Monday, February 14th, 2011; Akihabara, Tokyo; 5:11p.m.
Standing in the bathroom of his apartment, Future Gadget #1 in hand, Okabe admired the mirror reflection of himself, laser blaster at the ready.
I look like a super villain from a spy movie. What an undeniably fascinating perspective! Straying from the dove, diving further beyond the malevolence of mad science... Into the realm of dastardly deeds.
Chuckling, and then laughing maniacally, he crossed his arms.
One cannot overthrow the ruling structures of the world... Without being dressed to fit the part! White is the natural choice for those intent on deceiving their foes.
Noticing the vibration of his cell phone on the bathroom sink, he set the blaster aside and scooped the phone into his palm.
Faris... What time is it? The ball starts at six, so perhaps she's just...
Answering the call, he brought the phone to his ear.
"Hououin Kyouma speaking."
"Hello there, master of mayhem."
Smirking from her equally devious greeting, he leaned forward against the sink.
"Familiar with my repertoire, I see."
"Very much so. May I ask if you are ready for the evening, Mister Rintarou...?"
Audibly chuckling, a hint of a giggle came over the line from her end.
"Of course. Ready and awaiting your arrival."
"Oh, well in that case, you don't have to wait any longer, nya."
"You're already here?"
"Mhmm."
"Blast, I'll have to skip final checks. Prepare yourself, Rumiho."
"Already have."
"I'll be out in just a moment."
Ending the call and hustling out of the bathroom, he patted his pocket, feeling his wallet residing within, and then slipped his phone into the opposite pocket of his white pants. Pulling on his shirt collar twice, he inhaled a breath, and headed towards the door, swiftly pulling on a black pair of shoes.
Alright. Should have everything in order... Now to dive far into unknown territory. Whether or not I return, is up to the great influence of Steins Gate now.
Tugging the noisy metal door open, he slipped through, closing it behind and withdrawing a key, locking the deadbolt with two concise twists. Whirling around, devoid of the grand twirl of a lab coat, he hustled down the stairs, cautiously approaching the low light of the setting sun on the sidewalk.
I'm sure she took a car here. I believe her butler drives her places... And I already hear the vehicle in question. That answers that part.
Stepping onto the sidewalk, he turned aside, discovering the dark tinted windows of a large sedan parked out in front of the Tennouji CRT shop, only a few paces away.
Hesitantly walking alongside the vehicle, head tilting as he stepped alongside the rear passenger door, his hand reached out, fingers curling around the door handle.
This must be them, but I can't see a thing through the side windows...
Tugging the handle towards himself, the door popped open, and he stepped aside, swinging it open fully. Bending down and peeking within, his curious eyes met those of Akiha Rumiho, sitting against the opposite door in a lean, with a growing smile of delight beneath wide eyes.
"Come on in, Kyouma."
Blinking in a pause from the allure in her voice, Okabe's mouth drifted open, taking in the unexpected transformation of the young woman sitting in front of him, donned in a dark-crimson off-shoulder dress that left the soft skin of her shoulders and collarbone exposed. Her prominent ponytails were absent, instead tucked behind her head in an elegant updo, and Ruby earrings glinted from her slight movements, leading his eyes down to her light red lips.
Clambering into the vehicle, suffering an unexpected loss of words, he distractedly observed the interior of the car after pulling the door shut beside himself.
Oh my god that suit... And he combed his hair!
Discreetly exhaling with delight, surprised by his bright white coat and pants, Rumiho took in his appearance, heart beating as he buckled his seat belt, settled onto the seat, and then turned to her.
Good heavens she's lovely. And no ponytails? I've seen her out of her maid outfit but, this... This is a bit different. And I'm fairly certain she's dressing up specifically for my sake.
Pressing back into the leather seat as the car rolled into forward motion, both teens helplessly admired each other, mouths slightly open, waiting for one to speak first.
"...Well you look rather ravishing."
Chin rising with a hint of a giggle from his remark, her head tilted towards him, eyelashes fluttering.
"And you, mister mad scientist, suiting up like a dapper gentleman for me..."
Finding further words, his normal confidence began a cautious return.
"You weren't quite expecting such suave attire, were you?"
"I didn't know what to expect. But you're quite a pleasant surprise."
"Thank you. It's all part of my plan."
"Nya? What kind of plan?"
"Oh, nothing much."
"Is it devious?"
"Perhaps."
"Good. In any case, Meowster Kyouma, I hope you're ready for this evening."
"Of course I am. Endeavoring into the unknown is what I do."
"That's good. Because you're now part of my plan."
His mouth opened with comic surprise.
"You have a counter plan?"
"I sure do. My plan supersedes the deviousness of your plan too, Kyouma."
"Is that so? The maid queen thinks she can outwit the greatest strategist of all of Steins Gate?"
Eyes meeting, a tense moment of raised eyebrows ensued. Then, after an innocent nod from Faris, both teens burst into laughter.
"Well I'm not surprised by your audacity... I suppose I'll have to see what's in store for us."
"Oh you just wait, Kyouma. We're going to have a splendid evening."
"I certainly hope so. One does not dress in fancy attire without pertinent reasoning for it."
"Especially for a day like valentine's day."
"Indeed."
Eyes meeting again, hints of blushes remained among smiles of mirth, and hearts beat steadily inside their chests. Then, after a moment of silence, Rumiho's hand slowly descended to Okabe's arm, fingers sliding down the white sleeve and curling gently around his wrist.
"I'm really glad you were able to do this... With me."
Heart beating harder from her softer speech, Okabe smiled for a moment.
"You did ask me to it... And I didn't want to let you down in the slightest."
Watching her eyes close, cheeks still red, he sat patiently.
"Thank you. That really means a lot."
"Of course."
It was doubtful that I would have anything else going on today... You're also the first female to offer any kind of valentine's outing.
Looking towards the windshield ahead, he distractedly watched numerous cars pass in several directions. Then, his vision slowly sank down to Rumiho's forearm resting just beside his, her fingers still curled around his wrist.
"...You don't mind, do you?"
Blinking from her voice, he peeked towards her.
"Oh, uh, no. Of course not."
"Alright."
Slowly running her thumb along the ridges of his hand, a murmur delicately issued from her throat, hidden among the low noise of the car.
Okabe. I don't know how tonight is going to go... But something tells me you'll make it amazing, and I can't wait.
Monday, February 14th, 2011; UDX Center, Akihabara, Tokyo; 6:02p.m.
Walking among several well-dressed couples heading into the main lobby of the convention center, Rumiho tingled with excitement, keeping alongside Okabe as their arms shifted between each other, securely looped together.
"It appears we made it in."
"After a dramatic voyage, yes."
Humored by her quip, Okabe peeked towards her.
"Are we on time?"
"Should be."
"Then what time is it now?"
Lifting her cell phone from her bag, her thumb pressed against the keypad, and the date and time appeared in response.
"It started at six. We're doing just fine."
"That's good. Do you know what's on the itinerary?"
"There should be flyers around or something... I'm fairly certain the first event will be the buffet."
"For supper?"
"Of course. Haven't you ever eaten at one?"
"I mean... A hole in the wall restaurant, maybe."
Eying him with interest, her mouth curled into a smile.
"Then you're in for a treat, Kyouma. They'll probably be serving up all kinds of delicious goodies."
"Better than that of your own Queen May's...?"
Her eyebrow quirked, peeking towards him again.
"Impossible."
"I thought not. The culinary masterpieces of such a legendary Maid Cafe can never be bested."
"Well I'm glad to know you think so highly of my establishment. I'll make sure to tell the girls that you adore their handiwork."
"That being said, however... The buffet here still interests me. Mostly out of hunger."
"Patience, darling. We've barely gotten inside."
Craning his head to the side, he began pointing ahead.
"There's an information desk up over there. Maybe they have the schedule."
Several steps later, eying the attendant behind the counter with apprehension as they approached, Okabe's arm sneakily extended, snatching one of the flyers without a single pause as they drifted past.
"That was smooth."
Offering the pamphlet to Rumiho a moment later, she gingerly took it from his hand.
"Sleight of hand, my dear."
"I'm sure he saw you take it."
"And yet no vocal reaction came of it."
Smiling from his confident conclusion, she pried open the flyer with her thumb, and a hum of thought issued from her throat as she read a timeline of the evening's events.
"Well as we predicted Meowster, the buffet is our first stop. Probably to gather everyone together and socialize."
"Sounds risky."
"Oh it will be, but don't worry, I'm a master of small talk. Just stay by my side and follow my lead, and you'll gain a few points in social experiences."
"Marvelous. I've been needing to level up in that department."
"Yes you have. However, if you don't know what to say, just put food in your mouth instead."
"I didn't realize that was a viable option."
"It's only temporary. And in any case, I hope you're willing to talk, 'cause wearing a suit like that is bound to gather attention, nya."
Chin rising, his trademark smirk slowly returned.
"I fully expect my attire to be responsible for a variety of impulses from helpless bystanders. However, Miss Akiha, you speak as if your own ravishing appearance won't turn heads as well."
"Oh, I'm sure I will. But you're my valentine, Kyouma. My eyes will only be on you tonight."
Blinking, his heart beat unexpectedly from her honest statement, and he turned towards her, confirming the presence of a blush on her cheeks as she calmly looked up to him, eyes sparkling with light and admiration.
Right. Being her valentine, and her bringing me here to this ball, must be a manner of bringing me on a date. If that's the case, then the only logical course for this evening... Should be to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible. For science, of course.
Feeling his stomach grumble beneath his white coat, his head craned upward as various scents of food wafted through the air.
"Hungry?"
"Quite."
"Then lets get to that buffet, nya!"
Holding an empty platter in hand, a bead of sweat drifted down along Okabe's cheek as he stared at an impossibly large, varied array of food spread before himself on dozens of tables. Around him, numerous well-dressed guests ambled around, gathering samples and servings with hands and tongs and spoons, distracting his focus even further with ambient conversation and the clatter of dishware and hissing of heated food.
My god. Such extreme variety... An endless selection of sustenance for any palate, and yet I stand alone, shell shocked and indecisive. How horrendously ironic. Presented with ample opportunity, and yet... Where do I even begin?
"Kyouma...?"
Head turning to the side, the bobbing updo of a pink-haired young woman met his eyes, vision lowering to the sweet smile on her face, and then the two plates in her hands.
"Faris. I'm afraid I cannot decide on anything."
"I can tell, you goof. You've been standing there for almost five minutes."
"Good lord, that long?"
"Anyway, your indecision no longer matters, because I've already picked out things for both of us."
Studying the matching contents on their plates, he produced a slow nod of approval.
"You're a lifesaver, Rumiho."
"Nya, maybe... There's all kinds of entrees here I've never even tried. Once you find that bold curiosity of yours again, we'll both dive into the culinary unknown."
Seeing her eyebrow rise above an oddly irresistible smile, a single chuckle rose from his throat
"Sounds like a plan. Shall we find a table?"
"Only if you lead the way, mister mad scientist."
Accepting one of her plates and stacking it onto the empty one in his hand, their arms looped together again, and they followed several couples towards an open dining area nearby. Passing through a large doorway, the glow of soft amber lighting met their eyes, and live music filled the air with a soft serenade of string instruments, dancing over the heads of dozens of occupants dining and conversing within.
"Oh wow."
Feeling Faris' arm tighten around his own, Okabe's head turned in a slow orbit, searching for open tables.
"There?"
"No, further in. Off to one side maybe."
"...Like that one over there?"
"Mmm... Yes."
Keeping pace alongside his stride, Faris hummed contently, already noticing wayward eyes and smiles as they meandered around numerous tables and chairs.
Told you, Kyouma. People are already eyeballing that snow white outfit of yours... And I doubt you've even noticed.
Cheeks lifting into a rosy grin, she exhaled daintily.
No matter, really. You're here with me and you're quite handsome tonight. That's all I care about right now.
Wiping his hands with a cloth napkin, Okabe's attention rose upwards as Faris suddenly returned to the table, sidling into the opposite chair in a remarkably graceful descent, and presenting a refilled plate piled full of various entrees.
"Hark, the adventurous mistress returns at long last."
Blinking, and pushing her platter to the middle of their table, Faris' lips curled into a toothy little smirk from his speech.
"Yes, Master Kyouma, I have returned from another epic voyage."
"Bearing curious sustenance partitions from places far beyond."
"Dark and strange borderlands, the likes of which you have only heard mysterious tales about."
"Are you inclined to describe the delicacies you bring forth?"
"Possibly, but before I do, please help yourself, Meowster."
"Promptly... What on earth is that?"
Giggling from his break of character, she peeked towards the entree his finger pointed at.
"Seasoned Duck... I think. The heart-shaped bacon twists are adorably moe, so I had to get more than one. Might have to get more of the salmon too."
Poking one of the duck breasts with the tip of his fork, Okabe then speared it and deposited it onto his plate, before scooping portions of the other entrees on as well.
"Tell me what it tastes like."
"Probably similar to chicken."
Wrinkling her nose from his questionable statement, she pulled her plate back towards herself.
"I don't think all flying birds taste the same."
"Possibly not. Give me a moment and I'll confirm the palatability."
Cutting a portion of salmon with a knife, Rumiho watched with interest as Okabe consumed part of the aforementioned flank of meat. Watching a range of comic expressions display across his face, she slipped her forkful into her mouth as he produced a slow, hesitant nod.
"...Seems its edible."
"Taste?"
"Not poultry. Certainly curious in flavor and a little bit tougher... Can't say I've ever eaten this form of avian before."
"Do you like it?"
"Its alright, yes."
Watching as she sampled the same entree across the table, he sat back, gauging her reaction until she swallowed.
"...That's definitely not like chicken. But its good."
"Perhaps your opulent taste is more refined than mine."
Eyebrow rising, she then stuck her tongue out at him, followed by a light laugh as his face scrunched into a momentary frown in response.
"Coming from you and your level of eccentricity, that's a bit surprising."
Chewing on one of the bacon twists, Okabe's expression then returned to his de facto smirk after a swallow.
"Surprise is essential to my operational nature. When pitted against the world, part of the mad scientist methodology is to keep the enemy guessing."
"The enemy?"
"Surely you haven't forgotten, dear Rumiho... The Organization still scuttles among us in this world."
"I haven't forgotten, but... What you are implying concerns me."
Eyes meeting carefully, both teens began a calm observation of their surroundings, skin crawling with growing paranoia as they surveyed the dozens of people around themselves.
"I hate to confirm your suspicions... But I'm afraid I've already felt their presence among us."
Tingling with humor inside her chest, Faris slowly nodded, her voice lowering.
"I have too. People are watching us, but I haven't nailed down exactly where they are yet."
"Even on a day like today, the Organization slithers about with its insipid intentions... Relentless heathens."
Index finger distractedly pulling at his collar, Okabe then reached for a glass of water nearby.
"What's the plan, Kyouma?"
Swallowing a gulp, he set the cup back onto the table with precision.
"We'll finish our dining like normal. But once we venture onward to other events, be on full alert. There may be numerous agents situated throughout this structure."
Nodding, heart beating with excitement from the unexpected situation, her arms settled onto the table with fingers intersecting.
"Understood. Do you have any future gadgets on you?"
"Alas, I do not. We'll have to make do with improvised means in the event we engage in conflict."
"I see... Guess I'll be using my arsenal of super secret specialized moves."
"As you wish, Rumiho. Considering they've caught me without my protective shielding, I'll be forced to strike forth with full power, rendering them defeated with blows they won't soon forget."
Discreetly giggling from his imposing words, she studied the side of his face as he glared towards the band members in the far corner of the room.
Protective shielding... That must be what he calls his lab coat. Surely he has some secret armaments or defenses in that suit though. Maybe he's keeping them secret until the inevitable battles later tonight.
Exhaling silently, a murmur of mirth escaped her throat, and her neck grew warm as he looked directly at her again.
I'm not sure what's about to take place after eating, but I feel like his adventurous mayhem is about to be unleashed... And I can't resist joining him either. I wasn't expecting to get into role-playing, but something tells me its going to make this night even better. Somehow.
Hearts beating from a similar sense of mischief brewing, gentle smiles bloomed beneath quirked eyebrows as hands found utensils again.
Okabe, you big handsome goof... Do what you do best. Tonight's a co-operative experience, and all I want to do is be by your side... No matter what happens.
Twisting a portion of pasta around her fork, her eyes closed.
We'll have a wonderful evening... Come the nine hells, or high water. Or whatever we encounter.