We need to work deeper

[waterfell]

Mercury is in a vast, open room made of marble with elegantly carved pillars and supports, that all could have come from a temple in ancient Greece. But instead of an altar, pride of place is given to a massive supercomputer. The terminal and viewscreens take up the entire far wall, where she gives them her full attention.

Her eyes barely move as she studies the computer intently, scrolling through lines of code and occasionally taking down notes. There! She sees exactly how to fix that problem now, one that's been nagging at her for what seems like weeks. But after long enough, her head starts to droop over the console and the words on the screen blur into her thoughts, and then into darkness as she falls asleep.

Ami wakes with a start. Nighttime shadows remind her of how long she's been sitting in this chair, with a can of tea leaves and a hot cup of strongly brewed tea to keep her company while she works through the long hours. The marble hall becomes a comfortable room, modern and spacious, with heavily-laden bookshelves and tropical fish. The massive supercomputer is none other than her laptop. With a pang of irritation, she realizes she can't remember the answer that was so clear a moment ago in her dream. She sits up straight, and goes back to her task right away.

Her eyes barely move as she studies the computer intently, scrolling through lines of code and occasionally taking down notes...

(ooc: since it's a dream in a dream, people can feel free to choose which to catch her at/flit through both)

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[waterfell]

It took a moment to sum it up. It took a moment to make her decision in the first place.

"For the time being," she said finally, "I want to be on this lake with you."

[decaying]

"Fair enough."

THat being the case, he eased again, pulling her just a bit closer now that he was given permission to in a sense. Although this wasn't exactly his definition of a good time, he enjoyed the peace and calm. Even the cold seemed to be in good taste. He leaned on her, eyes closing.

[waterfell]

For a second, the gesture surprised her. Ami looked at Kanda for a long moment before she leaned back against the side of the boat in a more relaxed and natural posture. It was a good chance to think, or to at least try to clear her head.

It was alright like this.

"You said you want to be here with me, too," she observed as she glanced upward at the sky. "Why is it?"

[decaying]

"Because I like spending time with you, isn't that obvious?"

There came his bluntness. He didn't even hesitate to respond, it came out so fluidly he was surprised.

"I don't like people. I never really feel comfortable. You're different. Even when you're angry or being annoying, it's not that bad." And he chuckled at that. He sure did enjoy insulting her in the past.

[waterfell]

Her answer would have been different. Kanda was strong, powerful; and he suited her. Their temperaments matched in the way they treated the world around them. Towards her, he was neither too soft, nor cruel. He knew necessity, and had a strong drive.

The current of the lake was still and calm, and the boat barely dipped with the tiny wavelets.

"Maybe it's because I'm not the same as most people, and neither are you." They both understood what it was like to be outside.

"However," she added, "you should say those things, if you think them." It wasn't always obvious. Not to her.

[decaying]

"Will you do the same?" He's aware he's been the one who has actually said more cheesy things than she has. But considering how they started, with her fists and her sassy tongue, he figured he shouldn't ask for any miracles.

Whether she said she liked him or not, Kanda wasn't going to to demand it all in words. A kiss wasn't just a kiss. It was a lot more. He turned his head and burrowed into the side of her neck.

[waterfell]

"Haven't I already shown you?" It was so much easier to just go after what she wanted, to even be forceful in taking it. It was much, much harder to quietly admit that she needed it, and ask for it.

"I don't know how to say sweet words," she told Kanda. Perhaps it said something, at least, to notice she didn't tell him to move.

[decaying]

Kanda didn't blame her, to say things like that meant there was always going to be some difficulty saying it regardless of what emotion was inherently felt. This particular exorcist had never quite bothered with talk. He had gotten really good at actions. When he didn't like someone, he insulted them or tried to kill them. This shouldn't be so different, he figured.

"Then don't tell me," he started, lifting his head and instead reached to turn her face towards him. "Show me. It's easier, right? If you want to be with me, be with me. If you want to tell me something sweet, then you can just kiss me." Because like hell he was going to be raking his head all the time for something 'sweet' to say.

[waterfell]

It was the same for her: She didn't care so much if Kanda was soft and sweet. She probably wouldn't think much of him if he was. What was more important was simply that he was there.

"I'll remember that," she told him. They were very close, just as he said kiss me, and she found herself thinking of it, here, in the middle of the lake, on this boat. Appropriate.

[decaying]

Kanda noticed their proximity and quite frankly, he didn't mind it. Instead, he smirked, realizing what he had just said and how it might have sounded. If Ami hadn't pushed him out of the way yet, clearly she didn't mind it. So why hesitate.

"We need some practice." He muttered before leaning in the rest of the way and meeting his lips with hers.

[waterfell]

It managed to catch her off-guard and pin her in place. The oars were long since forgotten, and the boat drifted gently wherever the current carried it. Ami found herself ignoring the inner voice telling her to wait, to turn around and stop this before it went further.

Light touches, experimental, gave way to something deeper and hungrier, as if, if she couldn't be sure what tomorrow would bring, she'd have her fill of what she wanted today.

How strange that a part of her could still want to experience something like this.

SORRY I'M LATE

[luv_n_looks]

[there are bushes.

cute bushes. well-trimmed bushes. innocent little bushes. they may have rustles from time to time, but it was the wind, right?

nnnnnnnnnope.

there's an excited squeal that has a tone of having been repressed as long as possible, but grew too big for restraint. it's long and loud, and devolves into shrieking as a certain blonde trips and tumbles out of those lovely little bushes.]

[decaying]

[Kanda sure enjoys these sort of moments. At least he's really starting to. He didn't stop, their kisses ended but he made sure to start new ones, his arms around her waist holding her nice and fit against him.

And then he heard that weird sound. A shriek.]

What the- [Was someone in trouble? He pulled away from Ami for a moment.] Did you hear that?

[waterfell]

[She did, and she was alert at once, spinning around for a better look at their surroundings-

and the unmistakable blond hair, and the voice behind that squeal. Her eyes narrow as she draws a very different conclusion. Someone is not in trouble. Someone is sneaking around.]

Who's there?

[luv_n_looks]

[well

uh

no point in trying to play it off as an accident

so though wide-eyed, Mina attempts a strange smile from the vantage point of being flat on the ground with leaves in her hair]

Hiiiiiiii.

[decaying]

Minako...

[What the hell was she doing there. How long had she been there! He shoved Ami off of him and leaned over the boat.]

Get lost, annoying woman! What the hell do you think you're doing, Minako!

[This ain't no peep-show!]

[waterfell]

[As she recognizes just who belongs to those features, a hot flush sweeps across Ami's face despite herself. She shoots Kanda a quick, angry look when he shoves her, but she regains her balance quickly, and turns the anger towards Mina.]

Just what are you trying to pull? [Yes, anger will dispel the embarrassment. It will.]

[luv_n_looks]

[Mina sits up, completely not embarrassed, and dusts herself off and pulls leaves out of her hair as she talks]

I'm making sure darling Ami's very first date goes as perfectly as it should! Recording it for posterior! She's all grown up and flying off to bright new horizons!

[clasping her hands in front of her face, Mina puts on an exaggerated expression and air of being moved to tears, and clearly fakes a choked voice:]

I'm so proud!

[decaying]

[Kanda didn't like being flustered that way, he couldn't ignore the fact this was somewhat of a date. They were making out, after all. That wouldn't be a reason to kill her. He had to find something else.]

That's none of your business, you shouldn't be eavesdropping!

[waterfell]

[Posterity, Mina. Not posterior. Posterior is what you landed on a few moments ago. A part of Ami's mind can't help noticing.

A girl who mistakes her words, and a senshi, shouldn't be trying to ridicule her. She smiles brightly, falsely, and something glitters in her too-dark eyes.]

Since you had to come alone instead, Venus, I'll give you some advice, if you want!

[luv_n_looks]

[..................pft.

PFFFHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAAAAAHAHAHAAHAHA.

oh god her sides hurt]


Honey-- Ami, no. It's too much. I can't.

[decaying]

[Kanda could sense that was a little uncalled for from the blond. He turned to look at Ami and then back at Minako.]

What did you expect from a whore, Ami. You can't teach women like her. If she knows any better she'll get lost.

[waterfell]

[A different her would have told Kanda just how inappropriate that was, and defended Mina immediately. At another time, she might have at least said that was going too far. But right now, she's hurt angry over Mina making a mockery of her.

Ami consciously makes sure her smile doesn't drop; but instead of intervening, she simply lets the other two argue. And she watches it, to all appearances interested and amused.]