[ it doesn't matter if the illusion beneath her hand is nothing but metal; it's warm and solid, secure in more ways than one, and the hand that falls on her own arm casts her gaze down briefly in surprise before she plays it off as embarrassment, resting her head against his arm as they start.
no, it may not be the same, they may just be remnants of a past that has been forgotten by all save the ones it effects, but--
but they're important, to her. this form of his, the names they share, the resemblance he does and does not have, she does and does not have, to the lives that came before.
she'd once mentioned to ryoji that she'd like to try acting, but-- maybe yesod should try it instead, her cheeks warming in the cooler air at his words. the revelers are persistent, but even so... malkuth's understanding something with this experience. ]
Well, I'd be happy to give it if we could be alone... my time, company, and more is yours for the taking. I don't want you to spare a glance to anyone else either.
[ a line she's taking from. other sources for sure, though it's stained with a bit of bashful embarrassment.
then, quieter: ]
... Maybe if we keep ignoring them, they'll just give up? When I'm heckled by strangers, they're not drunk. I really don't know what to do.
[ Every part of this weaves another illusion. Malkuth's head leans against his shoulder, as if the movement is second nature; his palm on her bare arm is not another foreign thing then, a display like his reaching out to wipe blood from her cheek. He looks at her, and he has no matching lines to recite (maybe Malkuth exchanges such words with the person who has caught her interest), but she has his undivided attention. They might as well be alone together, regardless of their surroundings. The voices behind them fade.
But the two of them have only taken a few steps, not enough to significantly increase the physical distance between them and the hotel yet. Malkuth's hushed remarks keep them tethered to reality while her admirers' suggestive commentary follows them a ways further — ignoring the latter should suffice as they continue walking. In theory... ]
They are rather stubborn...
[ Presumably the other instances that Malkuth alludes to were resolved more easily, whereas reasoning with these people has failed, and scolding them is unlikely to help matters.
At a loss himself, Yesod resorts to simply blocking Malkuth from view for some moments, pulling her into an alcove between pillars. There, one hand braced against the wall beside Malkuth's head, they are much too close, but he assumes that she can guess at his thinking. ]
[ how best to escape them, then? malkuth's attention remains on those behind them while yesod's world boils down to her purposeful, thoughtless actions, the ease of their friendship from a time he doesn't know and her own new experiences with the people here pairing together to make such a thing possible; she hears his words and begins to agree
but her words are lost when she's pulled into the alcove and finds that for a very real moment, this is not an act. or it isn't one anymore, just for the moment. her cheeks flare and she-- she gets the line of thought, but it doesn't stop her heart from beating hard in her chest, inhaling sharply, unable to look anywhere but yesod's golden eyes without a sound.
malkuth licks her lips -- nervously? what's there to be nervous about? it's just yesod? it's just -- and she barely resist the desire to duck away with a laugh, expression somewhere between uncertain and trying to smile like she usually does, because there is nothing to be uncertain or nervous or anything about and it's just because she didn't expect this, it's definitely just that, it really is but... just as the steady curve around a mountain can hide something previously unseen...
she puts a stop to the thought, the barest tremble in her hands hidden against the wall, and the small gathering gives moves between complaints of malkuth's niceties taken for more to cheers on yesod's behalf, teasing before the laughter leaves in time.
it is the last thing on her mind though. there isn't a single thing on her mind. she's both forcing that to be the case and not sure what else she should be thinking about, chest aching with the breath still held air far too cold for how warm she feels. ]
[ Yesod keeps his eyes trained on Malkuth, observing every shift in her expression while he has her caged in between his arms, the fingers of his other hand fitting themselves around the curve of her shoulder. His gaze flicks from her eyes regarding him to her flushed cheeks, from there to her mouth as her lips part just slightly for the tip of her tongue to run along its seam in a nervous tell. Malkuth looks startled, uneasy, though she isn't trapped and they know each other — but then, this is unusual. The contact, the proximity.
Outside of this alcove, nothing else is spared a glance, even as the raucous revelers leave them with their parting comments, all too blatant in their meaning.
And then the two of them are alone. Neither of them has uttered a word yet, but Yesod caught Malkuth's sharper intake of air. He took care not to hurt her, he's certain of it. Her reaction could be attributed to the discomfort of encountering a problem that had no immediate and straightforward solution, then, and to a human body's release of adrenaline in a situation that triggers this instinctive response.
Malkuth is holding her breath, even. Would his body react in similar ways, if it were made of flesh and blood (still? Again?), if it contained a full set of organs, an intricate interconnected system of nerves? There are traces of it, perhaps because his mind has stored the memories of those impulses, and contemplating them through his observations now causes them to stir awake. It may be for the best to be rid of them.
Yesod draws back, lowering his hands as he studies Malkuth. ]
[ after a moment, when she realizes his arms have left their protective blocking of her against the world, trying to ignore phantom pressure of his hand on her shoulder. there's no warmth to it. it reminds her of what he lacks, what she doesn't, and-- that isn't a problem, really, but it makes her more self-conscious as she clears her throat and peeks around the corner. just
to make sure? to hide her flushed face? to start a very private conversation between her and march, one that will be continued better in time? ]
You just surprised me, that's all! [ reassuring, cheerful in her tone. it's fine. ] That was pretty good thinking, Yesod, and... thanks for playing along. I'd told them I had plans already, so I couldn't join them, but they were pretty insistent on keeping my company until someone arrived.
[ her date, as they called it. this isn't a date. well, she playfully calls every outing she has a date, but still. this isn't one. ]
[ Yes, he can imagine that Malkuth hardly expected him to take it quite so far. He watches her lean back out to glance around beyond the pillars framing the alcove, and he steps away from the concealed space, onto the path, waiting for her to join him.
There are vague notions that begin to take shape, questions to examine, but he sweeps them into a corner of his mind. Still, above all else, the idea that he has become a trusted friend holds appeal. He thinks of Malkuth's elated smile. ]
You mentioned that this wasn't the first such occurrence...
[ Aside from the difference that these hecklers were drunk. ]
[ calm, calm. her face won't cool down so easily, but at least her eyes won't be glowing in the telltale sign of talking to someone when she finally steps out and
keeps her hands to herself, used to holding them with some of the others she's spent time out with. maybe the pause before the drop is obvious (it is) but she's not going to linger on it. simply lead them down the path towards the venetian mall with both clasped in front of her. ]
... It's definitely not as often as others' experiences, I'm sure, but there are some pretty... forward people here and back in Neo Tokyo. [ a small shrug. ] That's all. It's fine though, really.
[ different than their city, for certain, but fine. she can handle herself. it's just a surprise every time someone hits on her. ]
March can shut them down in a second! It's really impressive, she's an expert in dealing with strangers. I've gotta up my game for sure.
[ The pause is noticeable. Moreover, the color hasn't left Malkuth's cheeks, and her clasped hands are just as noticeable when they resume walking side by side, spaced apart, an odd contrast after her convincing act just minutes prior. They contrast with other recent moments as well, creating the impression that Malkuth is restraining herself.
Is she truly all right? Gaze lingering on Malkuth's hands now, Yesod frowns. He shouldn't read anything unfounded into her reply, he supposes. And yet...
He concentrates on Malkuth's words first. ]
We haven't met many strangers in some time, let alone in comparable situations. It stands to reason that such encounters would catch any of us off guard... though it isn't surprising that they would take notice of you.
[ and just when her mind thinks it's got a moment to breathe.
there's surely some logic to it -- her dress is eye-catching, and when she's out with march especially she lets herself be a little more into fashion thanks to the other girl's influence. certainly it isn't surprising when thought of that way, but it's different between march saying so and someone else.
like, literally anyone else. her hands unclasp, but only so one can twist a long lock of hair. ]
Oh... yeah? March tells me all the time I'm cuter than I realize, but it's still a little hard to believe. I'm doing my best to accept it though. [ ... is she gonna regret asking this. she feels like it, so the follow-up question comes out a little haltingly. ] What... do you think, Yesod?
[ It does surprise him that Malkuth invites his opinion this time — she probably expects him to assess her appearance according to a list of objective criteria. He is capable of it, he thinks, but would that hold more weight than March's perspective? Than that of the person meant to see Malkuth's final choice of attire, some weeks ago?
And he catches his thoughts straying toward Malkuth's framed photograph of a distant time and place, to the smile immortalized there, and to its brighter form in the flesh. He remembers its absence, he realizes.
But it isn't surprising, either, if Malkuth looks at her reflection without seeing herself, unaccustomed to it. Perhaps she focuses on the freedom to add colors to it over anything else to note. ]
...I agree with March. Do you find her observations inaccurate?
No, no! I definitely believe her -- March has a good eye, and she's not the kind of person who lies even to make someone feel better or anything. I'm just not used to it.
[ being cute or others thinking that way about her, given the city's focus on merit over appearance especially. it just doesn't cross her mind; it still rarely does until pointed out somehow, by interactions or comments.
he's certainly coming at this from a friend's perspective though, and only because she asked too, so it isn't anything he thinks on his own without prompting. malkuth shakes her head; if it hadn't been for his most efficient actions, it wouldn't even cross her mind to think so much on it. ]
Even if it's trivial, I don't want anyone to think I don't trust them when they tell me they think I'm attractive, whether I fully believe it or not. I do think I'm pretty cute sometimes, but it's more like... I understand how someone could think that? Like how I understand what people might find attractive, or what I'm attracted to. That kinda thing -- stuff we never really thought about back home.
[ stuff never given weight, since it didn't matter how you looked if you couldn't put out results. ]
[ If only Yesod were Angela right now for cursed conversations about her being designed to be attractive... Ayin... As it is, Yesod understands Malkuth's perspective. In fact, it reminds him of his own strange encounter with Ryoji, who supposedly found his "handsome features captivating" — as Malkuth says, such things hadn't previously occurred to them. Not in these terms, assessing anyone's physical appearance to that extent, be it other people or themselves. It was irrelevant.
But can he honestly claim that he never noticed anything around him, back then, beyond scientific findings, quantitative indices promising results? (Beyond errors to correct, hazards to preempt, and every mistake that could never be undone?) Is his answer now entirely objective?
It should, of course, be easy enough to dismiss impermissible thoughts, even if they suddenly have an abundance of time to think outside of familiar routines. ]
Yes... Our City's typical views appear to be unusual here. Many people clearly consider this topic far from trivial.
[ If lengthy discussions debating which team has the prettiest women are anything to go by, for instance... Yesod's frown takes on something faintly flustered. ]
Understandably, individual preferences are influenced by a combination of factors.
[ On the other hand, the concept of attraction was summarized simply as "just feel it in the moment" by Izou. ]
Right? The first time we had a sleepover, she asked me who I found attractive, but I could only name people for their personalities over their looks -- she said it was important to know though, so I really studied as much as I could... even if I think maybe I didn't have to try so hard. I just hadn't wanted to disappoint her.
[ even though she knows now that she couldn't possibly have at that time, that there had been nothing to fear or be worried about with march... that even if it felt unnatural at first, as long as it was fun it was fine. and it was fun, painting nails and talking about the people they liked. for the most part.
... and the farther they move from the alcove, the more at ease malkuth starts to feel again. her shoulders relax more and she glances at the other, tilting her head with an easy smile. ]
So, has anyone caught your eye? It doesn't matter if you think it's plausible or not because of your metallic shell, I'm just curious.
[ He's curious about Malkuth's list himself, but like Malkuth when she was first confronted with these considerations, he lacks the experience to offer her an answer as March would — or the men who freely expressed their preferences, gathered at the hot springs. How should he present his response? He sees the set of Malkuth's shoulders grow less tense, and her smile has returned, her earlier nervousness gone. His agreeing with March must have been accepted as a conclusion reached through an impersonal examination of the facts.
Friendship should not be an excuse to lie, as he once said to Malkuth. But how selfish would it be to admit even to pieces of the truth? Knowing that Malkuth feels at ease because she has formed a bond with him and the others that allows for that comfort, in the future, the picture coalescing is best discarded like everything left of Gabriel that was unusable, nothing but decomposing matter. ]
I believe that personalities are a particularly important aspect to acknowledge. You already had a starting point, then.
[ By that reasoning, so does he, but he has no intention of betraying Malkuth's trust. ]
The rest is fairly simple, once the opportunity to pursue it exists. However, while I may have human memories and emotions, I know quite well that this version of myself is a hunk of metal. [ To borrow Malkuth's phrasing. ] Consequently, I haven't given matters of attraction much thought.
[ And yet, for a moment, he did wonder what might come of the truth, were the circumstances different — his mechanical body is not the main issue. It felt enough of the contact as Malkuth leaned against him, as he held her against the alcove wall.
Yesod shakes his head. ]
Besides... I would prefer to focus on our plans today, Malkuth.
[ but it's a tease, easy and playful, turning her attention back ahead as she maps out their route. she doesn't know if he'd even have given it thought with a more fleshy form -- to her knowledge, in her perception of both, neither yesod nor gabriel had been the type to preoccupy his mind with such thoughts.
... they also had not been the type to press her so close in the alcove, but that-- is neither here nor there, neck warming again. necessary, necessary. it was simply the best way to go. pushing it from mind, she hums softly. ]
Let's see. It's called the Grand Canal, and there's a lot of different stores to visit, along with gondola rides for the weary. And wax statues! I wonder how they keep them from melting... Ooh, they even have spas.
[ she may not have her hot springs but she's got spas...!!!
expensive spas!!! okay!!! ]
I think I'll play it frugal and just focus on taking pictures. They won't charge me for that, probably.
[ This is better. He doesn't want Malkuth, of all people, on edge around him. Focusing on their plans, however long these moments of impossible normalcy will last, is as close to an admission as he can permit.
This is better — Malkuth doesn't sound disappointed, content to change the subject, albeit not without teasing him. That feels comfortable enough, and he raises a brow as a silent retort before she turns away. ]
We could begin with the stores and the statues, in that case. Experiencing a gondola ride seems best left until the end.
[ Malkuth's excitement for the spas that she ultimately denies herself lead him to think that she must be fond of visiting the hot springs... ]
[ she's gonna really be missing them once they're in the desert. the mall lies in the distant as they turn a corner, imposingly large and already showing signs of another culture's designs; malkuth pats at her chest habitually, then pauses and takes a picture with her implants instead. ]
I just have to be careful not to overspend... everything here is so expensive. [ at least she's gotten souvenirs out of the way. ] Have you been to the casino?
[ The architecture here is distinctive, all archways and columns and passages, glimpses of bridges and the canal up ahead. The sound of Malkuth's searching for her camera draws Yesod's focus back to her, however, away from their surroundings. He shakes his head once more. ]
I must admit that our latest mission instructions have been my priority, thus far.
[ To that end, he has stayed on the lookout for indicators of something amiss. He's also somewhat concerned about Netzach's habits in a place like this, but he isn't Netzach's minder, and he does understand that his colleagues might want to ensure that not a second of their newfound freedom goes to waste. This world, for all its own hardships, continues to expand that freedom. ]
Nevertheless, the prospect of sightseeing is not unappealing.
[ And for that, Malkuth was the first person to come to mind, followed by March. ]
I'm trying to multitask it myself... I'm especially worried about people going missing.
[ since it's never anything good, as both of them know. it wasn't unusual to hear in the City. but that doesn't mean it was right or harmless.
still, the mall's archways draw her head back as they begin to pass beneath the structures, the main shopping area as if they stepped off the train right into the streets of venice itself. a cloud marked sky is painted above them, beautiful in its afternoon-esque glory, and malkuth moves closer to yesod as it become apparent there's more than enough foot traffic to get lost in. maybe thinking about the incident before, maybe not; her hand reaches for his sleeve anyway, loose. ]
... Not that you could tell anyone did, with how many people are still here. I'm glad one of us has our head on straight though, I can admit I've been enjoying myself more than thinking about what's inevitably ahead... you know, finding where they've gone and possibly fighting what took them.
[ they really do sound like Abnormalities. the number of examples that use a kind of siren's song alone would prove that. ]
Part of me hopes we can linger a little longer. And the other part knows that's not gonna happen, so the KRYPTOs I put into bidding shouldn't be seen as a waste.
[ Yesod's thoughts echo Malkuth's, turning toward the disappearances and the similarities between these kaiju and Abnormalities. Naturally, the mission is why LILITH sent all of them here, and the inevitable awaits them sooner or later. Gaining a better understanding of what to expect drives him to seek information of his own accord, separate from any future brief to come, but it's as Malkuth said: this city's population isn't noticeably reduced as a result of the incidents now under investigation. Much of it appears to operate normally, with the exception of these instances of concerning behavior among the civilians here.
And he can't fault Malkuth for enjoying the experiences found in this place. He catches the moment in which she tilts her head back to gaze up at the painted ceiling — for the vibrant mix of colors? When she steps closer, fingers grasping his sleeve, it's different compared to her acting before, the intent behind it to prevent their separation in the crowd, he surmises.
Some seconds pass. Lifting his hand offers Malkuth more of his arm to secure her grip on it. ]
...My point is only that you have a head start once again. And that I plan to make the most of the time afforded to us here as well, even as we keep the situation in mind. There is no harm in that.
[ -- oh. she grants him a thankful grin and accepts the arm, using him as a way to make sure she doesn't trip over her own feet as she looks around at the architecture. how accurate was it? they really managed to express a whole world inside an enclosed space; it's stunning, what someone can do inside and out... ]
Just because I have a head start doesn't mean I'm using it wisely. Who do you think I am?
[ it's a little joke at the expense of herself, but it's clear it's just that: a joke. malkuth doesn't really think of it as a head start, anyway... this or the last time. ]
If there's a couple's deal, by the way, we're taking it.
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no, it may not be the same, they may just be remnants of a past that has been forgotten by all save the ones it effects, but--
but they're important, to her. this form of his, the names they share, the resemblance he does and does not have, she does and does not have, to the lives that came before.
she'd once mentioned to ryoji that she'd like to try acting, but-- maybe yesod should try it instead, her cheeks warming in the cooler air at his words. the revelers are persistent, but even so... malkuth's understanding something with this experience. ]
Well, I'd be happy to give it if we could be alone... my time, company, and more is yours for the taking. I don't want you to spare a glance to anyone else either.
[ a line she's taking from. other sources for sure, though it's stained with a bit of bashful embarrassment.
then, quieter: ]
... Maybe if we keep ignoring them, they'll just give up? When I'm heckled by strangers, they're not drunk. I really don't know what to do.
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But the two of them have only taken a few steps, not enough to significantly increase the physical distance between them and the hotel yet. Malkuth's hushed remarks keep them tethered to reality while her admirers' suggestive commentary follows them a ways further — ignoring the latter should suffice as they continue walking. In theory... ]
They are rather stubborn...
[ Presumably the other instances that Malkuth alludes to were resolved more easily, whereas reasoning with these people has failed, and scolding them is unlikely to help matters.
At a loss himself, Yesod resorts to simply blocking Malkuth from view for some moments, pulling her into an alcove between pillars. There, one hand braced against the wall beside Malkuth's head, they are much too close, but he assumes that she can guess at his thinking. ]
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but her words are lost when she's pulled into the alcove and finds that for a very real moment, this is not an act. or it isn't one anymore, just for the moment. her cheeks flare and she-- she gets the line of thought, but it doesn't stop her heart from beating hard in her chest, inhaling sharply, unable to look anywhere but yesod's golden eyes without a sound.
malkuth licks her lips -- nervously? what's there to be nervous about? it's just yesod? it's just -- and she barely resist the desire to duck away with a laugh, expression somewhere between uncertain and trying to smile like she usually does, because there is nothing to be uncertain or nervous or anything about and it's just because she didn't expect this, it's definitely just that, it really is but... just as the steady curve around a mountain can hide something previously unseen...
she puts a stop to the thought, the barest tremble in her hands hidden against the wall, and the small gathering gives moves between complaints of malkuth's niceties taken for more to cheers on yesod's behalf, teasing before the laughter leaves in time.
it is the last thing on her mind though. there isn't a single thing on her mind. she's both forcing that to be the case and not sure what else she should be thinking about, chest aching with the breath still held air far too cold for how warm she feels. ]
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Outside of this alcove, nothing else is spared a glance, even as the raucous revelers leave them with their parting comments, all too blatant in their meaning.
And then the two of them are alone. Neither of them has uttered a word yet, but Yesod caught Malkuth's sharper intake of air. He took care not to hurt her, he's certain of it. Her reaction could be attributed to the discomfort of encountering a problem that had no immediate and straightforward solution, then, and to a human body's release of adrenaline in a situation that triggers this instinctive response.
Malkuth is holding her breath, even. Would his body react in similar ways, if it were made of flesh and blood (still? Again?), if it contained a full set of organs, an intricate interconnected system of nerves? There are traces of it, perhaps because his mind has stored the memories of those impulses, and contemplating them through his observations now causes them to stir awake. It may be for the best to be rid of them.
Yesod draws back, lowering his hands as he studies Malkuth. ]
...Are you all right?
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[ after a moment, when she realizes his arms have left their protective blocking of her against the world, trying to ignore phantom pressure of his hand on her shoulder. there's no warmth to it. it reminds her of what he lacks, what she doesn't, and-- that isn't a problem, really, but it makes her more self-conscious as she clears her throat and peeks around the corner. just
to make sure? to hide her flushed face? to start a very private conversation between her and march, one that will be continued better in time? ]
You just surprised me, that's all! [ reassuring, cheerful in her tone. it's fine. ] That was pretty good thinking, Yesod, and... thanks for playing along. I'd told them I had plans already, so I couldn't join them, but they were pretty insistent on keeping my company until someone arrived.
[ her date, as they called it. this isn't a date. well, she playfully calls every outing she has a date, but still. this isn't one. ]
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There are vague notions that begin to take shape, questions to examine, but he sweeps them into a corner of his mind. Still, above all else, the idea that he has become a trusted friend holds appeal. He thinks of Malkuth's elated smile. ]
You mentioned that this wasn't the first such occurrence...
[ Aside from the difference that these hecklers were drunk. ]
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keeps her hands to herself, used to holding them with some of the others she's spent time out with. maybe the pause before the drop is obvious (it is) but she's not going to linger on it. simply lead them down the path towards the venetian mall with both clasped in front of her. ]
... It's definitely not as often as others' experiences, I'm sure, but there are some pretty... forward people here and back in Neo Tokyo. [ a small shrug. ] That's all. It's fine though, really.
[ different than their city, for certain, but fine. she can handle herself. it's just a surprise every time someone hits on her. ]
March can shut them down in a second! It's really impressive, she's an expert in dealing with strangers. I've gotta up my game for sure.
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Is she truly all right? Gaze lingering on Malkuth's hands now, Yesod frowns. He shouldn't read anything unfounded into her reply, he supposes. And yet...
He concentrates on Malkuth's words first. ]
We haven't met many strangers in some time, let alone in comparable situations. It stands to reason that such encounters would catch any of us off guard... though it isn't surprising that they would take notice of you.
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there's surely some logic to it -- her dress is eye-catching, and when she's out with march especially she lets herself be a little more into fashion thanks to the other girl's influence. certainly it isn't surprising when thought of that way, but it's different between march saying so and someone else.
like, literally anyone else. her hands unclasp, but only so one can twist a long lock of hair. ]
Oh... yeah? March tells me all the time I'm cuter than I realize, but it's still a little hard to believe. I'm doing my best to accept it though. [ ... is she gonna regret asking this. she feels like it, so the follow-up question comes out a little haltingly. ] What... do you think, Yesod?
[ is she cute...? ]
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And he catches his thoughts straying toward Malkuth's framed photograph of a distant time and place, to the smile immortalized there, and to its brighter form in the flesh. He remembers its absence, he realizes.
But it isn't surprising, either, if Malkuth looks at her reflection without seeing herself, unaccustomed to it. Perhaps she focuses on the freedom to add colors to it over anything else to note. ]
...I agree with March. Do you find her observations inaccurate?
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[ being cute or others thinking that way about her, given the city's focus on merit over appearance especially. it just doesn't cross her mind; it still rarely does until pointed out somehow, by interactions or comments.
he's certainly coming at this from a friend's perspective though, and only because she asked too, so it isn't anything he thinks on his own without prompting. malkuth shakes her head; if it hadn't been for his most efficient actions, it wouldn't even cross her mind to think so much on it. ]
Even if it's trivial, I don't want anyone to think I don't trust them when they tell me they think I'm attractive, whether I fully believe it or not. I do think I'm pretty cute sometimes, but it's more like... I understand how someone could think that? Like how I understand what people might find attractive, or what I'm attracted to. That kinda thing -- stuff we never really thought about back home.
[ stuff never given weight, since it didn't matter how you looked if you couldn't put out results. ]
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But can he honestly claim that he never noticed anything around him, back then, beyond scientific findings, quantitative indices promising results? (Beyond errors to correct, hazards to preempt, and every mistake that could never be undone?) Is his answer now entirely objective?
It should, of course, be easy enough to dismiss impermissible thoughts, even if they suddenly have an abundance of time to think outside of familiar routines. ]
Yes... Our City's typical views appear to be unusual here. Many people clearly consider this topic far from trivial.
[ If lengthy discussions debating which team has the prettiest women are anything to go by, for instance... Yesod's frown takes on something faintly flustered. ]
Understandably, individual preferences are influenced by a combination of factors.
[ On the other hand, the concept of attraction was summarized simply as "just feel it in the moment" by Izou. ]
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[ even though she knows now that she couldn't possibly have at that time, that there had been nothing to fear or be worried about with march... that even if it felt unnatural at first, as long as it was fun it was fine. and it was fun, painting nails and talking about the people they liked. for the most part.
... and the farther they move from the alcove, the more at ease malkuth starts to feel again. her shoulders relax more and she glances at the other, tilting her head with an easy smile. ]
So, has anyone caught your eye? It doesn't matter if you think it's plausible or not because of your metallic shell, I'm just curious.
[ speaking of girl talk, ]
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Friendship should not be an excuse to lie, as he once said to Malkuth. But how selfish would it be to admit even to pieces of the truth? Knowing that Malkuth feels at ease because she has formed a bond with him and the others that allows for that comfort, in the future, the picture coalescing is best discarded like everything left of Gabriel that was unusable, nothing but decomposing matter. ]
I believe that personalities are a particularly important aspect to acknowledge. You already had a starting point, then.
[ By that reasoning, so does he, but he has no intention of betraying Malkuth's trust. ]
The rest is fairly simple, once the opportunity to pursue it exists. However, while I may have human memories and emotions, I know quite well that this version of myself is a hunk of metal. [ To borrow Malkuth's phrasing. ] Consequently, I haven't given matters of attraction much thought.
[ And yet, for a moment, he did wonder what might come of the truth, were the circumstances different — his mechanical body is not the main issue. It felt enough of the contact as Malkuth leaned against him, as he held her against the alcove wall.
Yesod shakes his head. ]
Besides... I would prefer to focus on our plans today, Malkuth.
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[ but it's a tease, easy and playful, turning her attention back ahead as she maps out their route. she doesn't know if he'd even have given it thought with a more fleshy form -- to her knowledge, in her perception of both, neither yesod nor gabriel had been the type to preoccupy his mind with such thoughts.
... they also had not been the type to press her so close in the alcove, but that-- is neither here nor there, neck warming again. necessary, necessary. it was simply the best way to go. pushing it from mind, she hums softly. ]
Let's see. It's called the Grand Canal, and there's a lot of different stores to visit, along with gondola rides for the weary. And wax statues! I wonder how they keep them from melting... Ooh, they even have spas.
[ she may not have her hot springs but she's got spas...!!!
expensive spas!!! okay!!! ]
I think I'll play it frugal and just focus on taking pictures. They won't charge me for that, probably.
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This is better — Malkuth doesn't sound disappointed, content to change the subject, albeit not without teasing him. That feels comfortable enough, and he raises a brow as a silent retort before she turns away. ]
We could begin with the stores and the statues, in that case. Experiencing a gondola ride seems best left until the end.
[ Malkuth's excitement for the spas that she ultimately denies herself lead him to think that she must be fond of visiting the hot springs... ]
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I just have to be careful not to overspend... everything here is so expensive. [ at least she's gotten souvenirs out of the way. ] Have you been to the casino?
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I must admit that our latest mission instructions have been my priority, thus far.
[ To that end, he has stayed on the lookout for indicators of something amiss. He's also somewhat concerned about Netzach's habits in a place like this, but he isn't Netzach's minder, and he does understand that his colleagues might want to ensure that not a second of their newfound freedom goes to waste. This world, for all its own hardships, continues to expand that freedom. ]
Nevertheless, the prospect of sightseeing is not unappealing.
[ And for that, Malkuth was the first person to come to mind, followed by March. ]
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[ since it's never anything good, as both of them know. it wasn't unusual to hear in the City. but that doesn't mean it was right or harmless.
still, the mall's archways draw her head back as they begin to pass beneath the structures, the main shopping area as if they stepped off the train right into the streets of venice itself. a cloud marked sky is painted above them, beautiful in its afternoon-esque glory, and malkuth moves closer to yesod as it become apparent there's more than enough foot traffic to get lost in. maybe thinking about the incident before, maybe not; her hand reaches for his sleeve anyway, loose. ]
... Not that you could tell anyone did, with how many people are still here. I'm glad one of us has our head on straight though, I can admit I've been enjoying myself more than thinking about what's inevitably ahead... you know, finding where they've gone and possibly fighting what took them.
[ they really do sound like Abnormalities. the number of examples that use a kind of siren's song alone would prove that. ]
Part of me hopes we can linger a little longer. And the other part knows that's not gonna happen, so the KRYPTOs I put into bidding shouldn't be seen as a waste.
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And he can't fault Malkuth for enjoying the experiences found in this place. He catches the moment in which she tilts her head back to gaze up at the painted ceiling — for the vibrant mix of colors? When she steps closer, fingers grasping his sleeve, it's different compared to her acting before, the intent behind it to prevent their separation in the crowd, he surmises.
Some seconds pass. Lifting his hand offers Malkuth more of his arm to secure her grip on it. ]
...My point is only that you have a head start once again. And that I plan to make the most of the time afforded to us here as well, even as we keep the situation in mind. There is no harm in that.
[ None in this form of multitasking. ]
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Just because I have a head start doesn't mean I'm using it wisely. Who do you think I am?
[ it's a little joke at the expense of herself, but it's clear it's just that: a joke. malkuth doesn't really think of it as a head start, anyway... this or the last time. ]
If there's a couple's deal, by the way, we're taking it.
[ just so he knows. ]