melodiesofeternity | [Closed] Happy (Belated) Birthday

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[Closed] Happy (Belated) Birthday

Who: Naoto Shirogane and Kanji Tatsumi
When: January 23rd
Where: Sparks Golsaucia
What: It's Kanji's birthday. Why not go to an amusement park to celebrate... at least, that's what one normally wants, right?
Warnings/Notes: Dorks on a date

It's hard to keep their destination a surprise between the tickets, the flight, and approaching the main entrance of PuPuLand, but it can start out as a semi-secret. Due to their adventures into the Library, it just had to be pushed back a few days...

... She hoped he still liked it - the trip and his present later - even if it was belated.

"Where would you like to start?"

It was only the two of them going about the park despite weighing the options of a party with more people. In the end, this would be them on a date... first date? Yes, that sounded right.

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The lalafell watched the knife fly, and masked a yawn with the palm of his hand. The knife stuck, and he was ready to speak with Kanji about another three shots. That'd just fall through in a moment...

"Last shot, but it doesn't have to be your last game! Three more knives, you know the price."

Kanji snorted, and pitched the last knife, jaw set. With a thunk, the blade sank by the tip, then began to dip by its handle that was a mite too heavy.

"Alright, let's see... huh?" The knife that was dead center had stuck fast. It was stuck. Stuck.

"How did y- ... What did you do??" The vendor pointed an accusatory finger at Naoto, eyes sharp with suspicion.

"Hell yeah, Naoto! That looks like a knife stayin' in to me. That's a winner!"

"I sense foul play! That- that won't count! I won't allow it!"

Staring back at the vendor, Naoto obviously wasn't going to say anything on the 'how'... because him asking 'how' that worked just confirmed his own foul.

"If you have an issue in 'how' my knife remained, you could request for some assistance determining foul play. However, I'll have to ask similarly how come none of my boyfriend's knives stuck to the board. In the same vein of thought, my knife stuck to the bulls-eye; therefore, I won a prize. I guess I'll have to ask for security since you are withholding..."

And before he might try framing this against them, Naoto raised her slate, took a picture of the winning shot, and pocketed it.

Kanji couldn't help looking smug. Here came the Shirogane pain, the rapid fire! He didn't catch on to the way the knife looked or that faint edge of ice magic, but the knife was built to never stick for long and make the money fall from his pocket. Or worse, hers! She found a way, and he was going to figure out how later. For now? He didn't give a shiiiiit.

His spine shot upright amid the rapid fire, because he could have sworn he'd heard a 'b-word'. In- in truth he was the b-word, but... h-hearing it from her was enough to have him snatch up the front of his hoodie and cover his mouth and nose to hide the deepening color. Did she practice in front of a mirror, too!?

"W-well, his throws were a mess! There's finesse in throwing knives, not whatever the void that big ape was getting at, nearly putting someone's eyes out!" But the chatty guy in the hat was pulling up the iMog and taking a picture.

Short-stack was also bringing up security. And he may have managed to dodge rent payments for his spot for the better part of three months now.

"F-f-fine! Fine, alright!? I'll let it slide just this once! You hit the bullseye, so you get a bullseye prize! Pick the one you want and get out of here before I change my mind!"

"Glad we could reach this compromise... One of the dogs if you'll continue to be so kind."

And she kept watch on the lalafell, a small tick in the corner at that 'big ape' comment. Today was Kanji's birthday... and any further comments like that still might have security coming to this booth anyway for an inspection...

He grumbled big time, and after grabbing a handy hook, was able to get one of the big plush dogs down from their proud display high above. Right where anyone would see them, luring them in to play.

But the Lalafell had a grin. Some eyes were watching them. Someone had won a big prize, and that was sure to get more to come and drop down some big cash for multiple plays. So these idiots could have their stupid dog!

"Congratulations." The tone was indeed smarmy, and he even added a little bow. But the tone was very much a 'please leave' as well.

"Bad ass! I kinda regret turnin' back that Ninja Asterisk, but eh... screw it! I'm a better tank, anyway. Grats, Naoto. You earned that sucker!"

They would leave alright... but Naoto did not approve of that grin.

Accepting the dog, she looked up at Kanji.

"Hm... I suppose I did." She was still a little miffed at how it had to be earned. "Well, what would you like to do next?"

His heart almost connected with his mouth in requesting heading for the Petting Zoo portion, but he thought again of the chocobos in the stables, and of his own stretch of bad luck involving animals.

Instead, he pointed for that Ferris Wheel. They've eaten, and she had a prize, even if he wasn't the one to win it.

"Let's take you up."

"Hm... alright."

If the Ferris Wheel was next... but she hoped he didn't totally neglect everything he might want to do. Also, while they were walking, she would make them take a detour once out of sight of the booth and lalafell operator to speak to security.

Yeah, she just wouldn't let it go that easily.

They did seem to detour, but when she flagged down a towering male Zora dressed in the Sparks Golsaucia colors, Kanji rather understood. How could he not? Even on a date, she was still law enforcement.

The Zora, in kind, seemed exasperated about the report, but more over the fact that- surprise, surprise- it was one of the lalafell trying to pull the wool over the eyes. He thanked her for the note and set off to contact back-up to take a look at the knife-throwing game. It was dangerous enough as is to have sharp objects for use in something like a game...

The vendor's life was going to get infinitely worse by night's end.

Kanji chuckled after, arms folded.

"I didn't doubt ya, but I was wondering how soon you'd report that guy." He shook his head.

"I work at a weapons shop. I know dull knives when I see 'em. The handles were bullshit, too. No balance to 'em."

So that was an issue as well? Fair enough, it didn't seem like an appropriate game to be present at an amusement park for all ages now that she considered it more. Then again, her lack of experiencing any parks prior didn't even have her consider it.

"And by now, my little ice trick will be gone. He's likely cleared the board for any patrons too so that will be on him."

Turning to Kanji, she sighed. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything before you purchased the next round. I needed to be sure before taking any action... and to make him lower his guard."

He shook his head. He didn't catch on to the plan until afterward, but he didn't seem bothered by being taken on as bait. Hell, he liked tanking. He was fine diverting attention. "Nah, don't worry about it. I'm just glad I helped, y'know?"

Then, he reached out and took up the plush. He touched the snout to her cheek in a little doggie kiss.

"And this guy would've been stuck hangin' up there, never to go to a home."

"Hm... Yes, thank you for doing that." Though, it really was thanks to him the guy was caught anyway. If he hadn't wanted to win the dog, someone else wouldn't unknowingly approached the stand.

Blinking as the toy was taken, she managed not to flush as brightly, but still did at the 'dog kisses'.

"I'm sure he would've gotten one eventually."

"I'm not so sure. Not with those butter knives." He offered the dog back.

"Hell of a birthday date: Food, games, takin' down a shady set-up...!" He brought a fist into an open palm.

"I wonder if that's normal, or if it's just how we roll."

"Hm... that's likely true."

And accepting the dog back, she'll make it press one dog kiss to Kanji's cheek.

"At this point, I believe it's just becoming normal for us."

Doggo kiss! Yet as his heart skipped, he wondered if maybe it was a little silly to have the plush do it to her. He's just never sure how to... ask. Do people ask? It always seemed like people just sort of clicked and came to an understanding before it happened.

"I'm fine with that, honestly. We shouldn't get shocked if we have dinner and nobody commits a bank robbery or nothin', though." Imagine that.

He paused when they passed a ticket booth.

"Oh, do we know if the Wheel takes tickets...?"

Some things she might want to be asked about... but dog kisses would be fine.

"Please don't say that. The last thing I want is our dinner being interrupted." She'd rather their meal not go cold.

Halting and raising her head, she brought her hand to her chin, thinking.

"I'm not sure... It didn't look like it, but we could purchase tickets now in case they're needed, or for the attractions that require them later."

He grinned. "Bet you wouldn't mind it as much if it was the R-word."

He knew her. If some giant r-o-b-o-t came crashing down to raise a ruckus, Kanji'd bet his hair that Naoto'd be out before anybody could say 'is that a Gundam'.

"Sounds like a plan. Want me to hold a place in line?" He'd already insisted on paying for things. He figured she'd start getting mad if he pushed to cover the tickets, too.

"... I still would."

But with that hesitance, maybe not as much. Shush, don't judge her... she's already hiding her face behind her dog.

"Yes. It shouldn't take too long." Given the current state, she would be back with their tickets momentarily.

But it'd be so cute! She'd excuse herself, then hurry outside with her tools and a camera, and god knows what else. He may or may not have heard things from the Magitek Knight Guild. Kanji knows she's a damn dork, but the secret was safe.

"Gotcha. Seeya there!" He waved and hurried off, hoping the line wasn't too long. But the Wheel was pretty damn big, whole lot of cars stuck on, and it was a week day!

Kanji skidded to a stop and counted the people. Not many. Awesome. But he also had to take out his iMog and snap a picture of the sheer scale of the thing. He'd have to get a couple of shots when they hit the top, for sure.

He had to admit his stomach dropped at the sheer size of it, but he had to remember: This was just like the airship. They'd be covered. They'd be safe. It wasn't like a rollercoaster.

Naoto wasn't far off, and broke him from his thoughts.

"Looks like it's a ticket thing. I just got an idea, too..." He peered at the operator, who was coming up fast as they were filling the cars.

Of all the things she hadn't checked was whether tickets were needed for attractions. Seemed like a strange thing to overlook, but she hadn't heard that was typical in large amusement parks before this world. Then again, this place was all about money for entertainment.

Looks like rides were ticket-based... alright, she'd just have to purchase enough for the rides they might go on. So aside from the signature roller coaster, there was the Ferris Wheel and then... yes, those ones would be likely.

"What's the idea?" She only glanced back because she was in the middle of her transaction.

Kanji answered by grabbing the operator's attention, waving them over, and then leaning to have a brief, private conversation. They were contemplative for a second, then with a little smirk gave a nod, but made a zipping motion across the mouth. Kanji nodded in kind, and backed off.

He stood up taller, arms behind his head. Oh, that little grin.

"I'll get into it when we're on."

Returning with their ticket purchased, Naoto had to give Kanji a quizzical look. Well, looking at the operator, she had the tickets ready for him.

The operator accepted the tickets, made a big show out of taking them really. But he gave a little salute before waving them onward into an open and available car.

"After you! Let's getcha up there." But as he spoke, he was straightening out his jacket. Fidgeting...? He was fidgeting.

Okay... that was strange. Though Naoto noticed Kanji's apprehension, she didn't comment. Instead, she just nodded with a small smile, eager to get up high personally.

Onto the capsule she went.

He climbed in as well, took a seat, and gave a sigh as he tried his best not to ogle their accommodations too closely. It was after the door closed that he could finally speak up, excitement buzzing out of every cell.

"Heh- We got a triple ride!" He all but burst out, but maybe he should back up a bit.

"I told the guy it was your birthday, so he's gonna do us a solid."

[Closed] Happy (Belated) Birthday

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