Dreambucks Dating Sim(?!): Limited Edition

[recreator]

Who: Emet-Selch, Mei Lee, and a Bevy of Beautiful Boys (maybe)
Which: OPEN to friends and acquaintances (and innocent bystanders should you prefer it!)
Where: Dreambucks, five days later at high noon (backdated to ~August 10th or thereabouts)
What: In a half-hearted effort to help Mei overcome her unusual "ailment", Emet-Selch has agreed to take tea with her at Dreambucks and to invite a few of his more objectively attractive acquaintances. (Worry not, he's only here as a chaperone.)
Warnings: Cringe, regret, and secondhand embarrassment.


[The day is young; the wind is high. A small change of plans to begin what is certain to be a rather... unique experience, all told, has ushered Emet-Selch and his party indoors. Emet-Selch sits at a cafe table not terribly far from the entrance, positively bored as he pores over preliminary scheduling notes for his grand talent scouting venture whilst waiting for their guest of honor. The shadows beneath his eyes are more prominent than ever today, and he seems considerably older than his "forty-two" years. In other words, he's managing to look his age for once.]

[How this all came about, he still isn't completely certain. Perhaps at the time he was exceedingly exhausted and low on sleep (such as now), searching for anything at all to keep him focused and awake. Or perhaps in a lapse of judgment he saw this endeavor as a source of inspiration for an upcoming production - something whimsical about the struggles of life; a sentimental comedy. Or... perhaps a small, very small perfectionist-driven part of himself wished to help put an end to a young girl's peculiar affliction once and for all. "Stage fright" in the presence of others, broken focus, a tripped tongue. To have one's mind clouded is a tragedy, particularly when it would prevent one from reaching their full potential. And as it happens, Emet-Selch knows well how important it is to be able to make oneself understood when in the company of others - yet this is hardly the time for an origin story.]

[Emet-Selch lets out an exaggerated sigh and his hard gaze pins itself to the first person who is unfortunate enough to make eye contact.]

I do hope the child does not overdress for the occasion. This is a common social gathering, not a wedding reception. I reiterated the fact several times, yet I'd be foolish to think she heard a word of it. She was too busy shouting about her "first grand step into the exciting world of adulthood".

[A sideways glance at the doorway.]

Comments

[crystalized_hope]

[Well, aside from the Warrior of Light, you're his first love. That's all that mattered to him. Ah, yes. There was a time and a place for this. Twelve knows they do this banter enough back at home.]

Of course. I had not intended on participating upon arriving here, but I would be happy to help however I can nonetheless.

[And with that, he'll finally pluck her hat off of her head and set it off to the side on the table in front of them.]

But for now, do me a favor. Please shed a few layers. It would not do to have you catch a heat stroke in this weather dressed like this. [Please don't worry him.]

[songbird_slayer]

Hythlodaeus I can trust to oversee such an operation, but Emet-Selch can spoil milk with a stare, for one thing. I'd like Mei's first experience in things like this to go well... with good examples.

Hells, you put up with me.

[For example, this- when the hat was removed, G'raha was met with the sight of her hair sticking to her forehead and at her cheeks. Though the remark of how he was so fresh as to ask her to disrobe here, she didn't need to be told twice to avoid heatstroke. She unbuttoned and shrugged her shoulders to rid herself of the overcoat. Her shirt was... very clingy.]

Ahyesthankyoukindly. The tea was only barely off-setting the imminent dehydration.

[crystalized_hope]

[There's a time and place for this, Maddie. He can ask her to disrobe in that manner when they're home. Brushing her hair from sticking onto her cheeks to the side, he shrugged off his vest to offer it to her. It wasn't much, but it was at least something that was not soaked with sweat.]

You're worth the trouble. Please take care of yourself better.

[He may have also requested a bottle of water for her.]

[songbird_slayer]

Of course, Ser. I simply miscalculated the weather. It was chilly this morning!

[Oh thank the gods, don't mind her as she uncapped that bottle and had what had to be the tastiest drink of water she'd ever had in her life. It was too bad she couldn't Shiva here...]

...And I trusted that you'd come in, the dashing Hero, to scoop my silly melted arse into a bucket and stick me in the nearest freezer.

[crystalized_hope]

Right... That's what it was...

[Can you see that look?]

And what if I had not been here by chance, hm?

[But he's not here to scold her so much as to tease her.]

Well, it is my duty to make sure you're doing okay. Someone has to do it, after all.

[songbird_slayer]

Then your duty is fulfilled for now, my love. I won't sully your nice vest.

I will excuse myself for a few minutes to change, at least. Should we come up with a quick signal in case something goes awry? The cry of an owl, perhaps...?

[crystalized_hope]

[Rolling his eyes for a moment before chuckling a little under his breath...]

Just go change. Nothing will go amiss. I will be sure to keep you in the loop if anything changes.

[songbird_slayer]

[She had to bite her lip to suppress a giggle. But she stood and planted a quick kiss to his cheek. Where would she be without him?]

Fair enough. By your leave, Exarch.