He looks her over as she once again provides an insight he hadn't considered. He worries about things like language barriers because he is analytical to a fault, and she just views it as part of the experience. It gives him pause.]
[He turns back to the French Press, then, and slowly depresses the plunger at the top of it.] ...that's a unique way to look at it.
( sorry 4 startling him with her enthusiasm LMAO )
Is it? ( Amber pushes out a soft, airy giggle. ) Glad you think so, I suppose!
( unlike Akechi, she lives her life by what she feels, rather than analysing the outcome. it may loan for some pretty impulsive actions, but there's undoubtedly a whole lot of fun that comes coupled with that. not to mention her outlook on life is one where she likes to indulge in the mundane and have everything feel new and refreshing.
once the aroma of coffee reaches her nostrils, she takes in a deep breath and hums out an approving sound. )
Mmmmmm. Oh my goodness ... that smells amazing.( if he can make a great cup of coffee, then that is yet another arrow flying through Amber's heart. )
[He's an introvert and no amount of incorrect character-assigned mbtis will convince me otherwise, he's easily startled by enthusiasm.]
[He wouldn't call the coffee great. It's passable-- it took a fair amount of tweaking to figure out how he liked it best when made this way, because he had no instructions, and furthermore no google to look it up. He drums his fingertips against the top, shrugging.] Don't get your hopes up too high. It can't hold a candle to many cups of coffee I've had.
[GOOD LUCK ENFORCING THAT RULE, AMBER... Nihilism is one of his greatest strengths.]
[He hums, shrugging and pulling down two mugs-- they're both covered in the same jagged black and white as is seen throughout the place. Pouring them both about three-quarters full, he sets one in front of Amber and then leans on the counter, inhaling the steam rising off his own.] Do you take any cream or sugar?
( Does this girl need any sugar, Akechi. Does she. But no, Amber's tastes are geared towards dark roasts and bitterness. A stark contrast to her bouncy personality. )
[He's surprised, actually. His eyebrows climb for space and he nods, taking a slurping sip of his own like he's doing a fucking coffee tasting at Starbucks, and can't help the slight smile that softens his features.]
( She notices that smile, and finds it charming. Seeing his face brighten with a smile after her suggestion for this makes her feel so glad that she did.
Next, Amber blows on the cup and takes a good whiff of the aroma, before taking a sip herself ... not long after, her face also brightens in a warm smile. )
Mmm. Wow! This is brewed to perfection! ( He's so good at this ... ) Oh, it's so good ... I don't think I've had coffee this good since I arrived in this place. ( Time for another sippy. She's so happy. )
[The tips of his ears abruptly turn a funny shade of pink, and he's glad they're only barely visible in his shaggy hair, shaggier now after two months of not being trimmed. He huddles into his cup, embarrassed, and blusters at her slightly.]
Really, it's nothing special. The beans did all the work themselves.
If you say so. ( She steals another sip, with a giggle landing on the rim of her cup. ) Well, these are some very talented beans! They did a great job at brewing themselves so perfectly.
( Amber can banter with him!! As a treat!! )
Say, how do you feel about going upstairs to enjoy these? It'll be nice and warm in bed, unless you're worried about spills ... in which case we can stay down here. ( It just sounds really snuggly enjoying a warm drink in bed together, ok ... )
[His expression flattens when he looks at her for her snark, sighing softly.] I suppose we could, if you'd like. We're both adults, I imagine we can get by without spilling our coffee.
( Hooray!!! Late night coffee and cuddles!! She visibly brightens at his acceptance! )
Thank you! Ah, this is going to be so cosy...! ( She'll just head back upstairs with him, coffee cup carried carefully in both of her hands, although she has drank enough of it to prevent and spills. Once they reach Akechi's room, she shuffles over to the wall-side of the bed, lifting the sheets for him to slot in next to her. )
I'm really happy I got to spend more time with you tonight ... thank you.
( Amber takes in the aroma of her coffee before taking another generous sip. She wants to savour this moment for as long as possible. And- well ... she can't resist. With all of those warm sentimental feelings bubbling inside of her, the woman rests her head on his shoulder. )
[He's quiet as they ascend back to the bedroom, only humming wordlessly to her suggestion of the situation being cozy. He's not sure he agrees, really-- stifling and overwhelming were both words that came to mind well before cozy. But he climbs onto his side of the bed with his mug, half-gone by now, and folds his knees to his chest in a somewhat comfortable resting position.]
[And then she drops her head onto his shoulder and he goes stiff as a board, tension pulling every muscle in his body taut.] ...mmn. [He has absolutely no idea how to respond.]
( Amber can tell he's tense, and the last thing she wants is to make him uncomfortable. She mentally scolds herself for a moment for perhaps being a bit too physically doting, but ... this is her nature. She's always been unafraid of physical affection, especially for people she likes. Has she been inconsiderate towards him?
In any case, she lifts her body and gazes up at him with her kind golden eyes, offering him a tone of softness in her voice. )
Sorry ... I-I haven't made you uncomfortable, have I? ( She stutters, a rarity for the bold confident woman. )
[He shakes his head slowly, frowning.] It. I'm unaccustomed to physical contact, forgive my stiffness. [A thin, humorless laugh at his own expense, and he takes a swig of his cooling coffee.] I made such an effort to be disarming and approachable, cultivated it for years..., and yet, I still spurn people's attempts to actually approach me.
( Ah, so it's like that ... once again, she is reminded of Collei. Eula, too. What is it about people who are closed off and cold that makes her want to be there for them? While Amber can't identify the emotion at a surface level, it's ultimately down to how kindhearted she is. Perhaps she knows the pain of being alone, having no one there to love - and if she can see familiar isolation in others, she desires to light them with warmth.
Her gaze flicks down, and she really digests his words for a moment. But, then she looks right back up at him. )
Does part of you yearn for something greater? ( She rubs her fingers around the body of her coffee mug. ) The company of another person, someone to hold you ... a warm presence, a caring embrace ...
Do you ... ever long for that sort of thing? ( How alike are you to her, Akechi? )
[Amber you can't just ask him these sorts of straightforward questions. He chews on the words, hinges on warm presence and caring embrace, and something in his chest cracks under the pressure of his inhale. He closes his eyes, shrugging gently, but the way he curls back around his knees again is probably telling.]
I've gotten used to the cold, by now. [It's a cryptic statement, but Amber probably reads well enough into him to understand his meaning. It isn't that he doesn't want these things, it's that he's scared to seek them, let alone accept them.]
( Before she can stop herself, Amber reaches out to let her hand land on one of his scrawny arms - and immediately, he should notice a brilliant warmth radiating from her. As a Pyro user, warmth comes naturally - but in this instance there's definitely something stronger. )
Well ... if you'll let me in and be your friend, I'll be your warmth. ( Her words are spoken gently, yet there's a rare flash of seriousness on her face when she affirms this to him. There's no passive, empty compassion here - that isn't Amber's style. ) Little by little. Okay? You don't have to make a huge leap, since I know it's not easy, but ... you don't have to be out in the cold any more. I'm here for you.
[He curls tighter around his knees at the contact, closing his eyes, but he doesn't flinch away further than that. For a long moment he's quiet, just processing, his mind screaming that he should push her away now before she has the chance to realize what he is, get cozy and then wrench herself away when he's let her in and gotten a little warmer. The warmth radiating off her makes the pit in his stomach colder, and his breathing gets briefly haggard for the polarized sensation.]
I'd prefer if you didn't make suggestions like that, [Quietly.] But I'm not opposed to some semblance of camaraderie. [He hasn't looked at her-- he's not sure he can. The acidity of his coffee suddenly more than his stomach is willing to tolerate, he unfolds from around his knees just enough to extend an arm to the side to place his mug on the window sill. He stays folded away from her that way a bit, lanky and tangled up on himself like a gargoyle, and glances over his shoulder.] ...I'm being difficult again.
( She issues firmly. Sure, it stung a little to see him react in this way, but Amber expected it. Eula pushed her out. Collei did, too. But she never gave up on either of them - and she certainly isn't about to give up on Akechi, no matter how much of a fuss he kicks up. )
I won't make you do anything you don't want to. I'm good with camaraderie. ( Honestly, it could've been worse. ) And I won't prolong your struggle with any more flowering language ... okay? All I want you to know is that someone is here for you. That's all.
( Removing her arm from him, she takes a sip of her coffee, with a small smile on her face even still. Gazing down into the remnants, she exhales a low breath. )
[He barks a soft, ugly sound vaguely reminiscent of laughter.] I am, [He argues, but pulls his legs back up onto the bed and folds back against the wall. Slowly, he leans more toward the center of the mattress, inward toward her, but keeps his arms folded tight over his chest.]
You're being far too tolerant, and trying far too hard for someone like me. [It's a dull statement, and one he won't relinquish easily, even if he can see Amber chiseling away at the argument already.]
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crescentview2023-01-03 05:56 pm
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From what I understand, the French people are actually very haughty and annoying. I've never been to France, or anywhere in Europe, so I can't speak of personal testimony. [I forget if he started a kettle but we'll pretend he did-- when it starts whistling he claims it and pours the boiling water into the press.] French Kissing, French Fries, French Bread..., a French Press. [He gestures neatly.] French Lavender, French Vanilla... [He brings his hand to his mouth and sets his first knuckle against his lips, thinking. It smushes his lips up funny.]
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( to her, it makes no sense! France sounds like a paradise!! lord help him if she does go to his world because she Will Want To Experience France. the more he describes, the more her face lights up. )
Kissing, fries, bread, coffee, lavender, vanilla...! ( she sighs! ) What a paradise! I'd give anything to go to the real life France to try all of these things in their place of origin. I'll bet there's no greater joy than drinking French coffee with a French pastry ... in France!
( she flicks a playful smile at him, then giggles. )
And, uh, we can get a spot that's super isolated away from everyone. Just so we can enjoy amazing coffee and bread without any haughty people bothering us!
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France is pretty far from Japan, but I suppose if ever presented the chance I could escort you. Though I don't speak very much French.
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You would do that? For me...? ( she laughs happily. ) That would be such a dream come true! I always ... ( the woman softens her excitement, and smiles. ) I always dreamed of travelling places. Getting out there, seeing the world! I want to see how deep the rabbit hole goes. And I suppose language barriers would be one of the challenges of the trip, right? But it helps it feel like an adventure! Like ... "I'm definitely not at home", is what I'd think to myself.
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I see no reason not to, though it seems to be a very hypothetical, and moreover improbable scenario. [He looks her over as she once again provides an insight he hadn't considered. He worries about things like language barriers because he is analytical to a fault, and she just views it as part of the experience. It gives him pause.]
[He turns back to the French Press, then, and slowly depresses the plunger at the top of it.] ...that's a unique way to look at it.
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Is it? ( Amber pushes out a soft, airy giggle. ) Glad you think so, I suppose!
( unlike Akechi, she lives her life by what she feels, rather than analysing the outcome. it may loan for some pretty impulsive actions, but there's undoubtedly a whole lot of fun that comes coupled with that. not to mention her outlook on life is one where she likes to indulge in the mundane and have everything feel new and refreshing.
once the aroma of coffee reaches her nostrils, she takes in a deep breath and hums out an approving sound. )
Mmmmmm. Oh my goodness ... that smells amazing. ( if he can make a great cup of coffee, then that is yet another arrow flying through Amber's heart. )
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[He wouldn't call the coffee great. It's passable-- it took a fair amount of tweaking to figure out how he liked it best when made this way, because he had no instructions, and furthermore no google to look it up. He drums his fingertips against the top, shrugging.] Don't get your hopes up too high. It can't hold a candle to many cups of coffee I've had.
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( NO SELF DEPRECATING TALK ALLOWED IN HERE, SIR. she's going to tell him a million times over. )
From the aroma alone, I can tell it's going to taste great. ( her body is ready. prepare those cups. )
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[He hums, shrugging and pulling down two mugs-- they're both covered in the same jagged black and white as is seen throughout the place. Pouring them both about three-quarters full, he sets one in front of Amber and then leans on the counter, inhaling the steam rising off his own.] Do you take any cream or sugar?
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( Does this girl need any sugar, Akechi. Does she. But no, Amber's tastes are geared towards dark roasts and bitterness. A stark contrast to her bouncy personality. )
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It's not bad, but I've certainly had better.
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Next, Amber blows on the cup and takes a good whiff of the aroma, before taking a sip herself ... not long after, her face also brightens in a warm smile. )
Mmm. Wow! This is brewed to perfection! ( He's so good at this ... ) Oh, it's so good ... I don't think I've had coffee this good since I arrived in this place. ( Time for another sippy. She's so happy. )
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Really, it's nothing special. The beans did all the work themselves.
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If you say so. ( She steals another sip, with a giggle landing on the rim of her cup. ) Well, these are some very talented beans! They did a great job at brewing themselves so perfectly.
( Amber can banter with him!! As a treat!! )
Say, how do you feel about going upstairs to enjoy these? It'll be nice and warm in bed, unless you're worried about spills ... in which case we can stay down here. ( It just sounds really snuggly enjoying a warm drink in bed together, ok ... )
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[His expression flattens when he looks at her for her snark, sighing softly.] I suppose we could, if you'd like. We're both adults, I imagine we can get by without spilling our coffee.
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Thank you! Ah, this is going to be so cosy...! ( She'll just head back upstairs with him, coffee cup carried carefully in both of her hands, although she has drank enough of it to prevent and spills. Once they reach Akechi's room, she shuffles over to the wall-side of the bed, lifting the sheets for him to slot in next to her. )
I'm really happy I got to spend more time with you tonight ... thank you.
( Amber takes in the aroma of her coffee before taking another generous sip. She wants to savour this moment for as long as possible. And- well ... she can't resist. With all of those warm sentimental feelings bubbling inside of her, the woman rests her head on his shoulder. )
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[And then she drops her head onto his shoulder and he goes stiff as a board, tension pulling every muscle in his body taut.] ...mmn. [He has absolutely no idea how to respond.]
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In any case, she lifts her body and gazes up at him with her kind golden eyes, offering him a tone of softness in her voice. )
Sorry ... I-I haven't made you uncomfortable, have I? ( She stutters, a rarity for the bold confident woman. )
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[He shakes his head slowly, frowning.] It. I'm unaccustomed to physical contact, forgive my stiffness. [A thin, humorless laugh at his own expense, and he takes a swig of his cooling coffee.] I made such an effort to be disarming and approachable, cultivated it for years..., and yet, I still spurn people's attempts to actually approach me.
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Her gaze flicks down, and she really digests his words for a moment. But, then she looks right back up at him. )
Does part of you yearn for something greater? ( She rubs her fingers around the body of her coffee mug. ) The company of another person, someone to hold you ... a warm presence, a caring embrace ...
Do you ... ever long for that sort of thing? ( How alike are you to her, Akechi? )
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I've gotten used to the cold, by now. [It's a cryptic statement, but Amber probably reads well enough into him to understand his meaning. It isn't that he doesn't want these things, it's that he's scared to seek them, let alone accept them.]
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Well ... if you'll let me in and be your friend, I'll be your warmth. ( Her words are spoken gently, yet there's a rare flash of seriousness on her face when she affirms this to him. There's no passive, empty compassion here - that isn't Amber's style. ) Little by little. Okay? You don't have to make a huge leap, since I know it's not easy, but ... you don't have to be out in the cold any more. I'm here for you.
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I'd prefer if you didn't make suggestions like that, [Quietly.] But I'm not opposed to some semblance of camaraderie. [He hasn't looked at her-- he's not sure he can. The acidity of his coffee suddenly more than his stomach is willing to tolerate, he unfolds from around his knees just enough to extend an arm to the side to place his mug on the window sill. He stays folded away from her that way a bit, lanky and tangled up on himself like a gargoyle, and glances over his shoulder.] ...I'm being difficult again.
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( She issues firmly. Sure, it stung a little to see him react in this way, but Amber expected it. Eula pushed her out. Collei did, too. But she never gave up on either of them - and she certainly isn't about to give up on Akechi, no matter how much of a fuss he kicks up. )
I won't make you do anything you don't want to. I'm good with camaraderie. ( Honestly, it could've been worse. ) And I won't prolong your struggle with any more flowering language ... okay? All I want you to know is that someone is here for you. That's all.
( Removing her arm from him, she takes a sip of her coffee, with a small smile on her face even still. Gazing down into the remnants, she exhales a low breath. )
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You're being far too tolerant, and trying far too hard for someone like me. [It's a dull statement, and one he won't relinquish easily, even if he can see Amber chiseling away at the argument already.]
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okay i'm done.
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