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[ She might be observant but it's not exactly a challenge to read his body language anyway when he returns, to sense the shame practically radiating from his being and...
He's been battered, wounded, burned, nearly torn apart and put back together again in more ways that she could have possibly imagined he'd been. Even for someone who had been around for as long as he had. Yet he's still standing despite it all and all he appears to feel for that is shame?
She doesn't let herself hesitate in closing the distance between them and reaching for his prosthetic, gripping the hand part as she speaks, ]
I meant what I said- [ She reaches for his other hand, real one this time. ] You don't have to hide. Or apologise - for any of it. Not to me.
Look at me and don't apologise to me again or I'll- [ She pauses, staring at him and suddenly just a little flustered. ]
I'll throw this shirt in the soup too. [ It comes out in a rush. It's a lame, foolish, empty threat and she immediately regrets saying such a silly, frivolous thing that is so very unlike her but she means the sentiment behind it. She means every word.
...Well, except the part about actually throwing his shirt in the soup. They both know she's too sensible for something like that. Plus that would require tugging said shirt off him somehow. ]
He's been battered, wounded, burned, nearly torn apart and put back together again in more ways that she could have possibly imagined he'd been. Even for someone who had been around for as long as he had. Yet he's still standing despite it all and all he appears to feel for that is shame?
She doesn't let herself hesitate in closing the distance between them and reaching for his prosthetic, gripping the hand part as she speaks, ]
I meant what I said- [ She reaches for his other hand, real one this time. ] You don't have to hide. Or apologise - for any of it. Not to me.
Look at me and don't apologise to me again or I'll- [ She pauses, staring at him and suddenly just a little flustered. ]
I'll throw this shirt in the soup too. [ It comes out in a rush. It's a lame, foolish, empty threat and she immediately regrets saying such a silly, frivolous thing that is so very unlike her but she means the sentiment behind it. She means every word.
...Well, except the part about actually throwing his shirt in the soup. They both know she's too sensible for something like that. Plus that would require tugging said shirt off him somehow. ]
Edited 2024-10-16 12:17 (UTC)
[ she sounds flustered .... why???
vash finally opens his eyes as he feels the other move away, and he catches sight of her beginning to clear all the equipments brought for the job at hand. instantly, he sits at attention. ]
Um, let me help!
[ except when he moves, there is an absolute waterfall of recently shorn hair that falls to the floor. rip vash ... ]
.... Haha, [ after a little pause, he laughs - awkward and sheepish. ] Maybe, um, I'll go grab a pan and brush ...
vash finally opens his eyes as he feels the other move away, and he catches sight of her beginning to clear all the equipments brought for the job at hand. instantly, he sits at attention. ]
Um, let me help!
[ except when he moves, there is an absolute waterfall of recently shorn hair that falls to the floor. rip vash ... ]
.... Haha, [ after a little pause, he laughs - awkward and sheepish. ] Maybe, um, I'll go grab a pan and brush ...
[ Why indeed?
She might be asking herself that same question right now... ]
It's fine, really. I'll just put these away and then I should be heading ba-
[ Thankfully the cascade of hair provides enough of a distraction to allow her to finish putting all of the equipment away without him involving himself. ]
That would probably be wise.
...In hindsight we really should have thought to put a towel on the floor.
She might be asking herself that same question right now... ]
It's fine, really. I'll just put these away and then I should be heading ba-
[ Thankfully the cascade of hair provides enough of a distraction to allow her to finish putting all of the equipment away without him involving himself. ]
That would probably be wise.
...In hindsight we really should have thought to put a towel on the floor.
[ when he feels her move, he is more than half expecting mitsuru to be moving towards the door to leave; it's an awkward moment after all - seeing something as disgusting as what's usually hidden beneath the layers are exposed out in the open. he feels anxiety prickling over his skin and hangs his head lower, taking a deep breath and steeling himself to smile again - maybe make a joke of it, something like looks pretty gnarly, people call me a turtle for a reason!, or even just another sorry - when the hands come out, seemingly from nowhere, and seizes him around both the wrists. ]
Uh, [ he sounds truly, genuinely dumbfounded this time - so much so that there's hardly any emotion in his inflection at all, just a blank bewilderment - and so is the gaze that flies up as he tips his head back, meeting her square in the eyes.
you don't have to, not to me.
his hand - the mechanical one - flexes for a second under the tight grip, an uncertain reflex that shouldn't exist, fizzing out in fried, severed nerve endings - and after a second or two, he smiles again. it's not as loud as his usual ones that he turns towards others, mitsuru included. it's a more uncertain thing, though no less warm for the tiny waver at the very corners of his mouth. ]
... Please don't do that. I've only got the three ...
Uh, [ he sounds truly, genuinely dumbfounded this time - so much so that there's hardly any emotion in his inflection at all, just a blank bewilderment - and so is the gaze that flies up as he tips his head back, meeting her square in the eyes.
you don't have to, not to me.
his hand - the mechanical one - flexes for a second under the tight grip, an uncertain reflex that shouldn't exist, fizzing out in fried, severed nerve endings - and after a second or two, he smiles again. it's not as loud as his usual ones that he turns towards others, mitsuru included. it's a more uncertain thing, though no less warm for the tiny waver at the very corners of his mouth. ]
... Please don't do that. I've only got the three ...
Then perhaps you should get more.
[ Is the mockingly disapproving retort she gives, a sense of gladness flooding her for a moment as he actually meets her eyes with those eerily blue ones of his. ]
Although I’m not sure if I should be offended that you think I actually would.
[ It was silly, just something said in the moment and her uncharacteristically sheepish smile back up at him conveys as much. She’s… not quite letting go of his hands yet, for some reason. Reassurance maybe? To stop him feeling like he needs to dash away through the door again? Or something else… She isn’t sure, but it doesn’t seem to matter right now.
She pauses, unsure whether to continue, to say what she’s thinking… her hesitance palpable until she finally voices it. ]
…Does it hurt? Any of it?
[ Is the mockingly disapproving retort she gives, a sense of gladness flooding her for a moment as he actually meets her eyes with those eerily blue ones of his. ]
Although I’m not sure if I should be offended that you think I actually would.
[ It was silly, just something said in the moment and her uncharacteristically sheepish smile back up at him conveys as much. She’s… not quite letting go of his hands yet, for some reason. Reassurance maybe? To stop him feeling like he needs to dash away through the door again? Or something else… She isn’t sure, but it doesn’t seem to matter right now.
She pauses, unsure whether to continue, to say what she’s thinking… her hesitance palpable until she finally voices it. ]
…Does it hurt? Any of it?
I should, shouldn't I?
[ talking about mundane, meaningless things like how many shirts he owns helps; it detracts away from the topic at hand, with the rapidly cooling soup-soaked shirt still on the floor behind her. it also helps him to not be so aware of her hands on him, the steady firm press of her fingers around his hands. his heartbeats must be running fifteen hundred miles a second right now, the echoes of residual panic still very much there in the way his lashes flutter, nervously blinking it back - but he still returns the sheepish smile back to her regardless.
he isn't going anywhere, you know. the moment when he could have jumped out any convenient doorways or windows have passed ... but he still doesn't make a move to pull away or anything, obediently waiting for her cue.
it is only out of sheer practice that he doesn't curl back into himself at the quietly voiced question. ]
Not really! [ which means, yes, or at least partially so. he won't elaborate on it. ] I mean, it's been a while...
[ a while since he'd found himself in such a strange place as this, with such strange people. ]
[ talking about mundane, meaningless things like how many shirts he owns helps; it detracts away from the topic at hand, with the rapidly cooling soup-soaked shirt still on the floor behind her. it also helps him to not be so aware of her hands on him, the steady firm press of her fingers around his hands. his heartbeats must be running fifteen hundred miles a second right now, the echoes of residual panic still very much there in the way his lashes flutter, nervously blinking it back - but he still returns the sheepish smile back to her regardless.
he isn't going anywhere, you know. the moment when he could have jumped out any convenient doorways or windows have passed ... but he still doesn't make a move to pull away or anything, obediently waiting for her cue.
it is only out of sheer practice that he doesn't curl back into himself at the quietly voiced question. ]
Not really! [ which means, yes, or at least partially so. he won't elaborate on it. ] I mean, it's been a while...
[ a while since he'd found himself in such a strange place as this, with such strange people. ]
You should.
[ Then he can splatter as much soup as he likes - that amused quirk of her lips suggests as much. Nothing as mundane as talking about shirts and she too finds it easier to let that be a distraction, for a moment at least.
A distraction from the compulsive reaction she has to what he says next, gently squeezing his real hand with her own, fingers lightly twined with his, just for a moment... until she loosens her hold again.
It's been a while - does he mean a while since someone put a bullet in him? Burned him? Slashed him? And god knows whatever else by the looks of him... She doesn't like to think on that too much, the amount of times he must have been hurt badly enough to cause such permanent marks of damage over the course of more than century and a half. As for "not really", that answer of his does nothing to assuage her concerns that more than one of those wounds still cause him pain. ]
...If anything like that ever happens to you here, don't be foolish. Come to me. I can heal you before it becomes a problem.
[ A problem... Another scar to add to the patchwork, more pain. One less wouldn't make much of a difference, not in the grand scheme of things and not to him. But it's important to her, important that he knows she wants to do that for him. ]
[ Then he can splatter as much soup as he likes - that amused quirk of her lips suggests as much. Nothing as mundane as talking about shirts and she too finds it easier to let that be a distraction, for a moment at least.
A distraction from the compulsive reaction she has to what he says next, gently squeezing his real hand with her own, fingers lightly twined with his, just for a moment... until she loosens her hold again.
It's been a while - does he mean a while since someone put a bullet in him? Burned him? Slashed him? And god knows whatever else by the looks of him... She doesn't like to think on that too much, the amount of times he must have been hurt badly enough to cause such permanent marks of damage over the course of more than century and a half. As for "not really", that answer of his does nothing to assuage her concerns that more than one of those wounds still cause him pain. ]
...If anything like that ever happens to you here, don't be foolish. Come to me. I can heal you before it becomes a problem.
[ A problem... Another scar to add to the patchwork, more pain. One less wouldn't make much of a difference, not in the grand scheme of things and not to him. But it's important to her, important that he knows she wants to do that for him. ]
[ his fingers twitch in the hold as mitsuru squeezes around the scarred digits, thick and knobbly with callouses. he can't help but tense up for a fraction of a second before consciously, carefully letting out a breath he'd been holding, letting his shoulders bleed out the tension - though it still lingers in the worried droop of his eyes as he glances back at her once more, scanning her expression worriedly.
bare arms, bare hands; he'd never been without his gloves around others, much less his forearm completely exposed under scrutiny - it's a vulnerable feeling. not exactly fear of being hurt, but it's nevertheless pain of a different sort that worries at him, chewing on the inside of his cheek as he waits for her next words silently. ]
It's ... okay. Really.
[ stupid, like this, still trying to reassure her. his thumb twitches, hesitant, brushing the edge of his thumb across her first knuckle, before falling back away with a wavering laugh. ] I heal fast!
bare arms, bare hands; he'd never been without his gloves around others, much less his forearm completely exposed under scrutiny - it's a vulnerable feeling. not exactly fear of being hurt, but it's nevertheless pain of a different sort that worries at him, chewing on the inside of his cheek as he waits for her next words silently. ]
It's ... okay. Really.
[ stupid, like this, still trying to reassure her. his thumb twitches, hesitant, brushing the edge of his thumb across her first knuckle, before falling back away with a wavering laugh. ] I heal fast!
[ As his thumb brushes across her knuckle she swears that she feels a gentle buzzing. She doesn't understand what it is, why it's happening, perhaps she's just imagining it, but it's pleasant, a gentle tingling sensation across her skin, almost like electricity. If she wasn't otherwise preoccupied with what this weirdly stubborn "man"(??) is saying to her she might be entirely distracted by it - and distracted by the fact that she almost feels strangely disappointed when he draws that touch back again.
The redhead sighs, a gentle exhale. ]
That's not the point, Vash.
[ How exactly does she put it into words? The fact that she doesn't want anything even remotely resembling the extent of those injuries to happen to him again, that she doesn't even want to entertain just the possibility of it. Her lips part and she's clearly about to continue, although for once in her life it looks like she might struggle to articulate it, ] I-
[ She's cut off, abruptly, by a very familiar and very disapproving yowling sound, as a flash of regal fur appears from the other room and Eleanor comes to a stop beside them. Mitsuru chuckles softly in response, finally releasing her hold on Vash's hands before kneeling to address the disgruntled feline and gently stroke her head. ]
We've been ignoring you, haven't we? Forgive us.
The redhead sighs, a gentle exhale. ]
That's not the point, Vash.
[ How exactly does she put it into words? The fact that she doesn't want anything even remotely resembling the extent of those injuries to happen to him again, that she doesn't even want to entertain just the possibility of it. Her lips part and she's clearly about to continue, although for once in her life it looks like she might struggle to articulate it, ] I-
[ She's cut off, abruptly, by a very familiar and very disapproving yowling sound, as a flash of regal fur appears from the other room and Eleanor comes to a stop beside them. Mitsuru chuckles softly in response, finally releasing her hold on Vash's hands before kneeling to address the disgruntled feline and gently stroke her head. ]
We've been ignoring you, haven't we? Forgive us.
Edited 2024-10-21 20:29 (UTC)
[Oh sweet! Whitey is everything but pick boar when it comes to food, and he noms on the offered treats with enthusiasm. And once he's done Whitey politely looks around the casino while waiting for Mitsuru to be done with her reply. He's well-behaved boar and makes sure that he doesn't bother patrons, at least too much. If they are offering some pets and scritches he's not going to refuse! Well, anyway. Once she's done with her reply Whitey gently accepts the letter and trots off.
And! Sure enough, after couple of hours there is a knock on Mitsuru's office.]
Lady Mitsuru Kirijo. It is me, Richard Plantagenet.
And! Sure enough, after couple of hours there is a knock on Mitsuru's office.]
Lady Mitsuru Kirijo. It is me, Richard Plantagenet.
[Aside from a short roll of the eyes, he ignores the blatant call out. It's true, sure-- but also he's not gonna let himself get dragged into arguing about himself. And so he nods along with her comment instead taking a sip of his own drink.]
Yeah, it is. Probably earlier for most people, but they didn't have the same shit to deal with as us.
[They never really do this: talk openly about themselves. Maybe it's the freedom from being so removed from the world of shadows and the Kirijo Group and the constant overhanging expectations. And so, after another pause, he rolls a shoulder.]
I didn't... Really know either. Like what's the real difference between someone you're friends with, or just find hot, or actually-- [He waves a hand, and tried to pretend his face isn't slightly flushed.]
I guess you just sort of pick what it means yourself. I figured, I just.... Wanted Dara around, and shit. Wanted to see her smile, and be the reason for itm which sounds dumb as hell to say, but--
[Didn't he just think that this wasn't supposed to be about him? Ugh. But giving an opening is probably the only way to get one back, and it's not like his relationship is exactly a secret, even if he rarely talks about it.]
-Anyway, that's my take. Guess I was just curious why you were thinking about it at all.
Yeah, it is. Probably earlier for most people, but they didn't have the same shit to deal with as us.
[They never really do this: talk openly about themselves. Maybe it's the freedom from being so removed from the world of shadows and the Kirijo Group and the constant overhanging expectations. And so, after another pause, he rolls a shoulder.]
I didn't... Really know either. Like what's the real difference between someone you're friends with, or just find hot, or actually-- [He waves a hand, and tried to pretend his face isn't slightly flushed.]
I guess you just sort of pick what it means yourself. I figured, I just.... Wanted Dara around, and shit. Wanted to see her smile, and be the reason for itm which sounds dumb as hell to say, but--
[Didn't he just think that this wasn't supposed to be about him? Ugh. But giving an opening is probably the only way to get one back, and it's not like his relationship is exactly a secret, even if he rarely talks about it.]
-Anyway, that's my take. Guess I was just curious why you were thinking about it at all.
[ Mitsuru nods in quiet agreement at that first part, a smile starting to tug at the corners of her mouth as he continues... ]
Be the reason for her smile, hm? That's very sweet, Aragaki... [ She means, that genuinely, although there is a slight teasing lilt to her voice that he can't miss because... well, it's them. Neither of them are exactly known for being outwardly sentimental, although if she were completely honest with herself she is somewhat of a romantic.
Even if that particular confession would make Akihiko choke on his protein shake in disbelief.
Although now she actually has to consider what he's saying. What is the difference between a friend and someone you're attracted to in that way? Wanting someone around, wanting to make them smile, perhaps forget their troubles for once, even if it's just for a little while...
Does she have someone here like that? ]
...Did it ever bother you that she's not human?
[ Specific and honestly, she's not entirely sure why she's asking that particular question... not yet at least. Only that seems important to consider... ]
Be the reason for her smile, hm? That's very sweet, Aragaki... [ She means, that genuinely, although there is a slight teasing lilt to her voice that he can't miss because... well, it's them. Neither of them are exactly known for being outwardly sentimental, although if she were completely honest with herself she is somewhat of a romantic.
Even if that particular confession would make Akihiko choke on his protein shake in disbelief.
Although now she actually has to consider what he's saying. What is the difference between a friend and someone you're attracted to in that way? Wanting someone around, wanting to make them smile, perhaps forget their troubles for once, even if it's just for a little while...
Does she have someone here like that? ]
...Did it ever bother you that she's not human?
[ Specific and honestly, she's not entirely sure why she's asking that particular question... not yet at least. Only that seems important to consider... ]
Shut up, princess. [It's said with a groan because she's right. It is sickly sweet and gross and stupid. Which is just how these things naturally kind of are. At the end of the day, everyone has a desire to feel wanted or needed and wants to be able to express safety for someone else.
Her question, though, is both curious and bold, and he lifts an eyebrow at her getting right to the heart of it. But it's Mitsuru, and she isn't asked with the sort of impish deviance that Scott might, or something. So Shinjiro just shakes his head instead.]
Nah. She just is what she is. Which is.... Easier in a lot of ways? Like she'd been through death herself, once. She kind of.... Gets it in a way that most people don't. But she's both this proud goddess and this girl who doesn't think she deserves anything, so-- I dunno, what's more human than that?
[He goes to take another drink of his boba tea, thankfully avoiding one of the jelly balls popping him on the throat when it's free of the straw. These are kind of a pain to drink.]
As for her body and stuff... Like I said I that's just who and what she is.
Her question, though, is both curious and bold, and he lifts an eyebrow at her getting right to the heart of it. But it's Mitsuru, and she isn't asked with the sort of impish deviance that Scott might, or something. So Shinjiro just shakes his head instead.]
Nah. She just is what she is. Which is.... Easier in a lot of ways? Like she'd been through death herself, once. She kind of.... Gets it in a way that most people don't. But she's both this proud goddess and this girl who doesn't think she deserves anything, so-- I dunno, what's more human than that?
[He goes to take another drink of his boba tea, thankfully avoiding one of the jelly balls popping him on the throat when it's free of the straw. These are kind of a pain to drink.]
As for her body and stuff... Like I said I that's just who and what she is.
[ "Princess", ah yes, there it is. That infuriating nickname that usually mildly annoys her these days but is confirmation that her gentle teasing has struck a nerve in this case. Her amused smile in response says just as much.
It wouldn't be appropriate to continue smirking at him much longer though, not with Shinjiro actually making the effort to talk to her about this, to open up. That in itself is a sign of change, although she still isn't certain she can reciprocate fully - perhaps she was being left behind in that regard? Just like when she was once worried was happening with Akihiko. A worry niggling at the back of her mind that her friends are experiencing personal growth, yet she remains here, in the same place, stagnant. And yet hadn't she changed so much? After everything she'd been through back home? ]
So it isn't impossible then, for that not to be an obstacle. I expect it never even crossed your mind to be concerned about it because it just didn't matter to you what she was...
[ She's not sure where this train of thought is going, only that she needs to take another sip of her own bizarre drink for a moment. Like him, she is finding the jelly balls to be rather a hindrance... Still, after chewing another she continues. ]
I'm glad for you, Shinjiro. Glad that you have someone.
It wouldn't be appropriate to continue smirking at him much longer though, not with Shinjiro actually making the effort to talk to her about this, to open up. That in itself is a sign of change, although she still isn't certain she can reciprocate fully - perhaps she was being left behind in that regard? Just like when she was once worried was happening with Akihiko. A worry niggling at the back of her mind that her friends are experiencing personal growth, yet she remains here, in the same place, stagnant. And yet hadn't she changed so much? After everything she'd been through back home? ]
So it isn't impossible then, for that not to be an obstacle. I expect it never even crossed your mind to be concerned about it because it just didn't matter to you what she was...
[ She's not sure where this train of thought is going, only that she needs to take another sip of her own bizarre drink for a moment. Like him, she is finding the jelly balls to be rather a hindrance... Still, after chewing another she continues. ]
I'm glad for you, Shinjiro. Glad that you have someone.
Ah... Yeah.
[They're talking about cute feelings stuff. He absolutely doesn't need to note that he found the six arms and massive snake torso and everything about her really hot, actually. It absolutely occurred to him what she was, but-- like Mitsuru said, not in a way that mattered.]
Basically that.
[And it really is a huge difference for them now. Sitting across from each other, tentatively talking about things that are personal, things with no wider meaning aside from how they feel. No major responsibilities or expected roles to fill or shows of bravado. Mitsuru entertaining the conversation without assuming the role of a fascinated outsider is a step in the right direction-- and Shinjiro himself feels like he's grown near unrecognizable at times.
Funny what a year and a complete change of circumstances will do.
He reaches over for one of the cookies, glancing across at Mitsuru a bit more intently.]
But I didn't come here to dote about my girlfriend. Whose the girl or guy you're thinking about when you're asking me that stuff?
[They're talking about cute feelings stuff. He absolutely doesn't need to note that he found the six arms and massive snake torso and everything about her really hot, actually. It absolutely occurred to him what she was, but-- like Mitsuru said, not in a way that mattered.]
Basically that.
[And it really is a huge difference for them now. Sitting across from each other, tentatively talking about things that are personal, things with no wider meaning aside from how they feel. No major responsibilities or expected roles to fill or shows of bravado. Mitsuru entertaining the conversation without assuming the role of a fascinated outsider is a step in the right direction-- and Shinjiro himself feels like he's grown near unrecognizable at times.
Funny what a year and a complete change of circumstances will do.
He reaches over for one of the cookies, glancing across at Mitsuru a bit more intently.]
But I didn't come here to dote about my girlfriend. Whose the girl or guy you're thinking about when you're asking me that stuff?
By all means continue to dote if you wish. It's strange seeing you like this... but not in a bad way. Sort of like a dog walking on its hindlegs...
[ She chuckles softly... And ah, yes, there it is, the inevitable change, turning this whole discussion back around to her. Why even bother? There isn't anything to talk about. ]
I don't have anyone like that.
[ Right. Easy answer. She says it quickly, as though she doesn't even have to think about it as she reaches for one of the cookies herself.
She takes a bite, chewing it thoughtfully, mulling over everything he'd said and... ]
There is someone that I spend a lot of time with but it's- [ She pauses. ] it's not comparable at all. He's human and it's not romantic.
[ The lie about him being "human" is automatic, smooth. She could be exceptionally deceptive when she chose to be. Yukari might be her best friend now but even she would attest to that. She had said she wouldn't tell anyone and she meant it. ]
...We did go to get fast food pizza at 1am once. That was... surprisingly enjoyable.
[ It doesn't occur to her that that's a really weird thing for Mitsuru Kirijo to go and do. Not for one minute... ]
[ She chuckles softly... And ah, yes, there it is, the inevitable change, turning this whole discussion back around to her. Why even bother? There isn't anything to talk about. ]
I don't have anyone like that.
[ Right. Easy answer. She says it quickly, as though she doesn't even have to think about it as she reaches for one of the cookies herself.
She takes a bite, chewing it thoughtfully, mulling over everything he'd said and... ]
There is someone that I spend a lot of time with but it's- [ She pauses. ] it's not comparable at all. He's human and it's not romantic.
[ The lie about him being "human" is automatic, smooth. She could be exceptionally deceptive when she chose to be. Yukari might be her best friend now but even she would attest to that. She had said she wouldn't tell anyone and she meant it. ]
...We did go to get fast food pizza at 1am once. That was... surprisingly enjoyable.
[ It doesn't occur to her that that's a really weird thing for Mitsuru Kirijo to go and do. Not for one minute... ]
Oh yeah? Or maybe strange like President Kirijo herself hand washing her panties in the sink?
[yeah, remember when we first showed up in Aldrip and had no washer? Shinjiro remembers. Even if he never actually saw her washing her underwear, he's sure it happened. No way Mitsuru would tolerate wearing five-day-old crusty panties.
But there it is. No one quite like he and Dara, but someone she's met organically and been hanging out with. Possibly independently of her work or her status or anything. The fact that him being human is a lie goes completely unnoticed by Shinjiro-- Mitsuru is deft, and he has no reason to suspect they wouldn't be.]
Yeah? Good. [His lips turn up, clearly pleased to hear that. Is 1 am Pizza weird for her? Sure. Does she deserve it? Absolutely.]
I can see how that'd be weird for you. You never really got the chance to just.... Make friends with someone outside of school or SEES or anything, huh.
[there could be something said about it being lonely at the top-- but as true as it is, that feels trite, too simplifying.]
You don't have to be 'Kirijo-sama' here. You can just be Mitsuru.
[yeah, remember when we first showed up in Aldrip and had no washer? Shinjiro remembers. Even if he never actually saw her washing her underwear, he's sure it happened. No way Mitsuru would tolerate wearing five-day-old crusty panties.
But there it is. No one quite like he and Dara, but someone she's met organically and been hanging out with. Possibly independently of her work or her status or anything. The fact that him being human is a lie goes completely unnoticed by Shinjiro-- Mitsuru is deft, and he has no reason to suspect they wouldn't be.]
Yeah? Good. [His lips turn up, clearly pleased to hear that. Is 1 am Pizza weird for her? Sure. Does she deserve it? Absolutely.]
I can see how that'd be weird for you. You never really got the chance to just.... Make friends with someone outside of school or SEES or anything, huh.
[there could be something said about it being lonely at the top-- but as true as it is, that feels trite, too simplifying.]
You don't have to be 'Kirijo-sama' here. You can just be Mitsuru.
[ That is met with an outraged spluttering noise. ]
You've never seen me do any such thing! Please refrain from mentioning my underwear when we're actually having a civilised conversation.
[ Not when she's made such a concerted effort for certain things to forever remain a mystery to him, no matter how long they might live in close proximity to one another... ]
...Perhaps I should I feel embarrassed to admit it, but... yes. I've never had many friends in general.
[ No matter how popular she might, how respected and admired... none of that stuff necessarily meant having actual friendships. If anything it meant people were usually intimidated by her and that always made it easier for her to keep them at arm's length. ]
You're right though. I'm glad of that - although I cannot say that I don't miss the benefits "Kirijo-sama" had. Having my laundry done for me for example.
[ She smiles at that, well aware of how it sounds but... Honestly, who would ever willingly do laundry again if they had someone else to do it for them?
Although all of this friendship talk has her wondering something... she suddenly looks distinctly more awkward for a moment. ]
...Have you ever held Akihiko's hand? [ What is this question even, Mitsuru...?? ] Or, well, any good friend's hand really?
[ Implying that a) Shinjiro would ever be the hand holding type and b) that he had any good friends outside of Akihiko... Except, well, she happens to know that he'd branched out far more than he ever had back home, made more friends. In which case, perhaps he's in a better position to enlighten her? ]
You've never seen me do any such thing! Please refrain from mentioning my underwear when we're actually having a civilised conversation.
[ Not when she's made such a concerted effort for certain things to forever remain a mystery to him, no matter how long they might live in close proximity to one another... ]
...Perhaps I should I feel embarrassed to admit it, but... yes. I've never had many friends in general.
[ No matter how popular she might, how respected and admired... none of that stuff necessarily meant having actual friendships. If anything it meant people were usually intimidated by her and that always made it easier for her to keep them at arm's length. ]
You're right though. I'm glad of that - although I cannot say that I don't miss the benefits "Kirijo-sama" had. Having my laundry done for me for example.
[ She smiles at that, well aware of how it sounds but... Honestly, who would ever willingly do laundry again if they had someone else to do it for them?
Although all of this friendship talk has her wondering something... she suddenly looks distinctly more awkward for a moment. ]
...Have you ever held Akihiko's hand? [ What is this question even, Mitsuru...?? ] Or, well, any good friend's hand really?
[ Implying that a) Shinjiro would ever be the hand holding type and b) that he had any good friends outside of Akihiko... Except, well, she happens to know that he'd branched out far more than he ever had back home, made more friends. In which case, perhaps he's in a better position to enlighten her? ]
[Rough laughter and nodding is the only response she gets to her outburst-- that's the absolute limit, she's made it clear, and it's likely that if they weren't in the middle of this talk, he'd be executed on the spot. Understood. He lifts a hand in surrender, more than happy to leave that one alone in favour of their talk of friends.]
Nah, nothing embarrassing about it. It's not like I've had many friends before either.
[And then she asks: 'Have you ever held Akihiko's hand? and instantly his thoughts are to those nights in an unfamiliar home, immediately after the fire, his best friend inconsolable no matter how tightly Shinjiro held onto him--]
As kids, sure. Probably haven't in years, though.
[He shrugs, reaching out for another one of those cookies. He'll have to remember that bakery.]
Aki was pretty emotional as a kid, so it came with the territory. I guess after a while it just sort of stopped.
[He's not sure who pulled away. Himself probably. Once Akihiko had his new family and his goals and could stand up comfortably on his own and fight with his own purpose.]
I bet Kotone's the kind to hold hands with everyone, though. Probably doesn't even ask.
Nah, nothing embarrassing about it. It's not like I've had many friends before either.
[And then she asks: 'Have you ever held Akihiko's hand? and instantly his thoughts are to those nights in an unfamiliar home, immediately after the fire, his best friend inconsolable no matter how tightly Shinjiro held onto him--]
As kids, sure. Probably haven't in years, though.
[He shrugs, reaching out for another one of those cookies. He'll have to remember that bakery.]
Aki was pretty emotional as a kid, so it came with the territory. I guess after a while it just sort of stopped.
[He's not sure who pulled away. Himself probably. Once Akihiko had his new family and his goals and could stand up comfortably on his own and fight with his own purpose.]
I bet Kotone's the kind to hold hands with everyone, though. Probably doesn't even ask.
[ Hey, if he doesn’t make a note to remember the name of that bakery then she will prompt him. These are good.
And right, of course they would have held hands as small children. It hadn’t been what she was thinking of when she asked the question about them but of course that makes sense. ]
…Somehow the image of him being emotional always makes a lot of sense. These days I think he just channels it differently. [ You know, into punching things. ]
And I think you’re right about Shiomi. That seems just like her…
[ For a moment she has a strong recollection of that time she had been hit with corruption and Kotone hadn’t exactly taken no for an answer in dragging her out of the house… She’s probably one of the few that would dare do something like that with her. ]
So then you don’t think it’s… unusual? It can simply be a friendly gesture.
And right, of course they would have held hands as small children. It hadn’t been what she was thinking of when she asked the question about them but of course that makes sense. ]
…Somehow the image of him being emotional always makes a lot of sense. These days I think he just channels it differently. [ You know, into punching things. ]
And I think you’re right about Shiomi. That seems just like her…
[ For a moment she has a strong recollection of that time she had been hit with corruption and Kotone hadn’t exactly taken no for an answer in dragging her out of the house… She’s probably one of the few that would dare do something like that with her. ]
So then you don’t think it’s… unusual? It can simply be a friendly gesture.
[ he knows, that whatever mitsuru was saying - that isn't the point. he understands it. but nevertheless there he goes again; running away again, deliberately acting obtuse behind eyes scrunching into a tight smile behind the tinted sunglasses.
it's a welcome distraction when eleanor appears from where she was enthroned on her fancy cushion on his bed in the other room, staring at them with (what he thinks) is an indignant gaze even while her tail sways to rest against mitsuru's leg in a clear show of "pay attention to me". it gives him an excuse to pull his hands away, taking a step back to let the cat take centre stage. ]
... Um, let me just - [ floundering, his eyes land on the spillage still on the ground, and vash jumps at the chance - moving towards the stove to fuss with the pot and its contents. ]
Right! I was making - soup! I hope it hasn't burnt!!!
it's a welcome distraction when eleanor appears from where she was enthroned on her fancy cushion on his bed in the other room, staring at them with (what he thinks) is an indignant gaze even while her tail sways to rest against mitsuru's leg in a clear show of "pay attention to me". it gives him an excuse to pull his hands away, taking a step back to let the cat take centre stage. ]
... Um, let me just - [ floundering, his eyes land on the spillage still on the ground, and vash jumps at the chance - moving towards the stove to fuss with the pot and its contents. ]
Right! I was making - soup! I hope it hasn't burnt!!!
It doesn't smell burnt.
[ It's meant as reassurance and anyway, it has to be pretty difficult to burn soup, right? Not that she had made a lot of the stuff ever in her life but still.
She scoops the attention seeking feline up into her arms, immediately taking comfort in the animal's warmth as she watches Vash fuss with the pot. ]
...Did you want me to wash your shirt for you, before I go?
[ You know, seeing as one of the first things Shinjiro taught her how to do when the realised they were stuck in this place indefinitely was to hand wash her own clothes.
She should go, she thinks, even if she doesn't actually want to. She'd just grabbed both of his hands, just like that, without even thinking about it because it had felt like the right thing to do, she had wanted to do it... Now she's questioning herself, falling into her usual habit of silently overanalysing her every thought and action. She's torn between wanting to hold them again, tell him what a fool she thinks he is for thinking he needs to hide what he is, what he looks like from her and fleeing and retreating herself.
Instead, she'll paint the perfect image of calm as per usual. ]
The gift I bought as a thank you is over there on the table by the way.
[ The box of donuts she almost dropped during shirtless panic. ]
[ It's meant as reassurance and anyway, it has to be pretty difficult to burn soup, right? Not that she had made a lot of the stuff ever in her life but still.
She scoops the attention seeking feline up into her arms, immediately taking comfort in the animal's warmth as she watches Vash fuss with the pot. ]
...Did you want me to wash your shirt for you, before I go?
[ You know, seeing as one of the first things Shinjiro taught her how to do when the realised they were stuck in this place indefinitely was to hand wash her own clothes.
She should go, she thinks, even if she doesn't actually want to. She'd just grabbed both of his hands, just like that, without even thinking about it because it had felt like the right thing to do, she had wanted to do it... Now she's questioning herself, falling into her usual habit of silently overanalysing her every thought and action. She's torn between wanting to hold them again, tell him what a fool she thinks he is for thinking he needs to hide what he is, what he looks like from her and fleeing and retreating herself.
Instead, she'll paint the perfect image of calm as per usual. ]
The gift I bought as a thank you is over there on the table by the way.
[ The box of donuts she almost dropped during shirtless panic. ]
[ Whatever doubts Mitsuru had about how well behaved a boar could possibly be in a casino are quickly set to rest by Whitey and his exceptional decorum. It must come from belonging to a king and being at court - or soon-to-be-king she supposes.
She’s engrossed in paperwork when the knock on the door comes later and it momentarily startles her, given how hard she was concentrating on her work. Business accounts really are mind numbing she realises.
The redhead smiles, reserved yet friendly enough as she opens the door to admit Richard. It’s still odd and surreal to hear someone actually introduce themselves with that famous surname she knows from history books. ]
Your Grace, welcome. Please take a seat.
[ She gestures to the two chairs facing her desk. It feels weird admitting an actual monarch to her office in a casino and asking him to sit but here they are. ]
How may I be of assistance?
She’s engrossed in paperwork when the knock on the door comes later and it momentarily startles her, given how hard she was concentrating on her work. Business accounts really are mind numbing she realises.
The redhead smiles, reserved yet friendly enough as she opens the door to admit Richard. It’s still odd and surreal to hear someone actually introduce themselves with that famous surname she knows from history books. ]
Your Grace, welcome. Please take a seat.
[ She gestures to the two chairs facing her desk. It feels weird admitting an actual monarch to her office in a casino and asking him to sit but here they are. ]
How may I be of assistance?
[ difficult to burn soup? you'd be surprised ...
in any case, it's not in any danger of burning - thanks to mitsuru having enough foresight to turn the heat off earlier before all the fiasco started - but vash keeps his back turned to the other two as he fusses around with it, unnecessarily fiddling with the knobs of the stove and giving it a few good stirs.
his shoulders curl in on themselves, the hunching of his spine made more obvious without the protective shell-layer of his coat in the way - but vash's laugh is almost back to normal; easy and familiar. practiced. ]
Thank you, but ... I can do it.
[ he's already caused her so much trouble already, so he can't really ask her to do the laundry on top of all that, you know? he'll throw it in the sink to soak after she's gone.
quickly, he makes sure that the soup is still okay - despite everything - and ladles it into the thermos, cuts the bread, packing them all neatly into a bundle that's easy to carry even alongside eleanor's carrier, turning around back to her just in time for mitsuru to point out the gift she'd brought. ]
You didn't have to! It really was nothing!
in any case, it's not in any danger of burning - thanks to mitsuru having enough foresight to turn the heat off earlier before all the fiasco started - but vash keeps his back turned to the other two as he fusses around with it, unnecessarily fiddling with the knobs of the stove and giving it a few good stirs.
his shoulders curl in on themselves, the hunching of his spine made more obvious without the protective shell-layer of his coat in the way - but vash's laugh is almost back to normal; easy and familiar. practiced. ]
Thank you, but ... I can do it.
[ he's already caused her so much trouble already, so he can't really ask her to do the laundry on top of all that, you know? he'll throw it in the sink to soak after she's gone.
quickly, he makes sure that the soup is still okay - despite everything - and ladles it into the thermos, cuts the bread, packing them all neatly into a bundle that's easy to carry even alongside eleanor's carrier, turning around back to her just in time for mitsuru to point out the gift she'd brought. ]
You didn't have to! It really was nothing!
[ Busying herself with getting her cat ready to go home seems like the right thing to do. Eleanor isn't exactly delighted about being put back into her carrier - although as far as pet carriers go it is ridiculously plush so resistance is fairly minimal. The feline clearly likes Vash and doesn't seem all that happy about going, various disgruntled noises announcing it for them both to hear - but then going home also means snuggles with "mum" so it's a good compromise. The disgruntled meows from inside the carrier continue but only very intermittently as Mitsuru turns her attention back to Vash. ]
And you didn't have to make that for me so I suppose we're somewhat even.
[ Honestly, she had been far too guilty in the past of returning from work and not fixing herself a proper meal. She tended to get carried away with her work, with her thoughts - it was the same back at Gekkoukan and fighting Shadows and it's not always that much different here. Without Shinjiro around she was more inclined to slip back into that little bad habit - late nights and not nearly enough sustenance.
Basically, the soup is appreciated. ]
Thank you. I'll return the thermos to you next time you're on a security shift. [ She holds out the carrier for a moment before she retrieves said thermos bundle. ] ...You had better say goodbye to her through the door or I'm sure she will sulk.
And you didn't have to make that for me so I suppose we're somewhat even.
[ Honestly, she had been far too guilty in the past of returning from work and not fixing herself a proper meal. She tended to get carried away with her work, with her thoughts - it was the same back at Gekkoukan and fighting Shadows and it's not always that much different here. Without Shinjiro around she was more inclined to slip back into that little bad habit - late nights and not nearly enough sustenance.
Basically, the soup is appreciated. ]
Thank you. I'll return the thermos to you next time you're on a security shift. [ She holds out the carrier for a moment before she retrieves said thermos bundle. ] ...You had better say goodbye to her through the door or I'm sure she will sulk.
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