IC Contact Post

[inutile]

...

This is Nageki Fujishiro. Please leave a message, and I will contact you... if it's important.

( ✉ / ☏ / ✎ / ⌨ )

Comments

text (sort of);

[(Anonymous)]

[On the evening of February 13, a white envelope is slipped beneath the front door of Nageki's apartment unit. On the front is cursively written To Nageki in black ink. Inside is a small piece of off-white card paper, and a thin bar of mint chocolate wrapped in foil.

The card has the following handwritten, unsigned message:]

Dear Nageki,
Since I've arrived here, you've caught my eye around the Hold.
Please accept this gift as an expression from me, an admirer, of my affection for you.
Happy Valentine's Day

[inutile]

[That's GAY??? Better hide this in a drawer forever where no one can ever know about it]

text;

[salvagedsoul]

I thought the sentiment of Valentine's was to express your affection for others. Is that wrong?

[inutile]

[oh nuh-uh son Nageki can see where you're headed with that!!]

That is correct. But the purpose of the holiday is not so trivial as that. [We can't use the s-word round these parts.]

text;

[salvagedsoul]

I'm confused.

[inutile]

[The things he does for you, Kaworu, god.]

Valentine's, or whatever you might call it, is a holiday devoted to love. On the other hand, sex itself is neither obligatory nor significant enough to be what Valentine's is about.

Many... couples, do take the opportunity to express their love through sexual acts on Valentine's, but because it's meant to be a special gesture it isn't something you're supposed to do with anyone and everyone you care for.

[salvagedsoul]

I see...

Which ones, then?

[inutile]

...Are you unfamiliar with the difference between platonic and romantic feelings?

[salvagedsoul]

Unfamiliar, no. I understand that it's convenient for Lilim to separate their affections into two columns.

[inutile]

I'm afraid I would have to call you mistaken if you believe that there is no separation of desires when it comes to pursuing a relationship with others.

[salvagedsoul]

"Platonic," "romantic." Certainly they exist for Lilim... but the substance of each eludes me. The same with the concept of "sexual desire."

I'm sorry. The boundaries and texture of Lilim companionship are very mysterious.

[But why is this topic of conversation so inciting for Nageki? That's interesting, too.]

[inutile]

They are. But it would be a good idea for you to do your best to learn to differentiate, or it could turn out quite badly for you.

[salvagedsoul]

Nageki-kun, it almost sounds like you're threatening me.

[inutile]

[WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN???]

I'm not threatening you, Kaworu. It is merely a cautionary piece of advice for you to consider while associating with your friends, so as to avoid hurting their feelings or your own.

text

[salvagedsoul]

Nageki-kun. Am I bothering you?

[inutile]

Do you mean by hoping to speak with me now, or is that a general question?

...The answer to both of those is no.

[salvagedsoul]

I meant now.

It's been a while since we spoke. I felt a desire to talk to you.

[inutile]

I'm glad, Kaworu. It has been a while.

I'm sorry for my recent absence. I've been busier than I would have expected myself to be before Mr. Nanaki arrived. I hope you've been well?

[salvagedsoul]

[His response is uncharacteristically delayed.]

I found a piano. It's very old and doesn't sound very good, but I've decided I'm going to fix it. Although I haven't been able to resist playing it in the meantime, anyway.

[inutile]

[Nageki notices the delay, along with Kaworu's lack of response to his question. it worries him, but would it be invasive to ask if there's something wrong...?]

I see. So you're a pianist, then? I would like to hear that sometime.

[salvagedsoul]

[There's another strange pause, but finally it switches to an audio feed. There's the faint sound of rain, but then piano music starts.]

...I'll just play you some. [His voice is warm as usual, but slightly overcome by the much louder piano.]

[inutile]

[hmm. Nageki is quite sure that there's something not quite right with Kaworu's behaviour, but it would be rude to interrupt his playing, so he listens in silence to the melancholy music. he's impressed with Kaworu's skill, or -- he would be, if he weren't more concerned at the moment. it really is lovely, especially when music in the library was so rare, but...

once the piano fades out, Nageki waits a moment before speaking.]

...I think I'd like it hear it in person. Where are you, Kaworu? I'll come by.

[salvagedsoul]

It's a bit of a walk, but I'll send you a map.

[A few moments later, a crude but clearly drawn map arrives in Nageki's inbox via text message.]

It's cold today, so you should bring a jacket.

[inutile]

Thank you. I'll try to be there shortly.

[it does take him a while to arrive, though, forced into a scarf and mittens with a coat Nageki thinks might be a little too warm even for this weather before he can make it out of his apartment. once he does arrive, he takes his time to quietly undress before he ventures into the room, hoping to avoid interrupting Kaworu if he happens to be playing again.]

[salvagedsoul]

[He is playing again - something a bit calmer, now.

Without looking up from the keys, he smiles.]

Hello, Nageki.