Kalli's Journal

Staff Information!
Hit Banners & Awards!

Contact Info

Bonus Quest

"So what did you make for me, Reki?"

Fujio sighed. There was no point in arguing over silly things like proper names when he was with-- well, Balmung. Balmung was Balmung and he was Reki and it didn't matter that The World was currently operating just fine without them, though Reki was fairly sure Balmung would at least make a comment on wanting to check in at some point before the day was over.

Hopefully, once their conversation inevitably turned to work, no one would overhear them. Reki was fairly sure it would come off as completely crazy. At least to anyone unfamiliar.

"Fried egg, rice, carrots, chicken..." Reki replied before trailing off to see if he couldn't find a couple of cloth napkins to pack. He wasn't much of a cook and didn't have much of a kitchen to cook in, but then again, he was fairly sure Balmung was in the same situation. While he hadn't ever seen Balmung's place, Reki was quite sure they were both far more used to convenience store fare and noodle carts and whatever else was cheap, easy and pre-made.

"Perfect," Balmung replied. The smile on his face made Reki smile just because it was real and not a programmed gesture. Reki wouldn't admit it, but he couldn't help making comparisons - the Balmung of The World and the man leaning over his counter to look at pot holders and hastily printed recipe pages and everything else. There were more similarities than differences, though Reki suspected it hadn't always been that way.

"And you brought the sake and cups?" Reki asked. He'd overdone - there was too much food and too much to pack for a simple wrap. This lunch needed an actual basket. Though given the day and season, it wouldn't be odd to see other people out with full baskets.

"Of course. You worry too much."

"You don't worry enough," Reki replied. He held in a little sigh and headed for the tiny closet near the front door of his apartment. Two apartments ago, his mother had given him the basket packed with food and told him to keep it. Not having room for the basket, it had been used as an end table, desk, and otherwise over the years before a larger apartment meant it could be jammed away underneath winter blankets and above winter boots.

A moment later, once Reki had tugged it free and wedged everything else back in - closing the door quickly before it all escaped - he returned to the kitchen. Balmung was typing on his phone.

"You'd better not be working," Reki warned him.

"Setting notes," Balmung replied. "Not really work."

This time, Reki did sigh. CC Corp was practically forcing them to take days off now. Even going as far as handing out lists of local events to encourage fresh air and socialization.

Which is why he and Balmung were going to see the cherry blossoms in person, complete with a picnic lunch and sake.

And Balmung was, of course, figuring out how to make it into work.

"It's not work--"

"I didn't say it was," Reki interjected. "I just sighed. You'd better not spend the whole day taking notes."

"And what should I be doing instead?" And there was a smile that reminded him so much of the programmed emote he was used to. Of all the things-- but Reki was sure he knew The World's Balmung better. Saw him more. Definitely, since they were mostly interacted in-game...

"Relaxing," Reki said with his best evil smile. "Pretend it's a bonus quest, if you have to."

"I know how to relax," Balmung retorted as he stuffed his phone into a pocket. "Honestly..."

Reki wasn't going to comment on Balmung's ideas of relaxing, which usually included mid-level dungeons and designing questionable events via questionable magazines.

No, no, they were going to enjoy the day.

Reki packed everything into the picnic basket quickly and in silence. Maybe a legendary warrior just didn't know how to have a proper picnic? Reki tried not to smile. This was almost more amusing to imagine as happening in The World. Mini-games to gather supplies and cook. Then traveling to and finding the perfect spot to sit.

There'd have to be prizes? Or just a special scene? If it could be limited to two people, it could be set up as romantic...

Reki was a little unhappy that he was thinking like Balmung. But...

"Cooking mini-game?" he suggested. Balmung nodded.

"There is the special chef sub-class, but this could be a special event. Recipe cards, supplies..." Balmung pulled his phone back out.

"Any thought on limiting it to pairs?" Reki asked softly. "Even if it's not strictly romantic?"

Balmung looked up from his phone and looked at Reki for a long moment.

"Might be able to give out some better prizes that way," he finally said. "I hadn't really thought about that, but--"

Reki didn't say anything. He didn't think he had to. Nothing really had to be said. He just grabbed the full basket and nodded that they should head out.

Balmung tucked his hand over Reki's on the basket handle for just the quickest of moments. Reki expected some stupid comment about play-testing but instead, well--

They both just smiled.