beenoble | Duplicity Inbox

You deserved to know, you're a friend.

But since you bothered to even come here, I could treat you to something to eat? Or drink! Or... something. I was just gonna ask if we could hang out at your apartment for awhile, but since we're here...

There is no need to treat me for something like that. But I would love to share a meal with you here. Come, let us find somewhere comfortable to sit.

There's no need, but I want to! So if I catch you trying to pay, I'm gonna be mad.

[Though, it is at least said jokingly. Thankfully, there is a nice corner nearby, free from people dressed up as cats seducing other people and the people getting drunk at the bar. It's pretty quiet.]

So, get what you want.

[Ferdinand smirks at her, the gleam in his eyes indicating a challenge.]

Ooh, we cannot have that. But what if I want to treat a friend because she has been through something horrible, and I want to express that I care and want to lift her up? Would you deny me that?

Don't even try. You already cooked something for me, but I can't cook, so this is the next best thing! Don't you want to let your friend exercise her new right to purchase things??? Or even get it for a discount because she works there!

[She points at her eyes and points back, like bring it on you dumb boy.]

[Ferdinand's eyes widen as he realizes that she makes an indubitably good point, one that any bit of persuasive ammunition he might have to contest against hers would never match or hope to defeat. The nature of his smile shifts from one of self-assuredness to affable compliance, his palms raising up above the table.]

All right. I concede to your extraordinarily compelling arguments. I would like to try the 'cat-purr-ese' salad.

[It's pretty much a caprese salad, just catpunned up because I have a compulsion I have to heed.]

[When Ferdinand concedes, a smug smirk appears on her face before she calls someone over so they can order. A cat-purr-ese salad and a catsu curry, delicious food.]

I knew you'd give in and see it my way. A totally reasonable change of heart! I'll let you win next time, though, okay? We can trade.

[Ferdinand huffs good-naturedly, crossing his arms.]

There is no satisfaction to be had in victory if it is just handed to you! But next time, I will definitely get one over you. For now, I will simply accept defeat and enjoy my salad, courtesy of you.

What, so I should make it worthwhile? I think I can do that. I'll even pretend to lose horribly. People love that act on variety shows!

[But she does laugh, at least, good-naturedly. All things considered, she does seem somewhat happy, and is relaxing a ton now that someone familiar is around.]

[Having her be happy and relaxed like this is wonderful to see in light of the underlying awareness of what she had gone through.]

Variety shows! What are those?

[She blinks at him a moment, confused, but then she remembers: he's like, old-fashioned or something. She can explain. She's got you, Ferdinand.]

So, you know those TVs that are everywhere here? And the stuff that gets shown on them? Variety shows are like that, but they have all kinds of games and skits and comedy and talking. It's normal for idols to show up on them since you've gotta be able to promote your brand.

[And while she's talking, their food comes. Delicious.]

I see... How fascinating. I can see the appeal. If I were able watch my favorite singer do anything on TV, I would be hooked to the screen! It must be good for your popularity. [He tries a bite of his salad, nodding approvingly, and swallows. The mozzarella slices are shaped like cat heads...] May I ask what a 'brand' is for a performer?

Stuff that's associated with you. Like some idols have a cute phrase or a cute hand signal... or a personality! Everyone thinks I'm really dumb because that's how I act. People like the cute, clumsy, dumb idol girl act.

[Her katsu is shaped like a cat head too, meticulous meat cutting... but it's cute. And she takes a couple of bites.]

I am pretty popular, though. I can fill arenas that fit like, fifty thousand people? That's how big the Tokyo Dome is...

[They like her acting stupid? Ferdinand looks a bit puzzled as he tries to understand the appeal, because it sounds a bit insulting and not at all how she comes across to him. His eyes then widen as he tries to comprehend what fifty thousand spectators looks like. His fork began to slip in his hold.]

Staggering! Why, that is like... the population of an entire city! And that is not even the extent of your fans... Needless to say, I am impressed!

[She laughs, too, at his reaction. And she reaches out to make sure he doesn't actually drop his fork.]

It took a lot of hard work! And it wasn't just because of me, my groupmates were just as important for that, too. But I am pretty in-demand. Or I was.

[It's only then that he realizes his grip had slackened at all to begin with and a bit of transient embarrassment flashes across him, but he recovers with a smile and a proper hold. And then, looking at Ruby again, he sees her a little more clearly, a bit of who she had been before Duplicity reduced her as it does anyone else, especially Submissives. Currently, he is face to face with a sensational star, sharing a meal with her, which is something that so many people from her own world could only dream of doing. It feels so exclusive, so special, and it's a feeling he enjoys. In a way, it's quite similar to how it felt to be in Dorothea's presence as her classmate, especially for the first times... though, perhaps somewhat better, considering how much contempt she had given him right from the get-go. Ruby harbors none of that. And then, to hear her not only credit hard work, but that of her groupmates, appeals to him.]

I do not doubt that for a moment. Oh! Could you indulge my curiosity a little more? Please show me one of your cute hand signals.

[She makes a heart with her hands. But she seems animated and happy while actually talking about her idol work in a way Ferdinand probably hasn't seen yet.]

It's pretty simple for me. My brand's in my personality and not in what I do. But Memcho's all about her youtube channel, and Kana's an actress! So we put a lot of effort into our skills and personality. It's what makes us popular. It's not easy, but I love it. I know I've made tons of people happy.

[Ohh!?! His heart is on fire! Ferdinand just experienced the feeling of 'moe', and he looks giddy about it, gripping his own thighs beneath the table.]

Including me! [he exclaims with a hand to his heart.] I am quite happy right now. And I have yet to experience you at your fullest power! Oh, if there is any way at all for me to watch one of your performances, that would be fantastic. I know that it is probably impossible right now for you to do it quite like you did at home, especially without your groupmates, but it is a new dream of mine to at least get a taste of it.

[She knows the feeling of being overcome by moe. She's an idol fan, it's something she's experienced numerous times.]

Hubert said he'd be my producer, so... there's always a chance you can catch some solo shows. I can't let myself get rusty, right? So you'll definitely get a taste of it!

[But, she knows there's something else she wants to try asking, and maybe she can make it sound like a smooth transition?]

But you could have a taste of it now, if you wanted. Like. Me. If we had sex. If you wanted to have sex!

[Nailed it. (Or not, she's turning bright red because she knows she fumbled that.)]

[Help!! He was NOT expecting that sudden segue into having sex, and he gets properly astonished, then aflame with embarrassment. They match.]

Sex...! Yes! Of course I would... [Right here, in front of his salad?] That is... definitely a way to show me your performance!

[Is it?!]

[Aaaaaaa.]

It's! More of a beginner performance in this case! But think of it as special fan treatment or something!

[Oh my god she can't believe she did this, she wants to die.]

[STILL EXTREMELY EMBARRASSED... He laughs nervously.]

Hahaha! Quite special, indeed! Though not exactly what I was picturing...

[And then he adds, so as not to give her the wrong idea:]

Not that I do not also like the idea of your special treatment! But only if it is something that you truly want to do.

I mean! I... wouldn't say something if it wasn't something I wanted to do... I'm just. Not... used to asking. Or anything, really.

[She shakes her head rapidly.]

So seriously, don't worry about it or anything, okay? At least, if you're thinking I don't want it, because I do. And! I totally trust you enough for it!

All right! I will trust in your word in turn.

[And he will try not to think too hard about it right now! He shovels salad into his mouth, considers what she said a little harder, and, failing a little, asks for a bit of clarification.]

And when you say now, did you mean... after we are finished eating?

I mean!

[She turns red and her curry seems far more interesting for a little bit.]

... If you want to? I don't have anything going on...

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