perfectmatch | week three

[ ... this feels weirdly nostalgic, but like, in a neutral way, not necessarily a good way. Rom's demeanor is the same as ever, but he does seem to glance around a little more than usual as they enter. And as Odile begins to peruse the teas on offer, Rom leans in to ask, ]

I don't suppose you'd be able to recommend something for me? Something not too earthy or bitter.

[ It is someplace Odile is clearly comfortable in too, and at Rom's request she hums softly. ]

... White-tip oolong may suit your tastes. It has a honeyed taste, so it's sweet without being overly so, and the fragrance it produces when stepping is enjoyable even by those who prefer their tea on the more bitter end.

[ Floral and nice. Very relaxing, the kind that would catch the curiosity of others that passed. ]

Does that sound alright?

White-tip oolong. [ A brief, thoughtful hum before he nods. ] As long as it's nothing too sweet, I'll trust in your tastes. Thank you.

[ Even with the choice made, though, he's still curiously looking at all the teas on display. There's so many. ]

I usually don't mind bitter foods, but when it's tea, it reminds me of some unpleasant things ...

[ There are... and Odile is certainly picking them out at her leisure. They have far too many coffee or nothing drinkers at the house and she is intending to change this.

Also picking some of the more expensive ones for herself. If it's on someone else's budget, she has no limits. ]

Too many medicinals in your youth?

[ As Odile picks out her teas, Rom ambles away briefly to fetch a little basket; he's just gonna hold it in her field of vision and give it a little wiggle so he can carry her things for her. ]

In a way. There's a particular tea my Master favors for when you've been afflicted with a curse or ghostly influence. It works well, but it doesn't make for a pleasant drink, so I've never liked tea much since.

[ Pause, before he points to the most expensive little tin on the shelf before them. ]

How about that one, too?

[ What a gentleman. She'll deposit what she's got already, pausing to look at his suggestion before setting it in his basket too. That should make for an interesting flavor... ]

Good eye, Rom. You've mentioned your master before. [ When talking of her age and likelihood to Get Some but. ] What is she like?

My Master! She's a wonderful woman.

[ Forgive him as he turns to the nearest camera to run PR for a moment: ]

Takeda Mitsue, the Godmother of Downtown! If you're ever in need of fortunetelling or spiritual cleansing, please be sure to seek her help! She won't let you down.

[ Ahem. Looking back to Odile and holding the basket out for any more things she's picked out. ]

I've always looked up to her. She's been rather no-nonsense as far back as I can remember, but she's also always been kind. Not one to ever leave things be if someone is in need of help. A believer in, what's the phrase ... tough love. I respect her tremendously.

[ ...

Expositional PR is not half bad, actually-- ]

She sounds like someone I could get along very well with. Does she advertise her specialties as you do, or does she rely on word of mouth? Each has their advantages and disadvantages, so it speaks nothing on one as a person -- simply a matter of changing times, perhaps.

No, she's still quite old-fashioned in her ways. [ Said bluntly! But not meanly. In fact, there's a bit of teasing affection in the way he continues: ] She still maintains a physical storefront and everything -- quite the traditional way of doing things! So stubborn, when rent costs are so high these days. And her exorcism methods are rather old-fashioned, too, even if they're still just as efficient as the day she first showed them to me.

[ A slight pause before he adds, ]

... her mentor was the one more open to publicity. She was quite famous on television as a medium, cleansing haunted properties and saving haunted families and such.

[ Well-loved mentor, from his tone, even as he speaks on her stubborn ways. It's rather charming, truthfully... but that's because Odile is sentimental at heart, and listening to others like this warms her. Not that it shows, but. It warms her. ]

So it skipped a generation of exorcists. [ Just a little tease. ] It sounds like she raised you right, as far as I'm concerned -- practicality trumps all, when it comes to timelessness. But... in matters of reach, they're merely building blocks.

[ And he might've built off his mentor in that way, if there's such respect in his word. ]

[ It's hard to gauge given his generally owlish countenance, but Rom does smile just a little wider at that. ]

I'd like to think she did. [ Raise him right, that is. As far as he's concerned, she did nothing wrong. ] There was a period of time we were rather at odds, but I'm very glad it's over now.

[ -- but that's enough of that. Rom leans in as he jiggles the basket a little. ]

This is quite a lot of tea, though. Will you be able to drink it all yourself?

I intend to find something everyone may enjoy a cup of.

[ Dropping another blend in. ]

Even the most staunchly opposed to tea drinkers will find themselves unable to resist the allure of one picked out especially for them. Perhaps it is underhanded to use sentimentality in that way, but I have never claimed to be a good woman.

A wonderful choice! [ And, leaning in a little more so the cameras won't catch what he's about to say: ] Especially since it's all on the production's dime~

[ Yes, he knows the lav mics will catch it. That's not the point. It's the pretense at deviousness that he's counting on as part of his image, and Rom gives an ominous chuckle before straightening back up. ]

But please just let me know if you'd like to order a drink to enjoy while we're here. I think I'll go get something for myself, too.

[ When the image-devious meets the real-devious, because that is exactly why Odile has been getting all her heart desires on their high budget.

In any case, she'll take the basket from him. ]

I'll have whatever you have, Rom. Leave me to my tea-pondering.

[ There's still some she needs to think on... ]

Ah, was I getting in your way? [ Said as he hands the basket back over for her to fill. ] Then, I'll be back shortly, Miss Odile. Please enjoy your tea-pondering in peace.

[ As he wanders off!

And a few minutes later he comes ambling back to offer her a transparent plastic take-out cup. It's contains a blooming tea, with a lovely, vibrant magenta flower sitting at the bottom of the cup, petals shifting gently in the pale tea. ]

[ The beautiful color is, unfortunately, lost on Odile. But it is lovely to admire on its own, and she inclines her head in thanks as she takes it from him. ]

You weren't getting in the way, for the record. I simply didn't want you wandering away with my basket.

[ Odile lifts the cup, staring at the flower as it gently shifts at the bottom, and idly holds out the basket of tea blends. Since he's been such a gentleman. ]

... I'm done now, though. All have been accounted for, including our gracious host. Shall we find a place to sit? I believe someplace slightly shaded if we traverse outdoors will do nicely, particularly if the weather stays pleasant.

[ His eyes narrow at the mention of their 'gracious host,' but he won't get into that; Rom just nods as he accepts the basket to carry for her.

If Odile's astute, she might note that it's not a matching blooming tea he has in his other hand, but a much plainer cup -- it carries the mild scent of genmaicha. ]

I think I saw some shaded tables outside that didn't look too crowded. Taking a quiet break sounds nice.

[ She is astute, and she hums somewhat judgingly at his lack of following directions before taking a sip. Florals are fine in her opinion, though she's got to wonder what made him choose it for her...

Something to ask. Along with the narrowed expression. Sometimes the opinions of others informs one of themselves. ]

If a man like yourself is capable of taking a break at all, [ light as it is said, there is meaning to it, ] then I would be glad to join you.

[ So she'll follow his lead on that, as much as she'll miss this tea paradise................... ]

[ Wouldn't you like to know, Odile. ]

Haha, I take plenty of breaks, though? It's always great stress relief when I decide to do a gaming stream, and any revenue made from those is just an incidental bonus!

[ Does Odile even know what streaming is ... Well, no need to worry about that, either way! Rom's quick to lead the way outside, holding the door open for her towards the little seating area just outside the store. ]

Not that our lovely estate is lacking in anything, but this is certainly a nice change of pace, isn't it?

[ She has only recently learned what an "mmorpg" is please spare her your nonsense. PopRompurina should be considered. ]

It is mostly nice to get away from the others, yes. They're all very... friendly.

[ Which is nice and she has enjoyed herself, anyone can see that, but-- ]

I've always preferred smaller things myself, five people at max. It seems most of us flourish among others though. Good for them.

week three | dates

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