A Shot in the Dark [Selenus?/Newman]

"Sounds a lot like me". Shunnosuke wasn't really aware of the fact he was probably describing the man in front of him, not until Newman fit himself in the description. The realization made him  turn back to the other, eyes expressing a bit of disconcertment, as evinced by his lack of an immediate verbal response. "Hum, yes, it may sound just like you. Though don't get too confident or cocky, clothes can be deceiving and give the wrong impression about someone's physique..", he would throw back in a jesting manner, a vocal attempt to cover the fact that, alright, he admitted to himself Newman cold be a potential crush. The clothes allegation, while a reliable argument to the cause, was just an excuse to not make it too obvious.

"Hum... What about you? I've said enough about me already, my turn to make questions now. I expect a full report. Physical appearance, behavior, personality, whatever attracts you in a girl!", Shun's mischievous smile broadened, as if taking fun in the talk. He figured making it clear it was a girl would make Douglas more comfortable in formulating a response. After all, so far his orientation pends to the female spectrum of genders, it's only fair. On the other hand, he also felt like a "bro" talking about girls. Considering his only friends were females to whom he could chat about potential male love interests, to talk about girls with a male was...rather weird. Unless it was a diss talk with other gay friend, then it's justifiable.

"It'll be my pleasure. Though...you look mighty fine as you are..." Fashion was his department, after all, and Shun was completely proud of it, or he wouldn't pursue a major in Fashion Design in a renowned british university at all. Given his in-your-face personality, Newman could be sure that, if he was badly dressed, Shunnosuke would straightforwardly point it out. Perhaps in a very displeasing and quite offending manner, but sincere nonetheless.

Alright, probably mentioning the female gender wasn't the most appropriate word choice, given the context, though he had the best intentions while he did it, out of simple respect for the other's pace. He learned, perhaps by the worst manner, how to not be clingy and overly pushy when it comes to his partner's limits. Newman didn't seem to mind enough, rectifying shortly the sentence and providing some input that made Shunnosuke reflexive for some time. Crossing his legs and putting one elbow against the knee, therefore leaning forward so the chin could rest on the hand supporting it, the Kurosawa smiled, lifting his eyebrows. "Hum... Say, do I meet the criteria?" It's only fair, no? Newman felt entitled to say he's Shun's type, so the other way around is also valid. At least judging from part of Newman's description of an ideal match. The optimistic and empathetic values in his personality...er, might need some work to improve.

"Hm?" At first confused by his question, Shun quickly got what Newman meant, releasing at first an unimpressed "ah" in response. Though...a second look to outside, the bird's-eye view... The small lights from far above, people from below invisible to the eye, while the buildings got smaller and smaller as the ferris wheel kept spinning, taking both men to the top, the distance from the ground, the silence at the sky... Truly a mesmerizing sight, when was the last time he experienced the opportunity again? "Beautiful, yes..." The outlines of his smile gained a new...tone to it. Similar to when he went to the New Year Festival years before, after a long hiatus. All of this was enough to install the feeling of awe Newman shared. More than awe...he was happy, in the purest sense of it, just like Newman said.

Being called cute was one thing, a satisfying compliment he could take with a straight face and a cocky smile without letting his guard down, so to speak. But...being called surprisingly pretty was just another level of praise he wasn't ready for. The kind of rare compliment matching the equally rare feeling of genuine happiness. Shunnosuke just stared in quietness and embarrassment at him, until his eyes averted to a different random point, followed by a brief giggle. The comment wasn't unwelcome, no, he appreciated it. But his appreciation was similar to that an undeserving child who was rewarded after doing a bad deed or playing a prank.

"A gift this soon? My, you're truly trying to earn me, aren't you?" He joked, with a mocking face, ultimately picking the white box and placing it over his lap, soon letting curiosity take over his actions and unfolding the gift. "...it's...impressive, yes...", his eyes widened, registering the bright sparkle coming from the "Plume of Dusk", as Newman called it. So far, he was unaware of the in-depth details regarding the creation of sapient robots. And frankly, no, he never had further interest in searching what causes inanimate creatures to walk and develop rationality on their own. Science development might not be his best area of interest, however even Shun could acknowledge how amazing the progress made was. And weirdly, it all lied in a small and single wing-shaped sparkling structure. "Hum... Diamonds are a girl's best friend... and Plumes of Dusk are a boy's..." He chuckled, still astonished and mesmerized by the hypnotic glow. "I suppose I can make my own walking robot now, huh?"

Wearing it as a jewelry huh? He could work that out. "It'll look better on me anyway." Perhaps a necklace, or a brooch. A bracelet even, all are discreet yet charming options for an accessory. It would attract more attention than most time can handle, but well, if it isn't flashy and eyecatching, it isn't Shun. Besides what would he use a robot for, anyway? He had his maid and chauffeur for anything he wanted.

...Now, the gift was enthralling and all, but not as much as what came after. The car they were in started to make the opposite path downward, though it was not the reason why he felt anxiety taking over his heart. He had to say, Newman seemed like such a flirtatious casanova when they first met, the embodiment of a playboy, but...he was being so sweet that it installed a completely different atmosphere between them. It was...lovely like floating on air, enhanced by the soft descending movement of the cabin. He was okay with the possibility of this first date failing to the original purpose of a romantic date, he wouldn't pry on it if Newman decided he wasn't ready for this kind of involvement. But...what he said was almost like a gift, a better gift than the Dusk even: feeling accepted and approved as you are. "I'm also glad you came, glad to be here with you...", he uttered, returning the eye contact with a composed smile of his own, fingers fidgeting over the Plume's surface. There wasn't much to be said, and while they're both adults, the relevance of the age gap caused Shunnosuke to just stand still, sitting in front of Newman, enjoying the last moments together. Newman was free to reduce the already short distance between them, for it didn't seem like his date would be daring enough to make a move on him alone.

Instinctively he closed his eyes when Newman came closer, letting himself be dragged away by what the situation. Lips interlocked again, but unlike the previous contact they both shared, this time Newman was less fiery, leading it in a very romantic, tender manner hardly resembling the seductive man from the kissing booth. The kiss was still enjoyable as before, just...in a different manner, in a different pace. So much that, when they were pulled away from each other, it took Shun longer to drowsily reopen his eyes and return his senses to the reality. The awe printed in his face remained, the teenagery nervousness from the moments prior to the kiss...didn't, Newman's lips leaving a composedly charmed smile over Shun's.

"Would your "son" still think I'm a threat now...? You don't look hurt to my eyes", he said in return, not letting the silence linger for longer to the point mutual disconcertment would install and ruin the moment, without saying much as well. Just enough and on point, just like the meeting itself. For a first time, everything was surprisingly...perfect.

Shunnosuke frankly wasn't too concerned about Selenus not appreciating his company. If anything, the robot would have to suck it up. He couldn't control who Newman gets acquainted or, on a deeper extent, involved with. On the other hand, he also didn't want to fight a robot for someone else's heart. This is real life after all, not a sitcom.

"It was...lovely. Everything was, without a doubt", he smiled back to Newman, delighted. Though the whole meeting was rather brief for his tastes, the succession of events presented a steady pace. Romantic, without being pushy on both parts, and respectful. It's been a while since the last time he had an enjoyable time like this, either for his own or someone else. "Unless you have deleted my message or you have a memory problem, my number is already on your cellphone. What's it, old age symptoms?", he chuckled mockingly, making fun of the fact Newman was, for sure, reasonably older. Not that he minded; Shun has always felt more inclined to feel attracted by older guys anyway.

While staying silent most of the time either because of Selenus's presence, his canine appearance (even if the robotic nature stands out more for now, unless he starts barking and growling like a real dog!) or the fact it wasn't his place to speak up, Shunnosuke just sighed, putting on a smile nonetheless. Business is business, and besides, acting demanding and spoiled on the beginning was a way to rush everything and, therefore, ruining everything. "Oh. I understand. We'll have plenty of time to catch up later.", he waved as Newman parted his ways with Selenus. Overall, he couldn't complain. Though their time together had come to an end, there was always next time.

(Newman and Selenus have left the scene)

(End thread.)