raisetheearth | Entry #A-1: "A" [Video/Action] [Shepherd's Haven]

[Lazarus checks in looking thoroughly displeased. He's standing in the largest building in Shepherd's Haven, most commonly used for forums and meetings. Today, he's surrounded by fabulous, artistic and delectable patries and sweets. Some are on the tables, set out as if for a banquet, but others are on the floor or in odd, unexected places, like on chairs and sticking to the walls.]

It's the one-year anniversary of our move to Shepherd's Haven. I was going to tell you that in spite of the slime, you're all still welcome to come celebrate and eat some of the food prepared for the occasion in the town hall. You know, in a valiant effort to maintain some semblance of community and normalcy, and to reject sensationalist panic and obsession.

[A green blob drops onto his shoulder. He brushes it off with clear distaste, but from the time he touches it to the time it lands on the floor, it transforms into a platter of cream puffs that land with a resounding clatter.]

...disregard that. If you do decide to come, don't eat anything until you confirm with me that it isn't slime. Right now, that's everything over here.

[He turns the feed over so it's in view of a far less enticing display of healthier and plainer options. Much of it was probably canned or frozen previously.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Stop that!

Stop what? We're not doing anything yet.

We're not going to be doing anything if you keep this up!

There's no sense punishing both of use. Weren't you excited about the surprise, too?

It's not punishment, you're killing the mood.

There was a mood? Great, let's go back to that. You start, I'll follow.

There had better be a mood if you want your surprise...

[She sighs heavily, but then raises her hand to her lips and blows him a kiss.]

Let's try this again.

[He's very careful not to do or say anything.

...at all. Which maybe makes things even stranger and more awkward.]

[Misa waits... and waits... and rests her face against her hand. Well, it is better than what he did last time.]

How about this?

[She walks over, grabbing his wrist and guiding his hand through the motion of catching an imaginary kiss.]

Then you say something like, I'll save this for later, or, is there more where that came from?

[He stares, bemused and a little concerned, as she guides his hand in a motion that feels downright unnatural to someone so typically pragmatic.]

But that's not something I'd say, Misa. That has to cheapen it somewhat and it definitely doesn't create any kind of "mood".

It's still better than what you did say! You just need to practice.

Misa, do you like me, or do you like the idea of a project? Be honest.

I like you!

[She drops his hand, obviously affronted.]

I wouldn't... sleep with a project. Is wanting you to work on your flirting skills so bad?

There's asking for improvement, and then there's literally dictating what to do. You realize you're asking me to be someone else entirely?

I have a hard time reading faces. I learned expressions from Muppets as an adult. I've never successfully flirted in my life. This is actually very far out of my depth and I'm not sure what you expect.

[Misa falls silent, defensive but also feeling badly.]

They were just suggestions...

[She leans in to kiss him by way of apology, hoping she hasn't hurt his feelings. It can be hard to tell, with Lazarus.]

Forget flirting. Just... don't talk about blowjobs in public and we'll be fine.

[He kisses her back, but seems focused and fixated on something else.]

...hey, could you say that again? "We'll be fine?" I liked that. Just the way you said it.

Edited 2015-08-13 04:05 (UTC)

[She pauses a moment, then smiles up at him.]

We'll be fine. Better than fine.

[He has no trouble smiling back and responding something like naturally this time, for a change.]

Thank you. That's a mood I like. It's a really good one.