Souta, perceptive as ever, noticed the wandering gaze. He caused his cheeks to flush an even darker red. It made him relieved for the flashing colored lights surrounding them, as it helped to conceal the rose color. The silence that came from the talkative stranger only flustered him more. What could Pip be thinking? He started to wonder until the response broke the silence.
“It’s a cereal?” He questioned, brows raised. “Oh wait, you mean the unicorn cereal.” He chuckled a little. “I know what you’re talking about now. Maybe I should try that next then.”
Pip chuckled when Souta referred to it as “unicorn cereal,” nodding his head enthusiastically. “You absolutely should!” he encouraged. “Forgive me if I’m wrong–” Pip tilted his head curiously. “–but your demeanor doesn’t scream bar crawler to me. Is this something you do often back at home too? Ooh!” He perked up as he thought of his next question. “What’s it like in comparison to what you see back home?”
Souta had listened close to the orders, though by looking one wouldn’t be able to tell. His usual stoic demeanor was ever present, even through the buzz that had engulfed his head and body. Though, a slight blush did creep to his cheeks at the interest the girls had taken to him. One would think he would be used to such attention, but he wasn’t. “Do I do what?” He looked to Pip, taking a moment to process what had been said. “Oh, my order. Yeah, I don’t drink often, so I don’t know the names of many drinks. So I usually go really generic or ask for a surprise.” He smiled a little. “You ordered a fruit loop martini? What is that?” He turned in his chair to face the redhead, resting his head in his hand that he now had propped up on the bar.
Pip nodded and smiled when Souta processed and caught on to what he was being asked. “Ahh...” Pip nodded again. “That makes sense.” He had an inkling that something was amiss with Souta in this atmosphere. Something just didn’t fit right. His calm personality, his demeanor, his look even--none of it screamed New York bar scene. Well, the look was arguable, for New York’s nightlife tended to bring the eccentricity out in everyone, but Souta simply seemed like he should be framed by a quiet cocktail bar or perhaps a scotch bar. Would he stand out in a place like that? Absolutely. But, personality wise, he’d fit right in. Somewhere you sit and chat amicably amongst yourselves with an appetizer or two and lavish drinks. Or maybe that was just Pip’s imagination running wild. Maybe he’d take Souta somewhere like that next, just to see if his hunch was accurate.
The thought caused his gaze to linger curiously for a long moment before he finally answered the question Souta posed after a long pause. “It’s great, actually! There’s this vodka that tastes like a popular cereal, and they crush up the cereal and put it on the rim too so you get an extra nostalgic flavor with it. It’s one of their renown drinks here.”
As the bartender started to approach himself and the group, Souta thought it was safe to believe that the bartender believed he was with the group. Though, that didn’t bother him so much. He glanced to Pip at the question and smiled a little. “Mixed drinks mostly.” He admit before looking to the bartender.
“What can I do you all for.” She asked with a smile.
“Surprise me with something fruity I guess.” Souta shrugged before looking to the others to see what they would order.
Out of courtesy, Pip looked to the woman farthest from him, saying “She’ll have...?” He waited for her to order, and then placed his hand on the next woman’s shoulder, who ordered next. His arm draped around his sister’s shoulders next, and she ordered for herself. Then, he smiled brightly and said, “I’ll have your Fruit Loop Martini!”
He noticed the women in his party ogling Souta, so he stepped forward again to create a small barrier between them, but he tried to keep his body facing the bar so as not to shut either side out completely. He could hear his name being called with questions like, “Who’s that?” and “Where’d the cute one come from?” but he steadfastly ignored them. Instead, to Souta, he commented, “I oughta start playing your game of roulette and let the bartender pick for me. Sounds fun! You do that often?”
Shuffling belong at a safe distance of a few paces behind, Kimiko hugs her cloak tightly around herself and keeps her small satchel close. Between the tree canopies, the sunlight was glinting down on the crown of her skull, and she was sure that it alone wasn’t solely to blame for how horridly hot her head felt. Despite what little breeze ruffled the leaves, she still found herself shivering. For whatever it’s worth, at least she wasn’t hit with a lethal dose – so long as she makes a full recovery, Kimiko could continue on her wayward journey and convince herself that this stint served as building immunity to that particular strain of poison.
KEEP READING
Pip looked over when Kimiko snapped at him. For a moment, he just silently appraised her, thinking through all the possible reasons for her to react that way. He could be understanding, if she was willing to be open about her troubles anyway. If she wasn’t, then, well... how was he supposed to know how to handle her? He’d be polite either way, but he’s quietly hoping she’ll shed some light on the attitude. He could make assumptions all day, but it would be easier if she just willingly divulged the truth on her own.
Thinking maybe a friendlier expression would help, he consciously softened the features of his face, made sure not to look like he was leveling her with a hardened stare but, instead, like he was offering an innocently curious gaze. After all, that’s all it was, an innocent and curious question. He was pleased when she followed up with a quick apology. At least he knows he’s not rubbing her the wrong way by being friendly, and his number one suspicion turns out to be the truth: she’s weary from the poison.
“Understandable,” he commented before smiling and looking back forward again. When she went on, he hummed softly and nodded. “Ah, I see.”
He can sense that she doesn’t like talking about herself, so he’ll give her a little reprieve and happily talks about his own home instead. “Well, where I come from, people're always happy!” he says in a bubbly tone. “It’s called Skeld. We say hello to each other on the streets. We share our resources without fear of a loan being paid back promptly. We take care of each other like a really big family. Of course―” He glances back at her to grin. “―my actual family is big enough. Got three siblings of my own, plus mom and dad. Don’t worry though. I live alone. Mom, dad, and Ellis―” He glances back again to explain, “―that’s my sister.” Eyes turn forward again. “They all live a few houses down. We’re right in the heart of the town since mom and dad run an apothecary, and I just didn’t wanna move too far away.” He glances again as he adds, “Ellis’d be upset if I ditched her. This way, she and I can hang out all the time.”
“But not to worry, you’ll have some privacy. I’ve an extra bed for her to crash on from time to time, so you can use that for as long as ya need. Oh, we’re getting close! Smell that? That’s old Miss Abernathy’s homemade pie. She’s a baker. Apple by the smell of it, don’t ya think? You’ll try it sooner or later. She bakes Nox homemade treats too. We’ll be passin’ by soon enough so he can get his daily snack,” he rambles. “And don’t worry about standing out. We see a lotta travelers around here. I mean, my whole job is guiding ‘em through the forests and all. Anyway, no one’ll think twice about a stranger comin’ through, especially if you’re with me!” He flashes her a grin.
Souta turned his phone face down as he listened to the other with a small smile. “Bar hopping huh? I’ve been doing the same. It’s my first time in New York so I feel like there is a lot of places to see.” He watched as the other clumsily slipped and gave a chuckle. “Where am I from? Fujieda.” He answers with a wry smirk. “Souta. It’s nice to meet you Pip. You’re probably the friendliest person I’ve run into so far.” He reached out a tattooed hand to try and get a bar tenders attention.
Pip perked up as if to say, 'Ah, that’s exciting!' or something of the sort without interrupting and then chuckled softly when complimented. As Souta’s hand raised, Pip realized he’s turned his back on his crew, so he opened up his body language, stepping away from the bar so he can reach over and touch his sister’s shoulders without closing Souta out. Just for safe measure, he leans farther to check that the second body is there too, then glances to see the second and third of the crew leaning over the bar in attempts to hail someone themselves. He glanced back at Souta, wondering who would get served first—two beautiful, pushy women or a handsome, polite fella such as Souta? “So what’re you drinking tonight?” Pip asked.
Souta was barely paying any mind to the quartet that gathered next to him. He wasn’t even too bothered by the individual very clearly in his space. It didn’t bother in so much any way. He brought a hand to his lips, ready to start chewing a nail when his attention was called to the man beside him.
“Hmm? Oh, it’s not a bother at all.” He said, his accent coming off a bit thicker than he would of liked. It was harder to mind his speech patterns when he was already tipsy. Hell, he was happy he could remember English at this point. “You’re welcome to my seat once I get a drink.” He offered with a small smile.
Pip’s head popped into a tilt, face shifting into a delighted expression as soon as he heard Souta’s voice—brows were raised, mouth softly agape and curled up at the corners, eyes sparkling. “Oh!” he chirped. Then, “Oh, no! Please, keep your seat,” as he turned to better face the man. “We’re here for a drink, maybe two, and then we’re movin’ along. So...” His elbow pressed against the bar, but when he went to lean weight against it, it slipped right off. He chuckled, reset himself, smiled. “Where’re you from with that accent? Oh!” He raised his hand to give a tiny wave with his free hand. “I’m Pip, by the way.”
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