[ 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?
[ 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.
[ 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.
[ 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.
[ 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.
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.
[ 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.
[ 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.
A wonderful idea. [ Said with a small clap. ] A simple task as well... It isn't as if it's untrue either. Many of those squares had you working with other people after all, didn't it?
[ That's why her and Akira are such good friends now right ✨ ]
I thought it was a good social experiment. [ At least he’s serious? ] But it did bring a lot of people together, including us and several others I know.
[ They finally reach the park with much skipping. There’s kids here and there with their parents watching from the distance around, but not too many. ]
[ Ah, the park... They can stop skipping now, they've reached their destination. ]
Aside from my middle one, which was to put on a show... [ She's still very proud of her one-man puppet show, yes. ] Playing hopscotch. I had quite the journey planned out for Goro and I... I've considered doing it again once things warmed up a little, to be honest. What was yours?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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?
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[ 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. ]
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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.
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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.
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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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
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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?
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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?
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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.
no subject
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. ]
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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?
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...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.
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[ He applauds you, Liz. Stroking his chin, he has to make his decision wisely. ]
I wouldn't mind settling in the park.
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The park... Lovely. Let's be off then. [ ...she's
going to hold out her arm for him to take
Like A Gentlewoman. ]
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Shall we?
[ Should they skip like they did around the first month they joined Retrospec... ]
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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.
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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.
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Let's do it. All manners of incredibly silly things... What could we offer as a prize? [ hmm. ] Perhaps something monetary...?
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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.
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Do you think so? Well, I suppose some of them might, but others... Such as Naoto.
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Add in some mysteries into the bingo and play the activity off as a way to build camaraderie.
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[ That's why her and Akira are such good friends now right ✨ ]
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[ They finally reach the park with much skipping. There’s kids here and there with their parents watching from the distance around, but not too many. ]
Good times... what was your favorite square?
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Aside from my middle one, which was to put on a show... [ She's still very proud of her one-man puppet show, yes. ] Playing hopscotch. I had quite the journey planned out for Goro and I... I've considered doing it again once things warmed up a little, to be honest. What was yours?
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