tsunderebunny | Appointments -- Luceti

...maybe.

[It wasn't quite the word he would have chosen. Luceti, it seemed, was wrapped up in a conspiracy that forced him out of the loop. Clearly there was information somewhere, but he wasn't able to find any of it.

Damn that redheaded woman. Barnaby planned to launch an interrogation at her if she showed her sly smile once again-- and that was only what he had planned. He didn't know what kind of distractions or evasions she would make, and that took away his ability to plan their next encounter properly.

If they ever had another encounter.]

I'm sure that must be it. But don't worry--once they come out of their shell a little, you'll have lots of friends to go on picnics with.

[Isn't that what everyone does with their friends?]

[She earned a confused look from him.]

Picnics?

[He never went on a picnic with any of the other heroes. He constantly argued with his partner, even though it was mostly out of habit, and quietly teased everyone he counted among his friends with such subtlty that they didn't realize it until it was too late.]

[She hasn't quite worked out that this is an unfamiliar concept just yet. Give her time, though.]

Yes, that's right. There are lots of lovely places to have picnics in Luceti.

[There will be plenty of time for her to figure things out.]

Unfortunately, I'm not exactly in the habit of going on picnics.

[And yeeeeeeeeeeep. There it is: the look of complete bewilderment.]

You aren't?

[Just. Staring. They've clearly hit a wall.]

No, I'm not.

Oh, my. Then we should go on a picnic together as soon as possible.

[Fly you fool you know not your peril.]

[No, he does not...but he's not going to fly yet. That's impolite.]

That's really not necessary, Miss Grune.

[She shakes her head. She's not taking any of your politeness, nope.]

It would be a lot of fun! I'd love to go on a picnic with you. We could make all our favourite foods and find the perfect spot.

[But...politeness. She knew his name, and was a link to Sternbild and the information that he needed-- if he could somehow get her to talk straight.

If she was capable of doing so.

Barnaby wasn't sure how to take her smile, but it might be easier just to go along with her offer.]

I'm not sure how well cabbage rolls will travel, but there might be something else.

[It wasn't a confirmation that he would go with her, just a suggestion that he might consider it.]

[Unfortunately for him, she's going to take that as a confirmation regardless. Once again, she looks as though he's just made her day when she answers.]

Oh, I'm sure it will work out. Do you have a favourite recipe for them?

[...he had no idea what he just roped himself into.]

To be honest, I never did figure out how to make them.

[He's about to find out, though!]

That's all right. We can just pick a nice one together.

...

You really are serious about this, aren't you?

Oh, yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be serious?

[She genuinely looks as if the thought never crossed her mind to joke about this. Unless she's really great at faking it, she is 100% earnest in her desire to take him on a picnic.]

It's...strange.

[He truly believed that she wasn't lying about her intentions, not with how open she's been this entire time. He just had never had anyone so casually insist that he join them on a picnic.]

[Her confusion continues to grow.]

Why is it strange?

[They were talking in circles now. He could feel it.]

We barely know eachother, Miss Grune. But--

[There was no use fighting it.]

We can do something sometime. I've an open schedule.

Why don't we go today? That way, we can get to know each other much better.

[After all, why put off time with a friend?]

I've got other things to do today.

[Like figure out the fire and the wings. He didn't like fire.]

Could I take a raincheck on it?

A raincheck?

[Automatically, she looks up at the sky. Wrong kind of raincheck, Grune.]

It doesn't look like rain...I don't think.

[Barnaby followed her gaze and automatically understood the problem.]

A different kind of raincheck, Miss Grune. Perhaps we can arrange for a different time...?

Oh, all right. [She still doesn't quite understand what he means, but that's okay.] Then I hope we can go sometime soon.

Appointments -- Luceti

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]

[Possession Event, 26th]