2023-01-07: Haven't You Noticed that I'm a Star
- Log: 2023-01-07: Haven't You Noticed that I'm a Star
- Cast: Kaworu Nagisa, Rei Ayanami, Yuta Hibiki (Gridman)
- Where: The Arcade, Tsutsujidai
- OOC - IC Date: January 7, 0097 (2023)
- Summary: Kaworu, Rei, and Gridman go on a date to the newly-opened Arcade.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
It's been a couple days since The Arcade (to gain a proper name whenever those who founded it come up with one) was opened to the public. Kaworu had heard of it, of course, but it hadn't struck him as a place he might go until Gridman had said that he'd wanted to see it earlier that day. Orie had told him he'd be soon to arrive, so he'd waited at the Aya for him (and had an intense conversation with Asuka, but we'll save that for later if we come back to it at all), and when he'd arrived and asked him what he wanted to do...
Well. Kaworu couldn't refuse his enthusiasm. And so, with a smile, they'd gone by the NERV encampment to pick up Rei from her little hovel on Unit-00, then gone to see The Arcade for themselves.
It's a messy, run-down place, but so is most of the city. (Less so day by day, thanks to the Carpenters, but still.) Even so, the machines are mostly functional, and there's actually a significant number of them--seven distinct games, though to call some of them "games" might be stretching the definition a bit. Kaworu looks around at the various machines, each of them set for freeplay, and turns to his companions. His hands are as ever in his school clothes pockets; a silver snowflake pendant hangs from his neck.
"Something that all three of us can play together would be best to start, I think," he says. "It seems as though there's several games like that here, so do either of you have a preference?"
There's Cult of the Saurus, which is a light gun rail shooter with up to three spots; Dozoo Degwa DX Kanpeito Kampello, which is a puzzle game that supports up to six players; TarabaWorld CRASH, which is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up that supports up to four people; and a karaoke booth, which is exactly what it sounds like, and can support up to four people even if it would be rather cramped.
Kaworu doesn't have a strong opinion on which they play. As long as Rei is comfortable with it, and Gridman is excited about it, he'll give any of them a try.
<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
Rei had been present in her little hovel. She seems to have found another book to read, and it isn't what she was reading when Bujack was influencing her, but the text does seem to be in German. She leaves it on the table when somebody comes, next to an as-yet-unfurled packet umbrella she had pulled out from the shelter's storage.
She had nowhere to be, and was pleased to be picked up.
Though, she didn't change out of her plugsuit. Maybe that doesn't harm the vibe for an arcade.
It's a range of video games! Seven of them. Rei blinks several times, looking at the colorful graphics and the eye-catching attract modes with some confusion. It will probably occur to Kaworu very quickly that this is probably the first time Rei has gone into a game center for any reason other than 'error in train system navigation'.
The games are mentally reviewed.
"This could have... training value," Rei says about Cult of the Saurus. That's what she said, spoke, murmured, stated, articulated, verbalized.
Dozoo Degwa seems to charm her, based on her face. It's probably the goofy colors and lack of anyone getting capped.
"..." is Rei's opinion on TarabaWorld CRASH.
"Ah; karaoke, too?" Rei says (positive).
That's her responses to the choice palette.
<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.
Fun. He'd promised Kaworu fun. Both before, and now.
It's not a freely-obtainable commodity, here in the apocalyptic setting of Tsutsujidai. Gridman has drafted and thrown out dozens of ideas. There's no water for the high school swimming pool. They could hardly waste the energy to go flying together. The Neon Genesis Junior High Students' suggestions were earnest, but... not exactly viable. (Knife throwing! Learning to knit. Photo shoot. Cooking together.)
Thankfully, Dr. Mass comes to the rescue. The arcade sounds perfect -- Kaworu's already good at video games, and Rei seems like she'd be great at them too. Colorful lights and cheerful sounds are practically the epitome of 'fun', anyway.
Gridman's healing continues to go well. He's still using the wheelchair for any distance more than 'across the room', but he's able to push himself. Despite their slight atrophy, the 'young man's' arms are still muscular, and he can go pretty fast! Max looks like he might faint as Gridman and Kaworu take off from Aya, the redhead showing off wheelies and managing a little stilted laugh.
Seeing Rei's... encampment was distressing. Gridman had no idea she was stuck in conditions like this. As they move to the Arcade, he speaks up. "Rei, if you'd like, you can stay in Yuta Hibiki's -- my -- apartment. I can't manage the stairs, so nobody's using it at all right now. It's not anything special, but it'd be warm and safe from the rain."
Much like Kaworu, a snowflake charm hangs from Gridman's neck, as well. Framed by a red button-up shirt, Gridman managed a brilliant smile at the sight of Kaworu wearing his own snowflake.
"Yes, I'd like to all play together, at least to start." Gridman stands from his wheelchair, leaving it by the entrance to the arcade. With an initial wobble, he straightens up and walks evenly. It takes effort, but he's doing well.
Watching Rei's face as she examines the various games, Gridman considers. Training value versus a slight appreciative look versus no response versus verbal acknowledgement. Hmm.
"Let's start with karaoke." Gridman says, leading the way to it. "It's popular, right? I've never tried it, even before. Which song should we try?"
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
It's fine if that's so. Arcades aren't places that Kaworu usually finds himself, either. The last time he was at one, it was while he was pretending to be on a date with Mari while watching the actual date between Shinji and Asuka. It's not someplace he finds disagreeable; it's just not something he thinks about much. His skill at video games is simply a by-product at his skill with electronics. But Gridman very much wanted to come, and he likes to see his partner happy.
Besides: Gridman had promised him fun. Isn't it good to be open to experiencing fun in places you might not otherwise expect?
He smiles warmly at Gridman as he pops wheelies in his wheelchair, laughing however stiltedly. Asuka had said that Yuta could pass as human and Gridman could not and therefore they weren't they same, but watching him now, Kaworu thinks that will change sooner than any of them might expect.
He'll help push the wheelchair as needed too, but otherwise lets Gridman push himself. He doesn't quite understand his distress at Rei's encampment either, but then, maybe that's to be expected considering where he used to live. (Gridman might remember that too. Kaworu has his phone back with the golden musical notes charm he gave him by now, after all.)
"Would you like us to carry you up, in that case?" he says when Gridman says he can't handle the stairs. His smile doesn't betray whether he's joking or not (he is, and also, he's not). His smile only grows when Gridman smiles back at the sight of their matching necklaces.
Yes. Even if this relationship is only a twinkle in the night, there's more than enough cause to treasure it while it lasts.
That fond smile goes to Rei, too, when her interest clearly piques at the karaoke machine. He offers an arm to Gridman when he gets up, though he won't be upset if he doesn't take it. "Karaoke, then," he says, then asides, "Mary would love it. I wonder if she's been by already?"
What song, though? "I don't know," Kaworu admits. "I've never done karaoke either." He doesn't generally sing--he hums, he plays instruments, but he doesn't outright sing. Perhaps this too can be a change of pace. "Shall we see what's available?"
It turns out there's very little available. The only songs available are those downloaded before the collapse, and they're spotty and lack lots of more recent numbers. There are the Macross classics, though--Lynn Minmay, Fire Bomber, Sharon Apple, even a couple Sheryl Nome songs (notably the ones she performed at her Tsutsujidai concert before a kaiju atta--that is, it was "rained out")--along with a smattering of other numbers, like the Gekiganger theme, a few Tarabaman themes from various seasons, and other popular artists. It seems that they can queue up four songs and sing them in whatever order they like; there are microphones, tambourines, and of course subtitles that scroll on the booth screen for them to sing along to.
It is pretty cramped inside, but the courtains are heavy and they'll have the privacy to be as loud or quiet as they want. It is almost certain that people have already made out in here. This doesn't occur to Kaworu and it probably doesn't occur to Rei or Gridman either.
<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
During the trip, Rei is somewhat confused at the offer for the moment. Her face colors slightly. But she says - "It's alright. I don't sleep in there, and the rain is peaceful." It may be peculiar that she's able to tolerate a 'basic shack that is completely fine for two days and kind of iffy afterwards' but didn't like a hotel room, but then, the situation is different.
And perhaps she doesn't sleep there.
"If the shower is in working order, I would want to use it," Rei adds, which may have a backthrust of 'I will certainly come by.'
As for the chair, Rei is also willing to push, although the need may have to become apparent before she volunteers. Womanly privilege? No; a lack of experience with the dynamics of a group.
And as for Karaoke...
"Yes," Rei says, and she gets into the booth with at least passing familiarity. The song library is browsed through. Rei briefly considered the military classics as well as their more recent variations, but perhaps she does not want to think of such things, although she pauses for several moments on the works of Sharon Apple.
Long enough for little preview snippets to play.
"I don't smell her," Rei tells Kaworu, as she considers, before looking towards Gridman as he settles in. "Is this alright?"
The song, of course, is one that was composed for - or was it by? - a certain digital agent predating the interface of Tsutsujidai.
<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.
"Oh." Gridman blinks at Kaworu's offer, shaking his red bangs out of his eyes. "I'm happy staying with Max, and I'd much rather Rei have somewhere safe to stay, if she wants it. Along those lines, Kaworu, do you have somewhere comfortable and safe to sleep? The Neon Genesis Junior High Students have plenty of guest rooms, if you like."
Though, the thought of being carried in the arms of his partners... Gridman blushes softly.
There's a moment of rummaging in the bag attached to his wheelchair, and then Gridman presents Rei with a little keyring. It only has the one actual key, but a few colorful accessories hang off it. Some kind of knitted pom-ball, most notably. "Here. Whenever you need, please feel free to come by. Just lock up when you leave."
"I'll do my best to fight bravely!" Gridman announces, folding his hand into a determined fist. "Or, sing bravely, I suppose."
Watching from just to the side of Kaworu's shoulder (he's not tall enough to watch over it, after all), Gridman takes in each and every song, mumbling the titles to himself. To him, it seems like a kingly selection indeed. Surely they won't be able to sing each one of these! Nodding, Gridman seems satisfied.
Thankfully, in this form, Gridman is quite small. Instead of considering the possibility of make-outs, he seems fascinated with the tambourines. Picking one up, he rattles it. The sound inspires a there-and-gone smile. Such an energetic instrument.
"Smell... her." Gridman repeats, quietly. Can Rei smell people so easily? Really, that's an amazing thing to be capable of. As if experimenting, Gridman sniffs the air as well... but comes up with nothing. Oh well.
Rei has picked a song! Yellow eyes barely look it over before he nods. Whatever Rei chooses must be good, after all. Putting his tamborine down, he picks up a microphone. "Yes, thank you. I'll do my best!"
SHARON APPLE - The Bordernline
The song starts off slow, almost sultry. Oh dear, this is certainly out of Gridman's typical area. At least the lyrics look easy enough.
"The borderline." Gridman says, in his normal voice. His memories of being 'Yuta' know how to sing, but translating those forward takes just a moment of focus -- which throws him a few notes behind. Not wanting to look foolish in front of Kaworu and Rei, he tries very, very hard to remember singing 'Happy Birthday' with Max.
Yellow eyes glimmer with determination. The singer goes on, and Gridman's voice slowly becomes more musical. As he goes on, his expression begins to move more, spurred on by the elasticity needed for singing. Though he's embarrassed at his (believed) inadequacy, he manages a friendly sort of expression.
"Red and roses,
Lips and breath,
Hair and dolls
they look alike."
A little pause. Gridman breathes in, placing a hand on the side of the booth to steady himself. Another stanza, and he only grows more capable of singing -- though this is more breathy whispering, it seems. He remembers whispering. Some of the lyrics are... a little strange! But Rei chose this song, so he's going to do his absolute best to do it justice!
Holding the microphone with both hands, Gridman's embarrassment falls away in the face of his determination. He's still not particularly good, nor does he have that sexy quality Miss Sharon Apple does... But he's giving it all he's got, and that counts for something.
"Free and fall,
and love and low.
Evil makes you feel good,
Can't help doing that..."
What is this song even about? It doesn't matter, he's almost there! It's difficult to show your bravery through enticing whispers, but this is simply a new way of fighting. Looked at that way, he can't lose.
"The borderline," Gridman finishes, and takes a deep breath. Ducking his head slightly, he puts the microphone down, then turns to Kaworu and Rei for their reactions. On his face is what may be a familiar expression, to those familiar with Yuta: a wobbly little smile. It lingers, as Gridman awaits his judgement.
<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.
Once he's heard Kaworu and Rei's responses, Gridman gives them a stiff little bow. Thank goodness he's with people he can trust. This is... actually a lot more fun than he thought it'd be! Next up is Kaworu's turn, and Gridman already has the perfect song in mind. It's one he knows, from somewhere. The melody floats through his mind even as he scrolls up the list.
'Holy Lonely Light -- Fire Bomber' is selected, and Gridman offers the microphone to Kaworu.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
Kaworu chuckles at Gridman's slight blush. He took what he said seriously, and that's just fine too. He likes his seriousness. "You don't need to worry about me," he reassures him, which is not at all the same as, 'Yes, I have a comfortable and safe place to sleep at night.' He considers Rei, then admits, "But I wouldn't mind being able to use a proper shower every so often, either."
Just every so often, though. There is a water shortage going on, despite the incessant rain.
"A song can also be a battle," he tells Gridman matter-of-fact as they all review the song list. "Are you familiar with Fire Bomber? ...Though, it's not as though Basara Nekki sang with the intent of fighting. Quite the opposite." His lips part in a broader smile. "All the same, I have faith in your courage."
Rei doesn't smell Mari's scent. Kaworu chuckles. "The Arcade will be blessed with her presence soon enough, I'm sure."
He slips to one side to allow Rei the main seat and to give Gridman more space too. As the tallest one of them all, he's the one who has to cede the most space. Rei picks a song for Gridman, and though the monitor displays visuals as well as the lyrics, he shuts his eyes to listen with a smile on his lips. He hums along, even, very faintly--just enough to lend a sort of vibrance to Gridman's voice, even as he muddles through the sexy whispers.
It's not quite a song for a hero. But that's part of the appeal. They're all doing something outside of their norm here, with all of their souls.
At the end, Kaworu opens his eyes anew and shines a smile on Gridman. The look on his face truly is like Yuta, or rather, when he called himself Yuta. Kaworu still needs to talk to him about that, but for now... he tells him with quiet effusiveness, "That was wonderful."
Not the singing. But the feeling behind it.
He accepts the microphone and lets Gridman select the next song. A knowing little laugh escapes his throat when he selects the next track: Holy Lonely Light, by Fire Bomber. For someone who already doesn't sing, it's not a song that Kaworu would normally choose to perform. But perhaps he can sing it more like Mylene than like Basara.
As the heavy, hard-hitting guitar and drums roar in, Kaworu lilts a high, "Aaaaahhh...~" From Basara, that would be a ferocious scream. From Kaworu, it's simply a note held high.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg_LUg2YD9E (Holy Lonely Light)
The fast-paced melody thrums strong and hard into the main verses. Kaworu keeps to the beat and is on key, but he doesn't really quite sing it; it's more like he chants it musically. It's an odd effect with such an energetic, even frenetic song, and whether it sounds good or not is an open question, but maybe that's part of its charm.
"The restless city that never sleeps--tonight, tonight, running through
"On the fire escape, a crowd of eyes are searching for a sign of the times.
"Even a dazzling blue diamond can turn into glass. BE-CA-RE-FU-L!"
As the chorus climaxes, Kaworu's voice rises too. His voice doesn't have strength, but it does have conviction. He's heard Fire Bomber perform this song to drive back the Protodeviln and fight back against Sharon Apple, and it's not his intent to do it injustice:
"HOLY LONELY LIGHT! Get a move on! Believe in yourself. HEAVY LONELY LIGHT! Find the answer from in the darkness!"
The main melody returns, and so too does his rhythmic song-chanting, following the melody with precision.
"There is a love you wouldn't let go of, even if you were offered the entire universe
"And there are times when you can't even tell what is real and what is a lie
"When we're just gazing at each other, the morning seems too far off
"I want to hold you, just for tonight, and-light-up-a-fire!
"HOLY LONELY LIGHT! Burn! To the very core of your body! HEAVY LONELY LIGHT! Don't let your heart look back again!"
After that, Kaworu repeats variations on the chorus, until he comes to a repetition of a pair of lines: "DON'T LOOK BACK AGAIN! Don't look back! DON'T LOOK BACK AGAIN! Don't look back! DON'T LOOK BACK AGAIN! Don't look back! BABY, DON'T LOOK BACK AGAIN!" As at last the song reaches the end of its fever tempo, he breathes out a faint sigh, then offers the microphone and a smile over to Rei.
A song for her... Perhaps something out of the ordinary would be best? He considers the limited selection on the karaoke machine until he finds a song from the old days with a bright energy and a sentiment that, at least going by the title, appeals to him. Megumi Hayashibara's Meet Again... He'd like to hear how Rei handles this kind of irrepressible cheer.
<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
The borderline.
Rei seems to tilt her head. Does Gridman manage to bring out the digitally synthesized sultry languour of Sharon Apple? Perhaps he evokes its shade. Rei may not know that shade, but...
She begins to nod along. And afterwards, she seems to be glowing with a little approval, even if it's more of the general aura of a smile than her lips actually turning up into one. She puts her hands together, pap-pap-pat.
"Yes," Rei answers Kaworu, about Mari. "It is inevitable."
And then -- the singing!
The chanting, perhaps; he has a style Rei does not quite recognize, but it does evoke distantly heard sounds of monks in Japan and briefly in Thailand; it evokes something that is sacred. Something that is -- well, a holy light, and perhaps such a thing would inevitably be lonely, too. "I had never heard this song," Rei says, "but, I also liked it," and if she said also then that's verbal confirmation. She's liked them both!
Is this her first time 'at' karaoke? At least it wasn't unfamiliar conceptually.
But a song has been chosen for her... clasping the microphone in both hands, Rei raises it up. And --
The blue sky spreads out endlessly
My fluttering hair shows where the wind blows
-- it's a little shaky, as if she's getting in synch with the rather peppy, fast pace of the popular-style song --
You've always been there for me
I close my eyes and quietly sense you
Her eyes half-close for a moment, which means she almost misses the next lyrics, adding a certain haste to
The horizon stretches all the way to the heavens
A shower of light shoots off
which means that she's off track and running free, adding a certain anxious note to the last part of the first verse:
If the me inside of me now
Starts moving, there'll be no stopping her
And... something cracks a little in her voice, because what comes out next does have a simple aspect to it, a simple and direct 'singing along,' getting into the feeling of the unfamiliar song -- but it has none of the air of a "recital" to it. She shifts her grasp of the microphone to one hand for --
Spread out both your hands
Even if you fall, take a deep breath
Get the headwind
On your side
Don't grumble over every little thing
If you've just gotta do it,
Get hit, fall to pieces, and recover
And the rest of the abbreviated karaoke-mix continues. While she does not ever, quite, get 'peppy,' there is a certain soft verve, like raw silk, that starts getting into it. Afterwards, she settles back, face pinkening.
<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.
"Hmm... I'll make sure there's plenty of water waiting, then." Gridman responds, choosing to accept Kawrou's reassurance. Being in a relationship is about trust, after all. Kaworu and Rei's choices matter to him, very much.
A nod, as Kaworu mentions Fire Bomber. "Yes. The songs you left for me on your phone... I'm sure I could hear them, somehow. They all feel so familiar to me." Gridman reaches out to take Kaworu's hand softly, squeezing it once, and then letting it go so Gridman can begin his song.
And it seems... Kaworu and Rei approve! That wobbly smile evens out to one without any anxiety, and yellow eyes close in overwhelming delight. "Thank you, very much!"
Gridman can't maintain the smile for too long, his expression falling back to neutrality as Kaworu begins to sing. From the first note, his eyes open wide with amazement and wonder. Hearing Kaworu's gentle voice sing-chant through such passionate and bold lyrics is almost shocking, but in a good way. Gridman claps along with the song, showing his support in the only way he's really sure how.
"Kaworu!" Gridman all-but shouts, hyped up from the song. "You're so cool!" Hurrying forward, Gridman places a hand on his boyfriend's shoulder, thrilled.
Quickly after, Gridman scoots back, offering Kaworu the chair this time. It's Rei's turn to perform, and he doesn't want to miss a single moment.
Once again, Gridman claps along with the song. Is this exactly the right kind of song for clapping? Maybe not, but he's determined to show his support. In Gridman's eyes, Rei makes no mistakes, and has no flaws to her voice. Every note is perfect, and her rendition is the most wonderful he could imagine.
Rei comes to a conclusion, and Gridman's clapping accelerates enthusiastically. Taking Rei's hand in his own, he squeezes it once, nodding eagerly. "Thank you. Hearing your voice always brings me so much joy! You're amazing!"
"We can sing one all together, right?" Gridman asks, his metallic voice echoing in the little booth. "I would like that."
Should there be no disagreement, Gridman steps forward and scans through the songs. Many of these are familiar, but he wants something unlike what any of them sing. He scrolls and scrolls, until the list of songs loops back on itself. Until...
"How's this one?" Gridman asks, hovering the selection over a song he's unfamiliar with. The energy of it feels right, somehow, just by looking at the title.
Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
Kaworu nods but once. Much about Mari is inevitable--in a good way.
"It's one of many songs Fire Bomber used to push back the Protodeviln when they threatened the Macross 7 fleet," he tells Rei. "Basara Nekki's passion for song turned into the power to stay beings capable of slaughtering millions with ease." He catches Gridman's eye and adds, "As I said: a song can be a battle, too."
He laughs a little, pleased with Gridman's own passion, and holds his hand in return. This is fun, truly. He'd told Asuka that Gridman might start to act like 'Yuta Hibiki' again or he might not, but he hadn't anticipated that it would be this soon. He releases his hand to listen to Rei sing. Though Rei is a fledgeling vocalist, and this song's energy is no doubt more than she's used to, there's a sincerity in her voice, in all the songs he's heard her sing so far, that goes beyond all other concerns. If it's shaky and off-beat, that's less important to him than the purity with which she sings and conveys her feelings through the song.
Technical proficiency is so easy to achieve, after all. The fundamental essence of a soul... that's far more important to him.
"How did you like singing that song?" he wonders to Rei. "I picked it because it's so different from how you are usually viewed. I wonder if it made your view of yourself change a little?" He reaches out to stroke the backs of his fingers along her hair and across her cheek. To Gridman, he nods. "If there is to be a fourth song, then it's only natural we should sing it together."
When Gridman makes his choice, Kaworu's smile broadens. "A classic," he comments. "Shall we?"
The ancient jazz song wafts through the enclosed space, creating an intimacy beyond what's already naturally here. Kaworu leans in towards Rei, still holding the microphone, until his shoulder touches hers and their lips both approach the microphone. He looks up at Gridman until he does the same, or at least something similar. Then, perhaps together, they croon:
"Fly me to the moon, and let me play among the stars
"Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars
"In other words, hold my hand; in other words, darling, kiss me..."
<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
"Yes," Rei agrees when Gridman assesses Kaworu as 'so cool'. This seems to track with what she thinks of him. Although his exuberance seems to please Rei, and -- is that a ghost of amusement, too? It's a fond kind of amusement.
After her song, she reddens more. When Kaworu asks her a question, she answers, "I liked it," which is probably progress, but then she says, "I do not know if it changed that. But, I think that I would sing a song like that again..."
But then her hand is squeezed! This draws her attention. Rei's hand is a little warm beneath the pliable material of the dang old plugsuit, but how warm would it be without it there? Perhaps something for another day, or the future, or at least a place with more spare clothes. She looks at Gridman, and her cheeks flush pinker yet, particularly when he proposes--
A trio.
There's only one microphone here.
Rei leans forwards - shoulder to shoulder. It feels warm. Her breath is mingling with theirs. Her cheeks stay a little flushed. She picks up what comes next:
"Fill my heart with joy, and let me sing forever-more,
"You are all I long for,
"All I worship, and adore.
<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.
Gridman waves a tamborine again as Rei and Kaworu chat about the song. It's such a cheerful little object... But soon, it's time to sing once again. The song is unlike anything Gridman's heard before, but he likes it. Slow and sweet, it's full of emotion. Kaworu and Rei certainly seem to approve of it.
Squeezing in to reach the microphone, Gridman blushes softly, red dusting his cheeks and trailing down his neck. They're all so close... It's almost like Gridman can feel Kaworu's and Rei's heartbeats.
Music builds and floats through the booth. Gridman closes his yellow eyes, living purely in the moment. If song spirits are real, they're certainly present now. Carried away by the moment, Gridman reaches out to take Rei's and Kaworu's hands both, twining them all together.
Finally, it's his time to sing. The previous song was enough to warm up Gridman's voice, and now he can perform to his very best! It's certainly nowhere near Rei or Kaworu's level, but it's full of emotion and free of embarrassment.
"In other words, please be true.
"In other words...
"I-- love you..."
Gridman only hesitates half a beat before finishing the last line, his eyes blinking wide upon seeing the simple sentence. Is it okay to say something so meaningful? It's just a song, right?
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
It's a good feeling to have others you like admire you. Kaworu doesn't blush about it, but his smile does grow brighter, a chuckle light and breezy on his breath. Together (or rather, taking turns), they sing, offering up their voices to the song spirits that may well be watching them right now. Perhaps even Unison is here with them.
In other words, I love you...
Kaworu smiles warmly at his companions as the final notes hum. Whether it's 'just' a song, it doesn't bother him at all to say something so meaningful. On the contrary, it lifts his spirits that they can convey so straightforward a message.
He doesn't say anything. He simply hums the chorus again while leaning on Rei, while wrapping an arm around Gridman. He shuts his eyes, content to stay in this dim-lit darkness with them until they're ready to leave and play a different game.