gunshow | prismatica

[He's absolutely going to encourage Ryuu to drink.]

Really? I wonder why... Could it be that any place that has a business that survives in a hard-to-find spot would be one with a reputation that precedes it?

[This is genuinely new information and he's fascinated by it. Wonderful! Finally, he slides his phone away and starts walking across the rest of the bridge and to the rest of it, peering at each and every shop and store and stand that they pass. What a nice area... Keito must come to this particular part of it all the time.]

Whatever the reason, I have no problem searching down every alley for the perfect spot. What sort of food have you found to like best around here? While we're searching.

[ with a little hum sing-song in his throat, he leans in like he's sharing a secret, nose just shy of the top of eichi's ear. it's already noisy here with prismals, the sound of shopkeeps hawking wares - golden statues, talismans, scented oils, cure-all balms... there's a lot to look at, let alone navigate in search of something. but ryuu isn't deterred. maybe they can wind their way back here afterwards... ]

It's because places like that are where the locals go. Don't trust anyone else when it comes down to where you want to eat!

[ okinawan trade secret, very confidential. ]

As for me, I like the dumpling shop! There's also a whole store dedicated to cherry blossom products, it's really impressive. Everything's so cute.

Dumplings... I see.

[He's noting that for later. Honestly, Ryuu's voice so close gives him goosebumps, even in a bustling part of the city like this, but he laughs it off lightly and continues forward. Someone like him is lucky enough to be standing near and having fun with mesmerizing people like this... there are times where he thinks on that and feels so amazed. He's on the path of an idol. He really is.

It makes his chest swell with feeling, and it's so nice to be able to get it out instead of pacing around in his room wondering who might hate him for this.]

Cherry blossoms, as well...! How cute. I'd be interested in seeing something like that. Ah, but this place is so crowded and full, it seems like the sort of place you'd require many days to fully explore.

As much as I'd like to from time to time, I shouldn't wander off on my own too often, so I haven't had the chance. I say that, but it's been so long since I've been here that it's a little embarrassing. Thank goodness I have you as a tour guide, Ryuu-kun. [A soft laugh.]

The temple we passed to this area is so similar to Keito's family's, as well... I wonder how it is that cultures can end up so similar, even so far apart? There are other parts that are so wildly different, too...

[ leaning up and awake with a beaming smile, ryuu looks ahead again, gaze poring over all the little alleyways corners as they walk by. ]

I feel like I've barely scratched the surface of this place, myself. But it's been on my mind too.

[ how something so far away could be so reminiscent of home. in truth, ryuu hadn't really done too much exploring in caihong after the sinless had dealt their damage to the moonblessed - it was a welcoming he wasn't directly involved in, but had repercussions all the same. but aside from the culture shock, the moon and the spaceships, the crystal creatures, all of it... there's enough that's like home enough to draw curiosity. and a little comfort, if he's being honest.

as they progress, the scent of the wares begins to melt into the scent of food. looks like they're on the right path. ]

When I'm here, it's like everywhere I look has just as many similarities to something I know as it does differences... it's strange.

[ his expression mellows. ]

Sometimes I feel really aware that I'm not on Earth. And then others, it's like I never left.

That's a perfect way to word it. I feel the same, of course... Though, this world is far more similar to Earth than the one I was stuck in before it. I suppose that only adds to me feeling as though I'm in some far off country, and not on another planet, until I pass something exceptionally strange.

[Ahh, the food all smells so good. He's trying not to think about the fox-kin, or the person who they had reminded him of all along that made it so difficult to look into this place before. Instead, in order to focus on now, he slips back closer to Ryuu's side, innocently brushing their arms together until their hands touch once, then twice, and then after a few steps he bravely curls his last two fingers with his.]

I've begun to view some things as so normal that I think I'd miss them if I were to go back home...

[ words like that against the backdrop of his gesture... ryuu ducks his chin a little, face warm. but he's smiling still, giving the fingers now fitted through his a soft squeeze. chroma runs through the touch - does he even remember what it's like to not have that connection, after his time here? ]

Yeah, I think I would too.

[ maybe that comes naturally when you decide to make the best of what you have and where you are. ryuu has never wanted to settle, to go halfway. ]

Well, then. What do you think?

[ with a little tug of their hands, ryuu's steps slow and he nods towards a small sidestreet that cuts through the clusters of busier buildings, the way illuminated with red lanterns. beyond, a small subset of shops can be seen, the nearest awning draped in a similar color. it looks like a restaurant? and certainly smells like one. ]

That way?

Ahh, I can smell wonderful food coming from that direction... ♪ This must be what it means to think with your stomach. That way!

[Eichi laughs with it, too, a bright sound that mixes well with the noises of the crowds around them. It's simple to please him, after all. Here are so many of the things he's always wanted, needed. New experiences he was kept from, a joy in his step not being held back by his health, the warmth of a hand holding onto his that feels so large, so comforting— that company that comes along with it.

He thinks, if Shuu ever stops being so angry, he might take him along this same street some time. And maybe, he could take others... And maybe he and Ryuu could return here again, wander carefree and find a new place to eat. Or go have dumplings.

The freedom of it all is so beautiful that he really feels like he could cry, right now. He wants to hold onto this, and so his fingers tighten in their hold, a squeeze that's impossible to miss as he tugs forward. He turns back to make sure Ryuu still looks interested as wells, blue eyes brightly snapping to his.]

Rather than just my success, I want to celebrate everything.

[ he really does bring life to what's around him, enough to have ryuu just quietly reveling it in for a moment or two. it's not hard to guess the nature of eichi's thoughts when he's tugging this way and that, when his steps have vigor to them and his gaze brims with excitement. ryuu had a taste of this freedom back home, though it came at a cost. here, he's not being scrutinized. he's not having to bow his head, or being kept in a glass case.

he wouldn't trade his home or his successes there for all the world. it's just that in this moment, he understands what it is he has in front of him, too. ]

Everything... [ a laugh. ] I'll eat to that.

[ it doesn't take long to get down the alleyway and around the corner. when they enter, it's obvious not many moonblessed wind their way back here, and they're greeted warmly and quickly given a private dining booth. it's nothing fancy, but with the low table, pretty lights, and extensive menu laid out, it's a lot like home.

the air is warm, so once inside, ryuu begins peeling off his jacket. ]

This place looks like it can handle a celebration, doesn't it?

[Since Eichi runs cold, he keeps his sweatshirt on and simply rolls up the sleeves before pressing his hands together excitedly.]

What a cozy place this is... I can smell delicious food of all types. Is this a place where we're still waited on, then?

[He's far too used to excessively fancy restaurants, to the point that he's not even sure how places like this run. Go up and order? Have it brought to your table? MEAL TICKETS? He's very excited to learn.]

It seems perfect, either way. As expected of you, Ryuu-kun... You're someone so down to earth and familiar with how to find treasures where others would simply pass by. My heart is buzzing with excitement so much that if you were to take a reading, I'd be readmitted. ♪

[ with a nod, excitement building in equal measure, ryuu places his jacket aside neatly and folds into a seat at the low table. there's a dormant grill filled with charcoal blocks nestled in the middle, and menus placed nearby. smiling broadly, he picks up one and gestures for eichi to come look. ]

It should be! Man, it's really close to home... I definitely just followed my stomach here. [ a laugh. ] We'll get appetizers and drinks first while they're preparing whatever meat we choose...

[ he can't help it, his eyes are all aglow too. something so simple reaches so deep, when it's familiar. ]

So keep your heart calm, okay? At least until we order.

[ no readmitting!

with that, he flips the menu over to the drinks and snacks side. ]

Okay. ♪

[Eichi slides into the seat next to Ryuu easily, leaning nice and close to be able to view the menu and share in the excitement. He can't wait to get to the meats. But...]

What are you going to have to drink, Ryuu-kun? Something fit for a celebration? [He's curious. More than that, though, his eyes are on the snacks, and then traveling happily to the grill in the center of the table. He's glad his appetite is working for him today. Sometimes it doesn't.]

[ leaning in too, arms brushing pleasantly, he displays the menu with a thoughtful hum. ]

I'm fine with beer... it suits this atmosphere pretty well. And come to think of it, I haven't really tried anything local yet. [ somehow, he's always ended up with wine and the like. and there was nothing wrong with that, but being in a place like this is quite the reminder. ] Maybe that's too plain, though!

[ for now, he skims the appetizers. ]

What about you?

I don't think that's plain at all, though I may not be the best judge. "Beer" seems like something so strong that I can't really handle it... but it looks as though they have a small selection of wines. I think I want to have some. ♪

Since this isn't actually Japan, it should be fine, right?

[He's pushing it, even as he grazes past that and points out one of the appetizers.]

Would you split some gyoza with me, as well? The truth is that I want to try a bit of a few things, but I can't always fit all of it in my stomach...

[ given ryuu's normal disposition as the responsible one (when he's sober), he looks pensive for a moment. it's not the first time they've had drinks, though they were already both on their way by the time they'd met up back then during the amegahara visit... but, well. he can't really enforce rules that don't exist on this planet. ]

You're right, it's not Japan. It seems like you can get away with a little more here. So, this time...

[ you win!! but also, he wants to toast to a success... ]

We can order gyoza! And how about renkon chips? Those are light too, and they go well with drinks.

[ foodie ryuu is here for this. ]

Yay!

[An easy win! He's glad getting drunk and then meeting up with Ryuu did wonders. This will end fine, it's a celebration!]

Renkon chips, that's a nice idea. Yes, let's try that as well. My mouth is watering already, with these pictures and smells combined.

Ah, are you able to come to places like this often, Ryuu-kun? It must be difficult, as a top idol.

[ some things just deserve a little wiggle room! but don't get used to it, remember he's a tough and scary older brother, sometimes. (allegedly.) ]

Well then, let's not wait too much longer. Do you want me to order? If we're eating meat, you probably want a red wine...

[ musing aloud, his gaze travels the wine selection. of course nothing is going to look familiar to him, given they're not on earth, but he thinks he can take a stab at it and have it turn out alright. he's mentally tallying everything up while considering the question, hitting the little button on the side of the table to alert the waitstaff. so far, so good! ]

More often than you'd think! I like going out to dinner, and things like that. Sometimes the trips to restaurants winds up being more eventful than the places themselves, if I can't drive... but once inside, it's not so bad.

[ he gives the room they're in a once over as if to indicate that the privacy is usually a lifesaver. ]

I'll leave the ordering to you.

[So yes, please go ahead. Red wine sounds perfectly fine, as well, and he'll trust the match up of alcohol to food by Ryuu here. His own eyes move to scan the place at that comment, though, and his smile mellows a little, almost dreamy as he considers it.

TRIGGER. He wishes they could have been acquainted in their own worlds. Even as enemies, he can't help but think it could have been nice. They could have been rivals... He'll have to make the most of it here.]

I'm not used to the sort of feeling of this popularity at all. fine grew popular, but the span of high school idols in training is a little more limited. Beyond that, my family always had me surrounded by body guards...

It's nice to be free of them here, but then I was quickly caught up in a crowd without any backup.

[ once he's ordered and the waiter takes their leave, he can't help but chuckle, relaxing into the easy atmosphere. idly giving his sleeves a roll upwards, he leans on the table, loosely folding his arms atop it. ]

Soon, bodyguards might not be such a bad idea...! But that's right, this would be a new feeling for you, wouldn't it? You have the personality of a pro, so I forget that all your activities took place at your school.

[ if he's being real, he wasn't prepared for that first explosion of popularity either. gaku and tenn had to vet his disguise whenever he was out and about with them.

turning his gaze aside again, he smiles. ]

It's an intense feeling, isn't it?

Thank you for saying so. [Pro personality... Hehe.]

It's a feeling that can't be beat! On stage, there's that feeling when the crowd gives you their applause and you see the rainbow of cyalumes... That's a perfect score in Yumenosaki Academy. You see those colors twinkling like stars, dancing back and forth invitingly, tempting you to jump straight into them...

That overwhelming feeling of touching hearts.

And now, it feels as though I've successfully jumped into that marvelous galaxy. I'm constantly embraced by warmth, surrounded by twinkling eyes and smiles and hopeful stretches of hands.

I'd like to reach out and touch them all.

[He props an elbow on the table and leans his face against his palm, sighing contently.]

Like this, I feel as though my life is being extended years at a time. ♪ It's rejuvenating.

You describe it so well.

[ ryuu's thought it often. it's not them who are the stars, but their audience. people reach for the skies for their entire lives, but for him - for eichi too, he's certain - those coveted, precious lights venture into their reach by responding to their songs. it's difficult to put into words, how much that just the thought of that light illuminates his heart and throws open all the windows in the dim confines of his own anxieties.

ryuu is still a moment, though no less companionable for it. ]

I'm sure you've already touched them as you are. You just have to keep doing that, no matter what. Then that feeling will continue to grow.

[ and there's such exhilaration in that, when that success continues to bloom, bigger and brighter, without limit. ]

It's simply how I picture it. Ah, but you're right with that, as well... It grows each day, even, and I continue to be grateful.

I'd like it if I could become a shining star, as well. For those fans in the audience, for anyone else who'd like to reach for this dream of being an idol, and for those who doubted the impact of it...

[He leans back a little to leave room for their drinks as they're dropped off, and the appetizers shortly after. Eichi laughs softly in the middle of it, though, a hand delicately covering his lips.]

Of course, I'm not on this path alone. I'd like to be able to carry my precious fine to these heights, as well. I wonder if it's wrong to think "I wish Yuzuru was here, as well", but no matter who may stay, or leave, there's a place for each of them here. I've been making sure of that personally.

[ while eichi speaks, ryuu listens, calmly arranging everything on the table with a practiced touch while he does so. something about it sticks in his throat - whoever may stay or leave - making him pause only slightly, then reach for his drink once situated. he twists his fingertips against the glass, stirring the deep amber-hued bubbles within to life. ]

It's not wrong to think. Or rather... it's natural to miss the people close to you, especially now.

[ ryuu has done it too, though the circumstances between that situation and this are like night and day. he stood by himself on stage, carrying the wishes of the people he loves most so they wouldn't be left behind. it's not enough to just think it, as ryuu often does. he glances aside, leveling a smile at eichi with affection all pushed into the corners. ]

But you're a kind person. Those are the feelings that reach others the most. Whether they're here to see it right now or not, I think that's true! So...

[ he picks up his drink and holds it out. ]

You can turn anything into something like a warmhearted toast, can't you?

[Eichi lifts his wine glass carefully, admiring the color of it before he brings it to touch to Ryuu's, a quiet clink that tugs his smile slightly wider.]

I'm only teasing, of course, since I appreciate that sort of thing. Cheers~. ♪ Let's drink to everything; my first step on this real path, the bridge for all moonblessed idols, the friends we've made and the friends we won't lose, no matter how far apart from them we become.

[He draws it back to his own lips for a delicate, slow sip, even if his eyes don't move from Ryuu.]

I'm serious! [ his tone flows with amusement, and he likewise tips his glass into the clink while he listens, soaking up every word. ] Cheers.

[ with that toast made and the thrum of it already warm in his veins, he's no where near as refined as he knocks back a good glug of his drink - it's beer, you're meant to do that! and maybe this gives away that he's not going to be satisfied with just one glass, but he's not in any rush, either.

puffing a breath once he releases the glass, the effect is immediate. he's missed having celebratory drinks, no doubt. ]

That tastes great! Beer from a whole different planet... [ a laugh. ] Amazing. How's yours?

[ he gives an interested lean over. ]

Did I pick alright?

Could you really taste it, like that?

[Amazing... That's what's amazing! He meets Ryuu's cute little lean with a slight sway to bring himself briefly closer, lifting the glass just between them to admire it.]

You did, of course. It's a nice flavor... Ah, I've heard that wine was varied in this way and it made me think of tea, but it's quite different after all, isn't it? I have no idea what pairs with what, so I'm glad Ryuu-kun was here to offer some insight.

Fufu, it makes me feel warm immediately, this sort of thing... ♪

[An answer can never be short, with Eichi. He sets his glass down and reaches for one of the renkon chips next, holding it up for Ryuu. Eat it. Do it.]

Now, renkon chips from a whole different planet.

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