reverielogs | please pay the wii mii menu music during the play

[The invitation to accompany him to the play was made earlier in the morning with a promise of dinner afterward. In the most ideal arrangement, Alucard would be escorting Minato away to an extravagent opera and a feast fit for royalty. However, they are here, out away from anything known for all of them, so he's arranged the best he can. In the end, he's done his best to let go of truly serious expectations. Honestly, the fact that so many have been eager to help is enough for him.

So in the end, he'll live with whatever happens. He likes to think no matter what, Minato will appreciate it.

At the promised time, he returns to his room, wearing a different coat than usual. As he opens the door, he holds out his hand in invitation.]

Whenever you are ready, Minato.

[He couldn't believe that Alucard had managed to put together an entire play without him knowing, all for the sake of having a proper night out to take him to. It really took Minato aback, and his brows had quirked up with interest as he'd accepted his invitation, obviously interested. No one had ever really made such a grand gesture for him before, so he almost didn't know how to react, or how to feel. Regardless, he was feeling pretty warm inside about it all, and no matter what it ended up looking like, given their limited resources, Minato was sure that this was a day he wouldn't forget, for one reason or another.

He felt like it'd be rude to not wear something nice at the very least, so he put together the best ensemble he could manage with his limited amounts of clothing: a jacket atop his shirt and jeans accompanied by his usual colorful magboots, just in case they ended up with any potential anti gravity situations again. Compared to Alucard, he felt extremely underdressed, though a slight quirk of a smile crosses his face as he enters nonetheless.]

You look very nice.

[He offers, standing up; he's pretty sure he'd never seen him wearing that before. Minato walks over, one hand stuffed in a pocket while the other moves to rest carefully in Alucard's, though for how long it'd remain was uncertain. Minato was still pretty antsy about PDA, so it'd likely get dropped in favor of slinking back into a pocket as soon as they got close.]

And I enjoy your wardrobe, as always. [The compliment is genuine. Much of the fashion of the future doesn't entirely make sense to him, but he can appreciate it. More importantly, Minato is happy with it, so that means all the more to him.

Even if it isn't long, he's glad to have Minato's hand in his own. Gently, he squeezes it before guiding him down the hallway.]

I hope you enjoy tonight. I know what we can manage to do within our resources for enjoyment is fairly minimal, but I want this to be special for both of us.

[And most of all, to give Minato everything he can, for as long as Minato is still alive. Before he must return to his fate.]

[Minato follows after him, expression quietly curious. The part of him that was screaming in horror at knowing that, most likely, everyone apart in the play was aware of exactly why the play was happening and thus were getting involved in his personal affairs is quick to be silenced and repressed as well as possible, in favor of being pleased as can be at the fact someone went to these lengths for him to begin with. Seriously, who else could say that they had someone put on an entire romantic evening for them here on the station like this? Not many.]

I'm sure I will. The fact you even did something at all is amazing to me...

[His stomach is in absolute knots for a variety of different reasons, and he takes Alucard's hand a little tighter in his own.]

How could I not? I know little of the customs of your realm, but I wished to show you at least even a sliver of what I would show you if it were under my power to do so.

That, and I would give you even a minute of joy. However I can.

[For every word, he means sincerely. Alucard is determined to ensure that Minato experience as much pleasantries as they can manage. Not just because he is keeping in mind of his unfortunate fate, but also for the peace that Minato brings to Alucard's troubled heart.

He would pay it back, however possible.

Eventually, they make it to the mess hall, the seats aligned and their makeshift stage prepared. Alucard looks down to Minato fondly.]

Please, take a seat. I'll but be a minute to ensure all is ready for you.

[Minato considers, for a moment, what he would've done if Alucard were to have been where he lived. Honestly, where would they go? The movies would work at the very least, but honestly, despite joking about it before, the idea of Alucard trying to do karaoke or something with him was slightly comical. He was too regal for that sort of thing, it felt like. God, or the arcade? Who takes a princely man like Alucard to the arcade?]

I appreciate it. This is more than I could've asked for.

[His hands fall to his pockets as they arrive in the mess hall, and he settles himself into a seat as he's directed to, tilting his head at Alucard in return with an obvious curiosity and anticipation in his expression.]

I'll be waiting.

It is a gift to please you, Minato.

[Alucard is quick enough to make his rounds, and it doesn't hurt that he moves much more quickly than any normal human is capable of running. More or less, the play is as ready as everyone ever will be. That, and he's ensure that Minato's dinner is cooking in the meanwhile, a slow roast that will be tender and cooked properly.

It takes, perhaps, five minutes before he's returning, lightly dusting himself off before he takes his seat next to Minato.]

Everything is prepared.

[There is the temptation to take Minato's hand, but he thinks that it's best to let him decide when he desires affection -- so Alucard waits.

The lights draw over the stage, music playing and mostly era appropriate as 9S begins his narration.]

[The play is... interesting, to say the least. Simultaneously exactly what he expected and yet nothing like it at all, and the minute hamsters appear on stage to start actually sounding like they were attempting to recite Shakespeare has him covering his mouth with his hand, eyes wide as the corners of his hidden mouth tug upwards, holding back a laugh.

He leans against Alucard a bit, the closest he was willing to go right now in a public setting, and despite himself as the play drew further along, soft laughter is pulled out of him. He's very serious any time 9S is on stage though, since it seemed like he was really seriously trying his best past his nervousness. At the end, he claps, even offering a standing ovation as they make their final bows.

Minato actually turns to give Alucard a wry smile as things settle down, and claps gently for him as well.]

That was way beyond any possible expectations.

[The arrangement of the "stage" is not the most professional looking. After all, they lack any real paint, so there is a distinct lack of color, but if one could describe the work done it's that it has a lot of spirit to it. There have been multiple hands in creating the arrangement, attempting to make an elegant looking garden with a faux fountain in the background. It's not terribly convincing, there are mistakes, a bit of tape and some staples into the cardboard and whatever else they could find, but it doesn't lack any passion. There are some parts that look more impressive than others, but it's inevitable when there are several people working on different parts of the set.

Still, it's not regrettable. The effort is certainly there.

Surrounding the stage are arrangement of chairs, welcoming anyone to join if they wish. However, bear in mind, there is one half-vampire ready to bodily throw you out if you become particularly... disruptive.

Handwritten are little pamphlets written distinctly in Alucard's handwriting:

Suffice it to say, it'll be an interesting play acted out by an android, hamsters, a gem, and a teenager.]

[One way or another, 9S had been roped into helping Alucard with his play, and ended up as the intermittent narrator. That's what friends do, apparently. Having friends is a real pain in the butt. Why did he sign up for this?

But despite his grumbling and grievances, he had (when it counted most) put his all into his role. 9S proved to be a competent narrator, and his voice carried well. He didn't falter much, and he didn't forget his lines, but he did get stage fright. So he had to close his eyes and remind himself that this was his mission objective.

Once the play was over, 9S just hovered around for compliments. There's no doubt about it.]

Soooo, what did you think?

Good job.

[Minato offers 9S a congratulatory thumbs up. He'd definitely been paying rapt attention every time 9S spoke, and watching him narrate was one of the few occasions that Minato hadn't had his hands covering his mouth in an attempt to stifle the laughter that wanted to bubble out at watching people act alongside hamsters, though it had escaped once or twice despite himself. Could you really blame him?]

...And thank you.

[It was still vaguely embarrassing to have all these people involved in his personal business, but he really was grateful for the whole thing.]

[9S perks up at the praise, he doesn't even try to hide it.] You really think so?

[Meanwhile the thanks is awkwardly received, 9S hesitating momentarily as he wonders how he should respond. He wasn't the only one involved, so he can't really take all the credit.]

Er, you're welcome? Everyone worked on it together.

I do.

[He nods a little, then tilts his head.]

Of course. I just wanted you to know that I appreciate the hard work you yourself put in to make this happen. You didn't have to agree at all, after all.

Actually, Alucard didn't give me much of a choice. He said that's what friends are supposed to do, or something...

[Just putting it out there. He had no choice, really!]

[Though the play was... quite ridiculous, 9S did exactly as Alucard had asked of him, and he did it well. It was a simple enough task, but he was still grateful regardless.

So, he smiles warmly to 9S and places his hand on the android's shoulder.]

You did incredibly well.

Thank you, Nines. This means much to me.

[Compliments from Alucard are nice. He was the one who asked him, after all. If he didn't think he did a good job, he wouldn't hear the end of 9S' complaining.

9S is going to complain regardless, actually.]

I still don't get why you wanted this so bad? Wouldn't reading the book have been more efficient? Well, I'm glad you liked it anyway.

Not everything is about being efficient. When you wish to show someone how much they mean to you, often it is best to do everything you can to show that.

To me, it is important to show Minato that I care. To have him enjoy himself. Even this, I think, was a welcome distraction for many.

[9S considers those words for a moment, before finally piecing them together into a conclusion.]

So this was like a gift? I didn't realize... I always thought gifts had to be objects, you know? In that case, then it's just the thought that counts. It doesn't matter how sloppy it came out.

[He was maybe a little too honest there.]

Ah.

[A flat look on Alucard's face.]

I hadn't realized you thought so lowly of the matter.

Erk--! [He realizes instantly he made a mistake.]

I didn't mean it like that! I mean, it was kind of fun...

I would prefer your honesty.

...But regardless of how you may think of it, in the end, I know that he appreciated everyone's efforts. Yours included. So you have my thanks, if nothing else.

I mean, the only play I've seen was put on by machines, and all the "Romeos" and "Juliets" killed each other at the end. It sure was weird...

[He'll stop making excuses for now, and instead offer Alucard a nod.]

Well, if you ever need me to help with one again, I wouldn't mind? Minato must be pretty important to you...

That doesn't sound too far from the play itself.

[But he can imagine that was. Strange.]

Thank you. If I see a window of opportunity to do so, I know I can rely on you. I want to do right by him and Connor. Though I admit I'm struggling to think of what I can do for the latter.

Maybe we can perform that one next? Even hamsters would do a better job than some machines.

[9S has a weird way of being competitive, sometimes.]

I'm pretty sure you don't have to worry about doing anything for Connor. He can't even feel, he told me himself.

Edited 2018-09-12 17:13 (UTC)

I suppose so.

[That statement earns a deep scowl from Alucard.]

Connor is as alive as either of us. He is simply afraid to be. I would not hear you say such a thing about him again.

[9S huffs, but he relents somewhat since it's Alucard.] Hey, he's the one who kept insisting he couldn't feel...

[He swings his arms idly.] He kept trying to say I was deviant because I could feel. So what makes you think he's lying?

[Alucard folds his arms to himself.] I have spent an ample amount of time with Connor. Watched him. I cannot consider him anything but alive, but reluctant to feel.

I think... that perhaps he is concerned how it'll affect him when he returns to his world. That he would be destroyed. A significant concern, isn't it? If you feel, you would be executed. I can hardly blame him.

[He seemed unconvinced until the moment Alucard utters the word--destroyed. In Connor's world, androids were destroyed...for feeling?

9S' eyes widens, and he feels his pulse begin to race.]

Wait, what? What do you mean they're destroyed?

[He knows exactly what he means.

It's just like... No, it's worse. Emotions might be prohibited in YoRHa, but it was rarely ever enforced.]

[There's a hint of reluctance from Alucard, and he glances away for a moment. Out in the crowd, he can easily spot Connor, smiling and polite as always. The dhampir turns back to 9S.]

I feel as though he should be the one to tell you. But yes; androids who have emotions are considered defective. They would be killed.

I think that, perhaps, Connor is concerned about being killed as well. His phrasing regarding certain matters from him is careful, but he has emotions. I know he does. But I cannot begrudge him for being so cautious to admit it.

Defective... [9S mutters, his words bitter.] We're not defective...

[Raising his head, he looks towards Connor briefly before focusing on Alucard again.] So that's why he kept calling us deviants. I'll ask him myself, then. Things don't have to be like that here. We can...find other purposes.

[A small smile forms on Alucard's face. He places his hand on 9S' shoulder.]

Yes. You all can. I'm glad to hear you say that. [Distinctly, he looks proud of 9S.] Please be patient with him. As best as you can.

[9S stiffens at the contact. The expression on Alucard's face is an unfamiliar one, and one that makes his pulse spike. He really wants to do right by him.]

R-right. I'm not really good at being patient... But I'll try.

Having a flaw or two is part of being alive. [Alucard smiles wryly.] Attempting to overcome them is trying to be a better person.

Regardless, I trust that you will, Nines. Thank you.

[This is a comedy, yes. Gundam, however, is committed to seeing through this endeavor with the upmost seriousness.

They might appear to be just hamsters to the untrained eye! Yet they seem to be keeping up with their cues. Squeaking along appropriately when prompted by their counterparts on stage.

Of course no one but Gundam knows for sure what they're actually saying through those squeaks.

But for the briefest of moments maybe even the most skeptical of beings might be willing to entertain the notion that those four hamsters could actually possibly be... reciting Shakespeare.]

...

[When the play ends and everyone takes their bows, Gundam is quick to clap! Enthusiastically! Probably for much too long-- until the Devas hop off the stage and run into the audience for praise and sunflower seeds.]

This overwhelming power--!! It has overcome even the mental defenses of the Supereme Overlord--!!

[He didn't think to bring tissues and ...his eyeliner is absolutely running.]

please pay the wii mii menu music during the play

MINATO;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

MESS HALL | PLAY | OPEN;

9S | OTA

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Gundam Tanaka | open;