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Post by Nomz on Nov 8, 2024 0:15:50 GMT
His hold is gentle, but secure as Jun takes his hand. Anwir is determined to keep her nearby as they wait for the 3 to pull in. The crowd moves around them as people move from place to place. There is a comfort to be found in the constant hum of people and the young mage is comfortable enough to almost let his guard down.
"Today is my 24th birthday," he asks, noticing that Jun is blushing despite having asked him the question. Honestly, he thinks she looks prettier with the hint of pink added to her skin. Anwir bites his tongue as he wonders if he should mention it to her, readjusting his stance.
"I am open to all your questions, Jun. After all, you're the first person I've spent my birthday with. Usually, I just go to a Halloween party and enjoy my time there. Ain't got any parents or family, so I've never had a proper celebration."
There is a moment as he wonders if perhaps that was too much to be said. Anwir lets the thought slide away in favor of asking Jun's next question. A sign above and behind him shows the time remaining for Line 3 at 2 minutes.
"James is pretty amazing. A little daft sometimes, like he hears something that no one else can. He took me in without judging me harshly," he says, brows knitted together in thought. "If you wanted to talk to someone and feel like they hear you, he would be the guy. I can always introduce you to him."
"Oh, Mr. Constantine and the good Doctor. The good Doctor is James' aunt and she's really nice. I like her alot. Have you met Doctor Brooks yet?"
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Post by darkkon on Nov 8, 2024 20:56:45 GMT
The din of the rapidly shifting crowd moving around them reminded Jun it was really in her best interest to hold his hand, she didn’t have to be so embarrassed or shy about it. It was not home, the customs were not the same. - ”Today is my 24th birthday.” - Oh? He’s only 10 months her junior. She thought about interjecting to that effect, but it looked like something was on his mind? - ”I am open to all your questions, Jun. After all, you’re the first person I’ve spent my birthday with. Usually, I just go to a Halloween party and enjoy my time there. Ain’t got any parents or family, so I’ve never had a proper celebration.” -
The first? No parents or family? Jun visibly saddened hearing this. He must have been an orphan, and his guardians must not have cared enough to celebrate with him. Yet, here he was, happy to guide her through the holiday and even pay for a costume for her. Her saddened look would quickly be replaced with a kind smile, Anwir shifting to her second question before she could respond. - ”James is pretty amazing. A little daft sometimes, like he hears something that no one else can. He took me in without judging me harshly. If you wanted to talk to someone and feel like they hear you, he would be the guy. I can always introduce you to him.” -
”I would like that.” She’d reply warmly, nodding. He sounded like a nice person, and she did want to meet the other members. - ”Oh, Mr. Constantine and the good Doctor. The good Doctor is James’ aunt and she’s really nice. I like her alot. Have you met Doctor Brooks yet?” - Another Doctor? Of what, she wondered. ”I have not, I have only met Doctor Strange so far.” She admitted, before someone else came to mind. ”And, aaa, Salem.” She’d add on, flushing a bit in embarrassment over the whole potions debacle.
The sound of screeching brakes a ways up the tunnel helped her shake the incident from her mind. She had a question she wanted to ask before long. ”This may sound like an odd question, but have you ever had fresh mochi?” Jun would inquire warmly. She wanted to repay Anwir somehow, and what better way than making a rice cake for his birthday? He may be well past one year old, but he never had his first birthday celebration, no reason they can’t have it now.
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Post by Nomz on Nov 11, 2024 5:17:34 GMT
Anwir seems to lighten up as his offer to introduce her to his teacher is accepted, more so now that the sad look she had worn melts. It is not a look he is unused to. Most people at least pretend to be unhappy when the topic of his parents comes up because how else were decent people supposed to handle that?
"I hadn't realized you met Strange already, though that does make alot of sense since you were in the Abbey." Anwir turns up the happy demeanor up by a few notches in the hopes of easing whatever remains of her sadness and smirks just a bit. "Oh, yeah. Salem. I meant to thank you for trying to protect me. It's not a feeling I am used to, but that doesn't make up for me not thanking you sooner."
His eyes flick over to where the subway cart is slowing down, getting ready to lead Jun to a car and a seat this time. This ride would be longer than the first. Her odd question drags his attention back to her and his head tips a bit in question.
"I cannot say I have," he starts as the train doors open with the gentle sound of displaced air. A handful of people move in ahead of them, but Anwir isn't in such a hurry this time. After all, he knows the doors will stay open if he can get an arm in. "Though, to be honest, I have no idea what moe-che is. Is that something from back home?"
His fingers tightened around her hand just a little in warning before he led them onto the half-full subway. Anwir took a second to glance around, smiling in relief when he found and brought them to an open set of seats near a window. The grey plastic seats are not the most comfortable seating, however, they certainly beat standing.
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Post by darkkon on Nov 11, 2024 8:13:18 GMT
- ”I hadn’t realized you met Strange already, though that does make a lot of sense since you were in the Abbey.” - Jun nodded slightly, her smile warming. The excess shifting in Anwir’s demeanor didn’t go unnoticed, but it was not what brightened Jun’s smile. No, it was the genuine lightening of his demeanor when she accepted his offer. - ”Oh, yeah. Salem. I meant to thank you for trying to protect me. It’s not a feeling I am used to, but that doesn’t make up for me not thanking you sooner.” -
”It’s quite alright.” Jun would start, tone and smile reassuring. ”I’m just glad it turned out well.” Sure, she still had several days of cooking tuna steak ahead of her as part of their deal, but she was happy to do it. Jun’s focus would shift to the train coming into sight and passing them by as it continued to slow. Huh, the engine looked much the same as the rest, save for the lights at least. Could it attach at either end?
- ”I cannot say I have. Though, to be honest, I have no idea what moe-che is. Is that something from back home?” - Jun waited patiently alongside Anwir for other passengers to board, if he was in no rush then she needn’t be either. Plus, they were right next to the door. ”Yes.” She’d start warmly, nodding in affirmation as Anwir led them into the subway car. ”The English name would be rice cake, but, it is unlike any cake I have seen here.” She’d continue, pondering how to describe it as they took their seats.
”The finished texture is sort of a cross between dough and... fudge?” Jun would pause for a moment, finding it difficult to describe with western cuisine. ”You can flavor it however you like. Salty, sweet, sour, bitter, savory. Mix in crushed nuts. Use it to wrap fruit, meat, vegetables, or just eat it plain.” Jun would stop herself, blushing a little. She got pretty enthusiastic as she spoke, counting off with her fingers even. Probably didn’t need to go that in depth with it.
”Sorry, I got a little sidetracked.” A soft embarrassed giggle would escape her lips as the doors sealed and the subway started on its way, instinctually glancing around at the lurching passengers before returning to Anwir. ”The reason I ask is... The only birthday we celebrate is the first, mochi is part of the tradition, and, well, since this is the first birthday you have celebrated with someone... Would it be alright if I made you some mochi?” As Jun spoke her voice would become progressively quieter, shyer, though not quite a whisper. But, she did not avert her eyes, she was not embarrassed. It was a private conversation, she wanted to keep it that way.
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Post by Nomz on Nov 13, 2024 2:40:45 GMT
Anwir tries to think if he's ever heard of a rice cake and wonders if this lack of knowledge is due to his upbringing. It is hard to expose one's self to other cultures even in a place as lively as Nashville when you grow up in the system. He decides that this is something he must remedy.
Jun has his complete attention as she talks, his mind working to try and piece together the references she is offering. He has a weak spot for learning and she is playing right into it without even realizing it. Anwir leaves a protective hand over his mask and wallet in his lap, turning a little so he can watch her as she talks. Her enthusiasm is quite contagious and a small smile works its way onto his face.
"Don't apologize. I like it when you explain things to me."
"Oh," he starts, shaking his head a bit and letting his eyes fall to the floor. Anwir looks back up at her with mild embarrassment of his own. The tips of his ears feel warm and he finds himself at a loss for words. Every time he thinks he has one, it slips away into that same astonished little smile.
Finally, "I would really appreciate that, Jun. Both because you make it sound so good and because I can't remember the last time someone made something for me." His fingers fidget, picking at the edge of his mask and he looks out at the people around them before coming back to his companion.
"You're a sweet person and I'm glad we're friends." Because even though they know each other so little, it still feels so much in his book. This is comfortable. This is what he knows friendship is supposed to feel like. "Is there somewhere specific we should go to get the ingredients? I know DC has a large market area we can go if needed."
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Post by darkkon on Nov 14, 2024 21:18:01 GMT
- ”Don’t apologize. I like it when you explain things to me.” - Jun’s cheeks warmed at the compliment, and she looked down for a moment with a shy smile before shifting her gaze back to Anwir to ask about making him mochi for his birthday. That was a new one.
--
- ”Oh.” - Oh no, did she say something bad? A worried look would grow upon Jun’s face as Anwir shook his head a little and looked to the floor. Was it the first birthday comment? His ears flushed a little, he had a smile when he turned back, small but he wasn’t angry at least; which softened her worry. Surprised? It looked like he couldn’t quite find the words he wanted to say. - ”I would really appreciate that, Jun. Both because you make it sound so good and because I can’t remember the last time someone made something for me.” - A soft smile would grow across Jun’s face, and she’d nod slightly in acknowledgement. All the more reason to ensure it was something special.
- ”You’re a sweet person and I’m glad we’re friends.” - ”As am I.” She’d respond warmly, her soft smile growing at the compliment. - ”Is there somewhere specific we should go to get the ingredients? I know DC has a large market area we can go if needed.” - ”That depends on what you would like. The base is just steamed rice, but a rice that is sticky after being cooked is ideal.” She’d pause for a moment, looking away in thought. ”I am unsure what western varieties would work, so an Asian market perhaps?” She’d finish, looking back to Anwir with a warm smile. Curious as to what kind of flavor he’d like.
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Post by Nomz on Nov 18, 2024 14:49:07 GMT
Something warm settles in Anwir's chest at Jun's acceptance of his friendship and he leans back against his seat, more content than he has been in a while. He has gained so many mentors and people willing to help him despite knowing so little about him. He is so grateful for that, but to have a Friend? Something who will be there for him? That feels new and warm and kind.
"There as so many Asian markets in both DC and New York," Anwir confirms, tone turning thoughtful as he pulls out his phone again. His fingers move across the cracked screen with practiced ease as he searches. "There are several that are only a few blocks from the train station and-"
His expression lights up with a happy, satisfied grin as he turns the screen to Jun.
"There are several Halloween stores still open today as well. We can hop off the train in DC, grab some food items, and then get you ready for Halloween. Oh! Then we can go trick-or-treating."
Anwir does that thing where he realizes he missed a question or change in topic and circles back around. He isn't embarrassed by it as it just happens so often and he looks over at Jun.
"Salty, sweet, and savory sound like good places to start. I just can't do sour-" and his face scrunches a little as if he's bitten into a lemon. "I'll eat just about anything, so it might be best if we stick to what you like best. What do you like?"
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Post by darkkon on Nov 18, 2024 20:53:34 GMT
- ”There is so many Asian markets in both DC and New York.” - Oh? Finding what they needed should be easy then. Cocking her head for a better view, Jun watched curiously as Anwir operated his phone. - ”There are several that are only a few blocks from the train station and-” - He turned the screen so she could see better. A hand full of dots around a central location, different hours of operation at the bottom. - ”There are several Halloween stores still open today as well. We can hop off the train in DC, grab some food items, and then get you ready for halloween. Oh! Then we can go trick-or-treating.” -
A happy smile grew upon Jun’s face, it looked like they would have plenty of time for everything. She began to ponder whether she should wait until the night was over to cook or if there would be a chance to cook in DC. All she really needed was some water, the right rice, and a secluded spot to pressure cook it with her light. The right rice flour would also suffice to cut down on time, but that didn’t feel very special. - ”Salty, sweet, and savory sound like good places to start. I just can’t do sour-” - Anwir’s voice drew Jun from her contemplation, the face he made after ‘sour’ eliciting a soft genuine giggle.
- ”I’ll eat just about anything, so it might be best if we stick to what you like best. What do you like?” - ”Mm...” She’d look up and away for a moment, pondering her favorites. It was hard to go wrong, as long as the ingredients were fresh. ”My favorite would have to be grilled beef chunks, spiced, wrapped in mochi, and deep fried in sesame oil...” She’d start, looking down at her hands as she mimicked the process of wrapping the meat. ”But that is more of a lunch or dinner thing. For snacks my family would use a sweet rice base and keep some of the cooked rice separate to mix back in for texture, then we would add some crystalized sugar, salt, or both for a little sweet-salty crunch.” She’d shrug, turning back to Anwir. ”But, this is your mochi, it should be what you like.”
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Post by Nomz on Nov 20, 2024 5:05:53 GMT
Jun's happy smile only made Anwir's grow just that much more. Few things in life can bring as much joy as a well-thought and appreciated plan. Given, most of his life often feels like he is making everything up on the spot and sometimes he is doing exactly that. The subway's tires start to squeal as they pull up to their stop.
"Okay, but grilled beef chunks wrapped in mochi and deep fried sounds like something that was created in heaven," he says a bit wistfully, eyes going distant as he tries to think of the last thing he ate that wasn't coffee or a protein bar. As the subway train comes to a pause with a little jerking motion, Anwir is on his feet and reaching out to Jun.
"I'll be honest, Jun." The young mage starts, waiting until she has a hold of him to lead them off of the train. People crowd in all around them and it becomes evident that this station is far busier than the one they started with. "If you made it for me, it would immediately become my favorite." He chuckles a bit bashfully, ducking around a group of older men who stopped abruptly in the middle of the path. Anwir is careful to keep his friend with him as they get on the escalator up to the train station above them.
"Is it okay to ask for one with meat in it? I'm not the best at making sure I eat right and that just sounds divine," he says, calling out loud enough to be heard over the din of the Moynihan Train Hall. Sunlight spills in from the glass ceiling far above their heads. Anwir makes a show of pulling out his phone and shows the screen to Jun.
"I bought tickets when we were still at the Sanctum. I've never been on a train before and I've never been to DC itself. This is going to be a blast. Are you excited, Jun?"
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Post by darkkon on Nov 20, 2024 20:56:29 GMT
The screeching of the brakes and slowing of their momentum gave notice that the next stop was coming up, was it theirs? Anwir was sure to know. - ”Okay, but grilled beef chunks wrapped in mochi and deep fried sounds like something that was created in heaven.” - ”It may well have been.” She’d joke along with a light giggle, looking about instinctively when they lurched to a halt. Anwir was already up and reaching down for her by the time she looked back, must be their stop.
- ”I’ll be honest, Jun.” - She listened curiously, taking his hand without hesitation and standing to follow along. This stop was significantly busier than the last, it was hard to make heads or tails of where to go as the crowd blended into a mix of boarding and departing. - ”If you made it for me, it would immediately become my favorite.” - A heartfelt smile crept across her face, though was quickly replaced with a look of surprise as they had to suddenly sidestep some elderly gentleman that stopped in the middle of the hall. It was a sentiment she shared, that someone cared enough to make you a gift was the real gift, but it didn’t hurt to also get a gift you enjoyed.
- ”Is it okay to ask for one with meat in it? I’m not the best at making sure I eat right and that just sounds divine.” - ”Of course, w...” She’d answer happily, trailing off as the sunlight shined down through an arched grid of glass far above and they rose into the station proper. Jun had often seen these buildings from far above, but standing within them was a different experience entirely. She absentmindedly followed where she was pulled, her attention on the patterned angular designs of the support beams above and the large four-faced analog clock hanging in the center of the room.
- ”I bought tickets when we were still at the Sanctum. I’ve never been on a train before and I’ve never been to DC itself. This is going to be a blast. Are you excited, Jun?” - Anwir’s voice brought her attention back down, where she noticed he was showing her something on the phone. She looked over the screen curiously. A receipt for the tickets? Penn Station to Union Station, departure and arrival times, seat numbers, a couple of those bar-scan things. His excitement was certainly infectious, not that she needed it to be. They were firsts for her as well. Plus she was going to get to make some mochi later, get a costume, and go trick or treating for the first time. ”Very.” She’d answer with a soft grin and an eager nod. ”What's the next step?”
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Post by Nomz on Nov 20, 2024 23:50:21 GMT
Anwir doesn't even think about the idea that he might be overloading Jun or that he might be running too fast. This is just the nature and pace of his life and the path he's taken through everything. He rolls his shoulders, grinning when a group of school kids points him out as they pass by. Somehow, he'd almost forgotten that he's dressed as the Spider-Man in New York of all cities and a red blush rests pleasantly across his cheeks.
"Yes! I'm glad to hear that," he says, turning for a half step to face her and flash her a smile. Anwir reaches up to where there are stands for E-Tickets and he lets his phone roll over the scanner. A moment passes before the bars move, allowing them entry. "Okay, for what's next? Most of it is just a bit of walking, a bit of sunshine, and then the trains. If I read correctly, they're very similar to the cars they use for the subway. One day, I'm going to have to take you on an old-school train."
He thinks as he leads the way as if he had been born to ride trains and subways and navigate massive metro areas. They pass people and murals and even a few cafe areas. All the while, Anwir is happy to answer her questions about anything and everything that catches her attention. For someone who loves to read and learn, he seems just as content to share what knowledge he has or search for it on his phone if he doesn't.
The latter is how they end up sitting in the seats of a train bound for DC and looking at schematics of underwater tunnels and railways. Anwir shakes his head a little and looks up at Jun, "I'm never been more glad that I don't have a fear of water or small spaces." He rolls his shoulder and leans back in his seat, watching her as another question comes to mind.
"Do you have a phone, Jun?"
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Post by darkkon on Nov 24, 2024 3:44:14 GMT
- “Yes! I’m glad to hear that.” - Once more through a line with automated bars, though this one was far quicker than the other and seemed to be set aside for those who bought their tickets ahead of time, using the scan-bars on his phone rather than a card. - “Okay, for what’s next? Most of it is just a bit of walking, a bit of sunshine, and then the trains. If I read correctly they’re very similar to the cars they use for the subway. One day, I’m going to have to take you on an old-school train.” -
“One of those early steam engines? I’d like that.” She’d say warmly, following along at Anwir’s pace as they passed through the scan-in point. Jun hadn’t seen many, but she did enjoy the older designs. The newer ones were sleeker, quicker, and more efficient, but they felt hollow. Their journey to their seats went by quickly and pleasantly. A nice bit of sun as they passed to Penn Station, some interesting murals Anwir was kind enough to look up for her, she even had time to ask what a few costumes were as they passed by some groups at a dining area.
Before long they had found their way to their boarding platform. The cars were indeed similar to the cars they used for the subway, though there were only a few cars with doors near the fronts and the seating was oriented similar to a long distance bus. Anwir, ever the gentleman, was kind enough to let her have the window seat as well, despite her assurance that she would be happy in the aisle if he wanted it. Not long unto their journey they had begun chatting about the different environments trains had to travel through and how they managed, and Anwir had decided to look up how they built underwater tunnel systems for them.
- “I’ve never been more glad that I don’t have a fear of water or small spaces.” - “Hai.” Jun would nod softly in agreement, staring at the schematic on his phone’s screen. Those were fears she was glad to avoid as well, though being able to make portals and shield yourself in exceptionally durable light certainly helped ward against them. Her attention shifted to the view outside the window once he turned off his phone and settled back in his seat. - “Do you have a phone, Jun?” -
Anwir’s question drew Jun’s attention back from a small flock of cranes flying in the distance. A phone? “Not quite.” She’d reply, a blush of embarrassment tinting her cheeks as she fished for something in her left pocket. What she pulled out was about a third the size of a smartphone, though a little thicker, with a small screen on the front, several buttons, a solar charging panel on the back, and a hinge to flip open. It was built rather robust, there were no brand names on it, and it was deceptively cheap and outdated in design, easily recognizable as a two-way pager to anyone familiar with them.
“It lets me stay in contact with a few friends...” She’d start shyly, looking down at the device in her hand as she turned it over a few times. In particular, a young man and his older sister. “...It only works with others like it. Pagers, I think?” She’d click one of the buttons, the screen lit up dimly with the date and time. “They thought it best I eased into a phone, I agreed.” She’d finish with an embarrassed giggle at herself, stuffing the device back into her pocket before turning to Anwir with a warm smile. “Perhaps you could help me find a more simple phone when I’m ready?”
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