speed dating 2.0

[idolpro]

WHO: More idols looking to have a good time
WHERE: Game Tower
WHEN: Day 120, morning

[ Hello, Idols! Are you ready for a game?

Some of you may have played this before! The area is familiar for sure: today's playing field is an expansive balcony with several mini-tables paired with two patio chairs each, garden umbrellas planted to keep the heat away. You can see the rest of the city from up here, too - it turns out you're pretty high up as you can even see the start of the Rainbow Bridge from here, though the railings are high so there's not a high likelihood of accidentally falling down.

There are a few pink lemonade pitchers scattered around with paper cups if you're thirsty, and some bite-sized chocolates if you're hungry. Cute snack food!

The instructions look familiar, too: it's a light game, with no enforced truth-telling even. No status effects! Just dates!

There are cards on the table, too! ]

INSTRUCTIONS | SIGN-UPS | TURN-IN | OVERFLOW

Comments

[artisticliberty]

[he's probably fine]

Ah... I do not think I can answer this.

[dragonheartedgirl]

[ Fox is not fine. ]

I'm sorry. I should have flipped for another one.

...

Should I go ahead and go again? Or should we just stop. You don't really seem like you're really in the mood for this today.

[artisticliberty]

No, it is alright. I apologize. Here, let me try one.

[flips over a card]

"Who was your first crush?"

[dragonheartedgirl]

[ ah. is it possible to feel flustered and sad at the same time? ]

Here?

[ fidgets ]

Shuten. ... Back home, though... that would have been Soo-won.

[ sorry, Raijuu.... ]

What about you?

[artisticliberty]

It is a bit difficult to say... as I think I realized I was in love with them at around the same time. Joker and Ardashir, I mean.

[dragonheartedgirl]

In fairness, you did meet them around the same time--memories not withstanding. I realized I had feelings for Ardashir shortly after I developed them for Shuten myself--so I understand.

[artisticliberty]

[smiles faintly]

I think he knew long before I did, and he was just waiting for me to come to a realization.

[dragonheartedgirl]

If it makes you feel any better--I don't know that I ever would have realized Raijuu had feelings for me if he hadn't allowed me to buddy bond with him. He had feelings for me for seventeen years and I didn't get it.....

[artisticliberty]

Seventeen years... you two must have known one another for most of your lives, then.

[dragonheartedgirl]

... Well, I suppose seventeen is a bit of an exaggeration. But not by much. We met when we were very young... I would have been about five at the time. It still took me from the time we met until very recently, I think, to realize--even after seeing some of his memories.

[ god I'm

dumb. ]

[artisticliberty]

[reaches over... pats her shoulder]

[dragonheartedgirl]

[ ah! ]

Sorry. I didn't mean to make this about me. ... How have you been doing lately? Your painting is dry enough I can hang it now.

[artisticliberty]

I am alright. I have had a few small things come up, but for the most part I am content with myself and my art... which is all I can hope for, really.

[flips over another card]

"Do you have any pets?"

[dragonheartedgirl]

I do! I have a dog named Cocoa. What about you?

[artisticliberty]

Oh, that's right, I remember seeing him before. I do not have any pets, no. I am not certain I would be able to properly care for one, given my lifestyle.

[dragonheartedgirl]

Your lifestyle?

[ mathlady.gif ]

Is being an artist that demanding?

[artisticliberty]

I sleep odd hours and sometimes forget to eat, and my focus can be so strong that nothing short of an explosion will distract me.

I imagine that is not a very good environment to raise a small animal in.

[dragonheartedgirl]

[ FOX!? ]

Do you need someone to stop by and check on you?

[ this is. this is really worrisome... ]

On second thought, I'm going to come by every day and check on you from now on.

[ you don't get a say in it. ]

[artisticliberty]

That is--that is not necessary, Hiryuu. It is a demanding lifestyle, but I am accustomed to it.

... and Baron has been making sure I eat lately.

[dragonheartedgirl]

I don't care if you're used to it. Your Mars' and Prim's dear friend. You--are more than just a friend to Prim.

[ pokes his chest with a finger. ]

All of your friends from back home would be devastated if you hurt yourself because you forgot to eat or sleep. If you can't remember to do it for yourself, then clearly someone needs to make sure you do it for them. Anyway, Baron should have backup.

[artisticliberty]

[WHY THIS POKING]

Please, Hiryuu, I am fine. This is simply part and parcel of being an artist. I take care of myself as best I can, under the circumstances. You do not need to fuss over me like this.

[dragonheartedgirl]

[ because she hadn't graduated to face smushing yet

which she is now doing. ]

Fox.

[artisticliberty]

[WHY THIS HAPPEN]

Mmfmgmffmfm!

[dragonheartedgirl]

You need to learn to accept care from your friends with grace, Fox! I said I'm checking on you, so I'm checking on you. And that's final. Do you understand?

[artisticliberty]

[GRUMP GRUMP]

... I understand.