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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 24, 2012 3:16:30 GMT -5
Ivan merely continued to stare after the children as they scrambled away in horror, his smile and posture unchanging. It was amusing, sometimes, purposely not trying to act entirely gentle. He never really understood what it was about himself that people found... horrifying, but it was sometimes handy. Today, it was to his benefit to be that way, otherwise, this poor fellow would still be being accosted by children who needed a good thrashing. He'd gotten more than enough of that as a kid... There were days when, despite how much he resented it, if he should have been beaten a bit more... and maybe there wouldn't be his creations wandering around everywhere.
He sighed contentedly, before turning to look back at the young man. And run they did, he had to agree. Still smiling, Ivan gave a knowing nod. "Ivan Nikolayevich Braginsky~" he hummed, introducing himself without further acknowledgment of what had just transpired. The veteran held out a gloved hand for the young man to take.
Hey, look at that! Ivan may have made himself a new friend... or at least an acquaintance who he did not immediately find annoying. This insipid shopping trip was indeed good. He'd certainly have to thank Yong Soo for making him go. |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 24, 2012 3:53:17 GMT -5
Turning his attention full on the person next to him, Matthew blinked at the introduction. Though, his small wave of surprise was erased and he smiled brightly to the stranger. Well, now new found aquaintance. "M-Matthew Williams. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Braginsky." carefully reaching his hand out towards the other and shaking it firmly.
His hands were so much bigger than his own. But, it didn't feel intimidating or threatening. No, it, again, felt somewhat friendly to the Canadian. And his name was Ivan. He'd remember it. Releasing his hand from his and letting his arm fall back to the side.
Never did Matthew think he would be making friends with someone randomly on this excursion. Then again, he never expected to bumped into or get a water balloon thrown at him either. The blond could only guess that it was true that good things come to those who wait. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 24, 2012 4:14:37 GMT -5
Ivan nodded and made mental note of the name. It was easy to recall, but... being so simple, it could be easy to forget. He really hoped he didn't, seeing as this young man seemed so gentle-hearted. Knowing him though, it would be lost amongst his scattered thoughts once he started work on a project, especially if they didn't meet again any time soon.
"Очень приятно~" he hummed, giving the hand a firm yet not overly tough shake before taking his hand back. This was a good day, having not only thoroughly distracted himself from having to shop for some businessman with his wallet up his rear, but he also helped someone, got to torment some punks and made a friend. That... was certainly an accomplishment for an entire week, or maybe a month normally... let alone the ten minutes that this actually occurred in. What magic was at work here?
Unfortunately, though... now that obligatory pleasantries were out of the way... Ivan really had no idea what he ought to be doing. Should he pursue conversation, he wondered? Or would it be more prudent at this stage to walk away and resume shopping? God, he had no idea. Social rules were so weird and annoying... and he'd never grasp them, he figured. He'd isolated himself for far too long. He shifted awkwardly on his feet, wondering if it was time to walk away. |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 24, 2012 4:56:02 GMT -5
Matthew wasn't sure what the man said, but the meaning seemed almost universal to his ears. And he understood that meaning. He had half a mind to ask which language he was speaking, but again, he knew the answer himself. Russian was sort of unmistakable.
The blond was feeling more inclined to stay and chat, though. Or, at least thank him in some way for the help that he gave him. Maybe he could buy him something to drink or maybe something to eat? The Canadian had originally planned to purchase a small snack for himself anyway. So, what was one more? "H-hey, if you're not too busy. Would you maybe like something to drink or eat? I-I have to do something to thank you for your help." he offered to the man.
Regardless if Ivan accepted or declined, it didn't matter to him at the moment. But, it was the least that he could offer for helping the way he did. Their meeting seemed to be a happy accident at this point. And, who knows, maybe he did make a new friend.
Upon further thought though, maybe that proposal was a bit forward and somewhat inappropriate. What else could he do...
Matthew took regain a form of composure, rubbing the back of his neck nervously as he stuttered out something else entirely."S-sorry. Or, maybe there is something I could do to repay you? [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 24, 2012 21:56:22 GMT -5
Ivan felt a slight bit of color go to his face at the offer repayment in some manner by means of food or drink. That wasn't right, was it? If anything, wouldn't it be Ivan who was more appropriate to be spending money on others? He had the money to do so and... this young man, there was surely no way he could afford to treat a stranger, especially over something as trivial as this. He didn't want to be rude and say "no" though... but it really... He didn't want to impose. If only everything he was taught growing up about hospitality wasn't screaming at him to accept the offer... It was nothing, really!
"Н-нет! Is..." he gulped, trying to hold back the awkward laughter. Not knowing how to deal with a situation... That was not one of the things he could just easily hide behind a smile and careful word choice. Ivan was horrible at controlling what he showed when he felt uncertain about social things. "Is perfectly okey..." The veteran nodded quickly, hoping that got his point across. Warmth flooded his ears, reminding him that he was out of his element. He brought up his hands and tried to waved the entire thing off as though it was no big deal.
There was an uncomfortable chuckle. "Ничего..." It felt so wrong to say no... but it would feel more wrong to accept. |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 25, 2012 13:13:15 GMT -5
He smiled at Ivan briefly, it was a bit weird to offer something like that to someone you just met. But, Matthew had guessed that it was just a habit created from his activities and upbringing. Either way, the blond didn't find it rude that Ivan refused. Not to mentioned, he seemed a little bit uncomfortable. Maybe it was time for him to leave.
"I-if you're sure..." he answered with a nod, "A-and thank you, either way. It was really nice to meet you but, I probably should get going." Matthew extended his hand once more. Who knows, maybe they would meet again sometime. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 25, 2012 18:46:19 GMT -5
Well, that smile was reassuring. That meant Ivan hadn't messed up this social interaction too terribly badly. He'd kick himself for the rest of the day still for turning down an offer of hospitality. It really was bad form... What if Matthew smiled like he did though, using it as a basic expression despite the majority of weaker emotions? That... didn't seem right though... He didn't seem like that kind of young man.
A hand once more extended distracted him. He took it quickly, giving it a firm shake. "Да, разве очень прятно~" he hummed, agreeing with Matthew. It had indeed been quite nice to meet someone of a, at least seemingly, sweet disposition.
Still though, despite his discomfort with prolonging social interaction with someone he just met, he felt his conscious nag at him for turning down the kind rewards. Ivan just knew he had to make up for it somehow. He took a deep breath and let it out, retracting his hand from the contact. "Perhaps I coult insteat be buyink for you... somethink to eat? Drink?" His smile grew a bit wider as he fidgeted with the end of one of his scarf tails. It was easier to feel more confident when holding onto the familiar clot. "Is really no bik problem at all~" |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 25, 2012 20:34:48 GMT -5
Matthew had begun to make a motion to walk away after saying goodbye to his new aquaintance. However, he found himself haulting and thinking about the proposal offered by the Russian gentleman. It... did sound nice, but Matthew was stubborn and did not think that it would be right. It wouldn't be right to have someone who had already helped him in the short amount of time they'd known each other, pay for something on top of it.
He chuckled a bit, watching Ivan mess with the scarf around his neck. It reminded him almost of some of the kids back home, how they would fiddle with their clothes when they were being shy. But, the elder man was too big to be shy...right?
So, blond thought for a moment, attempting to find something they could do. And it didn't take long for him to think of it. "H-how about we go for some lunch? W-we can each pay our own way." it was a good idea, he thought at least. Though, this didn't mean that Matthew wasn't going to swipe the check as soon as it landed on the table and pay for it. He was going to treat this man to something and was stubborn in that resolution. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 25, 2012 20:53:56 GMT -5
Ivan continued to smile, closing his eyes and pretending to look up at the ceiling in thought. He put his hand to his chin, debating the idea of them paying for themselves. It was... logical for most people, but he found it... off somehow. No, he'd offered to pay and he most certainly would. That was hospitality. Besides, he had more than enough resources to cover the cost and Matthew... seemed like this might actually be a stretch for his budget. No, Ivan couldn't do that when it was no problem at all for him to just pay. He had more than enough eco-units than he really knew what to do with anyway.
He opened his eyes again and lowered his hand, once again putting it to work stressing the comforting cloth of the scarf tail. "Нет, I insist~" he said, determined to hold up his end of the offer. Maybe this was his punishment for his initial rudeness of turning down Matthew's offer... despite the fact that he was now trying to atone for that tiny sin.
"But, lunch does indeet sount goot~" he hummed, trying to keep himself talking. It was difficult, especially since around strangers he was inclined to say very little, but maybe that was the only way to make friends in this world... by talking to them. He really didn't know. "Any place in particular you are beink partial to?" Ivan tried to remember how he'd observed Yong Soo behaving with others. He figured his more... open son would be a good role model for proper behavior... as backwards as the concept sounded, but Yong Soo was younger and therefore knew how younger people were supposed to behave.
Ivan just hoped that whatever happened, he didn't make a complete fool of himself. He was oddly good at doing that. His ears went a little bit red at the thought. |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 25, 2012 22:04:18 GMT -5
Matthew offered the other a look of disbelief.
There was simply no way he could let Ivan pay for lunch. It may have been true that he didn't have a whole lot of money, but surely enough to pay for the two of them at least? This district couldn't be that expensive for food...right? At this point, he was about to offer to take him to the Italian restaurant he worked for. But, thought better of it.
After staring for a brief moment, Matthew let loose a sigh of defeat, "C-can I at least pay for the drinks or maybe the tip? he tried to reason. He was still going to try and pay the whole check, but if he couldn't manage that much, then at least this is what he could do.
The blond taped his cheek briefly, trying to think of some place. Truth be told, he only came to the Western Sector to walk around, never really to shop unless to supply his sweet tooth or those of the kids. So, he decided to answer honestly. "'m..up for anything. Don't know this area too well. Not picky." he flashed Ivan a smile. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 25, 2012 22:20:01 GMT -5
Matthew seemed rather determined to pay for something at least. No, no, no, that would not do at all! Ivan merely broadened the smile and slowly shook his head. "I am afrait not, it will be my treat~" He spread the fingers off one hand and gestured to his own chest, reinforcing his intentions. There could be no doubt that he, indeed, would be the one to pay. It was only right, as he was offering and he was the one with the surplus eco-units to fritter away in such a manner on a polite stranger.
He turned his head to look over his shoulder. There were some nice little bistros in the shopping center that he knew about and had actually been to before when Yong Soo dragged him from his "hidey-hole" workroom. There was one nearby that had absolutely amazing tea and French pastries that they baked themselves... So technically, it was a mini-bakery, but he liked it. They served all kinds of breads and cakes. They also had some soups and appetizers, too, if he remembered correctly.
Ivan looked back at Matthew, still smiling and gestured with an open palm vaguely at the hall behind him. "There is nice French place just arount corner over there~" he hummed, turning slightly, but not enough to fully face away, and taking a half-step in that direction. "Is that beink okey for you? There are other places if you are preferrink somethink else~" He mentally prayed that he wasn't messing up, but there was no way he could allow Matthew to pay. |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 25, 2012 22:50:09 GMT -5
Matthew's shoulders slumped. He wanted to treat Ivan for being so helpful. How did it end up being completely turned around? And by the looks of it, there were no if's, and's, or but's about it. Still, he was going to try his damndest to at least pay for a portion, if not all of it.
It wasn't often that the blond ate out. Unless it was his Italian boss throwing food down his throat after a shift. But, he had come to accept that as just dinner, not really eating out. Despite the situation, Matthew did find himself a little excited to try something new.
"T-that sounds delicious," he admitted, moving his head to look beyond Ivan and in the general direction of said place. "N-no, that's perfect! Lead the way?" he smiled, gesturing with his arm in a polite fashion, making sure to stand next to the man. Albeit at a fair distance as to not invade personal space. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 25, 2012 23:19:20 GMT -5
Ivan merely nodded and continued to smile as he turned the rest of the way, having gotten Matthew's approval for the place for this impromptu outing. The bistro... cafe... bakery-thing wasn't all that far anyway, it was easily less than a two-minute walk. The elder clasped his hands behind his back as they walked, leading the way to the eatery.
Upon arrival, seats were promptly chosen and menus dispersed. Unfortunately, for the average Hoffite, as some of the teenagers seemed to be calling residents of the city, the prices here could be seen as unreasonable. To Ivan, though, they were rather beyond worrying about. It wasn't like they were charging a million eco-units per plate, just twenty... Which was just still rather high for most budgets.
Ivan hummed the коробейники, tapping his chin as he flipped through the menu. "Feel free to be orderink whatever you like, is no problem at all~" he assured, still smiling constantly. It was comfortable to do that, not having to change expressions. Sure, he was still a bit uncomfortable, but he was getting more comfortable around his "guest".
"Gettink enough to eat is most important~" Ivan could vouch for this, having.... developed a slight bit of "insulation" over the past several years that he's been out of the military. |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 25, 2012 23:35:11 GMT -5
Matthew walked right next to Ivan the whole way, sparing a glance around his surroundings and to the other every now and again. It certainly wasn't normal to have lunch with someone you only met moments before. But, somehow, he felt oddly at east around the friendly older man. He didn't come across as someone with ill-intent, unlike most that Matthew encountered on the streets.
Before he knew it, they were already at the restaurant. The nice hostess sat them down and Matthew made sure to thank the lady for her services, taking the menu with a grateful nod. When the blond opened the menu, however, his hand went to his mouth and his eyes grew a bit wide. It was..expensive! How was he supposed to pay for this? Sure, if he tapped his numbers a bit and did without a few things, maybe. But, wow. The average meal was about more than what he made in a week.
"O-okay," he responded, watching as the cheery Ivan hummed a song all-to-familiar to him; the same smile was plastered on his face. Matthew, on the other-hand was having a hard time hiding his disbelief. Maybe he would just order a glass of water and be done with it. That's what he would do.
He knew that eating was important. However, Matthew knew very well how to go without food for a few days. Somedays even forgetting to eat all together. It wasn't a concept foreign to him and he usually just shrugged it off with some sleep. "T-this place is nice, though." he offered a compliment, trying to steer himself away from his thoughts. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 26, 2012 1:20:54 GMT -5
Ivan merely continued glancing at the menu, flipping through it and trying to decide what he wanted to have. He normally enjoyed the soups here with sides of bread with some tea. Granted, tea wasn't quite common to have with French food, but they establishment had happily served him his favorite tea before, so there was no reason to think they wouldn't do it again.
"Hmm?" He hadn't quite heard the comment the first time, but when he thought for a moment, he caught it. "Oh... yes, it... is~ Is one off my favorites," he admitted, shyly hiding behind the menu where he didn't have to face his momentary companion.
He hoped Matthew decided soon what he would like to have. This was awkward and he didn't know what to do at this point. Small talk... was definitely not one of his skills. However, if he got through this successfully, he'd be better socially and would probably have a new friend. Ivan rather liked that idea... now he just had to pull it off. |
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