Makin' my way downtown

[samsa]

Who: Kaneki Ken (samsa) and YOU!
Where: Goldenrod City
When: January 23
Summary: After spending most if not all of his time cooped up in a hotel room, Kaneki has decided to actually explore the city a bit.
Rating: PG
Log:


[The past two weeks have been something of a roller coaster for Kaneki, and even having this much time to try and process it all still leaves him feeling overwhelmed. It could be due to the fact that he's been stuck inside most of his time thanks to the weather or that he's rapidly run out of ways to occupy himself in the small hotel room he has been staying in. He doesn't have any books to read and one can only skim the Network for so long before that becomes a bit much as well.

It's cold out today. Very cold. The sun is out and shining but it's still below freezing, so there's no way he's going to be able to walk the streets too long...but he just can't stay inside any longer, either. The cold, fresh air might do him some good, after all. So, wearing a coat that he found in his backpack (which still only partially serves its purpose since the sleeves just barely go past his elbows, but it's better than his work clothes...) he makes the decision to spend the day exploring this massive city a bit. His Zangoose is with him, but instead of walking at his side like a respectable Pokemon might, she instead chooses to ride perched on his left shoulder. She's smaller than would be expected for her species, so clearly this way she'll have a better vantage point while Kaneki explores the town. Those who may have seen him a few weeks ago might notice that he isn't wearing the eyepatch he arrived with. Perhaps whatever was wrong managed to heal itself without a problem.]

[A] [For about twenty minutes or so, Kaneki simply walks along the sidewalk with his hands pushed into his pockets, only stopping every now and then to linger next to the window of a store. More often than not he finds himself stopping frequently by cafes and restaurants to peek inside, only moving when he realizes he stayed too close for too long and fogged up the glass with his breath. He's also on the lookout for any bookstores that might be around, stopping by anything that might look promising. What little money he has at the moment he'd gladly spend on a good book to read...if he can find one.]

[B] [When his teeth start to chatter and his face is red and in danger of getting chapped by the cold wind, Kaneki ducks into a nearby cafe. It's a lot warmer inside and the moment he enters he's vividly reminded of Anteiku. So much so that, for a moment, he lingers at the doorway with his hand gripping the strap of his bag. He remains until he is snapped from his reverie by a waitress asking if he would like a table. A table near the window where he can sit and still look out, watching people and Pokemon as they make their way past. He ends up ordering a cup of coffee and briefly debates just leaving it at that as the waitress walks away...but at the last second he grips the edge of the table and rises from his chair a little, hailing her with his hand and a request a bit hastily spoken, to which he has to repeat a bit more slowly so she can get it written down correctly.

He had really been trying not to abuse the room service at the inn too much, just ordering when he was hungry. And for a while, he had been sticking to light foods out of habit, generally just sandwiches and coffee. But after two weeks of that, holding himself back had become a bit too much to bear, and that is exactly why anyone passing by the cafe window will see him tucking into one of the biggest hamburgers he's seen in what feels like a year.]

[C: Choose your own!] [Got a scenario you want to go with that isn't here? This is the option for you!]

Comments

A

[fatalissimo]

[Oh, hey. It's been a while since she's seen you on the network.

It takes Nonon a second to recognize the guy without the eyepatch and the stupid outfit; in the end, it's something in his expression that gives him away. That and the fact that he's outside in the cold again, and he's underdressed for it again, and goodness lord, boy, hasn't anyone ever taught you how to not fucking die for yourself, because wow.

Nonon herself is looking cute as fuck (if she does say so herself); she's looking kind of cold, but overall she seems to be doing just fine - she's got a bag from a local confectionery in her arms, being held against her chest, and a lollipop in her mouth, judging by the stick. She's also got what looks like a large white flower pinned to the hat of her outfit, though closer inspection will make it clear that it's not a pin at all, but rather a small Floette that's just kind of hanging on there. You know, as you do.

She doesn't bother to take the lollipop out before she speaks, shifting it over to one side of her mouth and holding it in her teeth to keep it still.]

Oh - hey, Jeeves.

[Their last conversation hadn't gone too well, but perhaps it's some vague comfort knowing that the girl who'd threatened to punch the crap out of you earlier is about 4'8" and weighs maybe 90 pounds fully clothed and soaking wet.]

You looking for something?

[samsa]

[Kaneki never was exactly fantastic at dressing himself, though at least when he had access to a full wardrobe he could manage to find something decent. He's glad that he has more than a thin shirt if nothing else, but if the way he's shuddering is any indication that jacket still isn't cutting it.

He actually turns his head in response even though she's not actually calling his name. Not like he could forget Jeeves any time soon. Kaneki had been looking into a small shop fitted mostly with knick-knacks, souvenirs, and similar items, particularly ones that are Pokemon themed. Meanwhile, the Zangoose on his shoulder eyes Nonon warily as she approaches before turning her attention to the Pokemon on her hat that Kaneki has yet to notice.]

Hm?

[While her diminutive stature is something of a vague comfort, Kaneki would probably be making a mistake judging the strengths of her punches by size or appearance alone, knowing people like Touka back home.]

Well...sort of. Do you know if there are any bookstores in this town?

[fatalissimo]

[You would be so correct in that line of thinking, yes! So good man, really.]

Yeah, I'm sure there's one around somewhere. Probably not off this street, though, I'm through here all the time - I think there's one near the music shop, though I don't usually come at it from that direction.

[Actually...]

Why the hell are you looking for books right now, anyway? Aren't you cold?

[Nonon, you are the one who went out for candy in below freezing temperatures, kindly shut up.]

[samsa]

Oh, right. No wonder I couldn't find it.

[...okay while you aren't wrong- he is cold- he would have actually probably gone out to get candy in below freezing temperatures, too. At least right now, since he's in a state of wanting to eat absolutely everything. At that, though, he idly reaches up to tug at the edges of his sleeves, as if that will make them long enough to cover his arms properly.]

Well, yeah...but I wasn't planning on staying out here long. I just wanted to get some fresh air.

[The idea initially was to find the bookstore and live in it for the next few hours, but seeing as he can't even find the stupid thing he's ended up walking around out in the cold anyway...]

[fatalissimo]

Uh-huh.

[You are getting the most skeptical look for your effort, Jeeves, before she just kind of shifts the bag over to one side and reaches out to try to grab your wrist with her free hand.]

Come on, I guess I can show you where it's at so your frozen ass isn't just standing around out here.

[samsa]

H-huh-?

[He's taken so offguard by the sudden...that that he doesn't even move and she'll be able to get a hold of his wrist without a problem. However, that isn't going to stop Rikki the guard Zangoose from bristling almost immediately, her lip curling a touch as she growls softly in the back of her throat in Nonon's direction.]

Well, uh- ...alright.

[fatalissimo]

[That Zangoose is just going to get the smarmiest look ever over Nonon's shoulder; jealous that someone's touching your boyfriend or something, sweetheart? Cool your tits.

Come on, you. Her hand is cold as hell and she's going to be dragging you and stealing some warmth while she does it. She's pretty strong for someone her size, and she's not even pulling that hard for the time being.]

So I guess your friends came to pick you up?

A

[no_ufo_ending]

Excuse me.

_{[It's a very very quiet 'excuse me'. You could almost miss it if the person who said it weren't a few feet away. And holding a camera. Henry is bundled up today too in his Litwick hoodie. By his heels is a very shy Espurr clinging to his jeans leg.]}

Could I take a photo of your Pokemon?

[samsa]

A photo...?

[Kaneki echoes as he turns to face the man. He may have actually missed him if it weren't for Rikki, who immediately growls a little in response to the stranger's close proximity. She quiets down when Kaneki touches her arm, but the look on her face remains wary.]

Sure...I don't mind.

[He...can't promise that his Pokemon won't, but.]

[no_ufo_ending]

I also wanted to ask if it was alright to publish? I'm trying to start a collection of photos with unique Pokemon.

_{[He's never seen a Zangoose so small. It doesn't look terribly young to him. Then Henry turns his attention to Rikki herself.]}

May I?

[samsa]

[The Zangoose's ears perk a little at that as she leans a bit closer to Kaneki's head. Unique?

She looks over at her trainer who just shrugs with a slight smile.]

It wouldn't hurt anything.

[After a moment she exhales through her nose in a short huff, looking back over at Henry. Finally, she nods. Okay sure, what the heck.]

[no_ufo_ending]

_{[Henry lets a small smile shine through as he lifts his camera and adjusts the lense.]}

It's going to be bright, get ready.

_{[FLASH! He snaps the picture.]}

[samsa]

[Rikki flinches back a little when the camera flashes, her eyes blinking rapidly for a second before she lifts a claw to rub her eyes, grumbling.]

There. That wasn't so bad.

[Kaneki looks back up at Henry afterwards, shifting a bit as Rikki leans heavily over near his head again, shaking her own to try and chase away the spots in front of her eyes.]

So, um...where exactly are your pictures going to be published?

B

[francia]

[Guess who cooked that giant burger? France works at this café with semi-regularity when he's in Goldenrod, and he's the chef on shift. It's not too often that anyone order that particular item on the menu and sometimes France pretends to forget it exists being the food snob, so he certainly noticed the order come through.]

[It makes him curious enough to leave the kitchen for a round of the tables. He comes to Kaneki's, a friendly smile in place.]

Excuse me, sir, I hope that your meal is to your satisfaction so far?

[samsa]

It's great, thank you.

[With the half-eaten burger still in his hands he nods slightly, offering France a grin in return.]

It's been a long time since I've been able to have a hamburger this good.

[francia]

[Well now if that doesn't make France puff up with pride, then nothing will!]

[France beams.]

I'm very happy to hear that! Although I can't imagine there are better chefs than me in this place, I am always glad to hear that my work brings pleasure.

[And because he's such a generous soul:]

I don't suppose you would be interested in trying something that I am experimenting on? Since I've been in town for a while, I've had time to cure some gammon. It would be on the house, of course.

[samsa]

[He puts the rest of the burger on the plate for the moment while they are talking through sheer force of will, and when France suggests that he sits up a bit straighter with surprise.]

Ah, really?

[There's a very brief pang of guilt that causes him to hesitate, mostly due to the fact that he's had so much generosity shown towards him since he got here that it's a little...surprising, to say the least. Some of it was inevitable, but more often than not it has been strangers showing kindness to him.]

That...would be great, actually.

[francia]

[France nods, eyes positively twinkling with an artist's pleasure.]

Of course. Please, allow me a bit of time while I prepare it.

[He departs and returns to the kitchen. He's already sliced the gammon, so it's a pretty quick prep and cook to put together a taster plate of gammon and pineapple salsa.]

[When France comes back out, there's an air about him as he holds the new plate in one hand and offers to take the one the burger came on with the other.]

Would you wish to begin the second course?

[samsa]

[...That may very well be the fanciest bit of food Kaneki has ever seen. As such, he sort of just stares at it for a moment with the feeling that this sort of thing is better admired than actually eaten. Judging by how France is carrying himself when he brings it out, he's obviously very proud of it.

He had plenty of time to finish his previous meal while waiting for the other to be prepared, so he sits up a bit straighter and nods.]

B

[scratchitti]

[Neku was eating as well, avoiding the bitter cold. That's when he spots Kanneki, recognizing him from his post. Normally he'd just go on his way, but damn it he was SUPPOSED to be trying to expand his world, right?

So he walks over]

Hey. You get that egg alright?

[samsa]

[Kaneki looks up as Neku walks over after just having taken another bite of the burger, as you do. He nods, trying to swallow the mouthful quickly so he can respond properly.

Rikki stands up a bit straighter and stiffer on Kaneki's shoulder, her ears falling back just slightly. She remembers you, too...you seem well meaning enough, at least.]

Yes, thank you. I left it back at the hotel, but it's wrapped up in a blanket so it should be kept warm.

[He wasn't about to try to cart the egg out in below freezing temperatures, after all.]

[scratchitti]

Yeah, eggs are crazy sturdy. I wouldn't worry about it. Though if I knew we were both in the same town I woulda just walked it over.

[samsa]

Oh yeah...sorry about that.

[It's understandable he wouldn't have thought he was here, since it takes far longer to get from New Bark all the way to Goldenrod for most trainers.]

[scratchitti]

Dude, it's fine. There was no way to know. I'm guessing someone Flew you over?

[samsa]

No, actually. A...friend of mine from back home caught an Abra and sent it to me, and it was able to Teleport me here.