kaisou | 1; you'll make it out my friend

It sounds perfect. [Exactly the kind of place he can feel comfortable unwinding a little bit. And once he's familiar with it, even if tonight doesn't go anywhere other than drinks and companionship he can go back there himself another time and look for someone to leave with.

As far as the motorcycle... (19)]

Quite a bit, actually, when I was younger. They were used as scouting vehicles in the military - quicker and more agile than the armored walkers with their mounted weaponry. But it's been years now.

[Also he was always riding alone before.]

Really? I guess if you're riding them for that, it's not that surprising.

[It would genuinely floor Lighter if Maxima had gotten up to motorcycle riding as a hobby. He didn't seem like the type. Then again, one shouldn't judge a book by its cover.]

That means we can save some time going over the bare basics. You don't mind riding pillion this time, do you?

[why are you like this]

It made for a good excuse to get away from the base for a few hours at a time.

[For any number of reasons, but honestly most of the time it really was just to clear his head and get some peace and quiet. His time in the military was mandatory and necessary but he definitely wasn't always at ease with it.

There's still that bit of uncertainty when it comes to Lighter's meaning, whether he intends to sound as sultry as he does or if he just hasn't considered the meaning of his words. But, Maxima is starting to realize, it doesn't have to matter whether Lighter was the first to flirt or not.]

I'm not one to insist on taking the lead, but it is my first time with someone else, so you'll need to show me what you like. [Just enough of a beat] As far as communication, hand signals, that sort of thing.

It'll be a nice change of pace for the destination and the ride to be more fun this time around.

[He chuckled a bit, less aware/caring about the potential double entendre and more genuinely glad that he could get Maxima to a place where he didn't have to stress as much. It seems like the guy could really use a place to lighten up and he worked hard. He deserved it.

Lighter was aware of the necessity to talk around certain implications. The problem was they were likely to go over his head. Even if they didn't, he wouldn't shy away from them.]

Hah, I'll show you. I'm not a guy who flinches at much, though. Just hold around my waist real well and if I'm going a little too fast for you, give my thigh a good tap. I like a good joy ride, but if I'm with someone else I'd rather make sure they're comfortable.

I'll follow your lead, then.

[Color is definitely starting to creep into his cheeks, as Maxima reckons with that imagery, that's about to be his reality for however long they're about to be driving. As they start to make their way out to where Lighter's bike is parked, he thinks about asking how long the trip will be, but somewhat to his own surprise he finds he'd rather preserve the mystery.

He's excited. Stepping into the unknown. When was the last time he was looking forward to something this way?]

It may have been years, but I remember enough from those days that I don't think I'll have trouble keeping up. [The smile Lighter gets this time is a little brighter, a little more real.] Don't hold back on my account.

[It was in a lot close to the harbor where visitors have their cars. Visitors and Fortress residents. Lighter always had it covered to protect from the elements but on removing the covering it's clearly a well taken care of bike despite signs of age here and there. There are some decals of flames and two flags hanging off of it, one a pride flag and one from a different country.

He was excited too. He usually drank and rode alone, he was used to it. But it would be nice to have company for it this time.]

Heh, if you say so. [Said handing Maxima a bike helmet. Safety first and all that.

To Lighter's credit, he didn't hold back but he was also still driving within city limits. Had he been out on the open road he would be much more of a speed demon but he can't really afford a speeding ticket. Every so often he'd look at Maxima through one of the mirrors to gauge how he was doing.

Eventually they made it to the bar in question, a place that really did look unsettling at first glance. Its entrance was a door with limited lighting shoved haphazardly between two larger, lighter establishments. But on opening the door for himself and Maxima, it was a well cleaned up place with customers from many walks of life. The lighting was dark inside as well but more like any pub would be. But there was a hue of rainbow among the lights. All decked out for pride.]

Here we are. Don't worry about what anything costs, it's all on me. [A huffed laugh.] So don't hold back on my account either.

[Haha. It's also a pun cause money.]

[Maxima will accept the helmet, and examine the bike a bit before putting it on. Obviously it's not a model he's familiar with, being a civilian vehicle from a different world, but the convergent evolution of designs with the same purpose makes it easy enough to spot the footrests and handholds. He puts the helmet on while Lighter finds his seat, and settles in behind him.

Immediately he spots one minor issue, which is that very little in this world is made with people as tall as he is in mind. He can reach the handholds, but riding for any significant distance while gripping both of them is going to kill his back. The obvious solution is temptation itself, one he's only too willing to give in to: he holds only one of the handles, for stability and to make sure he isn't putting too much weight on the driver, and leans forward against Lighter's back, wrapping the other arm securely around his waist.

He doesn't end up taking in much of the scenery as they go, most of his attention taken up with the warmth of another body pressed against his own and hoping that his rushing pulse isn't somehow audible. Until recently, he'd been without simple touch for so long that he usually forgot to miss it, but in the last few months he's started making up for lost time.

When they arrive, he doesn't show any hesitation at the entrance; there's actually something like nostalgia and recognition on his face as they come to the door, and any remaining tension bleeds out of him at the dark interior with its rainbow lighting. The meaning of the rainbow is unique to this world, and the place that lingers in his memories was always filled with smoke, but even so this is familiar ground, almost painfully so. Perhaps some things really don't change from world to world.]

Thank you. [Even if the night ended here, he'd really be beyond grateful just to have been brought here at all. Lighter's joke gets an appreciative chuckle, though.] It seems like we have some tastes in common.

[Some things are just universal. People are always gonna need a place to hide. People are always gonna need a place to be themselves. The sad constant was that those were often the same place.

This was just an establishment that didn't want to change much to remind them of their roots. They're seated somewhere quickly and the place allowed smoking in designated areas but he wouldn't light up quite yet. He should really find an alternative.]

We do, huh? Did where you're from have a creepy old place like this somewhere?

[He says creepy old in the same way one would tease a long-time friend. He wasn't in town a lot but he liked spots like this.]

It did, once. [He lets his eyes roam around, taking in the atmosphere.] Destroyed with the rest of the city, of course. [He'd confirmed that with his own eyes, one day when he was taking patrols to give the scouts a break.] But back when I was young it was...the liveliest place I knew. A little haven from the rigid confines of society.

[He tilts his head, raising an eyebrow.] But what of yourself? Have you always lived in this area? [Lighter knows plenty about his history by now.]

I see. It might not be the same, but it's still got a good vibe and good people who won't judge.

[He sounded sympathetic. The wound of knowing what you once had, where you once came from, must still be fresh after all. This place wouldn't replace anything, but a substitute was nice too.

He ordered a drink as he spoke more, something not to strong seeing as he was the driver tonight.]

Nah, I spent most of my time as a kid in southwest Texas. Then when I grew out of the foster system and managed to score a grant to get me into college. The first time I came into this town was for college and doing some volunteer work. After that I started drifting and then I picked up my ride. Took just about every penny I had but she's been with me all this time.

So, I tried to make it a habit to stop into Kaisou every so often.

[Maxima nods as he listens, ordering his own drink as well.]

I'll consider it fortunate that this is where you've landed. Were you traveling before you moved into the Fortress, then? A professional adventurer? [He knows that's not exactly a common way of conceptualizing it in this world, but it just sounds better than any of the things modern Earth might call such a person.]

Yeah, my employer gave me a job last summer, then stayed overseas for a bit. But I had an agreement with someone in Undertown that let me rent month to month when I came back this year.

[Hmm.]

"Professional adventurer", though. I like the sound of that. I guess you could say that's exactly what I am.

[Maybe a little too charitable, though.]

[He nods, smile a little lopsided.]

I'm aware that's not a term often used in this world, but all the references I've come across are less respectful than I'd prefer to be. It's an important role, and one that deserves good support; that's why I was so willing to take on the leadership of the guild when it was first proposed some months back now.

Heh, what I do has been called every name in the book. Especially the not so savory ones. ... I used to be a mercenary so some vibes just stick to you no matter where you go.

[It's said with a shrug of one shoulder as their drinks arrived. Lighter knew that he came off as a bit of a thug or scoundrel.]

It's not like it's wrong, I mean I'll take any job if it pays well enough. Ghost City sees its fair share of jobs not for the faint of heart, if you catch my drift.

[Lighter says this but it's seemed very clear in how he's spoken that he had a clear, strong moral code. One he wouldn't ever go against.]

You make a damn good leader, if you ask me. You understand the people under you, their strengths and weaknesses. You'd be surprised how many people can't even get that first step.

[Maxima will accept his drink as it arrives, sipping from it in an effort to hide that he's blushing again, aware that his too-expressive ears are probably giving away his mood and how attentively he's listening no matter what he might do to hide it.]

...Meropide provides a chance to put theories into practice. A place where people are free to live in community, contributing what and when they can, without being judged or forced into anything...it's something my old friends would have dreamed of. If the skills I've learned over the years can help it thrive, then I'm glad to put them to use.

[He raises an eyebrow at Lighter, gaze scanning him up and down.]

...We haven't known each other long, it's true, but you don't strike me as the type to take on truly unsavory work. I've seen enough to know how wide the gap can be between 'illegal' and 'immoral'.

You come from a place where you lifted up instead of oppressing like the majority. That's the quality a real leader needs. I couldn't think of a better guy to head the Aides. If there is, I don't know him.

[It was hard to say whether or not Lighter was aware of Maxima blushing and opted not to say anything or not. He was getting maybe a little nervous when Maxima sized him up, though. Like he'll spot something Lighter didn't even know.]

I dunno, you never know what a guy's really capable of.

[Said in a very dark tone that came off more sultry than anything.

... but then he changed that up real quick.]

Hahaha, alright, alright. You got me.

[The praise just keeps coming, and finally he can't help but to duck his head bashfully, face hot.] You are flattering me outrageously. [He isn't actually objecting, though. It feels nice.

The blush does not subside as Lighter's tone darkens, but he laughs at the acquiescence.]

A cruel man would have far worse opinions of what makes a good leader; I've met enough of them to know. Whatever your past holds, it's clear that you're a kind man, and that's worth a great deal in any world.

[See how you like it.]

Heh, maybe a little. But it's also true you know.

[He's at least aware that what he's saying sounds like extreme flattery but Lighter also wasn't a guy to hold his opinion back. Usually.

The thing is when the flattery is given back, this is where Lighter starts fumbling. Adjusting his shades and his scarf, then looking away and clearing his throat.]

Ahem... I, uh, wouldn't go that far... [Weak spot revealed.]

[Oh, that's. That's cute actually.] No? But surely it's the least acknowledgement you deserve. You've been immensely helpful and comforting since the day we met.

[He'll go so far as to nudge Lighter's shin with his foot under the table, playfully, a little glint of mischief in his eyes. After all, isn't he supposed to be re-learning how to have fun?]

[He was but not like this!!! It was pretty easy to see that Lighter was blushing at this point. Despite protesting words, there was a little amusement in his tone. He liked that Maxima was comfortable but also pls!!!]

Oh, come on. That's just mean. How's a guy supposed to argue against something so nice?

[Said with a little jab against Maxima's foot. Sure, he could argue against it... but the evidence Lighter had wasn't great for light conversation.

He needed to force himself to stop messing with the scarf, though. It's weird, sure the summer was coming but it felt wrong to be without it.]

And in what culture's etiquette are you supposed to argue with the person complimenting you?

[He really is having a good time, and the reciprocation helps immensely with that.]

...Truth be told, I had been thinking I should go out and look for a place like this. Somewhere to meet people, perhaps. [Having finally gotten used to the idea that he doesn't need to keep his distance anymore.]

[💧]

A-Alright, good point... It's definitely not mine. Haha, I can practically still hear my grandma chafing me about being rude. [Old woman impression:] Lorenzo, qué estás haciendo coñyo?!

[Oh, that nostalgic fear of God put in him by his Abuela. How its strength overcomes the bashfulness even though he's choosing now to adjust his glasses. Granted, it's said with a tone of nostalgia and despite him being a little shy he worked a smile up.]

Well, you know where the place is now. If you've got trouble finding it another time, I'll send you the exact address. I try to come around a few times a month even if I'm not drinking. Most of the time I come alone, though.

Hell, I was even asked if I worked here once. Guess I've just got that vibe.

[Local man built like a brick wall and wears sunglasses all the time confused as bouncer. In other news, water is wet.]

I'd appreciate that. Although... I don't have a vehicle of my own, and I don't know how things would play out if I arrived on dragonback. Maybe I should look into that...

[He looks Lighter up and down assessingly.] I can imagine they did; you fit in with the atmosphere well. But I'm surprised you're coming alone...unless you mean the intention was to leave in company.

[He's open to the idea of 'leaving in company' tonight, if not at some point in the future, but not really sure yet where Lighter is with the concept.]

... Huh. I never thought of that. But I'm pretty sure if you did swing by on the back of a dragon most people wouldn't think about it. They might think it's just a really cool car or something. [A shrug of one shoulder.] I'd give it a shot.

[LORENZO.]

But that's just me. If you liked how it felt on the ride here, why not look into a bike yourself? I'll even help you out.

[Maxima did have the experience for it. It was better than a dragon anyway.]

Not necessarily. I don't really come around here with specific intentions. I just let whatever happens in the night take its course.

[...]

Not that I minded the times I left with company. [Plural.]

I never really know how people are going to respond when something obviously magical is in front of them. Where I come from, magic is as natural as physics, so the discrepancy is confusing at times.

[...He's doing that thing again where he doesn't seem to register what he's saying, but this time Maxima is willing to lean into it.]

I did enjoy the ride here, but then again, I wasn't paying much attention to the motorcycle.

[please learn to take a hint, Lighter. He leans on his hand, making deliberate eye contact.]

That's good to know. ...At home I couldn't risk personal connections for a long time, and here I'm still learning how the landscape is different. But it has occurred to me that I have the opportunity while I'm in this world, assuming someone would be patient enough to move at my pace.

[Please learn to take a hint.]

1; you'll make it out my friend

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