perfectmatch | week two

[ he's not giving up the hand that's in hers, but with his other one he meets the tentacle with an outstretched palm. then be begins humming the first bit of this melody. he's not sure if the octopus can hear it, but there is an Attempt being made regardless. ]

[ It seems to recognize... something. Vibrations from the sound waves or the touch of his palm to the glass, because it does tap lightly at the glass once. ]

Look at that! I think it appreciates the greeting!

[ ooooh. luka finishes out the bar, a small smile on his face. ]

Then I'll need to wish it goodbye before we leave. [ there. might be a crowd beginnning to gather because even if luka wasn't singing proper, he could probably put the mermaids deeper inside out of business given the siren-like quality of his voice.

luka either hasn't noticed or is used to being gawked at where it doesn't register. ]

[ Well, if it doesn't bother him, she won't comment on it. It was nice just getting to hear him sing (briefly, humming) again. ]

Then make sure it's a good one before we head on. It might always remember it.

Okay, but I'll give you a better one before we leave.

[ this is as flirty as it was before, but she'll also hear that there's something softer in it.

but for now he just cocks his head at her, squeezing her hand gently. where next? (he's never been to an aquarium before and he can't see past the small crowd of people... ) ]

[ Hm. She's already taking the lead, through the crowd of people as though she isn't about to let them slow her down. ]

What's your favorite color, Luka?

[ through the crowd they go! ]

Purple. What's yours?

I like pink!

But it'd be interesting if we could find some purple fish, don't you think?

[ She can't think of one of the top of her head. ]

[ oh that explains her outfit.

>> luka will remember this. ]

We can make it a scavenger hunt. For pink and purple fish. [ all he knows are alien fish... ]

That's a great idea! Then a scavenger hunt and we'll end it in the gift shop.

[ She's here for it! ]

Okay, then we start...now! [ it's his turn to pull her along because he's excited.

the desire to compete runs in his blood but also, he just likes games like this. he'll pick a random corridor to go down which is-

-where they keep the penguins. ]

[ Maya lets out a delighted laugh once she sees where they're at. ]

Penguins! They're cute, aren't they?

They're clumsy looking. [ but like, in an adorable way judging by his tone.

he's slowing down to really look at them. ]

Maybe, but I think that's what makes them charming!

[ Look at them waddle and hop! ]

[ he was taught to be graceful in everything from the way he breathes, to how he moves, to how he speaks. awkward charm is mostly lost on him even if he can see it, he doesn't understand it.

he sure is trying though.

one of the penguins belly flops down the rock into the water. ]

That's what their bodies are made for...

Yeah, they're speedy little things once they're in the water. Sort of like seals, in that regard. They're very supportive partners, too!

[ And sure enough, more of them are zipping around in the water now, doing beautiful water acrobatics. ]

[ oh that's actually impressive. he certainly can't swim that good. ]

Supportive partners? In what way?

When there are eggs, both of them tend to take turns taking care of them. It's not just the female; the male will stay with the nest too.

I also read that there are certain types of penguins that present their potential mates with pebbles, as part of a courtship attempt.

[ Penguins are so fascinating. ]

[ (processing all of this . . . ) ]

They're birds, right? I know that birds sing for courtships too.

A lot of birds do, yeah. I wonder if penguins also sing, or if that's something reserved for birds that fly...

[ She's trying to remember if she's ever heard like. Penguin birdsong. ]

[ he should buy a book on penguins at the giftshop, let's see if he remembers. though for right now- ]

Should I sing to them too?

Would you like to?

[ That's his call, not hers. ]

[ "like to..." he has to sit with that for a second. ]

The octopus might get jealous. [ so probably not. but really his reasoning is as simple as he's enjoying just talking with her without other people looking on.

he'll tug them away from the penguins, moving through the rest of the exhibit which houses seals and puffins. ]

Do you like everything related to the ocean, Maya?

Not everything. I don't really know what to think about squids.

[ Weird lil guys. ]

But I do like how much is contained beneath the waves. Hidden depths.

[ a light huff. ]

That sounds like how they describe space in the books here.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject