004 // it's the most shoujo time of the year

[cardcaptured]

[Normally, Xiaolang doesn't do this.

Normally, Xiaolang's much more tight-lipped about his personal life, his romantic matters, because... well. He's a fourteen year old boy, an easily embarrassed one at that, and he'd die before giving people ammo to tease him with!!

But his amplified Wood Monkey traits-- hard-working, curious, and communicative-- has worn down his barriers quite a bit, leading him to post something under li xiaolang that he's probably going to regret come the twilight hours:]

What's something good to do with someone for Valentine's Day? Or what's something romantic you'd like someone to do for you?

[... ... ... is he making a Valentine's date idea list? Yes. Is he going to try to do all of them? EXTRA YES.]

Comments

[psykick]

I've always wanted to go on a date to an amusement park, but it's a little cold for that. So maybe something nice inside, like the art museum? Imagine walking around looking at all the beautiful paintings while your date tells you cool facts that aren't on the placards. And then afterwards sit together and have a handmade lunch. Or the aquarium. Looking at all the fish would be really fun.

[has no idea the aquarium is a cursed location]

[cardcaptured]

[Thankfully, it's not quite as cursed as it could be, since the aquarium stuff is all from the anime, but-- considering Sakura's recent mishap in the turtle tank, it's probably not the best time to go.]

Um... the aquarium probably wouldn't be an option right now, though that would normally be nice. They do have a lot of cool shows going on...

But the art museum doesn't sound bad... or maybe even a history museum? I'm not very familiar with a lot of painters or artists, but getting to learn something together with the person you're with is always good. The lunches would be pretty manageable, too.

[These are all definitely going onto his list, though, thank you Rinka!!!]

[psykick]

[Sakura. Stop almost drowning in aquariums.]

Oh yeah, the history museum would be good. Check to see if they're having a special exhibit right now. Though the Curator’s Choice exhibit is always nice. It's neat to see what the museum has recently added to their collection.

[cardcaptured]

[IT JUST KEEPS HAPPENING]

Yeah, seeing what pieces they think is interesting is always cool. They have to be pretty important or unique for the curators to single them out of the rest of the items they receive. I haven't been there in a while, so I'm sure they must have added a lot of new things since then...

[But then he notes the name on the reply, and even though there's that weird S at the end... well. It matches up well enough with the person Sakura had mentioned a little while back, anyway.]

Um... this might sound weird, but-- did you get involved with those weird ornament things back in December? With a girl my age?

private

[psykick]

[OH. WHAT IS THIS. THIS BOY KNOWS CUTE LITTLE SAKURA? /PRIVATES THIS]

Oh, you mean Sakura? Are you her boyfriend? She said she had a boyfriend (though not in so many words). Is this why you're asking these questions?

[keystaff]

It is coming up soon! Hm, I guess that might depend on the person though? I guess I haven't really thought on what I'd like for it, but I think getting a nice chocolate and spending time together is the most important thing.

[Something simple. Some chocolate and a picnic or something. Sakura wouldn't expect anything all that fancy or expensive, especially given their age, even if she is aware his family has a lot of money.

That and. She might be replying without initially realizing it's....actually him at first.]

1/???

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[... ... ...]

2/??

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[HECK]

3/???

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[IS SHE ON TO HIM

DOES SHE KNOW]

4/???

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[If this was anyone else, he'd think they were teasing him or pulling a trick, but--

This is Sakura.

She probably doesn't even know that he's asking in regards to her.]

DONE?? PROBABLY

[cardcaptured]

[... it might be a bit mean, but-- he's actually going to roll with it. At least, until she figures it out herself. After all, if he's going to plan a perfect Valentine's date for her, he may as well hear it straight from the source, without her feeling like she needs to hold herself back for his sake.

(He's also going to put CHOCOLATE in big bold letters at the top of his list, jsyk)]

... I see.

But... if you had to think of an ideal place to spend time with someone you're with, where would it be? Just... out of curiosity.

[keystaff]

Hm. Maybe the park or gardens could be nice for a picnic? But that is assuming the weather isn't too bad, doing something outside like that.

[Considering the time of year and all. She should probably try factor that in.

And, well. It's only when he replies that she notes the user name. And blinks, her cheeks and nose tinging pink.]

[cardcaptured]

[And now Xiaolang's the one in the dark, unaware that Sakura already figured out his identity. Still, he can't help his own face from flushing a little, as he adds PICNIC, PARK, and GARDENS to his growing list. Even if they somehow couldn't get this all in one date (which was ridiculous, because they totally could no they can't), it was at least good to keep on hand for future outings.]

... That does sound pretty nice. Getting to enjoy your surroundings with some good food, along with someone who means a lot to you...

[Is this nerd trying to low-key flirt? Yyyyyes he is]

But it's probably a little too cold outside for that right now, isn't it? If that wasn't an option, what else would you choose?

[dereban]

Personally speaking, a good romantic thing would be to watch a movie together and then go out for a nice dinner before going home and spending time together doing the things we both like to do.

[cardcaptured]

[Adding that onto his list!! Granted, it's something they've done for dates in the past, but if it's not broke, don't fix it--]

Do you think the movie should be a romantic one, too? Or should it be something you both like? We usually go with what we both want to see whenever we do movie dates, but since it's Valentine's Day...

[Maybe something that fit the mood better?? It's his first real Valentine's Day, this is all a mystery for him...!]

[dereban]

I don't think it necessarily has to be romantic. I mean, just because it's Valentine's Day means you have to watch something romantic? You just need to have fun as a couple, since that's the important part.

Like you can do stuff that you usually wouldn't do? I mean, there's a lot of couple stuff at cafes and stuff where you get discounts and stuff, but. Again. Depends on what you want.

[cardcaptured]

I guess that's true...

It's just... neither of us have really spent Valentine's Day with someone else before, so it's... kind of important. [At least, it is for him-- Sakura might not be overthinking it as much as he is] I want to make sure it's special, you know? Something that we both can remember.

But you're right-- there are probably places around that would do that, wouldn't they? hey might be really busy if everyone else has the same idea, though.

[servileness]

It'd be the greatest success if you do something you both enjoy, but I know I would be extremely touched if the person I dated planned to do something they know I enjoy a lot but they didn't enjoy quite as much.

To hike to a picturesque point and watch the sunrise or sunset is an ideal romantic situation for me.

[cardcaptured]

[He can't help wanting to ask if this was something Leon did for her while they were dating, but-- no. Probably not the best idea to poke into that subject, for both of their sake.]

... that makes sense. It's less of what you're doing together, and more about seeing the person you like being happy and having fun, right? It shows you want to be with them, even if you don't always share common interests.

[... so should he maybe pencil in a stop at one of the cat cafes? MAYBE.]

That does sound nice, though. Sort of like a reward at the end of a journey. It's too bad it gets so cold here in February, though.

[servileness]

[ That's a good idea. Clover's answer would have been.... no great. ]

Yes, it shows you're thinking of them and remember what they like, too. The silent message is it doesn't matter what we're doing as long as I'm with you. It's romantic, don't you think?

In the winter, instead of hiking, I would find a roof and bring blankets. Watching the world wake up or fall asleep is a beautiful experience.

[cardcaptured]

... it is romantic, yeah. Though I think you're right-- finding something we both like would be the ideal situation. I wouldn't want her to think I'm looking down on what she likes if I'm not enjoying it as much as she is. I know I wouldn't want her to be bored if things were the other way around.

I think with school and everything, we probably wouldn't be able to watch the sunrise, but... the sunset would be nice to watch together. I wish our building was high enough for proper stargazing, though, but I could always bring up my telescope if we need it...

[blondferret]

Making a multi course meal with candle light and nice romantic music.

[This worked multiple times with his ex before she dumped him!]

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[He's still a bit miffed at you for the Retrospec stuff, Derek!! and the kidnapping stuff which I definitely need to backtag But he's clearly had more experience than Xiaolang in this field, and he did provide the opportunity for that nice New Year's date, so...]

That's... not overdoing things, is it? I mean, she'd probably be more comfortable with that than something at a restaurant, but still...

I'd have to try to get Leon and Li-Na out of the house to do it, too, so it'd probably be tricky.

[Because no way is he attempting this at Fai's house and leave himself open for teasing and Touya glaring daggers at him, nope]

[blondferret]

[Kid, you're thinking too small.]

Check the weather for that day. And you live in an apartment building right? Does it have a usable rooftop terrace? Use white Christmas lights, a table and chairs, candles, and maybe and electric heater if it is a bit nippy.

Watch Kate and Leopold for reference. My ex always gushed at the rooftop scene.

[cardcaptured]

[He's thinking realistically!! As... realistically as he can for someone who wants to do a thousand things for Valentine's Day, anyway!!]

It does, but... I'd still need to use the kitchen to make all the food for us, too, and I don't want to spend the entire day cooking.

[Not when he could be with Sakura during that time, anyway!!]

Was this something you did a lot with the person you were with?