Out and About Under the Starry Night Sky [Social]

[Leon Strife]

Background Music

The sound of the motor roared with each subtle step of the pedal. A shift in the gear that jerked the vehicle smoothly from light to light with narrowed eyes that beamed up and into the rear view mirror. With thoughts of what was to be casual or uniform when going out on the town with an estranged CEO, who undoubtedly had a closet full of skeletons of her own, what the Bount thought of what was actually proper for the evening? A light breeze rolled through the opened windown, Leon basked in the newly brightened lights of the coming night to what was going to be their meeting time. A blonde whose hair could very much be light itself when waltzing down the busy streets of downtown Karakura, what the Bount felt was the sense of uneasiness that came from "going out" with another person; let alone the opposite sex.

Leon's dropped and popped with the music that distracted him from his own clammy hands that grew only tense as the time was soon upon him. Was it instinct that made the man review himself over and over again? What was left of his hair after a clean buzzed cut made his scalp appear as though it was shaven completely, with only his natural bronze skin to show for it. Trimmed facial hair that lined the Bounts jawline from sideburn to sideburn that could only be complimented with the slender line of hair that linked over his lip to his moustache. He cleaned the edges with an obessive gaze, something that he usually never did. Was he actually this nervous? For pete-sake you are starting to give me a migraine with all this pacing around. A welcomed distraction if anything, at least taking Leon out of his mental nagging of what he could have done better.

Air passed along his sides as the wheels of the black 1975s Dodge Charger purred along with the engine when turning the corner, and eyes beaming out towards the addressed given. He tucked at the folded collar of his checkered beige shirt as if to make it appear more formal than what could be made possible. The first buttons from the bottom and top of the man's shirt were kept undone, leaving the small v-cut white undershirt exposed with nothing but the gold chain from his previous life time. From what he had on him to his transition into life in Karakura, what he had on was the best attire he could strounge up from his entire waredrobe. The black slimmed jeans and lightly tanned boots were the most decent among the rest, primarily work related garbs aside from what he had on. Leon was not what someone would call a "fancy" dresser, nor would this be referred to as a intimate meet up, but rather something casual as they first agreed on. So, why are you so nervous? You are making my head hurt so much with all this worry.

Even Leon did not know why. Plain and simple as to the reason, yet not wanting to admit to it himself. His fingers ran down the side of his neck and against its backside out of habit, trying to find the comfort that it usually brought to him. Trying to pass the time with sweaty palms running the down the seams of his jeans. Leon was not cut out for "normal" excursions, as much as a fluke as the beach event was. More like being swept away in the moment. Damn it. The car came to halt as the meeting place was only but at his side, with the Bount embracing the wide open space with the on coming traffic parallel to him. He wanted to arrive a bit early to have himself to be somewhat mentally prepared for their outing, with the constant checking of his breath to once again touching his folded collar. Checking his teeth. Combing his hai- You don't have any there Oh, right.

The Bount had come against quite a few challenges in his life that were life threatening, so why did this meet up make him so knotted up? With hands in his pockets to keep their antics underwraps, the Bount leaned against his car, and waited for what was to come.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

It had been a while since Shizuka was able to go out. She was normally stuck inside her corporate office crying over her job that she thought she wanted so badly. She still liked it, but she really wondered why the hell she ever took over in the first place. She was desperate for new recruits. Having to handle her own responsibilities as well as her new ones was wearing her down. She didn't think Fullbringers could feel this exhausted anymore! Evidently it was proven to her now that this was false. She could absolutely be tired, and she was tired.

Despite her internal complaining, Shizuka wore one of her favorite outfits as she strutted herself down the sidewalk in the downtown area of Karakura. She had a date of sorts and enjoyed being able to dress herself up. She wore a pastel pink V-neck blouse with black dress pants. Each side pocket was adorned by three buttons lining the outer layer. Her blouse was tucked in for professionalism, and she carried a black and tan Kate Spade crossbody bag hung only on her right shoulder. Her hair was down and parted to the left side for once, reaching almost to the bottom of her lower back. Then, of course, she wore her signature golden heels that transformed into her Fullbring.

Her makeup was flawless, thankfully, and she made sure of it by occasionally checking using her phone's camera. She tried being discreet enough to where random people wouldn't judge her for constantly checking herself out. She never left home without her face on, because that's exactly what it was. A face. Not a mask. No one should know where it ends and the rest of her skin begins. After years of practice and YouTube videos, she felt confident in her skills. Nevertheless, she still felt the need to check up on things every now and then to make sure it was holding up throughout the day.

Today was a little different, though. She was meeting up with Leon. She'd told herself before she wouldn't let anyone else get to her after Luke and his sudden disappearance, especially given how invested she was with him. It hurt more than she really ever thought it would and hated that she let this happen. Leon wasn't necessarily the same type of deal, but he was handsome and she had a weakness for handsome dudes. But honestly, who didn't? If anything, that just made her more normal. She began worrying that all of the work she did with the spiritual world was making her less human.

Upon arriving at their meeting spot right in front of some boutique furniture shops, Shizuka saw that Leon had beaten her there. She rushed over to him, apologized for being late, then took just a second to look him over. He dressed nicely! His clothes suited him well and she definitely noticed the hair. She made a mental note to try to remember to touch his head some time later on. She always liked that feeling but didn't want to come off as a creep right away. Once her initial assessment was over, Shizuka stepped closer and lightly grabbed on to the collar of his shirt, gently tugging as she lined the V-neck he also wore with her index and middle fingers. She diverted her gaze from his chest up to his eyes and smiled.

"You look very handsome, Leon. Did you want to impress me?" The Fullbringer stepped back to give him some space, her smile still plastered on her face. It had calmed some and looked more pleasantly excited rather than flirty. "Or is there a more formal reason why you called me out with you today?"

[Leon Strife]

"I..I umm.. Already off the bad foot with the suggestion, Leon was stuttering and anxious. Tripping over his words as quickly as they were coming to mind in what should be his responses, instead were taken over by nonsense and gibberish. Not the best way to start an outing. Think Then act Both the Doll and the Bount came with a quick solution to readjust, and continue onward. The flabbergasting lips that twinched his with left eye seized under the man's control, leaning into the gentle tug from Shizuka, "Heh, I should be the one asking that being the casual one for the casual outing, and not as formal or eccentric as another here." he grinned playfully whilst eyeing the woman. The sensual gleam of the pink blouse and black business pants did cry out away from the meaning of their venture this evening. A mix of professionalism radiated from her stance as much as did her confidence. Had to with being an important Business Tycoon. Complete opposites in retrospect, but that did not matter.

"Still, Shizuka. You look amazing in all seriousness." Leon mentioned as the Bount reeled slowly back from the Fullbringers pull. Looking at the woman from afar he could not eye at the minor details that Shizuka must have spent a large time on. The lines of Mascara that outlined the features of her face. Added blush to emphasize cheeks. Small in number compared to what he may have thought of before of most women, but there weret those, like Shizuka, that did not require much as natural beauty wasn't something that needed it. The glow of her blonde hair made that shimmered in the background lights made it sparkle in his eyes. ..like starlight.. Pervert Leon cleared his throat. "Should we get goin'?"

The passenger door opened for the woman, and Leon waltzing back to his own side, the Bount scurried along to get the evening going, and away from what they knew about their everyday lives. The car's ignition purred to life. Moving to tread along with the ongoing traffic. Peeking over towards Shizuka, what came to mind first was that of wanting to know if she desired to change clothing. From what he mentioned from before it did appear that the Fullbringer came from work, or with some involvement with similar atmosphere. An idea to continue on with their conversation and without being awkward. It did not take long to realize that the Bount had no game to speak of. He was already beginning to sweat. I am going to puke Not now. Shut it.

The Winter season was coming to a close, yet remained lively along the streets. Food vendors sporting with a number of different themes flourished. Shaved ice. Takoyaki. Grilled skewers. The many aromas that emitted off the sides of the road and into the partially opened windows as the pair drove along. Despite being in a smaller town such as Karakura, the liveliness on the sidewalks were booming with scattered numbers of people. "Another year coming and going huh. How long have you been here in Karakura, Shizuka?" Leon inquired naturally. Recalling back to the time they spoke on the beach, Shizuka explained about how her childhood she began experiencing the capabilities that her body was able to conjure, with her years as a teenage girl that her lover and aunt were the ones who brought her into the life she knew now. Depicting her life as "normal" would suggest that the Fullbringer was not around in Karakura, and judging it from her hair color, was Shizuka foreign like him?

"Asking since with you and 'normal' upbringin' I can imagine you living outside of this place. With all the freaky shit going on here in Karakura it is hard to see how any one can live a normal life without seeing what we do now." There were other connections to the pair that they first realized. Apart from the many differences that made them what they were, both had their own troubles and were widely open with them. Shizuka with her vendetta and Leon with his troubled upbringing, the pair were contineously nonchalant at what was going on in their lives that they could be seen as ordinary people, like everyone else. So, these pair of questions were merely to get to know Shizuka a bit more. Casual talk.

Christmas lights decorated the light posts down the road, glowing ever so gently as the sun turned in for the day. Turning the corner into a parking lot, the Charger settled itself into an empty slot among the others for the two to begin their exploration. Opened gaps from the taller buildings, what was to come resided on the otherside of the open plaza down below. A plaza decorated with venues and other stalls that gave more life in the area than the usual crowd. Children running through the lingering piles of snow with supervising parents drinking hot simmering tea. The hustle here in the plaza expanded further up and down the stairs leading in and out of the block of venues. "We'll take the scenic route since we have some time before needing to go up." he flashed a smile back over to Shizuka. Brisk air, but manageable, especially with the hot stations working on their respected art form, the Bount exited the vehicle. What mattered most was their escape out of their everyday lives, and focus on what was normal.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

The woman smiled. "Formal? Nah. I don't have a choice but to wear these shoes so I pick outfits that look good with them!"

The compliment that followed made Shizuka blush a little bit in response. Leon was awfully sweet and she could tell she made him nervous. His mannerisms suggested it, but she'd grown accustomed to making most men nervous in her presence. She didn't do it on purpose, but her general personality and general upkeep of her appearance tended to garner attention. As Leon invited her into the car, she carefully slid onto the chair and made herself comfortable. Once Leon got into the driver's seat and took off, Shizuka felt her eyes get heavy. It had been a long day and cars made her sleepy, but she did her best to hide that from him and keep herself awake.

"Another year coming and going huh. How long have you been here in Karakura, Shizuka? Asking since with you and 'normal' upbringin' I can imagine you living outside of this place. With all the freaky shit going on here in Karakura it is hard to see how any one can live a normal life without seeing what we do now."

"Hm? Oh!" Startled, Shizuka laughed briefly and continued her story in an effort to answer. "Gosh. It's been so long. I was born in Italy and moved to Tokyo when I was super itty bitty. I actually still have an apartment in the city! At some point my parents took residence in Karakura to get away from the larger city life but it's been forever ago now."

As they spoke, the Fullbringer took in the lights and decorations that lined the buildings and streets. Everything looked so calm and peaceful, enough so that it made her forget for a moment what was truly happening in the world. Her worries melted away, if even for just a second, while she enjoyed the drive. As soon as it came to a halt, Shizuka got excited about being able to go sight-seeing for the first time in forever. With Leon here, it was just so date-like that it made her feel as if she were being spoiled. It was really nice to go out and do some normal people things for once.

"We'll take the scenic route since we have some time before needing to go up."

"Oooooh, that sounds fun!"

Upon exiting the car, she stopped and realized how rude she had been. He made an effort to talk to her but she needed to return the favor. "I don't think you told me much at all about your past in terms of where you've lived and stuff. What's your story?"

[Leon Strife]

Shizuka reminded the Bount more and more of a little girl looking out and about in Disneyland. Only been there once before and all he could hear were the shrieking wiles of excited, or trantraming kids who didn't want to leave the park. All it took was the one visit to imprint those noises and awe expressions to link the two moments together, finding the bit of humor in the similarities. The smell of Takoyaki, freshly smoked batter with filling varieties smoked at the bottom of the staircase closest to them, wofting the bit of street cuisine in the air before the pair. Grilled Eels neighnored the stall beside the Takoyaki. Okonomiyaki next to that. Hot chocolate paralleled to them with a hint of sweetness that dared to intrude of the mixture of aromas with freshly spinkled powdered sugar to dust a selection of Mochi. In another Universe the Bount would have tried his hand in the Culinary Arts if he had the time to do so, though, he had no complaints with where he was now. If only he had done so sooner.

I don't think you told me much at all about your past in terms of where you've lived and stuff. What's your story?"

"Huh?" It was straight to the point just as much as he did with the Fullbringer. Leon couldn't argue or deny it as he just did the same thing moments before back in the car. A bubbly girl like Shizuka having a much different lifestyle than himself, although with some similiarites in their stories. His fingers ran along the side of his neck, nearing the edges of his buzz cut. The tiny stubs of hair prickle the surface of his combing fingers as to assist his mind in finding the right words to formulate his story. Like honestly, how could one explain what they did to people without some sort of desire for revenge? Unlike him, Shizuka had a motive to drive her and her actions. Revenge. Family upbringing. Leon didn't have either. What coursed through the Bounts mind as he took those steps down into the plaza area was the desire to accomplish what most would agree to be acceptable; survival.

"Fair enough. I did ask about yours."

The Bount thought, breezing through the steam that brewed from either side of the pair, taking his time to bring his memories together once more of then. "The United States. On the Western Coast of the city of Los Angeles. More in the rural areas that were less.... hospitable." he first started off. The sight of Grilled Eels caught his eyes, watching as to please his eyes with the sight of excellent grill marks labeled across of the surface of the suculent pieces of meat. "Lived on my own as far as I can remember. Moved from house to house with literally no rules beyond 'Don't bother me' that you will time to time." The fire flared, engulfing the grill top in a plume of bright reds and oranges before settling down. "Some parts of the neighborhood was underdeveloped that was looking to be updated if the people there actually allowed the city workers to operate there. But again, anyone you didn't know was more or less suspicious. So kept a lot of the work left undone."

The smell of smoke and fire filled his nostrils momenarily that painted a clear image of the houses used for narcotics. Worn down, condemned houses that surrounded his senses left little to the imagination beyond the scent of cigarettes and Dope. He can clearly smell it walking down the streets to the areas that were liveable. Everyone knew everyone there, which made it easy to sort out who was from another gang, despite being down the street from them. Dogs barking and sirens going off in the distance were the usual sounds just as much as a lot of threats that were slung back and forth when rival colors passed along the boundaries of the others territory. Respect "Respect and fear were the only real powers someone could have in that environment." and fear were the only real powers someone could have in that environment. "You either inspired it enough to make your own rules, or side with the locals to better your odds of recieving a bit of that power. Either way it was a lose-lose situation."

Leon's steps trailed over towards the delicate, soft textures of the Mochi stall, handing the Vendor a few coins of Yen. The unspoken rules of the ghettos were easy to follow; either keep your eyes to the ground and hope that you'd survive, or be like the majority and try to buy your means of survival. Either or, what came after was going to cost quite a bit of blood. "Had to do quite a few things to earn my share before I found out how much was too much. Came to the point that I had to leave. And thus, here I am." Both arms left his side as though to express himself a bit. The Bounts arms raised as to draw attention to himself, placing the individual that was Leon in the moment in time that was present. "Took me too long to realize it all that surviving in a place like that costs a lot. And instead of leaving when I had the chance to get out, what I did was simply embracing it all. All of the success and power. Bulletproof. God-like." he uttered with a bit of disgust at the notion. "Funny, right?"

Leon felt that swelling of disgust for himself in his throat. He toyed with the notion of being unsurpassed, untouchable when he was just as much flesh and blood as the other members of the gang. An over-inflated ego. It was childish. "Want one?" he nudged his eyes over to the Ice cream Mochi balls on display before shifting his glance back at Shizuka, then to his feet. Despite the taste of sugar and cream, what he could taste was absolutely nothing.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

This was nice. Being able to just be normal people was something Shizuka hadn't been able to do in what felt like years. She'd tried to ease herself back into it before, but she ended up realizing quickly that in her line of work, 'normal' almost never existed anymore. It was difficult and a harsh realization for her, so when moments like these came up, she was thankful. She enjoyed being able to just be herself and speak to someone without the pressures of work or an entire organization to monitor. And, of course, the smells around her were that much more lovely. Her mouth began to water as Leon spoke.

She felt guilty for not asking much about him beforehand. He had an interesting life much different from her own. In fact, in Shizuka's mind, her upbringing was quite typical. She didn't have any crazy legacy to live up to or years of hardships. She had a very average family who loved her very much. They had a bit of money, sure, but her father knew how to invest. Frankly, any money Shizuka had now came from her own job. She didn't rely on her parents at all anymore. At her age, she really didn't feel like she could. Weren't people supposed to be completely independent by twenty-eight?

From the sounds of it, though, Leon had a similar life to what she'd expect. He had to grow up quickly and learn how to take care of himself because no one else would. She was suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of guilt, likely due to being unable to help him feel more loved and accepted. Well, for now. She made a note to herself to try to reach out to him emotionally. It was possible for her to sympathize a bit, after all, and she'd be able to maybe help him feel a little less lonely. Still, despite all of that, it was obvious that he was strong. He overcame all of this on his own and moved on from it. How could she not be impressed?

Shizuka watched as Leon purchased some mochi and snacked. He finished his story and her face was covered in an expression of understanding. She shook her head gently when he asked if what he spoke of was funny, though she had no doubt the question was rhetorical. She just felt he needed a positive nudge as a reminder that he was okay. After a brief pause, he politely asked of Shizuka wanted any mochi and she pondered. Then she sniffed. She smelled other things that were destined to be delicious, not wanting to completely fill herself up on sweets. She snaked her arm through his, careful not to cause him to drop anything he'd be carrying, and pressed herself against him.

"Aww, I'm alright for now. But if you're buying, I think there may be some other snacks I'll want to try." The Fullbringer gestured towards a yakisoba stall. "Only if we can share, of course." She paused before speaking again. "Oh, and thank you for sharing that with me. You're very kind for being willing to be so open and honest when I don't deserve any of that from you. I really enjoyed it for that reason, but I hate the hardships you had to go through."

She really didn't like how tough some people seemed to have it. She wished she could take that pain away, but she knew it was impossible. It was already so hard to find genuinely good people in the world, and she certainly wasn't one of them. Thinking about what she did for a living was already hard enough and she found it was easiest to just erase those memories from her mind. Over time, she trained herself to dehumanize her targets. It just couldn't be done otherwise.

With a gentle tug, she brought Leon over to the stall she had been so vigorously eyeing before. Still latched on to his arm with her own, she used her free hand to dig into her purse and pull out some money. She pointed to what she wanted, only asking for a small container they could share since she hoped she'd be able to sample more food, and briefly slipped her trapped arm out to make it easier to pay and carry other things. As soon as she was finished, the lady manning the stall looked at Leon. And continued looking. Shizuka wasn't sure if Leon realized he was attractive, but that was certainly the reason for the attention. The blonde giggled to herself and latched back on to her male friend.

"So why this place? And while we're being open, is there anything specific you were curious about? I don't tend to hold things back, just so you know." Shizuka kept her smile and grabbed some noodles with her chopsticks after freeing herself once again, this time for a while so they could eat. She picked the noodles up and offered them to Leon, hoping he wouldn't get embarrassed by her feeding him the first bite.

[Leon Strife]

How can Leon describe what he was feeling at the moment? A bit of softness with a hint of sweetness maybe? The light dust of powdered sugar and lush filling that could only come when embracing the texture with each point of contact? What was going through the Bounts mind was not the flavor that was washing over his taste buds, but what clung to his side. Bits of left over snow that sprinkled the air like that of sugar over something soft and what was already sweet. At least in his eyes. No one from among the crowd that they ventured into would realize that a Bount resided among them, and even a much dangerous threat than himself glued herself onto him. A rose with thorns doused in poison would be the best description that he would have for the woman. The definition was clear enough that no further explanation was needed as the sugar melted in his mouth with each tug in between bites.

Just like the melting sugar was peeled away from its larger chunks, Shizuka peeled the man away to what she had set her eyes on before. A near stumbling idiot who was more keen on the woman when speaking that he failed to realize that she was on the move again. The Bount nearly tripped over himself that made his mind reconnect to reality in time before making a scene, refreshing with a new tantalizing aroma of mixed sauces and vegetables. "Aww, I'm alright for now. But if you're buying, I think there may be some other snacks I'll want to try. Only if we can share, of course." 'Sharing?' The Bounts mind wandered a bit putting two and two together. It was much like Calculus until he noticed from the corner of his eyes the small percentage of couples that were going about their own activities. A single glimpse of teasing and mingling intimately as they would in public with such displays of affection. So, when the Fullbringer mentioned it, the Bount had to speak up about their predicament and utter.. "S-sharing like that may look like we're... he ceased in his rambling when the woman spoke up in earnest. He wanted to listen.

"Oh, and thank you for sharing that with me. You're very kind for being willing to be so open and honest when I don't deserve any of that from you. I really enjoyed it for that reason, but I hate the hardships you had to go through." Leon thought about what Shizuka had explained. How the young woman worded it sounded as if what he had shared was something that she did not deserve. Something as personal to what the Fullbringer told Leon on their first meeting was not information that one would offer up to a complete stranger. He thought about that when she finished speaking. Something that she did not deserve? While certainly not a right, but what she had provided to him was something intimate about herself, and went a bit beyond what most people would share on a first outing. No. What it was..."It was just right." was all he could say at that very moment.

"Shizuka, what you told me about yourself when we first met was not something that any one would share with just a stranger. Nothing that personal, entende? Because as cliche as it might sound, you shared enough." the man replied back earnestly. What Leon was not familiar with was the fact that someone was sympathizing with him. As a matter of fact he did not know anyone who did so before with him. Not among those in the Covenant. Not with those in Uzaki. It was difficult enough to explain why he left the Unite States without going further into detail. Can anyone honestly say that they ran away from home because he or she was a murderer? There was a lot to hesistate over when talking about personal lives. The Covenant would more than likely try to connect it with reason as in having no other option. Uzaki may think of it as being some episode because of his nature or his environment. While both were not going to be wrong about it, but the thought of overthinking that there was more to it than what they say on the surface was actually terrifying.

But with Shizuka, it did not feel that way.

Shizuka had a similar background.

"You shared something about yourself that would rarely, if not ever, would be said openly. But you did. As such, how can I not. Also... ack.." Shizuka tugged further on his arm after figiting with her belongings. Sugar dust flaking away from his finger tips as its remains were wiped to aid in the womans juggling, clasping what she had no need for in his free hand for the momentary transaction. The woman was certainly energetic than what he thought of when they first met, snapping a smile at the corner of his mouth. Why did he smile at that? Pervert The Doll trolled as usual.

"So why this place? And while we're being open, is there anything specific you were curious about? I don't tend to hold things back, just so you know." The first part of what Shizuka was asking for was simple enough to answer. Although, it the was rest of what she inquired about was what stumped him. For a guy, what Shizuka had done essentially was set Leon up in the middle of a Mine Field. Too many inquiries. Too many directions he could take. How was he suppose to take that as? The man stumbled both mentally and verbally at the initial thought that trailed into many other thoughts. All that the Bount knew was that he was certainly.. ..fucked.. SHUT IT. Leon took a deep breath, and eased into the matter.

"Wanted to do something formal, and down to Earth.." he uttered before looking on and about around the pair, ... so this would be a starter before going up on high." The direction of the Bounts gaze rose, tettering to the high balcony of a paralleled building that over looked the entire courtyard. The ten story tall building had an open balcony that over saw the venues down below, and good ratings for dinning as well. "You mentioned some Italian, so a bit of walk and talk before needing to sit down soon. Besides, it's....fun doing this...with you too." he mentioned at the last moment before glaring down a chopstick with steaming hot noodles across his horizon. One hand with her belongings. And another too stupid to know what to do. You're cucking yourself you know that..

Whatever the Doll meant was not too far off from what Leon found himself as it was similar to gazing at a loaded gun barrel. The man stunned for the moment with Vendor eyeing him with discontent at the hesistation. Is this even formal anymore?! But, Shizuka was offering. Leon did not restrain himself, leaving it up to instinct to tend to the situation. A single nomming bite at the flavored end of the chopsticks, downing the heavy flavor of what a couple of noodles sparked in his mouth caused. He could not tell if he was hot from the noodles or from what could become an indirect kiss, but something was burning hot under the beige collar. He had to answer the second part, something to keep this away from what he was feeling right now. That something came to mind. "You said you know a lot about what I am, about being a Bount. You read some stuff, although not much. But, looks like you have a bit more than that aside from what you can read. Got first hand experience on all this stuff?" the man had to ask.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

"Wanted to do something formal, and down to Earth... so this would be a starter before going up on high. You mentioned some Italian, so a bit of walk and talk before needing to sit down soon. Besides, it's....fun doing this...with you too."

Shizuka's smile was soft and rosy. She didn't hesitate for even a moment as he accepted her offer to feed him. "I'm glad you're enjoying our date, Leon."

Too quiet to be sure if he heard, but genuine nonetheless. She kept smiling and went back to enjoying her food, appreciative of the fact that she had been invited out on a night like this. Everything was so pleasant and calm that it made her feel completely normal for once. She didn't think about work or being an assassin or anything about her past. She was there with a boy who seemed so incredibly sweet, and really was treating her with such consideration that it made her feel as if she had finally healed from everything with Luke. She felt good about things, even though she and Leon had only just met, and she was never going to do anything to make him feel awkward or uncomfortable. Not intentionally. So she left things as they were for the moment and let him speak.

"You said you know a lot about what I am, about being a Bount. You read some stuff, although not much. But, looks like you have a bit more than that aside from what you can read. Got first hand experience on all this stuff?"

Shizuka choked.

Coughing only a little bit and desperately trying to not be entirely unattractive, she was able to gather herself enough to swallow her food properly and take a breath. Yes, she had some experience with Bounts. Mainly just one... but she knew about their abilities. It became clear to her quickly that perhaps Leon didn't know much about his own race. She was reminded of how things were back when she was younger and just learning about her powers. She had no clue what a Fullbringer was. So did this mean Leon was also plagued with the strange vampire-like desires? Did he also bite people?

"In a past life, I was close friends with one. He and I used to train together and we got along really well." She was putting it lightly. No point in dragging the emotions back up. "He had certain abilities that confused him and it took him a while to fully accept who he was. Is that happening with you?"

To some degree, she imagined it was possible. From what she could gather, he wasn't quite on her same level yet. It didn't seem that he'd be far behind her in terms of experience, but this was all a guess based on how he spoke about everything. People who had just recently discovered their abilities always fascinated her. She's only met a few throughout her time in the spiritual world, but they always had fun and exciting stories about how they realized what they were and what it finally took to get them there. Comparatively speaking, her backstory was totally normal and dull.

"You guys are stereotypically compared to vampires all the time for a reason. Do you know why? We could start there, but I know a few other details like you're clearly way stronger than normal humans. You have a technique that allows you to drink blood and drain Reiatsu. I'm familiar with that one, for sure..." She trailed off, half-smiling at the memory of Luke biting her neck to snap her out of her zoomies. "You also control Dolls, which I think are basically like your kids. Sorta. But they manifest and you can use up to three. I always thought that was pretty cool. Is all of this within your realm of knowledge? What do you specifically want to know?"

[Leon Strife]

Well, it was officially a date as much as he did not want it to appear as such. Leaning back towards their previous encounter the Fullbringer clearly stated a "casual outing," which he completely turned it without realizing it into something intimate. Honestly, the more he looked at the scenario the more it did resemble it. The Bount tackled the circumstances in different perspectives coming to a number of conclusions that can appear in different manners. One: two colleagues going on an outing to freshen themselves from work. It could seem as such considering the way that they were dressed. Just one issue with that logic. No bar. No alcohol. Shizuka was dressed formally yet wore more fancier decors than that of typical outing. Corporate clothing? Easily mistaken for an evening attire. Not only that, but the food that they were casually feeding each other. That itself made waves regardless of how it would appear to be and-

Damn you think too much. First pervy thoughts now just annoying self banter.

The Dolls were restless. More than their usual state as the Bount seized up mentally at their disgruntled sighs. Or what would be classified as sighs for them. Shizuka stated what he believed their circumstances to be aloud, and he could not agree more. He was enjoying himself. More so when the question he brought up raised a suspicious response from the CEO. She actually choked with some confliction behind it. If there had been an obvious yes reaction, then this was it. The Bounts lips widened, smug in such response that the woman clearly gave. It was funny to say the least, and could not resist to poke fun at the unusual break in character. "Got you thinking about it huh?" he joked. Shizuka cleared herself with some time, and went on with her explaination. "In a past life, I was close friends with one. He and I used to train together and we got along really well. He had certain abilities that confused him and it took him a while to fully accept who he was. Is that happening with you?"

Leon thought for a moment looking back at his past experiences, placing those mental footnotes as to where he felt some form of confusion at his own being a Bount, and the confusion was there from time to time. Shizuka's knowledge about what Leon is was far more intimate than what he first imagined. Being part of a secret organization that operated in the shadows, the assumption was dealing with individuals that may or may not be Bounts, or among the other groups that Aura and Eris spoke of. Perhaps there were Bounts that Shizuka came into contact with when running about for her group, coming to eliminate the Bounts that were razing and causing trouble. That came with what she did for a living, and not for a personal reason like she has with Taiho. Leon had no issues with this. "In the past I was a bit confused as to how I was not hurt like the other members around me were. I just simplified it to being tougher is all. But talking about this clears things up all the more." the Bount responded.

The Covenant that Leon was included in displayed many more abilities that he was made aware of what the Bounts can do, but still lacked the focus on what they were. Maybe that was where the confusion resided. "You guys are stereotypically compared to vampires all the time for a reason. Do you know why? We could start there, but I know a few other details like you're clearly way stronger than normal humans. You have a technique that allows you to drink blood and drain Reiatsu. I'm familiar with that one, for sure..." That was explainable, narrowing a bit as to what the Bounts can generally do, yet did not seem to work with what he experienced with Aura and Eris. Shizuka trailed off a bit, half-smiling at something. "You also control Dolls, which I think are basically like your kids. Sorta. But they manifest and you can use up to three. I always thought that was pretty cool. Is all of this within your realm of knowledge? What do you specifically want to know?" That cleared things up, narrowing more than what Leon had to go on, and more than what he was comfortable with when talking about these things among the other Bounts. Was he still feeling awkward about what he is?

"I just... don't know how I feel about all this. Like it's confusing." Leon did not know how to actually feel about everything honestly. Was he really confused about what he was? Was he angry to learn that he was not even Human? Did it make sense that his violent tendencies were from him being a monster? Can he use being a Bount as an excuse for what he did? He was being too vague with it all. "I'm not sure if I feel conflicted about what I am, or relieved that I found an explanation why I am violent. Can I really... I mean...." An identity crisis? Really? Talking about powers and abilities to having himself an identity crisis? Was that what he was feeling now? "I have some idea as to what I may be able to do, just not sure... if I like it or not.. Maybe... how I can do things like what you just said. I've bitten someone before and...it didn't look like... Was I even doing it right?" Leon's thoughts were bouncing from what he thought to be point A to point B, but truly was more along the lines of A to X to F. The more he thought about it the more he felt out of place being part of the Covenant; let alone society.

What was a Bount?

The man's fingers ran across the shape of his lips with tips tracing the edge of a one of his fangs thinking about it all; from Shizuka's explanation and to his own experiences, thinking. Was Leon thinking about how he was going to hurt people, failing to break away from who he was before? A lot the thoughts that ran across the man's mind were complicated, perhaps too much to truly think about. He could think about what was happening to himself, or what he is the entire night and still not have answers. He had to respond back, "I guess what I want know is how I am able to do what I believed to be able to do, if that at all makes sense." he said looking back at the Fullbringer. Although he said that, what Eris warned him about during their meeting was something that he had to surpress since then. The taste of a Humans Soul, and one so openly in front of him. Was this part of what it meant to be a Bount?

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

It became suddenly very clear to Shizuka that Leon wasn't extremely well-versed in the nature of Bount life. Shizuka barely was but had done research for obvious reasons amongst herself. Leon just didn't seem to have that same luxury or time, or perhaps even resource to rely on the way she had the libraries at Xcution Headquarters. His uneasiness also made her heart begin to sink. She could tell it felt as if it were tearing in two. She had similar thoughts back when she first realized what she was before she ever came to accept herself. You'd think it would be everybody's dream to be powerful, but it comes with its own price.

She watched as he seemed lost in thought, likely contemplating everything she had told him so far. He took his finger and traced his lips, pressing against a fang. Her throat tightened for a moment, knowing he had no idea what she'd felt when he pressed against the soft skin and revealed what was hiding beneath. She did her best to make sure it stayed that way since the last thing he needed was anyone making things more confusing for him. It was the last thing she needed, as well. Was all of this because she really liked him that way, or was this a simple escape from the monotony of every day life? She wasn't sure. But she wanted to figure that out.

"Well, I think you and I can look into it more. My organization has tons of books on the different types of spiritual individuals after years of research by my scientists. As for the biting..." Shizuka swept her hair away from her neck, a very serious look on her face as she paused from finishing the rest of her offer until her eyes finally met his, serious and without any sign of humor. "Would you like to try on me?"

He may be able to learn who and what he is over time, especially given how there were many other Bounts in the world, and maybe they would be better for him than she could ever be. But something inside of her kept screaming out about how she could help him understand even that little bit more than he did before if Leon would accept the aid. What she was doing was a big ask and she knew it, but her neck was now bared to him with nothing but clarity in her gaze. She was very aware of what she was inviting him to do. If he couldn't control himself, she would be drained of her Reiatsu and pass out in the street. She hoped he'd hold on to his humanity more than that, though. She hoped he'd be careful.

The only thing between them now was the weight of Shizuka's offer and the sounds of the humans bustling around them. She played with her hair between her fingers, twirling it and looking at Leon with a soft smile. This was her attempt at telling him that it was okay and she'd be fine without letting him in on her underlying fear that he would entirely consume her.

[Leon Strife]

At the moment, all Leon could do was stand in awe at what he was baring witness to. A tantalizing sight if there ever was one, and ripe as any other Bount would have described it to be. After their little interaction, the Fullbringer an offer was made on the spot in terms of discovering more of their origin. An offering of knowledge from anothers perspective was probably what the Bount was searching for. Leads, ideas, thoughts, information that would help wrap his mind around the concept of what a Bount is suppose to be. Memories of time spent within the Covenant, with Eris and Aura, flooded back. The intimate knowledge that they had of their race was insurmountable. Details regarding of where they came from, habits, even to flaws in their abilities that were troublesome to say to the least. To anyone else, what Leon had access to already was all that he needed. Yet, why did he not feel satisifed with it?

The length of the mans finger ran against the pointed edge of his fang, the sensation of the surface helped in locking the scurrying thoughts into an organized line. Was it the purpose of what he was the reason for his uncertainy, or was his own humanity he wanted to figure out? This was the issue that Leon was looking ascertain. "Thanks Shizu. Really. I think that will help a lot putting this altogether for me. And-" Leon had thought on what was going to happen rather than what was really happening at the moment. He found himself to be a bit more enthusiastic on the discovery that he fazed out the second portion of what the Fullbringer brought up. The hunger.

It was but a spur of the moment that derailed the Bounts initial thoughts away from it, but as Shizuka suggested it... what could the man do. The stern expression that was glancing from the side as the veil of golden locks of hair curtained away from the slender neckline. As if to watch a golden veil uncover the nirvana of seemingly untouched marvel. The Bount could not help but to be dumbfounded at the sight. Everything in his mind went blank. An inch was all that was needed to close the distance, and to embrace anothers warmth beyond what regular Humans would have been able to accomplish. Leon did not realize it before, but he was feeling a bit nervous himself. He did not know the reason as he drew near instinctively. A hand that clasped the womans hip. Another that tiped the chin upwards to meet eye to eye. A sense of guilt washed over the Bounts senses. So did a hunger that he had not known before. It gnawed at him.

The best description that Leon could actually explain the situation was that he was entranced. Perhaps the hunger was the motive at first, yet, as he drew closer to the nape of the womans neck it was... something more. The way that the Fullbringers eyes met with his. Her fearlessness ever so grooming the Bounts into an exact match. The discomfort fading away the more keen he was on them, drowning him. The woman in front of him was displaying an immense expression of trust, and will. What the woman was offering at the moment, in this atmosphere was not something to turn away from, to shy away from the determination she was giving. Leon could not hesitate. Sharp pointed tips glazed over the surface of flawless skin before they found their mark, and took a fluid plunge inward. Ecstasy.

The people around would glance at the pair appearing to be another couple embracing one another, and without the realization of a feeding taking place. Warmth of reiatsu, the essence of life that nourished all things around the pair now flowed from one being into another. A steady stream that fired every nerve with a new sense of thrill, and at the same comfort. His entire body felt goosebumps in waves. His arms cradling the woman as if to remember other details of the feeding. It only lasted but a moment, but for the Bount it seemed as though it was an eternity that he would happily reside himself within. But that was not the eternity he wanted. It was a false form of bliss. What he wanted was...

Drops of red were caught along the length of the mans forearm to keep from staining all material around the punctured surface. The thin line of red painted a completely foreign color that did not match the environment that they resided in. The same tint of red that was glowing softly within the focused irises that were trained on the woman. He held back. "I.. he cleared his thought. "Thanks, Shizuka. was all he could rely softly, showing a similar determined expression on his face. The aroma around the pair did not faze him. The drops of snow that were beginning to fall did not draw his eyes away from who he was looking at. Nothing else really did matter. Just maybe....

Ding dong pervert.... Food. Remember!

A rapid quiver in the Bounts back pocket drew his thoughts back to the main reason why he invited the woman out in the first place. The time of their reservation was at hand. They had to meet with the host at the restaurant located on the veranda of the hotel, adjacent to them. A hand was brought up to wipe away the residue left behind on the womans neck, similar as he did with the length of his tongue, clearing the corner of his lips. "I'll take responsibility for this, Shizuka." he acknowledged, not knowing for certain what this meant, if it had meant anything at all. "Should we get going?" Leon gestured towards the office building off to their side with a quick look over. The bashfulness that was he once alluded returned a bit, coughing up another means to clear his throat again as he took the womans hand to guide her. And, also.."Also, maybe one of these days...you could bite me the same way." he eyed the woman over his shoulder.




Ohhh brother..

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Though her outer expression was calm and mature, Shizuka was panicking on the inside. She had no idea why the heck she offered herself to him like this! Could it have been a moment of weakness? Maybe she just wasn't thinking clearly. Leon was cute! So of course she'd be totally okay with letting him do something like this, but at the same time, was she over-stepping? Was he over-stepping? No, that wasn't quite fair. She offered and he accepted. It was simple! Yet the moment his hand touched her hip, she couldn't help but gasp a little. His other hand gently tilted her chin in such a way that their gazes briefly matched. He really was handsome. She needed to respect him more.

Her eyes were kind, her smile still soft and understanding. Leon was still acting like himself, and yet also as if he were possessed by someone entirely different. Just from experience with another, she knew he wasn't going to be able to hold himself back once he gave in to the hunger. Even though she had given him this opportunity, she couldn't help but feel a bit fearful. Leon was new to this, after all. Would he be able to hold back? Was he going to let her live or was she going to have to fight him off? Could she even do that? Their volleyball match had been fun but it didn't necessarily showcase his full strength. If he was physically stronger than her, she was done.

He didn't stop himself, though she assumed he would at least try. As his fangs brushed up against Shizuka's skin, she gasped again but tried to hold it together. This was the part she was weak to. She could feel something welling up inside even though she tried desperately to shove it down. This is a favor, she thought to herself. He is going to feed and then that's it. Nothing more. You don't need to overwhelm anyone by making it more than what it is. She had to mentally chastise herself, especially given her past with situations like these. She wasn't that person anymore. She didn't want to be that person. She could remain strong even when a man bit her neck.

Leon's bite, though, was proving to be entirely too much at first. She felt the air leave her lungs as his teeth sank deeper, and she had to remind herself to stay calm since there could be onlookers. She wasn't trying to do anything to draw attention to either one of them, and she certainly didn't want anyone to question what they were doing. If all they looked like were two lovers, she was fine with that, but it was out of protection for him. Shizuka wasn't going to let him do anything to risk his own life, even if it was so difficult for her to hold back any sound that could possibly hint towards how much pleasure she felt.

She wrapped her arms around Leon from underneath his own until her hands found his back and dug her nails in. Given his clothes, it was unlikely he would feel much at all aside from the pressure, but she was trying to figure out a way to avoid any public display. If someone held a gun to her head and asked her how she felt, she was truly enjoying this. It was a silly guilty pleasure of hers, and possibly the only reason why Luke ever beat her in a fight, but here she was, fighting with her knees to not give out from under her own body. She wanted more from him and had to bite her lip to keep herself from admitting it. Unfortunately, that bliss lasted for only a second before the familiar drain disrupted everything.

She began feeling tired and couldn't help herself from grunting a little, but she made sure the noise, at least to Leon, sounded as if she were completely fine. She could feel her Reiatsu leaving her body as she desperately tried to cling to it to no avail. It was his to take. She knew this was going to be a part of it but she had forgotten after all this time what it felt like to have her energy torn away. Seconds felt like hours and she grew weaker, fearful and panicked over wondering if Leon would ever stop. In reality it had only been a very short time, but she was scared. Was he really going to be able to control himself?

Almost all too soon, Leon drew back and Shizuka looked at his eyes once again, hiding the lapse in strength within her own. She didn't want him to worry as she mentally thanked whatever deity was listening at the time and couldn't bear letting him know that her own trust in him faltered. His handsome eyes had a reddish glow about them now to advertise the fact that he'd just fed, and he thanked her. She laughed a light laugh and insisted that it was no big deal, only getting distracted by the snow around them for a second before realizing he was still looking at her. At this point, Shizuka couldn't hide her blush anymore and smiled awkwardly as she averted her gaze.

She had released her hold on him, as well, knowing she didn't need to bother checking his back for marks thanks to his clothes. If they hadn't been there, she didn't even want to know what his skin would have looked like. As durable as a Bount could be, nothing could defend him from a pleasured woman's claws. At least they seemed to heal quickly... That would certainly help. But to snap the Fullbringer's wandering mind back to reality, she honed in on Leon and realized something. He was being quite a gentleman, actually. Her cheeks grew hotter as she watched him clean up even the small mess that had pooled at the site, and then he spoke to her.

"I'll take responsibility for this, Shizuka."

"O-oh, you don't have to- I mean, it's really not a big deal. This happens all the time! Or, no wait. Not all the time to me specifically, I just meant- actually, ugh. Hopefully that buzz was for us?" Oh my god!!!!

"Should we get going?"

Shizuka had grabbed her hair to play with the ends of it just before Leon took her hand, leading her to the building where this journey was meant to bring them. His skin felt so much warmer than she remembered, but perhaps that was just in her head? It was also very cold, though Shizuka passively kept making the air around her body heat up so that the cold didn't affect her. This was common practice for her, so maybe part of why he felt so warm was because he was so close. So close... yet somehow not close enough. Stop that! Right. She was going to be good. She didn't mind flirting with him a little because she thought how he grew flustered was cute. She wasn't used to the reverse happening. And then, of course, he made it so much worse.

"Also, maybe one of these days...you could bite me the same way."

Leon said the words as his hand continued to hold on to Shizuka's, his eyes meeting her own once again. She felt her cheeks heat up even more, knowing there was no hope of hiding it, so she looked down and smiled to herself as she blinked away the embarrassment. Well, was she embarrassed? Actually, no. There was a part of her, like the majority, who actually really wanted him to be serious. With her free hand, she gripped her fingers into a fist and pressed the tips of her nails into her palm. She needed to not give in. They were in public. They were going somewhere special. She was not going to do this to someone she had just barely gotten to know. Again.

"If you like it that rough then we may need to go somewhere more private." God damnit. "I definitely meant to keep that to myself."

How the hell did anyone ever spend tremendous amounts of time with her??? She wasn't normally this type of person! Why did she find it so difficult to keep these thoughts inside when she was around people she found attractive? Despite what he said, there was no way he felt the same way. No way. Leon wasn't that type of guy. Probably. Shizuka really had no idea which was why they were doing this in the first place! She wanted to go about things the right way no matter how hard that would be and she certainly didn't want to come across the wrong way with him. He was nice. She wanted to be nice, too.

"So.... um, that aside, does this place where you're taking me have a lot of history or something? I mean, if you picked it out, then chances are you like it or it means something to you somehow." Yep, change the subject. Let's try that.

[Leon Strife]

"Yeah, totally." he smirked over his shoulder with a solid glance of acceptance at the proposal. That was the answer that the Bount had given the Fullbringer when bringing up the idea of a "private" place from before entering the elevator. Marbled floor with a decroative red carpet paved a particular direction upon enetering the lobby. From beyond the revolving door to the elevators on the opposite side, Leon went over what had occurred moments before. From his own experiences he did not have trouble hooking up with women back home. Usually the fame of being a someones Muscle had its perks. On a level that required a lot of work and hustle, it also commanded respect from those that were among the lesser ranks. Leon got things done, and as brutal as he could be with as such. That came with fear. So, the women that clung to him at that time were more into his reputation, rather than him as a person. It figured.

Leon was no stranger around women, yet the circumstances and atmosphere with Shizuka made it an entirely ball game. His previous encounters with the opposite sex were often developed through physical means. Some activities he was not proud of, but meaning not all were subjugated to the same treatment. When victorous over another gang, what occurred to the left overs was entirely up to the group to decide, and nothing was off the table. Leon stood away from such activities afterwards, leaning more into domination with authoritative power rather than physical force. After, it all fell like dominoes. This, what was ongoing with the Fullbringer, was not such relationship. From what he could put together what the two had going on was not that of a physical relationship. And that very assumption did manage to bring a smile to his face.

It is different.

The pinging of the elevators arrival chimed the pair to proceed onwards, and to ride up towards the top. Soft music flowed through the built in stereos that could definitely put Leon to sleep if given enough time. Such time will never come while in the company of the woman. It was different. Looking back, when operating back in the ghetoo much of the interactions there were similar to that of Bulldogs and Parolies looking to bite the others head off. Looking to take territory, marking anything and anyone they wanted with however they could. Noisey was how Leon could best describe it. The differences were stacking up gradually, and if the Bount had to use the same analogy here, then Karakura would be a Chowchow, and Shizuka a very spunky, energetic Chihuahua.

"So.... um, that aside, does this place where you're taking me have a lot of history or something? I mean, if you picked it out, then chances are you like it or it means something to you somehow."

Snapping back from his visualization, Leon peeked back at a flustered Shizuka. A bit of flush in the cheeks was certainly noticeable given the harsh color that stood out from her cream like skin, though Leon did not want to push matter of it further. He wouldn't if he were similar shoes. You're already a dork. And the voice decided to take another jab at the man from off the side. He had to keep composure, and answer out right. "Huh, oh. Oh no. No history here at all. At least not that I know of in the slightest. And I've never been here either." he answered back casually. "I chose this place because one my co-workers gave me some suggestions considering that you enjoy Italian. So, I narrowed it down to this since the reviews mentioned a good view, good food, and.. He thought back as what his acquintence suggested as he referred to his quote, ..would properly set the mood." he shrugged as if to know what that meant at all.

And well, what his co-worker said about the place certainly did just that as Leons head shifted back forward, and witnessed for himself what it was when the doors pried themselves open.

Polished oak wooden tables with cushioned sofa chairs. Decorative sphere lights that hanged over head. Beige carpets that completely set the floor in a single shade of color. What Leon was introduced to was an entirely different world beyond what he thought was possible. Looking over the potted plants on each table, stylized in what could similar to the Japanese Flower Arrangement techniques, people outfitted to a prestigeous Middle to Upper class attire. A single glance at them and to himself the Bount already knew he was way under dressed for the occasion. Leon was a bit baffled by the turn of events that made him puff out a ball of anxiety. "Well damn, isn't this awkward." he gave a nervous chuckle.

Definitely out of place given the air on this floor was entirely different from where the pair was at the lobby. Grazing fingers followed the shape of his shaved scalp, looking to appease any form of recovery compared to what was lingering over himself. He needed to fix it. Glancing an eye over to Shizuka, then back to the entrance to the restaurant, Leon could not help but let God take the wheel. He sighed again. "To Hell with it. Just a normal guy and normal lady here. A man looking to take his girl out and being as weird as he can be with this." he laughed, going with the flow of how things were turning out. He had to take the reigns. [color=red"Let's get going, mi Amor."[/color] he smirked at Shizuka, gesturing to the Host at his pedestal. "Table for two on the veranda."


Reference

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

"Huh, oh. Oh no. No history here at all. At least not that I know of in the slightest. And I've never been here either. I chose this place because one my co-workers gave me some suggestions considering that you enjoy Italian. So, I narrowed it down to this since the reviews mentioned a good view, good food, and..

Oh, well that makes sense then. I do love Italian... he's just being consider-

..would properly set the mood."

Shizuka immediately started sweating. He wanted somewhere nice enough to 'set the mood?' S-so he wants to.. H-he wants... Oh my god!!!!! The picture of perfect composure, Shizuka's face was completely blood-red as she did her best to avert her gaze downward, avoiding eye contact with literally anyone. She didn't want them to see this because she knew that of all people, Leon would catch on to what she was thinking, and right now she was basing his thoughts on assumptions. And despite all of that, despite her obvious fluster, a stupidly familiar feeling grew inside of her. Was she... hopeful? Did she want that to be the case?

In an attempt to distract herself, Shizuka looked around at the restaurant and couldn't help but enjoy the decor. It had all of her favorite things- marble, dark wood furniture, the smell of money. A smile built itself upon her lips as she enjoyed what she saw, and all of the other visitors seemed to be enjoying it, as well. She had grown used to sights like these over the years as the head of a company, and especially as one of the youngest. She was in high demand amongst the business world for those who wanted Xcution to work with them on a profitable level, and even those who sought to hire them for their true purpose of ridding the world of the unwanted.

Though she'd never been to this exact place, its familiarity made her feel more comfortable and eased her blush from earlier. Leon was certainly quite the date, but even she could tell he was thinking about something that made him nervous. She watched as he looked towards the other people and then to himself, an obvious tell that he was worried about his clothes. Shizuka's typical business casual attire was perfectly at home, so she wasn't worried, but Leon's face and comment about things being awkward made her smile with an idea.

"To Hell with it. Just a normal guy and normal lady here. A man looking to take his girl out and being as weird as he can be with this."

H-his girl..? Oh, wow. She liked that. "Aww, such a gentleman! You've impressed me, Leon."

With a laugh and a bit more initiative, Leon said something that made Shizuka feel a little weak. "Let's get going, mi Amor."

His voice was so incredibly hard to resist. She found herself, for the first time in years, wanting something from this man that she knew she shouldn't. That may sound as if she simply never felt anything like this ever, but that wasn't entirely true. She did, but not this way. Not to the point where she almost wanted to tell Leon to forget the dinner and test his motives for the night, but she knew better. She was actually quite insecure about it, too. She could have been making this whole thing up in her head and he was just being nice to her. That's why she kept trying to choke these thoughts down.

But, even with her attempts, some things slipped through. Remembering how he looked just moments before after seeing how others were dressed, she waited until the host started leading the way before subtly sliding her hand into his back right pocket to get close to him, and also to stop him from walking away. She cupped the left side of his face just below his cheek with her other hand and whispered to him, making sure no one could hear her. She didn't quite care if anyone saw her, though. This only lasted a moment, and it'd be too quick for normal humans to pick up on what she did.

"I can fix this."

She very lightly kissed his neck and commanded the souls of his clothes. She left the buttons at the top of his shirt undone, of course, but spruced them up in such a way that the muscles at the top of his chest were exposed along with the chain. The shirt underneath highlighted this well, so she didn't need to change that too much, but he certainly had a little more skin exposed than moments before. The buttons at the bottom actually came together as that portion of the shirt tucked itself into his pants, giving him more of a French model aesthetic. Any sleeves he had would be made to be three-quarters length, showing off the majority of his forearms just below his elbows. And with that, he'd also be showing the muscles that built up there over time. Anyone looking at him would either be jealous or desire him simply based on his physique alone.

As Shizuka removed her left hand from his back pocket, her right hand slid down his neck and found itself on his chest, fixing the collar of his shirt one last time before she patted against the skin and admired what she'd done. Though the changes were small, he really looked as if he were ready for a photoshoot. She even glanced around the room and noticed some of the ladies (and a couple of guys... wow) were looking at Leon. Unsure of how he'd like that attention, she hoped he'd ignore it and focus on her. Well, and the food, obviously.

"For the record, I think you're incredibly handsome no matter how you dress. But I hope this helps."

The host had turned around as soon as he made it to the table and pulled out one of the chairs, clearly for Shizuka, and she led Leon to the veranda by grabbing his hand to bring him there. After being invited to sit down by the host, Shizuka obliged and made herself comfortable, only asking for water to drink at the moment. Alcohol would be dangerous. She wasn't opposed, but it would be dangerous. She didn't want this guy to think she was only after one thing, anyway. So she took a sip from her water and watched as Leon would also settle into his seat, placing her chin in her hand with her elbow resting on the table. The smile had never left her face.

"You did a very good job choosing such a place for us to eat. Oh, and don't think for a second that I didn't hear your comment earlier." She clearly meant him calling her his love, but she preferred easing the tension instead. "We're anything but normal. Normal is overrated."

[Leon Strife]

Why does this feel like a game of Cat and Mouse?

Indeed it did. While the atmosphere was one that the Bount would not associate with, what change brought upon this little outing was certainly more on the positive end of the spectrum. Going out to enjoy the night, spending quality time for himself, along with a special someone too, what made the evening all the more memorable aside from what he was accustom to. Paved sidewalks replaced with carpeted floors. Wicker and lawn chairs were polished, shined over by the decorative sofa chairs. The images of trash littered coffee tables were completely blown away by the flawless table cloth that curtained the shape and form of the designated table that came into view. But, beyond that...

..the warmth that came from the hand that was coiled with his. It replaced a lot of those cold nights out on the streets with his peeps.

The differences between the worlds that he lived in were immense. The sounds and sights, to the aromas and temperature. From how the two appeared together one could not imagine that Leon was an ex-enforcer of the Bloods. Even Shizukas comment of what he was doing was acknowledging such a different of the him that is now, and what he was before coming to Karakura. Yet, that was not where the change even ended. A bit of his native tongue slipped from his lips as the two followed their guide toward their assigned table. A bit of senseless chatter rang around from business to that of casual everyday complaints. Some of the conversations even drove a chuckle from the Bount, seeing how normal everything was. Was this how life should have been all this time? Just.... chatting without a care in the world?[/i][/color] Leon found that idea to be pleasant. Light for the heart and soul.

That isn't the only thing that is heating up.

Huh?

Just before the Bount could question what ridiculousness that the Doll was spouting out Shizuka made the move that kept the pair closely knitted together. Hand down the back pocket, and a seductive slither that crawled up his side as she did to spark at the spot above his nape of his neck. "W-w-what the..? he stuttered for the moment before coming to realize that his clothes developed a mind of their own. "I can fix this." she uttered words that tickled the lobe of his ear, entranced by the fluid motion that his own fabric seemed to be committed to. Subtle adjusts with positioning. Sleeves extending themselves before folding. "Hell, I wonder if this how the Beast felt in that one Disney movie." Magic clothes. Or smart clothes. Who would have thought it?

Once completion, what stood beside the blonde Fullbringer was something that Leon could only describe as Magazine edition. What the Fullbringer managed to accomplish was something that Leon had not seen before. Certainly to some degree as what he had seen some Bounts to with the shadows, but manipulating fabric to this extent only brought up the question that he mistakenly said aloud, "Damn, I can only imagine what else you can do with something like this. he sheepishly laughed beneath his breath. His eyes shifted from clothing to another pair of eyes that made it all possible. An appearance that was certainly beyond what Leon could imagine himself dressed in, meeting the casusal standarad befitting the environment. Truly, it was-

-eyes.

From the corner of his sights he could witness the drawn attention at his renewed appearance. Women that paused from their dishes to watch the pair. Gentle whispers that were static to his ears with them taking a doubled glance in their direction. Leon shuffled in his stance, cradling the lower portion of the womans backside. Although he shifted his gaze, his eyes caught more stares. Men that were staring at him, pointing, tracing at his figure. The smaller scars that lined his forearms were exposed, yet were dressed by the rows of short hair that grew along them over carved muscle. Eyes. Watching him. The Bount drew his gaze down to erase their existance from his sights, and further inward onto himself. He did not like people staring. It was as if he was back on the streets. People who wanted to hurt him. People who looked to be scheming, planning, wanting to kill him.

Leons breathing turned heavy for but a moment, pushing back the thoughts that were intruding.

He had to push them back.

He wasn't there anymore..

He was different.

There was no certain way..

A debt must be paid Leon was pantin-

"For the record, I think you're incredibly handsome no matter how you dress. But I hope this helps."

Leon refocused his eyes to have Shizukas brightly colored hair shine through the encompassing shadows. A bit of shock overcame, but, a brighter light blighted it out. The Bount smiled warmly, sighing relief. "Yes it does. And thanks, Shizu." A thanks that was more genuine than what he thought he could say. It was more than just the clothes, helping him to adapt his clumsy outgoing nature to a much better, and eased state of mind. His focus was on Shizuka despite catching the few glances in his perphieral, as she was what he was there for, and for the moments with her. And the tickling draw of her finger against further exposed skin.

Rounded at the table, by both Host and the Fullbringer, both men awaited for the lady to be seated from the drawn chair, intiating for the man to be seated next. Springy, soft, sticks to his glutes more than past chairs have with that tender care that he did not know even existed. A few bounces in place certainly made it all the more sensation solid in memory as it served as an upgrade from previous places he had eaten at before, and perhaps from what he has ever sat on before. Much like child trying a high chair for the first, letting their feet hang and unable to touch the ground. Leon was pleased with the accomadation.

You did a very good job choosing such a place for us to eat. Oh, and don't think for a second that I didn't hear your comment earlier."

Shizuka began with the compliment that was rightly deserved to the co-workers whom did some scouting for the Bount. Something that Leon regarded in current talks, "Thanks. Although I didn't know my way around in choosing places to go to, so my co-workers did help me in narrowing down areas that were fitting for our occasion. Should really be thanking them." he answered back. The place he did work in were filled with foul-mouthed individuals that Leon came to fit in naturally, much like a glove. So, taking advice about where to go to enjoy scenic was something that they would jokingly say aloud, as if to visit them when their girls would like to go, or when wanting to sleep with a gir- Nope. Leon didn't need those thoughts right now considering he wanted to enjoy this time with Shizuka, thinking with the upper brain rather than - Oh, and don't think for a second that I didn't hear your comment earlier." Crap Too late.

Reaching the point that they have now was what made his way of talking seem all the more natural. Despite knowing CEO for only a day, now two, their open minded expressions made it easier to communicate. Rather than being reserved, and beating around the bush, despite their antics to one another, much of what was occurring between the two was surprisingly quick. As if speaking to an old friend whom contact was lost for a time, reuniting and going over what changes had been going on for themselves. Shizuka was easy to talk to. So, when he spoke, it just felt, -natural. It just felt like the right thing to say, you know. As if we're already together. A couple going out to eat, and away from everything else." he said humbly.

There was no other way to describe how much comfort the Fullbringer brought to the man. An order of flavored water, topped with mint and lemon wedge, was set adjacent to the Bounts right hand, serving himself a small sip from his glass whilst eyeing his partner. "We're anything but normal. Normal is overrated." Leon laughed. Reminded of their other halves; their other lives. "Well, when you pull a stunt like that with clothes, I'd say that is an understatement. A server approached, setting aside a small wooden basket with napkin covered bread sticks, dismissing himself for a short time before returning. "Makes me wonder what else you can do with that trick." the man eyed his new style, seeing it again being an attire that he normally wouldn't be associated with.