Welcome to Gaia! ::

He'd meant to set them up for defense classes months ago, but negotiations between mother and son had come to something of a standstill in the aftermath of the weird crystal situation, replaced by a different set of negotiations in what sort of guard dog did she need to get. Followed by the yearly round of Christmas Compromises. But now, everything was clear to get signed up, and he'd heard they could get a special deal if they went to this uh. Event. Thing. That had nothing to do with fighting?

Jason had assured Tilly that this wasn't a date-date, but it was his treat, over text. So he felt it would be needlessly awkward to repeat this point as they stared at the flowery, love-infested venue together. But he was definitely thinking it. He really shouldn't have dressed nicely for this? But it'd have been disrespectful to show up like some scrub, right?

"I heard their table was in the corner of the vendor section. So we can go get the discounted sign-ups and then we'll go load up on treats." He'd even get something for Luke. Two somethings, actually, so he could share with his crush.

"Apparently you can't miss the guy whenever he's around."

When Jason saw the massive muscle-man seething with not-very-internalized rage, dressed in a very revealing cupid outfit with the wings ripped out into stumps of broken feathers, lucha mask still on - he had to admit: this guy was very hard to miss.

Nearby was some kind of love meter set-up, which seemed a even more bizarre to tie in to defense classes. There was also a table featuring an Asian guy with glasses, a clipboard, and something of an attitude as he tidied up the business cards and fliers in front of him.

Jason looked away, clearing his voice, "Thanks you too. I like the uh..." he gestured at his head, indicating...a giant hat? Probably her braided updo. "There's supposed to be a special promotional deal if you come here and uh...let's find out the rest?"

He led her to the table, and the man sitting there looked up and gave them a once over. "You guys here to test your compatibility? Or are you here to sign-up for the Sample Street Studio or..." he raised his eyebrows, "are you up and coming new influencers looking for a management company?" He tapped a set of cards on the table.



Trying not to look as confused about the latter as he felt, Jason quickly answered, "The self defense classes. I heard there was a deal?"

"There is a deal." Dwight steepled his fingers and looked at the two with full judgement. "For compatible people."

What did that even mean?

The man at the table gestured to the two of them, and then to the cute little table and chairs...and it's weird measuring device. Turning his head, Jason gave Tilly a questioning look.

"Pretty young for other things," Dwight commented with a critical look focused solely on Jason."

Listening to Tilly talk about cults and creepy fake religions, the older man's face grew a little complicated. Was that nostalgia? "No, no. It's just a promotional thing, for fun? I mean...aren't you guys here to have a good time?" He sighed over the state of today's youth, and went on, "Just sit at the table and test your compatibility, either with each other or with...him." He gestured toward the seething flesh mountain that was Don Diablos.

"The higher your score, the bigger the discount on clas-."

"We'll do it!" Jason's answer was immediate in the face of potential deep discounts.

"Just put the clip one your index finger, and then hold hands for a bit," Dwight's brow scrunched, a little concerned at her intensity. Ah, it was just like a little blonde Emily. Just...actually, she was taller, wasn't she?

Sitting down on one of the pretty, delicate chairs, Jason placed the clip on his finger and then, face carved of stone, he held his hand out to Tilly. This was not a date. It was the footwork needed for training.

"Who hurt you?" Dwight asked in exasperation.

With a scowl, Jason turned to the guy, "Hey, a little paranoia is only healthy in this town. She's too smart to not be careful."

Holding Tilly's hand, he noted that it was for the most part very soft and nice, with a few little dimples along the tips of a couple fingers. Needle pokes? His grandma had similar, though Tilly may not appreciate the comparison. There was a cheerful series of ding!ding!dings! And he finally let himself look at the screen.

87% Compatible!

"So like...our discount?" Jason pretended his voice hadn't broken mid-sentence.

"44% off! Congratulations," Dwight intoned dryly, taking on of the fliers and writing down a note about the discount, date, and signing it. Holding it out, he said, "Just bring this into the Sample Street Studio when you're ready to sign up."

Not yet letting go of Tilly's hand, Jason blinked rapidly, eyes focused on the sheet of paper and absolutely not at the score on the screen. His face felt ready to melt off his skull and he wasn't sure if he was happy or smug or embarrassed. Maybe he was mostly just confused.

Finally letting go, he gave her an awkward grin and thumb's up, "Good...good job!"

As confused and awkward as he felt, for some reason Jason couldn't stop smiling as he agreed and they made their way to the banquet hall.