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Mm-mm. He always tells me when he's going somewhere.
[This time Kotone's hum is decidedly negative as she sets the plates out in their usual spot, arranging her cookies, muffins, and little sandwiches on a tray to make them easier to grab. She still tries for a smile as she glances toward Mitsuru, though, not wanting to worry her.]
He's probably gone from Aldrip. Sometimes people are gone for a week and then they come back with more memories from stuff that happened at home.
[There's a pause, then she goes back to arranging her snacks. They both know that sometimes, people disappear, and they don't come back -- or if they do, they don't remember anything from their time away.]
Phoenix is still here, so... [That has to mean something, right? Phoenix crows triumphantly, beating her wings without letting go of Mitsuru's arm.]
[This time Kotone's hum is decidedly negative as she sets the plates out in their usual spot, arranging her cookies, muffins, and little sandwiches on a tray to make them easier to grab. She still tries for a smile as she glances toward Mitsuru, though, not wanting to worry her.]
He's probably gone from Aldrip. Sometimes people are gone for a week and then they come back with more memories from stuff that happened at home.
[There's a pause, then she goes back to arranging her snacks. They both know that sometimes, people disappear, and they don't come back -- or if they do, they don't remember anything from their time away.]
Phoenix is still here, so... [That has to mean something, right? Phoenix crows triumphantly, beating her wings without letting go of Mitsuru's arm.]
[ Of course he tells her, she'd be surprised if they had any other kind of agreement as a couple living together... Or at least that's vaguely what Mitsuru imagines couples do. She has no personal experience of that after all.
She'd offer to make herself useful on the snack front but her friend has that handled. Besides, she's always better at the tea making. She'd prepared a pot ready for Kotone's arrival - a white tea blend with hibiscus and a little rose petals in it, the result being a pleasant pink shade. Possibly something Yukari would appreciate more but she figures it would be nice for tea with Kotone as well. ]
Mm, just like what happened to me. [ She sincerely hopes for Kotone sake that this is exactly what is going to happen in Scott's case. Bird still on her arm (in fact she encourages it to hop further up so it can sit on her shoulder while she busies herself), despite the crowing and beating of her wings that almost has Mitsuru startled for a moment, she places the tea pot and cups in the center of their table with the snacks, looking pensive. Perhaps even a little melancholy? ]
...You've been here longer than I have, have you ever come across a case where an individual was gone for longer than a week yet still returned as you mentioned?
She'd offer to make herself useful on the snack front but her friend has that handled. Besides, she's always better at the tea making. She'd prepared a pot ready for Kotone's arrival - a white tea blend with hibiscus and a little rose petals in it, the result being a pleasant pink shade. Possibly something Yukari would appreciate more but she figures it would be nice for tea with Kotone as well. ]
Mm, just like what happened to me. [ She sincerely hopes for Kotone sake that this is exactly what is going to happen in Scott's case. Bird still on her arm (in fact she encourages it to hop further up so it can sit on her shoulder while she busies herself), despite the crowing and beating of her wings that almost has Mitsuru startled for a moment, she places the tea pot and cups in the center of their table with the snacks, looking pensive. Perhaps even a little melancholy? ]
...You've been here longer than I have, have you ever come across a case where an individual was gone for longer than a week yet still returned as you mentioned?
Edited 2025-03-24 21:45 (UTC)
[Ah? Phoenix can be taller? She'll absolutely take that opportunity to perch atop Mitsuru's shoulder, lording over her latest domain with a pleased little coo.
Kotone, for her part, just nods in agreement. It's exactly like what happened to Mitsuru -- hopefully -- and not like what happened with Shinji and Akihiko. She doesn't have to say that part out loud, though; they both already know, after all.
Settling into her spot at the table, she hums again, equally as pensive. In the past, maybe, she'd have hedged a little, tried for a more pleasant not-quite-truth to make either Mitsuru or herself feel better. So many people had scolded her for that in her time here that it just doesn't feel right to do it with Mitsuru of all people, so Kotone just tucks her hands under her thighs and shrugs.]
Uh-uh. I mean, maybe somebody has...? But I've never heard about it. Scott-- [would know she almost says, ready to pass on her responsibility to him as usual. But she can't do that right now, can she? So she looks back up at Mitsuru and, as she so often does, tries to shift the focus of attention.] Are you thinking about anybody specifically, Senpai?
Kotone, for her part, just nods in agreement. It's exactly like what happened to Mitsuru -- hopefully -- and not like what happened with Shinji and Akihiko. She doesn't have to say that part out loud, though; they both already know, after all.
Settling into her spot at the table, she hums again, equally as pensive. In the past, maybe, she'd have hedged a little, tried for a more pleasant not-quite-truth to make either Mitsuru or herself feel better. So many people had scolded her for that in her time here that it just doesn't feel right to do it with Mitsuru of all people, so Kotone just tucks her hands under her thighs and shrugs.]
Uh-uh. I mean, maybe somebody has...? But I've never heard about it. Scott-- [would know she almost says, ready to pass on her responsibility to him as usual. But she can't do that right now, can she? So she looks back up at Mitsuru and, as she so often does, tries to shift the focus of attention.] Are you thinking about anybody specifically, Senpai?
[ The bird is slowly endearing herself to Mitsuru in the process, even if she is fiery and the exact opposite element that the redhead wants near her at any given time. ]
I thought as much. [ She appreciates the honesty... even if it isn't exactly what she wants to hear right now, letting a little of that show in her voice. The days are ticking by after all, sometimes at what seems like an ever more alarming rate.
She's taken aback slightly when the focus is shifted onto her- of course it reminds her of a certain obvious someonestill a little hard to wrap her around the fact that there are two of them at times. Never the best at talking about private matters concerning herself though it takes her a suspiciously long minute or so to answer. ]
Just a friend of mine. At first I thought he might have gone elsewhere of his own volition but I think it might be the same situation.
I thought as much. [ She appreciates the honesty... even if it isn't exactly what she wants to hear right now, letting a little of that show in her voice. The days are ticking by after all, sometimes at what seems like an ever more alarming rate.
She's taken aback slightly when the focus is shifted onto her- of course it reminds her of a certain obvious someone
Just a friend of mine. At first I thought he might have gone elsewhere of his own volition but I think it might be the same situation.
Motorcycle?!
[ sorry, eleanor - the slight raise in his voice is enough to tick her off, so she's going to jump out of his arms and stalk her way back inside - leaving the two of them stranded on the porch and his shirtfront full of white fluffy fur.
he makes a halfhearted attempt at picking them off before giving up (he never really tries for too long - it's kind of a futile effort), opting to shove his hands into the pockets of his jacket again. ]
Sorry, I didn't know you rode one.
[ sorry, eleanor - the slight raise in his voice is enough to tick her off, so she's going to jump out of his arms and stalk her way back inside - leaving the two of them stranded on the porch and his shirtfront full of white fluffy fur.
he makes a halfhearted attempt at picking them off before giving up (he never really tries for too long - it's kind of a futile effort), opting to shove his hands into the pockets of his jacket again. ]
Sorry, I didn't know you rode one.
[ Thanks, Eleanor, you traitor, abandoning her like this. She eyes the retreating furball as she dashes back inside, convenient distraction gone. Maybe that was the feline's plan all along? ]
Yes, well, I gave it up actually, not long before I came here so I likely just didn't mention it.
[ She doesn't know why her voice sounds so uncomfortable all of a sudden, especially for someone normally so sure of herself. Everything feels awkward, stilted even and she eyes Vash in front of her, making a futile attempt at picking off the white cat hair now stuck to the front of his shirt before giving up and shoving his hands in his pockets. This is so embarrassing- she doesn't even know what on earth she's thinking after everything but-
She takes the necessary steps forward, enough to completely close the gap between them and throw her arms around him in a way she will absolutely deem as unnecessarily melodramatic later, amongst a load of other things. They're on her doorstep for heaven's sake. The height difference between them means she at least doesn't have to look him in the eye as she mutters into the front of his shirt. ]
...I trust you're aware this whole thing is terribly awkward. Can we stop it now please?
[ Even if she might have just made it worse. Who cares? For once. She missed him. ]
Yes, well, I gave it up actually, not long before I came here so I likely just didn't mention it.
[ She doesn't know why her voice sounds so uncomfortable all of a sudden, especially for someone normally so sure of herself. Everything feels awkward, stilted even and she eyes Vash in front of her, making a futile attempt at picking off the white cat hair now stuck to the front of his shirt before giving up and shoving his hands in his pockets. This is so embarrassing- she doesn't even know what on earth she's thinking after everything but-
She takes the necessary steps forward, enough to completely close the gap between them and throw her arms around him in a way she will absolutely deem as unnecessarily melodramatic later, amongst a load of other things. They're on her doorstep for heaven's sake. The height difference between them means she at least doesn't have to look him in the eye as she mutters into the front of his shirt. ]
...I trust you're aware this whole thing is terribly awkward. Can we stop it now please?
[ Even if she might have just made it worse. Who cares? For once. She missed him. ]
[ okay, nobody is going to think of it as a melodramatic gesture - well, maybe, if anyone happened to be passing by her place right that minute - but vash certainly isn't thinking that!!! no sir, this is just a friendly hug, right? because he's been missing for so long?? not at all missed, of course! it's just because he'd promised to help with a bunch of stuff and then disappeared on her and not to mention a lot of other people, there's really nothing more than that!!!
the laugh is more automatic than not, a reflex when his brain is too scrambled from everything that's happening to react properly - and after a second or two he tentatively raises his arms to pat her upper arms, or at least that's how far he can reach in his current position ... ]
You're not ... mad?
[ possibly one of the stupidest questions that he's ever asked in all his life, really, but if anything vash does sound genuinely concerned about it. ]
the laugh is more automatic than not, a reflex when his brain is too scrambled from everything that's happening to react properly - and after a second or two he tentatively raises his arms to pat her upper arms, or at least that's how far he can reach in his current position ... ]
You're not ... mad?
[ possibly one of the stupidest questions that he's ever asked in all his life, really, but if anything vash does sound genuinely concerned about it. ]
Mad?
[ Of all the emotions she had been feeling that is one of the few she'd been the furthest from. She sounds confused and her bewilderment at the question shows in her face, when she raises her head to look up at him. ]
Why would you think that?
[ Of all the emotions she had been feeling that is one of the few she'd been the furthest from. She sounds confused and her bewilderment at the question shows in her face, when she raises her head to look up at him. ]
Why would you think that?
Hahaha, I don't know? I mean, nothing! I just-
[ god, he's really over here making it awkward, isn't he? and that's the one thing she asked to not happen. come on, vash!!!!
he fidgets - without really trying to, you know - when she raises her head up, and tries to keep the reassuring brightness up in the inflection of his voice. ]
--Anyway, you should show me the bike! I've never ridden one before, it looks pretty difficult!!
[ god, he's really over here making it awkward, isn't he? and that's the one thing she asked to not happen. come on, vash!!!!
he fidgets - without really trying to, you know - when she raises her head up, and tries to keep the reassuring brightness up in the inflection of his voice. ]
--Anyway, you should show me the bike! I've never ridden one before, it looks pretty difficult!!
[ It's probably good that he's changed the subject, really. She might have only blurted out something embarrassing, something about how can she be mad when she'd missed him so much? That she'd felt a whole host of other things and none of them had the slightest thing to do with being mad... So, yes. It's good, to focus on other things, even if it does leave her with a slight constrictive feeling in her chest. ]
Of course, if you'd really like to see it.
[ Closing the front door completely now so Eleanor can't decide to scarper outside again, she'll release her hold on him, stepping away with some kind of dignity despite everything to lead him around the side of the house where's currently keeping the motorcycle locked. There's a cover over it to protect it from the elements and she removes that promptly to reveal the gleaming white bike beneath it. ]
It can be a little tricky at first, yes. Nothing too taxing though. [ Not for her anyway... ]
Of course, if you'd really like to see it.
[ Closing the front door completely now so Eleanor can't decide to scarper outside again, she'll release her hold on him, stepping away with some kind of dignity despite everything to lead him around the side of the house where's currently keeping the motorcycle locked. There's a cover over it to protect it from the elements and she removes that promptly to reveal the gleaming white bike beneath it. ]
It can be a little tricky at first, yes. Nothing too taxing though. [ Not for her anyway... ]
Edited 2025-04-11 07:39 (UTC)
[ misdirection is the one thing vash can do, and do it well! it's not that he's exactly lying about it either by changing the topic like this, since he is genuinely curious - not that mitsuru doesn't seem like a type to ride motorcycles around places, but ... well ... surely he isn't the only one who is surprised at finding out things like that? ]
I do!!!
[ he can't help but feel a bit disappointed when mitsuru steps away though - despite all of the jittery awkwardness he is feeling about it; it's much less about the hug than it is some niggling, awful, guilty feeling that curls heavy in the base of his skull. but with a little full-body shake he follows her a few paces behind, being led around to where she's got the bike covered up.
and once he sees the shiny white bike ... well. ]
It's beautiful, [ okay, he's heard people say that about vehicles before ... but this is probably the first time that he's actually realised what they mean by it. ] Have you tried it out already?
I do!!!
[ he can't help but feel a bit disappointed when mitsuru steps away though - despite all of the jittery awkwardness he is feeling about it; it's much less about the hug than it is some niggling, awful, guilty feeling that curls heavy in the base of his skull. but with a little full-body shake he follows her a few paces behind, being led around to where she's got the bike covered up.
and once he sees the shiny white bike ... well. ]
It's beautiful, [ okay, he's heard people say that about vehicles before ... but this is probably the first time that he's actually realised what they mean by it. ] Have you tried it out already?
[ There's a small, wry smile on her lips at the question. ] Almost as soon as I got it back.
[ Turns out she missed it more than she realised. Having a go on one of Mikey's really hadn't be the same as having her own again and well... she always used to picture riding away from all of her problems on that bike. Turns out certain bad habits die hard...
Anyway, totally dismissing any of those kinds of thoughts, she eyes him curiously. ]
Have you ever wanted to ride one?
[ Turns out she missed it more than she realised. Having a go on one of Mikey's really hadn't be the same as having her own again and well... she always used to picture riding away from all of her problems on that bike. Turns out certain bad habits die hard...
Anyway, totally dismissing any of those kinds of thoughts, she eyes him curiously. ]
Have you ever wanted to ride one?
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