^ Yuuto looked around with a confused look on his partially covered face until facing NV again. "What? Me? I appreciate the compliment..." He figured he would just roll with it. "I try my best to live my life day-by-day and live as if I might die tomorrow. I keep a balanced diet, I'm constantly with someone I love, and... I try not to make people upset. 

< Yuuto doesn't really think too highly of himself, so compliments like these are welcomed with open arms, just finding something about him to share is the hard part. 

V "So... I'm planning on proposing soon. Am I rushing it? We've been together for about 4 years now, I don't know, I'm really excited, but I'm really anxious! Do you have any advice that could help me?!"

^ "Are you now?" Sharpie's face lights up, "Good for you! Exciting indeed-- It's a big step, but if it feels like the right time, it probably is! I'm not sure how helpful my 2c will be, though... actually, my wife and I talked the idea over a lot before the official proposal... she picked out her own engagement ring together with me and everything," he laughs fondly. "Maybe that takes some of the romance out of it for some people, but it worked really well for us. Even if you're planning more of a surprise, though, it might be a good idea to give her a few hints. Ask her some questions! Where does she see herself in five, ten, twenty years? That kind of thing... safe questions, but enough that she'll catch on, you know? Depending on her reception... you'll either know it's too soon, or it'll make you more confident, and her excited for when you finally pop the question! Ah, I wish you the best of luck. I'm sure you'll do just fine."

< Married to his childhood sweetheart. He is an absolutely hopeless romantic :') also, he took her last name. Half to piss off his parents, and half because he was sick of his students teasing him for being called Mr. Eldessouky :'o

-- whoops sniped--

^ "Who, me? Oh, um..." Sharpie shifts uncomfortably, and looks away, "you know it'd be much easier to get some takeout, probably. There's a good place just down the road, if you like Chinese food. Um. Can dogs eat that?" was this thing even a dog? Sharpie mainly wants to get out of this interaction as fast as he can.

< not the best with strangers. let alone strange demon mutts :^( he's actually an okay cook, but this request was perhaps a little too upfront...

v "Well, how about you, hmm? Would you ever like to settle down with someone?"

^ - "I did once," Corinne answered meekly, making her tone as unassuming as she could, "but that didn't work out. I was the one who left. I didn't like the arrangement, so I packed up my bags and departed." She shook her head before wringing her hands. "I've been alone ever since that time, actually. Too many bad memories. But the man I left behind, he was sweet, I think... He just ran up the wrong path, and I couldn't handle it." She stopped and leaned back, clearly expecting backlash from the stranger.

She added with a sigh, "I don't wish things could've been different. I think it was for the best, for both of us. I'm not the person who should settle down like that, you see. I have... Or had a job, actually. I needed to focus on that. But now that I'm retired..." The elder coughed into her sleeve before pushing a lock of her hair asides. If it weren't for the nervous energy emanating from her, this moment would've been slow. Painfully so. It took a solid minute of silence for her to sit up straight and alert herself.

"I've spent all my time alone or with my nephew. He's a sweetheart, but he doesn't visit that often. He says he's busy, or something along those lines. I don't think a job as a..."

She stopped for a few seconds, her mouth curling into a subtle grimace, before muttering, "I don't think working as a receptionist would be that tedious, but I don't know. Hospitals are such crowded places anyways. I sure I don't end up in one someday."

< - Corinne has always been the type to live alone, although not necessarily voluntarily?? she's easily swayed by external pressures and felt them pretty hard when she decided to leave her partner/fiance and their infant son behind. said partner was a member of the mafia, and Corinne was already under scrutiny for running off, so when she found out, she just cowered out of the relationship and left.

she's also sort of lying when she says that she didn't wish for a better outcome, because she did genuinely love him... too bad both parties have their heads too far up their asses for a reunion to be angst-free lmao.

v - Still clearly a bit disoriented by the last question, Corinne folded her hands and sat there. Quietly. Awkwardly. It wasn't a graceful impression, but she didn't expect or want a grand impression at this time, or ever; she was always the unexceptional type. That was what she was told, from when she was a young girl to now. Well, excluding the time she ran off to be with her partner, but that was an entirely different situation. And it didn't even count anymore!

"Mind if I lighten up the subject a bit?" she broke the silence by asking, "I just think that during this time, one should focus on what makes one happy, yes?" A weak smile edged her way onto her face accordingly. "Ummm... What's your favorite animal? I love all of them, but cats are my favorite. I wish my landlord let me have one though... It'd make the days so much easier, don't you think?"

Mimi had given her most deadpan face ever, drowning all the talk out. Why the fuck was she here again? She listened in from time to time, something about partners and relationships, then she realized it was her turn to share, she almost let out a groan until she heard the magic word, animals! This wasn't as bad as she thought it would be, a genuine happiness flowed through her as her face brightened. "Animals! I work with all types of animals, it's hard for me to choose a favorite! All animals have distinct personalities, some more interesting than a lot of people I know, it's so entertaining to see them come out of their shells once I'm training them, trying to find the most effective method! I find it really hard to choose a favorite, as there are many species I have yet to tame, but from what I've trained so far, birds and dogs have gotten me very intrigued!" 

Mimi has had at least 12 pets, a statement she wears like a badge. These animals have been: 

- 3 fish when she was five, which she accidentally killed by forgetting to plug in the air compressor after cleaning the tank

- a hamster, which she had when she was 9, ended up trading him for a firework

- another 2 fish, which were both male bettas, which fought to the death over a weekend vacation

- a cat, which disappeared, mainly because mimi kept it in her closet at all times, afraid it would run away

- 2 senior dogs she kept when she was 10, they lived a long and happy life

- a rabbit she got when she was 13, which she still has

- 2 parakeets, which she treats like HER SONS, birds are her shit, don't fucking mess with them, or she's after you

Mimi, who had no problem with being rude to someone she barely knew, scoffed, "Damn, I can't be saying anything about how people dress, but what the hell are you wearing, your mother's blouse?"

^ Shrike wasn't sure how she stumbled upon this place, but she was excited nevertheless! Fortune telling was an art she hadn't put much thought into, but it was simply fascinating. She wasn't sure if she ever had her fortune told before, actually... And so, with a cheery smile, she looked upon Maude.

"Oh! ...Oh, you are a child?" She stopped smiling for only a second, before resuming it. It really wasn't necessary for her to crouch before them, as she wasn't that much taller than them, but she did. Not that she was intentionally condescending, but... It probably appeared that way.

"I would love a fortune!" she exclaimed, "Especially from a little cutie like you!"

< Shrike is a little surprised that Maude isn't the stereotypical fortune teller-- an old hag with a crystal ball. That's honestly how she pictures the profession.

v Shrike swung down from the rooftops. She landed some way behind the stranger, deathly silent. One couldn't tell she was there, creeping through the night.

Until she spoke, loud and clear-- "Are you the person who stole that old lady's walker?"

^
"Depends..." Bella doesn't have to look back to know they were a hero, she reacts calmly, which one she wasn't certain of, but it didn't matter as she continued "Are you the hero who broke the ribs of three of my patients?" She carefully moves her arms in-front of her, there were superheroes about, but that didn't mean indestructible humans as she readied herself for the fight, unwarranted tears start to stream from Shrike's eyes, foreboding what was about to happen...

<
Bella stole the walker, the rich lady who used it decided to make it out of gold and adorned with gems. It was worth more then a pretty penny, and Bella, being the criminal she is, knew this fully well.

v
The crime lord sits on her desk, signing documents and papers as a stranger is brought in, Bella looks up after another paper signed as she offers a business-lady smile "Ah, you arrived. Sorry for the... Rough handling, but I had to know it was safe to bring you over, knowing your history." She stands up and walks to a nearby self-serve bar to pick up a drink and having a sip, before turning back "I hope we can come to an agreement, perhaps... Even a co-operation of sorts?"

< You don't say much to begin with and take in as much as you can about the woman in front of you. She could prove to be a good partner.

"There are other ways to get my attention that do not involve those measures," you say in your thick accent, "I promise you I would not misbehave."

You pause, and give her a small smile. "Let us discuss business."

---

< a history he sure has... been doing illegal shit since he was a preteen and it's only escalated to crimes as serious as murder, she is right to be cautious but he is also not lying when he states that he wouldn't backstab her, he doesn't play dirty until the other gives him a reason to

---

v "Before we start... what of them?" You gesture to the stranger sitting beside you without properly having acknowledged them, "I was led to believe this would be between you and me. I was not aware there would be a second party."

^ - "'Second party?'" she repeated with an overturned hand, "I mean, sir, we're in a public place, so I can't exactly say this would be a completely private conversation." Awkwardly so, the blonde rubbed the back of her neck while glancing around. Gee, the merriment behind this conversation was quick to diminish. Now it just felt... Tense. Poor Francoise, the optimism ended up being a bit of a disappointment for her. Now she had no idea if this negotiation was going to go through as planned.

Would an anecdote do for the situation? It wasn't like she had a lot to lose, or maybe she did. Why the hell wasn't Frederick speaking anyways? Why was he just sitting here grinning like a hyena? He'd make things so much easier for the two of them... With his natural charisma and all that.

Twiddling her fingers, she blurted, "You must mean my younger brother, right? He works with me, so it's sort of a given when you discuss my work habits. At least I hope that's what you're talking about?" She attempted to give him her signature beaming smile, but even that felt a bit harder than usual as her teeth clenched oh-so slightly. "He's really not that much of a hindrance if you're worried," Francoise added with a chuckle, "There's a reason why he's a co-executive instead of just some line cook..." That was definitely a lie, and she knew it. She glanced over at her younger brother with a pout, to which he responded with a quick nod. Escape plan activated.

< - Francoise and Frederick aren't as figuratively joined at the hip as the response may suggest, but they're still relatively close!! granted, it's sometimes frustrating for the two of them, but it's usually pretty petty and gets resolved pretty quickly. (well, sort of. sometimes they bring it up as jokes later on.) in terms of running the business, Frederick is usually the one dealing with the negotiations, while Francoise heads the cooking itself; they know that it's a bit awkward if they try switching roles, but it doesn't stop them from trying nonetheless...

v - With a raised brow, Francoise eyed the other party before giving them a cheeky - and overly cheesy - grin. It would've fit perfectly in some sort of comedy; somebody just needed to get the appropriate music, and... Boom, the theme was set. Not that the middle-aged woman was particularly fond of comedies anyway. She was too busy to watch them most of the time, but it wasn't like she disdained them either... Maybe it was because she was naturally the comic, but who the hell knew?

"So, what do you plan on eating tonight? Any plans?" she asked with a giggle, "Not that I want to take you out or anything. I'm a chef, so I always have to stay on top when it comes to knowing what's being served. Mind helping me in that little endeavor?" With a wave of her hand, Francoise chortled and added, "It's okay if you decline; consider me a food journalist at night." A wink was given to the other party before she leaned back against the wall, clearly a bit too proud of herself for her own good.

Cue the laugh track, because innocent hubris never failed to be amusing. At least to this narrator, that is.

^ "something to eat hu?" He said with a wide smile. "I have no idea, I rarely eat. Haven't eaten for days, I'm starving, " he said before barking out-loud laughter. Nathaniel leaned a bit back on his chair and studied the other party with his eyes. "What do you recommend, being a chef 'nd all? Are there things I should try before I die. Again?" He chuckled." I was thinking about fries, " Nathaniel said with a smaller grin. He plucked at the end of his gloves and shrugged lightly. "Chips wit' some fish."(roll credits.)

< Halves like him don't need to ear and drink to stay "" alive""they do need sleep though and can still die (from old ages and..orher circumstances).

V "what's your goal in life matey?" He asked you with a frown. " I know, a bit if a, personal question, especially from a stranger like me but I'm curious. What keeps yer heart, tickin'?" 

^ "But aren't we just players in this big game of Life? I'm not sure how interesting this 'game' you're proposing could be..."

< Shen may or may not be a senile old dragon

v "Do not come closer. I don't want whatever stupidity you younglings have."

^ "I may be young, but don't get me wrong, I'm wiser than any human in this world! But... Maybe being around humans so much might be messing that up."

< Sora is a dragon, like Shen! I don't have a definitive design for her dragon form, but I definitely have the Eastern-Style dragons in mind!

V  "Do you like cats? Oh, I love cats! They're so cute and cuddly, ah, I could pet one forever if I could!" 

^ "Aye, lass, I love cats. I own seven of them and each and every one is an absolute angel. Ye can visit and play with them sometime."

< His cats are all named after the Seven Virtues! He also takes care of stray cats and helps them get adopted!

v "Ye! Ye have been SINNING, I can tell! Confess, heathen!"