I think I can live with it, since I don't like riding trains alone, and no one wants to come with me on one.
[Is he frugal. Because that was a sign of a frugal man. But she'll refrain from judgement for now.] Besides, you don't know if they'll let you scan your pass twice, and I'd rather pay the money than accidentally mess up yours.
Well, I've already given you plenty of kisses. I can catch up on hugs on the train. Food, I've already got planned.
[He used to live "on the streets", Nariko. He got in the habit of paying people back, because it strengthened the bonds that got him to where he is today.
Nonetheless, they make it to the train station. Since it's a late train, it's mostly deserted and who is there looks like a bunch of students who pulled off three all-nighters too many and drunks. The exchange with the teller goes quickly enough, because Boxer actually seems kind of antsy to get to a particular place on the shuttle.
The best handicap section.]
Yes.
[He gestures at her to come closer and take a seat on his lap.]
[See, it's just difficult for her to understand that when she's fallen into the habit of giving people what they ask for and having it end a little terribly.
When they get into the station she ... Takes a lot of quite deep breathes, which is easier to pull off since she's behind Boxer and she's anxious to get through the process of buying her day pass just because she kind of wants to get in the thing and make it move. Trains are pretty fast, so it won't be very long!
When they get inside, though she ... Actually hesitates a little.]
Is it really okay?
[Boxer's in a wheelchair, and most human individuals would go ahead and say that's a valid enough reason to use the handicap section. But Nariko's perfectly capable of standing up on her own so - isn't that kind of abusing the section? Not that she can't be convinced into it easily enough, she's just an annoying, straight laced citizen.]
She looks around, sees how few people there are, and decides to go for it. She cozies up on his lap rather quickly, in part because the movement of the thing is starting to get to her. If she dies in a sardine can it's going to be the fault of whoever invented trains. At least she and her little takeaway bag can curl up on Boxer.
It's fine, she knows it's fine! Logically, this train is used everyday! But she's going to hold Boxer's hand anyway.]
[Eventually Nariko will come to learn that Boxer likes to selectively bend the rules to have a little bit of fun.
As she curls up on him, he cuddles her tight to his chest. He wishes he had one of his blankets to make her into even more of a kraken-burrito, but she'll have to do with just his arms.]
Yeah. This and the early bird train are the emptiest shuttles. There's a lull after the lunch rush, but it's hard to catch. This time is by far the best.
[He points out of the window as some large, light-dotted buildings pass by in the relative distance. There's a park they go by that is brilliantly lit up by dancing lights along the pond.]
[This is a good indication. And his arms are a perfectly suitable for cuddling, who needs a blanket? ]
Wow!
[So ignoring that they're suspended midair in a little box on rails this is really beautiful!] Oh, it's so beautiful! This might be better than standing up at the top of the new rec building!
[In all her excitement she leans forward a bit as if it might bring the whole landscape closer, and not just shift her perspective a little.]
There's nothing about New Cloudbank that's the same from any angle.
[Literally! The buildings were all at crazy heights and of varying designs ... You probably couldn't find a single building that was exactly like another in this place, even the apartment buildings generally had specific quirks, reliant on which districts they were in!]
You're right, though, that's part of it's beauty.
[But there was something extra special at getting over a little fear of hers to see this view, so she could cherish it all but this still might get a little more love.]
And to think there are people who see this every morning.
[He plops a little kiss in her hairline as it goes by. Even though she's sitting on his lap, he's still taller than her...]
I'm so glad I found someone that enjoys the city skyline as much as I do.
[Sure, there are plenty of citizens that remark on how beautiful their city is, but do any of them stop to really take it in? Of course there are people who see it every morning--but do they really see it?]
[Probably not. You get used to seeing something everyday and, presumably, it loses it's shine. Nariko can't help thinking that's bullshit, though. It's all about how you choose to take in the world around you - it only changes marginally, it's progression is already built upon the individuals view!
She wouldn't want to be the kind of person who doesn't appreciate the beauty in the world. There's too much bullshit to contend with to be any other way.]
That would be a difficult thing to put on a dating profile, right? 'Must have philosophical, but not hipster love of New Cloudbank'.
[She leans back into him, tilting to try and get a little kiss on his jaw.]
[The kiss lands! He gently laughs, the force of it, though just a chuckle, reverberating in her body.]
I'd probably close the tab as soon as I read a comment like that. Too pretentious!
[But speaking of which.]
Ah...I'd better suspend my dating profiles, huh.
[He's not going to be interested in anyone else when Nariko has his attention like this! Hell, one of the reasons he invited her home is because he knew his thoughts would be nothing but her. Though a kraken doing a little love-struck dance around his apartment would be an amusing show, no one would be around to witness it!]
But, there's a difference in their thinking because she can't pretend to understand.]
Boxer, [How can she even word this.] don't feel like you have to, or anything. This is our first date, so ... [Except she realizes how that sounds, so a little backpedaling has to occur.]
It's not that I don't completely and utterly adore you because I do! You're sweet and fun and amazing! [The man's just goddamn perfect. It'd be infuriating if he didn't return her feelings.] But you're dating, so that's a numbers game, right? I don't want you to limit yourself because you think I might run off or something. I won't.
[She's not going to date anyone else just because that's too much fucking work right now - Boxer was all timing and luck, it'd be a shame to pass this up, whatever it becomes. But that's only because of her breakup, he doesn't have that drama, so why just stop with her?]
It's okay, Nariko. I said "suspend," not "delete".
[He's spent a lot of time on those things, he'd never delete them. There are a few current contacts he might phone up at some point for a date, but...]
Put it this way: If I'm trying to schedule my time, whatever time you want to spend with me will prioritize anyone else.
[How's that for a statement on how he feels about her so far? This whole conversation may or may not contribute to a future misunderstanding on Nariko's stance about sleeping with other people while dating her...]
[That sounds good. She's just made this mistake too many times, rushing into it, wanting a definition, wanting something solid from a situation that needed time. The whole thing with her ex-boyfriend is making her too cautious in a sense, but better to be careful than reckless, right?
Besides, it's easier to have an awkward but important conversation in the future.]
Thanks.
[For understanding, basically. She still feels kind of bad that he's meeting her at such a weird point in her life but it seems like he's willing to be a little patient ...]
[Except that makes it sound like there's anything but this really intense chemistry--a chance that maybe things won't work out between them though he'd give all his tentacles to make it happen.
...maybe not the greatest sacrifice considering they can grow back, but still.]
[It'd still terrify her to see him without them, regrowth or not, so she'd say that's a pretty big sacrifice.
Rather than answer him she just relaxes that much more, lifts one of his hands so she can kiss the palm. No pressure, lots of patience, just not hyper focusing on what it all means, where it might go ... Because of course she wants it to mean something, wants it to go somewhere, but it's just easier to avoid thinking about right now. It doesn't need all of that.
And it's a miracle she just happened to find a man who understands that without a big explanation.]
[He'd still have his arms! He could still hug her! And finger her.
Boxer is more than content to just sit there and hold her for the rest of the trip. When they disembark at Bayside, Boxer gives her a big smile as they make the short trip to his apartment complex.]
Would you mind waiting for me to do a security round for the water before I made dinner?
[He's already pretty late, but he told who mattered that he probably would be.]
When they're off she's in such a good mood, grinning like the biggest, happiest idiot in the world. When he mentions his work she actually feels a little bad.] Oh, no! Don't let me keep you from work! I can wait wherever, it's fine![Work is very important!!! Maybe she shouldn't be willing to, like, stand outside on the curb while he does whatever is needed but hey! At least she's supportive.
Also wow don't you dare tell her she made you late, Boxer.]
[He snorts. It's not her fault that he's late, he made the decision to handle it like he is!]
As if I'd make you wait anywhere besides my apartment.
[Don't you dare stand outside on the curb. He'll never allow it. Indeed, he brings her back to his apartment and puts his suit away, wheeling his naked self over to the balcony in the back.]
Make yourself at home! Be back in about an hour.
[And she gets to watch him vault himself over the railing into the water.]
[She feels a little silly for implying that she'd have to wait outside but, y'know, she's never actually been alone in his place! Nariko wouldn't blame him if he exercised a little bit of caution. Still, they make it up there and she sets her clutch down and then he's heading right onto the balcony and hopping off of it.]
Holy fuck.
[So that just happened.
After remaining in place a bit, utterly shocked, she takes her heels off and puts them relatively near his door and then takes up a part of his couch - a corner part that will probably become her favorite little hangout. Once she figures out his tv configuration that's turned on to a show about renovating houses.]
[If she thinks going out is crazy, she should see the entrance. Throwing himself over the balcony is one thing, but crawling back up it when there's no platform below him, with the additional weight of water? If she ever wanted to watch Boxer's muscles in action, now's her chance.
He pulls himself over the railing, vaulting over it and landing as water cascades down his form. With the right slow-mo and lighting, it'd be downright pornographic. His hand runs back through his hair to flick the seawater out of it, then he grabs a towel hanging on the wall and dries up the majority of the water before opening the glass door and crawling back in.
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They're a third of the price a year pass is!
[He knows she can afford it, but it's just not the frugal choice!]
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I think I can live with it, since I don't like riding trains alone, and no one wants to come with me on one.
[Is he frugal. Because that was a sign of a frugal man. But she'll refrain from judgement for now.] Besides, you don't know if they'll let you scan your pass twice, and I'd rather pay the money than accidentally mess up yours.
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[He scratches at his neck a little, embarrassed.]
I just feel like I owe you for...giving me such a wonderful night.
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You don't owe me anything, especially because we've been sharing the wonderful night.
[She leans down to kiss his cheek.] It's natural chemistry.
[That's not something to be repaid one way or another.] But I always accept kisses, hugs, and food for just about anything. In that order.
[Ideally he wouldn't weigh himself down with all that thinking but it's not her place nor within her abilities to change him in any meaningful way.]
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[He used to live "on the streets", Nariko. He got in the habit of paying people back, because it strengthened the bonds that got him to where he is today.
Nonetheless, they make it to the train station. Since it's a late train, it's mostly deserted and who is there looks like a bunch of students who pulled off three all-nighters too many and drunks. The exchange with the teller goes quickly enough, because Boxer actually seems kind of antsy to get to a particular place on the shuttle.
The best handicap section.]
Yes.
[He gestures at her to come closer and take a seat on his lap.]
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When they get into the station she ... Takes a lot of quite deep breathes, which is easier to pull off since she's behind Boxer and she's anxious to get through the process of buying her day pass just because she kind of wants to get in the thing and make it move. Trains are pretty fast, so it won't be very long!
When they get inside, though she ... Actually hesitates a little.]
Is it really okay?
[Boxer's in a wheelchair, and most human individuals would go ahead and say that's a valid enough reason to use the handicap section. But Nariko's perfectly capable of standing up on her own so - isn't that kind of abusing the section? Not that she can't be convinced into it easily enough, she's just an annoying, straight laced citizen.]
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[If you get what he means.]
No one's gonna mess with a lady sitting on a kraken's lap, Nariko. Best seat in the house. C'mon.
[Pat, pat, pat.]
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She looks around, sees how few people there are, and decides to go for it. She cozies up on his lap rather quickly, in part because the movement of the thing is starting to get to her. If she dies in a sardine can it's going to be the fault of whoever invented trains. At least she and her little takeaway bag can curl up on Boxer.
It's fine, she knows it's fine! Logically, this train is used everyday! But she's going to hold Boxer's hand anyway.]
Is it always this empty at night?
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As she curls up on him, he cuddles her tight to his chest. He wishes he had one of his blankets to make her into even more of a kraken-burrito, but she'll have to do with just his arms.]
Yeah. This and the early bird train are the emptiest shuttles. There's a lull after the lunch rush, but it's hard to catch. This time is by far the best.
[He points out of the window as some large, light-dotted buildings pass by in the relative distance. There's a park they go by that is brilliantly lit up by dancing lights along the pond.]
Look, look...
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Wow!
[So ignoring that they're suspended midair in a little box on rails this is really beautiful!] Oh, it's so beautiful! This might be better than standing up at the top of the new rec building!
[In all her excitement she leans forward a bit as if it might bring the whole landscape closer, and not just shift her perspective a little.]
Now I see why you wanted to take it.
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[He plays with her fingers idly as they drive along.]
Every perspective should be cherished, don't you think? If every view in New Cloudbank was the same, well...it wouldn't be New Cloudbank, would it?
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[Literally! The buildings were all at crazy heights and of varying designs ... You probably couldn't find a single building that was exactly like another in this place, even the apartment buildings generally had specific quirks, reliant on which districts they were in!]
You're right, though, that's part of it's beauty.
[But there was something extra special at getting over a little fear of hers to see this view, so she could cherish it all but this still might get a little more love.]
And to think there are people who see this every morning.
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[He plops a little kiss in her hairline as it goes by. Even though she's sitting on his lap, he's still taller than her...]
I'm so glad I found someone that enjoys the city skyline as much as I do.
[Sure, there are plenty of citizens that remark on how beautiful their city is, but do any of them stop to really take it in? Of course there are people who see it every morning--but do they really see it?]
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She wouldn't want to be the kind of person who doesn't appreciate the beauty in the world. There's too much bullshit to contend with to be any other way.]
That would be a difficult thing to put on a dating profile, right? 'Must have philosophical, but not hipster love of New Cloudbank'.
[She leans back into him, tilting to try and get a little kiss on his jaw.]
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I'd probably close the tab as soon as I read a comment like that. Too pretentious!
[But speaking of which.]
Ah...I'd better suspend my dating profiles, huh.
[He's not going to be interested in anyone else when Nariko has his attention like this! Hell, one of the reasons he invited her home is because he knew his thoughts would be nothing but her. Though a kraken doing a little love-struck dance around his apartment would be an amusing show, no one would be around to witness it!]
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But, there's a difference in their thinking because she can't pretend to understand.]
Boxer, [How can she even word this.] don't feel like you have to, or anything. This is our first date, so ... [Except she realizes how that sounds, so a little backpedaling has to occur.]
It's not that I don't completely and utterly adore you because I do! You're sweet and fun and amazing! [The man's just goddamn perfect. It'd be infuriating if he didn't return her feelings.] But you're dating, so that's a numbers game, right? I don't want you to limit yourself because you think I might run off or something. I won't.
[She's not going to date anyone else just because that's too much fucking work right now - Boxer was all timing and luck, it'd be a shame to pass this up, whatever it becomes. But that's only because of her breakup, he doesn't have that drama, so why just stop with her?]
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It's okay, Nariko. I said "suspend," not "delete".
[He's spent a lot of time on those things, he'd never delete them. There are a few current contacts he might phone up at some point for a date, but...]
Put it this way: If I'm trying to schedule my time, whatever time you want to spend with me will prioritize anyone else.
[How's that for a statement on how he feels about her so far? This whole conversation may or may not contribute to a future misunderstanding on Nariko's stance about sleeping with other people while dating her...]
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[That sounds good. She's just made this mistake too many times, rushing into it, wanting a definition, wanting something solid from a situation that needed time. The whole thing with her ex-boyfriend is making her too cautious in a sense, but better to be careful than reckless, right?
Besides, it's easier to have an awkward but important conversation in the future.]
Thanks.
[For understanding, basically. She still feels kind of bad that he's meeting her at such a weird point in her life but it seems like he's willing to be a little patient ...]
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It's okay, Nariko. There's no pressure.
[Except that makes it sound like there's anything but this really intense chemistry--a chance that maybe things won't work out between them though he'd give all his tentacles to make it happen.
...maybe not the greatest sacrifice considering they can grow back, but still.]
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Rather than answer him she just relaxes that much more, lifts one of his hands so she can kiss the palm. No pressure, lots of patience, just not hyper focusing on what it all means, where it might go ... Because of course she wants it to mean something, wants it to go somewhere, but it's just easier to avoid thinking about right now. It doesn't need all of that.
And it's a miracle she just happened to find a man who understands that without a big explanation.]
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Boxer is more than content to just sit there and hold her for the rest of the trip. When they disembark at Bayside, Boxer gives her a big smile as they make the short trip to his apartment complex.]
Would you mind waiting for me to do a security round for the water before I made dinner?
[He's already pretty late, but he told who mattered that he probably would be.]
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When they're off she's in such a good mood, grinning like the biggest, happiest idiot in the world. When he mentions his work she actually feels a little bad.] Oh, no! Don't let me keep you from work! I can wait wherever, it's fine![Work is very important!!! Maybe she shouldn't be willing to, like, stand outside on the curb while he does whatever is needed but hey! At least she's supportive.
Also wow don't you dare tell her she made you late, Boxer.]
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As if I'd make you wait anywhere besides my apartment.
[Don't you dare stand outside on the curb. He'll never allow it. Indeed, he brings her back to his apartment and puts his suit away, wheeling his naked self over to the balcony in the back.]
Make yourself at home! Be back in about an hour.
[And she gets to watch him vault himself over the railing into the water.]
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[She feels a little silly for implying that she'd have to wait outside but, y'know, she's never actually been alone in his place! Nariko wouldn't blame him if he exercised a little bit of caution. Still, they make it up there and she sets her clutch down and then he's heading right onto the balcony and hopping off of it.]
Holy fuck.
[So that just happened.
After remaining in place a bit, utterly shocked, she takes her heels off and puts them relatively near his door and then takes up a part of his couch - a corner part that will probably become her favorite little hangout. Once she figures out his tv configuration that's turned on to a show about renovating houses.]
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He pulls himself over the railing, vaulting over it and landing as water cascades down his form. With the right slow-mo and lighting, it'd be downright pornographic. His hand runs back through his hair to flick the seawater out of it, then he grabs a towel hanging on the wall and dries up the majority of the water before opening the glass door and crawling back in.
He gives her a warm smile.]
Miss me?
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oops, meant to write "without"
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have i been gone for long enough? smh
ahhhhhhhhhh!!! YOU CAME BACK such joy ;_;
i can't promise i'll be even remotely as active as i used to be but i have missed this terribly
that's cool we can take it one thread at a time if that's easier -- are you doing okay tho?
how could i ever choose though? also: yes!
ehh will start here and wing it. And good!
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