A Shot in the Dark [Selenus?/Newman]

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

...Alright, he wasn't sure as to why exactly this decision came from his mind. Perhaps a risk worth taking, perhaps not...but he wouldn't know if he didn't try, isn't that what they say? It wasn't a call, of course. Because going as far as to actually dialing the man's number would scream "DESPERATE" and mark it on his forehead in a way not even his bangs would cover. Instead, he opted for a much more...serene and classy decision: a text message. Now, if Newman was the old-fashioned kind who preferred spoken conversations instead of pixels, well, Shunnosuke wouldn't know. Maybe he would be, since he's considerably older and, according to Shunnosuke's experience with dealing with old men (as in, dealing with potential clients or business partners to his company, or even his own Grandparents, not dealing with older man like he dealt with, say, Sharaku), those don't keep up with the fast pace technology advances. On the other hand...the man had a robot as his companion. He sorta has to be in what's new, technology-wise.

...Whatever. He was probably overthinking stuff due to his calculating nature...or his teenagery anxiety over what happened prior to the exchange of numbers and all.

"Hello
You might know who I am already
If you don't have a clue, meeting me by the Festival's entrance will give you the answer
I expect to meet you there soon
xoxo"

Too demanding? Too distant? Too composed? All questions the young man made in his mind whether this looked like an appropriate request for a first decent meeting. No, the real first meeting sort of doesn't count for a decent one, thanks to the...exchange of intimacy. It felt like doing that on a first date, even if what happened was nowhere as close to that point. Anyway, Shunnosuke sent it the way it was. If Newman took it as an outrageous offense, okay then, the boy wouldn't die because of a rejection. Not anymore, anyway. On the other hand, Newman himself gave him the number... Then again, the businessman could have all the rights to be take offense to the way Shunnosuke worded his text. Oh Gaga, he was overthinking it again...

Posts : 1157 Join date : 2015-11-07 Age : 24 Location : Yes

Now, there were a lot of people to whom Douglas gave his number that day, but most of them were overly excited teenagers just past the age of consent whom he had taken pity on and given his number to so they would have something to look forward to (Mind you, there were some cougars in the mix), but none of those people seemed the type to send him a poem via text message. His conclusion? Either Selenus was still salty and trying to prank him, or it was that Kurosawa boy. Either way, he'd rather not take the chance of showing up to a personal meeting unprepared, so he took the liberty of assuming the latter.

"Remind me again why you insisted on coming?" Newman asked his robot companion, cigarette in his mouth. "I refuse to leave your side as long as we're sorrounded by potential cadets. We talked about this." Robodoggo was only concerned about the well-being of his father, but he had a very impractical way of showing it."No, YOU talked about this." Newman began "I didn't agree to anything." He quickly ran his hand through Selenus's head. "I understand you want to protect me, but I'm pretty sure I can handle a fawning teenage boy. 'Sides, if worse comes to worse, I have a legal permit to use this." He assured the wolf, putting a hand on the spot on his waist where he concealed his handgun. Self-defense was a must if you were an important figure that loved to go outside.

Eventually, the duo arrived at the Festival Entrance, where one nervous Shunnosuke was waiting for them - well, waiting for him. Singular. If he paid attention to his appearance, Shun would see that Newman had come dressed in dark brown boots, dark blue jeans, a simple white v-neck t-shirt and a black overcoat that reached down to his waist.

"Well now." Newman thought to himself. "Let's see if my risky investment pays off."

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

At night, even the tick tock of a wrist clock can resonate well. Or maybe he was just at a distant location from the crowd. Most people had already ventured into the Festival, where the real entertainment resides. It was possible to listen to the speaking noises from afar, though not entirely possible to discern what was being told. Myriad people speaking at the same time makes it hard to try and actually pay attention, but it was a doable pastime while you wait. Luckily for him, he didn't have to wait enough, and the moment the Kurosawa turned back, he managed to spot the one he had been waiting for...and an undesired third wheel who, the moment he was spotted, immediately took away Shunnosuke's satisfied smile. It could be worse, however; it could be an actual person Newman decided to bring along.

"Oh, hello. You came fast...", he said, sounding perhaps more composed than he'd want, eyeing Selenus this time. Newman might be good-looking and well-dressed, however the exotic nature of Selenus's presence was enough to drag the attention to himself. "We have company, it seems. Does it speak?" Shunonsuke wasn't nowhere fond of the robot's presence, but he couldn't deny he was slightly curious about him. Was he a sentient creature like Alphonse and Charles? Did he behave like a true wolf, just like the two androids tried to mimic humanity in every way?

Posts : 1157 Join date : 2015-11-07 Age : 24 Location : Yes

Newman wouldn't fail to notice the fact that Shun's smile was instantly wiped from his face the moment he saw Selenus. He'd laugh at what he thought was a joke, but then Shun's level of composure made him rethink the nature of his statement. "Sorry about that, I may have taken that out of context a small bit." He'd say as he dismissed his immaturity with a wave of the hand. "But yes, hello, I'm here. Sorry if you weren't actually expecting me to arrive as soon as I did. The business life gives one a habit of arriving as early as possible." It wasn't entirely untrue. Being timely gave a great first impression.

"Oh, him?" He'd ask, glancing at Selenus. "Don't worry about him, he's ju-"
"I'm fully sapient, thank you." Selenus would interrupt Douglas. "I'm here to make sure you don't try anything."

"Selenus!" Newman would berate, clearly upset. "That's enough. You're on time out. Wait for me at the other side of the fair."

"But-"

"That's an order!"

Staying silent for a few seconds, Selenus would shoot Shunnosuke a death glare before resigningly walking away into the darkness. "I am so, so sorry about that." Newman apologized, putting a hand to his chest. "He's usually a sweetheart. He just... kind of sees me as a father figure and is extremely protective. Even if I tell him I can take care of myself, he won't listen." For things to go awry this early into the night... he just hoped Shun didn't take it as a personal offense.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

"Oh, he does speak. Why am I not surprised?" Well, honestly, he was indeed a bit surprised. Not so much because it's a "fully sapient" robot, to put in Selenus's words. It's more like "wow, I saw a wolf talking" kind of reaction....even if it wasn't a real wolf, after all, the differences were blatantly obvious for even a blind man to tell them apart. Now, frankly, Shunnosuke wasn't offended at all at the fact he was being watched by this mechanical wolf. If anything, he was amused by the fact he was seen like a threat. As in, just look at him, he's so adorable and harmless, what could he ever do to cause danger to someone, right? Unless he summons his Persona, or unless people don't meet him on a bad day, no one has anything to be afraid of. The heir of the Kurosawas even thought about throwing a light provocation back, but Newman anticipated himself and dismissed the robot. His smiling lips silently moved in a way that he seemed to be speaking "bye, doggy", a mockery that sounded pretty much like "I won, you lost, now buzz off". "I see how it is. So, should I call you daddy, then?" Shunonsuke giggled in a cunning manner. "Look at me, I wouldn't hurt a fly, or do a thing to you. At least not anything hurtful, I assure you..." If once he was quite nervous about the prospect of Newman not showing up in first place, after watching this...bizarre show of a robot wolf who acted like a protective child to his human creator/owner, one could say he was way more relaxed. Enough to throw these little hints and teasing remarks now and then, here and there.

Posts : 1157 Join date : 2015-11-07 Age : 24 Location : Yes

When exactly had this coy, shy boy turned into the flirty type? Well... Newman did recall that he was the one who flirted first back at the tent, but still. Maybe it was the fact that Sele's little outburts had forced Newman to show a... less imposing side of himself, giving Shun a confidence boost. That being said... his proposed nickname made Newman want to burst out laughing, but being a business man, Douglas had long since learned how to keep a poker face (Or any variation thereof. For instance: Smug interest face)

"Sure, if that's what you're into." He had to admit, it was oddly sexy when a female partner called him daddy, but this was entirely new territory. It was as if someone had pushed the New Game + button on the game that was Newman's romantic life. He figured he'd play it safe for now and slowly figure out the differences between Shun and a woman, then once he had accustomed himself to the water, he'd start "moving freely" as it were. "Why the text message poem, though? Were you too nervous to dial me?" He chuckled as he put his hand to his chin in smugness "Don't worry, you wouldn't be the first."

When Newman touched his own face, he became suddenly self-conscious about the cigarette in his mouth. "Ah, sorry." He'd say as he threw the cigarette on the pavement and put it out with his shoe. "It's a bit of an unconscious habit. Hope the smell didn't bother you too much up til' now."

"So, what have you got planned for me, mister Kurosawa?"

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

No, he wasn't into calling his male companions "daddy". Of course he had some parental issues and Freud would think of his joke as some nice study material but...no, Shun knew better than to resort to such vulgarity. At least, for now, he'd refrain.

"First of all, that wasn't a poem, let's start there. Second...uh, no, I wasn't nervous to dial you at all, don't get so cocky", he chuckled arrogantly, but of course an experienced person could identify it as a lie. Not the poem part, but the fact the teen wasn't nervous... If Shun were to be rejected, it's far better to read a dismissing message than listening to someone else's voice with the exact same content. Mere strategy to preserve his psychological stability. No one likes receiving "no" for an answer, and Shunnosuke of all people, being the always so spoiled teen he had been for the entirety of his life, still had troubles dealing with refusals. "It doesn't, don't worry. But just for the record, this is like the forth time you apologized to me in the time span of a few minutes. Are you nervous?" It was indeed a fun thought. Newman didn't seem the type to be nervous over a date, so chances are he was just being professional and extremely polite. Or maybe he was unsure about going out with a guy, but Shun wouldn't know that, would he? If the Kurosawa were to pick an option, he'd go for the first one. A bit of teasing may come and go, but he appreciated good manners above everything else. "Hm...how about we just walk through the Festival? I do admit I had nothing in particular planned except for...well, meeting you up. Taking a walk and talking sounds reasonable enough for now, don't you think?" To him, this sounded like a good start. They barely knew each other, so a friendly meeting for starters, to at least get acquainted and see where it goes from there seemed like the most rational idea. "Good things come for boys who wait".

Posts : 1157 Join date : 2015-11-07 Age : 24 Location : Yes

"Really now?" That was obviously a lie. "Alright, if you say so." Newman dismissed with a shrug of the shoulders. Now that Selenus was no longer bothering them, Newman decided to close the distance between him and Shun. Not as close as they were back at the tent, but close enough that Shun would have to look up slightly to meet Newman's eyes.

"I'm just trying to be polite. I'm feeling fine, if a bit intrigued. This is my first time going on a date with a man, you see..." No shame in letting him now. In fact, in Newman's eyes it was an act of mature honesty. "I'm confident I can still take your pants off with nothing but my words, though." He chuckled again; a classic one-liner. At this point, Shun's previous "not anything hurtful" flirtation had made him comfortable with throwing out the casual flirty line.

"That does sounds reasonable indeed." Douglas would agree. "Follow me, if getting to know each other's what you want, I think I know where to go." If Shun followed him, he'd start making light conversation. "So. What do you do for a living, Shun?" If not, he'd ask Shun what he wanted to do.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

Oh, the first time going out with someone of the same gender, hm? Alright. It wasn't the first time Shunnosuke ventured with someone that could be classified as straight prior to certain...events and displays of interest, he knew how to handle it without acting pushy. In that sense, deciding to take it slow was the right choice. On the other hand... Newman seemed comfortable enough to throw a flirtatious remark that was far more explicit than everything Shunnosuke could imply. "Take your pants off", huh? Gladly he wasn't drinking anything or he would have spat his beverage all over the place. "Well...you can try", he retorted back to Newman's teasing with an invitation of his own, interested in seeing where this goes. Chances are nothing would happen beyond the verbal plan, but still it was an amusing thought to exchange harmless provocations with the man. "Hm, you can say I'm the head of the Kurosawa Co. The japanese health insurance company if the name doesn't ring any bells. My grandfather is soon to retire and pass his crown, and I've been trained for years for this moment." Describing his job was, undoubtedly, one of Shunnosuke's biggest pride and joy. Of course he could also say he's a top tier student at a fashion design college in London, striving for a design career, but no matter if you attend Yale, Harvard or any renowned college, being the head in charge of an international company will always sound more impressive. And less childish, of course, because that's also important! "What about you?", he asked back, walking side by side with the businessman.

Posts : 1157 Join date : 2015-11-07 Age : 24 Location : Yes

Shun had been visibly flustered by his comment, but he didn't seem intimidated or made uncomfortable, which meant Newman's expectations were correct. He, however, decided he'd tone down on the erotic content of his remarks until further down the road, as Shun was really flustered. "Let's hope everything goes smoothly then." Was all he would reply to that.

Douglas listened attently as Shun gave a brief explanation of his line of work, keeping his hands in his pockets. "That's pretty impressive. I've heard the name popping up here and there, yes, but I've never had the pleasure of doing business with them. Mostly because I don't have many connections to Japan... yet." That last word would be sultrily accentuated. What caught Newman's attention, however, was the fact that he'd heard the name in the first place. Knowing as much as everyone present that this place was a crossroad between multiple worlds, the last person he expected to take interest in was one from his own.

"Me? I own a few companies and brands in the Americas and Europe." Unlike Shun, Newman didn't like to go too into detail about his work or success. He felt that people tended to unjustly glorify and admire him when they found out how much he's involved in. Shun himself was heir to an important health insurance company, so maybe he'd understand. "Most of my projects are based on funding charitable foundations, so... I guess if I had to describe my occupation in one word, I'd go with "Philanthropist."" Now that he did take pride in. "Right now, however, I'm handling investments on patho-robotics research. That's sapient robots... but I guess you already knew that. In fact, I'd wager you've already seen one of them from the way you reacted to my companion. Am I right? They're not that uncommon these days." Though he disliked talking about his job, he could talk all day about the charm he saw in the possibility of creating artificial life. After all, he'd experienced just how humane robots could be first hand.

Unbeknownst to the two figures, however, a resentful third individual was silently watching them from the shadows.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

"A few" companies, huh? Sounded like quite...a lot, actually. So the billionaire banner from the booth was actually grounded talk, not something pulled of nowhere to attract some audience. Regardless, it attracted Shunnosuke's attention enough. He may not be as futile and snobbish as some years prior to the whole ordeal from Azores, but he still appreciated knowing his own "kind", people from the same high class level.

"I see. Genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist, then? The real life Tony Stark", he jested, an amusing chuckle curling his lips upwards in a sly manner. Hopefully, that wasn't too nerdy of a reference. Well, dealing with talking robots and working on a project related makes you nerdy enough to understand Shun's little comeback, doesn't it? "You're right, though. I've seen a couple of walking robots here and there. Befriend a few. Saw one becoming a fatherly figure for an orphan girl and the other one becoming so human he even managed to score himself a girlfriend. That and after seeing more bizarre things than a living rational robot, I'd say meeting your mechanical pet was the least shocking thing in my life" Not as shocking as Personas, Primordial destroying the world, Angels and all that supernatural stupidity. Better to not detail what he had gone through; not a comfortable topic for a first date.

Posts : 1157 Join date : 2015-11-07 Age : 24 Location : Yes

"Tony Stark, huh?" He'd be lying if he said that comparison hadn't been made before "Maybe if instead of being Iron Man he was the Man With An Iron Dog." A small chuckle later and Newman would be glancing over at Shun as he walked. "I didn't take you for the nerdy type. Well, not like I'm one to talk, I've seen just about all of those movies." He was aware they were originally comic books, he'd just never gotten around to reading any himself.

"Really?" Newman would ask, intrigued. "I've met a lot of them myself, as you could probably guess, but outside of work I've only seen three: One of them a clown, one of them a baker's assistant, and the other... well... a bit of an expert at moping." As the two walked together, they began to approach a tall, round structure sorrounded by some people. After closing enough distance, Shun would identify it as a Ferris Wheel.

With the pevious converational topic of work having run its course, Newman decided to try a different approach to conversation. "Tell me a bit more about yourself, Shun." The billionaire asked, eager to get to know the boy better. "What do you like to do in your free time? What was your childhood like?... what do you like in a man?" That third one would be punctuated by yet another mug chuckle, as it was meant as a joke. Not like Newman would object to knowing more about Shun's romantic tastes mind you.

Reaching the Ferris Wheel, Newman would recall hearing something about a "Colony of Eirini" when he asked about it earlier that day. He figured it would provide him and Shun with more time to talk while being something fun to do. Luckily for the two of them, there weren't many people in line (Probably because there were so many things to do that guests didn't concentrate on a single attraction), so their wait wouldn't be that lon.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

"I'm not. And if you tell anyone about this, I'll deny it!" Of course one could identify, by Shunnosuke's chuckle, that he wasn't serious about actually hiding his preferences. He watched an action movie, so what? No big deal, and for sure Newman didn't mind as well. Frankly, no one should and Kurosawa learned to not judge people bu their tastes over time. It didn't help that he still might be judgmental at times, bad habits from a strict upbringing are hard to let go.

Now, a little interrogatory, huh? Shunnosuke would laugh shortly, before pondering on the actual questions. "Well...", he crossed his arms, while letting one hand hold is on chin in thought. "Quite honestly, I'm afraid to say I don't have much free time as of now. Being at college and in charge of the family business occupy most of my hours, but hum... It's been a while since the last time I've been to an amusement park, or even gone to the movies. Even simple, regular activities can be valuable and provide entertainment when they become rare for you, don't you think?" His logic seemed to make sense for him: "once you lose something, you learn its value". For example, it's been years since he's been to a ferris wheel to someone, so when Newman surprisingly decided a visit to it, much to Shunnosuke's surprise, the young man didn't object. In fact, noticing silently their destiny would secretly make the teen's heart flutter with a long known sense of anxiety. There's something oddly magical and romantic about going in a ferris wheel, especially if you're not alone. "My childhood? Hm, it was...fine. Great, even" Being born in the upperclass side of Azores can't have any other qualifying adjective, though he would prefer not talk about it. This brings up some memories about his dysfunctional family background he'd rather not relive for tonight. Even talking about where his preferences in regards to romantic partners lied was a better, albeit confusing, matter for a conversation than that. "As for the last one... You'd love to know that, don't you?", he would eye Newman, a mysterious and smug smirk occupying his face. Even if he meant it as a joke, Shun could bet the man was truly curious about the topic. "It depends if you ask in regards to physical appearance or more subtle personality traits."

Posts : 1157 Join date : 2015-11-07 Age : 24 Location : Yes

"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me." Newman placed a finger to his lips as he said this, representing a shushing motion. It was actually kind of endearing, that he hesitated to let that side of him be known but was comfortable enough to joke about it after he said it. Newman could tell, it was the mark of someone who'd changed a lot over the years.

"I can certainly agree with that, though I try not to wait until something's become a rarity to appreciate the value in it." After all, he suddenly lost everything for about five to six years while he was in prison. It was hard, even, not to appreciate all you have when it's been stripped clean off of you before. Newman didn't resent that time of his life, in fact, he appreciated that it happened because it taught him an invaluable life lesson that he felt he would've never learned otherwise.

Well, it was clear that Shun didn't want to talk about his childhood. It wouldn't be the first time he's run into someone with an unpleasant past, what with the myriad supernatural events that had been occurring in the past few years. "Heheheh. You read me like a book, didn't'cha?" Well, at least he took it in good will. "How about both? We've got a lot of time left, so why not get to know each other as best we can? If you want, I can tell you my preferences after you tell me yours."

Due to the relatively short queue, it wasn't long before the two men were up next to enter the ferris wheel. The seats were made to sit two people in front of each other inside little pods, big enough for everyone to fit but small enough to guarantee the feeling of privacy. Of course, the pods were lined with glass to allow the passengers to appreciate the view.

"After you." Newman extended a hand towards the pod they were to sit in, allowing Shun to sit first.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

"...you're right.", that's all he could say, eyes somewhat empty, lost in space. Or perhaps was his mind lost in memories and thoughts? Losing something to appreciate the value in it, this would be forever his biggest mistake and whenever this particular topic arises, two faces come instantly to his mind. Almost like a switch, a malevolent switch that triggers a certain event in the past...

"Hm? Oh... A gentleman. You just found one of the things I appreciate", he smiled modestly to Newman, realizing the queue was over in no time. If it weren't for Douglas's display of kindness, perhaps he would still be mourning over the past and horribly bad choices he made when younger. Nonetheless, there was no point in letting the date sink because of it; Shunnosuke chose his sit, looking outside through the glass briefly until Newman himself decided to enter and sit in front of him. Only then the teen would glance back to the businessman. "Well... for starters, I like tall guys. This is quite easy, for it isn't really uncommon to find someone who towers me. Then, hm... Muscular and fit are a plus, though nothing extraordinary, I don't strive to date a bodybuilder. Besides, the skin might feel stiff to the touch with so much work... Not too fat, not too thin, extremes are never appreciated. There are things I cannot tolerate whatsoever, like a lack of hygiene or care with your own appearance and body. I wouldn't date anyone who isn't concerned if he's smelling awfully, or if he has something in his teeth", he could throw a few more requirements, like not committing any fashion crime, such as mixing stamps, or wearing a Power Ranger outfit like certain people from Azores do, but appearance-wise, this was enough. As someone who made the moments before his sleep time a self-care ritual, as someone who valued hygiene above everything else, Shun thought he wasn't completely demanding or picky when it comes to selecting potential partners. "Now...personality-wise...I...", he recalled his previous attempts of a relationship. Mental stability was a plus, but you can never know if your date is stable until you go further in the relationship, and by the time you do, you're too involved to turn back. Besides, being extremely wealthy, providing support to said troubled partner wouldn't be hard. On the other hand, that's exactly what he'd answer, in a much lower, mellow, nearly flustered tone: "Attention and support are enough..." His eyes again shifted to not meet with Newman's, opting to register in the memory the view outside. Isn't that what most people seek? Someone to give them attention and support, someone to return the attention and support they receive? There's nothing better than simply that: to be loved back, not less, not more, just as much.

» Our little, particular Venice [Newman/Selenus?]
» LIP: Local Investment Plan [Newman and Selenus's kissing booth]
» Dark Blend [Selenus]
» I Just Shot 3 Children (Dior/Jackdaw Interaction)
» Tatums Magical Friendships, because Friendship is Magic! * shot *