route_1065 | I might not be the right one

Entry tags:

I might not be the right one

Who:

sciencebipches
Where: Goldenrod
When: Backdated to the 16th
Summary: ERIDAN GOT HIMSELF A DATE
Rating: PG
Log:

[So here it was. The day of the date. Admittedly, Eridan is actually a touch more nervous than he predicted he'd be. Which is to say, he was certain he got this, but as it would turn out, as the days drew nearer, he wasn't so sure he did. Sure, he scoped the places out, figured out where they were going to go, what they were going to do, but ultimately? When it came down to it? He was pretty worried.]

[Eridan knows better than anyone of his own romantic blunders and the only one who knows them as well as he? Was the one he asked out on a date. Which is also the one he actually, legitimately, wants in his flushed quadrant. So he really wants this to go well, but has a sinking feeling that he might mess this up, which is putting him on edge, an edge he's trying to hide with that general smug attitude of his--the one he's also trying to curb for Karkat. AUGH this is so hard and nobody understands!]

[So he sends out his text to Karkat, telling him to meet him by the Game Corner in fifteen minutes. Each minute that ticks by as he waits feels almost like an eon of agony. God he just does not want to mess this up, Karkat's giving him this chance and it might be the only one he gets EVER, so there's hardly any room for screw ups, but knowing Eridan? Yeah, there's bound to be some kind of blunder on the way. If there was any time he wished that he had Vriska's luck stealing ability? Now would be it.]

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[ the sea dweller isn't the only one that's nervous. Karkat is too. oh god is he nervous and filled with nausea. not only is he going out on a date with someone he may or may not have some red leanings towards, but it's fucking Eridan of all people. trolls. whatever.

so when that text message comes? he nearly jumps out of his seat. Alex raises his head, looking somewhat concerned. with a pat, the beast is appeased and Karkat leaves to go on this date. this date that could potentially lead to things being official. a date that could define if this could even work or not.

as Karkat approaches the Game Corner, he's kind of scared about how this could change things. ]

[It's like a light switch, once Karkat comes into view his nervousness and doubts get shelved, that facade of confidence and "I'M THE FUCKING BEST AT THIS" comes right back out once he's on stage so to speak. He has to be confident, he has to make this work if he wants this to be a thing, he can't show that he's nervous or scared that he might fuck something up, he has to show Karkat he knows what he's doing.]

[Even though he doesn't. As much as he's wanted to fill his flushed quadrant before, it definitely didn't happen. He's much more experienced in the dealings of blackrom, not redrom. But no time for being a nervous little wriggler when it's time to act.]

[Sporting a grin that's probably too painstakingly familiar, he waves Karkat on over. Yep, nothing to worry about, Eridan has all the confidence! All of it.]

Hey, Kar...

[Okay yeah, nervousness is still a thing even with that momentary lapse of confidence. God, being 13 and on a date with the guy you pity is hard and nobody understands!]

[ dude, that arrogance is not cool. it's a little off putting because Karkat KNOWS that Eridan's far more comfortable with blackrom. Karkat realizes this and all he wants to do is roll his eyes at first. show some vulnerability. this is pity we're talking about here. that should be fine.

seriously. how can this guy expect Karkat to open up if, well, Eridan doesn't do the very same? in all situations. ]

So what are we doing?

[It's hard to do ok, there's a difference between Eridan whining and throwing a bitch fit and Eridan actually opening up... Though, really, Karkat and Feferi had been the only ones he's actually opened up to and really? Feferi was only towards the end with him admitting his feelings, but Karkat? Yeah, he's let Karkat see his most vulnerable side, even if it was mainly over text.]

[He does take a second to think this over. Because, this is definitely redrom, not blackrom, he doesn't need to try and be so tough, this IS Karkat, date or not, so maybe he should calm down a bit... Maybe.]

Well! I figured we could get some lunch or somethin' to start this off. As much as this city really only serwes weird human food, there's a couple places that aren't so bad.

[It's noticeable, as he talks, he's starting to relax a bit, that proud acting he always has going, its kinda being put to rest; however gradually. It feels odd, to be honest, to just let his walls down, he's done it before, but mainly in an emotional state, desperate for what comfort he can get, not in a moment like this. Where they are just enjoying each others company, or should be. Odd, but maybe something he can get used to.]

After living off of the fucking wild for so long, do you really think I'm going to complain just because it's weird?

[ seems like the slow dropping of that mister tough guy attitude is smoothing things over for Karkat. the tension that he had been holding his his shoulders before fades away. they relax and his expression changes from tight to neutral. more calm instead of acting like he's on pins and needles. because really, while Karkat has been all right with acting more like the caring guy he is, it's hard to fully drop those iron clad mental defenses that he's slaved over for sweeps.

but he can't really keep it all up and working, if Eridan really sweeps him off of his feet. yes, Karkat had agreed to this date. partially out of shock. partially due to underlying feelings he doesn't really want to confront. the other part is in hopes of this going so bad that the pity welling up with just fuck off and Karkat won't have to deal with it.

but life will always have him by the shame globes, hmmm? ]

Well. Lead the way. I'm all yours for the duration of this venture.

Well, that's fuckin' true. This place is way fuckin' better than the goddamn wild. I'm no fuckin' grub, but that constant trawelin' was kinda bullshit. Not to mention, with how this city is, it's kinda odd they don't hawe a better way for transportation from city to fuckin' city.

Just makin' shit needlessly fuckin' difficult it seems. Anyways, follow me.

[Pointless to keep rambling on about this world, not like it's going to change anything and he really doesn't want this date to be all about complaining about this place. It beats the veil, that's for sure, even if trekking through the woods is hardly anything Eridan finds ideal.]

[But, he does like the idea of that. Karkat, being his. Oh yes he does. But other than a slight smirk at the words, he doesn't mention anything, just starts on towards the restaurant he hand picked himself! Yeah, so what, he spent the last couple days trying out the food here to pick the perfect one alright! He wants this to go perfect, he wants to sweep Karkat off his feet and make him never think twice about saying yes to being in his quadrant.]

This place-- [He states plainly as he approaches the door to a small, but fancy little restaurant. It's definitely well kept and orderly, the name written in that stereotypical italicized cursive that most Italian restaurants have, something of which is more familiar to humans than trolls. Either way, Eridan definitely opens the door, stepping aside and allowing Karkat entry before himself. SUCH A GENTLEMAN! But in all honesty, he just is trying really hard to make a good impression on Karkat kfjhsdfd, see he can be thoughtful Karkat, really he can!]

--actually is pretty fuckin' good, some weird dishes, but I think you'll like it.

[Eridan is a fan of the shrimp Alfredo he must admit. Something about rich saucy noodles and crayfish just has a similar texture to some of the stuff they're more familiar to. Not as thick as creamy mucus, but you know, it doesn't taste half bad.]

They have this train thing working, you know. That and I guess when these Pokebeasts can be used for transportation, other shit isn't really needed.

[ and Karkat follows behind. honestly he hasn't really explored all of the places yet. he's more dedicated to training his little beasts so that he can take on Whitney. badges are serious things, man. Karkat has a need to get them all! and get them all he will. so this is really more of a break for him than anything else.

seeing the restaurant makes him nervous. he, uh, hadn't really expected to go to somewhere that has the appearance of being sort of higher class. then again, this is Eridan. of course he'd want something that reflected his royal status, right? yeah, Karkat is a little wary, but still sort of waffling all the same. it doesn't help that Eridan opens the door for him. the other troll is working pretty hard to impress Karkat, huh? kind of cute, in a pathetic way. and that is not a slight blush dusting Karkat's cheeks as he quietly thanks Eridan before moving on inside. ]

Weird dishes?

Where was the train when we had to go through that god awful forest? But also, trawelin' by pokebeast is so unciwilized. This place settles for less and it's kinda degradin' considerin' they hawe the means to prowide better transit and the like, but whatewer. Different culture an' somesuch.

[He follows Karkat in, of course he'd find some nice place, he wasn't about to bring Karkat on a date to the soup kitchen! Eridan would have only the best for him and his potential matesprit, alright? But also, don't think he didn't catch that slight bit of color as he was thanked, because he definitely did~.]

Yeah--well it's all human food, so a course it's weird, but just some a it--I dunno. It's definitely not grub loaf, that's for sure.

[But then there's that hostest chick, which Eridan takes care of, yep table for two, best seat in the house, yep only the best for you Kar~, he follows her to the table, oh my isn't that just a lovely table, folded table clothes all fancy and neat, and even a little center piece with decorative roses and the like. It almost seems like this was planned! Oh wait it was.]

[Eridan can only offer a knowing smile to Karkat, before taking his seat.]

Edited 2011-11-19 15:02 (UTC)

[ give Karkat a moment to fully take this in. yes, he is in awe. ]

Did you... Did you arrange this?

Well, yeah Kar.

[He's just kinda watching him, taking in what he can. Is this a good awe, or is this a bad one? God he hopes this is a good one.]

What did you expect?

Not a fucking pre planned arrangement, that's for sure.

[ but with the slow way that he's sitting down? that's a good awe. his expression truly is bewildered. Eridan had really put thought into this... ]</small.

Welll, I'm happy to surprise you then. Wouldn't be much a date if I didn't put some thought into it, now would it?

[Really, Eridan's just trying really hard, but if anything it merely shows how dedicated to the idea of being in Karkat's quadrant he is. He wouldn't put forth this much effort if it were say--That cave girl or whatever. He really likes Karkat and he wants it to show.]

[It's when Karkat fully seats himself that the waitress places the menus down before them. Eridan picks his up, a certain confident air about him.]

Anyway--I'm gonna be frank with ya, the pastas are kinda the fuckin' best here. I'm partial to the Shrimp Alfredo...

[Yep, just gonna keep on talking like it's not some big deal that he actually put in thought and consideration towards Karkat with this.]

Edited 2011-11-20 05:02 (UTC)

[ places a hand on the menu and slides it closer. Karkat will look through it, all right. quiet and thinking. this is not how he thought this would go. not at all. it makes him nervous, like a shit ton of flutterbeasts have been released in his organs.

every now and then Karkat flickers a glance up to Eridan. tensing. ]

Because it's shrimp and you can't do without something from the goddamn ocean.

[ sounds like he said it just to have a comment. there's no heat behind that at all. ]</small.

Well, it's just maybe a comfort is all. Somethin' familiar in a world that... Really isn't.

[A slight shift in his seat as he pulls the menu up a little, almost like he's hiding a bit. Feeling a tad vulnerable to even allow that much to give way. Yeah, so what if he's finding a bit of solace in something as simple as part of a meal that's found in the sea. They both got hurled into this world with no warning, much like everyone else, but unlike everyone else, Eridan got what made him special torn from him. He was a seadweller, that made him special, something different, made him better, but here? Now that he's nothing but another human, not some purple blooded, destined for great things, fin-faced prince? He feels slightly insignificant, even if he doesn't show it with how he acts. But he's just another face in the crowd, when he should be the one the crowd is throwing their attention to, he shouldn't be some finless human with the same blood as everyone around him, nothing is familiar and nothing is how it should be, so even something small like Shrimp Alfredo, while doing nothing to fix the problem he has, it just sorta... Helps with its familiarity to the sea.]

[It's so stupid, which is why he won't even really mention more than he did, but yep that's basically why he's been leaning towards any food that has direct relation to the sea... This comfort-seeking could also explain a bit about his pokemon and why he gets so defensive over his water types, but whatever.]

Edited 2011-11-23 16:44 (UTC)

[ his eyebrows raise. so that's it. that's all of it. the reason why Eridan has so many water Pokebeasts. because it brings Eridan comfort. now Karkat feels like a bit of an ass. Karkat would make fun of him for it, but really that was just the sea dweller's way of coping. it makes sense and he bites his lip a little. Karkat's not going to bring attention to the fact that he gets it. no, that would be just like calling him out. instead, he nods his head at Eridan. acceptance. that's how that's going to roll.

but he still doesn't know what he wants, so... ]

I guess I'll have the same. Same thing to eat, that is.

[He glances up from the menu he was just hiding be and eyes Karkat. Huh, he didn't think the Shrimp Alfredo would really interest him... At all. But that's fine, Karkat can get what he wants. If Karkat does like the dish, it's all for the betterment anyways!]

Good choice. [He offers with a smile. But seeing as their minds are made up, once the waitress comes around again--GUESS WHO IS ORDERING FOR THEM, yep Eridan Ampora is. He got some tricks up his sleeve. Of course, this is only because he rehearsed this! He's definitely not suave normally, not at all. In fact, he's generally really shitty at all of this, but goddamnit when he sets his mind to it, he can do anything! Even have a good date! And he's going to see to it that he does.]

[ don't think Karkat isn't still eying Ampora. he still in. there's still a very wary expression on his face, but at least it's more relaxed. sure, the shrimp alfredo might be a surprise, but really? Karkat doesn't know what to get and if it's good enough for Eridan? it's probably good enough for Karkat. ]

Heh.

[ okay, maybe a little amused. ]

[With the waitress leaving with their orders, Eridan finds himself looking to Karkat. Partially because he could feel the others eyes on him. He reaises his eyebrows curiously at the wary expression, but he keeps a sanctimonious smile.]

This place is pretty fuckin' quick with their food, so we shouldn't be waitin' long... But, Kar, what're we plannin' on doin' from here, I mean... Other than collectin' supplies and buildin' up funds. Are we gonna start trawelin' soon after, or are we gonna start gettin' those badges?

[Idle chitchat yep yep.]

[ he rubs at the back of his neck, thinking it over. what are they going to do? well... ]

John says there are two points to this game. The first one is the badges and the second is to capture and train all of these Pokebeasts. So, badges first. I was thinking of training here until I was strong enough to beat the Gym leader and then kind of... Move on?

That makes sense. I guess. I mean, how many a these things are there? We'we seen quite a fuckin' lot, but there can't honestly be much more than that, right?

[Or so he hopes, cuz if there's like a couple hundred or something FUCK THAT. Karkat can deal with this bullshit. He'll do the badges, sure, but...]

You know, I have no idea how many there are.

[ that is something he should REALLY ask about. ]

Kinda hard to catch them all, if you don't ewen know the amount.

Thank you, Ampora, for being obvious.

Er...

[Oops.]

Well, anyway, we can just ask later or whatewer.

[SURE IS THE WAITRESS BRINGING THEM SOME GLASSES OF WATER TO DRINK, thank god, Eridan could use some right now. His nerves are starting to get to him a little.]

[When she places the glasses down, he definitely takes a good drink from his, of course, not looking suspiciously nervous or anything!]

[ Karkat observes the water. then looks at Eridan. Karkat can tell the other is nervous. to be fair, Karkat is a little too. the difference is that Karkat reacts differently. he gets edgy. best stop that right now, Mister Vantas. Eridan is actually trying here and you should have enough respect for him and his feelings to try to be a good boy. ]

It's not that big of a deal.

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I might not be the right one

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