Actually, I can say that I have been doing it with Liz already. Only, we never used anything like an accessory. I didn't even ask the question with that in mind.
Only, I now wonder if Liz does not have a drawer of toys somewhere at home.
Thinking about Emmie's mom, my mind wanders to some traditions in some places in the past world I remembered where fathers or uncles are the ones to take girls' first time, before marriage.
I shake my head fiercely. That was something totally different. It can't be put in the same category with what Emmie has going on with her mom.
I avoid the question of whether I'm asking about the toys out of interest, and pull the red head.
"Now let's go. If we have to keep talking, we might as well go sit in a cafe."
She pouts with reluctance but doesn't resist.
"Welcome to Def-Art. Are you here to sign for a course?"
The receptionist is a young adult woman. She may not be the most beautiful, but she has her refreshing charm, good for those who are not after striking beauty.
She smiles quite sincerely. I can give her a pass for her professionalism just because of that. She is different from the one who had received me the previous time I came. I bet most males who come try to remain just for her.
Emmie looks around, her chest still crushing my arm, while I engage with the woman behind the desk with a polite smile.
"Yes. But whether we will go through with that will depend on the tryouts."
"Of course. Have you been here before? Can you tell me which coach received you? That way, I will call him or her here to take you inside."
The image of a head of dirty blond hair comes to my mind, and I nod.
"Elijah. He showed me around when I came some time ago."
The receptionist's eyes show a flicker, before her smile shifts in a way I can't quite describe. But maybe Emmie understands what caused the change, because she pulls me close and whispers a question.
"Max, is that Elijah you speak of handsome or something?"
"You can say that. Though I didn't pay much attention to him last time."
That last part is a lie. I just want to avoid thinking about the young man barely some years beyond me who is interested in me. At least, he was. Hopefully, he is not anymore.
Emmie's eyes flash with interest, one whose depth I wonder about. Fortunately for her, I respect her privacy enough to not invade it.
The times when she turns on the broadcast are not included.
I ignore the small thoughts going through the receptionist's mind as she makes to call Elijah. I feel a little ashamed, considering that I also used to be as imaginative as any girl before my mind got grounded by changes that shook my world.
"I called him. He will be here soon."
"Thank you."
I nod while Emmie looks around, this time to spot the handsome boy sooner, not to take in the surroundings.
That is when I learn something about myself. I'm not feeling any jealousy.
It is difficult to define what is normal, because apart from the norms imposed on us by society, everyone is different, everyone feels differently, reacts differently. But I don't feel anything, not even discomfort at the idea that Emmie might be interested in handsome boys.
I turn thoughtful, but I don't have time to ponder. Emmie shakes my arm and points in a direction.
"Hey, Max, look. Is that the coach, Elijah?"
I stop thinking and turn to the side. The same blond hair as the last time, the same clean temperament, and his smile which widens when he sees me.
"Miss Lockdream! I thought you would not come, but I'm happy that you have."
"Oh~! Max, he knows your name."
I give the red-haired gossipmonger a sidelong glance. Of course he would know my name. I registered the previous time I came here. If they don't collect information on possible prospects, how will they take targeted action to market themselves?
"I had to visit other clubs before making a decision on the one that will be the best for me."
Though, more than that, it is because of what happened at school, but I don't feel like blabbing.
"Then I'm happy you chose us. And you brought a friend. Hi, I'm Elijah, an assistant coach here at Def-Art."
The last sentence was addressed to the red head beside me, and she replies with a smile just as wide.
"Emmie."
It seems Tyne has not brought Emmie a distaste of handsome and smiling members of the opposite sex.
"Come, I will take you girls inside. Will you sign up for courses immediately or will you try them first?"
As we follow Elijah, Emmie jumps in to answer.
"We will try them first."
"That is a good call. But I don't think you will be disappointed. We might be seeing each other for a long time to come."
"!??"
Emmie is about to show too much enthusiasm, so I pinch her at the waist. She used to have the same enthusiasm when interacting with Tyne. Her expression of pain and grievance almost makes me laugh.
"..."
Elijah glances back when he doesn't receive an answer. Seeing that it is something between girls he can not intervene in, he changes the subject with a smile.
"Can I ask if you have any objective for coming here yet? Are you looking just to exercise methodically, to learn to defend yourselves, or to learn how to fight?"
"Oh? Don't you just teach martial arts? Why so much detail?"
This time, I don't stop Emmie's curiosity.
"Hahaha… Actually, some centuries ago, there might have been less difference, only learning and not learning. But now, fighting is not something everyone has to know to survive. So, you can train to use your whole body, whether for health, for better balance, for better coordination. You can also train to defend yourself. The world is still dangerous, after all, especially with some people more beasts than humans. And finally, you can train to learn how to fight. Whether it is to survive in a bad environment or simply out of liking to fight or just wanting to challenge yourselves. That will bring you, at the end, to black belts and higher in single martial disciplines, or to MMA, amateur or professional, depending on what you want and your commitment. Your choice will help us tailor the service we will provide you to avoid any conflict in what you came expecting and what you get."
"Oh, I see."
"Now tell, have you thought about it?"