Scene #2691: the outing

Owner	Pose
Zoisite	Awaiting under the many branches of a tree, he could watch the slow rise of the sun. A gentle reprieve of the blistering summer they were having so far, and a hopeful prayer that today of all days would continue to be as gentle as the morning. Not so much for his sake, but for who he invited to spend the hours with him. All that remained in his mind of Nemesis was the cruel oppression of dark energy, every inch of that rock slowly killing someone from the inside and forcing the host to intake as much as possible of the dark to survive. Did the sun reach it at all? Was the warmth of it alien? Izou shook his head, took a deep breath and leaned his back against the bark of the tree. Phone in hand, fully charged. He had mentioned about the day to those he felt should know, and knew that the news would spread some. He was thankful no one decided to message him specifically about the day, and the morning had been quiet enough. Getting ready at his pace, hair pulled into his typical ponytail and green ribbon, icy gem pinned. Soft minty buttoned shirt and dark grey slacks. A kiss to Kazuo's cheek given before finally leaving. Now, he waited. Funny how time liked to crawl in these moments.
Black Moon Clan	It's a hot day on Earth, but Saphir has yet to find the planet, even in the midst of summer heatwaves and the threat of typhoons, to be ''dreadful''. Weak, cosseted, ''comfortable'' - but nothing like the hellacious tempests that took Nemesis. Dressed in human attire, watch and earrings included, he passes for utterly, truly, normal. Those crossing nearby cast glances at him only because they take note of a handsome ''boy''. There's no nervous glances, no gauging of the threat potential, not judging where he belongs in the hierarchy. As far as these people are concerned, he's normal and thus... unimportant. Just another young man, walking in the shade, enjoying the sun. It's the first time he's ever experienced ''that'', and as he crosses to join Izou, he can't deny that the novel sensation is somewhat enjoyable. "Izou," he says, once he's close enough, "Hello." His voice is calm, quiet. The undercurrent of turmoil from their previous meeting has vanished as surely as the box containing Rubeus' soul, the only proof of his existence remaining.
Zoisite	At the greeting, Izou was quick to stand straight and bring his full attention to the recognizable voice, green eyes bright with a smile on his face--only for a gasp to follow as he took one or two more steps closer. "Wow, I didn't realize how on the money I was with your outfit. You look great!" Handsome, yes. Very. "Excuse me, good morning Saphir." Izou was quick to correct himself then, clearing his throat. "I hope the way here was fine. No troubles, right?" There shouldn't have been, but he wanted to make sure.
Black Moon Clan	A smile, sparked by the compliment, from that mouth, applied to this situation. It brings a touch of light to his eyes, and he says, "You were indeed 'on the money', as it were. I appreciate your thoughtfulness in selecting items that match my aesthetic sensibilities." Maybe he's a little more rigidly formal than usual, but only in the sense of someone ever so slightly unsure of themselves and the situation. "I had no troubles - and Demande has no intention of interrupting matters. We have..." he checks the watch at his wrist. "Six hours before he intends to interrupt with a 'check in'. I give that time to your lead."
Zoisite	Izou did not mind the formality, this was indeed a new situation for Saphir to be invited in. All he could hope for was that the man would relax some, eventually--and the returned smile was all he needed. The mention of Demande wanting to check in was not entirely unexpected either. "Thank you, it's good to know that he will be coming by in advance." At least it will not spook him, and he would need to mask his expression some. Tearing into Demande is something he ''would like to do'' but this was not the time for it either. "Will he let to remain here after the check in?
Black Moon Clan	"I expected that you would appreciate being forewarned," Saphir says simply. "I can promise you nothing in regards to how my brother will react to your presence, given your closeness to the young king. There is no side to persuade you to - there is no venture to be gained from your presence, and thus he knows he is indulging me." That's what this is, to Demande - indulging the younger brother he knows will die, and soon. There is nothing else for them, but death. Why should his brother not indulge in the cheap pleasures the world has to offer, before then? Saphir knows this, as he knows his brother is marching towards death, as he knows he will not leave him to suffer it alone. "It's possible that he will permit us to stay longer - is the time until then insufficient for your plans?"
Zoisite	"No, I'm sure six hours would be enough to feel what it's like. But I did want to know how long he'd let you stay, if there is a possibility." To Izou, life on Earth was a common luxury. He couldn't really quantify how much would be missed, but he could make the best of it. "If he does, there is always more for us to do." With a nod, he steps back, smile still on his face as he gesture for Saphir to follow. "Did you eat anything yet? And are there places you would ''like'' to visit first before I pull you around a bit?" He had a few places in mind, but he wanted Saphir to pick and choose as well.
Black Moon Clan	"Very well," Saphir nods at this, somewhat relieved - he has never in all his life been involved in a social outing for six hours. He's rarely been involved in social outings at all, given the place of his birth and the nature of their lives. Even as a duo, it's still - an almost daunting prospect. And yet, what does he have to lose? What does he have to gain, by rejecting the experience. "I had a morning meal, but it's been some hours since. I thought it likely that you would have a recommendation on dining options, and decided I would follow your suggestions. I'm afraid I've little idea of what there is for the average human to do on Earth, when it's unrelated to the sciences."
Zoisite	His eyes have a particular twinkle to them, already having a place in mind for breakfast. It would be an excellent example, in his opinion, of something indulgent--and something he also preferred personally. "I do have recommendations, and we can head that way right now, in fact. It's not that far." "Also, I did consider taking you to one of Tokyo's libraries. Or a book store. It's not as scientific, but these are places full of knowledge for all types. Museums as well, to get a crash course on some aspects of Earth." Hibiya Library and Museum was one of those places, both literary and visual representations of Japanese culture. Other options were available, many more. They would see where they would land, step by step. "But on average, most humans have a schedule. Kids and teenagers like myself, we go to school to study, focus on what we could become once we're adults--career wise. As for adults, they work to be able to provide to themselves or their families. Outside of those things, there's hobbies, entertainment, food and more. Mostly, we focus on our lives and try to fit as best we can."
Black Moon Clan	"Then lead the way. I'll follow you," Saphir utters the words simply, aware of the wait they hold, aware of the undercurrent of flirtation between them, and even more, the possibility - that he would change his mind. That he would fall in line. That he would surrender himself, to the luxurious pleasures of this softer, gentler, ''weaker'' time. He expected that Izou would have recommendations - he expected that Izou would have an itinerary, to be quite honest, as nothing of their interactions thus far has given the impression that Izou is anything less than a detail-oriented planner. As they walk, he considers the other options mentioned - "A library would be interesting, as would a museum; while we had an assortment of materials available from our predecessors, we had no libraries of the sort that this city - or its future iteration - have access to." He's explored the digital libraries of this time, but to actually walk in one and explore, is something he's never done. "So your lives are largely rigid and scheduled, with structured learning dictated by a school system, rather than independent study and pursued learning? Interesting. We have discussed the prevalence of money and currency here - there was never a point to such things on Nemesis."
Zoisite	Good, a library would be next after breakfast. "Currency works better in larger groups with a government established. You and your siblings, with the size, trading and looking after one another would work better. But that's only my guess." Izou concedes. Even with as much information as he had now, all he could do still was assume. "And yes, it's a bit rigid. Not all nations operate the same, of course. Different cultures, different times to study with some time in between for children to have a break. The older we get, the more freedom we have to go after what we want to focus on for our careers. There's a hope that we can land a job that will make us feel fulfilled." A little side glance over to Saphir for a second, before continuing. "Science is a field this world highly treasures. Future progress, be it technological, medical or other."
Black Moon Clan	"Yes - the more that is produced and traded, the greater the necessity of a more removed funding system... though that has also lead to the majority of this time's conflicts over resources and power, given that wealth accumulates in a manner that those of lesser means can do little about." He's studied the era, loosely. Come to understand what was, rather than what Crystal Tokyo became, and what was possible on Nemesis. He's following Izou along patiently, considering. "Mm, the many cultures available has been a subject of some interest. It was something we took some faint opportunity to study, in Crystal Tokyo - enough to know that the culture the Queen created was not to our ideals." He shakes his head. "However, given the truth of our upbringing... I still don't care for those ideals. But I can hardly trust the good intention of our own culture."
Zoisite	"Wars, corruption, struggle for power. Governments were established, but a lot of it is flawed, unfortunately. Our current era is filled with all sorts of philosophies and the freedom to pursue them. But, a typical life is usually peaceful with only interpersonal conflicts instead." A slow sigh. "The hand you were given was not a fair one. You didn't really have much choice but to make decisions on what was presented to you as truth. I like to believe however that, had your own not been plucked away from their path, the culture you would have been brought up in would have been something more fit to who you are, and your ideals." Having been sent away to make a new colony, establish and grow. It's what the King and Queen felt was best--giving them the right to exist on their own terms. Izou cleared his throat then. "Sorry. I don't know if this is a subject you'd like to speak about, since it's only guessing on my part."
Black Moon Clan	"I don't mind speaking on it," Saphir says honestly. "It has been my life. My values. Things could have been different, perhaps, but they were not, and I have no means of making them such. I would be quite literally a different man... but I am not. We can discuss it, if you'd like - or we can continue to talk about your world." This world, with wars that don't always strike close to home, with the greatest source of conflict the internal struggle, instead of the daily struggle to survive, to grow, to evolve. "What do you want to do with your freedom to pursue your own philosophy? What... career are you seeking, for your future after your schooling is done?"
Zoisite	True. ''Another life.'' Someone Izou would have invited to his own wedding. Or talk to for hours about several things. Who knows what else. "How about both? I like hearing what you have to say." He offers, a smile to his words. They were close to Hoshino Coffee now. It was a corner establishment, homely looking from the outside as they approached. "...Music." There's a nod then. "It's always been part of my life, and I can play two instruments fluently. With enough practice, and applying to the best schools, I could become a professional musician. And if that doesn't pan out... I could always work with flowers." Inside, both are greeted by one of the waitresses who guides them to one of the booths. Menus offered, a strong smell of coffee in the air. "Will you need some help picking what you'd like to try?" Izou asks, not picking up his menu yet.
Black Moon Clan	"Then let us avoid no subject," Saphir says with a faint smile, a bit of light in his eyes, a hint of challenge - not for Izou, but for the both of them, lightly tossing the gauntlet - let them speak freely then, and say what they will. He will die soon, even if neither of them have gone so far as to admit it aloud. Even an enemy - let alone the strange, half thing that they are - can be trusted to die with secrets. Hoshino Coffee looms above them, homely to 21st Century eyes, mystifyingly comfortable to Saphir, a place of warm wood paneling and bright lights, clean and sweet-scented. "...Music," he says, contemplating the thought. "I'm not sure I've ever listened to music with intention. I heard it first in Crystal Tokyo, and in passing here, and you may think this foolish, but... it's the first I've considered that the creation of music must be a ''career'' that people undertake." There has been so little music in his life - in his comprehension - that the idea that the creation of it is something pursued idly or professionally, is astonishing. "I... would appreciate your expertise, here. I've rarely sampled sweets, though I have nothing against them..." And a quick glance at the menu and a scent of the area reveals the prevalence of luxurious sugars.
Zoisite	"Are you willing try something I'm favorably biased on?" Izou suggests, and he reaches across the table to Saphir's menu and turns it to the page where the pancake souffles were. "These are my favorite. The cake itself isn't too sweet, it's what you put on it that can make it rich." Pointing to the ones with syrup and thick hazel creams. "I usually pick this one. The fruits are slightly tart and will keep the experience from being too overwhelming." Two cakes topped off with fresh strawberries and whipped cream is where his finger settled on as he explained his preference, before pulling away. "For coffee, the Hoshino Blend is also the smoother choice, not as strong." Then he blinks. "Uh... there's also a decaf option, if you just want to taste it but not experience the caffeine. I don't know if you had any caffeine before, and if it would make you feel weird."
Black Moon Clan	"Why else would I take your recommendation?" It's not a challenge, merely another way of saying 'of course'. He leans in as Izou takes hold of the menu, and looks at the recommendation. It's certainly a food that looks luxurious, and the gloss of fresh fruit alongside light whipped cream ''does'' look decadent. "That does look interesting. It's not too sweet, you say? I'll follow your lead on that, and the coffee." A beat. "I ''have'' discovered caffeine, since arriving to your time. I can admit that I've developed a touch of dependency on it." It's so efficient. He can stay awake for so much longer without having to rely on the power of the Black Crystal. ''How had he lived all his life without it?''
Zoisite	"Ah, so it got you too. Don't worry, almost everyone here has some dependency on caffeine, especially in the morning or very late at night. I usually intake mine with tea, but I have been growing more fond of coffee lately." The waitress comes by again just then and Izou orders for the two of them before they are left alone once more. "By the way, I don't think you're foolish for not having considered music as a career path." Looking back at his companion. "You wouldn't be the first, really. Music is a very competitive field to enter. And either you have talent or the practice, you have to really stick out. It's nothing factual, only subjective. And yet, music is one of the most common forms of entertainment the world has, in many different forms. What's most know on the radio nowadays is ''pop'' music. Thankfully that's not the pathway I'm seeking to follow." He's watching Saphir then, curious. "So, you never heard lullabies then. No records in the ship as well, about music?" It was morbidly interesting how little Saphir and the others had, growing up.
Black Moon Clan	"Perhaps it's secretly a dark plot, to control the masses," Saphir speculates, as the full extent of caffeine's hold on the population is mentioned. Their orders are made, and Saphir sits back, comfortable with having the orders made for him. "Even now, it's not considered often? Music is so prevalent on your world." Is the competition truly so fierce, that music is simply accepted as something that will exist, and does not need to be professionally sought after? " "No, I can't recall hearing a.. 'lullaby', as you describe it. The records on our ship were more related to our goals, to the people aboard the ship, hard data on history and progress and the lack thereof in the Crystal Millennium. Music... I suppose, it simply was not valued, by our parents' generation."