2022-04-02: Aimo, Ai-kun
- Log: Aimo, Ai-kun
- Cast: Ranka Lee, Kaworu Nagisa
- Where: The summit overlooking Tokyo-3, OCU Japan
- OOC - IC Date: April 2nd, 0096 (2022)
- Summary: After getting separated from her tour bus, Ranka runs into Kaworu, who offers to guide her back to the city. On the way back, they encounter a mysterious creature...
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
Although the Nadesico being away on some top secret mission with Alto in tow worried her, Ranka tried her best not to let it tie her stomach in knots, instead taking a day trip on the Three Tokyo Bus Tours. "And here we come upon the Fortress City - Tokyo - 3. The pinnacle of human ingenuity, it was built by NERV to withstand the attacks of Kaiju, Angels, and other grave threats to humanity. The city itself is capable of retracting down into a Geofront below..."
The tour guide droned on, as the occupants left the bus, to overlook the city at a stop on the cliffside road. It wasn't the most beautiful city, but it was a beautiful view. Ranka snaps a picture or two with her Osanshoo-san, before meandering off.
To someone who'd lived up on the Macross colony her whole life, the city was interesting, but the Forest surrounding it was just as interesting. Trekking off, Ranka's wearing her red shortalls and a pair of floppy but comfortable blue boots with a red ribbon. And she takes just a small hike through the nearby forest.
At least she thought it was a small hike. She got a few great pictures of the wildlife.
Trying to get back to the road proved a more perilous task than she thought, her phone's GPS deciding that now was a great time not to function. A few dizzying circles - and forty nine minutes later she comes back to the road. And the bus is gone.
"Ehhhhhh!? They left me? Now what am I going to do?" Trying her phone again, she tried calling the bus company and... no ringing, just a red error message blaring on the holographic screen. With a sigh, she rests her arms on the side of the highway rail, chin on top of it - contemplating her choices - and coming up on nothing except walking the road until she got signal back. Given that the city still looked far, that would prove to take most of the day. "Alto-kun will never let me live this down." Looking down the road that seemed endless in it's stretch around the mountainside, she says quietly, "I need to cheer up first."
With a sigh, she climbs over the rail, to a wide grassy patch that led to the actual edge of the cliff, and walks to just a few short feet from the edge. The city seemed more real than it did from the road somehow. Clasping her hands together, she looks out over the unfamiliar cityscape with the glittering bay surrounding one side of it. Alone - far away from other people, yet she still felt connected all the same - to not just the people, but everything around her. A small piece of the world. It's a comforting feeling, more than just some small consolation for a ruined day.
And so she starts to sing, a rich melody - soft and sweet, reminiscent of a lullaby, or perhaps a love song depending on one's perspective. There's something universal to the feel of the song, like it transcends language even if most would be hard placed to understand why.
BGM Change: Aimo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FCHfwZMkmw
"Aimo aimo ne-deru ru-she,
"Noina miria ender purodea fotomi.
"Here is the warm sea.
"Ru-rei rureia,
"The skylarks soaring in the sky are tears.
"Ru-rei rureia.
"You are a young and gentle child."
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
There are always machines, vehicles, and engines moving about through, under, above, and around Tokyo-3. This is true of many modern Lilim civilizations, really, but that's not the point so much as the presence of a bus traveling around the outskirts of the so-called Fortress City is nothing to pay special attention to. Nor is a single lost Lilim a point of especial concern, even as they're left behind by their tour bus; the city is within sight, and to return to it by foot takes a mere few hours. It's sad that they've been left behind, but they're in no true danger. Kaworu continues to maintain his vigil from atop his perch on the mountain above the road of something beyond the ocean horizon that continues to eat, continues to grow.
But then, the wind picks up, bringing with it the smell of spring, and...
Aimo aimo ne-deru ru-she
Noina miria ender purodea fotomi
Here is the warm sea...
The sound of a song draws his attention from the horizon down to the road below with widened eyes. Even without that pure voice on the wind, there's something about this melody that resonates to the very soul.
It isn't the first time. Since he'd descended to the Earth this time around, this feeling has prickled the edge of his senses from somewhere high above--then, very recently, at spots around the city, much closer. It never lasted long enough for him to trace it to its source. But now that source stands below and yet before him.
It *is* a comforting feeling. Kaworu watches and listens to Ranka sing from his perch above, expression softening until he shuts his eyes. There he stays until Ranka has finished her song.
Then he hops down from where he stands well above, falling with a slow grace in blatant defiance of gravity. He lands softly in the middle of the road, precisely on the stripe that divides one side from another--so softly Ranka may well not hear. With her facing the city, she certainly won't see.
"That song of yours is quite mesmerizing," he calls to her, voice and posture casual, hands as usual in his pockets. Owing to the warmth of the spring day, he's wearing what one would consider his school uniform: a button-up short-sleeved white shirt over a lavender undershirt, tucked into black slacks that are belted neatly in place, and white sneakers. It's a familiar outfit in a way that's comforting--even if he's turned away from his old orange--and it's appropriate both in and out of the school environment.
That's what Ranka will see if she turns around, anyway. That, and Kaworu's smile, as unthreatening and refreshing as the breeze that tousles them both.
"What brings you to a place like this?" he adds.
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
Singing always makes her feel better, the stress of being stranded already easing around her. The mountain and the sky and the ocean and the city itself... for some reason she just feels closer to it, at peace. Finishing the song, she takes a moment to ruminate upon it.
'That song of yours is quite mesmerizing,'
Not expecting anyone to hear her out here, much less be out here, there's a soft gasp as she turns around. The startle reaction though is a measured one, as she seems to realize her precarious position right near the cliff.
As she looks upon a smiling, unthreatening looking boy standing nearby rapidly alleviates any uncertainty from the momentary surprise. She has a pretty good instinct for people, and Kaworu just immediately gives her a good impression. So she moves up to the rail and smiles, clasping her hands back together, "Thank goodness! I was on a bus tour and... I got a bit lost and my bus left me. I'm in a real pinch."
As she addresses his second question first, before addressing the more awkward point, "So you heard that ah..." She seems to fumble a bit but ultimately offers an honest answer, "...It's just a song that's always put me at ease. And I felt like I needed that, in the moment."
After a moment, she smiles and does a small bow his way on the opposite side of the rail, "I'm Ranka Lee, by the way - visiting Japan on a trip earthside from the Macross Frontier Colony. What's your name?" Before immediately starting to climb back over to the road, so that there are seemingly no boundaries between them.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
"I can understand how. Music is the crown of Lilim culture, capable of stirring all manner of emotion in the listener. That sweet song of yours... It put me at ease, too," Kaworu replies, tone gentle in the face of Ranka's momentary fumbling. "It was a feast for the ears."
He doesn't comment on her having gotten lost after getting separated from her bus tour; he's generally aware of that. He does nod, though, and as she pulls herself up back over the railing, he strolls across the street to meet her halfway.
"I'm Kaworu. Kaworu Nagisa," he replies. He nods to the city below. "I'm a resident of Tokyo-3. If you're lost, I don't mind guiding you back to the city, Miss Lee." It really does explain a lot that this girl is from one of the Macross colony ships, though. His smile widens as he considers her. "The Macross ships have such exquisite culture... No wonder your song was so lovely. The performers the Macross ships produce are a cut above the rest, and the rest are already quite fine. I assume you're familiar with Fire Bomber's Basara Nekki?"
Regardless of how Ranka answers, Kaworu strolls over to the rail and leans over it to inspect the distance from where they are to the city below, as well as the angle of the descent. It's fairly far and rather sharp. That's not a problem for him, but would it be a problem for Ranka? He considers it for a moment, then considers her. "Do you have an urgent need to return to the city, or is it all right for us to take our time?"
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
Ranka listens to him after pulling herself to the other side of the rail, though her eyes get a look of confusion as he says it's the crown of Lilim culture, "Lilim?" Yet she doesn't wait for an answer to continue to remark, "But... I'm glad." Ranka says, genuine in her sincerity, "I'm truly glad it did."
She wouldn't have believed her music could put others at ease if not for Alto and Sheryl, but now that she knows it, she really does want to sing, "I'm always loved music, and the feelings it stirs from everything around us. But I... enjoy singing too. In fact, I've been starting my journey to becoming a singer recently." Though she does look a bit nervous after saying so, "I know that sounds... impossible... for someone like me..."
Sure Alto and Sheryl might have inspired her to take the first step, but it's hard not to catch herself falling back into bad habits, especially around someone she doesn't know well. In this case it feels like simply proper humility. Who would believe some random girl they just met could make it as an idol?
"... but it's true."
As he offers back her name, she puts her hands together, "A local! It's so nice to meet you Kaworu-kun!" She says right away, going on a first name basis. Perhaps it's because they're the same age, perhaps it's because he puts her at ease and she feels like he wouldn't mind. "And that'd be incredible! Thank you for coming to my rescue!" She says graciously, not seeming to mind at all the idea of being saved by a stranger.
Though she flushes a bit as he mentions it's no wonder her song was so lovely, "And they're an amazing place to live... the Macross ships that is, I don't think I realized how different they were from everywhere else until coming down to earth. Living my whole life in a place where music is just - so important to our culture..." As he mentions Fire Bomber, she brightens, "I'm a big fan of Fire Bomber's music! Though I think my Onii-chan is an even bigger fan. He's actually seen them live - though I've never managed to make it."
Though he does then ask if she has an urgent need to return to the city, and she puts a finger to her chin as she looks away, "Well... I have a commitment tomorrow, but I don't really need to get back right away. There's really no way I can make it back to the tour to see Nouvelle Tokyo, so I don't mind if we take our time."
Besides, talking to him feels like it'd be so much more interesting than listening to a tour guide.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
Kaworu's smile warms as Ranka says she's glad. Setting the matter of 'Lilim' aside, this seems like someone who genuinely believes in the power of song, even before she explains her connection with it, as well as the journey she's decided to take. It's splendid--even as she suddenly looks nervous.
"It doesn't sound impossible at all," he replies, a direct statement of his honest opinion. "There's something about your song that stirs the very soul. I wouldn't be surprised if you became one of the greats one day. On the contrary--why do you think it *would* be impossible for 'someone like you'?"
After all, though she appears to be a Lilim... there's something about her that's more than that. It's something he can't quite put his finger on--not just yet. Perhaps if he comes to know her better... He always did admire the Macross fleets and their residents.
As she jumps to first-name basis, he laughs a little, not at all put off. Actually, it's quite endearing. It really is nice to be told you were able to help someone... though he hasn't done anything yet, really.
"You're very welcome, Ranka-san," he replies, taking her cue to address her by her first name as well. It's still a little formal with the use of '-san,' but less so than calling her Miss Lee would be.
For the time being, she says she doesn't mind taking their time. Kaworu leans away from the railing. "Then let's head this way," he says, walking along the bend in the direction that will take them back to the city. There isn't a sidewalk, so he guides her along the side of the street that faces oncoming traffic, so they can see it coming in time for her to react as needed. "We'll be back well before tomorrow, so you needn't worry about that."
Once they're walking, too, it means they can delve into the topic that's so near and dear to both of them: song. "Your brother is quite privileged," he replies, smile broadening. "Basara Nekki is such a vivid, passionate presence, and he conveys that so well through his voice. To hear him perform live with the rest of Fire Bomber... I can easily imagine it's a treasured memory of your brother's."
It is for him, after all.
"Sharon Apple is another fascinating example of the modern music scene, as a Super AI rather than a traditional living being," he continues. "Her music is truly transcendant--it's a shame what happened to her. But then, perhaps it was inevitable for one whose heart was divided... And of course, there is Sheryl Nome. You can see the influence of both Sharon Apple and Fire Bomber in her work." A pity he was unable to attend her concert, but--perhaps another day.
"What sort of music are you hoping to create as you become a singer?" Kaworu adds, looking over at Ranka. "If you have any other songs, I'd love to hear them."
I don't understand that.
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
Kaworu's continued compliments over her music cause another flush with pleasure, though she's still smiling so it's not off-putting. Though he does ask why she feels that way. It's hard to put that into words, as it's more been a feeling that's stuck with her all her life. From a place she can't remember. "It's difficult to say why - I've just always felt that way."
While she's very open, it's awkward to dump on a stranger the idea that she can't remember much of her early life, that she's struggled with her mental health, that she's always had this irrational fear which kept her singing mostly in private until someone puts her at ease, allows her to be vulnerable and bare her soul in front of them, "I guess part of it is just I've never felt... confident in myself. In putting myself out there."
It's hedging perhaps, but it's a common enough insecurity that perhaps it will suffice.
Kaworu shifting to a first name basis, even if it's formal doesn't seem to put her off. He did laugh, but it didn't make her feel like he was laughing at her.
She nods quickly as he says 'Then let's head this way,' "Thanks again. It feels like I can't appreciate you doing this enough... and that's such a relief." What happened with Ruri recently... well, that really makes her fret all the more about punctuality. "I... really don't want to miss another commitment with my friends."
She falls into step beside him, her salamander phone bobbing on her shoulder. "He really is! And my Oniichan well - Basara Nekki's music is one of the few subjects he gets really passionate and can openly talk about it. It's one of the few experiences in his life he really opens up about." She smiles as she thinks on it. She's about to talk about how she's seen Sheryl Nome live...
When he mentions Sharon Apple. After meeting Omoikane, she'd ruminated a lot on Sharon Apple. Ordinarily she wouldn't be so open to talking about her, as she's a source of... strong opinions, but Kaworu seems to line up to her own thinking so she's more open.
"Sharon-san... I have all of her albums too. I can't bring myself to give them up. Even after what happened it's just... I feel like I want to understand the feelings she was trying to convey. I don't think they should be discarded... just because she's an A.I. doesn't mean her heart wasn't real, that her feelings weren't real." As she starts to speak about Sheryl though, her hair raises just ever so slightly on both sides as she speaks effusively while they're walking, "And Sheryl-san... she's my favorite idol! I've actually seen her live. It's an experience I think I'll never forget! Part of why I was able to come Earthside is that my internship at Nergal is allowing me to be a part of her tour." She does not say she knows Sheryl personally yet. Who'd believe that?
He asks a question though, and she smiles as she looks his way, "I don't have any other songs yet that aren't covers. I'm... inexperienced at song writing, though I'm jotting down my experiences to try and see what I can come up with." A pause, and she looks up at the sky as they walk, "As for the type of music I'd like to create..." A pause, as she adds, brushing a hand through her hair, "Please don't laugh."
Even if she gets the feeling that he won't, she still adds it all the same, "But I'd like to create music that... touches everything around me. That conveys my feelings and stirs the souls even to those who don't have ears to hear my music, or the ability to express their appreciation."
She looks his way as they keep walking, "I know it sounds silly - like some fairy tale - but it's just the way I've always felt I guess. Until recently I guess I only sang to the world around me - so things like birds, insects, trees, even flowers... they've always felt like they were my first audience."
A green shape is following them in the treeline just off the road. Ranka doesn't notice it, but perhaps Kaworu does. As it darts from tree to tree deftly, its movements a soft rustle that seems to blend in with the sounds of nature.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
Difficulty in putting emotions into words... Kaworu knows a lot of people who have that same sort of trouble, and so it makes perfect sense to him that Ranka simply isn't confident in herself. He nods his acceptance, looking over his shoulder at her as they walk along the shoulder of the road. The tunnel through the mountainside might be long to walk as they enter it, but there are lights inside, so that won't be a problem. It has a nice echo, too. Acoustics!
"It's understandable. Lilim thrive best in small communities where they can feel like they know everyone around them personally. It's ironic, but the larger the group becomes, the likelier it is that one might start to feel lost within it--like one can't connect, even when surrounded by others," he comments. "That insecurity can lead to fear, and that fear can keep one small. There's nothing inherently wrong with that. But if you dream of becoming a singer on the level of Basara Nekki or Sheryl Nome, it's a fear you will one day need to confront and overcome."
For him, it's a simple statement of fact. It isn't his intent to lecture her; he's simply remarking on the state of affairs as he sees it. So even as he says things like that, he's perfectly willing to let the topic move on. "It's fine. If I can help you, that's enough for me," he reassures her warmly. "Keeping your promises to your friends is very important, after all."
He chuckles a little as she describes her brother--not at her, as she'd correctly realized earlier--but in fondness of her *own* fondness. "He sounds like a fine man. I'm glad you have someone like that in your life watching out for you." As for Sharon Apple... it seems as though they're of similar minds. "Yes," he says simply--since his difference of opinion was only *where* Sharon's heart was, not whether it existed at all. Discussing Sheryl is pleasant too--though he only brightens when Ranka mentions interning at Nergal and the opportunities it's provided her. "Oh, is that so? You're quite fortunate, Ranka-san. Experience is so crucial for making one's dreams come true."
She goes on, then, talking about her *in*experience--and what she'd like to convey. When she asks him not to laugh, he nods assent. When she's done, his expression is thoughtful. "I see... That explains a lot. There was a certain feeling I had from your song... You convey a sense of wanting to share your feelings and have them be heard by your audience, even if that audience is not like you. It's as if you're extending a hand with your voice. That's a valuable quality." He smiles warmly, and that, more than anything he could say, expresses that he doesn't think it's silly at all. "If that's your desire, then I have no doubt that you will stir the hearts of listeners all over existence."
He does indeed notice the rustling in the trees. Kaworu glances briefly over Ranka's head at the greenery they're temporarily leaving behind. He doesn't sense any hostile intent, and based on the tenor of the rustling, it seems like it's a small creature, so it's unlikely there's any need to fret. He thus pays it little mind beyond acknowledging its existence. If it follows them into the tunnel--or if it moves over the mountainside to meet them when they *leave* the tunnel--then that'll be another matter.
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
Ranka smiles, nodding her head as she agrees with Kaworu's statement, she seems to have worked out in context that Lilim means people, yet she doesn't understand why he's using the word. Ranka replies quietly, "Those are my feelings exactly. I think... I think it's because people just don't understand how connected we truly are. That's why they hurt each other."
Right now she's thinking perhaps of the Zentradi on the ship that was so willing to bully her just because of what she was - dismissing the connection they might have shared. "You're right... I am afraid. I'm afraid because I don't want to hurt anyone. And I get scared that I might if I speak thoughtlessly, or confront people. I don't like violence - and people are quick to react violently because they don't understand each other. But... I think lately, I'm trying to grow more confident that, somehow I can overcome that fear and make it as a singer if I keep pushing myself."
Though she does then ask, "Is... Lilim slang here in Japan for people? You keep saying it, but I've never heard it before."
She nods as he says that it's enough for him if he's able to help, and again as he says keeping her promises to her friend is very important. The look in her red eyes seemingly a bit more determined, though perhaps sad too because of her recent failure.
"He is. Though he can be... smothering." She doesn't hold back much when it comes to Ozma, "I'm sixteen, but I think he'll always treat me like I'm five."
She smiles, turning her head as they walk to look at him from an angle where her head is nearly horizontal in it's tilt. "I think so too! I'm grateful for all the opportunities its affording me. It's already teaching me so much about the industry."
As they shift to discuss her music, Ranka's head straightens back up again and she looks down, smiling with pleasure. "Thank you for saying so. It actually makes me feel like... I've already achieved a small part of my dreams, just hearing someone who's heard my music say that." Something about his emotional cadence in how he feels gives her the impression that he's not just being polite, so she doesn't brush that off.
As they enter the mountain tunnel, she perhaps takes a step closer. In part because the tunnel is still dark despite the lights and she doesn't want to be taken offguard. In part because she feels safer beside Kaworu.
"It feels a little embarrassing talking so much about myself. What about you? Where did your love of music begin?"
The shape waits until they're a little ways into the tunnel. And then it darts inside as well, following along the edges in the shadows. It's very small, barely even squirrel sized - so it doesn't feel all that threatening nevertheless. Yet it's still definitively following them... whether it's overly bold wildlife that's become accustomed to people... or for other reasons...
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
It wouldn't help if Ranka asked, either. Kaworu's explanation would only confirm what she's already figured out via context clues. But he isn't going to offer an explanation either. He might have earlier when she first intimated a question, but she didn't wait for an answer. "You're right. We're all already connected," he comments thoughtfully. "We're fine the way we are."
We're fine the way we are. That was the conclusion Shinji had come up with so long ago--despite his own fear, despite his own insecurity, despite his own troubles with connecting to others. There's no need to let everyone meld into one being. We're all already connected. ...is it possible he's been overthinking his relationship with Shinji? He *did* start doubting it after that incident with Alexis, after all... He glances to one side as Ranka talks through her own fears and voices her resolve, then smiles fondly.
"Then, immature as you still are, you're on your way. I look forward to seeing where your path takes you," he tells her. A pause as she at last asks directly about 'Lilim.' He chuckles a bit. "It isn't Japanese slang, but you can think of it as a term for 'humans.' Very few people use it, so you needn't worry. Perhaps it would be simpler for you to think of it as a personal quirk of mine?" He's the only one in this world at this point in time who uses the term regularly with full understanding of its nuances, after all.
"Smothering, hm." There's a pensive note to his voice as he repeats that--but he doesn't comment further. He only gives her a sympathetic smile at her momentary complaint, one that warms as they move on through talk of the industry and her achieving a piece of her dreams. "You're welcome. I merely spoke my thoughts, but I'm glad I could lift your spirits all the same." His tone turns a touch wistful: "The ability to achieve one's dreams is enviable."
He doesn't move away from Ranka when she gets closer, though he doesn't try to get closer either. He remains as he is. He does note that the creature has followed them into the tunnel, though... and it... is *not* a Lilim... Hm. Before he can decide what to do about it, though, Ranka asks him about himself.
"Me?" he utters, blinking over at her as if surprised that she'd take such an interest, before his expression turns pensive. Despite this, he doesn't stop walking. "I suppose it came about naturally over time during the course of my education. Music surpasses the boundaries of language to convey a feeling that transmits itself directly to the soul. To listen to it--to *perform* it--is a thrill beyond my ability to express in words... though perhaps I could if I had an instrument at my fingertips." He laughs a little. "But I think you understand that already, Ranka-san, even if your instrument is your voice."
It's not really an answer. All the same, it's his truth. Having shared it, Kaworu glances over his shoulder again at the little creature following them. "By the way... you mentioned you were from the Macross Frontier colony ship. Did you bring back a companion from another planet when you came down here?"
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
Ranka gives Kaworu a curious look as he says 'we're fine just the way we are.' She's not so sure if she agrees with that. Though she's non-confrontational enough that even if she thinks Kaworu would be at ease with her trying to put her own feelings to the matter, she still doesn't want to contradict him. She thinks they all have the potential to grow to that point where they can be fine though, that's her form of optimism.
"Putting it that way is kind of..." She lets out a small laugh as she dwells on the word immaturity. She doesn't like being regarded as a child, but at the same time she doesn't think Kaworu was being condescending with the word. "... well, I guess we'll see where I end up. I'm more hopeful that I'll make it though, thanks to the people in my life." He does explain the word Lilim though, and as he explains, she nods quickly, thinking of both his word choice of immaturity, and his use of the word Lilim as a personal quirk, "You're an interesting guy, Kaworu-kun. I don't think I've ever met someone like you." 'Interesting' doesn't sound like a bad thing from her lips either. It's sort of fond, like she just appreciates his perspective.
Smothering feels like it'd be kind of nice, as ultimately it comes from a place of too much affection. Yet she doesn't seem to realize why Kaworu would dwell on that. "You absolutely did. "I'm actually feeling much better about getting lost today, since it gave me the chance to meet you."
Ranka seems to notice he's surprised that she'd ask about him, and wonders if it might be an uncomfortable subject. Some people have a hard time talking about themselves. Yet since she already asked, she listens. His education? Ranka is intrigued by that perhaps, though she doesn't press. She was a self-taught vocalist, with a natural talent, it's only recently that she started taking classes, "I feel the same way... music just has that way of touching the soul."
When he mentions though that the idea of performing it is a thrill that he'd need an instrument to convey, she smiles before adding, "I do. It's... a real thrill once I get going. Once I take the first step towards performing. Once that first step is taken though, it feels like I just get swept up in it afterwards." After a moment she asks, "What instruments do you play? You're so passionate about music - I'd love seeing you perform one day."
Then Kaworu glances over his shoulder the eyes of the creature glow quite red in the shadows, "Huh? No. Customs is very strict about that kind of thing." Ranka turns around. The shape immediately darts forward as a fast moving blur, Kaworu doesn't sense any malicious intent though. Quite the opposite. It is... an intense sort of affection. Like finding someone important, or greeting one's old yet new friend.
It encircles Ranka in a random pattern, slipping through her legs and running around her at a rapid pace, squeaking excitedly as it tries to get her attention. It looks like a green squirrel, black eyes that no longer glow red, with a red gem like organ on it's forehead. Furry that feels like a cute insect like fuzz. Its appendages retracted in it's body in pink slits. "Ara!" She exclaims, before bending down, "Wow I've never seen anything like him before." She says to Kaworu - reaching her hand out, she strokes the side of its neck.
"Where did you come from?" She then asks of the creature, which closes its eyes and wags its long bushy tail affectionately at her treatment. "Have you been separated from your Mama?" Ranka looks back Kaworu's way, "We don't have anything like him back on the Colony. So... do you think he could be from around here?"
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
Therein lies the limitations of language--as well as perspective. To Kaworu, who takes a broad view of both time and humanity, 'the way we are' includes the process of growing and learning throughout one's life, as opposed to... well. Being reduced to LCL along with all other living beings and joining together as a single entity. But that's not something he's going to bring up to the average person, and Ranka doesn't press the matter so he doesn't elucidate. Likewise with his use of the word 'immature'--he means it in the sense that she's only just starting her journey as a singer. A flower that has just budded but not yet bloomed.
So when she says 'putting it that way,' he replies, "I'm sorry--did it bother you? I don't mean it in a negative sense." Likewise, when she describes him as 'interesting,' he chuckles a little in return. Yes, he expects that's quite true in a literal sense. "Thank you. You interest me too, Ranka-san. The vagaries of chance may have brought us together, but I hope we can choose to continue to communicate even after you've returned to where you belong."
...He really does have a strange way of wording things, though.
As she agrees with his views on music and performing, he gives her another smile. She really will do just fine on her path. "I'm excited to hear you perform again, then." He'd ask her to perform now, but it would be better to let her prepare herself first so she can perform at her peak. He's already heard her song when sung spontaneously, after all. "Do you do any live performances? Or do you record yourself and share your music online?"
And it's exciting in a different way to hear her say she'd like to hear *him* perform. It feels like it's been a very long time since he's performed for an audience, as opposed to coax Shinji out of his shell. His gaze tinges nostalgic. "All sorts. These days, I specialize in the piano, but I used to mainly play the violin."
The topic turns to the little creature following them. She denies having a pet, saying customs is very strict--and then it zips forward. But with still no ill intent, he simply stands as he is, hands tucked in his pockets, as it races around Ranka like... Kaworu tilts his head curiously. Like someone reuniting with a dear friend. He glances at Ranka. She takes to the creature well enough, but she also literally says she's never seen anything like him before. Being one to naturally assume others are being honest, he takes her statement at face value. So then why...?
"No. This is not a creature of Earth. But you're not the only one from the colony ships, nor is the Frontier the only colony ship to have arrived. It's possible that this creature is something someone else smuggled back to Earth, and it escaped somehow and found its way here." He kneels down, his motions smooth and elegant, and offers his left hand to the little creature for it to inspect as it pleases. His hands having been tucked in his pockets until now, Ranka can see now that he's wearing a metal wristwatch. It's a fairly antiquated accessory, though it looks to be brand new. "Either way," he adds, "it's probably alone."
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
Kaworu asks if the word bothered her, and she smiles just faintly at how considerate he is deciding to answer honestly to him. "If anyone else said it, I think it would. I'm used to being treated like a child... so the word made me react like someone was. But... I somehow understood you didn't mean it that way." He doesn't get the sense that she's just being polite to be non-confrontational, this time at least.
Though she does giggle softly at the way he says things again, "That's the most interesting way I've ever had someone ask for my phone number!" Though it sounds fond, less like she's laughing at him, and more just enjoying his unusual ways - like they're comforting to her. "If you take out your phone, I can send you my number."
And indeed, provided he does, she sends him her contact info with a few presses into her plushy salamander like phone.
"Ah! I do! Mostly small time advertising gigs on the Colony. I started out on the Miss Macross competition. I was actually the Runner Up. And there's a few videos of me posted on the internet of a few of my mall appearances, though they're becoming hard to find. I do have a website my manager has set up - but it's been down for weeks."
That's strange. Why would her website have such problems? She definitely not some big celebrity being hit by DDOS attacks. "Actually let me send you the link." She puts two fingers up by her face and crosses them, "Fingers crossed that we're up and running again soon!"
She looks impressed though as he speaks of his specialties, "The piano and the violin! It feels very classical to have a mastery of both! And you say there's even more than that? You're so impressive Kaworu-kun!" She says with a sort of effusive praise of those talents. She can't play herself, but she understands it's very hard.
The small creature though takes attention away from asking more about Kaworu, and perhaps she's relieved as Kaworu didn't seem that comfortable about discussing himself. She nods as he says it's not a creature of earth. "Hmm - maybe. If he's a stowaway - or was smuggled in that would explain it. Poor guy. The ecosystem bylaws are very strict. He's probably been on the run..."
'Either way, it's probably alone.' Instantly she feels sympathetic to his plight. And the creature responds by taking this long prehensile tongue and just starts licking her face. Ranka squeals and begins giggling, falling from her knelt down position on the street as it keeps licking her face as she flails a bit on the ground, unharmed but apparently very sensitive to this kind of touch, "Ahahaha-ehehehe-! Noooo! Tha-That tickles!" The creature then hops up on her shoulder, giving her time to recover as she lays down. She gives it a scritch, still giggling as she rubs it's forehead, looking up at Kaworu with a smile.
"Well." She says, as she brings herself up to a seated position, "Not anymore." She puts a finger up to her lips, as if to indicate it's a secret - their secret. "Until I find where he belongs... I think I'll call him Ai-kun."
As she offers up the word for love as his name. Perhaps because she wants him to know that he is loved, and that he absolutely isn't alone.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
Kaworu listens as Ranka explains her feelings. Yes, she had said she'd been frustrated with her brother for treating her like a child... He hadn't thought of himself as someone who would be counted like that--but turned around, it makes sense that it would be *more* frustrating for someone she's just met to talk to her like that. Even if she did understand that wasn't his intent. That said, with her honesty and expressiveness, it's clear to him that she isn't just saying she's fine. It's refreshing, much like her song was. "I understand. I'm glad I didn't upset you."
She giggles, and he laughs along with her. If his strange way of talking is comforting to her, then her immediate acceptance is comforting to him. At her prompting, he takes out his phone, taking a moment to admire the unusual design of Ranka's O-sanshoo-san as she sends him her number. He sends her his in return, naturally. A true relationship is a mutual one.
"The Miss Macross competition... I've heard of that. The first one was won by Lynn Minmay, who was propelled into stardom as a result of her victory," Kaworu muses. "That's quite the legacy you've inherited--even as a runner-up." His smile widens as she also sends him the website address. "Thank you. I'll be sure to take a look." Not just at the website, but at the problems they've been having staying connected. (Between him and Ruri, a certain manager better watch out.)
He laughs a little as Ranka gushes over how impressive he is. It really is pleasant, talking to her. It reminds him of last time, when Shinji had been so impressed with him for fixing his SDAT. "Not at all. I've simply had a lot of time to practice, just as you have with your singing." But he is clearly happy at the praise.
The matter of the little alien does indeed distract from his past--and while he's not *uncomfortable* discussing it per se, there's so much about himself he simply can't safely share. Perhaps it amounts to the same thing in the end. This way is safer. Plus, as the furry green creature licks Ranka and she literally falls over herself laughing, Kaworu finds himself laughing with her. Not his usual slight chuckles, but something richer, heartier.
So when Ranka indicates she's going to keep this little one in her care--this one she's decided to name Ai-kun--and brings her finger to her lips to bring him in with her secret--he smiles broadly and mirrors the gesture. Their secret indeed.
Perhaps they'll get a tote bag or something similar for Ai-kun to hide and travel with Ranka in once they return to Tokyo-3. There's a lot going on today. But for now, they'll make the trip back in peace with the three of them.