[All things considered, Ken knew this was probably a bad idea. However, at the same time, he knew that he couldn't refuse his senpai. Not when she was curious about this 'sushi pizza'. That said, he really didn't know how to make this.
Was it simply just rice, fish, and some bread? He didn't know as he gave a long sigh in the longue. Looking at the computer, scrolling information about this was a lot more difficult than he thought.]
Was it simply just rice, fish, and some bread? He didn't know as he gave a long sigh in the longue. Looking at the computer, scrolling information about this was a lot more difficult than he thought.]
[ Is there even such a thing as a thing as a proper methodology for making sushi pizza? Perhaps he's about to find out.
Anyway, here's that familiar voice from behind him - although Mitsuru hasn't gotten close enough to get a proper look at exactly what it is he's looking at on the computer screen yet. ]
You sound a little frustrated. Is there something I can assist you with?
[ Yep, she'd like to think that Ken is studying. Not that she'll ever give anyone the answers to their homework or anything like that. Her idea of help is always more intense tuition from her, until the other person figures out the answers for themselvesor loses the will to live. ]
Anyway, here's that familiar voice from behind him - although Mitsuru hasn't gotten close enough to get a proper look at exactly what it is he's looking at on the computer screen yet. ]
You sound a little frustrated. Is there something I can assist you with?
[ Yep, she'd like to think that Ken is studying. Not that she'll ever give anyone the answers to their homework or anything like that. Her idea of help is always more intense tuition from her, until the other person figures out the answers for themselves
[ November 6, 2009. 21:43.
In the lower levels of one of the Kirijo Group's laboratories, a few scientists lead Mitsuru down a hallway. They offer many hurried apologies as they walk. After all, the girl who they're guiding has just lost her father and is in the process of taking control over the company he once ran, yet here they are preparing to push another responsibility onto her. Mitsuru's been given a manila folder full of information on someone with a familiar name—someone who, quite soon, will be hers to manage.
Kaito Nagano. A third year at Gekkoukan, and a longtime Iwatodai resident. Through elementary and middle school he was a hot-blooded but likeable delinquent. The kind of troublemaker who stuck his neck out for other kids and was considered reliable by those who looked past the fact that he was constantly stirring the pot.
That changed by the time he entered high school. The Kaito that Mitsuru is more likely acquainted with is the taciturn and severe Botany Club president who glares at her with some one-sided ire every time they pass each other in the halls. He never goes out of his way to attack her, but his gaze has made it clear that he has some sort of hangup with her. The files she's been asked to flip through while traversing the halls should offer more context.
The Kaito that she and the scientists are approaching is a Persona User—one who had been under Shuji Ikutsuki's "care" for the last three years. Notes on the front page suggest he's just one of Ikutsuki's many experiments; another soldier, another layer of insurance in his plans. Not the first by far, and unfortunately, not the last.
There's much more in his file regarding detailed tests and their results as well as behavioral observations, but one note that was highlighted is the fact that Kaito's family (a brother, parents, and grandfather) have all fallen under Apathy Syndrome and have been cared for by the Kirijo Group since Ikutsuki took him in.
Eventually, the group reaches a door near the end of the hallway, and inside... ]
[ Within a sterile white room that feels more like a cell than a living space, Kaito lays in bed in blue pajamas. His left arm from the elbow down is locked in a cast, and with his right he's reading some kind of book. The only other signs that his room isn't vacant are a rack of uniforms and casual clothes in one corner, his book bag hanging off a post at the end of his bed, and a night stand with a small, slender case propped open on it.
As Mitsuru and the scientists enter, the redhead will likely notice the Evoker sitting polished inside the box. Kaito turns his head towards the scientists as if to greet them, but his lips purse shut the moment he lays eyes on Mitsuru. He slowly kicks his legs off the bed to sit up. ]
The hell is this? Where's Ikutsuki? [ A beat. He squints past the StuCo president. ] ...You're not his cronies. What's going on?
[ The lead scientist among the group clears his throat. ]
[ His voice is a little shaky, as if he's nervous to be speaking directly to the third year. He and the other scientists have had the time to pore over his files, and the trepidation in their eyes hints that they think they're talking to a barely-restrained attack dog rather than a teenager. Kaito bristles at the mention of Mitsuru, and now the whole group's being scrutinized.
After a moment, he slowly asks: ] Then, are the terms and conditions of my indentured servitude changing? Even if I'm going to be working under my enemy, will you still be handling my family's medical expenses?
[ Sharp golds lock to Mitsuru's auburn. His entire body is tense, like he's ready to spring out of his seat and go for her neck—yet his voice remains level as he awaits a reply. ]
In the lower levels of one of the Kirijo Group's laboratories, a few scientists lead Mitsuru down a hallway. They offer many hurried apologies as they walk. After all, the girl who they're guiding has just lost her father and is in the process of taking control over the company he once ran, yet here they are preparing to push another responsibility onto her. Mitsuru's been given a manila folder full of information on someone with a familiar name—someone who, quite soon, will be hers to manage.
Kaito Nagano. A third year at Gekkoukan, and a longtime Iwatodai resident. Through elementary and middle school he was a hot-blooded but likeable delinquent. The kind of troublemaker who stuck his neck out for other kids and was considered reliable by those who looked past the fact that he was constantly stirring the pot.
That changed by the time he entered high school. The Kaito that Mitsuru is more likely acquainted with is the taciturn and severe Botany Club president who glares at her with some one-sided ire every time they pass each other in the halls. He never goes out of his way to attack her, but his gaze has made it clear that he has some sort of hangup with her. The files she's been asked to flip through while traversing the halls should offer more context.
The Kaito that she and the scientists are approaching is a Persona User—one who had been under Shuji Ikutsuki's "care" for the last three years. Notes on the front page suggest he's just one of Ikutsuki's many experiments; another soldier, another layer of insurance in his plans. Not the first by far, and unfortunately, not the last.
There's much more in his file regarding detailed tests and their results as well as behavioral observations, but one note that was highlighted is the fact that Kaito's family (a brother, parents, and grandfather) have all fallen under Apathy Syndrome and have been cared for by the Kirijo Group since Ikutsuki took him in.
Eventually, the group reaches a door near the end of the hallway, and inside... ]
[ Within a sterile white room that feels more like a cell than a living space, Kaito lays in bed in blue pajamas. His left arm from the elbow down is locked in a cast, and with his right he's reading some kind of book. The only other signs that his room isn't vacant are a rack of uniforms and casual clothes in one corner, his book bag hanging off a post at the end of his bed, and a night stand with a small, slender case propped open on it.
As Mitsuru and the scientists enter, the redhead will likely notice the Evoker sitting polished inside the box. Kaito turns his head towards the scientists as if to greet them, but his lips purse shut the moment he lays eyes on Mitsuru. He slowly kicks his legs off the bed to sit up. ]
The hell is this? Where's Ikutsuki? [ A beat. He squints past the StuCo president. ] ...You're not his cronies. What's going on?
[ The lead scientist among the group clears his throat. ]
"Ikutsuki-san is no longer with us. Starting today, you'll be reassigned to SEES and put under the direct supervision of Miss Kirijo."
[ His voice is a little shaky, as if he's nervous to be speaking directly to the third year. He and the other scientists have had the time to pore over his files, and the trepidation in their eyes hints that they think they're talking to a barely-restrained attack dog rather than a teenager. Kaito bristles at the mention of Mitsuru, and now the whole group's being scrutinized.
After a moment, he slowly asks: ] Then, are the terms and conditions of my indentured servitude changing? Even if I'm going to be working under my enemy, will you still be handling my family's medical expenses?
[ Sharp golds lock to Mitsuru's auburn. His entire body is tense, like he's ready to spring out of his seat and go for her neck—yet his voice remains level as he awaits a reply. ]
[As he heard a familiar voice, he lowered his head before wondering if he should turn around. Suddenly, it felt like he was trapped.
In the back of his mind, he didn't know what he should say as he feared what his senpai would say if she knew what he was looking up.]
N-No, it's okay! I was just looking something how to make something. I got a little curious about...the food you mentioned a while back.
[Because sooner or later, Mitsuru would ask about it again, right? He might as well try and figure out how to make it before it was too late! Although, from the things he was looking up, it sure looked a lot more complicated than he thought.]
In the back of his mind, he didn't know what he should say as he feared what his senpai would say if she knew what he was looking up.]
N-No, it's okay! I was just looking something how to make something. I got a little curious about...the food you mentioned a while back.
[Because sooner or later, Mitsuru would ask about it again, right? He might as well try and figure out how to make it before it was too late! Although, from the things he was looking up, it sure looked a lot more complicated than he thought.]
[ Mitsuru had taken the manila folder, read it as diligently as expected of her - nobody would expect anything less from her. It doesn't matter that she feels hollow on the inside, appearances must be maintained. The hurried apologies of the scientists around her might as well fall on deaf ears, although she politely acknowledges them all the same. She is the head of the Kirijo Group now, she must conduct herself with proper decorum, although her inner self feels broken.
Kaito Nagano is indeed a name that is familiar to her; a third year like herself, president of Gekkoukan's Botany Club... also someone who has always seemed to have held an abject dislike for her, for no reason that she was able to place. Now though, reading this file, it's becoming all too clear why he's only ever greeted her with an extremely frosty reception at best.
It's no different when Mitsuru enters the boy's room... if one could call said room that. A cell definitely felt more to what it actually is. Every fibre of his being seems to exude one thing when it comes to her: hatred. She's no stranger to being a polarising figure, everything about her; her family's status, her wealth, her influence... let's just say it has never always brought out a positive reaction in people. But this... this is an abject dislike of her in the extreme.
She's careful not to let any kind of disconcerted feelings on this matter show on her face. The scientists seem afraid of him, this boy, another one of that man's experiments... and wasn't it already going to be hard enough to leave that monster's legacy behind? Now, here she is, face to face with yet another remnant of it.
Yes, the others are definitely afraid of him, it's written all over their face, but Mitsuru... no, she isn't afraid of him. Even with the way he looks at her as he addresses them, as if he's barely containing himself from springing upon her. No, all she feels is... remorse, pity even, perhaps? Nagano might have become Ikutsuki's project, but what had become of his family and in turn him... well, the fault of that lies with her family's legacy. There is no escaping that fact, compounded when he uses the term enemy.
One thing is for certain, no matter how much he might hate her, he's not going to be staying here anymore. Her tone is cool as she addresses him, not hostile, just careful not to betray anything that she's feeling right now, in this moment. ]
All of your family's medical expenses will continue to be handled by the Kirijo Group, of that I can assure you.
Additionally, you will no longer be staying here - instead, you'll be accompanying me to the Iwatodai dormitory upon my return. We will make arrangements to have your belongings moved there accordingly.
[ She casts her eyes around the assembled group of scientists, as if daring them to show some kind of objection. They don't. Though some of their expressions might convey mixed feelings on the matter. ]
Kaito Nagano is indeed a name that is familiar to her; a third year like herself, president of Gekkoukan's Botany Club... also someone who has always seemed to have held an abject dislike for her, for no reason that she was able to place. Now though, reading this file, it's becoming all too clear why he's only ever greeted her with an extremely frosty reception at best.
It's no different when Mitsuru enters the boy's room... if one could call said room that. A cell definitely felt more to what it actually is. Every fibre of his being seems to exude one thing when it comes to her: hatred. She's no stranger to being a polarising figure, everything about her; her family's status, her wealth, her influence... let's just say it has never always brought out a positive reaction in people. But this... this is an abject dislike of her in the extreme.
She's careful not to let any kind of disconcerted feelings on this matter show on her face. The scientists seem afraid of him, this boy, another one of that man's experiments... and wasn't it already going to be hard enough to leave that monster's legacy behind? Now, here she is, face to face with yet another remnant of it.
Yes, the others are definitely afraid of him, it's written all over their face, but Mitsuru... no, she isn't afraid of him. Even with the way he looks at her as he addresses them, as if he's barely containing himself from springing upon her. No, all she feels is... remorse, pity even, perhaps? Nagano might have become Ikutsuki's project, but what had become of his family and in turn him... well, the fault of that lies with her family's legacy. There is no escaping that fact, compounded when he uses the term enemy.
One thing is for certain, no matter how much he might hate her, he's not going to be staying here anymore. Her tone is cool as she addresses him, not hostile, just careful not to betray anything that she's feeling right now, in this moment. ]
All of your family's medical expenses will continue to be handled by the Kirijo Group, of that I can assure you.
Additionally, you will no longer be staying here - instead, you'll be accompanying me to the Iwatodai dormitory upon my return. We will make arrangements to have your belongings moved there accordingly.
[ She casts her eyes around the assembled group of scientists, as if daring them to show some kind of objection. They don't. Though some of their expressions might convey mixed feelings on the matter. ]
[ Something shifts in the teen's gaze, well before she speaks. The hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, and scar-riddled fingers curl into his palms, balling them into trembling fists. His self-control is point for point as measured as hers, for he waits until after all is said to spit his retort. ]
I'm not the kicked dog in this room right now, Kirijo. [ He leans ever so slightly towards her while he speaks, but to the already-anxious scientists he may as well have lunged at their throats. As a group, they shuffle back towards the door. Kaito holds himself there, looking like he wants to say more... but the rage seething in his eyes dies down, and he takes a step back. The malice in his voice is gone; in its place, a faint hint of understanding. ]
Save that pity for yourself, for... whatever the hell it is you're grieving for.
[ Make no mistake—the redhead constructed her facade immaculately. There was nothing to read in either her gaze or her level features. Yet this simply confirms more of Ikutsuki's sins. One of the experiments performed on Kaito awakened a preternatural sense of empathy in him, uncannily accurate to the point of being mistaken for mind reading.
Kaito turns and stoops to grab a luggage case from under his bed. He tosses it on the mattress and flips the lid open before glancing over his shoulder. ]
I accept your terms, though I imagine I didn't have much choice in the matter to begin with. It beats being stared at by those cowards like I'm some starving beast.
I'm not the kicked dog in this room right now, Kirijo. [ He leans ever so slightly towards her while he speaks, but to the already-anxious scientists he may as well have lunged at their throats. As a group, they shuffle back towards the door. Kaito holds himself there, looking like he wants to say more... but the rage seething in his eyes dies down, and he takes a step back. The malice in his voice is gone; in its place, a faint hint of understanding. ]
Save that pity for yourself, for... whatever the hell it is you're grieving for.
[ Make no mistake—the redhead constructed her facade immaculately. There was nothing to read in either her gaze or her level features. Yet this simply confirms more of Ikutsuki's sins. One of the experiments performed on Kaito awakened a preternatural sense of empathy in him, uncannily accurate to the point of being mistaken for mind reading.
Kaito turns and stoops to grab a luggage case from under his bed. He tosses it on the mattress and flips the lid open before glancing over his shoulder. ]
I accept your terms, though I imagine I didn't have much choice in the matter to begin with. It beats being stared at by those cowards like I'm some starving beast.
[ A food she mentioned a while back? Right, yes, she remembers. There were two: hamburgers, which she had gotten to try again and found just as perplexing as last time and the other thing... sushi pizza. By process of elimination he must mean the latter - it was certainly the more... mysterious of the two.
Mitsuru smiles, amused. ]
That's very diligent of you. You didn't have to go through such trouble just for me though, I assure you.
That said, I am curious myself - did you find anything about where we might acquire some? [ The thought of making some had crossed her mind but... well, when one grows up with cooks and maids, you're usually less inclined to trust your own skills in the cooking department...
Rightfully so in this case. ]
Mitsuru smiles, amused. ]
That's very diligent of you. You didn't have to go through such trouble just for me though, I assure you.
That said, I am curious myself - did you find anything about where we might acquire some? [ The thought of making some had crossed her mind but... well, when one grows up with cooks and maids, you're usually less inclined to trust your own skills in the cooking department...
Rightfully so in this case. ]
According to some websites, all we need is some rice, fish, some sauce and oil?
[Although, those websites weren't consistent. If anything, they were all variations of the same thing that ranged from using rice paper as the crust to just using flat out pain rice. Not to mention that there were different variations of what kind of fish to use.
With a sigh, he just shook his head.]
But for the most part, a lot of it is us making it without a real recipe. A lot of it different versions of the same thing as there is no uniform way to cook it.
[Which...could spell trouble.]
[Although, those websites weren't consistent. If anything, they were all variations of the same thing that ranged from using rice paper as the crust to just using flat out pain rice. Not to mention that there were different variations of what kind of fish to use.
With a sigh, he just shook his head.]
But for the most part, a lot of it is us making it without a real recipe. A lot of it different versions of the same thing as there is no uniform way to cook it.
[Which...could spell trouble.]
I believe we do have all of those ingredients in the kitchen.
[ Although she can't say exactly what kind of fish... not that that seems to matter given how generally non-specific this seems to be anyway. They can check the fridge and find out. The kitchen isn't exactly a place she spends a lot of time in. ]
Although doing this without a specific, solid recipe seems rather dubious. Are any of these website entries from legitimate chefs? [ No, Mitsuru. Because a legitimate chef probably wouldn't make this. ]
Otherwise we may have to just pick the one with the clearest instructions of the selection.
[ Although she can't say exactly what kind of fish... not that that seems to matter given how generally non-specific this seems to be anyway. They can check the fridge and find out. The kitchen isn't exactly a place she spends a lot of time in. ]
Although doing this without a specific, solid recipe seems rather dubious. Are any of these website entries from legitimate chefs? [ No, Mitsuru. Because a legitimate chef probably wouldn't make this. ]
Otherwise we may have to just pick the one with the clearest instructions of the selection.
No, not really, they're made by people who have a pretty creative way of cooking.
[Because really? What kind of chef would make something like this? All he could do was give a small sigh.]
But it seems like we're just going to have to find one with the best instructions. Otherwise, I'm not sure what else we can do.
[And somewhere, Shinjiro is screaming at the idea the both of them are making this.] How about I find a recipe like that and you can get the ingredients?
[Because really? What kind of chef would make something like this? All he could do was give a small sigh.]
But it seems like we're just going to have to find one with the best instructions. Otherwise, I'm not sure what else we can do.
[And somewhere, Shinjiro is screaming at the idea the both of them are making this.] How about I find a recipe like that and you can get the ingredients?
[ How does he know? If Kaito's file mentions this particular ability of his then it's not a part that Mitsuru had reached yet during the walk here. As such, she's taken aback for a moment and though she's careful to mask it, she finds herself wondering, questioning whether she's really so transparent in her reactions? In her emotions? Surely not, not when she's had years of practice, years to perfect it - the perfect mask.
Still, losing her father... this was never something she could have prepared for. Although she had always feared that it would come to pass sooner than expected. When the others move back, she doesn't move, keeping her gaze on the boy in front of her, whilst speaking over her shoulder to the gathered group of scientists. ]
Leave us please.
Please, do as I ask. Do not concern yourselves, I will be perfectly fine.
[ Naturally, they don't want to leave the head of the company alone in this space but they can't exactly disobey her either. That and they're not exactly unaware of her capabilities. The compromise is them leaving, but remaining right outside the room. Something Mitsuru herself is more than aware of. She turns her attention back to Kaito. ]
It is true that I am grieving but I would ask that you speak not of my personal matters. It is of no concern to you.
[ While she might have detected something like sympathy in his voice, her own is cold, formal, clipped. She had always dealt with things by shutting everything and everyone else out, shouldering the burden alone. Why should anything be any different now? The subject is off the table as far as she is concerned, as bent and broken as she may feel behind the perfect facade. ]
That being said, I am glad that you accept my terms. [ And yes, it's true that he doesn't have much choice in that but... ]
Shuji Ikutsuki is dead. [ She speaks his name with no small amount of venom, despite her relatively measured tone overall still. ] You will not be subjected to any further observation or experimentation. You will live at the dorm in the same manner in which the other members of SEES do - as close to an ordinary high school student experience that we can manage, given the circumstances.
Still, losing her father... this was never something she could have prepared for. Although she had always feared that it would come to pass sooner than expected. When the others move back, she doesn't move, keeping her gaze on the boy in front of her, whilst speaking over her shoulder to the gathered group of scientists. ]
Leave us please.
"But Miss Kirijo, we really must insist th-"
Please, do as I ask. Do not concern yourselves, I will be perfectly fine.
[ Naturally, they don't want to leave the head of the company alone in this space but they can't exactly disobey her either. That and they're not exactly unaware of her capabilities. The compromise is them leaving, but remaining right outside the room. Something Mitsuru herself is more than aware of. She turns her attention back to Kaito. ]
It is true that I am grieving but I would ask that you speak not of my personal matters. It is of no concern to you.
[ While she might have detected something like sympathy in his voice, her own is cold, formal, clipped. She had always dealt with things by shutting everything and everyone else out, shouldering the burden alone. Why should anything be any different now? The subject is off the table as far as she is concerned, as bent and broken as she may feel behind the perfect facade. ]
That being said, I am glad that you accept my terms. [ And yes, it's true that he doesn't have much choice in that but... ]
Shuji Ikutsuki is dead. [ She speaks his name with no small amount of venom, despite her relatively measured tone overall still. ] You will not be subjected to any further observation or experimentation. You will live at the dorm in the same manner in which the other members of SEES do - as close to an ordinary high school student experience that we can manage, given the circumstances.
[ The discomfort that comes from the feedback of her emotions is just slightly trumped by the satisfaction that swells from watching her (inwardly) squirm. Kaito's empathy is a curse that almost rivals his Persona in severity, causing him constant migraines and forceful emotional overflow just from touching someone. She'll see it all and more eventually, so he's happy to take in this small, petty victory while he can.
But it's a hollow victory, all said and done. The pain that gnaws at her is most certainly from the loss of someone close, and even he isn't so cruel as to feel nothing over it.
Either way, Kaito's pulled out of his thoughts by the girl's icy tone. It's far too familiar. ]
Suit yourself. I don't really care. But for your sake, you'd better have someone you can confide in. A lone tower is doomed to crumble—and become a liability on the battlefield.
[ ...The third year's lips twist downward, thoughtful. He didn't have to add that latter part. 'Stop being so soft.'
If the news of Ikutsuki's passing shocks him, he certainly doesn't show it. In fact, that impassive expression of his hasn't shifted much since calming down and acquiescing to his new assignment. Still, hearing her voice match his furor from earlier...
Rather than continue to stare at Mitsuru and make presumptions, Kaito begins to grab his clothes and begin folding them. ]
Should I be thankful that one of my demons has been erased? That I can live an "ordinary high school student" life? Please. All this means for me is that my collar and leash are being passed from one pair of hands to the next. There's no such thing as ordinary for us, Kirijo. Not while these Personas lurk in our heads, and not while Shadows still exist.
[ While the rhetoric is harsh, his tone remains level. In little time, he has his suitcase packed full with his clothes, books, and Evoker. The only item left signifying his existence in the room is a small, well-trimmed bonsai on a dresser near the door. Kaito zips his suitcase shut and lugs it onto the floor.
Golds find their way back to the heiress. ]
Let's clear the air before I move in. I don't like you. I hate everything your family and company has done to ruin my life and the lives of everyone who's been affected by Apathy Syndrome. But I don't care who's giving me orders at the end of the day, whether it's you or Ikutsuki or that transfer student who's leading SEES. It doesn't matter. I'm gonna be fighting to the crack of someone's whip until the Dark Hour's gone or I'm gone.
That's all I've got left for me, Kirijo—so use me like the weapon I am.
But it's a hollow victory, all said and done. The pain that gnaws at her is most certainly from the loss of someone close, and even he isn't so cruel as to feel nothing over it.
Either way, Kaito's pulled out of his thoughts by the girl's icy tone. It's far too familiar. ]
Suit yourself. I don't really care. But for your sake, you'd better have someone you can confide in. A lone tower is doomed to crumble—and become a liability on the battlefield.
[ ...The third year's lips twist downward, thoughtful. He didn't have to add that latter part. 'Stop being so soft.'
If the news of Ikutsuki's passing shocks him, he certainly doesn't show it. In fact, that impassive expression of his hasn't shifted much since calming down and acquiescing to his new assignment. Still, hearing her voice match his furor from earlier...
Rather than continue to stare at Mitsuru and make presumptions, Kaito begins to grab his clothes and begin folding them. ]
Should I be thankful that one of my demons has been erased? That I can live an "ordinary high school student" life? Please. All this means for me is that my collar and leash are being passed from one pair of hands to the next. There's no such thing as ordinary for us, Kirijo. Not while these Personas lurk in our heads, and not while Shadows still exist.
[ While the rhetoric is harsh, his tone remains level. In little time, he has his suitcase packed full with his clothes, books, and Evoker. The only item left signifying his existence in the room is a small, well-trimmed bonsai on a dresser near the door. Kaito zips his suitcase shut and lugs it onto the floor.
Golds find their way back to the heiress. ]
Let's clear the air before I move in. I don't like you. I hate everything your family and company has done to ruin my life and the lives of everyone who's been affected by Apathy Syndrome. But I don't care who's giving me orders at the end of the day, whether it's you or Ikutsuki or that transfer student who's leading SEES. It doesn't matter. I'm gonna be fighting to the crack of someone's whip until the Dark Hour's gone or I'm gone.
That's all I've got left for me, Kirijo—so use me like the weapon I am.
I see. I'm sure being creative in the kitchen isn't a bad thing though...
[ Except in this instance...
Anyway, she nods. ]
Très bien. I'll go ahead to the kitchen and see what I can find.
[ Which she does, whilst hoping that he can find something resembling an actual recipe. She's actually a little... happy?Strange girl. She doesn't get to try cooking very often, she doesn't have the time nor the skill for it so this is actually quite nice.
There is a small snag that she has spotted - Amada said sauce, at no point did he specify what type of sauce. Just like with the type of fish. That seems like an important piece of information to omit but perhaps it doesn't actually matter? Her search reveals several kinds of sauce: soy, ketchup, a bottle of ready made teriyaki, some kind of jarred tomato-based pasta sauce, something else that looks like it might be mustard...
Still unsure which sauce it could be, Mitsuru gathers all of them together on the worktop.
Everything else is relatively easy to find: there's a bottle of cooking oil by the stove top, there's only one type of fish in the fridge (a few salmon fillets) so that automatically narrows things down and the rice is... well it's in the cupboard where it usually is, except it's now behind a few containers of protein powder that Akihiko had apparently decided to stash in there. Mitsuru makes a mental note to get him to move those later. Honestly, who needs this much protein powder? ]
[ Except in this instance...
Anyway, she nods. ]
Très bien. I'll go ahead to the kitchen and see what I can find.
[ Which she does, whilst hoping that he can find something resembling an actual recipe. She's actually a little... happy?
There is a small snag that she has spotted - Amada said sauce, at no point did he specify what type of sauce. Just like with the type of fish. That seems like an important piece of information to omit but perhaps it doesn't actually matter? Her search reveals several kinds of sauce: soy, ketchup, a bottle of ready made teriyaki, some kind of jarred tomato-based pasta sauce, something else that looks like it might be mustard...
Still unsure which sauce it could be, Mitsuru gathers all of them together on the worktop.
Everything else is relatively easy to find: there's a bottle of cooking oil by the stove top, there's only one type of fish in the fridge (a few salmon fillets) so that automatically narrows things down and the rice is... well it's in the cupboard where it usually is, except it's now behind a few containers of protein powder that Akihiko had apparently decided to stash in there. Mitsuru makes a mental note to get him to move those later. Honestly, who needs this much protein powder? ]
I thank you, for your concern - despite your professed lack of care.
[ Despite everything, his words do manage to strike a cord somewhere deep within her. How many times had her father told her something similar? That she needed to open herself up to others and accept their help... yet somehow she still remains so reluctant to do so. In the days since he had died, had she not been avoiding the others? Avoiding their concerned faces, their expressions of sympathy...
And she's still doing that now. ]
Your feelings are understandable.
[ Her answer is like that of a politician - careful, evidently well-trained in how to react to such a statement of dislike... or how not to react rather. That being said, her response is truthful. It is understandable. How ashamed had she been of the legacy her family had left upon this world after all? That being said, nobody likes to be told how much they are disliked personally, yet with all that she has been through over these few days, with all that she has lost... it's as if she's become numb to it. She had already been struggling with her will to carry on the fight, rising to this... well, it only seems pointless. ]
An apology from me no doubt means little to nothing to you in the face of your and your family's suffering but regardless, I offer it. I've sought only to atone for my family's grievous mistakes up till now.
I have no desire to "use" you as you put it. But if as a weapon is how you wish to proceed, then so be it.
I will return to the dorm just to make the necessary introductions to the rest of SEES, although you will have already seen many of them at school.
I will be scarce for a while - much to your relief I am sure. I have business to attend to. Our leader is more than capable of overseeing you and ensuring that you settle in.
[ Funeral arrangements for her father... adjusting to the idea of taking over a business empire years earlier than she had ever thought she would... contemplating her own role with SEES going forward... that kind of thing... ]
[ Despite everything, his words do manage to strike a cord somewhere deep within her. How many times had her father told her something similar? That she needed to open herself up to others and accept their help... yet somehow she still remains so reluctant to do so. In the days since he had died, had she not been avoiding the others? Avoiding their concerned faces, their expressions of sympathy...
And she's still doing that now. ]
Your feelings are understandable.
[ Her answer is like that of a politician - careful, evidently well-trained in how to react to such a statement of dislike... or how not to react rather. That being said, her response is truthful. It is understandable. How ashamed had she been of the legacy her family had left upon this world after all? That being said, nobody likes to be told how much they are disliked personally, yet with all that she has been through over these few days, with all that she has lost... it's as if she's become numb to it. She had already been struggling with her will to carry on the fight, rising to this... well, it only seems pointless. ]
An apology from me no doubt means little to nothing to you in the face of your and your family's suffering but regardless, I offer it. I've sought only to atone for my family's grievous mistakes up till now.
I have no desire to "use" you as you put it. But if as a weapon is how you wish to proceed, then so be it.
I will return to the dorm just to make the necessary introductions to the rest of SEES, although you will have already seen many of them at school.
I will be scarce for a while - much to your relief I am sure. I have business to attend to. Our leader is more than capable of overseeing you and ensuring that you settle in.
[ Funeral arrangements for her father... adjusting to the idea of taking over a business empire years earlier than she had ever thought she would... contemplating her own role with SEES going forward... that kind of thing... ]
[Meanwhile, as Ken continued to look up some recipes, there were a lot that he could choose from. And yet, it didn't seem like any of them would meet Mitsuru's expectations. While he knew that they were going have to guess and make the best judgement, he wasn't sure if his teammate would truly enjoy it. After all, she was someone who was used to fancier things and he wanted to meet her expectations.
After a moment or two, he gave a sigh before going with a certain recipe. It seemed easy enough to follow and there wasn't a lot of prep work to do. Leaning back against his seat, it seemed that this was what he'll go for. Giving a small sigh, that's when he took the laptop and made his way to the kitchen.]
Kirijo-san, I...
[When he looked at the various items around the countertop, he couldn't help but blink a little. Suddenly, the confidence that he had turned downward as he thought if this was truly a good idea or not. Tilting his head to the side, he didn't know how to respond as he didn't want to upset her for how earnest she was in her attempts to get them.]
...I'm sorry, I think I should have mentioned soy sauce. Although, we could try to figure out what kind of other uses for it when we make the sushi pizza.
After a moment or two, he gave a sigh before going with a certain recipe. It seemed easy enough to follow and there wasn't a lot of prep work to do. Leaning back against his seat, it seemed that this was what he'll go for. Giving a small sigh, that's when he took the laptop and made his way to the kitchen.]
Kirijo-san, I...
[When he looked at the various items around the countertop, he couldn't help but blink a little. Suddenly, the confidence that he had turned downward as he thought if this was truly a good idea or not. Tilting his head to the side, he didn't know how to respond as he didn't want to upset her for how earnest she was in her attempts to get them.]
...I'm sorry, I think I should have mentioned soy sauce. Although, we could try to figure out what kind of other uses for it when we make the sushi pizza.
I care in the capacity that I won't let you drag me down.
[ His reply snaps out an instant after her reply leaves her lips. He does sympathize with her, but in his mind it's purely out of coincidence. There's no other basis for it. He knows when someone's running away. Their steps are far too familiar not to recognize.
If he were properly looking to make her atone in a facetious manner, this apology would ring hollow. It still does, forthright as her delivery may be—but the motivation to hound her for a more emphatic response just isn't there. She's too beaten to show her emotions, and he's too burned out to show his.
Beyond that, there's something else. Two words that dig into his conscious. To atone. They twist his stomach into knots, batter at his cold countenance until he can no longer maintain his icy glower.
Kaito swallows back the bile bubbling bubbling in his throat. ]
...I'll accept your apology when this is all over, [ he murmurs; a sharp departure from his severe tone. ] When the Dark Hour is gone, and my loved ones regain the lives you... your family's actions robbed them of.
[ There's no snark for the rest of her words. He's finished antagonizing her for tonight. Kaito takes a seat on his bed and props his arms on his suitcase. ]
I know them all. Ikutsuki made sure I was keen on all of your field capabilities.
[ A beat. Golds turn away in favor of a nonexistent spot on the immaculate wall. ]
Don't run off for too long.
[ His reply snaps out an instant after her reply leaves her lips. He does sympathize with her, but in his mind it's purely out of coincidence. There's no other basis for it. He knows when someone's running away. Their steps are far too familiar not to recognize.
If he were properly looking to make her atone in a facetious manner, this apology would ring hollow. It still does, forthright as her delivery may be—but the motivation to hound her for a more emphatic response just isn't there. She's too beaten to show her emotions, and he's too burned out to show his.
Beyond that, there's something else. Two words that dig into his conscious. To atone. They twist his stomach into knots, batter at his cold countenance until he can no longer maintain his icy glower.
Kaito swallows back the bile bubbling bubbling in his throat. ]
...I'll accept your apology when this is all over, [ he murmurs; a sharp departure from his severe tone. ] When the Dark Hour is gone, and my loved ones regain the lives you... your family's actions robbed them of.
[ There's no snark for the rest of her words. He's finished antagonizing her for tonight. Kaito takes a seat on his bed and props his arms on his suitcase. ]
I know them all. Ikutsuki made sure I was keen on all of your field capabilities.
[ A beat. Golds turn away in favor of a nonexistent spot on the immaculate wall. ]
Don't run off for too long.
[ Oh Ken is right, this is absolutely a bad idea but they're all set up now and committed to seeing this monstrosity through to the end!
She gives a small smile and waves a hand at his apology. ]
Not at all. I should have guessed that it would be soy sauce, that makes far more sense given the sushi component of the dish. Although, to be honest pizza made me think of tomatoes.
[ Hence the tomato pasta sauce... and the ketchup. The latter of the two she's probably eaten a grand total of once or twice in total by now - she knows it's made from tomatoes at least. ]
Did you have much luck finding a cohesive recipe? We should check and make sure all of the other ingredients match up.
She gives a small smile and waves a hand at his apology. ]
Not at all. I should have guessed that it would be soy sauce, that makes far more sense given the sushi component of the dish. Although, to be honest pizza made me think of tomatoes.
[ Hence the tomato pasta sauce... and the ketchup. The latter of the two she's probably eaten a grand total of once or twice in total by now - she knows it's made from tomatoes at least. ]
Did you have much luck finding a cohesive recipe? We should check and make sure all of the other ingredients match up.
[In the back of his mind, he was still debating if he should back out from this. If his senpai was already getting tomato sauce out for a sushi pizza, he could tell that this was not going to go well. And yet, he couldn't say no to her. Not when she seems so determined to get this done!
With a sigh, he gave her the computer and showed her said recipe.]
I think this was the best I could find. From what I can tell, we need to pick which one we need to make. Do you want to make one of each one from the recipe or do you want to pick just one?
[With that, he gave a pause or two.]
But I think maybe we should pick just one for now as we can understand the basic steps first before we venture into something else.
[And you know. Prevent any screw ups.]
With a sigh, he gave her the computer and showed her said recipe.]
I think this was the best I could find. From what I can tell, we need to pick which one we need to make. Do you want to make one of each one from the recipe or do you want to pick just one?
[With that, he gave a pause or two.]
But I think maybe we should pick just one for now as we can understand the basic steps first before we venture into something else.
[And you know. Prevent any screw ups.]
Rest assured, the Dark Hour will be gone. I will take responsibility for my family's actions and the lives that have been affected by them.
If you know every member of SEES as you say you do, then you would know I do not drag anyone down. Nor do I run from anything.
[ It's odd really. There is clearly nothing between them that resembles any kind of friendliness, nor does it seem like there ever will be. Yet Mitsuru finds his harsh comments... oddly helpful. There is a part of her that wants to run, she knows that feeling is lingering within her, just below the surface. This boy's comments... well, she'd just have to make doubly sure that she does no such thing.
Her gaze turns to the only object left in the room that appears to be his. The bonsai. ]
We leave shortly. [ It's not a suggestion. ] Do you intend to bring the bonsai with you?
[ Despite the hostilities she's still Mitsuru. Still the elder sister figure of SEES, still checking that he hasn't forgotten something that might be important to him. ]
If you know every member of SEES as you say you do, then you would know I do not drag anyone down. Nor do I run from anything.
[ It's odd really. There is clearly nothing between them that resembles any kind of friendliness, nor does it seem like there ever will be. Yet Mitsuru finds his harsh comments... oddly helpful. There is a part of her that wants to run, she knows that feeling is lingering within her, just below the surface. This boy's comments... well, she'd just have to make doubly sure that she does no such thing.
Her gaze turns to the only object left in the room that appears to be his. The bonsai. ]
We leave shortly. [ It's not a suggestion. ] Do you intend to bring the bonsai with you?
[ Despite the hostilities she's still Mitsuru. Still the elder sister figure of SEES, still checking that he hasn't forgotten something that might be important to him. ]
I think picking one for now seems the most sensible and measured approach.
[ She's proud of him, except you know, she has no idea that it's less about moderation and being sensible and more to do with the fact that he's trying to mitigate this being even more of a disaster than it's already going to be.
Her eyes scan over the various options. ]
Well... we do have salmon, so perhaps the California roll? Unless we can locate more seafood for the chirashi option.
First of all though, we need to find nori sheets. I suggest we check some more of the cabinets.
But, ah... it seems that Akihiko has been over purchasing protein powders again, so please exercise caution when opening any of the cabinet doors.
[ She doesn't want their youngest member being crushed under an avalanche of protein powders okay? She's already set to give Akihiko an earful as it is. ]
[ She's proud of him, except you know, she has no idea that it's less about moderation and being sensible and more to do with the fact that he's trying to mitigate this being even more of a disaster than it's already going to be.
Her eyes scan over the various options. ]
Well... we do have salmon, so perhaps the California roll? Unless we can locate more seafood for the chirashi option.
First of all though, we need to find nori sheets. I suggest we check some more of the cabinets.
But, ah... it seems that Akihiko has been over purchasing protein powders again, so please exercise caution when opening any of the cabinet doors.
[ She doesn't want their youngest member being crushed under an avalanche of protein powders okay? She's already set to give Akihiko an earful as it is. ]
Edited 2023-08-29 21:25 (UTC)
Then I look forward to holding you to your word.
[ There's no excitement in his tone; even if there was, he imagines she wouldn't take it at face value. Golds follow Mitsuru's gaze to the dresser and the solitary bonsai sat upon its surface.
Without missing a beat, Kaito strides over, flicking his wrist. An orange Zippo worn with dents and scuffs falls into his gloved grasp. The scratch of metal against flint ignites a flame that he sets to the foilage. It spreads in an instant, greedy and ravenous.
The third year pockets his lighter and drags himself and his luggage next to her. ]
And now Ikutsuki's out of both our lives.
[ Quiet steps lead him out of his prison. He doesn't spare the eavesdropping scientists a single breath. ]
[ There's no excitement in his tone; even if there was, he imagines she wouldn't take it at face value. Golds follow Mitsuru's gaze to the dresser and the solitary bonsai sat upon its surface.
Without missing a beat, Kaito strides over, flicking his wrist. An orange Zippo worn with dents and scuffs falls into his gloved grasp. The scratch of metal against flint ignites a flame that he sets to the foilage. It spreads in an instant, greedy and ravenous.
The third year pockets his lighter and drags himself and his luggage next to her. ]
And now Ikutsuki's out of both our lives.
[ Quiet steps lead him out of his prison. He doesn't spare the eavesdropping scientists a single breath. ]
I think we can handle that, it seems simple enough.
[After all, wasn't a California roll supposed to be some just crab, avocado, and cucumber? All they could do was replace the crab with some salmon. Giving a small hum to himself, it seemed to be the sensible option.
What other ingredients were there for them to choose from? As he looked toward the soy sauce, he was ready to get started. That said...?]
Don't worry, I'll be fine. I think being dumped with protein powder is the least of my worries....
[Scratching in his to the side, he just hoped that they wouldn't die from making this weird sushi pizza....]
[After all, wasn't a California roll supposed to be some just crab, avocado, and cucumber? All they could do was replace the crab with some salmon. Giving a small hum to himself, it seemed to be the sensible option.
What other ingredients were there for them to choose from? As he looked toward the soy sauce, he was ready to get started. That said...?]
Don't worry, I'll be fine. I think being dumped with protein powder is the least of my worries....
[Scratching in his to the side, he just hoped that they wouldn't die from making this weird sushi pizza....]
[ She watches that bonsai go up in flames, her eyes narrowed -of all the idiotic, stupid things to do- Of course one of the scientists steps right back into the room to hurriedly put it out with an extinguisher. If they hadn't then it would have set off the other safety measures, automatic sprinklers and such. A facility like this should be easily prepared for something as simple as a fire after everything else that had gone wrong in the past.
Mitsuru wastes no time catching up and rounding on him. ]
What on earth are you thinking - doing something so incredibly foolish?
[ Is this idea of making a point? If so, she's not impressed. Her steely-eyed expression says just as much as she attempts to step in front of him, in his tracks. ]
Let me speak plainly to you.
If you are in any way a risk to the dormitory and especially its inhabitants, Nagano, then I will have zero qualms about destroying that lighter and sending you right back to this facility.
Do I make myself clear?
[ Her family's guilt be damned. She's not accepting someone who might be a danger to the rest of SEES if it came to it. The thought of a fire of all things... after what had happened to Akihiko when he was a child... it doesn't bear thinking about. ]
Mitsuru wastes no time catching up and rounding on him. ]
What on earth are you thinking - doing something so incredibly foolish?
[ Is this idea of making a point? If so, she's not impressed. Her steely-eyed expression says just as much as she attempts to step in front of him, in his tracks. ]
Let me speak plainly to you.
If you are in any way a risk to the dormitory and especially its inhabitants, Nagano, then I will have zero qualms about destroying that lighter and sending you right back to this facility.
Do I make myself clear?
[ Her family's guilt be damned. She's not accepting someone who might be a danger to the rest of SEES if it came to it. The thought of a fire of all things... after what had happened to Akihiko when he was a child... it doesn't bear thinking about. ]
[ Kaito eases to a halt after she strides past and steps in his path. The fire may be put out, a smolder remains in his gaze as his features light up. ]
Speaking plainly now, are we? What should I make of everything else?
[ Golds narrow, but his smile continues to sharpen. ]
You couldn't be clearer if you were invisible, Kirijo. Make no mistake: I'll fight and die for SEES' objectives. If it means we beat the Dark Hour, I'll throw myself in front of every Shadow.
But this place? I could care less what happens. If it burns, it burns—and all the better. It's not SEES. It's Kirijo Group. It's below the dirt to me. I won't let those lines cross.
[ A beat. Kaito lowers his shoulders and relaxes a bit, awaiting whatever reaction his words have struck in her. ]
Anything else you'd like to emphasize?
Speaking plainly now, are we? What should I make of everything else?
[ Golds narrow, but his smile continues to sharpen. ]
You couldn't be clearer if you were invisible, Kirijo. Make no mistake: I'll fight and die for SEES' objectives. If it means we beat the Dark Hour, I'll throw myself in front of every Shadow.
But this place? I could care less what happens. If it burns, it burns—and all the better. It's not SEES. It's Kirijo Group. It's below the dirt to me. I won't let those lines cross.
[ A beat. Kaito lowers his shoulders and relaxes a bit, awaiting whatever reaction his words have struck in her. ]
Anything else you'd like to emphasize?
my turn to apologise! manic week at work combined with my brain melting in a random heatwave
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
icequeenly
2023-09-10 09:09 am (UTC)(link)
Still, I would much rather that didn't occur. If it did, I would have to execute Akihiko.
[ It might be just the imagination, but it does seem like the room becomes a few degrees colder when she says this.
Unfortunately a thorough search of the rest of the kitchen doesn't yield exactly what she's looking for. Time for Plan B. Once she decides exactly what that entails. ]
It seems that we do not have nori sheets.
[ She retrieves the laptop again and opens another tab to do an additional search. Apparently finding what she's looking for worryingly quickly, she reads aloud. ]
According to this list, the following food items are suitable replacements for nori sheets:
Rice paper, soy wraps, tofu skin, lettuce or shiso and cured meats.
[ She pauses. ] I believe there is both lettuce and bacon in the refrigerator. Suppose we try both for the replacement base and see which tastes better?
[ Yeah, this just keeps getting better. This is going to turn out flawless. ]
...I believe I did hear one of the other boys state that everything tastes better with bacon in it... [ Probably Iori. Too fatty for Akihiko, although he probably wouldn't turn it down if offered. Either way, she sounds doubtful of this claim. ]
[ It might be just the imagination, but it does seem like the room becomes a few degrees colder when she says this.
Unfortunately a thorough search of the rest of the kitchen doesn't yield exactly what she's looking for. Time for Plan B. Once she decides exactly what that entails. ]
It seems that we do not have nori sheets.
[ She retrieves the laptop again and opens another tab to do an additional search. Apparently finding what she's looking for worryingly quickly, she reads aloud. ]
According to this list, the following food items are suitable replacements for nori sheets:
Rice paper, soy wraps, tofu skin, lettuce or shiso and cured meats.
[ She pauses. ] I believe there is both lettuce and bacon in the refrigerator. Suppose we try both for the replacement base and see which tastes better?
[ Yeah, this just keeps getting better. This is going to turn out flawless. ]
...I believe I did hear one of the other boys state that everything tastes better with bacon in it... [ Probably Iori. Too fatty for Akihiko, although he probably wouldn't turn it down if offered. Either way, she sounds doubtful of this claim. ]
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