songerein | Dreambucks Dating Sim(?!): Limited Edition

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Dreambucks Dating Sim(?!): Limited Edition

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.]

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[ Mei continues to be oblivious to the CLEAR TENSION VIBRATING between these guys. Maybe she's just blinded by all the shoujou sparkles she's seeing from all these guys. ]

Oh, you can just call me Mei! You all can! Wow, Emet really knows how to pick them! A bunch of smart, educated, powerful guys...

[ Yup, this is a dating sim all right. She kind of wishes she could get the Harem Ending... ]

I can't ever thank all of you enough for helping me out with this! I feel stronger already! Look at me, forming complete sentences and everything!

"That's a little overly familiar for my tastes. We've barely exchanged more than a few words. But yes, complete sentences. I'm sure you're progressing very well."

Don't mind him, he was just going to take a bite of this parfait. Mmm, berries and yoghurt.

"Well, we can get to know each other now!" Wasn't that part of the point?

"I'm an open book! Ask me absolutely anything, and I'll tell you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!"

None of us are questioning your truthfulness, Miss Meilin. But perhaps an icebreaker is in order? (Not that I believe we require any such thing at the moment.)

What sorts of things interest you? Have you any unusual hobbies?

[She clears her throat, that's your first warning... ]

Singing and dancing are some of my favorite things to do, especially to the best boy band across all universes, 4-Town! But I'm also amazing at playing the flute, I got the solo in the Spring Concert! My academic skills are off the charts, A+ in all classes, 'cause I can't do anything but win!

Akechi reminded himself that audibly sighing would be rude and against the purpose of the exercise. Also, boy bands?

"Alright. Fine, I'll bite. Meilin Lee- your family's from China, is that right? Or would it be Taiwan, or are you not from Earth, like so many around here? I'm admittedly curious."

[Although the term "boy band" means very little to him, Emet-Selch does at least pause to make note of the rest. The entire purpose of this particular exercise may be to improve Meilin's speaking skills, but he has never been one to let an opportunity pass him by.]

So you're musically-inclined are you? In that case, perhaps you might consider performing in the Reverein Talent Show. We've several other flautists in our midst; you'd be in good company, at the very least.

[And although he's unfamiliar with any of the geographical locations Akechi has seen fit to mention, he does offer him a glance. "Earth", is it? What a terribly uninspired name.]

[ Mei makes a Wrong Buzzer sound, and crosses her arms. ]

Wrong! Actually, I'm from Canada! My family immigrated from China many years ago. But we have a family temple, the biggest one around, and everyone comes from all over to see it!

[ She pauses at the new set of information, and gives it a "hm" of consideration. ]

Huh... I've never competed in something like that before. I may be really dang awesome, but what about the other flautists? Are they, like, all adults?

[A wise question, actually.]

As a matter of fact, they are. Most of our applicants have indeed been at least eighteen years of age, but there is no official minimum.

After all, age is simply a number in the end. The only thing that truly matters is one's ability to entertain.

Akechi paused, staring into the empty bottom of his cup. Damn. "That and audience reception. But the sort of crowd that comes to an open talent night isn't likely to be full of assholes, so there's that, at least. Plus, Emet-Selch owns the venue?" He quirked an eyebrow at the older man, questioning.

"So he can alway throw hecklers to the curb, if he's so inclined."

Alas, I can claim no ownership over the theatre house itself. Rather, this has been the result of a long and arduous process of weaseling my way into the director's good graces.

...in the end, they proved more than happy to host my talent show. The staff has been rather wanting for creative minds, you see, and they view the event as a potential source of inspiration as well as new performers for the theatre.

[Much as Emet-Selch would deem this coffee date, ironically enough.]

It is true, however, that I will not tolerate any untimely or inappropriate interruptions. I assure you the venue will be perfectly safe.

[ Language, Akechi Goro! Mei does give him a raised eyebrow, but otherwise doesn't comment on the potty mouth. ]

Oh, I'm not worried about booing and heckling. That kinda stuff just doesn't even affect me. I'm rubber, they're glue, it bounces off me and sticks to... them.

[ Wait, that was supposed to rhyme. Ah well. ]

Anyway... I'm just being real. As awesome a kid I am, I am still a kid. I can't exactly compete with people who have been doing it their whole lives. And the adults might feel kinda bad going up against someone my age. Talent Shows are supposed to be about fun, not feeling sorry for people. But I could still help out with stage crew stuff if you want!

[ Yes, as it turns out, there IS more to Mei than being boy-crazy. She continues to smile, swaying back and forth a bit. ]

He looked up, making actual eye contact with Mei for several seconds. "The notion that you're somehow lesser than people older than you because you're a child is a pernicious and annoyingly persistent lie that only preserves to protect the fragile egos of people who peaked in their early twenties and decided to make it everyone else's problem. I know people not much older than you whose paintings are on display in the most prestigious art galleries in Tokyo. I know a girl who regularly hacks into government websites for fun. A professional model at sixteen. An internationally-competing gymnast at fifteen. The only thing stopping you is not wanting it bad enough and adults who think children are property."

He stood up. "I'm getting more tea. I'll be back."

[ ... Um. Ummm. Ummmm?!?! Mei can feel herself shrinking from that sudden rampage, hands clasped together so tightly her nails almost dig into her skin. She swallows thickly, not sure what to do or say. She was just trying to be polite! Why did that set him off?

As Akehi storms off, she slowly glances over at Emet, her voice down to a whisper. ]

... Did... did I say something wrong...?

[Well, how about that? It seems that this girl is far more sensible and mature than he initially gave her credit for. Although he isn't precisely impressed (an extremely tall order, that) it's enough for Emet-Selch to take her words seriously and at face value.]

[Unfortunately... It would seem that something she said has struck a nerve with his more volatile charge, enough so that Akechi sees fit to snap and growl at them and then wander off to find another bone to chew on. Hmn.]

Weeeell, that was certainly an interesting reaction, now, wasn't it?

[He glances over at Meilin, as unperturbed as if nothing at all just happened - although a certain sly glint suggests he witnessed the same thing she did.]

Nay. The problem doesn't lie with you, but within Akechi himself. He's a sensitive sort, you see. Still struggling to get along well with others. And from the sound of it, he doesn't much like being underestimated by people who are older than him.

As for you, you'd be more than welcome if you should like to assist the stage crew - or even simply perform for fun. Although I see the right of what you've said, there are also many adults who would be happy to cultivate the budding talents of the youth around them.

[ Mei nods silently, still trying to look at Akechi. Right now, she couldn't care less about the talent show - she wants to make it up to Akechi, even if she's still not sure what she did. But it's clearly her fault! Even if she didn't mean for it to happen, it still happened, and she feels awful for it. ]

... What should I do about him, though? This was supposed to be a good time for everyone... I-Is there some kind of, like, drink or snack here I can buy him? Or something he likes about himself I can compliment a whole lot? Or some favor I can do for him?

[All right, all right. He'll try to take this at least somewhat seriously. Although Akechi himself practically bribed him to reveal nothing of what he's shared with him about his own internal struggles, that doesn't necessarily stop Emet-Selch from sharing his own opinion. Right?]

An excellent question, and one which even I cannot provide an answer. If you want my own take on the matter, however, I suspect the problem is that he doesn't much like anything about himself - or anyone else for that matter. As a result, he angers easily and struggles to find connection and purpose.

The best you can do is tolerate his outbursts and encourage him when he does well.

[Emet-Selch, Akechi isn't a dog...]

[ Yiiikes. Sounds like Akechi has more inner demons than the actual demons here! It's gunna be a real challenge to befriend him!

AND MEI LEE HAS NEVER BACKED DOWN FROM A CHALLENGE. ]

All right! Then that's what I'll do! When he does well, I'll become his own personal cheerleader! 2-4-6-8, who do we appreciate? AKECHI, AKECHI, AKECHI!

[ way to go, emet-selch. ]

Meilin, my dear. Perhaps you might practice your motivational speeches in private? If you cheer too loudly you may very well frighten poor Akechi into not returning at all.

[Welp.]

... And this was what he returned to, holding another latte and wearing a scowl, ~~so his face had actually brightened considerably~~. "I did say I'd be back; I've never been the giving up type. Also, why."

[ Oops. Mei blushes, embarrassed, and tightens up a bit, trying to restrain any Panda Parts from Poofing. ]

We were... just discussing... how cool you are, Akechi! And how lucky I am to meet someone as smart as you are!

[ Did that work. Did that sell. ]

[Well so much for that. Emet-Selch allows a mild roll of his shoulders as he offers an explanation which hopefully sounds a little less weak, even if a disappointed sigh precedes it.]

Meilin here was concerned when you left us so abruptly.

"I see." Dammit. He was going to have to explain that, wasn't he. "It's... nothing that you, personally, did. My social circle is full of people who've had... strained relationships with the adults in their lives. I won't get into details because they aren't mine to share, but where I come from, and perhaps you as well, there's a cultural notion that age is somehow inherently worthy of being treated as more valuable than youth, and that children are only worth how good they can make their parents look. So the topic... touched a nerve."

Akechi took a seat, setting his cup down. "I meant what I said, however. If you want to be a flautist, don't let the notion that older people might be better at it discourage you; more than likely, if you have enough passion for it and put the time in, you'll end up better than most of them in a few years anyway."

[ Hm! Well... respecting her elders is a pretty huge part of Mei's culture and way of life. But she's also aware it's not the norm for everyone. She looks back and forth between the two of the men before settling on Akechi. ]

... Well... I think you're valuable just the way you are, no matter who your parents are. I came here wanting to know you. I'd really like us all to be friends! I still have some time before I have to know what I really want to be when I grow up... so I need all the awesome influences I can get.

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