sirenspull | [video] after morning sirens

It's been more than a year since I got here. To be honest, I completely forgot the date. It's not really the kind of thing that you remember, when you have other things on your mind-- like why you keep waking up on the same day. [ Sheepish smile. ]

I've met a lot of people this past year, and I've seen a lot of things. I could disappear from the Port any time-- maybe years from now, maybe tomorrow-- but I hope I get to remember everything, even if I do. Until that happens, I'll just have to keep moving forward. There's still a lot for me to learn.

[ Judging by the way Yako pauses, that seems to be all she has to say about that. A lot has changed, and though she isn't normally one to mark anniversaries, enough has happened in the past few days that she thinks it deserves noting. Instead of her office, she's making the post from her kitchen-- she hasn't left home just yet.

Absently, she tucks a bit of hair behind her ear, moving it out of her face. ]

I've seen a couple of people post about Valentine's Day, and I know not everybody celebrates it, but... if anyone wants me to, I could show them how to make chocolate and bake some things. It won't be anything fancy, but a gift's always different if it's hand-made, right? I was just thinking of doing it at my house, but it might be easier if we could find a bigger kitchen to work in.

One more thing: if anyone's looking for a place to stay, we've got a couple of rooms we're looking to rent out. Contact me on my NV if you're interested.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Well, some guy asked me out to dinner, then left me with the check. I guess it was a prank, or something like that.

[ Oh, Gilbert, you sap. In any case, Yako's bright smile is all but audible. ]

If you're sure about it, then I'm happy to the accept. Thank you, Mr. Nightray.

H-huh? That's a horrible prank!

[So very offended on her behalf.]

It's not a problem. It's one of the only things that I can offer, so...

[ Yako can't help but laugh-- Shizuo had pretty much reacted exactly the same way, and the reminder of a friend no longer in the city makes her breath hitch. ]

I guess it was, especially when it turned out I didn't have enough money to cover the check.

I'll see what day works best for everyone, but it's probably going to be Sunday.

If you didn't have money for it, what did you have to do?

[He never came across this at White Star.]

Sunday would be fine. What else do you need besides the space?

Well, I worked it off by washing dishes and busing tables for the same restaurant. It took a while, though.

I can bring the ingredients myself, but I'll need some basic equipment-- mixing bowls, spatulas, measuring cups, and mixers. You'll have to show me how the ovens work, too.

Did...did you ever find that person afterwards?

[Because seriously, that's just cruel.]

Mm. That won't be a problem at all.

Nah, he was a local. I pretty much never saw him again.

Okay! ... Thanks, again. I mean it.

[Well, that explains a lot right there. The locals have never appreciated the 'newcomers' arriving here and infringing on their way of life. He has no idea what else to say to that, so he only hums an affirmation and lets it drop. It's too nice a day to ruin it with so much bitterness.]

Do you know how many people are planning to show up?

Not yet. I don't think there will be more than ten people or so.

That won't be a problem at all. I'll be there right after sirens, so feel free to come by any time.

...I-if you need help with the baking too I can...

All right. I'll probably be there by ten to set up.

[ The offer, hesitant or not, gets an overwhelmingly positive response, though she seems to have interpreted it differently: ]

I'd love it if you could be there! You're more than welcome, if you're not too busy. Besides, I'd like to see you at work. I could probably learn a few things from you, too.

No, I...I'm not really the best teacher. I stumble over words and don't have great posture or anything, and...

[etc, standard self-deprecating speech #453]

But I can try if you're willing to put up with me.

[ Yako, amazingly, sits and listens through that entire spiel without a peep out of her, but when Gilbert leaves her room to talk again, nothing about her tone suggests she's been effectively discouraged in the least. ]

I'm sure you'll be fine. I mean, you knew what you were doing with the dancing-- [ In celebration of a holiday that oddly feels like a lifetime ago. ] --so this isn't much different, is it?

[OH GOD THE DANCING. Well, he is happy that he didn't step on her feet or anything back then from being so out of practice, but it's still embarrassing to think about now.]

W-well that was - it's easy when your partner is also talented and--

[He's just gonna shut up now.]

Well... [ Yako sounds thoughtful, but also maybe like she might be trying very hard not to laugh at Gilbert's expense. It's harder than it looks. ]

In that case, I guess it's a good thing I'm not a complete beginner when it comes to cooking, right?

[It's cool, every else laughs at his expense. It wouldn't be anything new.]

...Yeah. I guess that's true.

We'll just see how it goes, Mr. Nightray. If there's anything I'm having trouble following, I'll make sure to ask questions.

In that case, I'll do my best.

[To not screw it up.]

I'll see you on Sunday, then.

Right. I'm looking forward to it!

[video] after morning sirens

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voice. omg gilbert get out and stop being cute

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