2735/It's the warmth, not the heat

It's the warmth, not the heat
Date of Scene:	10 August 2025
Location:	Korma Chameleon
Synopsis:	Homesick and having come to terms with why he needs to be at Radiant Heart, Roman finds himself missing comforts like Curry Night with his father. Feeling adrift and disconnected, Rashmi ensures he has both good food and company.
Cast of Characters:	Roman Talleday, Rashmi Terios

---

Roman Talleday has posed:
The distance was beginning to weigh on him. It was like a bruise that kept being pressed upon. Mamoru couldn't heal this one, either.

He was a little rude in the street, hopping a BMX bike upon ledges and rails idly, small jumps if he could find the natural lips to do so. He'd taken down some stairs before. It was a distraction of a kind, and Roman didn't really notice himself potentially being a nuisance to others. His mind was occupied.

When it came to finding good curry, though-- proper indo-curry, too-- this fusion restaurant was where he'd been directed. He could already smell it from outside, and that was a good sign.

He pulled his bike up outside and secured it, and pushed through into the dim reprieve, a tall blond lad with pocketed hands and a slightly morose expression. Acid worn denim and a blue sweatshirt, jacket tied around his waist, standing out some against the reds and oranges.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Irrashaimase!"

One thing that will forever remind Roman that he is, in fact, in Japan; Before even the bell over the door stops dingling, the cheery greeting rises from the dark-skinned, bespectacled redhead at the host's podium. "Welcome to the Korma Chameleon!" she chirps. "Just the one this time?"

Yes, 'this time.' As if she couldn't even *fathom* the universe in which a new customer did not become a repeat customer.

Roman Talleday has posed:
Oddly enough, Roman had to think about that answer for a second. A hand drifted up to his earring almost automatically-- just the one, on his left ear, in the form of a dangling miniature teacup and saucer.

It was only for a moment, before he stepped closer to clear his throat. "Uh... yeah. Just me." It was mumbled a bit.

At home within the scents of the restaurant, one might notice that this boy smelled strongly of pink Noon Chai.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
Big brown eyes flicker to the earring, and a small smile touches her face. "Well you'll be back, and you'll probably have at least one friend in tow," she grins, plucking an English-language menu from a much smaller stack. "C'mon... Got any preference for a seat?"

Booths at the windows (treated, to turn the outside world into silhouettes and distant lights on a red background), booths at the back, tables all around... There's a seating option for nearly every personality type.

"Also you're in luck; Papi managed to score some jackfruit, so it's half of our seasonal specials right now."

When the poor, shy boy indicates the kind of seat he wants, she manages to find one with a wide swath of empty space around it.

It is, after all, summer and 'spicy Indian food' tends to not be the first thought on the Japanese mind, come the heat. So while the store doesn't seem as packed as it *could* be, there's still a fair crowd of hardcore regulars keeping the place lively.

Roman Talleday has posed:
"Over there'll do. Ta." It's the window, for Roman. The way he moves his body around is deliberately lazy, a sort of mood-based languidity that offers hint. When his hand settles on the back of his chair, pulling it out some, he practically drops himself into it. Draped there with his elbow over the back of it, and his knuckled rap upon the table.

"Ain't had Kathal biryani in a bit... So, this is your dad's place, is it?" Blue eyes glance up at her, hopeful even before he lays them on the menu. "Does he do potato Pakoras here?"

Rashmi Terios has posed:
An English accent is *rare* in Japanese, and instantly recognizable to someone who's heard it before.

"*Both* of them," the girl corrects, grin widening. "Papi's the chef, but Mami's from Kolkata, and mixes all the spices herself. We have a greenhouse on the roof." Which *must* be unexpected levels of 'authentic' for a suburban restaurant that doesn't even have heavy foot traffic to draw customers.

And I'll start you off with Aloo Pakoras then... Just to note, Bengali food is gonna be a little different than what you *might* be used to; mustardseed oil is the base of almost everything except the sweets. And can I get you some lassi before you decide what else you want? We've mango, strawberry, rosewater, banana, coriander, and -- you were warned, after all -- jackfruit. Or if you'd rather, iced chai?"

Roman Talleday has posed:
The first ghost of a smile appears as she describes her parent's business and the greenhouse. "Bengali... alright." A nod. "Is them Lachha Aloo pakoras?" He can hope-- he looks almost charming when he tilts his head to ask. "I like em when they're shredded 'cause it sorta like Draniki, but different. Don't worry if not... just feelin' a way."

A beep sounds somewhere on his person, around his chest-- an insistent little noise-- but he ignores it for now. "Might take a pass on that jackfruit lassi." His brow ticks. "Iced chai sounds like a bit of me, yeah."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Aaaah, you want *crunchy,*" Rashmi says, as if she has unearthed Deep Secrets, and nods sagely. "Yeah we can do that for you! And a flight of dips, Papi'd be sad if I didn't give him an opportunity to show off. And iced chai... I'll be right back with your drink, and give me five minutes for the pakoras. Meantime, take a look, and see if anything really reaches out to you."

Dipping a short bow, the girl bops off back to the kitchen, presumably to open the taps on what would have to be an entire *keg* of cold chai, given Tokyo summers.

The menu is... extensive. It would have to be, as everything one could ask for, also has a vegetarian variant, and vice versa, and half of it really *is* fusion food. Tandoori or butter chicken dipping-ramen are standout examples, as is the Tempura Macher Jhol, but given what the serving girl said? The menu may as well be an extension of the owners themselves, and if the vibes of the restaurant are any indication, it's a happy and comfortable marriage indeed.

Roman Talleday has posed:
The server understood perfectly. When she leaves, the first thing Roman does is tug at a lanyard about his neck and pull free an old, well-loved tamagotchi. Attending to its little cry for attention, he sets it up carefully, propped by a folded napkin. It has its own little seat at the table, now.

A squeak and a swinging of his earring follows, and a tiny voice whispers to him, "That girl has such a sweet smell about her! I don't like having to be so sneaky, Stir-stir. I feel so dishonest!"

"I know, Darjeela, but I don't make the rules," He sighs, "You look like a rodent what escaped testin', anyway. It's not exactly food industry friendly, issit?"

The earring sways with agitation, giving off a tiny puff of pink steam. "That is very rude, Roman! I like to eat nice things, too!"

He was already perusing the menu, and trying to look less like he was arguing with himself. The atmosphere, the reflection of the family who run this place, right down to the menu, was strange and vicariously comforting. He felt a little sheepish for not considering thhat the girl's mother also worked here, but this was an unconscious kind of default for him. It had always just been him, and his father.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Aaaaaand your chai!" comes the girl's bright, cheery voice, as she approaches the table with a large pitcher, beaded with condensation, in one hand, and a tall glass filled with ice in the other, swiftly filled in front of Roman.

Whoever mixed this drink *knows* spices; which should be toasted and which shouldn't as suits the character of the drink. Perhaps a bit more black pepper than usual, but the addition of cardamom makes it a *fantastically* refreshing drink.

"The pakoras'll be right out, but first I should introduce myself; Rashmi Terios, Grade 11 at Radiant Heart. Have you been in Japan long?"

Roman Talleday has posed:
The chai she delivers is almost, eerily, the exact same scent that seems to have renewed itself around him while she was gone. Right down to the pop of cardamom. Thanked, and a gulp taken down without hesitation, it seems to alleviate some of his sullenness immediately. Roman exhales, a grateful moment, and opens his eyes again.

Rashmi Terios. Also a student at Radiant Heart. "Just since April. Still adjustin'." He admits, "Grade ten. Roman Voznesensky-Talleday." A slight sniff. "Rome's fine."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Rome then," Rashmi answers. "Well if you need a friend, just look for me in the halls. It's definitely a *wild* change, but, you'll find your balance before long... quicker if you have help."

Cold chai isn't usually quite so *fragrant,* lacking the steam to carry the smell of spice very far, and the aura *does* evoke a flash of puzzled curiosity... quickly shaken off. "So I'll be right back with your pakoras to get your order? And if you want, I can go on break after? You kinda look a little down, and if you don't mind a stranger sticking her nose in your business... maybe I can help?"

Roman Talleday has posed:
It was difficult to imagine ever feeling balanced, here.

He did manage to look a little sorry for himself now, grimacing. "Oh, man... don't tell me that, I don't wanna know I look all sad and soggy, like," he sunk further into his chair a bit, rubbing at his face tiredly, "I mean, yeah, I am sad, but like-- you know? I'm just... that's what I come here for. Like for food, but. Not to cry."

He melted on the chair like a Salvidore Dali clock and groaned mildly. Friends. Well, he had plenty of acquaintances, he'd always had that-- he floated through people, and between groups. Hung out with various sorts, here and there, all very easy going. He mingled easily. He'd networked. There were Mahour who were certain peers. Fellow professionals? Something like that. Advice and help were easily found. Associates, even. He had a team mate, too. Not quite the same, though.

His earring squeaked at him and vibrated lightly.

"I just miss my dad, an' all. You don't haveta..."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Hey," Rashmi says quietly. "It's okay... I understand, a little." She looks up to the kitchen, and nods. "I'll be right back with your pakoras, and take your order. Then I'm on break. If it's comfort food you want, oh *boy* are you gonna get the best Tokyo has. Just watch."

And just like that, she's off again, with not a *hint* that Roman's troubles are anything but something to help lighten.

And it really is just a moment before she's back, bearing a tray with a plate piled with crispy, spiced potatoes, and half a dozen ramekins of various chutneys and dipping sauces. "Personally I'd start with the dahi chutney," she says, nodding to the deep red, smokey-chili-garlicky sauce. But the eel sauce and mayo is *really* good with potatoes too."

Roman Talleday has posed:
Roman's table manners were never good, and they're not better in Japan, but it's with a visible need and relief that he starts picking up the crispy fritters and dipping them. Just as recommended, into the dahi chutney. Crunching and a hum have him both deflate, and perk again for more-- it's as if he is ravenous and has not eaten in days.

More pointedly, it is obvious that there is a very particular hole in him that he's trying to fill.

"Thank you." He manages it around food before swallowing. The mild embarrassment has well and truly passed. "D'you think I can get, like, a Rogan Josh with a naan? But I also kinda want that proper Begali flavour Macher Johl... I do like tempura. I should probably get somethin' for my dormie but." He pauses. "I dunno his tastes. What's safe? ... Butter chicken, maybe? No, I shouldn't do him that dirty, he's not French."

He clicks his tongue. "Probably like... Palak paneer with roti, yeah?"

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Palak Paneer'd be good, but if he's used to meat he'd probably wonder what you're doing trying to stuff a blended salad in his mouth," Rashmi answers, chuckling. "And butter chicken's always a good intro dish, we treat it like any other Papi makes so you *definitely* won't be 'doing him dirty,' trust me. But, hm... Safe..."

The redhead taps her lips with her pen, absently scribbling down the rest of the order. "...How about some chicken biryani, and assorted samosas to share? We also do Bengali sweets, and if you've never had chom-chom you *need* to try it."

This, said in the voice of the true devotee. "We also have sandesh, if you're not allergic to almonds?"

Roman Talleday has posed:
"Oh my god, I don't know if he's allergic to nothin', I could kill him," Roman realises with far too casual an admission, staring at the table for a moment. "Chom-chom. I'll have a go. That--"

A tiny, pitched sound can be quietly heard, before Roman suddenly adds, looking briefly harrassed, "... Chom-chom and sandesh."

He lifts his chai, "Chicken biryani and samosas, right... them, Rogan Josh with naan, and the tempura macher johl. Please and thank you."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"...Luckily biryani doesn't have a *lot* that people're commonly allergic to," Rashmi says, amused, "but if it turns out to be the case, I'll leave you my number and you can text me. It wouldn't *nearly* be the first emergency curry run I've had to do! So... Chicken biryani and samosas to go... Rogan josh with naan, Tempura Macher Jhol for here... and... chom-chom *and* sandesh, for your friend. Okay! I'll go drop this off, then I bet you have questions!"

*And she walks off.* Just like that!

Roman Talleday has posed:
"Sandesh! That's what those delicious smelling things Ami is always nibbling at are called, oh, Oolong will love those, Stir-stir! I can't wait--"

"Don't you go feedin' it all to him. If I don't get no sandesh, I'm gonna be well cross with him," Roman warned her, keeping his voice low.

"I want some for myself, too!"

"Behave."

"But I'm so hungry~! What if I just hide under the table and have a taste, Stir-stir?"

"Remember what happened when you went burglin' my old man's chocolate digestives? You want somebody t'come out the kitchen wavin' a broom about or somethin'?" He covered his chatter somewhat with his drink, sipping at the iced cold-- because that cold always calmed him-- but even bringing up that much made him sigh again. He even missed the crinkle of the packet while Red sat up late in his armchair, watching the telly.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
With the ticket sent into the kitchen, and break announced, Rashmi emerges again with the bright green apron and its violently adorable chameleon mascot draped over her arm. "Okay!" she says, sliding into a seat across from Roman, "Now I'm on break, and if you don't wanna talk about it, that's fine too. *Whichever* 'it' I might mean. But I gotta admit, I'm kinda curious?"

The redhead gives Roman's earring a significant look, then quietly tugs a small, sunburst-shaped charm off the cord around her neck, setting it on the table and fiddling with it. "How'd you find the accelerated language course?"

Roman Talleday has posed:
The accelerted language course. Oh, boy. He made a face. "Ah... at the risk of soundin' like a complete twat, they actually had to give me special candies to help me finish it." He clears his throat. "I'm not exactly the... book readin'... study type."

Roman's fingers drummed on the glass, and he tilted his head back and forth. "I've had tutorin' the whole time I've been here. Big fancy academy, like... can't exactly say I got in on scholarship, yeah?" He snorted at his own expense. "Didn't exactly take the news that I was gettin' shipped off to a boardin' school in Japan gracefully, either. Gave the old man a bit of an attitude 'fore I left."

Blue eyes flit towards the charm she's got, equally curious, though the telegraphing seems obvious enough to him. He does give his earring a little flick, and the squeak sounds clearly. "I lied a little bit about table for one, technically."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Technically you didn't," Rashmi chuckles. "Normal people tend to explain away the *super* weird stuff when they see it. ...Which is part of why I like to get street food after a fight. I get complimented on my cosplay," she says, grinning. "And the candies... That was probably the *accelerated* part. Most people need years of study to learn Japanese, or spend a bunch of time just living here *and* studying. At the risk of maybe offending...? My guess is, you *are* here on a scholarship.... kind of," she finishes, nodding to the earring. "It's that way for a *whole bunch* of us. But like I said... a wild change, so I'm not super surprised you didn't take it well?"

Tilting her head a bit, the redhead furrows her brow. "So... when you said you missed your dad. Can I ask if it's like... *miss* miss, or... 'miss' miss?"

It is *really hard* to find a delicate way to say 'so are you sad because your dad died recently, or he's just not where you are?' but *oh boy* is Rashmi determined to thread that needle.

Roman Talleday has posed:
She very kindly did an elaborate dance around letting him feel like he was any sort of stupid, he noted. Roman didn't know how many methods existed in the school for the magically accelarated learning course, or if they differed by language groups or what, but he'd gotten the sense that he'd needed a little bit more magical aid than most for the Japanese to stick. Even now, it felt far more like a magical force inside of him was simply translating everything in real time to its nearest counterparts on pure vibes.

Roman didn't much question it, either.

"Just coppin' to the fact I didn't get in for bein' academically gifted, but I appreciate ya. I know why I'm here, I get what it is. I been at this about a year, full out. The 'costume' part is alright." He admits, "Reminds me of bein' on stage, a bit. Some of the outfits..."

Another sip, and he takes a moment to process it. "Oh. Nah, Red's just dead inside. He's alive. He's back in Chelmo, but."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
'He's back in Chelmo.'

Rashmi is a good student, if unevenly gifted. But the most she knows about England's communities is; London is a thing, and there's more variation of accent there than in Japan. So, she doesn't hide the look of 'I have never heard of fthat place,' but also doesn't belabor it. "...And this is your first time being away from home?" she hazards, gently.

It's always a little dance, meeting a 'new' person. And where before, in her wallflower days, she'd've examined from afar, built up the story of that person in her head from observed behaviors -- and revised when guesses didn't obviously match -- Rashmi finds she honestly prefers just *talking,* and paying attention. People tell you so much, if you know how to listen, and the picture of Roman she's building is of a fish out of water, lonelier than she was, and in need of as many friends as possible.

And that, at least, is something she can help with.

"Some of the outfits *are* pretty crazy, yeah. And I bet youhaven't even met the zombie pirate yet, or the werewolf."

Roman Talleday has posed:
"Cute wolf Tsukiko?" Roman asked from a mouth half full of fritter, "She helped me fight off that awful sugar wasp in the mall, that one time. Sucre-bleu."

Sucre-Bleu was not, in fact, the villian's preferred title. However, Sucre W. Delicious happened to be French and Roman happened to be English, and cheeky.

He swallowed what was in his face, and having appreciated the look Rashmi gave him, easily waved his hand some. "And it's Essex. Chelmsford." He clarified. "My Baba runs the Voznesensky Dance Academy in London. Russian Ballet. Been a Danseur since I was a kid. I've seen some outfits in my time, yeah?"

He smiles a little wryly, but nods. "I quit dancin'... a few months before this started." He gestures to the earring. "That didn't really go down all that well, either. I left my social media, clock-tok and that... So... it's kinda been up and down for me. But yeah, I don't... usually have to to it without dad."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Okay so you met our werewolf," Rashmi says with a laugh, then settles down to listen to Roman's story, nodding along. "Well, I'm not gonna say it's okay, or to cheer up. Cos it sounds like you had a rough time *before* you upped stakes and moved halfway across the world."

"But what I am gonna say is," she continues, glancing at the kitchen for a moment, "that there's people that have your back, here. You've met some. You'll meet more. But one thing we all learn *real* quick is... stuff that feels like too much for one of us? It can't match against a *bunch* of us. And if you ever wanna go back for a visit? I can think of a few people who'd help make that happen, when you feel up to it."

Roman Talleday has posed:
"Guessin' you're pretty tight with a lotta the movers and shakers out, then? Was you at that Moon Weddin' too?" Roman laughs a little, because as much as he's seen, that one is still layered with strangeness. It is also, subtly, a great way to ask Rashmi just how connected she is.

"I've met all kinds of people here already, plenny of help... The Sailor scouts have been good to me. Especially Mercury. Tuxedo Mask, I get on with him. Weird bloke. Proper eccentric. I fight him in the shed, sometimes."

Fritters and chutney are swiftly disappearing. "I've met other Cures... that's been alright. And them lot from Kendo club, kinda got an open invite if I want there. The bird from the sweet shop, too... She's alright. That fox that hangs about with that other girl was well cute. Met Emi, ate in a dream restaurant until something spooky ruined it."

He pauses for moment. "I like this place better." Another gulp down. "People here seem great. Might even be bringin' a girl here for a date soon."

But. That word lingered on the edges, unspoken.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Nah," Rashmi laughs. "I wouldn't say that, just I've made lots of good friends. And some of them... Well, they can be kind *really big,* y'know? But yeah, I was there. Helped put the banquet together too, though most of that was Koji-kun. And yeah the Senshi are good people, all of them, Tuxedo Mask and his crew too. And it sounds like you met both my dorm-mates, and more besides! That's a good start!"

When he proclaims the Korma better than a dream restaurant, Rashmi can't help but laugh. "I mean... I do too," she says, though her head tilts as the unspoken 'but' hangs over the table, hard to look away from.

Luckily! She's spared having to address it herself, at least a bit, as another server hefts Roman's order to the table. And soon, the bewitching aroma of marinated lamb, fried fish, and rich spicy stew drowns out the smell of tea.

With a wink, the server sets a heaping plate of samosas down in front of Rashmi next to a tall glass of pink lassi. "Terios-sensei says you've earned your keep if you're gonna clock out, Rashmi-chan," she says, as the redhead covers her face and groans.

Roman Talleday has posed:
"Oh, look out, here comes delicious," That brightens Roman a tad, and he laughs at the interaction and the light mortification of the other Mahou. "He'll be gettin' that jackfruit into ya."

He is easy to get along with, an extrovert by nature in truth, despite his sullenness today. The food and the atmosphere help a great deal, and though it is different-- certainly unique in its style and some of the flavours-- there is something deeper here that is familiar. It is comforting what other things cannot, some unnamed nostalgia and sense of home that is hard found for Roman.

"Nah, this reminds of me of this place back home, a little bit... Kashmiri bloke, lives above his shop. Tiniest kitchen, but he cooks like nothin' else. Man's got magic in him. Dad'd take me to eat there once a week, like. Curry night. For like... a decade runnin'."

Roman shares this warmly enough, looking over the Rogan Josh that's appeared. It might explain something about his preferences, at the very least. "Dancin' kinda... took up a lotta my time. More than school. And it was pretty... strict. I had to eat a certain way for a long time, you know, so like... it was special. Real food, packed with flavour. Real recognises real, isn't it? Red ain't cookin' nothin what isn't burned."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Cooking can be pretty tricky," Rashmi says, nodding slowly. "I mean I'm not gonna lie and say I didn't literally learn at the feet of a chef and a spice artist, but like... If you don't know the tricks well enough to even *practice* them, you're gonna mess stuff up. But even still... Food is love," she says, waving a half-eaten samosa. "If you cook for someone, that means you care enough about their well-being you want to help it along. Might not be that way for *everyone* who cooks, but... your Kashmiri friend? He'd get it. And that kind of love's a magic all its own, makes *everything* taste better."

And somehow the rest of the samosa just disappears, in the time it takes Roman to look down at his feast, then back up. "So, dancing... Did you enjoy it?"

Roman Talleday has posed:
Rashmi wasn't the first Mahou girl to disappear food seemingly impossibly in front of him, but Roman was beginning to suspect it was some kind of shared secret technique amongst them.

"Yeah, I... used to." He says firstly of dancing. "And you're right." Roman agreed with her sentiment, nodding along. "There's absolutely no doubtin' that. I've kept down some proper evil what Red's served me up, before." Deadpan, he pulled his dishes closer to start to tuck in. "If there was no love behind that, I'd probably be dead. But he did always try to support me, by making sure I had the lean protein I needed and like... healthy snacks and that."

It echoed in his head-- a conversation in Russian, about how in Rediko's day kids just said thank you and ate what was in front of them. 'Red, it's so black and rubbery, you could trade this in for new tyres.' 'Roman, I didn't pay for these eggs so that you could waste the omelette.' 'You've got chickens in the yard, but? And you get scraps to feed 'em for free from the grocer?' 'Always with the lip. Sit. Eat.'

He sniffed a little bit sadly, and focused on the food and the question. "He was a Danseur when he was younger too, dad. So I got compared to him a lot. There were always a lot of eyes on me. I've been around it forever. Done it since I was six or like. Rudolfs, ice baths and all."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"So what happened?" The question, gently asked, is out of her mouth before she can remember that she's *trying not to pry,* and holds out her arms. "Eh, sorry! You don't have to answer that if it hurts, just..."

Rashmi pauses, considering her words. "Sounds to me like if you think something's worth doing, you put your head down and do it, no matter if it's hard. I think whoever you bring here'd be lucky to be dating you, myself. If you want a wing-lady for a waitress, let me know beforehand!"

Roman Talleday has posed:
Roman, with a mouthful, nearly half-choked at that offer. But he got it down with good enough humour, and a cough. "-- Poor bird'll think I'm putting her on, if the staff are in on it, wouldn't she?" He recovered to laugh a little. "She'd start lookin' for them cameras."

A gulping of chai helped, and he shook his head briefly. "No, it just... I was really isolated in it, I think. Carrying the name, and the school and all that. I had a lot of followers online, too, but that made it worse. It ate up all my time, it just kinda took over my whole life. Put strain on my relationships with dad and Baba, like... I s'pose I just looked up one day and I kinda freaked out thinkin' there wasn't nothin' else about me, really."

He shrugged a bit. "I just felt really disconnected from everythin' else. I was fightin' people at school when I was there, failin' my classes... Dancing was competitive too. Fightin' for certain auditions can be pretty brutal. The rivalries... I was angry, a lot."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Ahhhh," Rashmi says, nodding slowly. "That makes sense... And honestly I think you did the right thing, even... *especially* if it was something you loved doing. I have another friend who seems like... they've found the balance? In doing something they love, professionally. Maybe one day you can too... After you've had your fill of punching monsters in the face, I mean."

This last, said with a crooked smile that turns into a chuckle. "I mean, depends on the girl! If they're magic, odds are I've *met* them, they wouldn't suspect a thing!"

Roman Talleday has posed:
"I got no idea. She's a Sailor V fan, like her twin brother-- he's proper fanantic, like, but he thinks I'm cute. He seems like he's battin' left. But she's a little less on the stalky side and she's been sweet to me. She wears a big red bow like Sailor V though, so she's still her fan... her friends are kinda pushin' me to ask her out."

Roman answered honestly, "But I also met Sailor V the other night, and she's well fit. She don't know me as me, though. But I kind think there was a spark or somethin' there."

Unfortunately, he was caught in a romantic tangle of a kind, between twins (both of whom he had chemistry with) and their idol, having utterly no idea that all three were the same person.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Ah-hmmmm," Rashmi answers, pursing her lips. "Well... I know Sailor V a little... mostly in passing? But twins...? Okay, her I don't... think I actually know!"

How exciting! Someone she doesn't already know, and who *probably* didn't fall out of the sky from another dimension! "Well the offer stands, and if not then you gotta tell me how it goes! ...Not because I'm a gossip hound mind you -- though thinking on it there are a couple who'd qualify -- just it's *always* nice to hear about someone's success, y'know?"

Blessed be the ignorant, for there is no way they will fall out of their chair, hooting with laughter at the one guy who managed to find himself in a love triangle with a single person.

Roman Talleday has posed:
"Yeah... well, we'll see about the help. I can get along with anyone, but I'm rubbish at gettin' close to people." Roman admits, and this is perhaps the but from earlier-- a lack of skill at forming deeper relationships, or maintaining them. Half his naan is gone, along with a sizable portion of his plate already.

"Sayin' it out loud, though, that's the thing, isn't it?" It was a vague attempt to put it into words, and he squinted, gesturing a spoon. He passed a look to the Tamagotchi, set up beside him. "Feels like nothin' lasts."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
Three of Rashmi's samosas remain, and during the conversation it's pretty clear that for Rashmi, at least, there's no hidden ninja secret; she's just a good enough listener, she can eat without taking her attention off her conversation partner, and simply gets her food in when someone else is doing the talking.

"I mean," she says after some thought, "nothing really does? But that's not the *point,* is it? You let people in, and they become a part of you. Your dad, the Kashmiri cook, your teachers, even your rivals; who we are comes from how the people around us shape our lives, y'know? Like... Okay so my *first real friend,* I only met two years ago. Before that, I was kind of... wallpaper-colored, y'know? I knew people, but they were people I'd nod at in passing, not anyone I could hang out with, or talk to... I was really, really, lonely before I came to Radiant Heart. But I learned there's a trick to getting close to people. And it starts..."

She falls silent, working on her drink; this is important, and it *matters* to get the words *just right.* "...It starts with caring about them. Letting them *matter* to you, enough that you want to shape their lives in a *good* way, y'know? ...Is this making any sense now I'm saying it out loud?"

Roman Talleday has posed:
"Yeah. I get that." Roman agrees, relating to how Rashmi describes the surface level pleasantness of passing through, but not having a real friend. "I turn up, I can hang out and people like me fine... Generally. When I'm not bein' a jerk, but I don't try t'be." He laughs at himself for that.

"Surrounded by people, but deeply alone. It's all surface, or whatever, yeah. That hits. You is full hammer on that." A short nod, and his brows rise as he drops his gaze to the food. Considerate of it, the conversation, and Rashmi's words. "Not sayin' I don't try to do the right thing, or stand up for people or help out... I like people. I want to take this magic bit seriously, too."

But, he still had a lot of work to do, and many things to learn... and unlearn. He sucked his teeth, digging into the Rogan Josh. "Man... It's like this food, like I love spicy food like this. Not because of the heat, though. It's the warmth, yeah? I feel connected to this. But it's feeding me." He gestured at it, and then simply arrived at the conclusion. "I might be a bit self-absorbed, honest. Maybe I'm just kinda shallow, like."

Blue eyes looked up at her now. "I'm workin' on it."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Yeah... the warmth," Rashmi echoes, bobbing her head. And if *anyone* else is going to get that feeling, of being connected and comforted and warmed inside and out by marinated lamb... It's *gonna* be her. But then he admits to being self-absorbed, and she has to work very hard not to laugh, because it would *absolutely* be misunderstood.

"Everyone is, sometimes," Rashmi says when she has her voice under control. "And maybe it's just harder for you because you fell into influencing. But who you are when it really matters? When there are *stakes* and your choice is fight or run? That's what people need to see. And trust me, you're *gonna* get practice at being that guy, and I'll be right there with you to help lift you up."

Picking up her charm, she holds it between two fingers, and one could almost swear they heard a quiet, computer-y << *BONG!* >>

"That's what *I* do, after all."

Roman Talleday has posed:
There is, at the bong, a genuine grin.

"I'm happy to have better examples to follow here, believe me." Roman means it, too-- at the very least, his brash confidence is not without some humility. "I want my dad and my fairy to be proud of me, at least."

The earring swings gently. "Oh, Roman... I already am, Stir-stir."

"Thanks for this, Rashmi-san." Roman nods across the table. "I needed Curry Night back."