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Even so, I'd like to identify the means to protect ourselves.

[ They may not have the power to predict Patho-Gen's exact actions or phenomena such as the fog, but there must be ways to resist the impact on their implanted souls. ]

The bonds formed in difficult circumstances or otherwise do seem to be of help.

[ Speaking of bonds and camaraderie... ]

On a related note, would you have some availability prior to March 24th to discuss a possible collaboration? That date is Malkuth's birthday, to provide further context.

[ Rafayel's absence will still be palpable, but Yesod hopes that Malkuth will be able to associate the occasion with meaningful, positive memories all the same. ]

[ He doesn't like it. He never likes it, and therefore he's a little unsure of what to say, but as he mulls it over... What a relief. A change of topic, and to something much better. ]

Ah, a much better topic indeed! Of course I would be. Any time, really, though I'm a bit limited to evenings unless you're willing to come by the gallery during the day.

[ Yesod can imagine that the previous topic was uncomfortable, effectively putting Hugo on the spot. Dwelling on it at the moment, without any practical solution, accomplishes nothing, he realizes.

The change of subject is at least something concrete to focus on. ]

I appreciate it. In that case, if doing so at short notice causes no issues, I'll visit the gallery later today.

[ Before the Initiation and flesh cocoon surprises happen... ]

Not at all. I'll leave the front gate unlocked, so you can just let yourself in when you arrive. I'm working on some finishing touches on the first floor, so it should be easy to find me~

Thank you. It shouldn't take long.

[ And once his shift at work has ended, Yesod makes his way to Water's Edge. He's curious to see what those finishing touches might be, as a first glimpse of the art gallery. Hugo must have completed the bulk of his renovations of the building, then.

Past the gate, with one more message sent to notify Hugo that he will arrive shortly, Yesod enters the gallery's lobby. While he stays near the entrance for the moment, casting a glance around from there to locate Hugo himself, he notes the adjoining sections of the first floor, too. ]

[ As soon as Hugo hears the door open, he calls out from one of those adjoining sections: ]

Ah, Yesod? Or, I certainly hope so~. Just a minute—

[ But if Yesod comes into the gallery to meet him, he’ll see Hugo putting up a painting on the wall. If not, then he’ll just come out to meet him, but either way, he smiles. He’s dressed in Karteria’s version of casual wear, and he has his hair pulled up into a high bun to get it out of his way, so it’s a far cry from the polished, formal look he’d had when they last met. ]

Good, I’m glad it was easy to find… I think the red of the building sticks out, but maybe some of my visitors so far just have a bad sense of direction~. [ He laughs, then gestures to the area around them ] Well, welcome to Vivant, in any case.

Ah... Yes. I don't mean to interrupt.

[ Upon hearing Hugo's greeting, Yesod moves toward the entryway leading to the gallery where the other man is working, simply to come into view while he waits. It allows him to give in to his curiosity and peer into the room there for a look at what the space contains, if from a distance.

With the painting secured in place and Hugo's attention turning to him, Yesod nods to greet Hugo. Aside from the passing thought that long-haired artists evidently favor wearing their hair in a bun, he notices that the man's eyes no longer have mismatched irises — perhaps that reflects some aspect of more recent Spectral-type changes?

For his part, Yesod is somewhat less bundled up than he was during the colder months, the scales covering his hands and neck now visible. As Hugo indicates their surroundings, his gaze follows the movement before returning to Hugo himself. ]

Thank you again for the opportunity to meet with you here. I presume that the gallery technically isn't open to the public yet.

[ This is a gallery of landscapes, at least with what Hugo has put up so far. There’s a decent variety, some of locations that might be familiar around Karteria, others that depict totally foreign vistas. In this case, Hugo decided to mix in artwork from locals with some of the Augmenteds’ work with the idea of bridging a gap between them. On its face, that’s what this gallery is supposed to be for, after all, and since this is one of the first galleries that a visitor is likely to pop into, he wanted to make that message clear.

For his part, despite the change in his eye color, nothing seems amiss with Hugo. He’s all smiles and amiability, just as he had been before. ]

That’s right. I should be ready in… Oh, a week or so? But naturally I want a celebration for the grand opening, so that’s a little planning all on its own.

[ Or: whatever he might have planned for this month will be quickly put off once The Horrors™ start… ]

But of course it’s no problem. Especially since I’m guessing you’d like to do something for Malkuth’s birthday~? How could I say no!

[ The prospect of the upcoming reason to celebrate will be rather welcome, another timely source of levity and fun, Yesod imagines. And Malkuth should be well enough by then, at least physically... Attending to support the art gallery and Hugo's endeavors might not counterbalance the pain of knowing that Rafayel isn't there to share the experience, but it could be a step towards easing Malkuth into finding enjoyment in art again. This particular room already seems filled with meaning, paintings to view closely.

Yesod gives Hugo another nod, solemn in his contemplation. ]

The gallery's grand opening is exciting news, then. [ The remark is sincere, despite his serious expression. ] For now, yes, I... hope that arranging suitable plans will be a pleasant surprise. As Malkuth may have told you, we're relatively unaccustomed to such celebrations, and I would welcome your advice.

[ Not only because Hugo gives the impression of someone far more experienced, but specifically because he has significant interests in common with Malkuth. Since this is in fact the first time that they are able to celebrate any of their birthdays — a complicated notion to begin with, considering that they aren't really their original selves anymore — Yesod wants to commemorate the date accordingly. ]

[ At the remark about their home, Hugo can’t help it. His smile twitches to one that’s a little brighter, but it’s almost mischievous. ]

Aha- I haven’t heard that directly, exactly, but I’m hardly surprised. Everything I’ve heard about where you’re from, whether it’s from Malkuth or from Dante and Gregor, well! It’s a very “no fun allowed” kind of place, at least to me!

[ That’s putting it lightly, probably… He still only has vague notions of the City and has a hard time imagining it as a place, but with all the pieces he’s picked up? No, it’s not a surprise at all.

So privately, he’s also somewhat tickled to be able to help them. All of them from the City, whether it’s in matters of dates or birthdays, because those simple pleasures are things that he’s happy to help them experience. If there’s one thing that this strange world is good for, it’s apparently that. ]

You’ve come to the right person, at least~! I am an excellent party planner.

[ Granted, it was only because of taking up identities while staking out a location or as part of a heist, but… Details. He’s still good at it, and that’s what matters! ]

I’m guessing you’re not looking for a grand party like where we met, so something smaller and intimate with all of her friends is very easy.

[ Hugo seems to be a genuinely kind person, Yesod thinks again. It's difficult not to return to thoughts of the challenges that arise in this world, but the current conversation is clearly more agreeable. It remains encouraging that there are positive observations to be made here, no matter how often it is reminiscent of the City as well.

Yesod smiles a little himself then, nodding once more to confirm Hugo's conclusions. ]

Malkuth has certainly taken to parties in general, but that sense of camaraderie would indeed be the key aspect. As it isn't feasible to keep such plans a surprise within our apartment, I wondered whether a different venue would be an option. Though I'd also like to extend an invitation to you as one of Malkuth's friends, rather than only seeking your guidance.

[ He can't deny that the latter may be a necessity, however, given his own part in perpetuating a past "no fun allowed" environment... ]

[ Huh. He might be reading to much into it, but the way he phrases that—that she’s taken to him—that feels just a little bit sad. Is it really that novel for them?

…All the more reason to put in his best effort, obviously. The fact that he’s focused on the wording doesn’t show at all on his face, and he nods as he gestures back out the way Yesod had come. He starts to lead the way somewhere else in the gallery as he talks. ]

I would be honored, of course. Whether I was helping or not, I’d absolutely love to help her celebrate. As for a venue, I might be able to help with that, depending on how rowdy her friend group is~.

[ Which. He has no idea. He assumes at least a little, because his impression of 3kon has been that they’re a boyish, rowdy little bunch, but he only personally knows Takasugi. He might be a little biased by that…

But he leads the way through towards the back of the building and towards an area that’s more open. Rather than having artwork decorating the walls, this large room is left as an open space. There’s a small platform on one side that looks like it might be meant as a stage, and tall windows have thick curtains drawn to cover them. ]

I kept this room open as a bit of an event space, actually. It’s partially to make a little extra money from the Karterians if they’re looking for something like this, but a few Augmented have their talent in music, so making a little area for that became part of my plans…

[ He heads over to one of the windows and opens the curtains too. It gives a nice view of the sea, and at this time, the moon and stars above. ]

I have to keep the curtains closed for my own sake during the day while I’ve been working, but it has the best view, I think.

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