[ic]

[dormancy]

[In the interest of time and mystery, Vincent and Naoto have met at the overgrown flowers an hour after sunset as promised in a not at all suspicious manner. Luckily, or not, Vincent has found a few becoming flowers for his lady of the evening, and without further ado, they are off to a wonderful evening soiree . . .

The entrance hall is tasteful and elegant with carved wood panels, marble-topped tables, vases with white orchids spilling over. There are four doors in each direction. The door to the right is an open double door with music spilling softly out from it.]

Comments

[dormancy]

My, I wasn't aware that I had such a poor reputation.

[genderbinary]

Perhaps mine is a special case. We can leave it at that.

[because i super do not want to think about what raven's gonna say later]

[dormancy]

Saying such cutting things about me without a chance for me to defend myself, turning from a chance to uncover the truth . . . You may need to put your slippers back on. You're turning into someone else, my dear princess.

[genderbinary]

[sharply]

Do not refer to me in such a way. If you must know, my agreement to tonight's outing was partially motivated by a desire to know more about you and your motives. But I am not so foolish as to disregard the information I've been given about you already.

[dormancy]

Even when it comes from a man who wronged himself and has the audacity to talk about that which he knows nothing of? Who wanted to push the burden of duty onto someone half his age?

Beware biases, detective.

[genderbinary]

Both of my information sources are biased. It's unavoidable--but I don't live in a logic puzzle, Vincent-san.

[dormancy]

Mm, the mistakes cost much more. And I have good reason to believe that you're smarter than to make them.

[genderbinary]

There's a certain mindset I could easily fall into in this regard, and I am trying my best to avoid doing so despite the comforts it offers.

[dormancy]

. . . Then, I would hate to push you into that sort of trap.

[and finishing the dance with a slight bow to her]

Thank you for the evening, Naoto.

[genderbinary]

[bows in return]

Likewise, Vincent-san.

[dormancy]

[slight eyebrow raise but stepping aside without comment, after you]

[genderbinary]

[heads downstairs]

[dormancy]

[following after her~ when they exit through the entry doors, they will be back among the overgrown flowers]

[genderbinary]

[there's a pause.

looks down.]

Wh-why am I still wearing this?!

[dormancy]

Haha, it must be a gift.

[genderbinary]

[oh my god mother die]

There's no way... did you put her up to this?

[dormancy]

Absolutely not. The quest was taken care of before you took advantage of it, and I wouldn't have been nearly so kind to the one I had in mind.

[genderbinary]

[BUH]

Nnn... that sort of commentary on my usual state of dress is unwanted and unneeded.

[dormancy]

Oh? But you could use it whenever the occasion rises next.

[genderbinary]

I have no need to dress like a woman, particularly not in such a delicate state. At least I left the shoes.

[dormancy]

Haha, then burn it~. I won't take any offense.

[genderbinary]

... I will see you around, regardless.

[dormancy]

Take care, Naoto.

[genderbinary]

You as well, Vincent-san.