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I… kind of hope not. [ She leans against the wall, too, crossing her arms. She wouldn't want to know whether there was something about her that would make anyone believe she could ever be okay with the possibility of "owning" people. ]
Sure! I'm from Tokyo. Uh— actually, is there a Japan in your world? I've talked to some people who didn't even know where that was— and one person who was from, like… World War II. See what I mean? Even easy questions can be hard ones to answer here.
Sure! I'm from Tokyo. Uh— actually, is there a Japan in your world? I've talked to some people who didn't even know where that was— and one person who was from, like… World War II. See what I mean? Even easy questions can be hard ones to answer here.
I don't know what I hope for in that regard.
[He will chuckle]
Yes, there is a Tokyo in my world. As well as a World War II for that matter although that was several decades ago.
I'm from Gotham, New Jersey.
[He will chuckle]
Yes, there is a Tokyo in my world. As well as a World War II for that matter although that was several decades ago.
I'm from Gotham, New Jersey.
[Well, that's fine. Not that Makoto is really the most touchy-feely of the Phantom Thieves (at least when it comes to less aggressive things than punching people or wrestling with them), but Ann is a good friend, so she gets a pass. And in fact, it might not be the most ideal or non-awkward situation, but at least it's... anchoring in a way. Ann is here, and she is very real.]
... I don't have any better answer than I walked through the door, too. It just... all happened so fast. [A sigh.
... How does she explain the club thing. Aside from "getting frustrated and flustered about this whole place made her go seek out something dangerous because that's just how Makoto works".]
I wanted some answers. The place seemed to pride itself on not being part of their... system, either.
... I don't have any better answer than I walked through the door, too. It just... all happened so fast. [A sigh.
... How does she explain the club thing. Aside from "getting frustrated and flustered about this whole place made her go seek out something dangerous because that's just how Makoto works".]
I wanted some answers. The place seemed to pride itself on not being part of their... system, either.
That would probably make it easier...
[The way he says it makes it sound like he hadn't thought of it before, but as they skirt the rest of the crowd, there is a corner booth that someone else has just vacated, and after waiting a moment for it to be cleared, Souji slides in and places his plate squarely in the middle of the table, where they can both reach it.]
Itadakimasu.
[The way he says it makes it sound like he hadn't thought of it before, but as they skirt the rest of the crowd, there is a corner booth that someone else has just vacated, and after waiting a moment for it to be cleared, Souji slides in and places his plate squarely in the middle of the table, where they can both reach it.]
Itadakimasu.
Oh, the United States! I've been there.
[ She perks up fast. ]
Not to New Jersey specifically, but I've been to New York a couple of times. It was really… big. Not quite as busy as Tokyo can get sometimes, though, and it was only for a week or two, so I didn't get to see much. Have you ever been?
[ She thinks it's close enough… but geography isn't one of her better subjects. ]
[ She perks up fast. ]
Not to New Jersey specifically, but I've been to New York a couple of times. It was really… big. Not quite as busy as Tokyo can get sometimes, though, and it was only for a week or two, so I didn't get to see much. Have you ever been?
[ She thinks it's close enough… but geography isn't one of her better subjects. ]
They don't exactly like to give us many of those. [ Answers, she means. They've hidden so much from the participants in their little experiment, while asking too much in return, and given very little choice but to comply. ]
I've… been here a while. City 'here,' not club 'here.' Akira, Ryuji, Yusuke and Haru have been, too. We were wondering if they'd bring any more of us… guess we have an answer, now.
[ And she doesn't like it, even if it's such a relief to have another Phantom Thief to lean on. ]
I've… been here a while. City 'here,' not club 'here.' Akira, Ryuji, Yusuke and Haru have been, too. We were wondering if they'd bring any more of us… guess we have an answer, now.
[ And she doesn't like it, even if it's such a relief to have another Phantom Thief to lean on. ]
[Tim will smile, her enthusiasm is refreshing]
Yes, the two are not that far away from each other so I've been to New York; Tokyo too, although that was largely for business so I didn't get to see too much.
Were you in New York for a class trip or a vacation?
Yes, the two are not that far away from each other so I've been to New York; Tokyo too, although that was largely for business so I didn't get to see too much.
Were you in New York for a class trip or a vacation?
[ She slides into a seat across from him and does the same with her own plate, careful to make sure they don't waste any more precious food. Particularly the meatballs she'd collected at his suggestion— even if they aren't cake. ]
Thanks for sharing! Oh— I'm Ann, by the way.
[ Smiling, she pops one of the aforementioned meatballs in her mouth, taking her time to chew and savor the taste. ]
You weren't kidding! These are seriously good.
Thanks for sharing! Oh— I'm Ann, by the way.
[ Smiling, she pops one of the aforementioned meatballs in her mouth, taking her time to chew and savor the taste. ]
You weren't kidding! These are seriously good.
Neither, actually. It was business for me, too. Well… kind of. I was with my parents and they were on business, so, it counts, right? I always wanted to go back, though.
[ Maybe she'll get to, someday— if they ever get out of Duplicity. Or this elevator, for that matter. She glances at the doors, wondering when they'll open. ]
Too bad we can't trade, right? There's tons to do in Tokyo, so it's kind of a shame you didn't have the time to check it out.
What kind of business were you there for? Were you with your family, too? [ He can't be that much older than she is… ]
[ Maybe she'll get to, someday— if they ever get out of Duplicity. Or this elevator, for that matter. She glances at the doors, wondering when they'll open. ]
Too bad we can't trade, right? There's tons to do in Tokyo, so it's kind of a shame you didn't have the time to check it out.
What kind of business were you there for? Were you with your family, too? [ He can't be that much older than she is… ]
I suppose it counts, it is the reason for your visit and I imagine why you didn't get the change to really look around. How old were you at the time?
Does the elevator usually take this long to get to the UP?
Rather than a trade, it would be nicer still if we could visit them together. Play tour guides for the different cities?
I suppose you could say it was similar to your circumstances, as although I was travelling alone, I was doing so for my family's business.
[Vigilante business honestly feels more like the family business than Wayne Enterprises but he can't exactly say he was there to chase down a source on a known criminal organisation.]
Does the elevator usually take this long to get to the UP?
Rather than a trade, it would be nicer still if we could visit them together. Play tour guides for the different cities?
I suppose you could say it was similar to your circumstances, as although I was travelling alone, I was doing so for my family's business.
[Vigilante business honestly feels more like the family business than Wayne Enterprises but he can't exactly say he was there to chase down a source on a known criminal organisation.]
... I would... hope with a list like that, they would stop. The only ones that leaves is... [Two people she really, really, really does not want to imagine being here. She sighs, and shakes her head.] ... I don't want to think about it.
[She really, really, really does not.]
I've heard that the natives here tend to really like the laws of this place... but this place indicates to me that some might not... so at least I learned... [A somewhat flustered sigh.] something. I'm not quite sure what I expected out of a place like this though.
[She really, really, really does not.]
I've heard that the natives here tend to really like the laws of this place... but this place indicates to me that some might not... so at least I learned... [A somewhat flustered sigh.] something. I'm not quite sure what I expected out of a place like this though.
Seta Souji. Just Souji to my friends, though.
[He smiles back, relaxed and easy; pauses a moment to eat three snacks in quick succession, and tries one of the little cakes.]
Mm.
It's interesting that something like this is well-catered. It's probably a good sign there are Dominants supporting it...
[He smiles back, relaxed and easy; pauses a moment to eat three snacks in quick succession, and tries one of the little cakes.]
Mm.
It's interesting that something like this is well-catered. It's probably a good sign there are Dominants supporting it...
Um… let's see… it was before Junior high, so, around 11 or 12. Wasn't really old enough to walk around by myself, so that probably explains why I didn't get to do much.
[ Alone in a big place like Tokyo… she can kind of relate. She spends most of her time alone, after all.
Ding. The elevator reaches the top at last, the doors opening noisily. Ann pushes herself off of the wall and exits first, but turns around to keep her attention on him, walking backwards. Seems she's gotten pretty comfortable with her spacial awareness of the area. ]
Well… I can't guide you around Tokyo since we're stuck here, but I've been here long enough that I can give you a tour of the Up, if you want?
[ Alone in a big place like Tokyo… she can kind of relate. She spends most of her time alone, after all.
Ding. The elevator reaches the top at last, the doors opening noisily. Ann pushes herself off of the wall and exits first, but turns around to keep her attention on him, walking backwards. Seems she's gotten pretty comfortable with her spacial awareness of the area. ]
Well… I can't guide you around Tokyo since we're stuck here, but I've been here long enough that I can give you a tour of the Up, if you want?
I would love a tour guide that doesn't involve still being in a paper gown,
[He will follow her but he's glancing behind her occasionally to make sure she doesn't run into anything or trip.]
The Up certainly seems very impressive, it honestly feels a little like Gotham. Just missing a lot of the Art Deco architecture.
[There's even the huge class disparity too]
[He will follow her but he's glancing behind her occasionally to make sure she doesn't run into anything or trip.]
The Up certainly seems very impressive, it honestly feels a little like Gotham. Just missing a lot of the Art Deco architecture.
[There's even the huge class disparity too]
[ Thankfully for Tim's nerves, once they're far enough away from the elevator for the two of them to walk side-by-side again, she does just that. ]
It is nice… but it feels totally unfair, that people can't just come and go as they please. Our houses are really nice, too. I can't help but feel a little guilty. But, that's why I'm trying to find someone to move in.
[ She sighs thoughtfully. ] So, someplace warm…
I don't mean it like that, but… would my place be okay? It's not far, and we won't have to worry about— you know. All of that other stuff?
[ Someone seeing his mark, or turning her away because she's not contracted. ]
It is nice… but it feels totally unfair, that people can't just come and go as they please. Our houses are really nice, too. I can't help but feel a little guilty. But, that's why I'm trying to find someone to move in.
[ She sighs thoughtfully. ] So, someplace warm…
I don't mean it like that, but… would my place be okay? It's not far, and we won't have to worry about— you know. All of that other stuff?
[ Someone seeing his mark, or turning her away because she's not contracted. ]
Just Souji, then? [ They're kinda friends, now, right? They're sharing cake, it counts.
Speaking of which, she eats one of those, chewing thoughtfully and taking a look around. There's a group of people at a nearby table, drawing black lines up their throats, emulating the mark of a submissive… the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. ]
It definitely is. I wouldn't be surprised if the city itself was supporting it. Anything to motivate us to fulfill our dumb quotas, I guess, even if it means ignoring the other parts of their system. I don't know why anyone would want to go from Dominant to Submissive, though…
Speaking of which, she eats one of those, chewing thoughtfully and taking a look around. There's a group of people at a nearby table, drawing black lines up their throats, emulating the mark of a submissive… the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. ]
It definitely is. I wouldn't be surprised if the city itself was supporting it. Anything to motivate us to fulfill our dumb quotas, I guess, even if it means ignoring the other parts of their system. I don't know why anyone would want to go from Dominant to Submissive, though…
They're just playing around with it. [ There's an edge to her voice as she glances at some of the natives laughing at a nearby table, having a grand time pretending to be their opposite designation. ] The rest of us are suffering because of it, and they…
[ She trails off, bites her tongue, and sighs. ]
I'm not sure what I expected, either. Maybe we should just… go?
[ She trails off, bites her tongue, and sighs. ]
I'm not sure what I expected, either. Maybe we should just… go?
Just Souji.
[He follows her gaze, and makes a quiet, thoughtful 'hm' at the sight.]
I can think of two reasons. They could just be trying to show that they're on the same side as Submissives... or it could be that they're so uncomfortable being a Dominant, it feels wrong all the time, and they need to get out.
[He cocks his head curiously.]
I know what you mean, though. It's strange to have a mark like this suddenly, and not have any control over it.
[He follows her gaze, and makes a quiet, thoughtful 'hm' at the sight.]
I can think of two reasons. They could just be trying to show that they're on the same side as Submissives... or it could be that they're so uncomfortable being a Dominant, it feels wrong all the time, and they need to get out.
[He cocks his head curiously.]
I know what you mean, though. It's strange to have a mark like this suddenly, and not have any control over it.
It does feel wrong… but rather than just giving it up, we should be using our position to help people, instead. Not that I couldn't be doing a better job of that…
[ Of course it's not comfortable, to be put on a pedestal above people for entirely arbitrary reasons. She can understand that, at least. Pretending to be less fortunate just seems as if they're making a mockery of those who weren't lucky enough to pick the right door. ]
You do have some control. It may not be much, but… don't let them take that from you.
[ Of course it's not comfortable, to be put on a pedestal above people for entirely arbitrary reasons. She can understand that, at least. Pretending to be less fortunate just seems as if they're making a mockery of those who weren't lucky enough to pick the right door. ]
You do have some control. It may not be much, but… don't let them take that from you.
I won't.
[That comes out more than a little intense, and he glances down a moment, taking a breath to make sure he keeps his composure.]
Whrn it'd something like this... I don't mind defying even gods to do what's right.
[That comes out more than a little intense, and he glances down a moment, taking a breath to make sure he keeps his composure.]
Whrn it'd something like this... I don't mind defying even gods to do what's right.
Then I'm really grateful to have made a friend like you this quickly.
[His smile this time is almost a smirk; and it's true, the relief he feels is almost tangible. It's like, well - he almost expects that familiar sound in his head, the announcement that he's now connected with her. Certainly he feels like they have enough in common to power a Social Link.]
If it's not too fast, can I give you my number? I feel like we're going to have more to talk about than we can get to tonight.
[His smile this time is almost a smirk; and it's true, the relief he feels is almost tangible. It's like, well - he almost expects that familiar sound in his head, the announcement that he's now connected with her. Certainly he feels like they have enough in common to power a Social Link.]
If it's not too fast, can I give you my number? I feel like we're going to have more to talk about than we can get to tonight.
Edited 2019-01-23 03:28 (UTC)
I suppose back in our worlds we would have all been taught to be wary of someone who would offer us a room in a much better place than we currently have. It would likely turn out to be a trap. A sort of, don't get in the white van for candy lesson.
[He kinda realise what that might sound like part way through]
Not that I'm implying you have ill intentions, it just might be ingrained in us to simply avoid an unknown danger.
However, I think your place sounds fine for somewhere warm. It's also private so we won't get into trouble for anything we say against the system here.
[He kinda realise what that might sound like part way through]
Not that I'm implying you have ill intentions, it just might be ingrained in us to simply avoid an unknown danger.
However, I think your place sounds fine for somewhere warm. It's also private so we won't get into trouble for anything we say against the system here.
No, you're right. I was also hoping to find more people willing to fight this system in place, but it doesn't seem like it will be that possible. [She sighs, and motions for the door. You know, whenever Ann lets her go.]
I think getting out of here is better before I get roped into doing something I don't really want to. Did you get an apartment, too?
I think getting out of here is better before I get roped into doing something I don't really want to. Did you get an apartment, too?
If it'll make you feel better, I'll stand outside and let you check for booby traps?
[ She's joking, but she understands his caution. In any other situation, or if their roles were reversed, she definitely wouldn't be keen on entering a private space with someone she'd just met. It is a risk, for both of them, but… she could probably take him in a fight if anything goes wrong, right? ]
[ She's joking, but she understands his caution. In any other situation, or if their roles were reversed, she definitely wouldn't be keen on entering a private space with someone she'd just met. It is a risk, for both of them, but… she could probably take him in a fight if anything goes wrong, right? ]
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