Day 2 - Date #1

[assent]

[ After meeting Sudoh at breakfast and their agreement to meet at 3pm, Sonia spent half the morning wandering around the school trying to work out what to do for this. She's met up with delegates from other countries, travelled to study in another country, but none of that really prepares you for what to do in a situation like this.

Her closet had a number of dresses to choose from, and wanting to try and keep things as simple as possible she chose a simple summer dress for this, pulling on a pale peach cardigan to go with it. Her hair is the same as normal, at least.

She sets up the gynasium with a few pillows from her room, putting them on the edge of the stage so they can sit there. There's a pair of glasses on the stage too, along with a mix of different drinks. In a container there are two slices of carrot cake she made with Sayori and Natsuki yesterday. Next to those are a couple of books she's picked out, all from the library with all the French literature, though she has one open while she waits for Sudoh to arrive. It's customary for people to arrive 13 minutes early in her country, so while it isn't necessary here she can't really help herself. ]

Comments

[dismemberthename]

[Sudoh comes in about five minutes before the appointed time with a cloth bundle on his back. He sort of slows, checking out her setup, then crosses the gym, smiling brightly.]

You went all-out, huh? Hello, Sonia-san.

[he's not dressed up or anything, just as wild-looking as ever.]

[assent]

[ Her head darts up from the book as soon as she heards him approach, her expression softening when she realises that it's simply that he's arrived now and not that someone else stumbled in here. ]

I would not say "all-out", no. If that were the case I may have brought a lot more in here, however... I did not wish to disappoint either. Would you like to take a seat?

[dismemberthename]

Sure. I brought a little something too, but I dunno if I can compete with cake, and this nice setup to boot.

[sets aside his bundle and seats himself on one of the pillows.]

[assent]

D... Did I really go too far? [ She's worried now, because she was honestly trying to not overdo it but she also wanted to make sure he didn't feel like she wasn't putting effort in either. ]

[dismemberthename]

No, no! You didn't. Sorry, did it seem like I was saying that? I'm just impressed.

[assent]

I am sorry as well, it is not that I am just... Really trying to get used to this. I took some ideas from some literature I found yesterday but perhaps it was still a little too much. I... I am glad, however. I wanted to make sure you would be happy, at least. It would be bad enough that you were forced to spend time with me like this, but if it did not go well on top of that...

[ #PrincessPressure ]

Um... You said you brought something as well?

[dismemberthename]

Sonia-san. I'd spend time with you like this even if it weren't an assignment. You're kind, and easy to be around. So don't worry so much, okay?

[reaches over to unwrap the bundle though.]

I found the materials for woodworking in the art room, and I thought since you mentioned wanting to see it, that it would be a good thing to bring?

[assent]

I will try my best. [ She smiles back at him, a little more relaxed and reassured now. That's especially the case when he unwraps the bundle, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the tools for making something to do with woodworking. ]

Ah! You are correct, I would be delighted if you could show me. What do you plan on making?

[dismemberthename]

I thought I'd make a gift for a friend I made here. He plays the guitar, so I thought I'd get started on some parts for it and maybe bother the chinchillas for things I can't find in the school. That sound good?

[assent]

That sounds wonderful! I am certain he would be delighted. You put a lot of care into it, after all. Where do we start?

[dismemberthename]

I'll be making the head, 'cause it's small and I don't need too much space or tools for this bit. The part where the strings are adjustable, up top.

[assent]

The headstock, yes? [ She nods. ] I presume the hardest part is making the slanted edge with few materials. [ She straightens up slightly, getting ready to watch him work. ]

[dismemberthename]

Yeah, that'll have to wait until I have a table to clamp this to, but for now I can do some of the other work.

[assent]

It seems like it would be quite intricate work. Before you start, would you care for a drink? I was not certain how long this is supposed to last for, so I brought a wide range from the kitchen and wine cellar.

[ Thankfully not while the others were having their dates there. ]

[dismemberthename]

Sure, a drink would be great. I'll avoid wine for now though, what with the intricate work part.

[assent]

Of course. Honestly, I was not sure what to expect so I just brought everything possible.

[ She panicked... ]

I have juice or water?

[dismemberthename]

[honey]

Juice is great!

[assent]

Of course. [ She'll shift now to pull the glasses closer, picking up the carton of juice to open that and pour some out.

At least she can manage that much.

Mostly. A little may or may not have splashed onto her dress but let's not talk about that. ]

Here you are.

[dismemberthename]

[Sudoh will never ever mention it.

Accepts the glass with a warm smile.]

Thanks, Sonia-san.

[assent]

[ What a good friend.

She pours one out for herself too, though is just as useless with it splashing back at her -- she probably should have thought this over better but here they are. ]

Let me know when you are ready to try the cake, too. Though I admit I am eager to see how you will be starting your project.

[dismemberthename]

We can probably eat the cake now? The first step involves drawing, so I can do that and eat at pretty much the same time. Plus it smells really good.

[assent]

I see, so first you sketch out the design or...?

[ She asks while sorting out the container, pulling out a fork for him to take as well - just in case. Each of them have one so they don't spill it all over the gym. ]

I hope it is to your liking.

[ She'll take her own once he has it anyway. ]

[dismemberthename]

I could sketch out the design if I wanted to do something fancy, but it's probably best if I stick with what I know. But it's easier to keep everything neat and symmetrical if I have it drawn out on the wood.

[Accepting the cake gratefully, digging in as he explains.]

Oh! It's good!

[assent]

[ She nods in understanding. ]

Is it not difficult to draw directly onto the wood? The grain would--

[ Though she stops suddenly at the compliment, eyes lighting up in delight. ]

Truly?!

[dismemberthename]

Really!

[Taking a few more bites before continuing.]

Anyway, the drawing on the wood doesn't have to be neat or anything. S'just a rough guide, so the wood grain messing with the drawing isn't so bad.

[assent]

Aaaah, I am relieved. Natsuki-san seemed like she was instructing us well, but you can never be too sure.

[ She sounds relieved too. ]

However, I see. You can really tell you're used to making these.

[dismemberthename]

[shrugs lightly]

I've only really made a few guitars, but I saw my parents make plenty, and helped out sometimes. Thanks, though. That gives me a little more confidence in not screwing this up.

[assent]

You will "deffo" be okay, as they say!

[ Who says... we just don't know. ] You seem very talented and as though you have a good desposition for handcrafting things, you will be fine.

[dismemberthename]

[haha what even]

Thanks, Sonia-san. You're very kind.

[Starts sketching out the shape on his block of wood.]

[assent]

It is merely fact. [ She stays quiet after that though, eating her portion of carrot cake as he sketches out the shape on the block of wood.

It seems to go on smoothly enough, though given his lack of a clamp she isn't certain of how he'll keep it all in place. ]

[dismemberthename]

[the man once made an entire morin khuur while living in a cave with a bunch of wolves, he can manage this much pretty smoothly, even if he doesn't have the self esteem to match his actual skill.

Polishing off his slice of cake while he works.]

[assent]

[ She doesn't wish to interrupt him either, so she keeps quiet save for the smaller nibbles of cake she's doing. The juice may be a little too sweet with it, but coffee here isn't exactly great. ]