An Invitation [tagging Verity Willis]

[sumarusfinest]

There is no pomp and circumstance as Katsuya pulls open the glass door leading back to his world. His home. Sumaru City. No witty mechanics or magics bar the path. One moment he and Verity are standing in the Nexus forum, the next they are facing the waters outside of the Konan Police department.

The noise is the first thing Verity will notice. The distinct hum of millions of people speaking a foreign language all around her. That being said most of the signs have at least made an effort to include English subtitles on them, to varying degrees of accuracy.

What little abnormality of this world is felt, rather than seen. As soon as Katsuya's feet touch pavement, there's a ripple in his senses as Helios scans the area for signs of demon activity. So second nature to him now. Like coming home. They walk past a vending machine selling soda, juice, cigarettes and beer--NasTea! the sign gleefully reads in sloping English letters that seem ill fitting considering the brand name.

It isn't until they are off the main road that Katsuya stops and gives his guest a small smile.

"Here we are. My home. What would you like to do first?"

Comments

Mine is Grumpy Cat.

[brave_heart_verity]

Katsuya would be immensely popular in the 616. She may want to rethink bringing him home, she might never get his attention again once he sees what else her world has to offer. So many gravity-defying redheads. She could never compete with that. She'll try to make sure their day will be pleasant and free of fighting, but that's all well beyond her powers to guarantee.

"There hasn't been a lot of nice things in my life. It's not weird to want to enjoy the ones I can find." Katsuya's trust in any regard seems to be rarely given, so she's rather proud to have any of it. She'll let the comment about seeing through her eyes pass, because he doesn't. He really doesn't want to see the world the way she does. "But no pressure, right?"

She sighs in disappointment when she realizes where they are. She's in no hurry to leave. What is there to go back to? Her best friend is missing, and the only people who might help her look for him are imprisoned. (Odin is cruel and fond of goose eggs.)

"I want it to be special." She's a little overeager to assure him of this. "You deserve it. I mean. I don't get a chance to show off my home town very often." And now she's blushing. Great.

[sumarusfinest]

"Thank you for coming over here today." Katsuya wants to make sure Verity knows how grateful he is for the company. He can't think of anything else to say that isn't incredibly awkward so he reaches instead for the door. The manual one, instead of the revolving door.

The one that leads back to the Nexus. "I will look forward to seeing your new York."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Thank you for inviting me. It was really nice." It's important to her that he understand how much she's enjoyed it.

Her gaze follows his hand, and there's a little frown before she musters a smile. It's easier with something to look forward to, but she still doesn't want to go. "I hope I do as well playing tour guide. You've set the bar pretty high."

She has no intention of doing anything to make opening that door easier. They can stand here and be awkward all night if he wants.

[sumarusfinest]

There's a flicker of something when Katsuya touches the door. Verity can clearly see the image through the glass change at his touch from the station to the Nexus. One of the benefits of seeing through illusions is you never miss a way back out of any dimension you pop into.

For Katsuya, who doesn't have any such ability, he hesitates for a different reason. A sinking feeling that Helios gives when the door is pulled open. It's concerning, but for an altogether different reason than their visit ending. Katsuya peers inside to the Nexus when the door is open before holding his hand out for Verity to take as they leave Sumaru altogether. He seems to be in a hurry somewhat to close the door. He really is worried about strangers getting into his home or what could come out of that door.

"Please message me when you'd like to meet up, okay?" Katsuya pulls his phone out and gestures to it. "Or even if you need something in the Nexus." If she needs him, he'll be there. Sometimes it's difficult to translate in his head exactly what he means to say.

[brave_heart_verity]

It does make finding the hidden portals easier, that's for sure. But the costs are considerable. Still, she wonders if the door would react to her touch as well, or if she can only use it in his company. She might have to experiment later.

There's no hesitation in taking his hand, hers curling around his comfortably. She isn't quick to let go when they've stepped through. "I will. Thank you. And you can call me if you need anything too." Companionship is a need, even though they've both tried so hard to deny it. "Or just because. If you want."