knifemonopoly | IC inbox

[Ryou is momentarily distracted by looking after the girl, his ears pricked as if he's trying to listen for anything she might say...but the fingers moving along his hand, gripping his wrist...that pulls him back around, to look at Atem with a conflicted expression. He feels bad about this.

He hopes it doesn't ruin their night.]

I'll be okay. I just hope I've not made things worse.

[He gazes down at Atem's fingers, curled around his wrist, and he tries to will his nerves away. Still, his pulse is a bit quicker than normal, and his ears are still not entirely relaxed. One is rotated back, listening.]

I should have told her it was a date, shouldn't I have? But before you got here, she was being very familiar, and I...I just let her. I'm sorry.

[He shakes his head, dismissing the concerns. It's alright. He's hear now. The misunderstanding's been cleared up...it's clear her attention isn't welcome.

(He doesn't realize what it might look like from a distance: Ryou uncomfortable as Atem holds him by the wrist, shaking his head while Ryou's ears swivel, clearly in charge and clearly dismissing concerns.)

He brings Ryou's clawed hand up to his mouth, and presses the tip of his nose to Ryou's knuckles.]

Don't worry. It's all right now! It's clear you're spoken for, by me...so, it shouldn't be a problem, anymore.

[The smallest of licks, to the backs of Ryou's fingers.]

[Unfortunately, despite the way his ear is angled back, since they're on a terrace that separates them from the inside of the restaurant, Ryou can't really hear what's going on. Worse still...he has a habit of looking pretty stressed while he's contrite, so anyone looking

(she is definitely looking)

might not think it so outlandish that the big white wolf is being bullied by the small black-and-gold jackal who he has allegedly invited out for dinner.

But Ryou doesn't think about the optics, especially not when his hand is drawn up, and Atem's tongue passes lightly across his fingers. It's small, but comforting, and Ryou smiles softly, his ears relaxing, even lowering a bit as he shyly looks away.

The waitress returns when Ryou quietly, meaningfully says:]

You're right. You're always right, I'm being silly.

[...None of this helps, and the waitress only seems more suspicious of Atem, frowning at him in earnest without realizing immediately that she's doing so. But after a few seconds, she recomposes herself and sets the drinks down.]

Are the both of you ready to order?

[Something about her tone seems a bit more clipped than before. Ryou's smile fades back a little.]

Ah...sorry, we haven't had a moment to look at the menu. Could we have a few more minutes, please?

[The waitress is all smiles for Ryou, nodding brightly. So, she still favors him, it seems.]

Of course! I'll be right back, don't worry, I won't be far!

[Ryou thinks that's a weird thing to say, but he nods and smiles (a tad awkwardly) at her words.]

C-certainly! Thank you.

[Once she's gone again, Ryou turns his attention back to Atem.]

Um, I've heard this place has good dining options. Please don't hold back, have whatever you like, and as much as you want.

[It's okay, Ryou still has decent money in the bank. He can spend plenty! And he'd rather think about that than the strange behavior of the young woman attending him.

He reaches for his drink, sliding it closer and giving it a sniff. He's never had something like this before. But he can already tell it's something he'll like. Atem knows him too well.]

[Maybe it's not over, Atem thinks, as he takes in the way the waitress conducts herself.

But, it doesn't seem to be anti-monster sentiment, given how sweet on Ryou she seems to be...so, they probably don't have to worry about their food being sabotaged, or worse. It'll be okay, as long as Atem's here.

Distractedly:]

Ah, thank you...

[He takes the menu and looks it over.

His eyes find steak.

He tries to look at the rest of the page--

steak.

There's plenty else, like fish and pasta and--

steak. he can smell it in the kitchen. steak steak steak that's what he wants. rare? yes. blue? blue steak? y e s.

He has to swallow back watering in his mouth.]

I hope that doesn't mean she'll be watching us the whole time.

[He's going to take a second to press his nose to the inside of Ryou's wrist -- sending a message -- before he lets go and passes the menu back to Ryou, indicating that he's decided and freeing up Ryou's hand.

The wine won't pair well with steak, he decides -- it's mead, too sweet a white, but he'll get them a red when she comes back.]

[In the time it take Atem to decide what he'd like to eat, Ryou picks up the glass with his free hand and takes a long sip. Sorry, but he's far too tempted to leave it alone, and as he expects, it's a good taste for him. Even as a werewolf, he can't curb his habits when it comes to sweet things, it seems.

He's licking his lips in thorough enjoyment when Atem touches nose to wrist. Ryou's response doesn't come immediately, though. He instead takes the menu, and gives it a once over.]

I don't want to hurt her feelings...but I also hope the same. I came here because I thought it would be private. I'm here to spend time with you.

[Atem might catch it at his peripheral, just past the edge of the table, but Ryou's tail tip is wagging in short bursts. It's not a happy wag, and his ears are staying down.

He's not angry, or highly upset. But he is a little anxious. Wanting to be out like this, for him, is hard enough without someone making it stressful.]

I...I also didn't think anyone would be that interested in what I look like right now, but she did say my fur looked soft.

[UNFORTUNATELY, ATEM HAS AN ANSWER FOR THIS, THANKS TO CERTAIN PEOPLE ON THE NETWORK.]

I understand they're called furries. They exist even outside of Ryslig...even like this, you're definitely someone's type!

[Teasing lightly, as he rests his chin at an angle on his be-bangled wrist:]

Besides, the cut of that suit...it's not a secret you're built well underneath it.

[The topic of "furries" was definitely not on the docket for Ryou today, and maybe that would have been enough. But then...Atem points out something that is both very true and kind of embarrassing which makes Ryou's gaze avert. It's not a bad reaction, of course, not like how he's been reacting to the waitress.

He's just flustered.]

Ah, well...I wore it to the gala, so I thought it might be good for an outing, but you're right. It's kind of...restrictive.

[Ryou likes things a bit baggier but he also hasn't gone to the mall in a very long time.]

Maybe I should shop for something that fits a little better.

I can't speak for anyone else, but that suit has me thinking about what you look like out of it...

[...and then he gives a casual shrug! As though he didn't just insinuate something incredibly 18+!]

...which isn't ideal for formalwear! We should take you to get something properly fitted.

[Ryou sucks in a sudden breath, looking anywhere but Atem for the moment. The clawed fingers of one hand drum awkwardly on the table. Tap-tap-tap-tap--and then he reaches for the glass of mead and drinks it down. Hell, Atem's lucky he doesn't steal the other glass and drink that too.]

H-honestly...

[Does he sound exasperated? He's a little exasperated. Atem can't just say that before they've even had dinner, it's unfair!]

U-um. Yes, I wouldn't...mind getting something that fits better. Just in case.

[Like the disaster that he is, Ryou looks immensely awkward when the waitress returns, furthering her suspicions that something's not right. This time, she doesn't tiptoe.]

Sir, are you alright? You seem as if you have something on your mind.

[Unfortunately now is not a good time for Ryou, who has just been flirted with and is practically squirming. He glances over at Atem, pleading with his eyes.

Help. You did this.]

[Unhelpfully, Atem laughs!]

Heh heh heh!

We were talking about tailoring, that's all.

[To Ryou, unable to suppress the grin:]

Do you know what you want?

Y-yes. Tailoring.

[Ryou shifts in his seat, now incredibly aware that not only does Atem think he looks like a snack, but the waitress probably did as well, and it went completely over his head to think about what he looks like in public. He sighs, and puts his head in his hands for a moment.]

Sorry. Yes, I'd like the largest steak available on the menu. Rare, with whatever sides are suggested.

[He's not looking at her, he's way too embarrassed. And he's not looking at Atem either, at least not for a moment. Not until the waitress goes.

...And the waitress is starting to feel like she actually is intruding at this point. But...she still puts a hand on his shoulder, as if to be comforting. It's quick and simple (definitely dubiously professional), before she turns to Atem.]

And you, sir? What can I get for you?

[Atem's tail wags back and forth, as he makes direct eye contact.]

Blue steak.

[wag. wag. wag.

The rarest kind they have.]

And a cabernet.

[Is he intending to get Ryou drunk....? What a scoundrel. An absolute dog.]

Edited 2022-07-12 23:35 (UTC)

[...

> The waitress has now become suspicious again.]

Certainly, sir! Would you like the recommended sides, or would you like to hear the selection.

[Boy, she feels bad for this white werewolf, he's in an abusive relationship and he probably doesn't even realize it... But she has a feeling there won't be much she can do to dissuade him. So she has to do only what she can.

Once Atem confirms his choices, and she's gone again to put in their meal, Ryou peers through his fingers at Atem...then at his drink...and makes an executive decision.

He reaches out and closes his fingers around Atem's glass, pulling it closer and then, out of some small amount of spite, laps at the beverage a couple of times.]

...If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were the jealous type.

[Maybe he's wrong. But he saw the eye contact for a split second. Very solid eye contact.]

Edited (close your tags, kids!) 2022-07-13 01:57 (UTC)

[Atem requests stuffed mushroom caps and chickpea salad, smelling the tension on the waitress.

But, once she's gone...

...Ryou has stolen his drink. Atem's canine eyebrows go up -- and then, he laughs!]

What in the world gave you that idea?

[He says this playfully, knowing full well that he gave it away a long time ago.]

[Now it's Ryou's turn to raise an eyebrow, though to anyone else it might be harder to intuit because of his bangs.]

So you do know what you're doing then. Oh, for goodness' sake...

[Yeah he's drinking your wine, buddy. This is his now.]

If she calls a manager, you're in trouble, you know.

[Ryou's not actually angry or anything, just a bit frazzled at this point. Honestly...

He tips the glass, taking a respectable sip, then he sets it down and watches the liquid ripple for a moment.]

...This was supposed to be a nice date. I didn't expect the waitress to be so interested in me, or for it to be any kind of distraction. But then again, after nearly two years, you'd think I would have learned by now that the deck is stacked against us, hm?

In trouble with them, or in trouble with you...?

I only care about one of those things!

[Ryou is allowed. Ryou deserves that wine. It was chosen because he trusted the taste would be something Ryou liked.

.........it's strong, though, look out--]

...so, if my behavior is turning it from a nice date into an unpleasant one, I'll behave myself.

[His ears swivel back. This is an apology!]

[Ryou is surprisingly placated by that, even though he's not truly irate with Atem. Enough that his tail wags once, before he gently slides the wine glass back. Peace offering! He didn't drink all of it...though he wanted to.]

It's not really you. It's her. I think she might be of the mind that you're taking advantage of me, somehow.

...Maybe we should both behave.

[Because Ryou would never fully seat the blame on Atem, or even the waitress. He has some fault in this, for not explaining himself better.]

At least for now. Maybe when we get home...it'll be better.

[He looks hopeful, and the wine is making him feel warm. So why not? A little bit of optimism before their meal.]

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cw; this waitress has it all wrong

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WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, PLAYER1. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 10.11.0.0.01 * PLAYER1 has joined 10.11.0.0.01 <PLAYER1>** If you're looking for someone you knew as Yugi before June, you've found him! It's Atem, leave a message.