It's For Your Own Good

[thechurbyboxmod]

Blind Date Meme



Let's face it, sometimes it's difficult finding someone to share your time, and your heart (or maybe just your body), with. Luckily for you, you have well meaning friends. Unfortunately for you, you have well meaning friends who didn't tell you this was coming. That's right. They have taken it upon themselves (and no doubt friends of friends or family members or someone else who clearly doesn't know you) to arrange a date. Without telling you.

That's right. The dreaded blind date. Which means now you've got to get through at least a reasonable amount of time with a total stranger (or maybe not a stranger if you're particularly, well, we can't say if it's lucky or not) before you can reasonably escape. Maybe it will go well. Maybe this will be the start of the rest of your lives. Maybe you'll get laid. Maybe you'll have a horror story for the ages.

No matter what plays out, though, you're here. Might as well see just how your luck is going to play out.

How to Play

1. Post your character and canon below along with any preferences. Then go back and edit your comment with the next number in order (i.e. first TL is 1, second is 2, etc)

2. Tag other TLs. If a character isn't in normal preferences, ask if they might want a date that goes poorly instead!

3. Optionally, get yourself a truly blind experience by going here and randomly generating a number. Then find the matching TL (numbered back in step one) and enjoy your blind date.

4. For more fun, use the list in the first comment for randomized date locations!

Comments

[ask_whydunit]

Yeah, that makes sense…

[ They were different from mages, in that the amount of recorded knowledge and information collected over generations was kind of a big deal. Spending time researching and recording things was a part of the deal. That said, not all families published their research either for the sake of secrecy and ensuring it continued to gain power rather than be diminished if too many people understood it. He hoped that the latter didn’t turn out to be a factor, if only because it would make looking into it harder. Not that Waver shied away from puzzles or finding things. He was nosy to a fault. ]

Then I’ll see if I can find anything and let you know. It could be useful in helping you. We have more time for research, after all. Especially since I’m not in any of the combative magic courses outside the basic requirement.

[ Because they’d probably make mincemeat out of him and it would probably be a genuine accident, he’s pretty sure. He offered a nod of agreement, though, continuing. ]

I can see why! Depending on what kind of work you were sent on, being able to operate on that level would definitely give you an edge. Especially if you were sent for a job dealing with a mage. Or working alongside one alternatively.

[ask_whydunit]

Nodding to the question, he decided he was comfortable pursuing the subject of his job teaching, at least. Jobs were a safe, normal topic, right? “Modern Ma-“ He started and then stopped mid sentence as the loud stomach growl from Terra registered and the mage raised a brow at the man across the table.

A second or two ticked by quietly as his mind raced as it tried to work out if Terra had indicated being hungry before. Should he have assumed that he was and ordered food when he got drinks?? Well - says a voice that sounds suspiciously like Reines in his head - Dates usually involve food. A meal is generally anticipated. But he also DID say Terra should let him know if he wanted something else, and he didn’t… did he? No, no, he hadn’t!

The small back-and-forth argument with himself took no more than that quiet second or two before he pushed up from his seat swiftly. “You should have told me you were hungry. I meant it when I said to tell me if you wanted anything else.” He says, tone a touch stern (grumpy) and awkward.

Let it be known: He’s not upset with Terra (well he is a little that he didn’t ask for food when more than drinks were offered!) so much as with himself for not being better at this and doing the sensible thing that seemed obvious now and getting something right off the bat.

So, feeling a little ruffled and out of his element, he was going to put a pause on the question and the conversation until this was sorted, clearly! “What do you like, and is there anything you’re allergic to?” He says, gesturing firmly to the little table menu. These are the important questions, of course!

[bornofwords]

[ Sigma certainly could relate to the need for a little more security that one could find in eating indoors, or at least the hope that it would be. He did know someone who could use a kind of portal, unfortunately. ]

Inside it is, then. You want to find a seat and I’ll join you after I pay?

[seed_pilot]

Wow, they're so nerdy.

[Nida hears Selphie's whisper, and he just ignores it. Because this is so much more interesting. He's really failing as a wingman here.]

Yeah, research isn't something we have a lot of time for. Beyond practical exams and other classes, we have two weapons training sessions a day, and those don't even include work out time or my freerunning course. So research isn't a priority for us. I think in part because a smart soldier can be a problematic soldier.

[The note about working alongside mages does earn a nod from Nida though.]

Some people are just inherently good at paramagic, so we classify them as mage students. Many three man teams has a magic specialist. Selphie's one of those, but I've heard she's also taking demo courses. So that's double useful specialties in the field.

[atypical_echo]

[Portals were definitely not something Mark was prepared for the existence of, thank you.]

That sounds perfect.

[Still no argument over payment, just a guy going to sit down at a table where he can see the door.]

[orangewayfinder]

[He lowered the menu and smiled.]

That sounds good. What dessert did you decide to start with?

[Conversation and getting to know this man's likes and dislikes were important.]

[orangewayfinder]

Terra heard the word modern, but the rest just kind of flew over his head after Waver said that because his hand went to his stomach as if that would somehow pipe it down. 'Sorry."

Blue eyes then looked up almost in an alarmed manner as the other spoke and he shook his head. "I wasn't sure if you were hungry and I'm not the type to eat in front of someone else without offering." Master Eraqus had been very adamant on manners after all. So he'd kept it inside for as long as he could because he wasn't sure what the right move was.

If only he could call Aqua.

Looking at the mage now, he shook his head. "I was going to pay for the food. I mean..it's only proper right? You already paid for the drinks, so it's only fair that I get the food."

Hopefully he was correct here although he sure was in over his head and had no real idea what the story was or how it was supposed to go. He'd come here more than prepared to pay for everything and even that seemed to be wrong?

[phoenixawakened]

[Mentally Joshua gave himself a small bit of credit for being able to make the handsome king laugh. It also gave him a brief respite from feeling self conscious. But then the other's tone changed and he felt sympathy for the other man.]

I'm sorry to hear things had gone wrong, but what are the places that you enjoy going to or things you enjoyed doing?

[heartofalion]

[Leon makes a 'hmph' noise and sits back.]


Almost feel bad for whoever you face off against.

[forsanbreque]

There was a smile at first, which slowly turned sad. "I was privileged to grew up under one of the greatest tutors known in my home land. His name is Master Harpocrates. Although I'm afraid I didn't remain under his tutelage to my own dismay."

He nodded almost solemnly at Ravus. "Did you perchance have a master of the same skill to grow up under I wonder?"

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis looked almost alarmed. "A fire? Well, in that case, you can leave the cooking to me." There was what he hoped was a reassuring smile and he finished putting the last of the plates down when he got the compliment and smiled.

"Cooking is a science, but I daresay that there is a bit of art in it.'

[fatedsacrifice]

Noctis wasn't sure that desserts were treats exactly, but it gave him food for thought as the other mentioned behaving and starting this properly.

Properly?

Looking at Genesis, he shook his head. "I'm not fussy, unless you're putting vegetables in front of me. Other than that, I love food. Fried cheese sticks would work or something along those lines, if that works for you. Or you can decide."

[heavenlyhonour]

[This had him shaking his head.]

I somehow really doubt that.

[ask_whydunit]

Right?? I didn’t expect someone to be as nerdy as Waver.

[ Is whispered quietly (albeit delightedly) back. Thankfully for them, Waver was too focused on Nida currently to have actually caught what they were talking about, otherwise he’d have gotten all grumpy and bristly at them for it. Even though it was true.

Waver himself couldn’t be expected to be a proper wingman, given he didn’t know the first thing about being one, despite Melvin’s insistence. He could be expected to make sure no one died, and if Melvin had an emergency, at least one person knew what to do. ]

Yeah, that makes sense… [ He gets why a ‘smart soldier’ would be considered a problem. Doesn’t mean he agreed with it, though. ] But it means I know where I should start with before next time we meet up. Looking into the research and figuring out improvements on the foundations you already have and looking at different angles that might not have been pursued that work better for you.

[ Waver finally glanced to Selphie and Melvin where they were walking ahead, only now realizing the other two seemed to be amused about something. His brow raised slightly, but he turned his attention back to Nida fairly quickly… He’s pretty sure he doesn’t want to know what had Melvin grinning like he was amused by something. He’s seen that look before. ]

She is? Hmm... You guys would probably work in teams more often than mages do. [ They are fairly solitary and keep to themselves unless they really trust someone or need them for their research. ] But I get what you mean about some people having an affinity for something more than others. Even mages have certain branches of some magics or methods that they’re either better at than others or have developed through their families over time. I tested well for work with leylines and their analysis.

[ Made Waver wonder if Nida had a specialty with paramagic he hadn't discovered yet, though. ]

[ask_whydunit]

The apology combined with that rather alarmed look in his very blue eyes gives Waver pause… Well, shit. He didn’t mean to do that! And the mage felt bad now…! Really doing great at this whole dating thing, aren’t you? he thinks somewhat self-deprecatingly. His ears were a bit red again with embarrassment that his professional, polite demeanor had lost to his more reactive, emotional side again… and he awkwardly huffs in an attempt to not continue to look like the prickly, socially inept idiot that he can be sometimes (and probably failing at the moment). “It’s fine, just speak up next time.”

The explanation instead gets a quiet contemplation, his expression unchanging from its awkward and a bit sharp tone while he does… He can at least understand what the man is telling him, but he still would rather Terra have spoken up. “I meant it when I offered to get something if you wanted anything else,” He responded, sighing as his shoulder’s settled just a touch. Continuing, he rubbed the side of his head awkwardly. “I could probably use something to eat anyway,” Not entirely a lie, something small won’t hurt. He doesn’t eat as much as he probably should sometimes, as it stands for various reasons. But the point is: Terra should eat if he was hungry, and this was Waver’s way of seeing to it in hopes of not failing the date spectacularly. The way the man was built indicated to Waver that he probably had a higher caloric need throughout the day than someone like himself.

“And if you want to pay part of the tab off at the end of the night, that’s fine…” Because it sounded important to Terra and it was a reasonable enough request he supposed… “But I’m already up so you might as well tell me what you’d like.” He ended, waiting for Terra to either agree or challenge him on it since Waver was used to being challenged. Some might point out that he seemed to gravitate towards challenging people despite his complaints.

The fact that Terra wasn’t excusing himself from this whole night was honestly a pretty big shock already, if the mage was being honest.

[bornofwords]

[ Honestly, Sigma wished he was unaware of the existence of portals, too. On the one hand, one had saved his life, on the other… Well, not fun situations, really. ]

Great, I’ll be right there!

[ Sigma finishes at the counter, before turning with his cup in hand to find Mark. He was glad for a table in view of the door himself, although it was a bit awkward to realize he’d be sitting with his back to it… There’s a weird, noticeably little pause before he took a seat.

Well, this was only a frozen yoghurt place… what could go wrong? He’d trust his date to notice anything weird… he hoped. ]

So how is it? Living up to your expectations?

[ He asked, taking a seat and finally savouring the first bite of his frozen yoghurt. That was very good. The yoghurt and the mixed in oreo pieces definitely satisfying the earlier craving. ]

[unbreakable_king]

I used to enjoy plays. I've little time for them these days, but there used to not be a single premier I did not attend. Even if the play was far from interesting.

[legacy_blade]

"Ah, a science? No wonder I'm bad at it. Always got bad grades in that sort of stuff," he says with a laugh.

[atypical_echo]

[Hey, Mark was plenty paranoid to notice weird things. And if the weird thing happened to be an Atypical like him, he'd know even before he saw it.

He happily takes his food and gets a bit, smiling to himself.]

Yes. It really is. This was perfect. I'm glad I thought of it.

[disarming_prince]

Harpocrates. Yes, Ravus has heard of that man in passing, read a book or two of his.

"Not one on that level. But those tutors I have experienced have been those who were selected predominately for my sister's needs."

And that's just how it worked for them, given he was not the heir.

[silent_sacrifice]

No vegetables? The soldier raises an eyebrow at that. How intriguing. The fried cheese sticks does make him frown.

"Have you tried spring rolls?"

Perhaps that they can agree on. Deep friend, but some vegetables.

[wisecracking_shot]

[Oh come on. Clint laughs.]

My life will definitely make you reconsider that.

[looking_sharp]

[Rude chuckles. He's not really that interesting.]

My job is to bet between them and those I protect. It's all I can do.

[envious_shadow]

There is a lovely looking strawberry cream cake. I shall have a slice of that.

[seed_pilot]

[Selphie snickers at Melvin's commentary over the two that are following them. The quiet pair that are just caught up in nerd talk.]

IF you can figure out a way to help me get better, I'd really like that. It's hard to stand out sometimes, Waver. And I want to be able to help people.