Firsts ⇒ w/ psychometer

[psychometer]

[It's hard to believe, but it's already been a little over a month since Lien's life has taken a turn. But regardless, here she is on the week of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year a.k.a. Tết, anticipating on spending a day with Lindsey. This time, they were not friends though. It truly was a New Year with new changes.

Jonah was in the know and although he most definitely had his reservations, it didn't stop him from helping his partner in setting up a real date at a low key, but still energetic festival. It's fortuitous that Valentine's Day practically overlapped with Tết this year. That meant plenty of sights, sounds of Vietnamese mixed with English, the laughter of couples and some families and the smells of food and flowers overlapping each other.

Lien's pretty much ready to go. It's just like any other time they went out together, right?? RIGHT? She sounds a little nervous, but happy.]

"Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!"





Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day too. A day full of firsts huh?

Comments

[blindknight]

[ Lindsey had been so nervous, but his parents had been absolutely thrilled. (They had both actually genuinely cried when he'd told them he and Lien were dating. It was an emotional moment at the Gair household.) They helped him get ready, and heaped on all sorts of advice that Lindsey was pretty sure he wouldn't need.

To him the concept was simple: Lien was a treasure, and he intended to treat her like one.

So he may still be a little nervous, but he was slowly working through it. It was hard to be too nervous in the face of Lien's enthusiasm.

... It also belatedly occurs to him that he might need to learn some Vietnamese. ]

You can say that again.

[psychometer]

[She takes a hold of his hand without hesitation, beaming up at him.]

Lunar New Years back home is a way to welcome springtime. That and to party and pray for good luck and prosperity.

We're doing pretty well in that department, don't you think?

[blindknight]

[ He gives her hand a little squeeze, smiling down at her. ]

I think so. I mean, if you would have asked me a year ago what I'd be now... this wouldn't have been it.

[psychometer]

It's been a fun a ride Lindsey. And we're only getting started after all!

Were your parents surprised when you told them that we're together?

[blindknight]

[ A snort. ]

They cried.

... But in a good way.

[psychometer]

OH, thank god. I mean, I've made people cry, but investigation is tough work! Tears are bound to get involved.

[Lien hums a bit before continuing.]

But if it's in a good way, I'll keep doing my best then.

[She'll pray for good luck in that area because she feels like she'll need it in the future.]

[blindknight]

Yeah I kind of realized after the fact how terrible that sounded. [ ahaha, whoops. ]

But I've been this kind of bitter shut-in for so long... they're just really happy for me. Also, they want you to come over for dinner one of these days.

[psychometer]

Wow. Well, I'll keep that in mind. I'd be happy to.

[She's quiet or a second or two and she glances wistfully at a large vase that's serving as a decoration for one of the stands, full of bright yellow flowers adorning some branches.]

Jonah knows of course, but as for everyone else... I haven't directly told my grandmother yet.

[blindknight]

... Don't think she'd approve?

[psychometer]

I don't know what she'd think. And that's what worries me more than anything.

She probably knows already, along with everyone back home. The commune is weird like that.

[And by weird, she means scary. It's a whole network of psychics after all and since Lien is part of her they can sense her to an extent.]

[blindknight]

Ooh. Yeah. I guess you can't hide much from a bunch of psychics.

Well, if she wants to make a big deal out of it, just tell her you're dating Lancelot.

... Or maybe don't, actually.

[psychometer]

You know, that could work, for at least a minute. She'll pause at how ridiculous I sound and then I'd make my getaway.

[Lien wants to say that it's probably more complicated than a critical "grandmother" not wanting her to date. It's more like they're watching to see what would happen. Like an experiment.

But instead, she pushes those thoughts out of her mind and straightens up to give Lindsey a sudden kiss on the cheek.]

Sorry for sounding down. That make up for it?

[blindknight]

... I get the feeling that'd make up for anything.

[ Because he really really loves it when she kisses him. ]

So, uh. What does one do at a festival like this?

[psychometer]

Eat!

Kidding, kidding. Besides that, we can enter a drawing to win a cool prize, play some games, get our picture taken... Oh! There's also gonna be a dragon dance. I think you'll like the sounds of the instruments they play during that performance!

[She sounds excited, just like a little kid.]

[blindknight]

Not like I'm gonna say no to food.

[ Her excitement is catching, and he laughs ] Whatever you wanna do, Lien. I'm all yours.

[psychometer]

Alright, let's grab some bubble tea first and then let's see if I can nab a prize at one of those games.

[blindknight]

I have a confession to make.

... I've never had bubble tea before.

[psychometer]

Really?? I don't think I should be surprised... So let's fix that immediately!

[And she spots a bubble tea place right away and gets them in line before they have to fight a crowd.]

[blindknight]

[ Well, as they're standing there, he may as well ask ]

Hey Lien, can I ask you something?

[psychometer]

Hm? Sure, fire away.

[blindknight]

Would you be willing to teach me some Vietnamese?

[psychometer]

Oh! That's... But of course!

Worried I might say something to keep you out of the loop? [She's teasing of course.]

[blindknight]

Well duh. Why else would I ask? [ look, he can tease right back! ]

[psychometer]

The best way to start is to teach you some basic phrases and words, the ones you'd hear the most. Vietnamese is a pretty tough language to master, but you've got good ears, so I think you could pick up the weird inflections better than most people.

[blindknight]

Hey, I'm willing to try my best.