daily_days | № 3 ~the Dating Sim meme~

If El Cid had the (hah!) choice he would have gone home himself, but no one can really say 'no' to his boss, Sisyphos, and he had been goaded into checking on the new guy. El Cid had found Shura to be very capable, and one who performs beyond expectations. Surely, even in a new city, he can take care of himself.

He had just been watching the clock tick in his office, actually hoping that no one would pick up and that Shura had already gone. In the meantime, he thinks of what to say while the phone rang. Sisyphos told him to be ~friendly~ as if being courteous wasn't enough.

. . .

Damn it, he picked up. Unseen by Shura, El Cid glares through the glass of his office across the hall where Sisyphos is giving him two thumbs up.

-----

El Cid's even voice comes through the line.

"Shura. I am going out for dinner. Would you like to join me?"

> ~~TSUN!~~ Refuse.
> Ask "why" because... "why"??
> Accept. Hey, it might be free food.

> Ask "why" because... "why"??

. . .

The silence that follows is long and almost deafening on Shura's side of the phone. It is the last thing he expected to hear from El Cid-- he has expected to hear perhaps that he forgot to do something during the day, something that he had to do. Or perhaps that there's still some work that needs to be done today and maybe Shura could stay after hours.

So an offer to join El Cid for dinner is met with just that: a long moment of silence, before Shura finds his tongue again to blurt out, "Why? --I mean, sure."

. . .

Very smooth and graceful, there, Shura, he chides himself inwardly and resists smacking his hand to his forehead loudly. Instead he just rests his head on his hand, elbow propped up on the desk. How awkward. Though miraculously, he did manage to make his voice sound even there, even if that sure was added in a bit of a haste to not sound quite that rude.

It was perhaps fortunate that Sisyphos decided not to enter his office at that very moment as El Cid was mighty tempted to clock him over the head with the phone. The few seconds of silence seemed to stretch on and El Cid regretted ever picking up the receiver to dial Shura's local number.

Then again, perhaps it would have been better if he had gone to see him in person.

Casually, or as casual as El Cid gets: "I had thought you might want to see what's available around town." At the least Shura accepted, and thus El Cid is left with his dignity (somewhat) intact. "I will see you in your office in five minutes."

----------

There is time enough to wait. This means FREE MOVEMENT TIME! What will you do?

> Wait like a good officer
> Poke around your new office
> It might not be so bad to make sure your tie is still straight and that the spices from today's lunch didn't linger in your breath.

> Wait like a good officer

"I'll be here," Shura says, before ending the call. There are several things he would have wanted to do before going out for dinner, but-- five minutes is not quite enough time to do them. Besides, fretting over his appearance for a simple dinner with a new colleague from work is silly.

Which doesn't mean he doesn't at least glance (idly, without really meaning to!) at his reflection in the computer monitor, now dark and... doing good enough job of serving as a mirror. There's nothing on his face, his hair is all right and his clothes are neat as ever, even after a day of work. So all in all he looks and feels presentable enough to go out.

At four minutes mark, Shura gets up from his desk to grab his jacket and put it on and makes sure he has everything he needs on himself: wallet, keys, his mobile phone. All is where it should be and El Cid should be here soon.

Sisyphos' parting words were, "Have fun~!" as El Cid moved like clockwork: cabinets and drawers locked, electronics shut down, phone set to voice mail, potted plant watered, personal effects on his person, not an article of clothing out of place (even if it was suggested that he ditch the tie and undo the first two buttons of his shirt -- a suggestion he firmly declined) and he was on time.

After five minutes (give or take two seconds before or after), El Cid rapped his knuckles against the doorframe.

"Shura? Are you ready?"

Shura looks up from adjusting the sleeves of his jacket and nods, "Of course." A very discreet look at his watch tells him that El Cid is right on time, give or take a couple seconds. Interesting, though Shura would be lying if he said that it's not a trait he likes in his partners (work partners, mind!) a lot. Punctuality. Perhaps they'll work well together, it's always difficult to tell after just one day.

"Lead the way," he says with the most vague amusement and grin-- just a twitch at the corner of his mouth, nothing more than that.

Upon seeing Shura's still neat office, along with a quick, cursory glance as to how the man presented himself, El Cid mentally approved (the only outward indicator of which is that he didn't scowl any further). He had encountered those who didn't wait to leave their mark in unique ways in a new office, and as to how a man presents himself and his place are tells in a personality for him.

So far El Cid did not find any room to complain.

El Cid gave his work partner a nod and does so, heading out.

"There's a number of interesting establishments within a walking distance. Is there a type of cuisine you prefer?"

----------

The ball's in your court! How do you reply?

> With humor! "Spanish. There should be a fusion restaurant nearby."
> With something that tells El Cid that you have sharp eyes! "I've taken a look around the block and have you gone to ___?"
> With humor! Of a different kind! "How about your place? You know how to cook?"

Edited (lots of edits jasdkfls PARDONS '''orz) 2012-07-11 09:27 (UTC)

> With humor! "Spanish. There should be a fusion restaurant nearby."

When El Cid heads out, Shura follows in his step easily, trailing a little behind until they can walk side by side. He holds his back straight, expression neutral until that particular question is posed, which is when Shura allows himself a small smirk.

Someone out there must have found it both interesting and amusing in some very vague ways that they're both of the same descent-- and it might have been the reason exactly why they have been paried together as partners. Or at least part of the reason. Familiarity or something like that. Shura finds it a silly reason, if it is, in fact, the case, though so far he has been given no reason to complain either.

"Spanish, if they can do it well here at all," he starts with a one-shouldered shrug, overall seemingly just slightly so more relaxed than El Cid, slightly, "I have seen one fusion restaurant nearby, but it's impossible to tell how good it is."

El Cid didn't pause in his step, but it might be apparent that he has given the response a second glance. He shows no sign of amusement but his tone is a tad lighter. While perhaps there were those who gained humor from two Spanish nationals working together (it did not help that they shared similar styles and color of hair), it was something that El Cid appreciates.

Not that he would ever really show it.

"I have only been there once and I have not tasted their Spanish dishes yet. The Japanese fare however, is decent."

-----

Looks like you might actually get a conversation going to cover the next block that will take you to the restaurant! What do you do?

> Silence is golden. El Cid is a quiet guy, maybe he'd appreciate... more quiet?
> How else to know your new colleague but through small talk? Ask him about his favorite foods ~~even if it makes sound like a kid in high school~~!
> Humor worked the first time 'round! How 'bout poking at how much El Cid likes 'Japanese fare' with, "Have you visited the Maid Café two blocks down?"

> Humor worked the first time 'round! How 'bout poking at how much El Cid likes 'Japanese fare' with, "Have you visited the Maid Café two blocks down?"

It never hurts to get to know your coworkers, especially those you'll be partnered with this closely. So instead of going for silence, which tends to be Shura's preference usually, he opts to continue the small talk.

Except, of course, he can't help but (a little smugly) poke fun at El Cid's words again. Especially considering how the previous hint of humour seemed to be appreciated, at least slightly. "If you enjoy Japanese, then I'm sure you've been to the Maid Café two blocks down," and here, that curl of lips that makes it more or less obvious that he's not serious. There's time and place for everything, time to be one hundred percent serious and times when he can allow himself to relax a notch and let some playfulness slip by.

Here, El Cid actually turns his head towards Shura with a look that might be construed as 'surprised' if not 'puzzled'. Does... Shura actually think he's the kind of guy who would frequent such places?

"Manigoldo talks a lot about it and took some of us there. Once." Stiff in his reply, but honest in his assessment. "I can appreciate its entertainment value, but the food stands improvement."

But it looks like Shura found a way to dig into the straight-faced man's sense of humor. "I admit though -- I've never experienced being addressed as 'El Cid-sama' or 'Master'. It was almost flattering."

----------

Hooray for conversation! What next?

> Uh. That was awkward. Silence nao pls? >.>a
> ... or just a change of topic like, CARS or the latest football match?
> No no, keep going! It's just getting fun! 8Dc See what else he's willing to spill?
> ... or prod and push with follow-up questions?

> ... or just a change of topic like, CARS or the latest football match?

Shura doesn't really think El Cid would enjoy such places, no, but it was still an amusing question to ask if only to see El Cid's reaction to it. Which... has proven entertaining enough and quite interesting. The deadpan sense of humour doesn't escape him and that, again, is something Shura can appreciate, even if only secretly.

Amusing response or not, though, for now he decides not to dig further. He's tried his luck enough already and for the first day, that's probably enough humour and teasing, or else he might risk annoying the other man. If there's one thing, he doesn't want to be seen as some sort of a goof, because when it comes down to it, he really isn't one. He's just not completely devoid of humour-- like El Cid himself, it seems.

"Sounds like my own experience with those places," Shura shrugs, and attempts to change the subject, "Prefer to cook my own food and spend the evening with a football match." As he speaks, he glances at El Cid sideways, eyebrow quirked, watching for the reaction, "Do you follow the Champions League?"

The change of subject, if anything, is refreshing for El Cid and one can hear it in his voice.

"I do. This year had been fairly disappointing." A pause as they cross the street; but as they approach the block that finally has the restaurant, "Then again, the others might need their turn." It is fairly obvious where El Cid's bias lies. "Were you able to watch the finals?"

----------

You come at last to the fusion restaurant. Obviously, the doors aren't automatic and it wasn't posh enough to warrant a doorman. El Cid is a step (or half) ahead of you and your trained eyes can tell that he will open that door like a gentleman for his lady-- for his partner, rather.

Work partner.

Get it right.

> Let El Cid open the door and allow him to exercise noblesse oblige;
> No, the noblesse oblige is yours! Stretch that stride out to open the door for him.
> ... what? Oh, wait, your coat got caught in the doorknob, football is such a fascinating sport!

> No, the noblesse oblige is yours! Stretch that stride out to open the door for him.

"Not live, unfortunately," Shura replies easily, now that the subject matter requires him to focus less on his words. Good humour and teasing actually take some focus to figure out what exactly to say, one wouldn't expect it to be this difficult. "Recorded it and watched the next day," what he doesn't care to mention that he had the outcome spoiled for him anyway. Deathmask, unfortunately, wasn't the sort that could keep his mouth shut. Especially when he knew it was a sure way to annoy Shura.

"At least the Euro Cup was ours," he continues with a grin, noticing the situation with the door and easily, without any rush, taking those longer strides to catch up and be the first one at the door to be able to open it for El Cid instead.

----------

Shura acts quickly, but not quickly enough to completely avoid the awkwardness of both of you touching the handle of the door and stopping in your tracks. So both of you end up at the door at the same time, with your hands almost touching on the doorknob and effectively blocking the entrance and the exit for other people-- thankfully, for the moment nobody else wishes to enter or leave.

> Back off politely, without a word and let Shura do the "honours," so to speak, he is on the more convenient side of the door, after all.
> Stand your ground and silently stare at Shura until he backs off.
> Stand your ground and say something, perhaps ask Shura to let you get the door for him.
> ~~Point out the awkwardness of the situation and laugh it off in your own fashion (that doesn't really equip laugher to "laugh it off").~~ Not enough humour points to make this option available.

Edited (8D /dorks about --AND THEN I TYPOED, apologies /o\) 2012-08-14 20:08 (UTC)

> Stand your ground and say something, perhaps ask Shura to let you get the door for him.

"I suppose we cannot have enough cups. I do look forward to next year--?" The discussion on the EuroCup was momentarily put on hold as El Cid noted that... stride and how it has made for an otherwise awkward situation.

Then again, nothing is too awkward for El Cid and an odd little smile played by his lips -- a reaction that both expressed his puzzlement and amusement. Regardless of who is with him, El Cid makes it a point to open doors for others, unless it only made sense that the person who can do so for him was considerably ahead of him by at least three steps. According to El Cid's own (strict!) standards, Shura really should not bother. It wasn't his style to humiliate people however, and thus he decided to allow Shura to save face.

"Please, allow me."

----------

!! TRIGGER EVENT !! Better be quick on your fingers!

> If you succeed in completing the sequence, ~~you can have your way with El Cid~~ you have the choice in action.
> If you fail, El Cid opens the door for you!

Ready?

GO

∆ O O O O O × × ∆ ∆ ∆ □

(( ooc: your choice! 8D ))

∆ O O O O O × × ∆--

!! FAILED !!

There are a lot of things that add up to cause Shura's reaction to the situation-- the general awkwardness of the situation, only multiplied that subtle smile playing on El Cid's lips, and finally his words. It's all almost... charming, though Shura doubts any sort of flirting was actually meant in the actions.

He really feels like he has no choice in the matters, in the end. Wasted too much time being dumbstruck (even if it was a mere second or two) and idly appreciating the view, Shura gives in and steps aside and away. Just far enough to not get hit by the door when El Cid opens it.

At the very least he manages to keep down the blush, and when he speaks up his voice is clear and even, "Go right ahead. It's not something I'm used to." Usually he were the one polite enough to open the door for others. It's bizarre to experience the reverse.

For the first time that evening (for the whole day and for when they since met for that matter), amusement actually showed in El Cid's eyes. He had actually found it almost endearing (endearing in the most platonic, senpai-kouhai way imaginable, mind!) in the way Shura tried. El Cid he found himself under the impression that there were a lot more things they share in common aside from nationality, general appearance, and work behavior, so much that it's... comforting, really. In a tone that is mildly humorous. "You'll get your turn."

Once inside, the waiter ushers you to your seats so at the least you don't have to worry about pulling chairs for each other...

Or do you?

----------

> Oh so "you'll get your ~turn~" huh?? Well you'll take it NOW!
> Comeuppance is best served cold. Let the waiter do his job.

Taking too long to decide? Have a bonus choice!

> Pull El Cid's chair for him and as he sits down, lean in, and say something like, "You won't mind my taking it now, do you?"

> Pull El Cid's chair for him and as he sits down, lean in, and say something like, "You won't mind my taking it now, do you?"

Not enough flirt points to out-weight currently low confidence. Try again . . .

> Comeuppance is best served cold. Let the waiter do his job.

That vague amusement that Shura does note only serves to make his slight flush actually visible. The tone and the words that follow have him force a slight smirk onto his lips -- like hell he is going to show he's bothered at all -- and he retorts with, "You bet I will."

However, there is no point in making the situation even more awkward than it already is-- for Shura at least. He will get his turn sooner or later, and he will get his sweet revenge. Though it's not quite as big and serious of a deal as the word "revenge" implies. Just perhaps friendly and playful rivaly in what exactly? Chivalry, or well, noblesse.

Either way, they take their seats without further interruptions and the waiter hands them the cartes.

"Anything you'd recommend from this place?" Shura asks, looking up at El Cid after a brief moment of skim reading the dishes available.

----------

There is a chance to learn even more about each other now-- od just learn more about Shura himself, if you're not feeling up for sharing. You can:

> Ask Shura about his dish and flavour preferences, before offering suggestions that fall in line with them.
> Provide with suggestions of your own favourite dishes from the place, see if Shura will react favourably to any of them.
> Playfully ask if Shura trusts you enough to let you pick for both of you.

Edited (one more option!) 2012-08-17 10:04 (UTC)

> Playfully ask if Shura trusts you enough to let you pick for both of you.

This action requires your Humor levels to be Entertaining. Visiting the Comedy Bar or building your Social Link with Manigoldo will increase your Humor levels. Please select a different option.

> Ask Shura about his dish and flavour preferences, before offering suggestions that fall in line with them.

El Cid thanks the waiter for the cartes and settles in -- and was that more subtle amusement in his face? Hard to tell, what with El Cid's gaze slightly lowered as he scrutinizes the choices presented to them.

Shura might have just moved in town, but El Cid is arguably his 'host', and thus he will let his 'guest' choose as he wishes -- mi casa es tu casa and all. Finally, El Cid looks up, "The sake is tasty though I don't think we're after that fare today. Do you have any preference? Or a favorite dish from home, perhaps?"

----------

How do you approach this little query~?

> Without much fuss: straightforward, simple, straight answers to the question;
> With flair~: take the chance to talk about your own talent in cooking!
> -- the hell, what's there to talk about, your favorite dish isn't there! BLASPHEMY!!

Bonus choice!

> "You."

> "You."

Social Link / Relationship level not high enough to make this option available.

> Without much fuss: straightforward, simple, straight answers to the question.

Shura gives his answer a bit of thought, trying to ignore the amusement he can still sense from El Cid. Not because it's malicious in any way, but because it distracts, terribly so. "Paella, though I prefer to make that myself." Mostly for a reason El Cid is probably aware of himself: paellas made in restaurants, back in Spain at least, are usually made for tourists in mind, which simply means their quality leaves a lot to be desired for someone who knows what the dish should taste like. And who can certainly prepare it that much better all by himself-- like Shura.

"Marmitako is good, so are garlic prawns and, if I had to pick, chuletas de cordero," he doesn't care to correct himself and say some of the names in the local language, not with El Cid who is Spanish himself and should know full well what he's talking about, "Those would be the top four."

"You will have to tell me more about your cooking."

Briefly, El Cid put a hand under his chin, curling a finger by his lower lip which almost gives him a pout as he thinks over the choices.

"We can combine the seafood and go for garlic prawns as entrées and marmitako as a main dish?"

He then flips over to the wine list. Undoubtedly, El Cid is a strict man when it comes to work but one, he does know how to unwind and to conduct himself, so at the least, his dinner companions are not put in an uncomfortable position. Secondly, he does like his new colleague and how better to show the appreciation of a senior colleague for his new charge?

"If we have those, then I suppose we can have some cava. I think the occasion calls for it."

----------

So many decisions tonight, what's so special about it anyhow?? Oh yes, this is a DATING SIM, and you are playing!

So how will you play?

> Play tsun! White cava? Why not go for some traditional red and change the dishes up to match.
> Play dere! Because kyaa~ kyaa~ El Cid-sempai asked you more about your cooking! ( >///<)
> Play innocent! "What is the occasion~?"
> Play strict! Damn it you still have work tomorrow, what's with the alcohol??

> Play innocent! "What is the occasion~?"

It takes conscious effort not to stare, surprisingly enough. Shura isn't sure why he's suddenly so taken with the other man-- yes, El Cid is handsome and obviously the type that Shura enjoys being around, that much he can admit, but it's still no reason enough to lose his cool like this.

"It's nothing to write home about," he says, focusing on words instead, to not let his thoughts wander. "But sure."

He does like El Cid's picks, his decisions regarding the dinner, so Shura merely nods at his words with a murmured agreement-- at least until he hears the last suggestion, the last statement. Cava. And the occasion calls for it... he clears his throat discreetly, before asking, "What is the occasion?" For the world to see? His expression is almost unreadable, completely innocent, even if there're hints of flush there. Shura'd blame it on the heat in the restaurant if asked about it though. It's just too warm.

----------

Shura's acting can be convincing-- do you possess enough points in Perceptiveness to see through it? If you do you may make a note of it, either to yourself or out loud, to Shura.

However there is still a question you need to answer. And there is only one answer: welcoming a new colleague in the town. However it's up to you how to say it--

> Flirtatiously! Add a bit flair to your admission, make Shura feel special~.
> Seriously! Be somber and genuine in your words.
> Playfully! Oh, perhaps pretend the answer is actually something else~. Perhaps it's your birthday? Or maybe it's the restaurant owner's birthday?
> Indifferently! Just making sure you keep your distance, say what it is, but don't get too friendly.
> Friendly! The exact opposite of above! Close the distance, work to gain a friend!

Edited (oops icon) 2012-08-23 21:39 (UTC)

Perceptiveness levels are up to par -- perhaps it's the throat clearing that gives Shura away, or maybe the slight flush, though El Cid would admit to it being quite warm in the restaurant. He probably should have taken Sisyphos' suggestion of undoing the first two buttons of his shirt and ditching the tie--

Except that they are pretty much seated within the direct blowing range of the air-conditioning vents.

Furthermore, it was almost clear that (at least for the briefest of moments) Shura's question caught El Cid off-guard -- not exactly the response he had been expecting, to be quite honest. He had been expecting some retaliation or even some form of scolding, but seeing as that is not the case, he ponders on his choices...

> Playfully! Oh, perhaps pretend the answer is actually something else~. Perhaps it's your birthday? Or maybe it's the restaurant owner's birthday?

This action requires your Humor levels to be Smile-Worthy. Visiting the-- [ blah blah pressing × to skip... ]

> Flirtatiously! Add a bit flair to your admission, make Shura feel special~

This action requires your Charm to be-- [ WHAT?? NO WAY!! D: × × ×! Okay, this one had better work -- ]

> Friendly! The exact opposite of above! Close the distance, work to gain a friend! [ Oh FINALLY! >8( ]

-- as friendly as El Cid can get, actually.

"To welcome you to town, and to our office. There should be a party for all the newcomers sometime this month, but I believe there should be something..." special "separate for the first day."

It was less the rare, discrete smile and the expression in his eyes, but more of the sincerity of his words. At the least, being friendly out of the office is good once in a while -- just like sharing jests with Sisyphos, or taking on Aldebaran's challenge in pool. He then hands over the carte back to the waiter as he comes to take their order -- at the least, they both know what they'll be getting, unless Shura had something to add~

There is nothing Shura can add-- and even if he did have, he is far too focused on keeping himself calm and composed the way he should be. The way he always is. Or perhaps the way he normally is. To have someone fluster him so is such a novelty. There were so far only three people capable of that: Aiolos, Deathmask and Aphrodite, all three due to the simple many years long familiarity with him. They knew how to press all his buttons. But here is El Cid, doing exactly the same to him-- or at the very least, something very similar and most likely unintentionally.

When the waiter comes and goes, Shura finally speaks up, "That's kind of you," and he bites his tongue on an unfriendly however that's unnecessary. His frustrations with his own reactions are one thing, but they're no reason to be rude or snide with someone he is starting to like, moreover someone who's just being friendly. And someone he can see himself getting along with. It's not a time or place, or the appropriate person, for this kind of posturing.

"Thank you," and this response right here is genuine, even if it's still tainted with awkwardness and confused discomfort. In an attempt to get rid of all that, though, after an appropriate pause, Shura brings up a subject that they were discussing before the awkwardness started, which is-- "Is football the only sport you enjoy?"

----------

So now Shura attempts to change the subject, shift the atmosphere back to a safer ground for himself.

> Let Shura change the subject, simply answer the question with interest~.
> Let Shura change the subject, but don't let the flirting stop!
> Don't let Shura change the subject! Not immediately, first ask him if he's all right, he looks flushed!*

*option available only if previous round's Perceptiveness challenge was successful.

ufufufu~ >3 ♥

♥

Second and third choices will still allow you free movement; first will end the "turn" :3b

fffffff B> assuming they're detectives more like, so don't wear official uniforms?

works for me |Db also, choices will come in the next tag!

\o/ okay B> works for me too~

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YOU ONCE SAID TO GIVE YOU CHOICES TOO, so here we go B>

yessssss~ >3c /rubs hands eagerly~

oh my god I laughed so much when I got this tag! brilliant ♥

I aim to please ( _ _)/ ~♥ /bows

/cackles~

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no choices from me this round ;w;

np at all! o7 ~♥

WAS SO TORN BETWEEN DERE AND INNOCENT HOLY LOL

1/2 deehee~ also, no choices from me this round |D

2/2

tis cool~ I have some B>