[Open] This Is What Happens After a Month of Sleeping...

[blue_eyed_obsession]

Who: Seto Kaiba & You
What: This is a catch-all for November where I will be adding prompts as the month progresses.
Where: All over
When: Various time periods!
Content Warnings: None currently



The Top-levels will contain the prompts, but I can always add more if you want something specific!

Comments

[menaretrash]

[ Please do not go shattering your long, long legs, Seto. Although she'd gladly carry him back to safety, even if they looked really stupid while doing so... though, yes. She would agree, that ability does indeed come in handy, and it's an extra bonus to do it so quietly, too. Are you sure you're not really a Phantom Thief, too, Seto?

She thinks that maybe everyone here would appreciate a little... fresh upgrade to their wardrobes and accessories. Everyone deserves that, especially because right now, everything would be free. Maybe one day they'll get lucky. But, for now, they're stuck with what little they have to work with, and really, Seto could have come waltzing in in a trash bag and he would have made that trash bag look amazing. ]

Well, whatever it is, I'm sure it's something amazing. [ YOU CAN'T LEAVE HER HANGING LIKE THAT, MAN. It's okay, though, she gets it -- talking about work on dates and all. She'll keep that comment tucked away to ask about later, during non date night hours.

It's almost as though he's read her mind, though, and she nods at his question, but she remains silent, allowing him to continue on and explain. She still stands by the fact that he could have picked anything and she'd have been happy, and this is no exception to the rule. She hasn't been to this location, and the fact that he held off exploring himself just so they could do it together? It means a lot, and says a lot, too. ]

Look at you, scaling crazy buildings. All that training is already paying off! [ Ah, if only she could have been a fly on the wall to see him climb it, alas. ] That sounds great, though... thanks for bringing me along. [ Together, together, together. That's her new favorite word, she thinks, so long as it's associated with Seto. ] I've never been here, no, so this is exciting! Especially so... because it's with you.

[ She glances off to the side for a moment, almost a little afraid to see his reaction to that, before she forces herself to look back up at him. Carefully, she moves to his left side, very gently looping her arm through one of his, loose enough for him to tug free if he wanted to. ]

Which way did you want to go first?

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[It would be an excruciating experience both in terms of actual pain and to hit to his pride. For his sake if he commits to a jump he had better always stick the landing. It certainly does. Couldn't be, he doesn't have a code name.

That was most likely accurate, because even the most fashion-challenged person would get tired of the same thing day in and day out. Free. Don't remind him. Certainly the lack of currency was to their advantage at the moment, but eventually he would like to rebuild his empire once more. That's assuming this would be an extended stay, and so far it was. Ha, he never would have resorted to an actual trash bag.]

Definitely, I wouldn't accept anything less. [For now she would be held up in suspense, because his lips were sealed. A leak early on would destroy the impact of the reveal.

Perhaps he was a little too eager as he filled in the gaps for her without waiting for her to pose the question herself, but she didn't seem to mind. Aside from exploration he also had two other activities lined up if she was still up for them afterwards. That and he wasn't sure how long it would take to search the various sectors, and he wouldn't want the date to end too abruptly or run too long. He'd thought of everything- or so he assumed.]

It better be. [Considering all the hours he'd already dedicated to the cause. Perhaps sometime she would get the chance, the building wasn't going anywhere so far as anyone knew] Mm, of course. [As she affirmed his plans he felt a sense of relief but also elation. He wasn't sure if she would appreciate what was essentially still work, on a day slated for leisure] Glad you approve. [He still hadn't been prepared for her glowing sentiment about spending time specifically with him. His lips parted briefly but nothing came out]

[Deciding it was best not to address it at all, he had recovered by the time she looked back. Looking about the plaza, he was debating just where to start before she asked, though when she moved to his side, he looked back to her, puzzling over what she was doing. He didn't have long to wait for his answer, as she linked their arms together. Instinctively, he did think about pulling away, he generally limited all such contact, but- this.was.a.date. Feeling uncomfortable, he fought valiantly not to fidget. He could feel the warmth of her close proximity..

.. but he was in control here. This was fine. Reaching up with his free hand he encouraged her to firm up her grip. He wasn't a porcelain doll that would crack under pressure. Then he looked forward] Let's continue to the center, then we can peruse in a radial search from there. [Little did he know, but a fountain and some vibrant flower beds would await them there]

[menaretrash]

I know you wouldn't. [ There's plenty of time to harass him about it later. But that's not important right now, what with what they've got on their plate for the evening right now, and he seems pretty pleased with himself. He doesn't act like he's thinking this is some sort of chore... as a matter of fact, he seems content, and maybe even just the tiniest bit excited, too. ]

I think you're doing well! I'll bet you're going to put everyone else to shame soon enough, too. No one's gonna want to mess with you once you're finished! [ Except for her, but that's different. Clearly, she's allowed to continue messing with him. Granted, she's hoping that no one wants to start any scuffles with Seto or... anyone else again for a while period, considering that they're all stuck here and there's really no need for pointless wars if it can be helped. ] Definitely, this should be fun! [ She's looking forward to exploring with him, if he hasn't already assumed that. Considering her excitement and the fact she's already verbally stated so, at least, but she means what she said with every ounce of her very being.

He doesn't respond, but she doesn't expect him to -- silence is better than him snorting or shooting the idea down, and thus, she is very pleased. What she's most nervous about now is if he'll let her remain so close; he doesn't seem like the touchy feely type, and once again it's a gamble. She keeps an eye on his expression as she lightly links their arms together, and after a moment or two, he's actually encouraging the gesture. So, she does tighten her hold a little bit, very much enjoying the closeness. She's not particularly concerned about being attacked by creatures or monsters or people... or much of anything, really, but she does feel extra safe like this, too.

What a strange, wonderful feeling.

Ann nods up at him again and smiles brightly. ] Sure, that works for me! [ She's eager to explore, and she's glad to have his undivided attention. No racing or challenges, as amusing as those are, just a nice, tame evening of exploring. And it's not long before the space opens up to beautiful flowers and a fountain... what a weird thing to see after so long. Not to mention the other things that are in the background -- that sure does look like a poor excuse of a large castle in the distance. This area is a lot bigger than she thought it'd be, but that just makes it even better. ]

Wow, flowers... it's been a while since I've seen anything like this. I don't think I'll ever get used to how strange this place is, it really makes you wonder what's coming next, you know? [ A little worrisome, too, but this seems pretty calm thus far. ] Does any of it look familiar to you?

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Ann knew him well enough to be aware of his perfectionistic leanings. He also saw no reason to linger on that fact. Categorizing it as a chore would have been inaccurate, and while exploration was one of the tasks he assigned himself he did in fact enjoy it despite how it usually led to more questions than answers. He was willing to share it with her, making it sound like some consolation on his part but he actually wanted her to be here, and his body language was sending out those signals more sufficiently than his words ever could]

They should have known better than to mess with me before. [The subject was one of the touchier ones, but he kept from going into a lengthy diatribe. It was a near thing however- she meant well with her encouragement, but it brought up a reminder of unpleasantness. The need for revenge still prickled beneath his skin, enveloping him internally. He'd stressed the point to himself that he should attempt to remain more.... well.. not upbeat but at least not volatile. So far, so good? Excuse him, while he plots his pointless war. Strikes out war, replaces with massacre] Mm, possibly enlightening as well. [It was rather hard to miss that Ann was fully invested in the proceedings. They had explored other areas together, but this was the first one that was really by choice.

Ann wasn't letting the opportunity pass her by to test the waters, and so far it was paying off. No risk, no reward. She was also correct about his type, Kaiba wasn't used to anyone touching him aside from his little brother. The mere thought of someone having the audacity to even try it was baffling and yet here she was reaching out to him and he wasn't striking the notion down. Guess Ann wasn't the only one that was nervous about making the wrong move.

Then she gives him that expression, she's positively radiate and it's almost too much to gaze upon her features for too long. In this instance it's a smile reserved only for him, and the warm feelings of an affectionate nature well up inside his chest.

The- sectors. Right. Focus. On. The. Sectors.] Mm. [She's so pleased that it's infectious. It's like seeing a completely different facet to her personality. Kaiba was almost too busy analyzing her, to notice the landscape. When he does look to the garden, he can't help but think that he accidentally selected the cheesiest location to take her. Hopefully, she doesn't assume he knew this was here because he didn't. It is like it's own microcosm in here]

I- think some of the others were trying to cultivate flowers. [Namely Aerith as her church. Possibly Merlin as well. At least she doesn't find the delicate blossoms to be offputting. Like- why would she? But. Cheesy. What a thing to be worried about.] It does. Whoever or whatever is behind this really seem to have no idea what they're doing. [So far! Shaking his head he answered her question.] Not a thing. I seem to have a minimal influence on the landscape...

[menaretrash]

[ It's true, and she also knows that there's no way he'd be able to manage a multi billion dollar company like he does if he wasn't a perfectionist. Almost everything he does is flawless in execution, and part of her wishes that she could be like that, too. More importantly right now, she can tell that he wants her to be here just as much as she wants to be here. It's amazing, really, to think of how far they've come -- they've gone from yelling and throwing semi-death threats at each other, to going on a date. How times have changed.

She knows that this particular conversation is going to go no where pleasant, and that's the last thing either of them need right now. So she gently squeezes his arm in a reassuring manner and smiles apologetically instead of out right answering and accidentally adding fuel to the flames. She really hopes that whatever Seto has in mind for Blue and Iwaizumi isn't... too terrible, at least. ] Yeah! I hope we stumble across something really cool. Or at least... something that we can drag back with us that might be useful.

[ Even if they don't find anything, that's fine, too. All she really cares about right now is living in the moment, and at this moment, she's absolutely over the moon to be walking side by side and arm in arm with him. It's surreal -- all of this, mixed with the lovely setting he's accidentally picked out for them, it's almost like a dream. A dream that doesn't involve shadows or pulsing meat or lava, this time around, but instead castle ruins and flowers and a far, far more pleasant, calming atmosphere.

Flowers are wonderful, but not as wonderful as he is, she thinks. Besides, it's been ages since the last time she's seen flowers, especially ones as pretty as these ones are. If they were at home, she'd probably pick one and tuck it into her hair or something, but she's also still keenly aware that things here are not always what they seem, and she doesn't trust these flowers to be normal in the slightest. ]

Really? [ Her attention is drawn away from the flowers and back up at him again instead -- despite the time spent in this world, she has yet to meet everyone, and it's the first she's hearing of this news. Flowers of any variety aren't nearly as interesting or vibrant as he is. It's such a change to see him dressed so differently, and he's so handsome and intelligent that he puts everything and anything that this place has to offer to shame. She's way out of his league, and yet, here he is, choosing to spend a pleasant evening out exploring with her of all people. She doesn't think it will ever stop blowing her mind. ] They should have probably done a little research before kidnapping a bunch of strangers and putting them into their little experiment... [ If. That's what this is. She's not about to rule the possibility out. ] Never say never... maybe its just saving something linked to you for a convenient time? Or maybe... this place is just saving the best for later, hm?

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[The squeeze was a gentle reminder to keep himself in check- which likely wasn't the intention but it inspired the desired results nonetheless. The subject was being dropped faster than the shares of his rival companies after a previous press release. Whatever he had planned for his antagonists would take time to set up, ideally everyone would have time to forget the threats he issued. Let them think he had forgotten, but if there was one thing Seto Kaiba didn't let go of, it was a grudge] Considering that many locations are empty shells, I'm not optimistic that we'll find anything of worth- but there is still a possibility.

[So far things seemed to be proceeding smoothly, but he didn't exactly have anything to compare this to. Ann looked pleased, and was still remaining close so apparently he hadn't done anything to dissuade her yet. Although he had a good feeling about this, he didn't want anything to mess it up. Maybe he should have scouted the location ahead of time to ensure that it was truly safe- but then it would defeat the whole concept of exploring together wouldn't it? Besides, unless the flowers shot poison barbs, they should be fine.

What id they do shoot poison barbs?.]

Really. [He affirmed, placing a hand to hers. It was with the intention of removing her hold, so he could continue to draw closer to the foreign foliage in order to further inspect it, however her questions distracted him.. so it just prolonged the contact. Once again his compulsive behavior to remain in the know could benefit him in this area. He made a point to approach anyone he didn't already recognize to at least get an idea of who else was trapped in this mess. There were only a few that had escaped his notice currently residing here. Somewhat ironically as Ann was allowing herself to fixate on him and the date in general, he was trying to focus more on tasks. It didn't always work.. but somehow work made it easier to remain more in control of his emotions.] Undoubtedly. I can understand some of the subjects selected but not all of them... [Going on that experiment theory, which could be close to the truth] Next best, I mean, I'm already here. [Uh- maybe that was too much boasting. Should he have said that she is the best addition to the void? The fact that he mentally didn't shoot down the idea immediate forced a bit of color to his cheeks. Starting to feel the beginnings of being flustered, he resumed removing her grip on him and gently released her hand.]

Stay here. I want a closer look, but if there's something off about those plants there's no sense in both of us being exposed.

[menaretrash]

[ Ann's got a terrible feeling that Blue and Iwa are going to pay dearly for what happened, one way or another, and it's a little more than a concerning thought. A concerning thought that she's not going to linger on right now because there's nothing she can do about it for now, and also, it's best to just keep an eye on the situation from a distance. Not to mention, she's having far too much fun right now, thanks. ] Same, but you never know. And at least there's two of us to drag things back, right?

[ Though, part of her wishes that they'd brought boxes or bags or something. She's pretty sure she could have scrounged something up from the cafe, at least, but even if that's needed, they can always return with the proper supplies later. Supplies in general don't particularly matter right now, because she's finding herself suddenly very, very hyper focused on something right now: his hand on hers. She blinks a few times, feeling her cheeks heat up -- she doesn't think he's even thinking of it the same way that she is, though. ]

That's neat, though! I wonder... if people are able to cultivate normal flowers here, what else could we potentially make on our own? Mm... I guess I should get out more often and meet more people. [ That. That's what they're still talking about, right? She thinks it is. She's trying hard not to fixate on how good their hands look together, or how easy it would be to turn her palm up to lace their fingers together; how would he react if she did something like that? She knows for a fact that she would enjoy the contact, but she's not entirely sure that he would. Even if she thought he would, she isn't brave enough to initiate something like that; not right now, at least. ]

I'd still like to understand the point of any of this... [ She'd also like to know what the hell is going on in their respective home worlds right now, too. That next bit of his is... so very Seto that she can't help it when she laughs, and actually nods in agreement. ] Yeah, you're right! Can't get much better than that, I guess. [ Because she won't deny that much: she thinks very highly of him, and... yes, she agrees. He's definitely one of the best things about this place, and certainly one of the few people she is happy to see. Unlike poor Seto, she's more of a shut in of sorts, not bothering to go and meet or see any newbies that show up, instead preferring to generally keep to herself unless she sees someone is actually having issues seems to be in trouble.

She releases her grip on his arm, almost disappointed at the loss of contact, though she makes damn sure that doesn't show period. Her head tilts, and she quickly shakes her head. ] Wait! I'd rather neither of us got exposed... isn't there a way to test if they're dangerous or not from a distance? I can throw one of my shoes at them or something...

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[If Kaiba has anything to say about it then they will pay dearly. He's relieved when she doesn't use this date as a platform to try and talk him out of seeking his brand of restitution.] I don't know with certainty, no. [.. and she had a point about multiple hands being more useful for such an endeavor.]

[Did you forget the winged-giraffe? If there's something that needs carrying, or hauling they've got it covered in spades. The point of this excursion however was not resource collection but terrain assessment. Unless they found something too good to pass up, he wasn't going to dedicate much runtime to the idea. Little does he know the effect his innocent gesture has on his companion as their fingers brush together. Ann was 100% correct in her assumption, he was not thinking about it the same way, his focus elsewhere.]

I guess, if you're in to that sort of thing.. [.. which he wasn't. Although he'd never tested it, he didn't think he had a green thumb. Would he even be able to keep a succulent alive? It was debatable.] There's probably a lot more things we're capable of pulling off that we're just not aware of. Either a need hasn't arisen to test it, or a hobby. [Apparently if they weren't still on that subject she'd managed to steer it back in that direction. It would have been so easy to turn the hand situation into a proper hold, but somehow she refrained and he remained oblivious.]

You and me both. [The lack of answers was going beyond irritation now. In this they would have agreed too. So much time had passed that it must have had some impact on their own worlds. At least she was able to see the humor in the claim. When she laughs, he feels himself start to smile.] No, you sure can't. [Feeling his ego swell a bit to have someone prop up his original claim. It mattered all the more because of the source more than anything. He never considered himself a people person but he did what needed to be done. He needed to know who was being gathered here to try and figure out why they were here, or how useful the others could be in a pinch. Information was necessary]

Come on Ann. It's a plant. I think I can risk it. [Normally these would be some famous last words. Still, she sounds so concerned he hesitates. Huffing he whips his jacket off and holds it in front of him like a shield. It'd break the momentum of any projectiles. Then he walks to the flowers... and.. nothing. They are just pretty flowers.] It's fine.