week two | dates

[marriagebroker]

Kiss the girl~!

Or guy.

Or person.

Or Messmer's snake.

Comments

rom and poppy

[marriagebroker]

Rom and Poppy are taken to an occult shop. A massive one too, with tons of nooks and crannies and places to get lost inside of it.

Highlights

• It's a little spooky tho.
• Definitely haunted.
• The camera crew is scared.

[phenomerom]

[ ... well. At least he feels pretty at home in this one.

Rom holds the door open for Poppy to enter first, but follows right behind her as he glances around the place, taking in the ghosts lurking in the corners. ]

Ahaha. I see.

[ Just. Gonna say that out loud, like it's totally normal, and then offer zero explanation afterwards. ]

ringo and furina

[marriagebroker]

Ringo and Furina are taken to a ballroom dancing class. It should be light, fun, and a way to get to know each other better. The instructor is easy and casual and the other classmates are welcoming.

Highlights

• This is
• Just an excuse
• To feel each other up.

[hexensabbat]

[This call-out...

Anyway!!

Ballroom dancing class! This is exciting! Ringo is practically vibrating with her eagerness to try something so far removed from anything she's ever done before.

Still, when it comes to Furina--]

I bet you're already an old hat at this sort of thing, huh?

ringo and luka

[marriagebroker]

Ringo and Luka are taken to an outdoor archery range. They'll be give bows and arrows and sent off to enjoy the activity.

Highlights

• There is an instructor on staff who will guide them if they need.
• Otherwise, have at it! Enjoy the space.
• Please don't shoot each other.

[hexensabbat]

Archery, huh...?

[Ringo squints at the bow in her hand, and then at the targets down the way.

And then she glances over at Luka with a quirked eyebrow.]

Familiar at all to you?

ringo and edamura

[marriagebroker]

Ringo and Edamura are taken bungee-jumping. Yeah. It'll be one of those super secure ones above a river or something so it is safe! But also... adventure!

Highlights

• The staff will warn them not to have a heavy meal before their date.
• And to wear athletic clothing.
• But otherwise, no spoilers!

[hexensabbat]

[Oh hell yeah. Hell yeah!!!

Once they're at the top of the cliff, Ringo peers over the edge fearlessly, beaming.]

Heyyy, not bad!

ringo and poppy

[marriagebroker]

Ringo and Poppy are taken to an electronics store, specializing in the vintage, with the aim to rebuild a vintage computer. They'll be given all the parts for it and advised that it's in perfectly good condition but they'll have to put it back together themselves.

Highlights

• The store is rented out just for them to hang out and snoop as well!
• There's no food allowed in the store. :(
• But they can go next door for pizza afterwards.

[hexensabbat]

[Wooooow!!!

Ringo blinks at the parts they're given and also just the general vibes of the store, and.

As she holds up a very old circuit board, she just looks baffled.]

... Isn't this, like. Stone age technology?

ringo and yingying

[marriagebroker]

Ringo and Yingying are taken to some tulip fields. It's beautiful and aesthetic af though it's kind of weirdly European compared to what they've dealt with so far. Huh!

Highlights

• There will be a pretty cafe nearby to enjoy the sights with some tea.
• They are not allowed to pick the tulips.
• It smells amazing.

[hexensabbat]

[Huh!!!

Once they've made it there, Ringo just has her hands planted on her hips, expression bemused.]

This counts as a date?

ringo and rom

[marriagebroker]

Ringo and Rom are taken to a haunted ship. For funsies. For the aesthetic. Just to vibe.

Highlights

• Rom will run into one of his fans again.
• This place... is not haunted.
• Not even the hint of a ghost.

[hexensabbat]

[......

Well.

She pauses as she squints at the big banner on the ship, expression amused despite herself.]

Think it makes it more or less haunted to advertise with a banner?

furina and poppy

[marriagebroker]

Furina and Poppy are taken to the aquarium. It's a different aquarium than the other date, I swear! It's still massive though, and lovely, and filled with everything you would want to see at an aquarium.

Highlights

• Also lowkey, that other aquarium might not treat their fish right.
• But this one does.
• There is NOT a seafood restaurant here.

[enscene]

Huh... I guess you were onto something. They don't look exactly alike, but some kind of fish really must be the same everywhere. I might be able to impress you with my knowledge after all.

[What does that mean for the rest of the people playing along with them and their respective worlds? As little as they all seem to have in common in terms of culture and the things they own, Furina thinks the real message is that they share much more than it seems.

She's standing at the pane of a jellyfish tank, her hand raising as one of them floats steadily upwards, trailing its path without touching the glass.]

furina and nico

[marriagebroker]

Furina and Nico are taken to the circus. They get great tickets too, front row seats to the show, and a backstage pass to meet the performers after if they want.

Highlights

• There is cotton candy and popcorn and all sorts of treats.
• And light up toys!
• This is an ethical circus btw, I swear.

[crimsin]

[ He went off to get snacks and is now arriving back at their seats with a massive tub of popcorn for them to share. Cotton candy too if she wants. He’s just here for the novelty of junk food, tbh. ]

It is my first time seeing a circus where the acrobats are not actual bats.

[ Acro-bats. ]

furina and yingying

[marriagebroker]

Furina and Yingying are taken to a rollerskating rink. Disco music, bright colors, fair food, it's got everything you could want!

Highlights

• There will be someone to help them get fitted properly if they need it.
• That same someone will also teach them if they need it too.
• But otherwise, it's up to them to have fun! (Kiss.)

[enscene]

Whew... [Furina is seated, hands braced on her bare knees. Her calves are going to hate her by the time all these athletic dates are over... but she should probably be listening to Crabaletta about keeping a closer eye on her shape, anyway.] I caught wind of things like these before, but who could have known there were so many ways to "skate"?

[She spares Yingying a quick glance, waiting for the other shoe (or skate) to fall and for her to be on the receiving end of her gestures or the flirtations that Furina knows can't be meant genuinely for her. This doesn't really seem like the typical haunt for a flirtatious wisteria fairy.]

furina and maya

[marriagebroker]

Furina and Maya are taken to a froyo shop. It's cute, it's trendy, and it's got all sorts of flavors. Even weird flavors. Like, is that... durian?

Highlights

• Treat yo self.
• There will be a lot of catchy pop music playing on the speakers.
• The cashier is a teenager.

[scooptimistic]

So, the problem is...

[ Very Seriously-- ]

We probably can't mix them all together and end up with something amazing.

furina and verso

[marriagebroker]

Furina and Verso are taken to revolving sushi bar. The sushi is actually pretty good, despite the fact this place is kind of cheap. The music's not too bad. There's no annoying customers. It's a vibe.

Highlights

• Production is once again paying so eat your fill!
• The fatty tuna is the highlight of the menu.
• They also have dessert! It's mochi ice cream.

[enscene]

[All-expenses paid continues to be a weird experience, but upon reflection, she's sharing the deepest parts of herself with this entire production. Anything bought and paid for by the show itself can be considered compensation rendered for services paid. It's only fair.

And despite this not being an upscale restaurant, she's energetically enjoying the theatrical method of delivering the food and the wide variety. If everything tastes good, then it's the whole package.]

Say, didn't your profile mention something about trains? How could you possibly deny this one?

furina and messmer

[marriagebroker]

Furina and Messmer are taken to an arboretum. It's a peaceful place with a few activities, like a hedge maze. But otherwise, it's all for them to walk through and enjoy the sights.

Highlights

• There is a little tea shop on the grounds that serves tea and cakes.
• The weather is slightly cool, which means less visitors.
• Despite that, you've still got the camera crew following you around.

[anathemaw]

[ it's been a while since he visited a place like this. By his men's insistence, he'd spared the lushest forests of Rauh, but even that was ages ago - the war-blighted landscape around his keep is the only scenery he's known for years. Well, aside from the house, obviously. Messmer looks decidedly out of place in the full sunlight rather than lurking around in the dark. His winged serpents, on the other hand, seem to be enjoying it, their heads lifted curiously. ]

... Long has it been last I set foot in such a place.

[ he probably doesn't belong here, what with his flames. ]

odile and yi sang

[marriagebroker]

Odile and Yi Sang are taken to the botanical gardens. It's peaceful, it's quiet, it's full of beauty.

Highlights

• There are a lot of insects though.
• They sell water bottles if you get too dehydrated.
• And there are plenty of places to sit and rest.

[poans]

[It's quiet, which is quite how he prefers it to be.

As for the insects, Yi Sang is now equipped with the proper layers and footwear to field such an outing amid nature's bounty. The cuffed sleeves of his shirt wrap around his wrists, and a coat hangs from his shoulders. If the temperature rises, he'll simply move to the shade. There are plenty of places to stop (hm) from a glance.

For now, the two of them reach the gardens' entrance, where the sprawling view of the flowers meets them. Predictably, Yi Sang stands in silence.]

odile and yingying

[marriagebroker]

Odile and Yingying are taken to a beautiful lake where they can have a swan boat ride. The white boat is meant for two people, to pedal together, and ride around the lake.

Highlights

• They will be given lifejackets, of course.
• It takes a lot more effort than you might expect to drive these things.
• But it's really, really pretty?

[embellwish]

[ Yingying can be seen giving the pedals one big ?????????? once they're pushed out into the lake to fend for themselves. Bicycles didn't exist in her time! And neither did pretty swan boats. ]

There's no oars...?

odile and maya

[marriagebroker]

Odile and Maya are taken to a fondue restaurant. Cheese and meats and breads and all kinds of things are dipped and enjoyed at this place. And for dessert, there's chocolate to dip into as well!

Highlights

• This is making me hungry.
• Man, I really want fondue.
• There will be tea for Odile though.

let's go to the melting pot, squee--

[scooptimistic]

Ohhhhh!

[ She looks so happy. ]

Odile, have you ever had fondue before? It's come up during your travels, right?

odile and luka

[marriagebroker]

Odile and Luka are taken to IKEA. Yeah, you get the IKEA date. Good luck!

Highlights

• This is a massive store, one of their flagship locations.
• Huge plant section though, which is nice.
• If you buy Wei Wuxian a blåhaj, he will cry.

[researcherstory]

[ I joked about IKEA and IKEA I received. Wei Wuxian will get his transgender supporting plush. ]

...

[ Still. It's... ]

I don't believe I've ever seen so many homes in one open space plan.

[ There's so much stuff??? ]

yingying and yi sang

[marriagebroker]

Yingying and Yi Sang are taken to IHOP. There is coffee. There is pancakes. There are multiple types of syrup. The tonal dissonance of Yi Sang and an IHOP is not lost of production. They're freaking out.

Highlights

• The camera crew will be hovering around to capture every angle.
• Because Yi Sang... eating pancakes?
• Yingying eating pancakes?!

[poans]

[Ah, the rich scent of sweetness greets him again. At least the aroma of coffee offsets it somewhat this time.

Thanks to Aventurine, Yi Sang is now additionally outfitted with a tie, a vest, and shoes to match. A coat hangs from his shoulders in his preferred style, and he moves comfortably in these new layers as he holds the door open for Yingying. If the camera crew is freaking out, he either doesn't notice or acknowledge it.]

Mind your step, Miss Yingying.

yingying and poppy

[marriagebroker]

Yingying and Poppy are taken to a local carnival. It's got tons of food and rides and is just exciting all around!

Highlights

• There is a Tunnel of Love.
• Maybe you should ride it.
• (And kiss.)

[fireball]

[ There is a carnival here after all!! This rules, Poppy looking around excitedly. ]

Okay, so there's lots of rides and stuff, but there's also all kinds of wild food too. I heard they can deep fry anything you can think of.

[ Without thinking, she slips her hand into Yingying's, ready to pull her along to take off — but first... ]

Where do you want to go first?

[ Poppy has been to carnivals before! She doesn't think Yingying has? So, maybe she should be the one to decide what they should start off with. ]

edamura and poppy

[marriagebroker]

Edamua and Poppy are taken to a rage room. There they will be suited up and given all the things they want to smash and rage with the rest of 'em.

Highlights

• There will be a two hour limit. I promise this is more than enough time.
• There are baseball bats and crowbars and sledgehammers to use.
• Remember your safety goggles at all times!

[ordimame]

[LOW KEY CONFESSION. . . . . . . . . he has always wanted to do this]

[adjusts his gloves first, then the goggles on his face, features TOTALLY NEUTRAL AND UNREADABLE like a COOL DUDE GETTING READY FOR BATTLE]

Hey, Li-san.

Is there anyone in your life that you reeeeeally hate?

messmer and serpilia

[marriagebroker]

Messmer and Serpilia are taken to the natural history museum. There they can learn about the general history of the planet Earth. Maybe this will help?

Highlights

• The food court is tight.
• High ceilings for Messmer not to feel bad.
• Dino exhibit is the best.

[anathemaw]

[ well, isn't this nostalgic... Messmer lifts his head to gaze upwards at the surroundings, the motion mimicked by the snake at his shoulder. ]

A familiar place.

[ ? ]

messmer and nico

[marriagebroker]

Messmer and Nico are taken to the zoo. The production is a little unsure of this one because isn't Nico a vampire? Daylight? So, they'll probably ask Nico first if he's okay with going in the day but if he is not, they will take them at night.

Highlights

• Seriously, we're not here to kill the vampire.
• At least the animals are still mmmmostly awake.
• The penguins are cute.

[crimsin]

[ A night time walk at the zoo is just fine for Nico, who’s frankly just happy to be here… or anywhere. He has a map of the place in his hand, peering at it thoughtfully. ]

I wonder if your companions might enjoy the reptile house…?

[ The snakes also deserve to have a good time. ]

messmer and edamura

[marriagebroker]

Messmer and Edamura are taken to eat dim sum. It's a pretty nice place, lots of families come through, no one pays any mind to Messmer weirdly enough? And the food is awesome. So, eat your fill!

Highlights

• Once again, production is paying so eat however much you want.
• There is water for the snakes to drink.
• The waitstaff is very friendly.

[anathemaw]

[ food is fine, even if he has to eat it with this guy... and even if he doesn't know what it is. Both of Messmer's serpents are periscoped up above the table, eyeing the various plates, while Messmer himself looks vaguely apprehensive. ]

... What manner of meal is this?

[ some of it looks suspiciously close to Impure Hornsent Food (TM), except with fewer scorpions. ]

messmer and maya

[marriagebroker]

Messmer and Maya are taken to a dog cafe. There's plenty of pups around who want love and affection. It's a chill place, with a cool vibe. Please, enjoy!

Highlights

• The dogs are not scared of the snakes.
• They want cuddles.
• The food is bomb.

[scooptimistic]

[ Maya, carrying three fluffy puppies already in her lap-- ]

This is the best day.

messmer and poppy

[marriagebroker]

Messmer and Poppy are going bowling. It's a nice place with a retro vibe and there are even shoes that fit Messmer. Hell yeah!

Highlights

• The nachos are great.
• They also have beer.
• But the real highlight is the comfy bowling shoes!

[anathemaw]

[ he's standing there holding the comically large shoes in one hand and wondering where he went wrong in his life......... which he does often, but especially now. ]

What foolishness is this?