crescentview | CATCHALL ✧ NEWLY INITIATED.

( Mishka never considered himself one for umbrellas, them being too dainty and posh for his taste, but he does quite not expiring on the spot. Very suddenly Ryuki will find himself enveloped by shade, a breezily-dressed, tall man leaning a little bit over him.

He's got sunglasses tucked into his belt, and his hair up in a ponytail, leaving some markings along the back visible. All wind, no heat, baby. )

I quite like all the activity, myself. Feels very lively. ( Things being alive is a nice change of pace! ) Can't settle on, perhaps, what you're feeling up to?

Oh. Oh?

[ It just got darker. He glances up, expecting to see sudden clouds, because if the seasons can change so quickly, surely so can the weather. Instead, he sees an umbrella brim, and his head snaps to the side to see Mishka, surprised. ]

Er -- hi. [ Yikes, he really needs to get his head screwed on right, because he did not notice being approached at all. ] Yeah, I think you could say that...

There's the whole farm thing, the bingo, the harvest, the task board... and a lot of them reward. It's just a lot to do.

( He smiles, straightening up now that he's gotten this gentleman's attention. It's strangely idyllic, how the biggest concerns for a person here was what order to take on the cute little tasks asked of them. Now, they are running around for this Goddess's amusement, and he doesn't quite find himself fond of that fact - but of all whimsies, these tasks are thus far comparably less miserable. )

Well, if it's all the same to you, would you mind lending me a hand? I myself am a fresh face to these lands.

( It sounds like this guy needs help prioritizing, so here's someone handing him a priority! He's helping. )

My little sheet, this "bingo" one, suggests I locate an "ice cream," but I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the concept. If you know much about it, might you guide me to one of these?

( He assumes "ice cream," and how it can involve another person, makes much more sense in context, so here's hoping this guy is an ice cream knower. )

[ Unfortunately or fortunately, Ryuki has been here long enough to kind of try to digest things. And by digest things, it means compartamentalise them and only focus on the details that won't drive him insane, because otherwise, well. It's all for the sake of his own sanity. ]

Oh! Sorry, I didn't know you were new -- I'm Ryuki.

[ Immediately, he's at attention, always the consummate professional... or he tries to be, anyway. A sharp bow with an enthusiasm that could remind you of a bright-eyed youth, ready to impress. The keyword being remind, not the spitting image of. ]

You... don't know where to get ice cream, or what ice cream is? Of course I'll help, either way. Just checking. I can walk you to the square and I'm sure one of the cafes serve some.

Mishka. A pleasure, Ryuki.

( He seems quite pleased with Ryuki's state of knowledge. He has a bit too much pride to rely on Adelis for everything, so pestering randoms it is. )

That would be lovely, actually. ( He twirls his umbrella! ) My home was short on most things - amenities, food, et cetra, and I presumed this is one such missing thing. I can't say we had much in the way of "cafés" either, but I assume it's an establishment that serves food? How decadent.

( He was afforded a bit better privilege on account of his position, but it's still quite novel to see food just out there in the town in this new land, and affordable enough to just purchase with money you can just earn in a quite regular way. )

[ Ryuki imagines Adelis would sooner throw an ice cream into a wall. His roommate is so unique. ]

Huh.

[ His expression shifts minutely. Ryuki............. is a rich bitch and has never known shortage in the material department. At least he's rather down-to-earth, all things considered. It's sympathy, but not condescendingly so. ]

No, the pleasure's mine. A cafe is a small establishment that's usually mostly about a small snack of coffee and maybe a cake, something of that scale, though plenty serve proper meals, too. It should be that way.

[ And off they go! ]

How recently did you [ get heckin kidnapped ] arrive here?

( Ryuki gets to live, for now-- jk. While Mishka is normally pretty good at picking out Richie Riches, the standard of living is so high here even the average townsperson would probably leave the Ostoyan nobles in the dust. Mishka probably got a similar reaction when he seemed impressed the drinking water here is clean.

He keeps in step with him, idly spinning the umbrella as they chat. Every so often his attention seems to flit elsewhere for a split second, like he's keeping track of their surroundings. )

Cake! Now that's a treat. ( No clue what coffee is, but he supposes he'll just have to find out. He strokes his chin thoughtfully. ) Perhaps I should order everything available and have a taste, hm?

( How much food could a café have, surely. )

Myself, I'd say it's been... Mm, a few cycles of night, so not very long at all. And yourself? I presume you're my senior in comparison.

[ Kill him. Unfortunately he's so digital he probably just pays for everything digitally most of the time too, so he's useless to even rob.

He'd like to tell Mishka it's safe here, but like, Owen is there, and Adelis is Adelis. So while he's a bit concerned with how Mishka keeps glancing around, he lets it, for now. ]

I think that's a plan.

[ Not necessarily wise if Mishka ends up not being able to eat everything or ends up hating it, but it is a plan and Ryuki isn't going to be a downer discourager. ]

I've been here since the island... "opened", so to speak.

It certainly is a plan! Would you perhaps be willing to join me? At the very least for the ice cream bit, if you find it fit to leave me to my own machinations regarding the rest of the menu.

( No judgment if Ryuki finds himself only inclined toward ice cream, but the whole affair would be nicer with company. Also, he's pretty sure solo ice cream doesn't count for bingo. )

Well, I can only imagine that's much longer than me! How have you found it here? Nice? Exhausting? I've never farmed before, myself.

You need it for your bingo, right? I'm okay to help.

[ Let's do this thing. He opens the door to the cafe for Mishka, let's be a gentleman shall we. ]

It's definitely exhausting. I'm from the city, so I've barely ever even touched a farming tool, let alone had to do it all myself. But I think I'm starting to get how it's rewarding.

[ There's still some doubt, and there is certainly other things he'd rather be doing, but it's not the worst thing ever. ]

Do you know how to?

Farm? Not at all. The soil of my home isn't particularly arable, and my sort of sustenance is a little more flexible.

( Mishka closes his umbrella as they head in, nodding at Ryuki in thanks for opening the door for him. What a polite guy.

He takes a gander at the café, seemingly quite impressed with the establishment and its diners. It's so clean... And all this food is just out there... )

Well, isn't this comfortable. It reminds me of a lounge.

( Vampires have those! He's gonna stride up to the counter, gazing up at the menu... wao... )

Did you want anything? I think I'll downscale my plan, but I'll certainly order more than ice cream.

[ John Steinbeck continues to be our only bachelor farmer.

He steps in after. He likes this cafe, so he's spent some time in it. Not an impressive amount, but enough to be familiar. ]

I think I'll just get a coffee. What are you feeling?

( May his grapes save us all... )

I think I'll get a coffee, as well. I've never had one, but I've been curious about the idea of it since you mentioned it. It seems to be a drink?

( One of many, according to the menu. Hmmm... )

Let's see... There's the ice cream... Perhaps a sugar-dusted crêpe? Fruit danish? Cheesecake? Ah, and a chocolate croissant? Not a clue what they are, but they all sound appealing.

( He's clearly just reading off the dessert corner. He seems to be pretty relaxed, but there's no doubt he's incredibly enthused about this entire portion of the menu. )

Well, that's quite a few things, but I'm confident I'll be able to manage. I wouldn't mind sharing, if any of them strike your fancy.

( He's gonna put in his order, yayyyy )

Edited 2023-01-06 08:18 (UTC)

It is, but -- do you like bitter things? Coffee is pretty bitter on its own. We can make it sweeter with milk and sugar, or cream, if it turns out you don't like it.

[ Ryuki blinks slowly as Mishka goes through the list on the menu, seemingly enthused to try everything. It's pretty endearing, and he has an easy smile on his face. It's simple, and it's down-to-earth. Stress-free! ]

Yeah, would be happy to split a pastry with you. You can take some home with you and just eat it later, if you want.

[ He'll also get them both waters... not the best pastry companion, but hey. Drinking liquids is good. ]

Oh? Well, well. I'll brace myself, but I expect I'll want a sweetener soon enough.

( He appreciates the heads up! How novel all this is... )

I'd like that; I don't think I've eaten with another for some time. I certainly hope your line of work before coming here wasn't so solitary as mine.

( Sitting down to have a meal with someone is, at least, one thing he can say he has done before - albeit, not in a nice establishment like this, but still. He won't like to admit it, given how vulnerable a person is when they're eating, but he's taken a liking to it.

When their drinks and desserts are ready, he takes up the tray and plates. It's all so convenient... So efficient... And the pastries look so charming ?? )

These are so... How should I put it - adorable? The distribution of their design seems inefficient to their purpose, and yet, visually effective...

( sry he became a commentator in a cooking manga for a sec )

I'm a police detective, with the Tokyo MPD. Though I haven't done anything big in a while...

But I've got a partner, so I'm never alone. Not anymore. We're kind of inseparable.

[ What nice cafe food! Ryuki likes small shops, so this is nice already. Especially being able to enjoy it with someone who seems enthusiastic. ]

They say you eat with your eyes, first.

[ "Hell yeah they do." ]

Oh? Is that a sort of law enforcement; civil servant? ( Half of that title is gibberish to him, but he's working with context clues. ) That must be a dangerous job, if so... All the more important to have someone reliable at your side. You can't trust others much in my line of work.

( He offers Ryuki an ice cream spoon once they're all settled! All the desserts are incredibly tempting, but this one is actively melting. )

You know, I can't deny that. I'd often eaten in a perfunctory style, but this is one of the rare few times I've been eager to eat.

( The power of presentation! He digs his spoon into the ice cream, taking up a respectable spoonful, and, )

( See, he'd expected cold, but not brain freeze. Ah !!!!!! >< !!!!!!! )

Well, that, was not an affliction I expected a food to give me.

( But it was so sweet though??? He presses his free palm to his forehead to soothe his head. He can feel the insects getting wriggly between the liquid sugar and overbearing cold. )

Yeah. Law enforcement.

[ He fiddles with his coffee cup quietly at the latter half, not responding to that. Dangerous...

Oh! Spoon for him. He snaps out of it, accepting it with a slightly sheepish smile. Tuning back in just in time to see Mishka SUFFER...... ]

Ah -- maybe slow down a bit on the eating?

[ Ahaha, he pushes the other warm coffee over to him as an offering. And also pushes forward the little ceramic of milk and glass container of sugar cubes while he's at it. ]

Here, maybe this will make it better. It's hot, though, so careful.

( SIPS AS SUGGESTED, paced, and he makes a >< face - honestly, not as bad as it could've been since he only drank a little, but still. )

Ah, it's exactly as bitter as was promised...

( He was immune to the adverse effects of polluted food and water, so he was pretty confident there wasn't a consumable he couldn't conquer... not so. Ice cream and coffee are worthy adversaries...

He sips it again, like he's just checking if maybe it'll be better the second time around... and he goes >< again,

Gonna pour in an excess amount of milk and pops a sugar cube into his mouth, )

You don't require sugar in yours? You're far mightier than I am, that's for sure.

It's not so bad! I just don't have much of a sweet tooth, is all. It's how my parents liked it, so it's just what stuck for me...

[ Which means Mishka is free to all the milk and sugar he wants for his drink. Though, he didn't expect the cube to be eaten straight on. That's pretty funny. ]

You're meant to dissolve the cube in the coffee, but that's also one way to do it.

[ He sips on his own coffee in minute mouthfuls. ]

( He doesn't seem to mind that Ryuki finds amusement in his shenanigans - if anything, he seems pretty happy to just vibe with someone while he fumbles through these basic things. )

Oh? This is charmingly complex.

( Dropping a plural number of cubes into his milked-out coffee, stirring gently. )

Were you close to your parents?

( Very tentatively taking another sip... Yes !! Seems very pleased with the result. )

[ This is so sweet. Its simple on such a molecular level that it eases his mind.

Things are too complex, these days. Layers and layers where each one is a mental, psychological, moral labyrinth.

He holds onto his coffee, even though its warm outside, his palms subtly burning as he tries not to grimace. ]

Yeah. I was. For what I can remember of them, at least.

Oh, are they not with you anymore? My apologies.

( That's pretty normal in Ostoya, but he can still be polite about it. Hurt is the same, no matter how used to it you come to be.

He takes a less ambitious spoonful of ice cream this time around, once more pleased with the result. What's better than this... Creamy liquid sugar... )

I don't recall mine at all, I think. My siblings and I were taken in by the church when we were quite young... Ah, that was awhile go, now. Time passes quick.

No, haven't been for a while. We were pretty young when it happened.

[ Mishka did say this was shared, right? He tentatively takes a fork to the cheesecake. This sounds like a metaphor but it's real. He perks up at the conversation. ]

You have siblings?

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