[open] and all I could think about is you

[gurenpiloting]

DATE: June 13th
INVOLVED: gurenpiloting and whoever she encounters
ACTIVITY: A certain redhead will be taking a long stroll around the Peony district, specifically near Iki.
RATING: PG?

Comments

[bloodypawn]

[It's just another day for Zero, on the other hand. Recently off from work, he's out and about the district on a few errands before he plans to head to his apartment again, bags in hand.

He spots Kallen from a ways back, almost immediately recognizing the shock of brightly colored hair, not to mention he's grown familiar with the feel of her presence. It isn't entirely unusual for her to be in Peony, he knows that much, but something does feel a little off. Similar to when they last, more recently spoke.

A bout of hesitation keeps him on his own track, for the moment, however, before finally approaching. He glances to her, noticing the small gestures, then up to the house as well.]

Hey.

[gurenpiloting]

[Once she's done looking at the building, she can finally make her leave and return to sightseeing. Of course, not until she spots a friend of hers.]

Hey, Zero.

[One Zero is here while the other has left -- the sudden thought has her quietly sigh. Even she usually isn't so distracted by minor details, at least not until now.]

I was just taking a break from a stroll.

[bloodypawn]

[A stroll, is it? He doesn't particularly buy that, but remains silent on the matter. At least for now. On the other hand, for all he knows, that's exactly what she's doing. It isn't as if Aster is on the other side of Ukiyo, after all.]

It really is different here, compared to Aster, isn't it.

[All of the districts are. He glanced to her upon speaking. Small talk isn't exactly a strong point of his... it's an attempt, though, if anything.]

[gurenpiloting]

Besides the fact this is the richest district? Yeah, everything here is different.

[Even the buildings are nothing like the ones in Aster, such as the Iki household, the one place that has her stare intently at it.]

The locals, the shops, the people...

[bloodypawn]

[Of course the buildings and shops are different, or even just of better quality and style (especially seeing how Peony is so westernized). The general clientele is different as well, but people as a whole?

He watches her for a moment, then the house. It's familiar, to a point. He passes it often, but also stopped by once, to pick up clothing...]

He lived here, didn't he.

[It isn't much of a question, but not demanding a reply.]

He made a few articles of clothes for me, just recently.

[gurenpiloting]

[Nodding, she fiddles around with the key once more -- the same one that Lelouch gave to her back when he was still the leader of the Black Knights.]

Sounds like he finished your order. He was a busy guy having to make clothes for a lot of people.

[A sigh.]

He even spared some time knitting my cat's toys.

[bloodypawn]

[He nods.]

It was a smart move on his part. I don't think many can afford the western clothes offered here, let alone the tailor.

[A faint smile to that, a touch wry, though honest in words.]

Time is in abundance here for many, it seems, compared to home. That was a nice gesture, though.

[gurenpiloting]

Honestly, he's the kind of guy who thinks one step ahead and has no problems showing off. Have you seen him play the piano over the broadcast?

[She laughs quietly to herself, glancing down.]

It really was. I'm surprised at how sturdy they are.

[bloodypawn]

I did. He really was skilled.

[He'll just set aside the fact that Lelouch somewhat reminded him of Kuran, even if vaguely. Still, it's an annoying thought.]

Well, he probably wouldn't have offered if he didn't feel capable of making them like that, don't you think?

[gurenpiloting]

I hope he didn't give you a hard time.

[Because she knows first-hand how Lelouch can rub people the wrong way sometimes. At least he can back up his ego once in a while... damn it, the thought made her sad again.]

No, he really wouldn't. That's one thing I like about him.

[bloodypawn]

He didn't. It was just a business transaction. He made an offer to the public, and I took him up on it.

[Simply the facts. Those few shirts and couple pair of pants had been worth the money, too (in fact, he's wearing a set right now). He goes quiet for a few moments in thought. Again, small talk? Not his best trait, but at least he doesn't feel as awkward as he could.]

...Is this all you're up to right now?

[What he does know how to do well enough, though, is distract.]

[gurenpiloting]

That's good.

[She gives Zero's clothing a quick glance; yes, that's Lelouch's doing all right, they look nicely detailed in her eyes. Then she looks at the sky, the wind lightly blowing the red strands that frame her face.]

... I can't stop thinking of him, Zero.

[This feels odd to admit it, if only in short words.]

[bloodypawn]

[There's little he can say that would help. Such sentiments don't pass by him, however. He's far too familiar with what it's like to feel the way she does (and can only imagine, were Yuuki to leave, it would be even worse).

A slight knit to his brow, he frowns a little as he watches her, before lifting a hand to settle gently on her shoulder for the moment, giving a light squeeze. Reassuring, perhaps. An easy, but empathetic gesture that he can give.]

... I know. [pauses, quieter] You'll be okay, Kallen.

[His hand slips away after another moment, returning to his pocket, and he takes a step away. Catching her gaze, he nods to the right.]

Come with me for a bit.

[gurenpiloting]

[The hand on her shoulder is a surprising gesture coming from her friend, but it's a nice one nonetheless. A slight tilt of her head, she glances back at him with her gaze softening a little. She can only imagine what Zero's reaction would be like if Yuuki left.]

I know... I will be eventually.

[This might take a while for her to fully sink in but if there's anything she can hold on to during her stay, it's her perseverance. A questioning look appears on her face afterwards as she takes a few steps forward to follow him. Just what is he up to?]

[bloodypawn]

[He knows so. Even in the brief time he's known her, Kallen doesn't strike him as the type who would allow themselves to sink.

He doesn't speak much for the handful of minutes it takes to reach the destination he had in mind: a café. It's a rather unimposing little nook of a place, particularly if compared to the rest of Peony's set-up, the outside display rather quaint. Inside is simple; even as small as it is, the menu is surprisingly varied, with a few types and flavors of tea, coffee, and a selection of both savory and sweet dishes.

Sometimes Pan Bakeri sells petits fours and other small cakes via this shop, although Zero also knows of it from bringing Yuuki by. ]

If you'd like, order whatever you want. My treat.

[Glances to her upon offering, ...although, of course, she's free to decline as well.]

[gurenpiloting]

[She had a shop in mind after she finished glancing at Lelouch's former home, but this is even better. With her eyes set on one side of the room, she walks over where the sweets are located, looking back at Zero with a light gaze.]

Hey, at least let me pay for drinks.

[She's not used to people paying for her things other than clients, and yet...]