packet transmission

"I'm adventurous - I'll try anything!"

chaos beamed, brows and cheeks brimming. "Hehe, sounds like you, Jr."

The spirit was there, anyway. They both knew that if Jr. didn't like something it'd be an immediate nix, but he loved trying different dishes, or variations on his favorites (curry, sushi, noodles).

And as for chaos? Well, they never made a big deal of it, but they were just as happy to go along for the ride.

Paging through the menu before deciding which section to actually order from, Jr. was struck with a thought. "Say, chaos. You think I'm supposed to be nervous?"

"I mean, I'd hope not. We're friends, after all!"

"No, yeah, but I mean...because this is a date."

chaos considered this. "I suppose so. But it's the same idea - we've known each other for so long. What's to be nervous about?"

They were absolutely right, of course. Don't overthink it, Rubedo!

But then, maybe the whole concept of getting nervous on dates was silly. For some people, at least. There was excitement, and then there was nervousness, and all the pressure to get butterflies...nah.

(And then there was chaos's uncanny ability to set everyone around them at ease.)

Jr. smiled, happy to be spending time with such a close friend and partner. "You're right, chaos. Let's get back to our meals."

"I've been looking at the maki rolls." A slight bounce in the gravity of the booth indicated that chaos was probably swinging their legs under the table as they mulled over the many, many choices. "How do you feel about tempura?"

"Hm? Tempura?"

"I think it's tempura, anyway. The crispy spicy tuna roll."

Jr. leaned over to get a better upside-down look at where chaos was pointing, completely ignoring the same page open in his own menu. "Is that it, in the picture? Looks like it has roe on top..." He shuddered.

Though black and brown roe almost resembled boba, another Rubedo favorite, these eggs were tiny, the texture of sand.

"Well, you don't have to be adventurous."

"'Course I do!"