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It's a new restaurant that opened up. Mew? It's becoming very popular.

[ He knew with the Christmas holiday it would be tricky to find a place that would be open. He had called around, nearly given up when a co-worker gave him the address. They don't normally take reservations, but they made an exception for Christmas.

He's really glad that she was a foodie or he would have attempted to cook at home.

And he's still trying to get better at that. ]

I rented a car. It's downtown so it would be a bit of a walk. [ Not that it was cold. He wasn't sure he'd ever be used to the weather in Florida. 25°C? He couldn't believe he didn't need a heavy coat. He motions to the rental with a smile. ]

Shall we?

How fancy.

[ Being escorted by car to their destination? Haru is silently, albeit genuinely, impressed by Goro taking steps to ensure a smooth ride from point A to point B. Given how warm it is out today as well and the fact they'll be in a vehicle, she doesn't see a point in bringing the light shawl she was going to wrap herself under. She leaves it on the hook by the hallway before they're out the door. ]

That's such a cute name for a restaurant, too. What style of cuisine is it?

I thought so.

[ It was the least he could do to ensure they were prompt and respectful of the time the restaurant set aside for them. He pulls his cellphone from his pocket, clicking on the message from his coworker to doublecheck the name before he finds himself chuckling. ]

Izakaya Mew is the full name. It's Japanese. The woman who started the restaurant in New York moved down here. From what my co-worker has said, she hires staff who can speak Japanese.

[ Which was nice. Like a little taste of home that he missed. ]

I hope you don't mind.

[ Upon hearing "Japanese" her eyes instantly light up, a flicker of comforting familiarity in them. It may not be exactly like back home, but it seems as if it might be close enough. ]

I'm excited to try their dishes now. I wonder if they'll have wagashi on the menu for the holiday...

[ She claps her hands together, fingers twiddling in excitement. She grins at Goro, pulling the door on the passenger's side so she can slide in. ]

Oh! This is a lot more comfortable than Mona-chan, honestly.

I hope so too. It'll be nice to see food on the menu that I'm more familiar with.

[ He slides into the driver's seat, checking his mirrors before starting the car. ]

Morgana was not the most comfortable car, was he?

[ Poor Morgana. You were a decent vehicle for the tasks they needed to complete, at least! ]

Um, well...

[ Oh, dear. She doesn't mean to snark behind Morgana's back, so she politely raises her arms in a disarming fashion to indicate she doesn't mean anything. Even if Morgana isn't here... still. ]

Sometimes we would be sitting inside for too long when heading deeper into Mementos! Any sort of long drive would be uncomfortable, no? But he's a very fast car at least!

[ He laughs. ]

I wasn't trying to be mean! The long drives were a bit tough on all of us. I can't imagine how often Yusuke had to stretch his legs.

[ He's glad for the light banter. Despite looking cool, he was incredibly nervous. Dates at home? Easy. He was more relaxed when it was in a familiar setting. Going out for dinner was going to be an entirely different atmosphere.

The other side of the coin was his gift. He was certain she'd enjoy it, but he worried none-the-less. ]

I don't think this car is nearly as fast as Morgana.

[ Her shoulders stop clenching and ease down, a small smile on her face as she giggles in return. ]

Perhaps if Mako-chan was driving it... she's quite the driver!

[ But it's curious to her that Goro can drive, having known his fondness for cycling around. ]

Is it difficult? I've been reading the DMV handbook so I can start learning by spring.

I don't find it difficult. It's much different than riding a bicycle though.

[ He stops at the first red light they've come to so far, relaxing in the driver's seat. At least it's relatively quiet on the road. ]

I could teach you. Maybe after dinner, you could drive home? It's quiet and we're not too far...

[ Haru's hands stay neatly atop her lap, though at the corner of her peripheral vision does she spy on Goro's hands every now and then, the temptation to reach out strong.

Her fingers curl toward her palm instead. ]

Would you? Oh! That might be a lot of fun... the traffic is nowhere near as intimidating as Tokyo.

I would be my pleasure. I could help you study for the test you will have to take. We'll take it slow and easy.

[ The upside to living in Florida: the roads weren't slick with ice and she wouldn't have to worry about other cars too much because of the date. As long as they stay off the highway it wouldn't be so bad.

He finally pulls off the road into a parking lot. The downtown area is filled with restaurants and hotels, perfect spot for a holiday dinner if you're in town visiting or on vacation. ]

It's not too far of a walk from here. My coworker said that it's close to the Marriott. It's a little hidden, so keep an eye out for a small cloth sign.

That's alright. The weather is perfect for a stroll.

[ She smiles lightly at him, her hands sliding behind her as she interlocks her fingers. ]

As much as I miss the winter scenery, it's nice not to have to wear thick coats and boots just to walk a little bit.

[ And her hands fall back to either side of her hip, her heart skipping a beat as she wonders if Goro will take hers into his. She doesn't try to even hint at it, again, as tempting as it is. ]

You and Mako-chan make driving look so effortless. I admit I'm a bit nervous to try...

I can't help but miss the snow a little bit. Perhaps we could find a way to see this worlds Japan.

[ Gosh to go home. To go see Tokyo and see the differences, or see the familiar. He wouldn't feel so out of place, talking in English, working with the translator they were provided.

He glances, briefly, to her hands, before he finally reaches out, taking her hand in his. ]

Driving is... something you practice. I was not the best at it when I started. [ He admits. ] I think you'll be fine. You've been reading the manuals pretty thoroughly haven't you?

[ The slightest brush of his hand on hers earns a light jump from her initially, but once she's managed to relax she allows her hand to settle into his. (She hopes he doesn't notice how warm hers is.) ]

Um... [ Distracted she is at first, but she shakes her head to snap herself out of her stupor. ] Yes! I read a little bit more everyday.

Learning the signs are interesting. Their yield sign looks kind of like a stop back home.

That was my issue when I was on the road. [ He laughs a bit, a slight blush on his cheeks as he holds her hand. It was a little surreal that he was able to hold her hand, to be public about a relationship without being stalked by the media. ] I ran a few stop signs while I learned.

I've focused more on the color scheme rather than the shape to help me understand it a little better.

You did?

[ It's difficult to imagine the detective running stop signs, which is illegal.

Then again... as Phantom Thieves hardly most of what they did was legal anyway. ]

Oh! Colour scheme is a good idea. All the different shapes honestly blend together for me.

To be fair, it was an accident.

[ And thankfully no one was around to see him do it but his partner at work. Who still, to this day, laughs at him about it. ]

Ah! Here. [ He points out the sign, changing the subject to dinner. It was hidden, a stairwell heading down into what appeared to be a basement. ] Shall we?

Let's go.

[ She can't help a wider smile this time at him, her cheeks a brilliant red. Still, she places a hand on the railing to help guide herself down the stairwell, checking back to see if Goro is right behind her when she reaches the bottom. ]

It's already got such a secretive vibe. How exciting.

It comes highly recommended. [ He smiles, following her down the stairs.

The familiar sound of "Irasshaimase!" as they stepped into the small lobby area hit him a little bit. How could he miss something so simple? The welcoming tone, the sound of the words in his ear -- he missed Tokyo much more than he realized. He squeezes her hand, just slightly, grounding himself before he catches the hostess.

Five minutes so they can clear a table, and she's off. ]

[ How comforting the greeting is that her heart begins its on yearning for home. It's coming up to two years for her by spring, such a long time to be away from Tokyo, even if her house is empty with only the live-in maid, she misses familiarity a lot more than she likes to admit.

Haru glances around the room idly, curious about the decor and trying to gather the ambiance of the restaurant in the meantime. ]

It's been a while since I've eaten out, too. I don't know if I want to order so soon or wait a little bit before that.

We could start with an appetizer. Take our time to decide.

[ He's glad when they're finally lead to their seat. Despite being imPorts, they weren't treated any different than the other patrons, which was a relief. The hostess hands over the menus and she's off again. ]

Oh! They have shumai.

[ And his one enemy. Takoyaki. ]

Ah! I can't remember the last time I had some of that. Do you want to order some?

[ Oh, she's definitely looking at the takoyaki option. ]

Something spicy might be nice...

Edited 2020-01-12 05:34 (UTC)

I'd love to.

[ A pause. ]

Ah, you saw the takoyaki, didn't you? [ It's a teasing tone in his voice at least. ] It does look good though...

Do you want to order some of that as well?

[ She may have forgotten the takoyaki incident.

Oops. ]

[ He chuckles, brushing his hair behind his ear. Maybe he should cut it. ]

I'd like that. It's been a while since I've had it.

[ Honestly, it's been a long time since he's had a lot of things that were featured on the menu. Age kodako, katsudon, buta miso itame -- it was almost like being home. ]

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super good. the goodest.

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