drear | god, he called for rain

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god, he called for rain

[ the shatterdome is too loud, smells of seawater and sweat, and half the time k-science won't even let him stay in the lab, one of the few quiet places in the entire base. but it's home, in some ways, because heine has lived here for more than half of his life.

and that reason is also the reason why he's doing the introductions for the new pilot arriving today. she's not new new, but new to this shatterdome. heine has read her file.

now he's in his fatigues, arms crossed as he waits on the tarmac for her to arrive. there's a lot to go through before her jaeger even arrives. ]

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This should be fine.

[Though that would make her look down to try to straighten out her clothes and smooth out the wrinkles. She'd fallen asleep in what she'd been wearing, but it was still serviceable. She had known people who seemed to change outfits for every outing, but that had seemed like too much work for her.]

We can walk there, or would you prefer a cab?

[If walking around the day was chilly, it would be freezing now as night had fallen.]

Walking's fine.

[ vaguely, heine guesses that it'll be colder now. but he should be fine, right?

nope. as soon as he steps outside he stiffens and shivers, violently. ]

[Naoto was trying not to look amused but probably failing, tightening her scarf around her neck.]

Did you want to go back and get a jacket? It'll only get colder.

...I don't have any jackets.

[ hong kong did not prepare him for winter. ]

There should have been one in one of those bags...

[Still, it might not have been to Rammsteiner's taste.]

We should get you some winter clothes if we're going to stay here.

[It was firm. Dinner could wait until afterwards.]

[ ah, guilty. he didn't look very closely at them. ]

We might miss the play.

[ though he's honestly less worried about missing the play than looking like he needs help taking care of himself. ]

We can see it some other time.

[She glanced at him curiously, her eyebrows quirked. For someone who hadn't seemed so keen on it a while ago, this change was a bit odd.

But, if he was set on going... She unwound her scarf, holding it out to him.]

Take this at least.

[ heine hesitates for a moment longer, but another gust of wind makes him shiver. ugh. embarrassing. but he takes it, nodding jerkily. ]

Thanks.

[ he wraps it around his neck and tugs it up, then tucks the ends into his light jacket. it's been so long since he was in a cold place. ]

[Naoto didn't look too convinced that would be enough to keep him from getting frost bitten, but instead of saying so she hailed a cab, which was mercifully warm. Hopefully the theater would be the same way.

The sound of prerecorded music wafted out of the sturdy, old building they were dropped in front of, and despite how unkept the exterior looked, the interior looked like it had seen far more care.

It looked like the place was half filled with customers already murmuring and speaking with the waitstaff as they placed orders, waiting for the show to begin.

Once seated, Naoto looked at the menu curiously, but was more interested in looking at their surroundings.]

What do you think?

[ heine takes a menu as well, looking over the unfamiliar characters and stilted english. ]

It's nice. [ a shrug. ] I guess. Any idea what the play is?

[She leaned around the table to get a better look at the stage, squinting to see the placard that was off to the side.]

The Cherry Orchard.

[Which, frankly, might as well have still be in Russia since it didn't sound familiar. She'd find out soon enough. Hopefully it would be decently entertaining...]

[ that... doesn't ring any bells. heine looks at the sign as well, then gives up and turns back to the food. ]

Guess we're stuck here if it's good or bad, huh.

If it's bad, just ignore the subtitles and substitute your own dialogue.

[Which may or may not be what she'll do. Here's to hoping either the food or the play was decent.]

Know what you want to order?

Shashlyk. [ horribly pronounced by heine, unfortunately. ] Probably can't be that bad.

[ he pauses briefly. ] Not like I'm used to seeing this kind of performance in the first place, so I won't be deprived or anything.

[It's fine, Naoto can really judge, what little Russian she knew had fallen into disuse.

She flagged over the waiter so they could order, before turning back to Rammsteiner thoughtfully.]

I haven't either. I've only been to a regular movie theater.

[And even then it wasn't often. There hadn't been much down time that hadn't been dedicated to training or Jaeger maintenance or simulations. All this free time was uncomfortable.]

I can't remember the last time I went to one of those either.

[ it really is weird, not having to think about kaiju at all times. after they place their orders, he rocks back in his seat as the play sets up. ]

Would you want to go to one again?

[She couldn't even remember what movie she'd seen, but other people seemed to enjoy going to them well enough. It was worth investigating.

She fell quiet as the play started, hands folded neatly in her lap.

It seemed simple enough to follow, and she couldn't really say if the actors and actresses did a good or terrible job, but she was pretty entertained.]

Maybe. They only ever show old movies or really bad ones.

[ since the kaiju invasion wasn't exactly an ideal time to make new movies.

heine watches the play while eating, chewing on his food rather more violently than necessary when exciting events occur in the show. when it's over and the lights come up, he's leaning hard on the table with a critical expression on his face. ]

[As the lights came on, Naoto clapped politely along with a few of the other dinners, turning to raise an eyebrow at that expression on Rammsteiner's face.]

Did you not like it?

[She wouldn't be against coming again, but that look on his face almost seemed foreboding.]

It was okay.

[ he just makes this face all the time. ]

I didn't get it, though. With the tree and everything.

[Now that they have time and money maybe they should look into getting it fixed.

Naoto leaned back in her chair, watching as the actors and actresses signed a few autographs and spoke with their few fans.]

It did seem like ultimately nothing really happened.

[Maybe it would have been better with action.]

The food was decent, at least. Would you want to come again?

Pretty much.

[ heine pushes some remannts around on his plate, then sets his fork down for the last time. ]

Maybe for the food. Not for a play, until I learn Russian.

[She looks over at him, a bit surprised, slightly thoughtful.]

I could help you learn some. I'm a bit rusty but...

[She twisted her hands in her lap, frowning slightly.]

Would you really want to stay here that long?

[There were warmer places, after all. Places that they wouldn't stand out half as much or could hide easier. Still, if given the choice, maybe she wouldn't mind staying here. Close to her friends and her family.]

I don't really need to go anywhere.

[ nor does he want to go anywhere in particular. ]

Here's fine. [ after he... buys some warmer clothes. ]

[It feels slightly unfair, that Naoto would get to stay someplace where she's comfortable, but if Rammsteiner doesn't see it that way she will try not to, either.

Instead she'll signal for the check, twisting slightly in her chair.]

If that changes, let me know. Or don't stay on my account.

[Still, if they are going to stay...]

Should we look into getting a more permanent place tomorrow?

[It doesn't even really occur to her that Rammsteiner might want to have a separate place.]

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