November catch-all ♫

[traceofeffort]

⭐ Who: Lisa and ticketed attendees- wait, no, she didn't issue tickets, it's just everyone.
⭐ When: November, perhaps with backdated stuff as needed?
⭐ Where: Around town! Maybe in the Dream Sphere too, we'll see where things take us.
⭐ What: A certain bassist has Some Things on her mind and may require distractions. She still hasn't entirely wound down from the last Disturbance, but there are some... other issues also cropping up.
⭐ Warnings: Lisa-typical spirals, though it might be a bit worse than usual this month... Otherwise check headers, but should be fine.

Comments

[flatcola]

One slice. Only one at a time, no matter what, huh?

[ Kozakura raises a knowing eyebrow. ]

Don't worry, we've all made that mistake.

[ The occasion though; she didn't expect anyone to actually ask about that, and her voice lowers, her eyes even scanning for coworkers. ]

...birthday.

[traceofeffort]

Weeeeell........ maybe two. As a treat, on a bad day. [Lisa-] But I'm glad you understand!

[The brief moment of secrecy surprises her, but the reason gets her attention, and she brightens, lowering her own voice for a moment.]

Oh! Well, happy birthday, then! [Moment over; she returns to her usual volume.] Cake's traditional for that, yeah, but don't let other people tell you how to celebrate! If you want an eclair, or chocolate mousse, or cookies, or anything else, you do you.

[flatcola]

Depends on the day. Depends on what I had for dinner, too.

[ Like half her body weight in greasy fried garbage. ]

Ah uh. ...thank you. It's easy to get into a rut with food, at least for me, so advice never hurts, though.

[traceofeffort]

Eh, that's fair. [To both things.] On one hand, it's nice to explore new things! But on the other, well... you like what you like. And hey, you could just get one of everything? In, uh, small quantities? [A beat.] I dunno, that might be too much sugar in one place. Not that I can talk when I'm here for ingredients to bake a pile of cookies myself, but still.

[flatcola]

Right. I don't get out... enough, to try new things.

[ Usually when the DU is participating in some kind of Event, and that's usually just variations on typical festival food, which is still a comfort zone. ]

At least cookies are easy to share. Especially when you seem pretty outgoing.

[traceofeffort]

I'd offer to share a couple things, but I don't have anything ready, and it'd be unfair to make you wait, yeah? Maybe I'll whip something up and call it a late present another time.

[She's certain she's met this woman before, after talking to her some, so she can back that up at least a little.]

Ahaha... they are, aren't they? And they're a good icebreaker too. But right now, I'm getting ready for the holidays, and a couple particular presents before that, too. [She grins.] A couple of my friends definitely prefer things they can eat over things they just have.

[flatcola]

You don't have to. Just if you happen to making something.

[ ...but she won't turn down a gift, and is just being polite in saying that. ]

I'm perfectly happy just getting a few chances to eat and drink over the holidays. It's not like I have anyone to go on a date with.

[traceofeffort]

Oh, it's getting close to Christmas, I'm always making something. I'm here now to buy ingredients, in fact. I normally take a bunch of stuff to the Union's Christmas party, but I might have to dip out early this year. [Her cheeks pink.] I haven't asked yet but I might have a date this year.

[Lisa takes a breath and centers herself. Can't be too forward!]

Ah, all that to say, I can probably make something happen, yeah?

[flatcola]

You're definitely that type.

[ The incessant baking type, the wordy about it type. ]

Good luck with your date, too.

[ Kozakura isn't exactly jealous but it just makes her buying dessert for herself, alone, feel a little more lonely. ]

[traceofeffort]

[Wordy is definitely right. If you can't hear her across the room something's wrong.]

I... um, thanks. And I hope the rest of your birthday goes smoothly and quietly. [A beat, before her face lights up.] Oh! And I need to find you later, if I do end up making you something.

[It's not a particularly worrying if. But she grins.] I'm Lisa. Lisa Imai.

[flatcola]

[ She could probably host a Youtube channel. ]

Ai Kozakura. I don't mind adding you on Line either.

[ Kozakura actually has a decent number of people added, she's just clear with them that she doesn't respond to a lot of messages. ]

[traceofeffort]

[Hey, don't threaten her with a good time and adoring fans- actually wait, that might. Not end well.]

That might be easier, yeah. I never know where I am or where I'm going this time of year. Or any other time of year... But yes! Pleased to met you.

[Where's her phone, this tote bag is great but it's got enough space to store a small car...]

[flatcola]

[ No, no, feed that beast.

Kozakura's phone is out in an instant. She doesn't carry much on her. ]

Busy year 'round huh?

[traceofeffort]

It's worse going into Christmas, but I get busy with Dreamer work from time to time, too. Every few months something major seems to happen and I just can't seem to focus on anything else.

[She finally fishes her phone out, and after a second starts tap-tapping information into it.]

Baking is my escape, but then I get too deep into it and it turns into a big to-do and I end up stressing a little, ahaha...

[flatcola]

...ugh, yeah. I hate living in interesting Dreamsphere times.

[ Not like there have been uninteresting times, in that regard. ]

Well, don't let your hobby turn into too much of an obligation.

[traceofeffort]

Don't we all. But that's the work, yeah? Whether it's an easy patrol on the beach or a Disturbance in a tower reaching to the heavens. People need us, so we'll be there.

[She sighs, tossing her phone back in her bag.]

Anyway. Last year, my obligation turned into an obsession. I ended up hurting myself, I had about half the Dreamer Union asking who they needed to hunt down. So. This year is easier. [Lisa grins, a little quirk to her lips.] Not that it probably sounds that way. So... thanks. I'm trying to take it easier.

[flatcola]

Right. I could just quit, otherwise.

[ And despite all the terror, she couldn't do that. ]

...yeah, definitely learning to pace yourself huh? That takes practice, too. Keep at it.

[traceofeffort]

At this rate I should manage self-control within... oh, the next decade? [Lisa shrugs, still grinning.] I kid, I kid. I'll be okay. As okay as I ever get, anyway.

[She peers into her tote bag briefly, making sure her phone didn't end up in a carton of eggs or something. Which reminds her-]

On that note, I should probably get to baking soon, or I really will be stressing. I promised a certain person a birthday present - well, aside from just now - and I'm running out of time to make it.

[flatcola]

You still might beat me to really succeeding at it.

[ But she's not as old as she acts like she is. ]

Mm. I won't hold you up from that any longer, then.