[PRP] Romancey Stuff ( Muka & Needle )

[iloveyouDIE]

Muka didn't have much of a frame of reference for relationships but he could only assume that his with Needle was pretty typical for teenagers. They tried to see each other at least once a day, occasionally they'd sleep over in one anothers room, and though neither of them was much for making drama of their own, they would exchange gossip and the words floating around the school. The strix, originally boggled by things like genuine affection, had come to adore his Engraver ghoulfriend.

Maul trips were well and good but he knew that Needle didn't have as a good a time as he did and so the strix had decided to plan a nicer date, something more catered to her interests. He also had something to tell her and a gift for her was practically burning a hole in his pocket. They'd spoken about doing something today, though he hadn't told her what, and now knocked lightly on her dorm room door and shuffled with soft thoughtful hoots as he waited for her to answer.

Enoh Love

 

[Enoh Love]

Like Muka she had no real frame of reference for relationships; she had seen couples in the manor, but they ranged from wild to subservient, and she only had the opportunity to see them in passing. She didn't know what was right, or what was wrong, or how to go about it; but it seemed that whatever they were doing was indeed working. She had never been so happy or content in her entire life, nor had she ever felt so strongly about one person before.

It wasn't unusual for them to go on dates, but it was unusual for him to not really tell her what they were doing. She was curious, but he always had a way of laughing off things he didn't want to answer right away. Curiousity gnawed at her, and it made her fidgety. Normally she would turn to art, but today she turned towards herself. She donned one of the dresses Muka had given her as a present, braided her long hair, and when she couldn't think of anything else to mess with she merely sat on her newish bed until he arrived.

When the knock came she was quick to spring to her feet, fixing the folds of her dress to fit just right as she made her way to the door. "Muka~" She said softly in greeting upon opening the door.  

[iloveyouDIE]

As a master planner, he'd already worked everything out. The day wouldn't be a long one but the strix took pleasure in planning dates, parties, and other events. he was starting to think he should do it more or try to find some way to make money off of this.

He grinned brilliantly when she answered the door, taking her hands in his so he could lean in and kiss her softly. "Needle." He giggled partly out of habit and partly in pent up excitement. He hoped she enjoyed the day. "You look ghastly." He complimented. It was especially nice to see her in one of the dresses he'd picked out.

There was only small talk as he escorted her out of the dorms, hands tangled in the safest practiced embrace. He relayed his opinions about the extravagant party they'd gone to on Halloween with Freya and Kettil and social rumors he'd heard from his wild brother. Apparently his father was being more accepting of the strix's independence though talk of 'careers' and 'money' and 'not mooching' had come to light.

Muka handled it all as he always did, with a dismissive laugh.

"I hope you don't mind that we'll be taking a car? it's not far, nor will the day be packed to the brim, but we will need a ride." The usual fancy hearse was waiting for them outside the gate with a zombie driver poised by the door.

Enoh Love

 

[Enoh Love]

Needle returned the kiss with a little smile, giving his hands a little squeeze. His compliment made a light blush appear on her ghostly pale face, clearly pleased that he liked it. Pleasing him was something she liked to do, and thankfully it wasn't too difficult. "And you look positively dreadful, as always." She returned the compliment.

He lead her out of the dorms and she ghosted along at his side, listening to his social reports and opinions. His world was still very new to her, but the politics were fascinating; she didn't think she could survive them on her own, but thankfully he was well versed, and an excellent teacher to boot. She was, however, well equipped when it came to careers, as she more or less had one. Money she had, but it was stored away by the elder for repairs to the building. Whatever they made they shared as a group, and even then it was all handled by the Elder. Mooching though, that was a new concept for her.

"What does that mean, 'mooching'?" She inquired, though he had already laughed of the subject. "Of course I do not mind! I find the car to be fascinating." Though it was a little frightening since she was mostly robbed of her sense of sight, it was still a thrill to feel like she was going fast. Chanced were she'd just find something to grip until it was over.

The zombie opened the door for her, and she leaned over to press her hand against the seat before she slid in until she felt the other door, settling in for the ride.

iloveyouDIE

 

[iloveyouDIE]

Muka settled in beside Needle as the door was shut and the car pulled away. He always spent a few moments accommodating his wings and weight. After everything was shifted and settled properly, he continued the conversation. The school pulled out of their view and, though Needle couldn't see much besides the outline of the bright sky blocked out by buildings, they were clearly headed into the city center.

"Mooching is ah.." He giggled, a tinge of guilt there, "spending someone else's money, eating their food, without contributing any yourself?"

The strix merely snickered. "I think my father would like me to work but to be honest, I am not sure what I could do to make money." He honestly didn't care much about spending the elder's seeds. In some way, as he aged, he felt it was owed to him deep down. The school had enlightened him a bit to what was considered 'normalcy' within a family structure. He'd never experienced it but perhaps the money could make up where love had clearly lacked.

"I think I'd like to perhaps plan things? Is that an option?" He liked organizing outing, get togethers and parties. "Or perhaps I could monetarily help those with skills.. you know perhaps to start their own businesses? I know that is a thing." He didn't know what it was called. "I believe I would get a percentage."

The drive was less than 20 minutes and the car was shuffling through some traffic. They were almost there.

Enoh Love

 

[Enoh Love]

Muka explained it to her, and she hummed thoughtfully. "I understand...but that seems very common for youth? Before my Sister and I had to tattoo, we were mooching off of the working members of our Clan." She was musing, trying to see how that was a bad thing; she didn't understand that Muka's situation was different than hers, she was merely working under the assumption that his type took longer to introduce their spawn into their working class than hers did. Then again, she and her sister had started young, and were still learning.

Oh right, he had an option of what he wanted to do. Well, there went that!

"I am not sure, but it would make sense? Some of the other clans and creatures that came through the manor, some of them had schedules...it seemed their way was planned? Perhaps someone organized it for them, and they just follow?" Her fingers picked idly at the fabric of her dress, toying with the folds that ran across her lap. She knew very little of his world still, and was trying her best to keep up and figure things out. It was almost overwhelming...

"You could do that! I am unsure of the terminology, but we had many approach our Elders looking to make business arrangements like that. We would never go for it as a clan, but...perhaps..." Well, Needle had been entertaining the idea of leaving the clan. If she continued her tattooing, she may be in need of someone with Muka's particular skills. Yet she couldn't bring herself to suggest it or even mention it, especially on the off chance she, well...didn't make it.  

[iloveyouDIE]

"Mmm.." While Needle fiddled with her dress he was doing much the same with his beard. He twirled the hair, combed it with his fingers, smoothed it out and then repeated the process while he thought. "Yes I think it's normal for the young to be supported by parents but apparently," he giggled. "I'm getting too old? Being a grown up and such."

If he were to be perfectly honest, the strix would love to make money without doing much work. He did have his own account, money that was his that his father would not take. Perhaps it was time to really do something with it?

"I think there are quiet a few students who perhaps may want the monetary assistance? Several do fashion design or craft things for sale..." He glanced out the window and then at Needle. The strix leaned in to kiss her on the cheek lightly as the car slowed down. He felt like he needed to be slightly wary when discussing her clan but Muka wasn't very good at keeping his opinions to himself. He also only recently began to grasp the gravity of what Needle leaving her clan may mean. At the same time, he wanted to support her decision no matter what.

"If you and Lattice ever needed help.." He gave an obvious head bobble of affirmation and a tremulous giggle of support. "You just tell me."

His gold eyes dragged again out the window. "Ah.. we're here!"

The zombie driver dragged himself to their door and helped the pair out of the car. The sidewalk around them was bustling with pedestrians but their destination was large, imposing and framed by huge pillars. It was an art museum and banners fluttered out front advertising their current exhibits.

Enoh Love

 

[Enoh Love]

The kiss to the cheek did just the thing. It softened over any lingering worries and fears about her future, reminding her that her future was just that - the future. Right now she could relax a little, enjoy her freedom while it lasted: she'd be dealing with her future soon enough. Behind her mask her eyes closed, her lips parting to release a slow breath of relief.

"We will." Even now, it was always we; she did have her Sister to think about, and despite their slow start at growing apart she was quite attached to her precious twin. "And one day, I will find a way to repay you for all the kindness you have shown us - rather, me." Needle corrected herself with a small smile. She had been much too lucky with her time at Amity, and something in her refused to do less than return the favour one day.

"Where is 'here'?" Was her next question, allowing herself to be helped out of the car and onto a rather busy sidewalk. It was bright enough for her to see the large imposing building, and though she tilted her head back to see how tall it was, she was at a loss for what it was for. There was one thing that caught and held her attention though - a large mural with something scrolled in a print type she couldn't see but under it, large and commanding, was something she could see clearly. Someone had taken the time to do their advertising in the medium they presented in, and though she was at a loss for what it was, she was in awe of the talent that created that one little - okay, large - image. It was a very beautifully detailed piece of various images ranging from flowers to people to scenery, no doubt perfect images carefully chosen to draw in the viewer.

Boy was it ever drawing her in.

"...Muka...?" She said slowly, only moments after her previous question. Her ink stained hand reached out, carefully grabbing some of the fabric of his sleeve. "...What is this place?" There was a hint of breathless excitement in her voice, agonizingly held back in an attempt to keep her calm, almost stoic demeanour. It was painful but she managed to tear her gaze away from the banner, turning her attention to the large man beside her.

iloveyouDIE

 

[iloveyouDIE]

The strix merely grinned when she spoke of repaying him. Despite his difficulty with feelings and his general dismissal of 'returned favors' the strix was unable to express to Needle that just her presence was repayment. She'd given him companionship and intimacy he wasn't sure others would have ever given a chance. It was all just a small portion of why he tried to spoil her, other than his natural affinity to spoil everyone.

"This is a museum." Muka rested his hand on top of hers, sliding them to a comfortable position as the shambling driver closed up the hearse and pulled away. "Of art." His giggle of excitement shook through his very bones.

They navigated the stairs to the building as quickly as they could manage and as they neared he explained. "I was here as a scareling you know.." The strix hooted in amusement of the memories. "I was not ah.. allowed to go many places but museums, operas and such were required for hrrrmm... culture." As a child he hadn't been very interested. Owlets could care less for music or art. He usually tried to sneak away.

"I remembered it and found out they are doing some sort of ahh exhibition of famous art." He'd done enough research and made enough calls to find out that very many things in the museum were done with ink and the new exhibit was some sort of asian thing that he couldn't pronounce.

Hopefully she would like it.

At the door his phone was flashed at an attendant and they put small metal pins, gothic fleur-de-lis emblazoned on them, on the two teens collars.

Enoh Love

 

[Enoh Love]

Museum...of art? They had such a thing?!

She struggled to keep herself composed; she wasn't stupid, this place was crawling with people and she could see glimpses and flashes of tattoos, some of which looked almost suspiciously Engraver-Inspired. It wouldn't do to lose her cool to excitement, especially if she was right in those tattoos being made from her Sisters...it was probably the most difficult thing she had done to date. She was brimming with excitement and longed to make all the loud, happy noises that other ghouls could make on a whim, but she didn't. Couldn't. Instead she gripped his and tightly and let slip a surprisingly large smile, her body shifting so subtly in excitement few would be able to catch it.

"That is amazing! I was not aware such a thing existed! A museum...so I imagine things are kept safe there?" She knew there would be ink exhibits, she had seen the banner and now had an idea of what that meant. So excited! The Ghost only barely managed to follow Muka with any sort of grace. That more childish side of her was demanding to run up the steps, which was something she couldn't bring herself to do. "Have you seen this exhibit before?" She stood with a controlled grace as the attendant put a small pin on her, but the moment she could she stepped forward, even before waiting for Muka like she always did, she looked over her shoulder at him.

"Which way is it?" It was a belated question but...well, at least she asked. She wanted to see all the pretty ink art from the banner outside. Now now now now now!

iloveyouDIE

 

[iloveyouDIE]

Muka didn't need keen senses to pick up on his ghoulfriend's growing excitement. Her engraver training seemed to be strained suddenly to contain the enthusiasm that bubbled just under the surface. It filled the boil with absolute glee to know that already she was into this little trip.

"Ah yes very secure as far as I know." Muka's gold eyes slid to her smiling face. "So don't you try to snatch anything!" He giggled.

Needle pulled away from him, moving ahead a bit. The entrance hall was only decorated with a painted cieling, some sort of epic creation scene with Jack Skellington and Sally, as well as the original famous faces from so long ago. Muka's head craned in appreciation until the ghoul asked which direction.

"I've not seen it before. I believe this is ah.. a travelling exhibition." He gestured a tattooed hand towards a hallway framed with large marble columns. "This way." There was a pause and he grinned devilishly, "You can hurry ahead if you want." Muka winked.

The doorway opened into a long hall lined with art. There were small paintings, large paintings and a few statues here and there. This section seemed to be landscapes and traditional style artwork. They hadn't yet come to the special exhibit.. the museum planned well on making the patrons walks through everything else first.

Muka was partial to the traditional works. They reminded him of the countryside near his home, dark forests and rolling hills. There was nothing shocking or amazing about any of the paintings but they did draw the eyes and keep you occupied as you travelled through the hall. Every once in a while something would make him pause, lean in and staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaare at a painting before he inevitably moved along.

Enoh Love

 

[Enoh Love]

"I make no promises." Needle grinned, but quickly remembered her place and fought against it, managing to settle for a strained smile. Oh, something Muka hadn't seen either?! This would be so exciting! She watched the subtle way his silhouette changed when he grinned that charming devilish grin of his, and she paused.

"...N-no, I shall...wait. With you." An almost embarrassed flush dusted her cheeks and she paused, waiting for him to catch up to her. Her hand never did leave his, clinging to him like the life line he was. She was eager to see the exhibit, but at the same time she recognized how big this place was, and with all the people and statues and landscapes she knew she would get lost and upset. Thus she stayed with Muka. He was safe, he was warm, and she liked to spend time with him. Besides, he took the effort to bring her here...

"What are these of?" Needle gestured towards the paintings, leaning in when he did to try and see it better. She wanted to take off her mask to enjoy the sights, but she couldn't bring herself to do so. The shapes were all interesting though, and listening to the people around her was fascinating. "I have wanted to try painting, I hear it is relaxing...playing with all those colours." Her work consisted of blacks, blues, red and purples.

iloveyouDIE

 

[iloveyouDIE]

"Landscapes." he explained with a snicker. "Scenes of Halloween. I enjoy ah.. nature."

"I think.." Muka stroked his beard and lingered at the end of the hall of landscapes. "I may ah.. remember a sister once who painted? She came by the house once to paint my father." As a scareling he'd always been very excited to meet all of his siblings but there were so many and his father had spent so many years keeping him hidden like a secret.

Regardless of the reality behind it, Muka giggled. "My father seemed to have a very particular taste in art.." He began to tick them off on his fingers as they moved into the next hall. Strange modern works dotted the walls, canvases with nothing more than lines and splatters on them. At least the mixed media here would be easier for Needle to see. "Horses. Ships. Landscapes. War scenes or portraits of dead relatives." He whispered with a giggle, "Or portraits of himself!"

Hearing Needle's interest in painting, of course the strix automatically decided he'd be buying her some painting supplies. "You should try it! I bet you'd be fantastic!" He trilled.

Enoh Love

 

[Enoh Love]

"A sister? Oh yes. You have many siblings, right?" She had met his brother in passing, but the other siblings...this was the first she heard of another one, really. A sister, to boot! "Are you in touch with any, other than your brother?" The mixed media did have her attention, a few pieces incorporating ink into their design. It held her interest, but it was waivering at best; these weren't the works of the ink masters she had seen on the banner outside. Pretty, but not what she came for.

"Himself, really?" She seemed awed by this, if not confused. "Is it normal to get portaits done of oneself? What is the point of such a thing?" There, her minimalist upbringing shone through brightly; she had never seen a painting that wasn't some form of scripture or skin go up on the Manor's walls, and the Engravers themselves never really had an opportunity to capture their own likeness; what was the point, anyway?

The only picture of herself that she had was the one taken with Muka.

"Ah...I am not so sure. I would have trouble distinguishing one colour from the next...and I would have no frame of reference...unless I took off my mask." That lingering stigma was there; the mask only came off when she was being intimate with Muka, and even then it wasn't all the time. She often slept with it on, too. It was a decision she made in the moment. Still, she gave him a soft little smile, leaning her head against his shoulder. "But I appreciate your faith in me." It was nice to hear that he believed in her, even when she didn't.

"Do you think we are there yet?" She was eager to see the ink, okay?  

[iloveyouDIE]

"Yes.. quite a few siblings but ahh.. I only really know my brother." They were now moving into a wider open room full of statues. Muka didn't have much interest in them and since they probably wouldn't let Needle touch them, the skill involved in their creation would be unappreciated by the engraver ghoul.

"I think portraits are another of my father's ahh.. social status things." Muka giggled. "As well as leaving something for future generations! We have portraits of his family line going back for generations." Muka's head bobbled again. "I haven't met any of them either though.. of those who may be alive." Or undead or whatever.

As her head leaned against his shoulder, Muka turned to give her an affectionate nuzzle. Thankfully they were almost there and the end of the room was framed out with flowing cloth and swirled ink designs. "I think we are here." He did her the favor of speeding up his walk, knowing her eagerness bubbled just under the surface of her placid demeanor.

Two large security guards, golems by the look, eyed their pins and allowed them through. Every wall was covered in art, some teeny tiny and others 2 stories high and painted on drapes of cloth. Small groups of patrons chatted amongst themselves in front of the works and another couple's scareling ran amok and got looks from some of those trying to enjoy the art. Muka took it all in, including the delicate brushwork around him, but in the end loosened his arm so that Needle could navigate on her own if she so wished.

Enoh Love