2019-08-22 - A Musical Picnic

Park feels like she had been in that strip club for days on end, so she has decided to get some fresh air back in town. No offence to her new place of employ but it is nice to not see walls every now and then. And those strange stains on the front row chairs. She's also hoping to meet Ico to talk about prospective band enlistment, so she has called him up to meet at one of the tables in the park. It is a lovely warm day with clear skies.

On the table she has set up her laptop and a keyboard, her guitar case on the ground next to her legs. A little picnic of Korean food is also available. Park dressed in sneakers, leggings, and a t-shirt. Her long white hair in a ponytail.

Ico had probably also been working some, taking care of guests and helping out with the wardrobe if needed. Most likely meeting Park when she leaves as well. So when time allows he has shown up to get a moment he would answer and show up to the park to meet her. Wearing a bit fancier than he might have had the day before. A white buttoned up shirt with a black blazer, with silver lines, hanging over one shoulder. "Hey. Sorry, a lot of guests running about." He offers as he moves closer to where she is. "How are you?"

"Hey!" Park greets excitedly, standing politely and offering him a seat on a bench. "It's fine, I know how busy that place can get. Who knew that naked women held so much appeal" she giggle-blushes before gesturing at the food and drink. "I made us a picnic if you're hungry. Korean fried chicken. Rice...obviously. Kimchi. Soda." She remembers she was asked a question. "Oh, I'm good, thanks. You? Enjoying the Cabaret?" Park will wait until Ico sits before she does. "I thought we could talk about music."

Ico chuckles and shrugs, "It seems that they do have quite a lot. I wonder if the same goes for naked guys." He offers playfully in turn. Taking a seat. "Oh. Thanks." A sweet smile of appreciation. "Next time it's my treat then." Taking a moment to relax before replying to her question. "Oh, I'm well. All this is a bit new, but I like it so far." Turning to face Park, "Of course, sounds good to me. I still haven't had a time to talk it out with the others, but I am sure we could use your skills. If you want we can try and play some? That way I can vouch for you."

Park is still beaming as she resumes her seat, happy to make people happy. "If you're the manager, you're the person I need to impress" she teases before indicating her set-up. "I have the keyboard going through the laptop so it will probably be better to listen through the headphones." She indicates two pair that look like Pikachu ears. I have a small amp for the bass guitar but I've also recorded some onto the laptop already if you don't want me to set all that up as well. I already feel guilty about using the power from the park." Everything plugged into a community power-point at the moment. A curious look at Ico. "Did you bring your drums with you? They must be very small." Another giggle and a wink. "Please, eat."

Ico snickers and nods. "Up to you. But yes, perhaps not going through their outlet." Shrugging a bit. Grinning at her wink. "I do have my drumsticks, but not drums. I can do it improvise style. Like STOMP or Blue Man Group." He suggests. Using his hands to drum on the bench. "Sure, let's eat first. And yes. Impress me." He offers and winks in turn.

Park glances around before pointing at a trash can. "You could use the lid from that and go all STOMP. Probably smells a bit though. We can play while we eat." She offers over one of the headphone sets, a little smile of apology at the Pokemon design, before she slips the other one on. Though she does leave one ear uncovered to hear Ico better. Then she is finding some files to play. "I also do my own mixing and recording so, you know, no need for big studios. I mean, who uses those things anymore anyway, right? Oh, this is a sweet track." Park hits play and a pleasant, lilting piano piece starts to play; sweet, melodic, an air of casual grace.

Ico smiles and nods. Unless it is too heavy he will grab the trash can. Making sure that it is empty. Using it to drum. Taking the headphones. Not seeming to mind the design. Doing much the same, having one ear covered. "Well, we do need a nice studio room, and equipment. For sound purposes." He suggests and grins. Reading the melody of the song. If it is one that should have drums or not. Otherwise he just tries to make up some lyrics on the fly for it. Unless she already is singing in the song.

No singing from Park. That would require her to write lyrics! She smiles as Ico starts to add some vocal melodies, though her nose does wrinkle a little at trash can. "Maybe you should just use that on stage?" she teases, bobbing her head along to any percussion that starts up. "It's a soppy ballad kind of thing" she admits, "But I have some bangers too. And this one doesn't really have any bass and that's what you want to hear."

Ico chuckles and nods. Since it is more of a ballad the drumming isn't that intense. At some point he sings a bit more powerful at the climax of what sounds like the chorus. "It's still nice, but yes. We could check out a fast paced one with bass." He suggests then. Enjoying the music for now.

"Antonio said that the music at the club should always contain references to asses because that is what people come to see. So I modified one I did a few weeks back to cater to the Platinum crowd. More a techno piece than drum and bass, or jungle, though I'm sort of getting into grime rhythms too." Park grabs a mouthful of kimchi to help her search her files. "Ah, this one." Now it is very much a thumping beat with an almost funk bassline playing against it in an agreeable way. A techno chord melody filled with brief hooks playing over the top. And a whispered vocal, more rhythm than melody, that states 'I Love Anal' repetitively. "It might be a bit fast for the sensual dances but I could always slow it down. You think you can put in some live drummer fills to it?"

Ico chuckles. "One that's big and plumb, watch 'em shake their hump." He offers and smirks. Listening to the repeating vocals, trying to add a nice tempo of drums. "That's nice. I like the funk style. I do think there will be some more rock styled, but with the job at the Platinum Cabaret I am sure we can mix all kinds to use there as well." He suggests and grins, pondering for a moment. "Good to know that you love anal." He teases in a low voice, no need to let everyone in the park hear it.

"It's just the lyrics!" Park whimpers, eyes wide, and cheeks blushing. "Antonio wanted ass." She glances around in the park, checking that no one can hear the music other than them...she still turns it down a little. She downs half a bottle of water to hide her embarrassment. "I'm just telling a story" she tries to explain before giving up and shutting off the song. The summer day is getting even hotter. "Something more rock. Yes. I can do that. And no lyrics about anal. No lyrics at all." Another file found before a more rock song starts up - at least some punkish riffs played predominantly through the bass guitar.

Ico chuckles and nods, "Just joking." He assures her. Tasting some of the food. Trying to listen and find a way to work in the drums while figuring out some way to get lyrics into it. "Sounds nice." Going into a more intense part with the drums. "Fitting for angry punk lyrics." He offers and grins.

"Yes, we were both joking" Park nods with a hollow laugh. "I wish I knew how to be an angry punk" she snorts. "Or to write lyrics. You said you were a songwriter? So you can do all that stuff and I'll help lay down the foundation for the melody. I'm not precious. If you need to change something I've done. Or it's crap. Tell me, I won't get into a sulk." A beat. "Probably. Is this the kind of thing you're looking for? I mean, skill wise. Though if we're playing live, and I would so love that, I guess I should ask if I have the look you're...um...looking for."

There is a small nod. "Sounds good. I write, we all play, then you edit." He suggests with another nod and smile. "Well, all of it for genre is fine, and skill wise. You're pretty good." Smiling and shrugging. "I don't think we have a particular look in mind. But I think you'll fit in. Also quite sure you could pull of that punk attitude. Or kinda a Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne look." He suggests to her. Running a hand through his hair. "Some of these could probably use a more approach. Fitting with the funk style. I like mixing all kinds of styles." He admits.

"The only way to create new styles is to remix the old" Park nods. "Though, to me, music is music, you know? It makes people feel. It lets you express yourself, even if you didn't play a note. Hearing a song that speaks to you means it is expressing what you feel. Does that make sense? I can definitely funk. Totally able to slap bass." A grin as she considers her look. "I could try and do that look, sure. I guess Pokemon costumes are out of the question." She sucks on her lower lip a moment. "So, you and Lyric are a thing, right?"

Ico nods and smiles, "I understand that." He assures her, not really giving much else away on that though. Grinning in return. "Oh, a bass player in a pokemon suit would be amusing, so it's fine. It's like Marshmello, or Buckethead." He suggests. As for him and Lyric, he blinks. Shaking his head. "I. Don't think so. We recently just met again. She was looking for bandmembers, so I reached out." Not sure where they stand it seems. "Either way, we'll have to keep the band one family, no matter people's relationship. The band is one." He assures her, assuming that might be what she is worried about.

"I don't want people laughing at the band though...but I make my own costumes, so if you need something more formal than our own looks. I mean, The Beatles used to wear suits." Park considers a moment before shaking her head. "I don't really want to wear a suit." She listens about the state of play between Lyric and Ico and nods to his answer. "Yes, the band should always be one. Do we each get a vote and a veto? Though that might be something we decide when we know who is in the band. And it has a name." Yes, she was only worried about band dynamics...not seeing whether a cute boy was 'available'. Not that she thinks he would be interested anyway. Some more food is eaten. "Lyric and I have white hair...when are you joining us?" she teases.

Ico shrugs, "Well, if the playing is good, they won't laugh. And I'm sure having one person in a different looking outfit will make you stand out and people usually like that." Shrugging, "I think we all do. To some degree. Probably not veto everything, unless there is good reason." He suggests. "But everyone should have a voice." Giving her a sweet smile. Perhaps missing that she might be interested. Smirking about white hair. "You think I'd fit in it? Feel like I might start looking like a K-pop singer." He suggests and smirks.

"Hey! What's wrong with K-Pop!" protests the Korean-American before swatting him with a 'powerful' slap to the shoulder that may ruffle his clothing but not much more. It probably didn't even cause a breeze. "I could always do Sailor Moon or something if the Pokemon is too much. But, it is something to talk with the whole band. So, if I am in, there is me, you, and Lyric. Anyone else? And you should totally try the white hair though..." She studies him with a tilt of her head. "Maybe it is a better look with long hair. But we should try it."

Ico laughs, shaking his head. "Nothing, nothing!" He assures her. "Your pick." Nudging her in turn. "I believe one more." He explains. "Still working out the kinks." Smiling and nodding, "I'll try it, but I think you're just trying to fulfill some fantasy." He teases with a wink.

Park is still pouting at the insult to her national music but it is a playful pout. "When we decide the name and the direction, then I will think about costumes." The nudge making her blush a little. The comment about a fantasy making her cover her mouth as she giggles. "A fantasy to see you as an old man? Or a fantasy to see you like some kind of anime hero?" She looks down at the table, avoiding his eyes, and shrugs bashfully. "Did you like the food?" Such a smooth changing of subject.

Ico pokes her cheek as she is pouting. Chuckling. "As long as you don't call me gramps." He offers. Glancing to her as she look away. "Oh, yeah. Thanks, it's great." He assures her about the food. Continuing some on the food.

"Unless you want to be called Gramps." Park blushes again as a boy touches her cheek, though she quickly turns her attention back to the praise for the food. "I am glad you like it. It is nice to have a picnic, don't you think? So warm and sunny. So nice. I think this is a good omen for the band. To start on such a nice day." She looks over at him, daring to look into his eyes for just a moment at least. It looks like she is summoning the courage to say something personal, but instead out comes, "You have a business degree, right? What do you want to do about it?"

Ico nods and smiles. "It it indeed. The weather is well suited for picnic." Perhaps noticing the blush, offering a smile at that. Raising a brow as she seem about to ask something, "Ah, yeah. I just graduated. And well, it's just a back-up. But I figured that it could help out setting things up for the band, as well as handling relations with production companies and so on. As well as the whole copyright, trademark stuff. Especially if we do covers. Doing live covers is usually fine, but if we put it on youtube or similar it would be good to be able to set that up."

"Good idea about the covers" Park nods sagely. "Oh, samples too, if we use any. Your parents were fine with you being a rock star? That's pretty cool." It is obvious this is not support that Park has received. "You'll have to set up your own production and management company. Can the band members be on the board? Not that I'm good at business or anything. Creative. Technical. Money I'm not good with." Her lips purse in thought before a deep breath. "Do you have a girlfriend?" She must be asking if there are any Yoko Ono's to be wary of.

Ico shrugging, "I've been singing my entire life. They did force me to get a degree though. Compromises." He explains. Nodding a bit about how they should handle all the admin stuff, "We'll figure it out." He assures her. "Not that I'm aware off. If I do, I'll make sure to let you all know." He says with a grin. Studying her then. "If that's why you're asking?"

"It must be nice to have compromises. Though, I guess they paid for my piano lessons. They only wanted me to play classical at their dinner parties though. Not..." Park gestures at her laptop. "...this kind of 'silly emotionally immature noise'." A shrug at her life before she is nodding to his answer about the girlfriend. "Just curious" she replies with another of those blushes, reaching up to fondle with her hair for a moment - though not sure what she is trying to do with it. "Maybe...um...no, it's a silly idea. Forget I said anything." Not that she did.

Ico shrugs, "Well, if things go well you have all of us." He assures her. Raising a brow but nodding slowly. "It's okay." He assures her, not sure what she was excusing herself from. "We probably should get going soon." Helping her clean the things up. "If you keep bringing food you'll be spoiling us. But. We won't say no to food." He says and grins. Offering a hand to help her stand up.

Park takes the offered hand, her own soft...though some history of bass string pressure...as she rises. There may have even been a subtle caress of his fingers before she pulls away and starts with the packing up. "I am not a great cook but I am a great eater" states the beanpole. "I hope to meet the rest of the band soon and I'm so looking forward to playing your songs. You should send me some." She takes out her phone and offers up her contact details. "And if you ever...umm...want to hang out some time. You know...not like with the band."

Ico chuckles, "I'll feed you next time then." He tells her. At least not pulling away at her touch in return. Either not noticing, or not minding. "I hope you get to. I mean, you have met Lyric. But this time you could get to sit down and listen to music together. She help me out some with planning the songs." He explains. Nodding about hanging out. "Sure. And almost sound like your flirting." He teases, a slight blush though.

"Lyric is an arranger? Cool. And she's certainly pretty enough to help with the singing and stand up the front. Everyone in that club is so pretty." The way Park says that last part, she seems to be excluding herself from the comment. Flirting? There's that blush again. "I don't know how to flirt" she laughs, finding something interesting about her hair again to fondle rather than look at him directly. "We could go to the movies or something?" Her upper body turning slowly from side to side in a nervous manner, the end of her hair now being chewed on by her lips.

Ico shrugs, "I don't mind having people help me get inspiration for songs. And she enjoys sitting in when I write." He explains. Chuckling baout the club, "You all are." He agrees. Nodding about her not flirting. "Movies sounds fun. And I am sure everything will work out." Glancing to her. "You okay?" He asks with a warm smile.

"Oh...yes...fine" Park nods energetically, her hair spilling back down from her mouth. "I'm just not very good at...some things. Gosh, I'm so sorry. I must sound like such a loser." A little smile appears. "I bet Lyric is totally inspirational. It's okay, I'll pack everything up. I hope you don't have too far to go to get home. I'm going to have to Uber if you want to share a ride."

Ico smiles and nods, "It's okay. And she can be. I don't have too far, but I can join you in the uber. Might as well spend a bit more time to get to know one another." He offers. Letting his hands go into the pockets, not sure what to do for now.

"That would be nice" Park smiles sweetly about getting to know each other. She packs up quickly and efficiently, soon laden with backpack, guitar case, and picnic hamper. "Can you call us one?" she asks, her hands full. "I'll pay for it." She heads off to a place where they can meet a vehicle, walking slowly, happy to have Ico around. "Did you have fun in college? I'm still attending. Dentistry."

Ico does call an uber, offering to carry some for her if she wants. "Yeah, it was interesting. Quite different than high school. I hope you are enjoying it." He offers and moves to where the uber can easily pick them up.

Park will happily give up the picnic basket to Ico's chivalry with a little bow of thanks. "It's not really what I want to do" she sighs. "I want to play music. Create music. Create feelings...maybe understand my own." When the Uber arrives, the poor vehicle is loaded up with gear and Park slips into the back seat. "You were probably very popular at college. Handsome musician types always are."

Ico nods and smiles, "That's what we're here for. But perhaps find a minor or such that can help, or use the dentistry stuff to help out, if you can?" He offers and chuckles. Slipping in next to her. Shrugging about him being popular. "I guess I managed." As for her calling him handsome, he raises a brow. "Oh?"

"You want me to write songs about teeth?" Park giggles, "Or bad breath? I offered to help with the teeth of the staff at the cabaret but Antonio didn't seem interested." She nods to his remark about 'managing' his popularity. She knew it! He was followed around by all the girls. "You are handsome, don't try and pretend you're not. I bet you write great love songs that you draw from experience. You know all the things to say." Another blush. "You've heard my lyrics."

Not really going into if he was popular or not, letting her assume either way. Blinking a bit, a blush showing on Ico's face. "I don't know about that. But you are being way too sweet." Nodding about her lyrics, leaning in to whisper. "Yeah, though try and not shout that you like anal. Some might get the wrong idea." He teases her with a wink. Leaning back some. "Unless you want them to know I guess." A teasing smirk. Glancing before they soon reach their destination.

"It was just a lyric suggested by Antonio!" Park protests, before sucking on her lower lip again. "Is there a wrong idea you can get from that?" She bats her eyelashes at Ico. "Sorry if it offended you. I should have just said ass instead of anal." Freudian slip in the lyrics? "Oh, look, here's your stop." Thank goodness for that change of subject. "It has been really nice to spend time with you today."

Ico shakes his head, "It's fine. I don't mind, was just amusing." He assures her. "I'll keep it mind though, never know if it will come in handy. Perhaps I can bring it up at parties." He jokes. Nodding as they come to a stop, offering a brief hug. "Take care, and send me a text when you get home." Just wanting to make sure that nothing happens on the ride, or after, perhaps. Starting to slip out to leave then. "Bye!"

Parties? Poor Park is glowing red now. She takes the hug, holding him tight, breathing him in for a few moments before she realises it is probably getting weird. "I will text" she nods before offering him a shy fingerwave goodbye. "Bye! We will talk soon."

Ico does return the squeeze some. Not seeming to notice that she is breathing him in. "We will, take care of yourself." Said with a bright smile. Then he's off.