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

[recreator]

I can indeed relate to the responsibility of keeping "others" out of trouble - at least on some level.

[No judgment, he says!]

As for human ingenuity, even that repeats in cycles. You cannot imagine how many times I've watched the same inventions be discovered (and subsequently lost) again and again. There are, I will allow, rare moments of true creativity and inspiration, yet such moments are woefully few and far between.

What I would give to find something truly worthy of my interest.

[stupidmammon]

Or someone maybe?

[recreator]

[Busybody.]

I believe you said you were the avatar of greed. So why is it you continue your futile attempts to frame this meeting as a romantic venture?

[stupidmammon]

Hey. A guy can be greedy about a looooot of stuff~ Not just valuable goods ya know? An' I'm sure a guy like you has someone in his sights even if ya ain't about to go persuin'

[recreator]

[Busybody.]

[Well fine, it's time to throw this gentleman a bone and hope he goes somewhere else to fetch it. All delivered as dryly and as straight-faced as one could imagine.]

And if I did?

[stupidmammon]

[ Sorry Emet. That's just how he is. he pesters and pesters until he gets information or he gets scared away. And right now, he kind of welcomes Emet's sort of get lost attitude. It reminded him of his older brother. ]

I'd want to know who cause now I'm curious.

[recreator]

What a shame, then, that we don't always get what we want. Do try not to let the curiosity kill you.

[Welcome his attitude all you like, Mammon, he's still not telling you who it would or wouldn't be. And certainly not before he tells the person in question. ...If he ever tells the person in question. Who is someone he's very pointedly not glancing at or bringing any attention to whatsoever.]

[Though he may be sitting nearby.]

[stupidmammon]

Hmm~ I guess instead that invites me to get to know you more. I mean if I won't get what I want regardless, I can at least give you all the company in the world~

[recreator]

How unfortunate that I must disrespectfully decline.

I already have all the company I need, and I'm not looking to take on any more pupils.

[stupidmammon]

Too bad you already invited me in.

[ He didn't send Mammon away when he first sat over here. He brought this on himself. ]

[recreator]

I struck up a conversation. Just as people do when passing a stranger on the street.

That's hardly the same as an invitation.

[stupidmammon]

But you don't very well seem to be the type to just randomly strike up a conversation with strangers. You're old, but you ain't "feedin' birds in the park talkin' to the youth about the good ol' days" old.

So it was an invitation.

[recreator]

[Of course Emet-Selch will never admit to their being some modicum of truth in Mammon's assessment - but he is not entirely wrong, either. Between looking for individuals to fill his table and this little experiment of his, there had been something curiously unusual about the other man (and now he has confirmation of it).]

I'm certain I have no idea what you're talking about. But since you are already well-acquainted with our guest, perhaps yours will be a stabilizing presence.

I may be willing to allow you to stay.

[He says it as if he doesn't much like the idea.]

[stupidmammon]

Oh what a kind and generous old man you are, Grandpa~

[recreator]

[He's going to regret this, isn't he? Yes, he most certainly is.]

Sorry, but I've rather had my fill of troublesome grandsons. It's Emet-Selch, in case you've already forgotten.

[stupidmammon]

[ He tries to hide his amusement behind his hand. ]

Eeeeh, it's prolly better off that way. I wouldn't know what to do with a grandpa anyway.