babermetrics | IC OVERFLOW AND MISC.

[Balls. The Church. Whatever Leon's life was like, it's crystal clear that it was absolutely nothing like this guy's. He's a church dude? Leon doesn't know anything about that other than vague impressions from the media, but eh . . . they kind of fit, sure. Soft-spoken, seems kinda like a doormat . . .

And you're supposed to confess to them, right? No thanks. The last thing Leon wants to do is discuss his life before Cerealia, and he tenses up noticeably as soon as the question's asked. His shoulders jerk in a shrug that definitely doesn't come off as casual.]

. . . Not that crazy. I didn't mean me, there's totally nothin' that interestin' about where I came from.

It's the principle of the thing, man, the principle!

[Though, that said, actually his fridge is pretty empty right now. He is not exactly skilled in practical, forward-thinking grocery shopping. But he sure is cheerful about the prospect of treating the buffet like Aisle Four, and he doesn't notice any reluctance on Hinata's part; in fact, he's already starting to stroll casually in that direction.]

It ain't like it's really wrong when we're supposed to take it anyway! Heeeey, it'd be real distracting if we started a food fight, wouldn't it?

[It's pretty noticeable how he lights up when Larry calls him a punk kind of model. Exactly! Sweet, sweet validation. He practically vibrates cheer that he's not believable to strangers as some boring jock type.

But before he can get to that--and let's be real, he's just going to pat himself on the back anyway--he's a little surprised to hear that this guy's got multiple lawyer buddies. How common are lawyers in, uh, America--sure, it's America, probably? Even meeting one had kind of taken Leon by surprise . . . and neither of those descriptions actually sound like Athena. So how many are there?]

That's what was so weird! I thought she was more the burger and beer type. Or burger and wine? What do girls drink with burgers, anyway? But that ain't the point . . . she seemed, y'know, down to earth and stuff, but then when I asked her out she said she'd only go if it was fancy! I figured that was, like, her lawyer blood.

Edited (plural plural) 2015-06-17 05:52 (UTC)

[ There's something about his frown - it's almost as if it intensifies.

Yes, Leon, he cares, and he worries about other people a lot.. it's since he's such a natural mother hen. But do you think he's ever going to admit that to anyone? Do you have any clue how embarrassing the very thought of that is? Welcome to the world of Tsun Soo. ]

Does it seem that way? [ SO. DRYLY. He's not worried, d-don't misunderstand?! ]

[Somehow this is getting more and more out of control...?!]

Eh--

[SCRAMBLING TO FOLLOW.] Yeah, but then it'd catch people who're stuck here like us.

[Oh, you would be very much mistaken if you think he can walk all over him, Leon! You don't want to see him when he's angry...

And your reaction is so very, very suspicious! But he's not going to press the issue if you don't want to talk about it.]

I see. Then this place must be a bit of a shock for you.

[It's really not that common...Larry just happens to be the lucky trouble magnet with lawyers for friends to save his ass on many occasions.

That and Japanifornian lawyers seem to be pretty common here. Who woulda thunk it?]

Y'know...I guess they usually go with soda or water? Burger and wine sounds kinda clashy.

[Is that really the point, though? He just shrugs.]

I wonder if she just doesn't go on dates that often, then? I've kinda noticed that when girls go on a very first date or maybe even a couple in, they have really high expectations of what it's gonna be like. But after a while, they get more casual about it.

What else did she tell you about herself? Maybe I can help suggest something. Trust me, I've got plenty of experience with dates and prime dating spots.

[This should probably be taken as a sign that Larry's been on waaaay too many dates for his own good, but...hey, advice.]

Yeah, you kiddin'? It oughta be a shock for anyone, no matter how crazy!

[He doesn't know any better than to take Lab at face value, at least not in this; in his own mind, he's gotten away with diverting the topic from anything awkward about his own life, and that's what matters. He lightens immediately, despite his complaining.]

Nothin' can really prepare you for stuff like this, right?

Yeah, duh, that's the point!

[HE SEES NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS OUTCOME. He beams back over his shoulder at Hinata, poking his tongue briefly out between his teeth.]

Ain't that more fun than all this? And it's gonna be a huge distraction, so like, maybe even more people can escape! It's like we're doin' a public service! This's gonna be my good deed for the day, ha ha!

I dunno, you're the one warnin' me!

[He's teasing, though; guys like this are easy to tease. If he were a girl, it'd be even easier. Leon loves that kind of thing with chicks, and he's not as used to seeing a guy act the same way, but it's kind of amusing. At least whatever offense he was feeling earlier at Heung Soo's demeanor is starting to melt away.

Now he just grins at him and claps him lightly on the shoulder.]

I'm just screwin' with you, man. I mean, for one thing, you don't gotta act like it's a bad thing to not wanna see people die and stuff . . . I'd be totally concerned if you did.

Oh man, you do? That's awesome!

[Hello, Larry; meet Leon, who dated literally every girl he could get his hands on in high school, before Hope's Peak happened to him. The very idea of "too many dates for his own good" would baffle and concern him.

In other words, it's good to find a date-senpai to go to for advice.]

I guess I wouldn't be surprised if she ain't been on a lot o' dates, though. Like, don't get me wrong, she's real hot! She's got this super cute face and a great body, even if she covers it up a lot, but that's probably a lawyer thing too! And she's got a pretty good personality too . . . but she's a little awkward, plus if you're gonna be a lawyer that young, you've probably gotta spend basically all your free time studyin'. Buuut that's kind of appealing, if you ask me . . . uh, other stuff, her name's Athena! And she knows judo!

[Yes Leon, listen to date-senpai... These two are literally a terrible combination (in the absolute best way of course).

However, things quickly get awkward here. As Leon describes his future date, Larry nods along to show he's listening, thoughtfully rubbing at his goatee along the way as he considers possible date ideas for a cute, young lawyer who possibly hasn't been on many dates...

He frowns a little bit as he thinks about that and Leon continues. Wait, a really young female lawyer who hasn't been on many dates? That sounds familiar, but he's sure there could be plenty of those out there...

But then Leon reveals that it's Athena and it's all over. Startled by the revelation, he sputters dramatically.]

Wait, you're gonna go on a date with Athena?!

[Obviously, he knows Athena.]

Ohhh man... Well, you've got pretty good taste, I'll give you that. [He means that in the least weird way possible, okay?? It's just...dang, Nick is good at finding cute assistants.] But yeah, uh. She's gonna be a tough one. We're definitely gonna have to have a big-time brainstorming session for this.

[Right now? Right now. Leon is so ready to brainstorm this right now, and if that wasn't an invitation to do so, sorry, Larry--he took it as one. He's surprised Larry knows her, but not that surprised, and more importantly, this means he's going to get, y'know, insider trading! Insider dating, maybe. That's a good one. He'll make sure to use it later.]

Heeey, you know her! Okay, lemme start by askin', when you say tough one . . . are we talkin', like, kinda hard to please, or are we talkin' "she might break my arm if I try and put it around her at a movie"? It can't be that bad, right? You can't say I've got good taste if it's like that, so what's her deal?

[THERE'RE SO MANY THINGS ABOUT THAT HE DOESN'T KNOW WHERE TO START...]

And if it catches someone who'll get mad about being caught in it? [leon bro you will be in trouble if you make some stoic guy mad]

[laughs] That's true.

[then he turns thoughtful] And it seems like this place might be a bit more dangerous than I'd thought it would be... Do you have any way of defending yourself, Kuwata?

[The brainstorming location may not be the most ideal, considering they're still in the middle of this weird photoshoot and all, but sometimes important date brainstorming just cannot wait.

Unfortunately, he doesn't know Athena well enough to give a whole ton of information, but that's what brainstorming is for.]

This is kinda tough 'cause I know her but I only met her recently- like, I met her when I got here. She works for one of my lawyer best friends I was telling you about.

[...in the future, but he doesn't go into weird timeline stuff. No need to add more confusion to the conversation.

He crosses his arms and thinks real hard about this.]

She's cheerful and seems to know how to have fun, but I'd definitely say she's got some standards, so you couldn't get away with being cheap or coming on strong during the first date. Sooo...play it cool and casual, but treat her to some good food. An upscale but affordable place, y'know?

Then how're they gonna know who started it? The whole point's to be gone by then! C'mon, man, it's flawless! And it's totally still better than bein' stuck here.

[There he goes, right up to the buffet. It's not like he just starts throwing food right away, though; he's totally waiting for Hinata. Of course, it might have been more to his benefit to just get started, because it's only a matter of time before hovering suspiciously at the food is going to draw someone's attention.]

. . . Not yet, I guess.

[But that's an awkward topic, too, and his mood visibly drops a little at the particular phrasing of it. What had defending himself gotten him last time, anyway . . . and the truth is, he does have one thing. He has a knife, that apparently came with him from home, and which he'd really rather not make his Thing for self-defense in this place. His lips twist a little, sour.]

You mean like, martial arts, or a gun, or what? Nah, guess I don't.

[Seriously, this is more interesting than being a model. (A viewpoint of his that his employers have probably already noticed and been unhappy with, in fact.) He at least spares a glance around to make sure they're not in anyone's way, but they aren't, and the photographers seem to be giving them a moment to chat. Maybe it's because Larry just passed out and all, Leon thinks. They're probably giving him a moment to get his bearings . . . and have really important conversations with his Good Samaritan.

The coast's clear, either way, and Leon turns his full attention back onto Larry, nodding along.]

So, not burgers and wine . . . heh. Maybe a movie? She doesn't seem like the chick flick kinda girl, so I won't be bored, and I can totally keep my hands off if I've gotta. I don't wanna get my wrist broken! Anyway, that's a little classier than somethin' like an amusement park, plus then you can go eat somewhere nice after and talk about the movie! If you paid attention to it.

[Y'know, 50/50 chance.]

I guess it's kinda cliche, but I dunno what lawyers do in their free time. Do lawyers get free time?

[After listening to Leon's thought process, Larry gives a satisfied nod as to how he went through the options and why he thinks one would be better over another.

But before he adds to the brainstorming, he decides to answer Leon's last question first.]

That's another factor that really depends on the lawyer. Some are super busy, and some work on a case by case basis. I thiiink Athena does the second thing, going off of who she works for and all.

[Larry knows there tend to be lulls in between cases at the Wright Agency.]

Your date idea sounds great, by the way. Maybe go for one of those thriller movies- not too chick flick-y but not too dude movie, but still interesting for the both of you. And yep, follow it up with a good dinner. You've got this down, Leon!

[He's so proud, and he only just met the kid.]

[No, Leon... you can definitely start this without him... With heavy steps, Hinata trudges after him, his shoulders heaving in a silent sigh.]

Flawless isn't quite... [The word he'd use... but he lets it trail off. He feels sorta like arguing might be futile as he joins Leon proper at the table.]

Aish.. [ He clicks his tongue a little and moves like he's trying to shake off Leon's hand, but he's not putting any real effort into it. It's mostly just that he's embarrassed as all hell and trying to hide it.. and failing miserably, basically. ]

Don't mess around with people like that. Don't you think we already have enough to deal with here?

[ Yeah, because killer Santas and Leon being.. well, sociable (how dare he) are totally on the same level. Total menaces, both of those things. ]

[What a moody person you are, Leon! And Lab doesn't know all that...]

Yes. I see. [And he drops it at that as it doesn't seem like you want to talk about it.] Well, thank you very much for your help, Kuwata. I guess I should get back to the photoshoot.

[Shit, this really is his lucky day: here is he getting advice on Athena from a guy who actually knows her (even if it's just a little, that's something!) and getting praised at the same time. Who knew some weird cat photographers and a fainting dude in the middle of a shoot could lead to this much success? He beams and gives Larry a thumbs up.]

Dude, that's a great idea! You totally can't lose with a horror movie! If the girl's into it she's happy, and if she ain't then you get to comfort her! You've totally got this down! I guess that's what I'd expect if you're really datin' all these models and stuff.

[He thinks about asking him if he wants to get lunch, but they're talking about dates right now, so that seems a little, y'know. Wait, he thinks, maybe now's actually the best time, since we're both obviously into chicks. It's not gonna come off wrong, right? Is it more or less gay to ask a dude to hang out while you're talking about dating girls?

Maybe if he skips the lunch part.]

C'mon, we oughta try and get outta here . . . this place is startin' to creep me out.

Isn't quite what? Hey, I ain't gonna twist your arm or anythin' . . .

[His mood dampens just a little. Is this guy more a wet blanket than he'd seemed? Leon's definitely looking forward to . . . honestly, anything to get his mind off of a lot of things, so he's committed to his path now, questionable as it may be.

He really is packing some food away first, though. Not too much, because he's not hungry, and it's hard to get excited about leftovers or later meals when you're not feeling it, but he might as well take advantage of the free food while he can. He flashes Hinata a quick look, a little more sour, though his mood hasn't quite dropped yet.]

IC OVERFLOW AND MISC.

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