holly heights inbox

[fontastically]

position: child

Comments

text; a few hours after school lets out

[twee]

Ion-san, are you at home? I'm asking because there's something at the library I found that could be of interest to you--a driver's manual that's based on US traffic codes and laws. (Do they technically apply to us here in Holly Heights, I wonder?? I mean if they're actually implemented by the Landlord, the Landlord certainly did a patchwork job; I wouldn't be allowed to legally drive if they were properly established. I don't want to live in a lawless society in any case but is there actually any proper rule of law around here oh sorry I'm rambling aren't I )

Which is to say, I think that this will be a good ancillary text to start out with at least. I noticed you like to read a lot, so perhaps you might find some of this information worth knowing just for knowledge's sake. Even if it isn't awfully useful.

If it's not too big of an inconvenience I could drop in and give it to you today. If not, there's always (☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞ tomorrow!

[fontastically]

I appreciate your assistance, Michael. I am unable to say how much of the normal United States laws apply to Holly Heights as there is also a differ in drinking age in text from this present setting. But I am interested, nevertheless.

Please feel free to come at any time with the book.

text; action

[twee]

Just as I figured! It really is interesting though also confusing.

I will see you some time soon, then!

( maybe an hour later? there's a knocking on the door. )

[fontastically]

[It's almost as though Michael described himself in that text. But confusing or not, Ion's going to be sure to answer the door for that interesting person. And make sure to back away slightly as not to hog the doorway.]

Hello, Michael. Would you like to come in?

[Last he's checked, 1499 and 1419 aren't exactly right by each other.]

[twee]

( there is an incentive to walk quickly, between the cold and getting to see his friend's house for the first time. maybe it is an exact model of his own here, but he's only ever been "over" to one other person's house. )

Yes, please! And good afternoon, Ion-san. ( he says before even coming in. but once he's past Ion he'll get to work removing his coat and boots. he's a little warm from the walk over. )

[fontastically]

[He's going to make sure to close the door so the coldness doesn't have to follow after him. And, well, it's also dark out there. Michael's been plenty brave, hasn't he?]

I know you came here with concerns of a book but would you care to have some tea?

[twee]

( Michael, still flushed from the cold and his walk, tilts his head and smiles. he tightens his grip on his bag since Ion does mention the book. )

If you wouldn't mind, please! It would be an honour. I haven't had time for afternoon tea yet, how shameful.

[fontastically]

I can't say it would be as nicely brewed as your own but it's rather cold out.

[With that, he moves off to the kitchen. No point in standing around because that's not how one makes tea. Oh, but-]

Feel free to sit in the living room if that's what you prefer.

[twee]

All right, thank you. ( as usual he glows as the compliment, self-deprecating as it is, and takes Ion up on his offer. he goes to the living room, sits down on a chair, checks his phone quickly for messages before turning it off, and then waits. he sits with his back straight and his hands folded over the school bag on his lap.

looking around he notes there isn't much to see; it's nearly like déjà vu, as close as this place is to his house here. )

[fontastically]

[But, as they say, watch water doesn't boil so he does come out to the living room after putting the kettle on the stove. Most logical thing, isn't it?]

Did you walk all the way here, Michael?

[twee]

( when Ion enters the room he smiles cordially, but then he looks a bit sheepish as the question is asked. ) Mmm. I came straight here from the library. It would have taken a while to go all the way to my house.

[fontastically]

I'm sorry that you felt the need to do that. I'm glad you did decide to stop by. [He frowns a bit at that.] Maybe it will be best to call for someone later so you won't have to walk home.

[twee]

Eh, maybe. ( he smiles, laughing actually. ) But I'm young and healthy, so a little walk oughtn't hurt me. But if I tell my brother, he'll probably pick me up.

( and then he tilts his head. he really does look touched. ) But thank you for your concern, Ion-san. See, this is just another reason to learn--you can give people rides.

[fontastically]

This must be you teaching me a lesson.

[Not that he's saying that sincerely, of course, as his own expression lightens as well.] Speaking of, where's the book you wanted to show me?

[twee]

Hehe, maybe! I'm just trying to utilise my own mistake. ( he smiles sheepishly, and then brightens again. he pulls out a paperback manual, glossy, like it's never been touched. it looks like a standard-issue driver's manual you could get from any DMV but there is a library cataloging sticker on it.

he proffers it. ) Here you are, Ion-san. I've pored through it a bit, so I can say at least the basic information is good. More or less it's common sense.

[fontastically]

[Whatever the fuck a DMV is.]

That's good to hear as you said it wasn't particularly useful in your message.

[There's mind to reach out for the book but he ends up pausing as he hears a whistle. Oh.]

I'm sorry, I think the water is ready for the tea. I'll be back in a moment.

[Time for handwavey things.]

[twee]

The bases of it is solid! It's just a lot of it otherwise awfully useful given our circumstances. ( he smiles. maybe he's being a bit playful with the next part, saying something like Ion would in a case like this. ) Perhaps it's so not that the text that should be judged as invaluable, but one ought to keep in mind that the context it was authored in is much different than our present one.

Don't worry! I'm not going anywhere.

( when Ion returns he has his tea how he likes it depending on if it is green or black. )

[fontastically]

[It's tea, Michael. Don't make this too complicated. But Michael will get his tea and everything with the tray of two cups being set on the...not tea table (a coffee table, apparently) and settles down beside the other boy.]

Did you learn to drive in school?

[twee]

( it's not just tea excuse u. he thinks it's a bit strange to be getting black tea without being asked or offered sugar and milk at the very least, but he doesn't say anything yet. he answers the question before taking his cup into his lap. )

Ah, not quite--I've never been to what one would call a school. I learnt with my brothers. We can pilot a few types of vehicles. I don't think driving is something students learn in school back home, however. It's more of an extra circular thing.

( he takes a sips aaaaaand his eyes widen but he's recovered in a moment. he says nothing about, pretending like there isn't a taste now lingering in his mouth. )

[fontastically]

[Maybe he has forgotten about that- rather careless of him isn't it?]

That's right, I believe you had mentioned that before. [He shakes his head.] I'm sorry for allowing myself to forget.

[And here he's been thinking that he's been on the edge more so that really has been careless. Anyway, time for some tea. He brings his cup up to his lips, lightly blowing at the surface of the tea, before taking a sip. Aaaaaaaand oh no why.

Ion cringes and lowers his cup.]

This came out awful.

[twee]

( Michael puts his cup and saucer down on the table before him, smiling a bit. he does look a bit sheepish, but he doesn't look offended at all. in this case he really only has some friendly advice to give. ) It's not really so bad, Ion-san, you probably simply let it steep for too long. If we add some milk and sugar, that ought to be enough. Besides, tea this strong has a good amount of caffeine in it. It's excellent fuel for study.

[fontastically]

Preparing tea isn't that difficult. I'm sorry.

[He puts his own cup beside Michael's, shifting before he gets up to his feet. Micheal sure is taking this very well because, really, Ion took the time to mess up something so simple.]

Are you sure it's easier than brewing a new batch?

[twee]

There's no need to apologise. It's just something you're not accustomed to, perhaps.

( he smiles at the other, not a single trace of accusation on his face. he'll just making an offer, a friend to a friend. )

If you'd like, perhaps you can make a new one, and I can give you some pointers. Whatever you'd prefer.

[fontastically]

Tyr, a friend of mine, had made tea for me on a couple of occasions. It doesn't look that hard. [So he's only to be disappointed with himself as he gets up.] I think I'll just make a new one.

[twee]

Ah, Tyr-san! It doesn't surprise me that you know him. Do you know what kind of tea it was, by chance?

( he smiles, doing his best to radiate charm so that Ion doesn't feel down; it's obvious that it's gotten to him, and really that was what Michael wanted to avoid. ) Well, tea is art--it's deceptively easy. Let me show you a few tricks.