Speed it up

[jagan]

SPEED DATING


You are at a speed dating event! "Speed dating is a formalized matchmaking process or dating system whose purpose is to encourage people to meet a large number of new people." - the Great Oracle of Wikipedia

-Post with your character
-For the top level subject line: your character is wearing a nametag, which also indicates their name, age and if they are interested in men/women/both/other. Don't forget to put in your comment what their nametag says!
-Tag around
-Repeat, TAG AROUND. Tag everyone! If you're just here for the memes/lulz, tag people your character would never be romantically interested in ever! It's not a proper speed dating event without a few excruciatingly embarrassing moments. Tag cross-canon! Meeting new people is the whole point! Be sure to indicate if you prefer semi-serious, shippy, jokes, gen, etc etc.
-If your character would not usually be willing to do this, they have a strange compulsion to do so today. Or maybe they're undercover. Or they owe a friend a favor. Or they lost a bet. Or whatever. Just handwave it.
-Have fun!

Comments

Serizawa | Mob Psycho 100 | OTA

[crocsper]

[Physically, he's wearing a nametag that says: Katsuya Serizawa, 30, both

Spiritually, he's wearing one of those vests dogs wear that say Crowds Make Me Nervous.]

canonblind; hope that's ok!

[doppomine]

Why was I roped into this...

[ Nametag: Doppo Kannonzaka, 29, ??? idk who wrote this

He doesn't need another sign to show how tired and nervous he is. It shows in his demeanor, through and through. ]

Um...pleased to meet you. [ He hadn't expected another guy, but hopes the other knows what to say because he sure as heck doesn't. ]

totally! :D hello hello

[crocsper]

P-pleased to meet you too!

[Unfortunately, he doesn't know what to say, but luckily he was up half the night reading Yahoo! Answers posts on how to win at speed dates. He wrote down some conversation starters on a slip of paper, and surreptitiously pulls up his sleeve now to read this cheat sheet.]

Um... do you... do you like... weather?

[Ok his handwriting is a little hard to read.]

♥

[doppomine]

Weather?

[ The man seems nervous, which makes the two of them. Then Doppo realizes what the heck is he even nervous about when he was dragged into this and therefore, doesn't have that goal of walking out with somebody's contact info in that way. Still, he'll put in effort, because this guy seems to be doing his best. ]

Do I like weather...I guess I never actually stopped to think about that. I'm often so busy that I don't pay attention... Sometimes it feels as though there's a rain cloud over my head so, when it actually rains...I end up wet as well as feeling miserable...I guess that makes me two times more miserable...ahh

... [ Let's pretend that didn't just happen. ]

I-I'm sorry for rambling! What about you? [ What about him??? ] Do you...like weather?

[ somebody knock him out please ]

[crocsper]

[Oh no... The speed date seems unhappy. Did Serizawa do something wrong? He reflexively tries to smile to lighten the mood, but it comes out a little manic.]

I kind of like the rain. Being under umbrellas... well it's a little comforting to me... I like enclosed spaces. They make me less nervous. Ah, but you were talking about not having an umbrella. I guess I wouldn't like rain on my head either. Have you tried, um, carrying an umbrella? But I guess that wouldn't work for your usual "rain cloud"... Maybe... Maybe you can find yourself a different "umbrella" to carry around. Not a real one but uh... something that makes you more comfortable? Like a, um... Like...

[He's run out of ideas, but is pushing on in genuine earnest.]

... A martini umbrella.

[doppomine]

[ It's not Serizawa's fault. Oh, Doppo doesn't want the man to blame himself for his own gloomy shortcomings. Something about hearing the man saying he likes the rain keeps Doppo from breaking out into an apology storm though.

A few "mms" and head nods from him as Serizawa goes on about umbrellas. He gets that the rain cloud isn't always literal so there's that. That last suggestion implies coping with alcohol and Doppo has had a few venting sessions after cans of beer before but...uh, that's not something to brag about. ]

Haha, it could help me get the sleep I need but that...isn't the best way to go about it, isn't it? [ He knows it isn't, he's just being stupidly polite ughhhghghg. ]

I appreciate the thought though, thank you. I just need to find the right "umbrella". A kind that is reliable and sturdy, and not easily get blown away...

[ Doppo freezes. Da fuq is he saying?? ]

[crocsper]

[Serizawa nods attentively, genuinely happy that Doppo picked up on his, admittedly roundabout, point. He tries to be encouraging.]

Probably that means you're just like everybody else, then! I'm also looking for my "umbrella" in life. Maybe that's all any of us want, really. To feel safe.

[It used to be that Serizawa only ever felt safe holed up in his room, away from any other people. That's why he was a shut-in for years. Nowadays, he's out in society again, of course, but the result is that everything feels so much less secure. He's happier now, he wouldn't trade it for the loneliness of before. But this is still uncharted territory. It's often scary and uncomfortable. So he can relate.]

You know, that's kind of why I signed up for this thing. [He laughs self-deprecatingly.] I mean. I want to meet new people! To, uh. Build up my uh... umbrella collection. The metaphor's getting a little silly now, huh?

[doppomine]

[ Tired, unpopular, and shit outta luck Doppo may be, but he's not socially inept. ] Not at all. I understand what you're saying. [ Obviously, he wants to start a harem.

Doppo's just a little embarrassed that he even admitted that much about himself, even metaphorically. He's not being laughed at like how things usually goes so it's easier to feel a little bit relaxed. ]

You seem like a nice person, Serizawa-san. I'm sure you'll find someone. If not today, then in the near future.

Worick Arcangelo | GANGSTA. | ota

[gigolopuff]

[His nametag reads: Carlos Danger, 35, any. And he's tipping back what's probably his fifth or sixth Bombay and Tonic. Have fun.]

carlos danger.......

[crocsper]

[... This is so much more intimidating than he expected.]

H-Hello, Carlos, my name is...

[He sort of fiddles at his nametag as if for guidance.]

Katsuya Serizawa. [Yes good, that matches the nametag. Going great so far.] I, um... I like... walks on the beach and... c-cats.

[He has no idea how this is supposed to work, actually.]

it's a good alias, had to reclaim it from zodiac

[gigolopuff]

[Worick, meanwhile, looks like he's going to burst at the seams from laughing. Somehow, he keeps things under control by being as shameless as ever.]

Nice to meet you, Katsuya. I'm Carlos.

[He gestures to his own nametag by "cupping" that side of his chest.]

I, too, love pussy.

[Ahem.]

Among other things. So, Katsuya... What do you do for a living and how can a guy like me wiggle his way in there?

his virgin ears! lmaoooo

[crocsper]

Um! I! Uh! UH!

[His mouth just makes some flappy, landed fish type movements as his brain tries to process what "Carlos" just said. This guy is way too cool for Serizawa and also a lot better looking than Serizawa and also kind of scary? It's simply a lot to take in at once.]

I-I'm an exorcist!

[For such a hardcore job, his voice comes out as a squeak.]

[gigolopuff]

[This is just the best. And to think, he almost didn't stop by here for the free drinks and random enjoyment.

He nods and chuckles in acknowledgement as Katsuya sputters and goes all over the place, until the mention of his profession has him leaning forth, his attention fully-grabbed.]

No shit? Like an actual exorcist? The power of Christ compels you type of thing? That's awesome. I've never met an exorcist before! I bet you have some stories to tell!

tahani al-jamil | the good place | ota

[namedroppings]

[ tahani, rude to ask, anyone who thinks they can live up to her standards. ]

Vince Noir | The Mighty Boosh | OTA

[theconfuser]

[ Vince Noir, 25, anyone really into glitter 'cos it'll get on you! ]

Jesse Black | Xenogears | OTA

[loose_cannon]

[ A grizzled-looking gentleman who looks like he just stepped off the set of a spaghetti western. His nametag reads: Jesse, 34, whatever. My kids put me up to this. Already well on his way to being three sheets to the wind. ]

Link | Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

[cuccos]

[ Nametag says: Link, 18, interested in: a date ]

[insiderestsatan]

[The tag reads: Jio Freed, 17, both I guess?]

So how do a date work? I have never been on one.

[Jio has absolutely no shame in confessing this.]

Hannibal Lecter | NBC Hannibal

[mementomortadella]

[His nametag reads Hannibal Lecter, 48, men/women/other. If you've been glancing his way, you'll probably know him as "that guy who keeps sniffing his wine before he drinks it."]

It's a pleasure to meet you.

[wetware]

[ His own tag reads 'Stephen Vorona, 37, Queer, Vers.'. It's been printed out in the sort of artificially neat handwriting that suggests some training as someone that writes clearly so others can read it. Engineer? Architect? ]

Likewise.

[mementomortadella]

[A small smile.]

We have a dreadfully short amount of time together, so tell me about yourself -- Mr. Vorona? Or is it Stephen?

[wetware]

Stephen, please. I feel as if I ought to have prepare some sort of 'elevator pitch' about myself, but that felt a bit too much like an advertisement.

[ He takes a sip of his drink, mulls it over and decides to lead with: ]

I regularly go through pads of post-it notes because when I read something I want to write and comment on it, but I have a knee-jerk reaction against writing in books.

[mementomortadella]

The written word gives us a way to connect with each other, even when we've never met the person on the other side of those words. It can feel intimate, penning your thoughts so close to someone else's.

[Which is a lot of words to say that he doesn't write in books either, as a general rule. He picks up his wine, passes it under his nose, inhales, and then takes a sip.]

I've thought of writing a cookbook someday.

[wetware]

Oh? What sort?

[ Stephen appears genuinely interested in the topic and that in and of itself is something of a relief after a string of very awkward conversations with other guests. He does not have an opinion on this season of 'Love Island' or 'The Bachelor'. ]

[mementomortadella]

I have a great many recipes saved up over the years. All different types of cuisine.

[He gently sets his wine glass down and smiles.]

Though I will admit, I have a soft spot for French.

[wetware]

[ French? That gets a real smile from him. ]

You are a brave man. From what I have been told, one might think French cooking was born fully formed from Escoffier's mind and cannot and should not be changed.

[ There is the ring of an old rant in his words. Someone he knows and cares for went on a tear about 'those old têtes de noeud who couldn't tell good food from a hole in the ground'. ]

[mementomortadella]

Oh, but food is change. It changes from alive to a source of life for someone else. Changes from a slew of ingredients to one coherent dish. We cannot exist without change, and we cannot exist without food. They're one in the same.

[Looks like someone's got a bit of a special interest.]

[wetware]

Food as philosophy or the reverse?

[ Stephen generally doesn't bother with anything 'fancy', but he is fussy about making an effort to eat as little processed as possible. ]

[mementomortadella]

I prefer to think of it as food for thought.

[A devilish little smile.]

Q ⌁ James Bond ⌁ OTA.

[wetware]

His name tag reads: 'Stephen Vorona, 37, Queer, Vers.'. It's been printed out in the sort of artificially neat handwriting that suggests some training as someone that writes clearly so others can read it. Engineer? Architect?

"Hullo, I'm Stephen."

And he even offers to shake hands! Such manners, such friendly behaviour!

[symbolofstrength]

The short, grey-haired man in a red polo and khakis, bearing a name tag that reads 'Samuel Oak, 50, here to make friends' accepts the handshake reluctantly, a look of discomfort crossing his face as he lets go as quickly as he can while still being polite.

Nothing personal, Stephen, he just doesn't like touching strangers much. As he slides into a nearby seat, his expression improves as he asks a question:

"Do you like Pokemon, Stephen?"

[wetware]

"I'm not opposed to their existence, if that's what you mean." He does have some rather strong opinions about the ethics behind making sentient creatures fight for entertainment, but that's not usually the sort of thing to get into when speed-dating.

"Do you?"

[symbolofstrength]

"Considering I've studied them my entire life, I think I'd have to, wouldn't you?" He says that jovially, though Stephen's response does get a curious head tilt from the older man. That's a new one on him, and he's not sure what to think about it.

[wetware]

"One would hope." Stephen huffs out a little laugh. "Why did you go into that field?"

[favoriteanalyst]

M. Mobius, __, either/or/any might be an interesting tag, between the 'any' and the unusual name and the conspicuous blank spot for an age. He looks unassuming.

(But then, so does Stephen.)

"Hi." A firm handshake is normal and firm. "Mobius. I know," he continues with a little shake of his head, "kinda weird, but I promise I have heard every iteration of joke you can think of." So let's simply not go there, thanks.

"Let me just ask, up front, because I'm curious: were you put up to this, or are you here legit?"

[wetware]

"Why not both?" Stephen ducks his head and there's a hint of colour over his cheeks. "To be honest, I had spoken with a friend about trying this out, but I didn't get myself here until my hand was forced with a bet."

"And yourself?"

[favoriteanalyst]

Mobius waggles a hand. "Kind of the same. Part practical joke, part saying screw it and putting myself out there anyway. If nothing else, I get to meet people that aren't coworkers, so, that's a plus. You could say I don't get out much."

[wetware]

"Likewise and I pointedly refuse to consider dating anyone from the office." There's a dramatic shudder for effect, before he continues. "And I have a habit of getting wrapped up in my work and not paying as much attention to the rest of the world as I could or should."

"I do keep my fish alive, so that's a point in my favour."

[favoriteanalyst]

"See, opposite problem, actually. I pay too much attention to everything else. But," with a shrug, "guess that lands us both with the same problem of not enough time spent on ourselves, huh? Kind of sad, maybe, but hey, at least we're putting ourselves out there."

[wetware]

"I feel that we deserve something good for ourselves then; if only to offset the ribbing that's still to come from our coworkers." Gold star, maybe? A fancy latte? A trip to the bakery for the Good Scones?

"I'm planning on bringing snacks in tomorrow with the hope that they'll all be so distracted eating that no one will think of anything else."

[favoriteanalyst]

"There's going to be no getting around the ribbing from the one who thought this was all gonna be a really fun prank to play on me. So obviously I'll have to tell him about all the pleasant people I met and how many I'm thinking of calling up for dates to get him to shut up."

Hm. Ah. That might sound a little... "Not that I haven't met anyone nice, obviously, just...and not that actual dates are out of the question or anything!"

Hermione Granger | Harry Potter | OTA

[bookish_lioness]

[Good luck reading her nametag, given how tightly her arms are crossed over her chest as she tries to make herself as small as possible. But on the off-chance she shifts to brush her hair back or something, it reads, Hermione Granger, 19 and while, Men is written in her same neat handwriting, it's been crossed out and replaced with someone else's cursive, More open-minded than I look. She'd tried to cross that out or otherwise fix it, but she has the distinct impression that it's been charmed to withstand further tampering. And as Ginny was the one who'd put her up to this, she knows just who to thank for that.]