[Text]

[unknownrival]

I have a social etiquette (home modeling?) question. Let's say you don't own 10+ vases that remotely go together. Is it all right to display all your red and yellow roses in mismatched vases? Big ones, small ones, etc.?

I really didn't think this through when I ordered a hundred flowers.

...Actually I'd just like to check up on all of my friends after that virus, to see how everyone is doing.

Comments

[trustmybase]

No, usually a day sick in the bed does it.

[unknownrival]

Ah - are you new? I don't mean that kind of virus.

[trustmybase]

Darn. I thought I was doing a pretty good job of blending in there. Guilty as charged.

[unknownrival]

It was a very good impression - I wouldn't have noticed if not for that.

[trustmybase]

Got it. Next time, just nod along.

But, uh, yeah, I'm glad about your friend. Retasu?

[unknownrival]

That's her name. She's a very good friend of mine and I was worried about her.

[trustmybase]

Yeah, comes with the territory.

Speaking of names, I'm Marti.

[unknownrival]

Issei Ryudo, nice to meet you. Ah, is it all right if I call you by your last name...?

[trustmybase]

My last name? Official.

Uh, yeah, sure? Then Perkins.

I take it you wanna be Ryudo?

[unknownrival]

It's a Japanese thing. I'm just not really comfortable with using acquaintances' first names.

Whatever feels natural.

[trustmybase]

American here so I'll just stick with Issei.

How does it work when you visit an entire family?

[unknownrival]

Honorifics, usually. Since the community translates, some subtleties are lost.

[trustmybase]

So I'm going to be Miss Perkins? Are you least old?

[unknownrival]

...Twenty-two? I'm respectful.

[trustmybase]

Sorry, just not used to it. I get Ms. Perkins from my professors, but that's about it.

[unknownrival]

I've gotten a tiny bit better about this. My friends used to nag me to call them by their first names the time.

[trustmybase]

You said you don't use first names for acquaintances. It should be okay for friends, then, right?

[unknownrival]

...well, it used to be only for close friends but I've gotten less uptight over the years spent here.

[trustmybase]

So...[She moves her hand in the air a bit, as if drawing out her words.] It's a respect thing, right? Doesn't it kinda lose the affect if you use it when people don't want you to?

[Her tone is more curious than defensive. If he wants to call her Ms. Perkins, more power to him.]

[unknownrival]

It might... But it feels wrong and uncomfortable. It's how I was raised.

[trustmybase]

Then I'll adjust.

[unknownrival]

Thank you very much.

[trustmybase]

Good luck with the flowers, and I hope they give you a discount at the shop next time.

[unknownrival]

They gave me one this time for buying in bulk. Still, thank you.

[trustmybase]

Smart shopping. A hundred roses wouldn't be too cheap.