maskreant | INBOX

[ Sometime in the nebulous eveningtime because time is a joke in roleplay, Akira's getting a selfie of Elizabeth in front of Catmosphere and the text "meet me here for a special reward".

...and when he does, because there are no ifs in friendship and it's bros before hos anyway, he'll find her with a small bag of round gingerbread cookies—which, naturally, she'll hold out to him the way someone does when they're confessing. ]

Please take my earnest feelings and snack on them to your heart's content, Aki. [ SO VERY SERIOUS... but she straightens up after a moment and takes him in carefully. She sort of wants to hug him, um— ] I'm happy to see you again.

[ She's right. Even if he reeks of pastries and chocolate from the mochi home, he suits up to meet her when he receives the text. Usually, he would be at work, but he did ask for a month off... Hopefully, his manager won't catch him.

With a small wave, he makes his appearance only to be completely blindsided by the hug right after he plucks the bag from her hands. Blinking ever so slowly, he's wondering what's going on? What's this sensation? Something is definitely coiling around his midsection, but he isn't dying yet.

This is awkward because in one hand is her bag of cookies, then the other hand is a mug canister he brought for her. What does he do? ]

I'm glad to see you still exist, Liz.

[ ... Then he whispers: ]

Hugs are supposed to be tighter than this.

[ ...Oh, shut up, Akira. She gives him a firm squeeze before she steps back, smoothing her hands over her jacket idly. Keeping him in at least her peripheral, because she's almost afraid that if she looks away for too long, he's just going to suddenly disappear. ]

My sincerest apologies. I'm unused to giving and receiving physical contact still. [ sure is just saying that. ] I wouldn't want to accidentally crush you either... I'm stronger than I look, you know.

[ Wow... That gesture makes it seem like she touched something dirty? That's rude, Elizabeth. When she peels herself off, his shoulders roll back as if he can finally breathe. ]

I'm sure you know how to keep yourself under control. Let me give you one example, anyway.

[ Here comes the bear hug as he lifts her up into the air for a full spin around. ]

[ Oh—! She can't help the surprised laugh that bubbles out, her arms going around his neck involuntarily. Well, well. ]

No wonder Goro's so fond of you, Aki. [ She's affectionately saying so once she's back on the ground, leaning back a little. ] You're full of surprises... and wonderful teachings. Are you a good... Let's see, what did Goro say... A good sensei to him?

I wouldn't say that. If anything, I think I'm learning more from him than I would like.

[ When he's done after he does his impersonation of a washing machine with her, back and forth, he sets her down. ]

Should I take it that you've become just as fond of me?

[ Gently, he rests his bag of chocolates on her head, holding onto the ribbon that keeps the bag closed. These are for you. ]

[ Don't take advantage of the fact you're a tree like the rest of her friends like that..... She reaches up to take the bag, hand closing over his for a brief moment before she gently picks it from him. ]

Somewhat naturally... Yes. I can say that for quite a few people as well... [ She pauses, then chuckles softly. ] I'm certain the me of even a year ago would wonder at the me of now. "You're just going to leave them," she'd say. "Why bother?"

Perhaps it's because one day I plan on leaving that I bother. [ ... ] Whatever the case, I adore and admire you, Akira, just as I do any of my close companions.

[ He isn't that tall, Elizabeth. This also doesn't warrant the sensual touching. For some reason, the touch of her fingertips make him nervous... This is hiw first year giving his friends chocolates (because it's his first Valentine's with friends).

Blinking once, twice, he has to make sure this isn't a dream. Seldom does Elizabeth just blurt out her issues to him. It would be too rude to pinch himself, so he fiddles with the bag she gave him. THIS IS EMBARRASSING. ]

I'm sure the people we were a year or two ago would think we're fools, but... It's nice, isn't it? [ ... ] You're a great friend, Elizabeth.

It's hard to imagine my life without you.

[ He's taller than her, just like the rest of her friends, so he's a tree, suck it up— ]

You as well. [ ...That's so sentimental, and she glances down at her newly-gotten chocolates. ] Perhaps Goro is rubbing off on both of us. He's the one who says such sappy things, isn't he? How terrible. I'll have to pinch him another time when I return home.

[ She's joking, probably. Maybe. He has very pinchable cheeks though. ]

I... can't imagine life, now, without factoring in this city. I was sure I'd simply be swept away again in the middle of the year, and yet I wasn't. [ The words are hesitantly started and continued in the same way; it was easy to make light of how her past self would react, but it's harder to speak about her current feelings. ] I was certain I'd simply cruise through school, work myself to the bone, and be out on a plane in record time, to find somewhere I'd belong. But, to tell you the truth, Akira—

[ a sharp pause, and she sighs softly. ]

I don't know if I can imagine myself anywhere but here.

[ It's not something she wants to readily admit, when her dream has been to leave, to find somewhere to stay. She's even invited Minato on a trip like that, though it'd honestly just be an ordinary roadtrip regardless... ]

It's silly. [ Humph. ] Isn't it? Especially with how this city is, and with Retrospec, and such things... yet I've still found myself incredibly fond of the people and places here.

[ .........

a sharp poke to his stomach. ]

You're partially to blame. [ Everyone she knows is, but he gets to get the poke right now. ] Thank you.

[ True. Goro is a menace. He literally hacks like a cat coughing up a furball when she assaults his stomach with a finger. That's rude, Elizabeth? With a leer, he defends his abdomen with both arms, hugging himself, but he can't keep the act up forever. Instead, he laughs a bit.

It's almost scary how much that resonates with him. He can paint a picture of them with each word, just waiting until they pick up their bags and move on to the next place. People become a blur, names forgotten... It's as if they were never there, that nothing that happened mattered, and it was fine. Barriers up, faces scribbled out, that was their life. ]

I don't think it's silly, Elizabeth. I've felt the same way... [ Nicknames are all fun, but first names are always intimate. He thumbs the edges of the bag as he looks down, recalling a piece of his memories. ] This is where you belong, not here, but with us.

[ He pokes her side in return when she isn't looking. Ha. ]

If you ever leave, I don't think that will change. You probably heard this from me before, but you can afford some deja vu.

[ The memories, the people, all of that stays in their hearts. It's also not the end with technology, either. To make a point, he quickly texts her a gif. ]

[ She gives a small oof when he pokes her side, pouting slightly but letting it melt away; return fire is deserved, she knows that, it's fine. ]

I might recall something similar... [ She checks her phone—it's hard to hide the amused delight, so she doesn't try too hard. ] I... suppose it's still hard to believe, in some ways, but not as hard as it was before. You're all quite clingy. We made a group chat for our apartment very recently, just to keep in touch during this whole thing, and Goro's been quite a frequent visitor.

[ ...It's really nice. ]

[ As we can see Elizabeth is the mature adult between the two, finding it better to let the poke war go without further aggravation. Akira is feeling quite victorious right now I’m all regards!! It’s strange to feel so invorgorated yet still feel the wear in your bones. ]

I claim the number one clinger spot. [ Because he latched onto her like a koala. At first he wonders why haven’t they made one already, but everyone takes small steps. ] Group chats are nice... I’m not surprised Goro is. You should ask him for his Instagram.

[ Filled with food porn last time he checked. ]

Oh, do you guys have your own emotes?

[ She'd have to use Instagram first!! ...Maybe she should. ]

Not yet. I've been attempting to figure out what would fit us best... I'd like them all to match in style, if possible. [ she's that kind of person. ] Do you have any suggestions?

[ How are you alive without Instagram, Elizabeth...? It is like a picture diary. ]

I personally like Gudetama and Sumikko Gurashi stickers. [ The weird egg thing and cute animals. ] Futaba can probably make custom ones for you... if she's feeling up for it.

[ It isn't necessary. ]

I'll be sure to ask her. For now... [ FOR NOW... ] Shall we spend some time together, just you and I? I'd like to hear about things from your perspective—I've already heard there's quite a mystery afoot at the place you've been sent to.

[ ...she heard from elda. ]

[ Nothing that enhances life is necessary. ]

Oh, you want to hear the tales of the lone wolf looking to fight the darkness in Magatus?

[ Actually, it was fine aside from some traumatizing imagery... Time has left him a little less ambivalent about the ordeal. ]

I wouldn't mind hanging out—did you want to go into the cafe? Or somewhere else?

[ The lone of wolf looking to fight the darkness........ ]

...Somewhere else, unless you'd like to see me become an immediately happy, yet congested, mess. [ she's joking, probably??? ] On the other hand, I would adore meeting the cats that make their residence there.

[ ... ]

Really, I'll leave it up to you. It's your break day, Aki. I'd like to spend it the way you'd like to.

If only I had the confidence to show up to a place covered in snot...

[ He applauds you, Liz. Stroking his chin, he has to make his decision wisely. ]

I wouldn't mind settling in the park.

[ What We Do For Love. ]

The park... Lovely. Let's be off then. [ ...she's

going to hold out her arm for him to take

Like A Gentlewoman. ]

[ Akira loves this shit, so he takes her arm like he’s a proper maiden. ]

Shall we?

[ Should they skip like they did around the first month they joined Retrospec... ]

[ um Yes They Should. Elizabeth's even going to start off with it, come on— ]

How nostalgic... Remember when things were more simple, Aki? All we had was that silly bingo game. [ ... ] Do you suppose we'll ever have one again? I found it quite fun.

[ Fine, fine. Akira starts skipping with her, nimble and light. People are staring at them, but he obviously doesn't care. ]

Yeah, that was fun. I was only planning on getting a row or two, but I blacked out. [ Huh. ] I wouldn't put it past Retrospec to do something silly again, but we won't know till whatever is happening is wrapped up.

[ ... ]

We can always play bingo ourselves.

[ ... ]

Let's do it. All manners of incredibly silly things... What could we offer as a prize? [ hmm. ] Perhaps something monetary...?

[ ... Why is everything money with you? Are they going to gift the winner stock or bonds??

But he can’t think of something every type of person would want. Money is universal. ]

I was going to say bragging rights, but that makes sense if you want to give actual incentive. Our friends would play it just for fun, though.

[ Money is universal, that's why she keeps suggesting it...... ]

Do you think so? Well, I suppose some of them might, but others... Such as Naoto.

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