social_linked | Meet, greet and eat

Meet, greet and eat

(To be perfectly honest, Cornelius didn't expect to find other persona users outside of himself and Guzma. The head of the Skull gang was a stroke of luck, but to have found so many others who can tap into that power and help fight off the shadows...it's a welcome relief.

Not to mention the large, large expansion to Cornelius' circle of friends.

So what's a rich kid to do when he's happy to have an extended circle like this? Throw down. A bunch of money to get everyone nice and fed for a day. He arranged for a catered picnic and invited his fellow persona-users and any friends they wanted to bring along. There's a bit of something for everyone, so pizzas, sandwiches, whatever, really. It's a large, open space, too, of anyone's in the mood for playing around. Just like the food, there's plenty of options there.

Cornelius would be lying if he said he wasn't thrilled to have so many people to hang out with. He just hopes they'll have fun while they're here.)

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I-I might be! With the calling card of a tiny stuffed rabbit.

[But as he lifted their entwined fingers, he brought them to his lips.]

Definitely an accomplice. Or maybe a mastermind... who stole whose heart before a guy could even get a chance to realize, huh?

A rabbit might throw the officers off.

[After all who would suspect this 'thief' to leave a rabbit? Her face flushed and she smiled at his kiss.]

Indeed. It sounds like this thief just... wanted to reciprocate and steal the heart of the person who already stole theirs.

[He was redder for it, and put his face in his free hand. This was fun, he fully understood why people did this together.]

A d-double heist! Yeah, it makes total sense! Nabbed before the other can realize... the treasure I kept locked up never had a chance!

Well... she can keep it! 'Cause it ain't goin' anywhere else! She takes good care of it, y'know? But lemme see...

[He raised a finger matter-of-factly.]

Can a phantom take a fellow phantom for coffee or tea? Especially now that I've stolen her away from a noisy party in my next finest heist...

[She smirked. So, she got to be the Master Phantom Thief? She was fine with this.]

Good. She didn't intend on returning it.

[But now, she was listening again.]

Hm... They're supposed to mingle with the others... but it has been a while since two phantoms have had tea together, hasn't it?

Way too long. How often do I get ta see the Mastermind?

I know a damn good spot. They finally got me into coffee. ...Sort of. Cappuccinos are coffee, right?

When we're not using video chat? It certainly isn't often enough.

Mm, then let's go there. Yes, Cappuccinos count as coffee drink.

[Weird, he could have sworn cappuccinos were cold blendy things. He's not really up for drinkable desserts, so the clarification was greatly appreciated.

The great thing about Tokyo was the sheer number of places there were if you threw a rock. If you needed a bite to eat? Yes. Clothes? Yes. Souvenirs? Sure. You didn't have to be a salaryman to make it around here, something that left Kanji the country boy feeling pretty damn relieved. But shit, they weren't kidding about the capsule hotels.]

There it is! They got a 'Tour of Europe' theme and pastries from different parts of it. It's kinda been nursing a little dream of mine...

[He shrugged and ruffled his hair a bit.]

I mean, I'm in Tokyo, right? Never thought I'd be here and in college. It's wild. So I thought, holy crap, what if I got to see France? Italy? Germany? Hell, Hawaii! Alaska!

Hm, I can't recall coming here before. Then again, this place is never really stagnant when it comes to stores.

[Tilting her head, she chuckled.]

Kanji-kun, continue on your path now, and I'm certain those dreams will be obtainable.

Seriously! I feel like there's a new place around here every time I blink. I wonder how business majors hold up.

[He brightened, opening the door for her.]

Y-yeah? Hell yeah! Kanji Tatsumi, globetrotter! I wanna try all the food, get craptons of souvenirs, get my hands on some fabrics and see how they feel, take craptons of pictures...

And... and you could come with me! Y'know, if you ain't too busy! Turn the world upside down!

I'm not sure, but I wouldn't try having my first business here.

[She smiled and entered the small cafe.]

If you don't mind having company on your venture, and if I do have the time, I wouldn't mind joining you.

You kiddin' me? I'd love the company! Cappuccinos in Paris, gondolas in Venice, exploring caves in Kauai, wrestling bears in the Kodiak...!

[He oh-so-casually pulled up a couple of chairs.]

You're not wrestling bears, Kanji-kun.

[She was putting her foot down now... and taking her seat.]

[He had to grab the back of his chair to support himself while he bust into laughter.]

But Naoto, my dream...! Nah, nah, I'm just- I'm messin' with ya! Bears are dangerous and I like life! I ain't a total meathead.

[He settled into his seat and smiled.]

Shit, that'd blow my degree and tuition, wouldn't it? Dead by bears...

Good. You understand...

[And she just nodded her head.]

No degree, and you wouldn't get a refund.

Not a damn yen. Seriously, have ya seen the cost of some of the freakin' books I've had to buy? Then they won't take any of that shit back after I'm done. Ridiculous.

[He laid out the menu.]

Could've bought a brand new bike with all the set-ups for my damn math boo-

[He paused, took a deep breath.]

...Midterms done. I'm on break. That's enough school, or my head's gonna start spinning...

Right, yes, you just finished midterms. Let's discuss something else.

[She looked towards the menu.]

Tell me a little more about this place. Any recommendations?

Well, the guy that owns the place found out he's half-French after going on a tour of Europe with his two daughters. He's the one who bakes everything here and he's... shit, he's amazing!

His chocolate croissants are outta this world, his cheese danishes are warm and flaky, and his berry tarts are from his family's farms north of here, so all the cherries, peaches n' apples n' stuff's all in the circle, yeah?

His apple fritters. ...I know you ain't much for sweets, but his apple fritters...

I see...

[That's interesting. And with a connection like that, his business would likely remain a little longer than most. Fresh fruits for ingredients were something that could be appreciated.]

... I suppose I'll have to give these apple fritters a try then.

[He held his hands apart for size emphasis.]

Awesome! But they're like, big as a car... we'll split it. On second thought, I dunno if I could survive a cappuccino. Pot of tea?

Er... but I think that's enough from me, honestly. What's goin' on with you lately?

Oh. For some reason, I assumed they would be smaller, but I don't oppose splitting one. [She tapped her chin, considering her options.] ... Yes, I think a pot of tea will do for now. I don't intend on staying up too late tonight.

Hm... there hasn't been much beyond the Inaba Copycat cases. However, it's beginning to cause an issue with some police ignoring other incidents that may come up.

[He scratched his head.]

Somethin' like this'd be high-profile, yeah? I can see why it's takin' up extra manpower... plus, I can imagine how much cred old man Dojima got after the original case.

[He frowned.]

I know I should get over it n' all, but... I can't shake the idea that they want a piece of the 'pie'. Plus...

[He lowered his head and his voice.]

The big gangs around here are involved too. Goin' missing, I mean. The Skulls are on our side... I think... but ya figure if the gangs are all tied up tryin'a save their own asses, the cops wanna put a stop to 'em as well.

That's essentially what's going on. If they could be the ones to crack the case in Tokyo, of all places, they're almost guaranteed for a promotion, or at least, a boost to their reputation.

[A clamor to fame over work was shameful in her eyes, and her tone said that much.]

The officers here can have a one-tracked mind. They're not prepared or willing to cooperate with the gangs here.

I don't blame 'em. That Skull boss guy... He's a dick. [He made a face, but relaxed and sighed.]

I swear, you and Dojima... you're the only two who didn't get to where you were so people would lick your fuckin' boots or so someone would pet your head. You guys care about people, everybody goin' missing, everybody gettin' hurt.

I imagine that makes things harder for ya, huh? Tryin'a... keep people focused, in a sense.

Well, that's not entirely true. Part of me did get here with that ambition originally because of... everything. [He's seen her dungeon; he knew her feelings.] It took going through everything to remind me why I was a detective.

... It does, but having you and knowing these new users are here keeps me grounded. In turn, I can make sure they work.

[His face darkened.]

Heh... I-I don't exactly peg myself as a type to be any kinda 'rock', but they always said Tatsumis got the hardest heads in Japan! That's gotta be good for somethin', right?

[He reached out, palms upright.]

But seriously... it's good to hear stuff like that. You do the same for me, y'know? My head wants to burst or I gotta have a late night busting shadows until my damn dogs hurt, but... but that don't mean shit if it means I can help everybody. If I can help you.

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