Neeva introduces Nikko to Steven, food is involved
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Steven — 08/11/2021
Despite UGHQ and the surrounding area having quite the decent selection of cuisines and restaurants to choose from for lunch, Steven was craving something a little different from usual which led him to to go on a little excursion during his lunch break. Plus he was getting in the nasty habit of working while eating which had led to an almost catastrophic spill of chicken broth on his nearly finished prosthetic arm, so maybe getting out of the office was a good thing.
One tram ride later and he was on the Upper East Side of UG, weaving in and out of the many streets till he found a little market square filled with stalls and food stands. He'd been here before, back before he’d even become an MC and he could always get decent Pork Abodo, which he would like to say reminded him of his mum’s cooking if he was being sentimental, but he couldn’t remember what her food even tasted like anymore. Pork Abado from Dave Grohl Square was his nostalgia food now.
Luckily enough for him, the stand still stood, ran by the same old lola who’d ran it in his 20s and maybe even before that. If his Tagalog was broken before, it was even rustier than ever as he stumbled through replying ‘Magandang hapon’ back to her before just ording his food.It wasn't long till the old lady’s daughter recognising Steven and then having to deal with the inevitable cooing and embarrassment that was reserved for grandkids who’d hadn’t seen their aunties and grandmas since the last family get-together.
20 minute later and promises of returning soon, Steven was able to leave a little flushed and carrying quite a bit more food than he ordered. He never had an aunt or a grandma he knew of, having grown up on the island since he was 1 and all, but if it was always like that… He tried not to think about it as he looked for an empty spot to eat. The soft, melodic mix of the Kora and Chello drifted pleasantly through the air as he passed to two musicians and found a pleasant spot with not a lot of foot traffic under the shade of a large tree. He sat just under it and opened up his first dish, mouth already watering as he opened the lid and began to dig in.
Neeva — 08/11/2021
If there was food, there'd be Neeva. Of course, she didn't belong in Orange, but why would that stop here? Both recent visits had been beneficial so far, and she had a 'playdate' planned with Zakiya. However, the Bandito felt like exploring more than looking for the woman and she carried Nikko's special pod upon her back as she walked around. Normally, she would've skated, but she didn't want to bring attention to herself until later.
OG's Man in Charge was easy enough to spot in a crowd, but she had been more interested in the music at first. Still, important figures were the best to bother, right? She stopped behind the tree he was using and stood at the side after, one hand pressed to the bark. "Hello. That looks good. Where did you get it? How much did it cost?" If she were desperate, she would've followed it up with a 'are you going to finish that?'
But, you know, the day was still young.
Steven — 08/12/2021
Steven had heard the woman’s approach but thought nothing of it as this was his home turf, people were welcome to talk to him, but part of him thought most people had the common decency to talk to him when he was done eating. He finished up his mouthful of food before tilting his head in the stranger's direction, eyes scanning her clothes and accessories quickly before looking her in the eye.
“The stand’s across the square on the left, decorated with star lanterns and the paper flowers. Hard to miss… Relatively cheap for the amount you get so don't forget to tip.” His lips quirked up in the smallest of smiles as he nodded his head in the direction of the stand. He didn’t catch a trace of orange or orange adjacent to the woman so she was either a Square or a Bandito and if she moved on, she was definitely a Square and if she continued to bother him… Well, he could deal with that when he reached that bridge.
Neeva — 08/12/2021
Now that she was there, Neeva put the cat-pod down on the grass and checked on Nikko inside. Given she had been looking at his back, could he really blame her for not waiting for his food to be swallowed? She had rather casual clothes on, keeping her rainbow scarf and bat-earred hat as a constant even then.
"Oh okay. Good. I will get soon." She decided with a nod, but remained standing there. Clearly she wasn't about to leave, yet. "I wonder if they will give me a paper lantern." Musing to herself, but the Dito also decided she could just take one if she needed. "What do the other stands sell? Is that the only one with food?"
Steven — 08/12/2021
A small sigh couldn't help but escape Steven’s lips when the strange woman placed down her bag near him, seemingly deciding to invade his quiet lunch. He was about to get up to leave when he caught the movement from the plastic bubble of the backpack- OH! A tiny child was in there! And by child, he did mean cat.
“If you ask nicely, they might give you one.” Steven’s eyes flickered up to the Bandito? Before looking back down at the cat. It was a very good cat from what he could see of them.
“You’re guess is as good as mine. First time I’ve been here in years and I just B-lined to get my food.” Steven shrugged as he spooned another fork full of pork and rice into his mouth, chewed and then swallowed before asking:
“So... your cat got a name? And before you say ‘yes’ and leave it at that, what is it?”
Neeva — 08/12/2021
"Hm. Maybe." Neeva wasn't wearing orange, so she didn't want to consider whether or not they would. The fact that Steven hadn't wandered off likely meant he had more patience than most. Nikko was, indeed, a very good cat, but she meowed at Neeva with her paws pressed to the glass.
"I would know everything, if this was my district." She commented with a sigh, but she soon opened up the pod so Nikko could get fresh air and stop crying at her. The cat didn't seem too keen on stepping out, adopting the anxious air of any animal unfamiliar of its environment.
"Yes." Neeva started, as she brushed her hand over the cat's head. "Her name is Nikko, after a city somewhere. I picked it online."
Steven — 08/13/2021
Steven’s eyes narrowed a bit at the ‘maybe’. She better not be thinking of just taking one, if she was a Bandito that is…She could be a Mafia in disguise though... He narrowed his eyes at the ‘my territory comment.
“Bruv, I’ve not been here for 9 fucking years, don’t be an dick.” He huffed as he watched the woman open the bag for Nikko, nodding to himself that in his first thought was correct, this was a very good cat. He felt for the cat when she didn’t feel like stepping out right away. The outside was loud and people who just invited themselves over when you're trying to eat.
… They did have a cat though which was making this whole ordeal better… And what if Nikko came over to him? He could pet them then and the day would go back to being a net positive.
“Just go walk around and check it out, they sometimes give free samples if you are going to buy something… Only sometimes though… Well.. maybe only to me…”
Neeva — 08/14/2021
"Oh, I am sorry. I did not realize I was supposed to remember everything about you." Neeva delivered the snippy comment in her usual deadpan tone, as ever. She continued to pet Nikko, but kept an eye out for anyone who might approach and risk spooking her. Eventually, the small cat slunk out, but radiated a small bit of light with her - somewhat muted by the sunlight and her nervousness.
"Hm, probably only to you, because of who you are." Neeva wasn't going to try, just on that possibility alone. Instead, there was a cat, and someone talking to her, so she was just as content to sit around there. "I will just go somewhere later."
Steven — 08/14/2021
“Wow, Strike one.” Steven said flatly as he spooned a large heap of food into his mouth. Despite not being too bothered by snarky comments from people outside of his group, it didn’t mean he wasn’t above putting people in their place if they threw too many. He savoured the food however, because no amount of snark could ruin the tasty dish.
“So, if you know who I am, then how can you not know that I only just came back from the great beyond ? Just feels like someone who would proudly proclaim they would know everything about a district would know something as basic as that, yeah?”
Neeva — 08/14/2021
"Did you know, things would go better if you did not get grumpy about everything?" Neeva stated, and she continued to pet Nikko happily. Or as happy as she'd give off in a public area around a ton of people she didn't know. "You are a person, you are not a district."
A matter-of-fact sort of statement, and she blinked up at him. "Besides, they could have just been rumors. I do not believe everything everyone tells me, and I just assumed it was for the sake of making the return to be more mysterious and glorious than it was. I do not know. I was not there."
She stood then, Nikko in her arms and she held her out to Steven. "Maybe you are not even Steven. Maybe you did not even go to the Great Beyond."
Steven — 08/14/2021
“And did you know, you shouldn’t assume how people are feeling? If I was grumpy, I would of told you to piss off by now.” Steven resisted poking out his tongue and blowing a raspberry at the strange woman as he dug out a large cut of pork and stabbed it with his fork.
“And a district is nothing without its people. Might as well be Mayor or a pile of rocks if you think like that…A King of Nothing.” He hummed as he chomped down on the meat. He couldn't help but sigh a little happlessly at the idea that people were still thinking his return was some kind of prank or conspiracy deal. Like what did he have to do? Line up everyone in the city and just… blast them with a little vibe?? …
That was a terrible idea…
Maybe he could shoot something up into the sky? Construct a vibe wall so big that you could see it from around the whole island in the shape of a- Oh- a cat! Steven rested his container of food in his lap before reaching his hand out slowly to Nikko to sniff his hand.
“Mate, I know what it feels like to not feel real and deal with ghosts and this right now, is as real as it gets. My perception is my reality and that's good enough for me.” He skritches under Nikko’s chin a little, smiling a little.
“I see cat, I touch cat, I feel cat.”
Neeva — 08/15/2021
"You do not sound very cheery." So, obviously that meant he was grumpy. Or a little disgruntled. Either way, As he continued to eat, she just held Nikko. "I meant. I know more about people than places, because I can just wonder and not have to talk to anything to know where everything is." Neeva elaborated, and dismissed his sigh.
It was, afterall, just for the sake of heckling him. It was likely she believed more than she let on.
When he reached out for the cat, Nikko sniffed at his fingers and chirruped. "Ah yes, ghosts. I know of those as well." She said simply, and kept still as Nikko started purring. As her vibe often did, the feline's presence made things a little brighter the happier she got. Neeva offered a rare smile, but it didn't last long.
"Yes, perception and cats are good."
Steven — 08/15/2021
“That’s... just my normal voice. I’m eating something that makes me happy, it's a nice day out and I got to pet a cat. All in all, pretty decent lunch so far.” Steven hummed as he gave Nikko one final scritch before going back to his food. Soon, he’d be back to eating and petting cats at the same time once he’d finish the final parts on his arm. He’ll be unstoppable.
“So… If you know who I am, is there a reason you’ve come to bother me? Like if it's to rate your cat, she has already gotten a 5 out 5 paws from me.” He nodded his to Nikko with a small smile, full well knowing it wasn’t going to be something that simple.
Neeva — 08/15/2021
"You talk like that normally? A shame." Said the one who always sounded bored. "It is always better with cats, she does not beg too." When he settled back to eat his lunch, she returned Nikko to the pod, but kept it open so she could pet her.
"I wanted to see what you were like outside Stepbook. You can be whatever you want online, but here is different. I have met only one other UG, many purple. It is nice to figure people out." Neeva replied, but she was focused on the stalls now. "Yes. Good. That is what she deserves, because she is the best."
Steven — 08/18/2021
“Strike two. Sorry, not sorry that we can't be as expressive as you.” Steven spoke in a similar bored cadence as the cat woman /possibly Bandito, mimicking her tonal pattern down. He cleared his throat, pitching it a little higher as he took on the inflections of a certain Purple Hippie.
“Like it’s really harshing my buzz that you would just attack my totally bodacious voice like that. My voice sounds fantastic, bro. No need to be heinous.” He blew a little raspberry at the end of it to hide his little grin before he let his gaze settle on the semi-busy square.
“So am I that different? Buck any expectations? I feel like I’m kinda the same online as I am off…” He said somewhat thoughtfully, not that the answer would matter. He’d passed any feelings of inadequacy several years ago after his growth spurt and felt more comfortable with his inner self than he had in years too.
“I’m not as much as a er…. ‘thirst trap?’ in Irl imo though. Sorry to disappoint.” He sighed sarcastically before snorting a little.
Neeva — 08/18/2021
"Yes, can you imagine if you all could be like me?" The mimicry of her voice didn't bother, though if it did, how would one know? When he mocked Kaz's voice, she started at him and exhaled a sigh of her own that bordered on amused. "You are very good at that. You could do it as a show." She suggested, pulling the cat pod closer.
"No. Not really. I mean, I have only really seen you argue with FM and as I am not FM, it is slightly different." Neeva said thoughtfully, though when he mentioned not being a 'thirst trap'. "I would hope not, that would be weird. I did not come to bother you for that, if that is what you are suddenly assuming. Very weird."
Steven — 08/18/2021
“Moi? On a show? The Big Stage? I simply couldn’t.” Steven waved a hand at her direction as if to cover up some embarrassment he was ‘feeling’. “Naw, I prefer to share my talents with everyone personally. No need for the limelight.” He said straight face before taking a few more bites of his food… It was getting cooler but it was still good.
“Well I'm glad I portray myself so authentically then. And I thought you mighta been negging me a bit about my voice, but I’m glad you ain’t. Ugh. And you’d be surprised how some people act just because of how I post. I rarely open DM’s anymore because of it.“ He shuddered light for a moment before adding.
“JK I love reading them. People are, as you said, ‘weird’.”
Neeva — 08/18/2021
"No? I guess I can understand, I would not mind. I do not want everyone to know of my vibe though, even if it is very powerful." She closed Nikko's pod, after making sure there were no paws or a tail in risk of being pinched. "Yes, it is good. I like watching when you pick on Harpur, it is funny."
When he spoke of questionable DMs, Neeva would nod. "It does not help that you are who you are; I imagine people assume your status will also make them important if you are close to them." She stands then, picking up the cat-pod and she'd move it around to her back. "Yes. Very weird. I should go, I think this is a good time to take Nikko home."
Steven — 08/18/2021
“Well as long as you don’t use your powerful vibe on me or my team, we won't have any problems…. Probably.” Steven said softly as he watched the cat be sealed away in its little pod. He wiggled his fingers goodbye at the little creature before grinning broadly up at the ‘dito.
“Ah, the big git in the suit? Yeah, he is just super easy to wind up. You’d think he’d back off but eh. He seems like a glutton for punishment and who am I to deny him?” He chuckled as he closed up his box of food and placed it back in his bag of treats. This was probably the first Bandito experience he’d ever had that didn’t end with his food all over the floor.
“I guess, a lot of people do want something from me. But some are chill so it balances it out.” He dug around in his bag for a moment before pulling out a little purple cake, paused, put it back and took out a smaller brown confection instead and held it out to the woman.
“Hope your cat and... I guess you have a safe trip home. Have a little boko pandan on the way back. It's like coconut and is nice.”
Neeva — 08/18/2021
"I need a reason to." Simple as that, but UG had been pretty decent so far. Sure, maybe a couple members of FM had been, too, but not all. "He probably likes being riled up, I do not know. Attention of a different sort." She eyed the stalls momentarily, but decided to save what money she had on Nikko's food until she had more. "Yes, I imagine they would."
Atleast the balance was there.
"If I do not have a safe one, she does not. But, I would never let it happen." Neeva would deadpan stab someone if they even looked at the cat the wrong way. When offered one of the treats, she'd accept it gratefully. "Yes. Good. We are friends now." Really all it took, giving her something. Whether or not she was serious was left up to Steven to decide, because she was off on her way after. "Goodbye."
Steven — 08/18/2021
“Ugh, gross. If he wants attention, go get it from his boss.” Steven could help but sneer a bit at that…. But perhaps Harold wasn’t getting enough attention from his own boss… He’d have to check the meathead’s feed about that. And the kid could protect themselves, it seemed. Or so they said.
Aaaaaaand now they were friends?
Steven didn't even know what to say to that. Noone ever just declared they were his friend before, especially after one meeting… Though, that was how he made his first best friend and that ended terribly… Ugh. Whatever, it was probably a joke anyway.
“You... have a good one, kid.” He called out as he watched her leave… Did they even give him their name?... Nikko was the cat’s name….Ah well. He’ll probably not see her again anyway….
Despite UGHQ and the surrounding area having quite the decent selection of cuisines and restaurants to choose from for lunch, Steven was craving something a little different from usual which led him to to go on a little excursion during his lunch break. Plus he was getting in the nasty habit of working while eating which had led to an almost catastrophic spill of chicken broth on his nearly finished prosthetic arm, so maybe getting out of the office was a good thing.
One tram ride later and he was on the Upper East Side of UG, weaving in and out of the many streets till he found a little market square filled with stalls and food stands. He'd been here before, back before he’d even become an MC and he could always get decent Pork Abodo, which he would like to say reminded him of his mum’s cooking if he was being sentimental, but he couldn’t remember what her food even tasted like anymore. Pork Abado from Dave Grohl Square was his nostalgia food now.
Luckily enough for him, the stand still stood, ran by the same old lola who’d ran it in his 20s and maybe even before that. If his Tagalog was broken before, it was even rustier than ever as he stumbled through replying ‘Magandang hapon’ back to her before just ording his food.It wasn't long till the old lady’s daughter recognising Steven and then having to deal with the inevitable cooing and embarrassment that was reserved for grandkids who’d hadn’t seen their aunties and grandmas since the last family get-together.
20 minute later and promises of returning soon, Steven was able to leave a little flushed and carrying quite a bit more food than he ordered. He never had an aunt or a grandma he knew of, having grown up on the island since he was 1 and all, but if it was always like that… He tried not to think about it as he looked for an empty spot to eat. The soft, melodic mix of the Kora and Chello drifted pleasantly through the air as he passed to two musicians and found a pleasant spot with not a lot of foot traffic under the shade of a large tree. He sat just under it and opened up his first dish, mouth already watering as he opened the lid and began to dig in.
Neeva — 08/11/2021
If there was food, there'd be Neeva. Of course, she didn't belong in Orange, but why would that stop here? Both recent visits had been beneficial so far, and she had a 'playdate' planned with Zakiya. However, the Bandito felt like exploring more than looking for the woman and she carried Nikko's special pod upon her back as she walked around. Normally, she would've skated, but she didn't want to bring attention to herself until later.
OG's Man in Charge was easy enough to spot in a crowd, but she had been more interested in the music at first. Still, important figures were the best to bother, right? She stopped behind the tree he was using and stood at the side after, one hand pressed to the bark. "Hello. That looks good. Where did you get it? How much did it cost?" If she were desperate, she would've followed it up with a 'are you going to finish that?'
But, you know, the day was still young.
Steven — 08/12/2021
Steven had heard the woman’s approach but thought nothing of it as this was his home turf, people were welcome to talk to him, but part of him thought most people had the common decency to talk to him when he was done eating. He finished up his mouthful of food before tilting his head in the stranger's direction, eyes scanning her clothes and accessories quickly before looking her in the eye.
“The stand’s across the square on the left, decorated with star lanterns and the paper flowers. Hard to miss… Relatively cheap for the amount you get so don't forget to tip.” His lips quirked up in the smallest of smiles as he nodded his head in the direction of the stand. He didn’t catch a trace of orange or orange adjacent to the woman so she was either a Square or a Bandito and if she moved on, she was definitely a Square and if she continued to bother him… Well, he could deal with that when he reached that bridge.
Neeva — 08/12/2021
Now that she was there, Neeva put the cat-pod down on the grass and checked on Nikko inside. Given she had been looking at his back, could he really blame her for not waiting for his food to be swallowed? She had rather casual clothes on, keeping her rainbow scarf and bat-earred hat as a constant even then.
"Oh okay. Good. I will get soon." She decided with a nod, but remained standing there. Clearly she wasn't about to leave, yet. "I wonder if they will give me a paper lantern." Musing to herself, but the Dito also decided she could just take one if she needed. "What do the other stands sell? Is that the only one with food?"
Steven — 08/12/2021
A small sigh couldn't help but escape Steven’s lips when the strange woman placed down her bag near him, seemingly deciding to invade his quiet lunch. He was about to get up to leave when he caught the movement from the plastic bubble of the backpack- OH! A tiny child was in there! And by child, he did mean cat.
“If you ask nicely, they might give you one.” Steven’s eyes flickered up to the Bandito? Before looking back down at the cat. It was a very good cat from what he could see of them.
“You’re guess is as good as mine. First time I’ve been here in years and I just B-lined to get my food.” Steven shrugged as he spooned another fork full of pork and rice into his mouth, chewed and then swallowed before asking:
“So... your cat got a name? And before you say ‘yes’ and leave it at that, what is it?”
Neeva — 08/12/2021
"Hm. Maybe." Neeva wasn't wearing orange, so she didn't want to consider whether or not they would. The fact that Steven hadn't wandered off likely meant he had more patience than most. Nikko was, indeed, a very good cat, but she meowed at Neeva with her paws pressed to the glass.
"I would know everything, if this was my district." She commented with a sigh, but she soon opened up the pod so Nikko could get fresh air and stop crying at her. The cat didn't seem too keen on stepping out, adopting the anxious air of any animal unfamiliar of its environment.
"Yes." Neeva started, as she brushed her hand over the cat's head. "Her name is Nikko, after a city somewhere. I picked it online."
Steven — 08/13/2021
Steven’s eyes narrowed a bit at the ‘maybe’. She better not be thinking of just taking one, if she was a Bandito that is…She could be a Mafia in disguise though... He narrowed his eyes at the ‘my territory comment.
“Bruv, I’ve not been here for 9 fucking years, don’t be an dick.” He huffed as he watched the woman open the bag for Nikko, nodding to himself that in his first thought was correct, this was a very good cat. He felt for the cat when she didn’t feel like stepping out right away. The outside was loud and people who just invited themselves over when you're trying to eat.
… They did have a cat though which was making this whole ordeal better… And what if Nikko came over to him? He could pet them then and the day would go back to being a net positive.
“Just go walk around and check it out, they sometimes give free samples if you are going to buy something… Only sometimes though… Well.. maybe only to me…”
Neeva — 08/14/2021
"Oh, I am sorry. I did not realize I was supposed to remember everything about you." Neeva delivered the snippy comment in her usual deadpan tone, as ever. She continued to pet Nikko, but kept an eye out for anyone who might approach and risk spooking her. Eventually, the small cat slunk out, but radiated a small bit of light with her - somewhat muted by the sunlight and her nervousness.
"Hm, probably only to you, because of who you are." Neeva wasn't going to try, just on that possibility alone. Instead, there was a cat, and someone talking to her, so she was just as content to sit around there. "I will just go somewhere later."
Steven — 08/14/2021
“Wow, Strike one.” Steven said flatly as he spooned a large heap of food into his mouth. Despite not being too bothered by snarky comments from people outside of his group, it didn’t mean he wasn’t above putting people in their place if they threw too many. He savoured the food however, because no amount of snark could ruin the tasty dish.
“So, if you know who I am, then how can you not know that I only just came back from the great beyond ? Just feels like someone who would proudly proclaim they would know everything about a district would know something as basic as that, yeah?”
Neeva — 08/14/2021
"Did you know, things would go better if you did not get grumpy about everything?" Neeva stated, and she continued to pet Nikko happily. Or as happy as she'd give off in a public area around a ton of people she didn't know. "You are a person, you are not a district."
A matter-of-fact sort of statement, and she blinked up at him. "Besides, they could have just been rumors. I do not believe everything everyone tells me, and I just assumed it was for the sake of making the return to be more mysterious and glorious than it was. I do not know. I was not there."
She stood then, Nikko in her arms and she held her out to Steven. "Maybe you are not even Steven. Maybe you did not even go to the Great Beyond."
Steven — 08/14/2021
“And did you know, you shouldn’t assume how people are feeling? If I was grumpy, I would of told you to piss off by now.” Steven resisted poking out his tongue and blowing a raspberry at the strange woman as he dug out a large cut of pork and stabbed it with his fork.
“And a district is nothing without its people. Might as well be Mayor or a pile of rocks if you think like that…A King of Nothing.” He hummed as he chomped down on the meat. He couldn't help but sigh a little happlessly at the idea that people were still thinking his return was some kind of prank or conspiracy deal. Like what did he have to do? Line up everyone in the city and just… blast them with a little vibe?? …
That was a terrible idea…
Maybe he could shoot something up into the sky? Construct a vibe wall so big that you could see it from around the whole island in the shape of a- Oh- a cat! Steven rested his container of food in his lap before reaching his hand out slowly to Nikko to sniff his hand.
“Mate, I know what it feels like to not feel real and deal with ghosts and this right now, is as real as it gets. My perception is my reality and that's good enough for me.” He skritches under Nikko’s chin a little, smiling a little.
“I see cat, I touch cat, I feel cat.”
Neeva — 08/15/2021
"You do not sound very cheery." So, obviously that meant he was grumpy. Or a little disgruntled. Either way, As he continued to eat, she just held Nikko. "I meant. I know more about people than places, because I can just wonder and not have to talk to anything to know where everything is." Neeva elaborated, and dismissed his sigh.
It was, afterall, just for the sake of heckling him. It was likely she believed more than she let on.
When he reached out for the cat, Nikko sniffed at his fingers and chirruped. "Ah yes, ghosts. I know of those as well." She said simply, and kept still as Nikko started purring. As her vibe often did, the feline's presence made things a little brighter the happier she got. Neeva offered a rare smile, but it didn't last long.
"Yes, perception and cats are good."
Steven — 08/15/2021
“That’s... just my normal voice. I’m eating something that makes me happy, it's a nice day out and I got to pet a cat. All in all, pretty decent lunch so far.” Steven hummed as he gave Nikko one final scritch before going back to his food. Soon, he’d be back to eating and petting cats at the same time once he’d finish the final parts on his arm. He’ll be unstoppable.
“So… If you know who I am, is there a reason you’ve come to bother me? Like if it's to rate your cat, she has already gotten a 5 out 5 paws from me.” He nodded his to Nikko with a small smile, full well knowing it wasn’t going to be something that simple.
Neeva — 08/15/2021
"You talk like that normally? A shame." Said the one who always sounded bored. "It is always better with cats, she does not beg too." When he settled back to eat his lunch, she returned Nikko to the pod, but kept it open so she could pet her.
"I wanted to see what you were like outside Stepbook. You can be whatever you want online, but here is different. I have met only one other UG, many purple. It is nice to figure people out." Neeva replied, but she was focused on the stalls now. "Yes. Good. That is what she deserves, because she is the best."
Steven — 08/18/2021
“Strike two. Sorry, not sorry that we can't be as expressive as you.” Steven spoke in a similar bored cadence as the cat woman /possibly Bandito, mimicking her tonal pattern down. He cleared his throat, pitching it a little higher as he took on the inflections of a certain Purple Hippie.
“Like it’s really harshing my buzz that you would just attack my totally bodacious voice like that. My voice sounds fantastic, bro. No need to be heinous.” He blew a little raspberry at the end of it to hide his little grin before he let his gaze settle on the semi-busy square.
“So am I that different? Buck any expectations? I feel like I’m kinda the same online as I am off…” He said somewhat thoughtfully, not that the answer would matter. He’d passed any feelings of inadequacy several years ago after his growth spurt and felt more comfortable with his inner self than he had in years too.
“I’m not as much as a er…. ‘thirst trap?’ in Irl imo though. Sorry to disappoint.” He sighed sarcastically before snorting a little.
Neeva — 08/18/2021
"Yes, can you imagine if you all could be like me?" The mimicry of her voice didn't bother, though if it did, how would one know? When he mocked Kaz's voice, she started at him and exhaled a sigh of her own that bordered on amused. "You are very good at that. You could do it as a show." She suggested, pulling the cat pod closer.
"No. Not really. I mean, I have only really seen you argue with FM and as I am not FM, it is slightly different." Neeva said thoughtfully, though when he mentioned not being a 'thirst trap'. "I would hope not, that would be weird. I did not come to bother you for that, if that is what you are suddenly assuming. Very weird."
Steven — 08/18/2021
“Moi? On a show? The Big Stage? I simply couldn’t.” Steven waved a hand at her direction as if to cover up some embarrassment he was ‘feeling’. “Naw, I prefer to share my talents with everyone personally. No need for the limelight.” He said straight face before taking a few more bites of his food… It was getting cooler but it was still good.
“Well I'm glad I portray myself so authentically then. And I thought you mighta been negging me a bit about my voice, but I’m glad you ain’t. Ugh. And you’d be surprised how some people act just because of how I post. I rarely open DM’s anymore because of it.“ He shuddered light for a moment before adding.
“JK I love reading them. People are, as you said, ‘weird’.”
Neeva — 08/18/2021
"No? I guess I can understand, I would not mind. I do not want everyone to know of my vibe though, even if it is very powerful." She closed Nikko's pod, after making sure there were no paws or a tail in risk of being pinched. "Yes, it is good. I like watching when you pick on Harpur, it is funny."
When he spoke of questionable DMs, Neeva would nod. "It does not help that you are who you are; I imagine people assume your status will also make them important if you are close to them." She stands then, picking up the cat-pod and she'd move it around to her back. "Yes. Very weird. I should go, I think this is a good time to take Nikko home."
Steven — 08/18/2021
“Well as long as you don’t use your powerful vibe on me or my team, we won't have any problems…. Probably.” Steven said softly as he watched the cat be sealed away in its little pod. He wiggled his fingers goodbye at the little creature before grinning broadly up at the ‘dito.
“Ah, the big git in the suit? Yeah, he is just super easy to wind up. You’d think he’d back off but eh. He seems like a glutton for punishment and who am I to deny him?” He chuckled as he closed up his box of food and placed it back in his bag of treats. This was probably the first Bandito experience he’d ever had that didn’t end with his food all over the floor.
“I guess, a lot of people do want something from me. But some are chill so it balances it out.” He dug around in his bag for a moment before pulling out a little purple cake, paused, put it back and took out a smaller brown confection instead and held it out to the woman.
“Hope your cat and... I guess you have a safe trip home. Have a little boko pandan on the way back. It's like coconut and is nice.”
Neeva — 08/18/2021
"I need a reason to." Simple as that, but UG had been pretty decent so far. Sure, maybe a couple members of FM had been, too, but not all. "He probably likes being riled up, I do not know. Attention of a different sort." She eyed the stalls momentarily, but decided to save what money she had on Nikko's food until she had more. "Yes, I imagine they would."
Atleast the balance was there.
"If I do not have a safe one, she does not. But, I would never let it happen." Neeva would deadpan stab someone if they even looked at the cat the wrong way. When offered one of the treats, she'd accept it gratefully. "Yes. Good. We are friends now." Really all it took, giving her something. Whether or not she was serious was left up to Steven to decide, because she was off on her way after. "Goodbye."
Steven — 08/18/2021
“Ugh, gross. If he wants attention, go get it from his boss.” Steven could help but sneer a bit at that…. But perhaps Harold wasn’t getting enough attention from his own boss… He’d have to check the meathead’s feed about that. And the kid could protect themselves, it seemed. Or so they said.
Aaaaaaand now they were friends?
Steven didn't even know what to say to that. Noone ever just declared they were his friend before, especially after one meeting… Though, that was how he made his first best friend and that ended terribly… Ugh. Whatever, it was probably a joke anyway.
“You... have a good one, kid.” He called out as he watched her leave… Did they even give him their name?... Nikko was the cat’s name….Ah well. He’ll probably not see her again anyway….
Moderators: AJ_89 Steven (played by Robo-Craig) QnQ Hide Miyagawa (played by Monoclejack) Chroma (played by lewsey)
