It was a fair trade, and Yusuke was always happy to share his art with people if he felt confident in its completion. “You have my word! I’ll be sure to contact you as soon as I have my first piece complete for viewing.” He responded with a light smile, before his attention shifted to the way she was going through his sketches, flattered by her compliments as she pointed out the lobsters and other sea creatures.

“Thank you. I have been working on my skills for a long time!” He responded in a pleased tone, even if he knew of late his work was… less than perfect. It was hard to not preen under compliments, especially concerning his favourite subjects of his art. “I have recently discovered that they are a delight to draw after happened across someone selling them at the beach. Never have I seen such magnificent and fascinating creatures as lobsters!” He responded bright and sincere, hands reaching out to tap some jellyfish amid other fish. “And a friend took me to the aquarium recently… It was a nice change of pace from drawing people. There is something particularly beautiful and otherworldly about sea creatures. The colours always complement each other in such stunning ways, entirely naturally in my opinion.”

His eyes came to rest on the portraits of his friends and a soft smile crossed Yusuke’s face as he nodded. “They are. I find it rather difficult to not sketch them when we’re all together. Sometimes their conversations are so animated, or the focus they exhibit when working on something…? I find myself wishing to capture the moments, as I’ve never experienced the like before.” He added softly, wanting to commit these things to memory, times to cherish among the group that he had come to appreciate so much.

“It would be, I’m sure! It’s interesting to think of how many different ways magic and abilities are carried or used.” The systems for such things seemed so varied, he realized after coming here. Persona, skill cards, enchanted items and accessories? They were just the tip of the iceberg when you factored in multiple realities. The teen sometimes wondered what such things looked like, fingers itching at the idea. Intrigued by the chance to capture something magical and beautiful in his work, in a way different than he already knew. He smiled though, finishing another after he popped it in his mouth. “Well, regardless of who came up with the clever idea, they are delicious and rather nice to look at as you’ve displayed them.”

His shoulders relaxed at the confirmation. Yusuke was more than relieved that he hadn’t somehow ruined something for someone. That would be terrible, given he knew how hard it was to bounce back from such things. But he frowned at the idea that people were simply insulting the woman. He could see himself requesting her to model as a subject for a painting one day! “Of course, it is a fact I feel should be stated if it has not been already.” He responded, with a serious nod. “Why, I would ask you to sit for a painting one day should the chance arise.”

She would? Yusuke had been considering how to even store paintings, considering his current space. Perhaps it might be nice if they could be displayed for other people to look at as they browsed her shop. “That is very kind of you to offer. I think I would like that very much!” He responded with an eager tone, wondering what her flower show looked like now that he thought about it. “I shall have to stop by sometime to see it. Flowers are a nice subject to paint as well at times.” He liked to purchase bouquets or arrangements when he felt like getting back to basics when he was feeling stuck, and it had always helped him before.

The teen practically preened under the genuine compliments, considering how he’d been feeling concerning his art and his slump after a poor showing? It certainly felt nice to hear someone tell him such things outside the phantom thieves. Even if he was sure Aerith was kind to begin with, it carried a little weight that this was her opinion for seeing his work for the first time! “Thank you, your words truly mean much to hear! And you are right, I always feel my pencil or brush moves easier when the subject is something I’m keenly interested and inspired by.” He beamed, because lobsters certainly fell into that category. “Indeed, I did! Aquariums are such interesting places, stimulating and yet very calming to spend time in, I find.” He was sorry to hear she might not have had the opportunity before now. “I did note that such a thing doesn’t seem to be present here… Though I expect that makes sense, given the world’s overall aesthetic.” Old-timey, definitely pre-aquariums.

A soft expression crossed his face, “I suppose that I do have a decent understanding of that… Even now, I find myself glad that I took the time. It’s nice to call back to the better memories and see them in what way I can since arriving here.” He added with a small nod. Not being able to pull up the random pictures they’d captured of each other was a shame, but he had his art… So that mattered a lot. And there was hope, after all. He wasn’t alone in this world now!

Undoubtedly, the collection of art would grow, and certainly include people who might not yet be featured.

“Makes one wonder what new kinds of magic we might learn about while here, doesn’t it?” He mused lightly, already noting this materia thing for reference later, if only to ask about further and wonder what it might look like in use compared to the abilities of a persona. But he nodded at her thanks, “Of course! I certainly intend to have a few more, I think.” Because slightly gummy or not, the filling was delicious. And Yusuke was always one to enjoy things with such a pleasant-looking presentation.

“Oh? I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t believe it to be so.” He responded with a thoughtful tilt of his head, somewhat confused. Still, if people were suggesting she was only ‘homely’ in a negative context, perhaps she lacked the confidence! “But you’re welcome, all the same. I would be happy to prove that you are should you ever desire it.”

Would it? Then that would be a mutually beneficial arrangement, if he could help her fill out the space somewhat with art that might compliment the flowers! The teen found the idea rather exciting, even if he would be trying extra hard to make sure the pieces were worthy of display in someone’s space. “Then I would be happy for the opportunity to offer some decor for the walls of your shop, thank you!” He responded with a small bow of his head, tone rather happy and eager to get started. He was definitely going to have to stop by the shop to get a better look at it, to decide what might be a nice accent for the space in whatever spots she was thinking. “I am, they truly wonderful for working on bettering one’s skills. They are as soothing a subject to paint as they are exciting at times, depending on the arrangement.” He would be eager to see what she had on display. What kinds of compositions could he work on?

“Thank you for saying so, though if I present you with a piece that you have some critiques on, please do express them. I can always use advice to better my abilities!”… Even if it hurt… And might make him somewhat despondent and feel like a failure depending on what was said. It could turn out rather dramatically, actually, as much as he recognized that critique was important for bettering one’s self.

Listening to her logic concerning why this could have an aquarium he, Yusuke had to admit she actually made a terribly good point. “You know, that’s honestly decent logic behind the potential for anything to appear here… Though, perhaps it means there is a chance for such a thing? That would be quite delightful if so. I would certainly be happy to show you if it ever did appear.” The teen added with a hopeful tone, it didn’t hurt to put it out into the universe… right?

“True enough, though I have yet to visit this academy. It is a rather intriguing idea.” But Yusuke felt like there were a great many things he needed to work out in this place first, before exploring something like that. Weaponry, seeing how his abilities worked in this world, seeing to promises made already. His eyes lit up at the offer to have as many as he wanted. “You have my thanks! I shall certainly enjoy my fill of them and try some of the other delightful additions, I think.”

Yusuke grinned with a pleased hum. “Then you should certainly consider it! Allow me the opportunity to prove that I’m correct, and prove those who might suggest otherwise wrong!”

It was a terribly kind offer, of course. It would be practical, even, for him to accept it. But… The teen was still having a hard time with the idea of focusing on making a profit off his art. That it might turn out to be more about making money than it was about the pursuit of putting beautiful, thought-provoking pieces into the world. That he might somehow, as unlikely as it was, turn out like him. Winning money from an art competition was one thing, but actually focusing on selling pieces was another entirely to Yusuke. “That is very kind of you to offer, Aerith, but I would just be happy to know that my work is getting the chance to be viewed and enjoyed for what it is.”

He smiled at her reassurance that she wouldn’t just try to placate him. “I will look forward to hearing your honest opinions, then!”

Yusuke rather hoped there was a chance too. There was something so relaxing about wandering around aquariums with a friend, admiring the strange and beautiful wonders of the sea! “It would be a lovely addition to be enjoyed. I promise to show you the magnificence of the ocean should the opportunity arise!” And it was hard to not wonder what kind of creatures might exist in a world like this that might end up in an aquarium should one ever make an appearance. That would certainly be a wonder to keep his mind busy for quite some time.

“The sharing of knowledge in a situation like this is quite important, after all. I would be sure to share anything I learn with you and others who might find it useful.” He reassured the woman with a nod as he began filling his plate again, certainly taking quite the variety for him to try. Yusuke always seemed to realize just how hungry he was once he started eating, and so he’d probably be enjoying the selection for a while.

Wait- she would?? Yusuke paused noticeably, the food hanging loosely in a hand. “You will? Oh, wonderful! I promise to make a valiant effort to prove it to you, and to make it worth your time!” Oh, this was terribly exciting, to have another person willing to sit for him already!

“I do, but thank you for the suggestion.” He responded politely, but clearly relieved she wasn’t going to push the subject. At least not at the moment. People did tend to bring it up on occasion, where it seemed a good time to revisit the suggestion. Which was certainly not a bad idea, the teen could stand to be a little less rigid on the subject, but… He still needed some time to come to terms with how different he was and that he wasn’t about to slip down that slope so easily as he feared.

Yusuke paused as he’d been about to take another bite, considering the idea that perhaps an aquarium could be willed into existence… It genuinely didn’t seem the far-fetched to the teen considering some of the things he’d seen in his life. “Perhaps? There must be some catalyst in how this world develops new places and locations. Maybe it is as simple as the collective will of those who reside here?” Stranger things had happened, certainly, but he did hope that he had the chance to show his new friend something like it one day. It seemed an utter tragedy that she might not get to if she found his drawings as charming as she suggested. Then again, that also made him wonder how the less pleasant aspects might be continuing to appear. So… it was probably more complicated than that. “We’ll have to put much thought into it, just to be on the safe side.” He added with a pleased smile, they could at least hope!

“It certainly has seemed to have brought quite the crowd together. It’s good of you to have arranged such a nice gathering with that thought in mind.” He responded with a small smile. Still, Yusuke’s mind was already abuzz with ideas for painting again. To have another willing model so soon was an exciting thing he hadn’t anticipated! Perhaps something with flowers involved… yes, that might be lovely. “Thank you! I shall have to arrange for a time when your schedule allows, of course. Sittings do take a while, but I will make sure that you at least have a chance to enjoy it.” Breaks would be important, given she probably wasn’t used to sitting in one position for long periods of time, and to make sure she found a comfortable seat to at least relax while he worked.

“The planet said that?” He asked curiously, glancing up from his plate again at the idea that perhaps the theory wasn’t as far off the mark as he’d thought when he suggested it. How did a planet speak, after all? Unless there was someone tied to it closely enough to be able to know such things, perhaps. Still, as she winked and suggested they should think about an aquarium every day, it was hard to not smile a little at that. “Not a difficult task, I must admit. I’ve always been rather fond of thinking of the times I’ve spent in one! Perhaps it will make the perfect test to see if it actually works.” He added with a lighter tone. He was pretty serious himself, as the teen realized that stranger things happened all the time.

“Perhaps, but you have thought of it sooner and it’s been a delightful way to get to know some people I have not had the opportunity to meet and learn from.” And lots of delicious food to try to eat without the need to worry about paying for it, of course, which was also a great benefit to him when spending time away from his residence. “I see… Then I will be in touch to arrange for our first session a few days ahead of time to ensure you have time to decide your schedule for the day!” No take backs, Aerith! Yusuke was too caught up in the idea now. He would be terribly sad for her to back out!

Yusuke found that information to at least backup the idea that this world had really been starting over from a world-ending scenario of some kind. But to think the planet itself wasn’t rebuilding so much as it was simply brand new and unsure of itself? Shaking his head, he had to wonder how many things might appear over time if the planet was afraid of the outside influences changing things for the worst instead of the better. “That’s quite fascinating and certainly provides considerable weight to the theory of how things appear in this place.” It would be nice to think they could actually hope to understand the world better.

Perhaps the right influences, the right thoughts and wishes might be more helpful than they thought to helping it along for the better. So he smiled his agreement. “It shall be, I think. The proof of it working should be easy enough to spot as well, considering the space and location such a place would require.” And if the test failed, well, they simply would never see an aquarium. But that was a sad thought, and positive thinking to put the idea out there into the world seemed as important. After all… He’d seen stranger things happen!

“It would seem those worries were unfounded, though I can understand how that might be a concern. Hard to have a potluck without guests… Though I think that in itself would inspire more to gather and contribute.” He added with a smile. Even he had pulled himself away from his projects to attend and enjoy the delicious treats there were to be found.

The longer she got to know Yusuke, the less surprising she’d find him and his ideas, perhaps. “Wonderful! I’ll need a little time to gather supplies, but I’ll certainly reach out to you soon.”

It was a fair desire, really. If Yusuke knew how complicated such an ability made her life and how nice it was for her to be able to pursue something more normal and in line with things she loved? He would understand, even as he was curious about how this world worked and what to expect from it. “A reward for a job well done could be seen as important to motivate continued productivity and improvements to this world, couldn’t it?” He added with a smile. “So an aquarium would be quite perfect, I think.” Not too grand at all, right? A whole facility that contained numerous sea-creatures the would require space and conditions for their survival.

Maybe that was a bit much for wishful thinking, but it was hard to not want something so familiar here. Especially if it was something that others might not have had the chance to enjoy! The aquarium, planetarium and museum were all such wonderful places to visit. At least he could actually look up in this place and see the stars far more easily than one could in Tokyo… But an aquarium was less easy to find alternatives for!

“I believe your first event went more than well, it’s been quite enjoyable! And I can see that it’s a feeling shared, by the expressions and chatter I’ve observed since arriving.” Yusuke was terribly observant after all, taking in expressions and trying to guess things about the people he watched as he tried to understand the world around him better.

At the question of supplies, he shook his head. “I’m sure I will be able to handle the supplies, I’ve managed to secure quite a few things since I arrived to add on to those that I arrived with. It shouldn’t be too hard to gather the rest, there’s a rather nice shop in the market where I’ve found excellent pigments and such.” And he would blow through his budget, as per usual. But his art was his life, really, and it was hard for him to deny himself the supplies he needed to continue to practice and work on his skills. Aerith was already doing enough, in his opinion, to just be volunteering to be his model. Not to mention that she was going to be giving him a space to display completed work! “I’ll be in touch in plenty of time for you to decide if you have the time on a day for our meeting or not.”

“I do say so, but you have my word that I’ll be in touch soon!” He responded, clearly more than a little excited about this new project. Yusuke would probably be thinking of little else while making preparations to begin. But for now, she was right. They should probably get back to mingling as the point of a potluck was. Plus…? She was the host. He had probably taken up more of her time than was strictly fair when there were so many other people she could be checking in with. “Thank you, Aerith. I will. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day as well.” He added with a polite nod, before they went their separate ways.