[Video] Chess

[geniustheveil]

[The heartless have been getting to quite a few people lately. It's hard to tell at first whether Ami is one of them. She's inside, seated at a small table and playing chess against herself. Masters of the game would note the arrangement of the board as a very famous end game maneuver. She's testing it again, noting its weaknesses and the ways to defend against it.

It's keeping her mind off the shadows, and the things that always seem to not-quite-be-there when she looks. It's keeping her mind off the doubts, the worries, the insecurities. But there's very little of her usual gentle smile despite the seeming calm. She has a perhaps not-so-incongruous question.]

What are the things you do to relax and unwind your mind?

Comments

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[sinfullysublime]

I could not ask the Lady to travel on my behalf. [ Bows his head. ] ...the decision is yours.

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[geniustheveil]

[Which is less demanding: asking him to meet somewhere in-between so neither has to travel far, or offering to do the traveling - but forcing him to entertain once she's there?]

Perhaps we should meet somewhere between the two.

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[sinfullysublime]

Hm. [ He thinks for but a moment, before a smile spreads over his face. ] I am opening a bakery in town called Devils Food Cakes. If you can excuse the mess [ It's not much of a mess at all. Not by normal standards anyway. ] we could meet there.

I can put a kettle on and make a snack, [ Looks to her, eyes gleaming. ] if you'd like.

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[geniustheveil]

[Something about him is... overwhelmingly charming, she decides, as it'd be rude to fall it fake or insincere. But it leaves her uncomfortable at times.

Nonetheless, he's being kind enough to offer her a refuge from the loneliness and her own mind. She should be grateful.]

Thank you. I'll be sure to sample the bakery's goods once it opens.

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[sinfullysublime]

[ He smiles. Oh, it's nothing to be too worried about. It's just his aesthetic. Leaves her to make heads or tails of the offer, but adds... ] Why wait?

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[geniustheveil]

I didn't think I should presume on your kindness.

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[sinfullysublime]

No. Perhaps not. Not everybody is genuine. [ He chuckles lightheartedly. ] But I'd be honored if you'd sample a few of my desserts. I could use an honest critique.

[ Moves to a closet and removes a small ornately decorated chest containing an antique chess set. ] I'll see you soon, [ His eyes become lidded and he smiles. ] Miss Mizuno.

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[geniustheveil]

[Her eyes light as soon as she sees the chess set.]

Wait! Those are very beautiful pieces. Did you buy them in one of the shops? Where?

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[sinfullysublime]

[ Looks down at the chest and closes the lid. His eyes gleam as he shakes his head. ] No. This, here, is mine. It passed into this realm alongside a few other small trinkets of mine. [ Or so he says. ] I was hoping to have reason to use it, ... [ Smiles. ]

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[geniustheveil]

Amazing! If we do play sometime, would it be alright to ask to use them?

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[sinfullysublime]

I thought we might use it this afternoon. While we could simply chat over tea and snacks I figured this would be... more to your liking, Miss Mizuno.

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[geniustheveil]

It's very kind of you, but you're going to so much trouble on my account. I'd like to find a way to repay you, at least, to return the favor.

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[sinfullysublime]

It's no trouble at all. [ He's a butler. It's second nature. He'd not meant to make her uncomfortable. ] Your company will do.

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[geniustheveil]

It's very kind of you. Thank you.

Is there a time we should meet?

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[sinfullysublime]

[ Bows his head. ] It's a pleasure.

I will be in the Bakery all afternoon cleaning so feel free to stop by when's best for you.

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[geniustheveil]

Thank you. I think I need the change of pace today.

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[sinfullysublime]

[ Smiles and bows his head. ] I'll see you soon Miss Mizuno.

[Shift to Action and timeskip to later?]

[geniustheveil]

[By the time Ami gets to the bakery, shutting off her mind with a few sweets sounds like a very good idea. Granted, she enjoys baked goods but doesn't have the raging sweet tooth of some of her friends; but it might still help. She pushes open the door, and takes a moment to step inside. She looks a bit tired.]

action; sounds good to me.

[sinfullysublime]

[ ...as she approaches she may notice that the bakery IS not yet complete. It's finished, for the most part, but Sebastian's not truly content with it... so he's delayed opening yet again. The door is open, however, as he's expecting her company, and as soon as she steps inside a sweet and fragrant aroma fills the air. ] Miss Mizuno, [ He calls from the kitchen, sensing her presence as she continues. He steps out, a silver platter decorated with sweets in his one hand. ] Welcome. I apologize for the mess. [ Bows his head and sets the platter down on a table he's cleared off, the antique chess set she'd seen earlier already set up on the one beside. ] ...you're just in time.

[geniustheveil]

I'm glad I'm not late. [The chess set is enough of a temptation (and the sweets do look good, of course) to draw a smile from her. She glances around the room, and takes in the meticulous attention to detail and the work done.]

You must have gone to a lot of trouble here. It shows how much you care for its presentation.

[sinfullysublime]

[ Is glad to see her mood start improving. Smiles, leading her over to the table. ] It's not been much trouble at all. In fact, it's something I enjoy, ...making sweets. Not to mention I have had a bit of help. [ Pulls out a chair for her and then serves both the tea and the snack cakes. Moves around the table and takes a seat across from her. ] I'm afraid I haven't much else to do with my time. [ Brief pause. ] ...do you bake at all?

[geniustheveil]

Not very often. It's the hobby of one of my friends, though. [Ami sits in the offered chair, posture a bit prim by habit.]

[sinfullysublime]

[ He doesn't want her to feel on the spot, so to speak, so he pours himself a cup and takes a small sip. ] I see. But you enjoy chess, ...anything else?

[geniustheveil]

Swimming. [That's right; there are things she has to relax her own mind, too. She has coping mechanisms to help her focus her mind on other things instead. She can do this.] I enjoy swimming, and reading. Music, too, at least listening to it. [She's written lyrics once or twice, but she's never been entirely happy with the outcome.]

How about you?

[sinfullysublime]

[ He's not surprised as she lists her hobbies. He'd been able to tell that she was well read, sophisticated, ...but to have it confirmed is another story. Smiles. ] Do you have a favorite author?
 
[ Falls silent the moment he's asked ] I'm afraid I don't have any. I'm usually constantly preoccupied with my Master, but as of late I suppose baking, [ He chuckles halfheartedly. ] and playing the violin.