therewerefifty | [Action]

[Jade himself has been keeping to himself ever since he gained his new fear. He does leave the home sometimes - to get out and keep up appearances. And to try to test his control over the fear. And now here he is, strolling past the plaza. Doing his best to imagine any females he passes as just part of the landscape.]

[...there he is.

She crosses from the other side of the plaza before she thinks it through, and before he can leave.]

Colonel Curtiss?

[She hasn't... really thought about this at all. But it's just a talk between friends. Right?]

[He stops in his tracks immediately, not wanting to get any closer. Already he can feel some anxiety, his jaw clenching, his heart rate increasing.

But he's been practicing, improving. Enduring this should not be impossible.

He smiles lightly at her.]

Why yes, you've gotten my name down correctly. Well done, Miss Tachibana.

[Luckily for Jade, 18th century Japanese women aren't wont to throw themselves at people, so she stays a respectable distance, hands clasped together in front of her.]

It seems you have yet to master mine.

Oh? [He adjusts his glasses slightly as he reflects on it.]

How have I been mistaken? Or... Ah. Otono-Tachibana must be a contracted surname. [Or insert whatever the correct term is for that kind of name.] Is that correct?

...that's right. [She fidgets.] It's to signify I am of my mother's line.

Are you...busy?

Not exceedingly so. [He gives a light shrug.] I have some business to attend to, but it's not something which calls for my immediate attention.

I see.

[...

...yep, that's it. She stands there as if she's thinking of how to say something, but dead silence. Great conversational partner.]

[It's puzzling to be sure. She didn't seem to be the type to be at a loss for words.]

Well, what is it?

[...you really are quite similar at times.

Of course, Makie has met Jade enough that she's seen vast lack of common ground as well, but that attitude and that crispness...

Dammit.]

Would you mind some company?

[He thinks it over for a moment and nods. It does put him at risk of finding his fear, but he also needs to continually test it if he is to overcome it. Not to mention that the girl could wind up having something to contribute to his research as well.]

I suppose that I wouldn't be opposed. If an old man such as myself could be considered 'company'.

If a man such as yourself could be considered 'old'. [She relaxes, though. He didn't turn her away. After a moment, she draws a little closer, but just enough that she can walk with him.] What is it that you must do today?

[He starts walking briskly the moment she draws closer, trusting her to keep up. And avoiding the chill creeping up his spine. He lightly shrugs his arms in the air.]

Oh, it's just some usual business. I have to conduct some research at the library, and I've been intended to do some training at the Battle Dome.

[She trails very slightly behind him and to the side. It's habit. It also means it doesn't look so rude when she keeps watching him.]

What manner of thing are you researching?

This week's topic is phobias. [He presents it as if he's researching it on a whim - not for a specific purpose.] There seems to be a number of fascinating studies regarding them to peruse.

[She suspects there are reasons for that, but that's not her place to ask, is it? He'll tell her if he wants to.]

Do you... often conduct such research? It seems very serious.

Well, I'm a very serious man. [He says with a smirk.] And most of the populace remains too ignorant to think to do this work themselves.

Are there... people you don't consider ignorant?

[So cautious.]

Mm... To be fair, everyone has their own level of ignorance. Perhaps even I do, from time to time. [All the things he could have prevented if he had taken certain actions.] However, I suppose that there are those who are less ignorant than most others.

Perhaps I can assist in your research. It may serve to leave me less ignorant.

Oh? Or perhaps by thinking you need to prove it, you're actually showing yourself to be more ignorant than I initially suspected.

[There's a pause. Really, that was uncalled for. Even through the haze that plagues her today. Her voice is soft and measured.]

You can be quite cruel at times, Colonel Curtiss. I wonder why you feel the need to be.

I do not feel the need to prove anything. Sometimes an offer is made for precisely the reason that is given. If you do not wish any assistance, you need only say as much.

[Offering to help has nothing to do with proving anything, no matter how dryly the help was offered. Jerk.]

Cruelty's a standard practice for me, Makie. I thought you'd understand that by now - if anything, you've displayed an admirable tolerance in the past.

[He shrugs. And only makes a fleeting glance at her.]

I do appreciate any assistance. One's motives don't matter in the past. [He then lays on the light-heartedness.] Even if one was doing such just for an opportunity to stab me in the back, I imagine that it would be a very interesting exercise.

[A proper and correct response to that particular comment might have been forthcoming. But he called her by name. Casually and informally and for a moment she kind of tunes out, stumbling a little behind him.

...ah. What was he saying. Something about opportunities--]

Are there many that want to do such a thing? [She sounds a little unsteady. Like she's taking him seriously, or is actually worried. Imagine.]

[Honestly, it's because "Miss Otono-Tachibana" was far too much of a mouthful. Jade didn't feel the need to spare all those extra syllables when the first name was so much simpler.]

Only my friends. [He says with some sarcasm laid on.] My enemies prefer to try for the front, you see.

[Silence your logic, Jade-o. It's clearly that you think more warmly of her. Yes.]

Your enemies are all so honourable? [Now she sounds more like herself, though.]

Perhaps. However, I cannot simply rule out the possibility that they're just idiotic and particularly headstrong.

Certainly there are many such people in the world. I could not believe a man such as you would make enemies. [We master dead pan fu round here.]

Have any such followed you to Luceti?

I believe that it's because of how handsome I am. A jealousy like that easily blossoms into homicidal intent.

There's a few. But it's not worth mentioning. [He doesn't see the local God Generals as threats - partly because they're not active in that capacity and also largely because he's sure that they could defeat them again, even while missing Luke and a good portion of their party.]

[It is totally worth mentioning. Makie perceives them as a threat. Whoops.]

A few ...jealous people?

... Makie?

[Raine had only been giving her a friendly greeting at the tea shop, but there was something odd about that distracted look. It's strange, as it strikes her as almost similar to the expression that had been in Haruhi's eyes a few days ago...]

[After a moment, she blinks and glances at Raine.]

...I'm sorry. Did you say something? I'm afraid I didn't hear.

You seem like you're in a dream world. Is everything all right?

...I am a little distracted, aren't I?

[It's unlike her. That thought surfaces briefly, but in the end maybe it's just a mark of the change Luceti has wrought.] I'm sorry. I suppose I have been deep in thought to the point I've lost track of my surroundings. It's very rude of me.

It's all right. Do you think discussing it would help?

I think...that wouldn't be wise.

[Though she wants to, strangely. It would be nice to talk about it and it's only long held habits of propriety that keep her silent now. But a flush graces her cheeks just the same.] It's complicated, I suppose.

You could just write it out for yourself, privately. Sometimes having the thoughts out there visually can help, if you don't want a verbal sounding board.

I might do that. [She smiles fleetingly. It's not a bad suggestion. It...

...it would be okay if she just didn't bring his name into it, wouldn't it?]

I... I've been thinking a lot about someone of late.

Ah... and I take it that you haven't talked to them about it, or else you wouldn't be so preoccupied.

I don't think I could. He has no interest in me.

[He's only interested in my talent. No, that's not how it goes. That's... someone else. She blinks, and then frowns.] I think it's very confusing.

Well... if you haven't asked, how do know that for certain? Unless this is only someone you've seen and never talked with...

No, we've talked. Even fought together...I know him well. [She doesn't know him at all. It's a small voice that she ignores.] I just don't believe he would be interested...

[But now she's doubtful. Raine has a point.]

Well... in the end, you won't know for certain until you speak up, and that may make things awkward, or it might clear the air. Sometimes you're lucky, sometimes you're not. But at least then you'll know.

That's true.

[She stares down at her tea.]

Perhaps I shall seek him out and be honest.

Seems like he made quite the impression on you.

Yes...

[Her brow furrows. Made an impression. Well, there was that familiarity, but...]

He reminds me of someone from home. But...I think it's more than that now.

It must be, if it's warranting so much thought from you.

Mm.

[She smiles tiredly.] I sound like a flustered girl. I'm sorry.

You don't have to apologize to me. This almost seems as if it's new for you.

I've...been in love before. It didn't feel like this.

[And it can't be love, can it? Some sort of passing interest in a reminder of Kagehisa. She's in love with someone else.

But she can tell herself that. She's already thinking of another far more clearly.]

It could be too soon to call it love.

I agree...

[And yet the moment she says that, she doubts. Makie shakes her head.] It's rather sudden. I suppose I just need to get my thoughts on the matter clear.

Well, we've outlined a few ways for you to do that, at least. The rest is all in your court.

Yes.

[...but she wants to get off this subject.]

How have you been, Raine?

[She's a little surprised by the conversation shift, but maybe it would help.] Hm? I've been ... well enough, all things considered. It's been a strange month.

Strange... [Has it been strange in Luceti?] Do you mean the...holiday we were given?

Partly, anyway, though I'm sorry to say I'm almost used to situations like that by now. [And that's a bad thing. The prolonging fear shift was another, more frustrating matter, but she had her own discomforts with voicing that too loudly.]

I suppose you would be after such a long time being here. But that must mean your month has been very off kilter for you to call it strange.

Mm. [She frowns, but. Most people are aware of it, so it's not as if it's a secret...] There's been a more subtle shift affecting some of the villagers for an extended period of time... mostly, I've been waiting for that to wear off.

Oh, I see... [Her brow furrows. That's news to her.] What sort of shift?

It seems to be one that inspires a certain fear or phobia. For some people it's been strange enough for them to realize what was going on right away, others had more difficulty being able to tell what was going on until it was really pointed out to them.

[She's thoughtful for a long moment. It doesn't sound right. But...]

...do you think that could possibly be what's happened to me?

[Writing a crush off as a fear of some kind. Makes perfect sense.]

Edited 2013-12-21 08:56 (UTC)

Hm. I... don't know, honestly. [Aside from the intense focusing reminding her vaguely of Haruhi's weirdness, there's nothing really there to link it to a shift or anything else.] Do you feel... afraid of anything?

[Konan is in the teahouse to pick up some tea for home. She plans on enjoying a cup here - it's a pleasant way to warm herself amongst the colder weather. Ultimately, though, she just wants some for home, to either enjoy alone or with the occasional guest that stops by.

Which reminds her. She wants to reach out more to others. If there's one thing she learned from that fake reality that she's willing to acknowledge, it's that she likes being surrounded by people she cares about. She likes that, and here, she has a chance to have the peaceful life that she never could back home. All she needs to do is remember not to take that for granted, and to actively seek out the company of others.

When she spots Makie at the tea house, she gestures to the seat across from her.]

Hello again, Makie. Is this seat taken?

[Makies takes a moment to answer, snapped out of her train of thought. But she smiles when she realises it's Konan.]

Not at all. Please, sit.

How have you been, Konan?

Well enough. Our time at Malnosso World was certainly a new experience...

[Which reminds her. She really should introduce Nagato to more of the friends she's made here.]

I spent some time at Casino Land, though. How about you?

I must confess I didn't see much of it at all. It was rather loud and confusing for me. [Heh. Though she quite liked the villas.] I suppose I'm not very exciting.

I did attend the celebration, though. Did you go? [She wasn't there for very long.]

I didn't. I spent most of my time there with Nagato.

[In part because he's her best friend, and in part because she was concerned over his Malnosso-inflicted phobia of the colour red. She'd found him blue-tinted glasses to negate some of the effects, but still watched over him.]

I was surprised to see so many people there, even knowing about the existence of the other enclosures.

Likewise. It seemed very crowded.

Nagato is... a friend from your world?

[Konan nods.]

Nagato and I grew up together and we've fought side by side many times over the years.

[There's no one she trusts more than him. There are plenty of people she likes well enough, and some she trusts to an extent, but he's the one who knows her thoroughly.]

...in that strange alternate reality, he and I were married.

[...oh dear.]

That must have been very awkward after the fact. At least... I didn't know the person I was supposed to be married to in that reality.

A little, but romantic inclinations aside, our relationship was much the same. We'd been close since childhood even in that reality.

[There was only one detail that really upset her. She'd been pregnant and just freshly on maternity leave in that reality...and then found out it was all a lie.]

It...was interesting to see how things could have turned out.

[And they seem to be all right now, if they spent so much time together in Malnosso World. Makie smiles, though her thoughts turn to the thought of love itself.]

Strangely, in that world I had nothing but a succession of men I used to love. But I had a loving family, and a son I cherished.

[Right now, the only awkward thing is trying to determine whether these newfound romantic feelings she's developed for him are an artifact of those false memories, or if they're her real feelings. She still hasn't sorted it out, even months later.]

I'm glad. We had an adopted daughter and a baby on the way.

[She's glad that she ran into Elie for a while at Malnosso World. Her not!daughter still wanted to associate with her. Although she would have understood if she didn't...it was nice.]

A baby...? [She glances up, surprised. And appalled, quite honestly.] They made you believe you were pregnant?

They did. Approximately seven months pregnant, in fact.

[Complete with all the false memories of what morning sickness and other pregnancy related discomforts feel like.]

Even as my memories started coming back, I was reluctant to fight just in case I actually was pregnant.

[It rankles that she'd been taken in so thoroughly by what was essentially just elaborate genjutsu, even knowing that so many others had been as well.]

...I'm so sorry. That's terrible.

They made me believe I was dying. But when the illusion wore off... the fact that I wasn't just made me happier. {Well, wasn't anymore. An illusion of what could have been.] But giving you that added life, only to take it away...

That's horrible that they made you believe that you were dying, even if you learned afterward that you weren't.

[She does regret that she wasn't actually pregnant with the child, even now, but experiencing the symptoms of a terminal disease sounds far worse than experiencing the symptoms of pregnancy.]

Edited 2013-12-08 03:19 (UTC)

[Makie would prefer it over losing a phantom child.]

I suppose it is, but... it's a disease that I did have, and would kill me in my own world. The fact that it can't here... it showed me I had a better chance of a good life.

[The only thing that was a relief about not being pregnant is that she doesn't have to worry about who would look after the child if she was ever taken out of Luceti. She's dead in her world and so is Nagato.]

Ah, I see. I'm glad, then, that you have that chance. This place has been somewhat of a second chance for me, too.

[Makie glances up to meet Konan's gaze at that. The only other person to use such language for Luceti is Prim.]

I see.

[Her voice is soft.] I suppose the two of us are... some of the few that might consider Luceti somewhat of a blessing.

Luceti is not without its flaws, but even with the threat of the Third Party, it's a more peaceful life than the one I'm accustomed to.

[The next time she encounters the cultists, she's got a number of plans for taking them out. Some of those plans involve small, well-placed explosives.]

Likewise. Although I daresay my life at home is far more peaceful than yours, it's very...

...unlikable. [Perhaps that's the best word. A few months ago, she would have said it's all she deserved. But now...]

I prefer Luceti. The Third Party is... a threat that can be dealt with.

And they will be dealt with.

[Konan's tone is resolute. There are enough people who she's grown to care about here that she's willing to strategize and fight for everyone's benefit.]

[...

She hesitates only a moment.]

Yes. By any means necessary.

[If she can find her place here, she doesn't mind at all killing monsters in the name of protection.]

[Of course, by "company of someone so intelligent" she totally meant Vash. Completely. Yup.

It's at least who she'll run into as she comes outside the clothing shop with her pair of jeans. He waves excitedly as he approaches. Happy to see her even though he had seen her at work earlier.]

Hey! Makie! Trying out something new today?

Hmm? [The look she directs him is first distracted, and then faintly dismissive. It's just Vash. She glances down at the jeans.]

Not today. I thought...perhaps later. I probably need to find warmer clothes soon.

Yeah! That's good thinking! Never know what kind of winter the Malnosso will throw at this place! We've been trapped inside because of blizzards before! It's important to stay warm and have a well stocked pantry in those kinds of situations!

Of course, if you were ever trapped at home and needed someone to bring you a warm blanket and cup of hot chocolate all you'd have to do is ask a heroic gunman and he'd weather any kind of weather to bring it to you!

[Slow blink. You're not the person she thought of in that particular arrangement. What a strange imagination she seems to have today. So unrealistic.]

I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

Perfect! Still, best to prepare for the winter. Let me know if you need help finding anything or to help preparing your place for the winter!

Mm.

[Vash may get the impression she didn't really hear him. She's brushing past with a distant and distracted look on her face.]

Edited 2013-11-24 12:48 (UTC)

[Vash notices the lack of interest, but it doesn't stop him from falling in behind her and following for a little bit.] Do you get much snow where you're from?

Every winter. [It's more a mark of her distraction she doesn't really try to stop him. You're a voice buzzing at the edge of her reality that she answers absently as she goes.]

[He follows, having precious little to do in Luceti at the moment.] That's good! So you have some experience with snow then? I had never seen it myself before coming here to Luceti. I found it's pretty fun making snowmen with it. Have you ever done that?

No. I have better things to do with my time. [She's starting to realise he's going to keep following her. But. Whatever.]

Aw, but it really is fun! You should give it a try while you're in Luceti! You can make a funny looking one or even a cute looking one!

I have no interest in making either funny or cute things.

Well, then we can just make a normal everyday one! It's really a lot of fun and this snow is perfect for packing!

It doesn't occur to you I may have other things to do, Mr Vash?

Edited 2013-12-04 05:53 (UTC)

It has, but I thought if you did you would say so and let me know.

[...ah. That catches her off guard.]

...forgive me. That was rude.

Don't give it another thought. [He does rude stuff all the time. He's sure.] So are you busy then? What are you up to? Just dropping off your new clothes? We could build one after that if you'd like.

[He continues to follow a few strides behind Makie. Just like a lost puppy.]

I'm...

[What is she up to? Her distraction over trying to work that out means she doesn't give Vash any grief for the moment.] I'm not sure I'm up to building snowmen today, Mr Vash. Perhaps I should just go home and sleep.

[The world might stop feeling so strange.]

[He starts nodding as she speaks. Expecting her to tell him that she was busy and for him to get lost. He quickly stops his calm nodding with a smile when she mentions sleeping.]

Yeah, sure. Of course. Are you feeling alright? [He generally tries not to ask Makie all the time how she's feeling, but it has been cold so when she adds wanting to rest he can't help but to be sure.]

Edited 2013-12-07 12:48 (UTC)

Yes, I'm fine. [... hnn.] I don't feel unwell, if that worries you. But perhaps I'm coming down with a cold.

Colds are nasty. I hate it when my nose starts to run. Best to get home and warmed up then. If you need anything or time off work all you have to do is ask and I'll be happy to find you anything you may need!

I'll just put snowmen building on that list of things we need to do together sometime! Like with the picnic! So don't you worry! We'll get around to it eventually! [Because clearly she was.]

You seem to be creating an interesting list. [May he never be able to follow through on these threats. :|] But I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

Interesting keeps life being interesting! Don't you think! Anyway, I don't want to keep you outside while you're not feeling too well! I hope you feel better soon!

Yes. It should be all right.

[She inclines her head.] I will likely see you at work tomorrow, then.

See you then! Don't worry about calling in sick if you need to!

[Perhaps a break from your distressing little thoughts and memories would be welcome?

A small, black and white sugar glider-like creature with yellow accents comes sailing in, apparently too distracted by her own endless mid-air posturing and primping to look which way she's going and—

Crash-into meeting imminent?]

[Normally Makie is far too on the ball to let herself be collided with, but she doesn't notice the strange creature at all until it actually crosses her field of vision. In a manner of speaking, anyway. By the time she's glanced up in startlement, she practically has an armful of strange sugar-glider... whatever it is.]

Ah--?

[That was unexpected.]

[The creature (surprisingly bigger than the average squirrel, more the size of a small cat, perhaps) looks up at her, half-confused, half-upset.] Eeee~mon! [After that baleful sound, she hangs backwards, swooning almost out of Makie's grasp, with a paw pressed to her forehead like a fainting lady in pictures. Quite theatrical, seemingly searching for pity despite being the one to fly so carelessly.]

[A-ah it's falling-- Makie adjusts her grip just in time, most definitely shocked out of her reverie by now. And it's--

--wow creature, are you serious? She can't help but smile a little at that unmistakable gesture.]

A little overly dramatic, don't you think? You didn't get hurt.

[Drat, this lady is too ssmart! She stops her dramatics, sitting upright and waving a paw dismissively.] Eh-mon!

[Now, she smiles cheekily up at Makie, pointing at her own open mouth.

What, now she wants her to feed her? Overly dramatic and a glutton.]

[Good grief, yes. But she's sort of equating this creature to an overly affection cat or some such (lol what are pokemon) so she shakes her head.]

I've no food. But I'm sure if you tried to faint at the door to the restaurant, they'd feel sorry enough for you they would feed you.

[She strokes her chin thoughtfully, before nodding her round head confidently, seemingly liking that idea!

After that, she looks around them, then back at Makie in a questioning way.]

Emon-mon-mon? [It's a shame Pokemon can't normally speak human languages, it's going to be a bit of a guessing game 'til she gets used to it.]

[It sure is. She...thinks that is obvious enough, at least.]

The restaurant isn't far from here. Shall I take you there?

[Her eyes go wide and sparkling and she nods eagerly.]

Mon-mon!

[Let's dine together~!]

[Well, that was plain. She even smiles.]

Come on, then. [She starts heading in that direction.] Although I hope you haven't run away from an owner. They might be worried.

[Emolga shakes her head innocently, replying in a tone of voice that sounded very much like an "of course not~!"] Eemon-mon~!

[She happily clambers onto her shoulder to rest there. Hope you don't mind affectionate nuzzling~!]

[It's disconcerting. But after a moment of surprise, she doesn't really mind. In fact, she lifts a hand to offer a scritch as she continues on her way.

She's remembering a conversation she had with Ikki a while ago. About electrical mice.]

Edited 2013-11-30 04:09 (UTC)

[Well, fortunately, this electric rodent is much too lazy to shock anyone most of the time; besides, she has good control of her powers.

The scritching is quite welcome and she makes a few, small happy sounds on the way there. Oh, she likes you, Makie~!]

[Small animals that snuggle and sound happy and are affectionate are therapeutic, really. By the time she makes it to the restaurant she's more her old self. She glances across the restaurant to see if anyone looks like they recognise her odd travelling companion, then heads for the counter.]

What sort of things do you eat, then? Meat?

[She puffs up her cheeks, flattening her ears, and squaring her shoulders. At first, it looked like like it might be a very strange dominance display or some other means of scaring off predators by looking larger if unusually squashed than she actually is, until she reaches out to pick a fallen leaf that might have tumbled onto Makie when Emolga first crashed into her.

Tucking her other wing-arm over her ear, she used the other to hold the leaf a bit high over her head.

Her now strangely squashed shape and the leaf sticking out to the side over her head gives the impression of a fruit, probably an apple?]

Eh-mon!

[...oh my god even Makie in her usual terribly serious state can't help but laugh at the impressio.]

Apples. I think apples are very easy to do.

[She will ask the nice staff for two, then. And offer one to Emolga.] Here you are.

[The sweet taste of success is identical to that of a juicy, crisp apple! Emolga happily bites into it, drinking up the juice that drizzles out, before setting it down briefly on the tabletop to fling herself into Makie's arms (when she's not chewing, of course!) for a grateful hug.]

You're most welcome. [Makie is so amused. But it's a cute little thing.] Would you like the other for later?

[Emolga nods eagerly, when a young girl's voice calls out]

Emooolga? Are you in here? Sheesh, running off like that...!

[Emolga's ears prick at the sound.]

[Oh, that sounds promising. You ran away after all, didn't you?]

I assume she's looking for you.

[Without waiting for a response, Makie moves in the young girl's direction. Hopefully it's okay she got the apples.]

[Emolga laughs nervously, rubbing the back of her head, before accompanying Makie over to Iris. The young girl blinks, then frowns, hands on her hips.] Emolga! We're you making people feel sorry for you again, you big-bellied glutton?

[She sighs and smiles apologetically.] Sorry if she was a handful...

No, that's all right. [Makie wasn't expecting the owner to be quite so small. Though she really should have, given the girl who told her about these things was maybe eight.] She was keeping me company. Is it all right for her to have the apples?

[She holds out her arms so Emolga can go back to her rightful owner. If 'owner' is the right word.]

[Emolga leaps out of Makie's arms, flying a showy little loop, before falling into Iris' arms. Iris smiles at her, even if she still looks a little frustrated.] Honestly!

Mm? Oh, sure! They're her favourite.

Thank you for treating her kindly!

[Iris bows, briefly, in gratitude. Despite her appearance, she seems to have been raised with similar cultural practices. What's even odder (but also cute) is that Emolga follows her lead by kneelinb into something approaching a dogeza position in her trainer's arms and bows deeply, probably in apology, as she remains in that position even after her trainer rises.

It seemed more like a mother prompting her misbehaving child to apologize, rather than an owner and pet-like relationship.]

[Now that her arms are free (she sort of misses the added warm weight), Makie bows lightly back in return, and she blinks in surprise as she catches sight of Emolga's bow. That...was certainly something else.]

You're most welcome. I quite like her.

My name is Makie Otono-Tachibana. May I... ask what your names are?

It's nice to meet you, Otono-Tachibana-san!
E~monmon-ga, Monmon-gamonga-mon! [She's matching the syllables of her language to human words again, copying the intonation.]

My name is Iris!

And this is Emolga! [Emolga waves brightly.] Emonga!

If you want, we could visit you again sometime. I think I'd like to get to know you better too.

[She smiles.] Just Makie would be fine. I would be happy to see you both. [She nods back at the restaurant counter.] I work in the kitchen here most days, so feel free to come by.

[The teahouse is where Shuda will spot Makie from a couple of tables over. He won't say anything at first-- he's in the middle of his own tea, after all, and there's nothing worse than letting tea go cold. So he just sits at his table to finish his tea, though he notes how she seems to be, well... rather distracted, to put it lightly. Obviously something is up; the only question is what that something is.

Once he's done, he'll wander over towards where Makie is sitting.]

Something tells me it's not the wall that's so fascinating.

[Makie's attention shifts away sharply from said wall as he looms in the corner of her vision, though she still blinks at him a few times as if slowly placing who he is.]

Ah...no, I suppose not.

{Still a little dazed. She tries to focus more.] Hello again.

Hello to you too.

[The smile he gives is small, but coming from him, it's about the best one can expect.]

You might want to try some coffee instead of the tea. I hear it's much better at helping clear your head.

You know, I've never tried coffee. [She smiles faintly back, her eyes thoughtful as she glances toward the menu.] I suppose today is a day for trying new things.

I'll warn you now, if you don't like bitter things, you'll want to put some cream and sugar in it.

[Now he smirks a little.]

Most people find that one out the hard way.

I'll be sure to keep that in mind. [Smiling more outright now.] How do you have yours?

The way I'm pretty sure you wouldn't like-- straight black.

You must be quite sure of everyone's preferences with a comment like that.

[Nevertheless, she orders a straight black-- but gets sugar brought to the table with it. She'll stir in maybe half a teaspoon for now.]

[Shuda shrugs, though the smile still playing about his lips probably gives him away.]

I've seen enough people try coffee for the first time to have a decent sense of the average reaction by now.

I do not have a taste for the very bitter. [She smiles at that. She equates bitter with medicine.] But neither do I like particularly sweet. Do people really put cream in their coffee?

[She takes a small taste. Ugh, he's right. And that's after the sugar. She adds half a teaspoon more.]

Some people do, some people just put sugar.

[... yeah, that was about the reaction he was expecting.]

I think you see why now. That stuff's about as pleasant-tasting as your average medicine until you get used to it.

[And, since it seems a bit awkward for him to just be standing around, he'll take a seat at the table across the aisle from hers. Even he isn't so rude as to just presume to sit down at the same table with her.]

[He'd be welcome to. Makie just isn't quite with it on social grace today, and it's only when he sits down that she realises.]

I'm sorry, I was being rude. [Her eyes flick to the other chair at her table.] Please, feel free.

[Half a teaspoon more makes it bearable. It's still a strange and acrid taste, but she'll at least drink the mug before she judges it.]

If you don't mind.

[With the invitation, he will get up and relocate himself to that other chair, his single eye still watching her sip at the coffee with some amusement.]

Didn't sleep well last night?

I slept... [Just fine, she was going to say. But in retrospect that isn't the truth.] ...restlessly, yes.

I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's the weather.

Might be. It is starting to get a lot colder now. If I had to guess, I'd say it's going to snow soon.

[His gaze shifts for a moment to look out the window at the grey sky outside.]

Do you come from a world where it snows?

[She would have thought everyone does, but then she met Vash.]

Depends on where in the world you are. We've got tropical jungles and deserts, like most other places.

[The Kuba desert, for one... he'd only spent a short time there himself, but that was enough for him. He couldn't imagine how Gale had lived there for years.]

Ah... so your world is a normal one, then. I've met those who come from places where it's always hot, or always freezing. It's very curious to think about.

[She wonders what Jade's world is like.]

The entire world is like that?

[Yeah, that does sound a bit strange to him.]

Yes. I don't think I would enjoy such a place. [She takes another sip of her coffee.] I like the turn of the seasons, for what each one of the signifies.

[Shuda leans back a bit in his chair as he contemplates this.]

Don't think I would either. Change is what keeps things interesting, after all. Having the weather be exactly the same all the time would be incredibly dull.

Yes.

[And here they are talking about the weather. Heh. She peers down at coffee.]

What is this made of, do you know?

Coffee?

[Shuda blinks for a moment, actually having to stop to consider this.]

I think it's some kind of bean. I tend not to ask too many questions about where my food came from myself.

I've never tasted anything like it. I wonder if it exists anywhere in my country.

[Maybe it's a western thing. Ah, well. She does feel a little more clearheaded.]

...where is it you are from, Mr Shuda? Do you mind my asking?

Not at all. I wouldn't say I'm really from any one place in particular... I've been all over my world. Song Continent, Urbana Continent... you name it, I've probably traveled there.

[Then, by way of explanation, he adds:]

I used to be a bounty hunter when I was younger. And more full of myself.

I'm impressed. I've never been outside of Japan. [Though it's clear now he's not from her world.] It would be nice to be as far-travelled as that, I would think.

What was it like? Bounty hunting.

Exciting... and dangerous. That was what made it exciting.

I had quite a reputation back in the day. [He smirks, looking more than a little proud of himself.] Best bounty hunter on the continent.

It must have made you a lot of enemies.

[She can think of a couple of people he'd get along with.]

Not as many as you'd think. Most people were afraid of me.

Ah. Well, you do look rather intimidating.

[Everyone always underestimates Makie. But then again, it also means she's capable of just passing as a normal woman. That's kind of nice.]

Comes in handy at times.

[Because, frankly, Shuda is the sort of person who is perfectly content to be left alone most of the time. He doesn't mesh well with most people and he knows that.]

It always does. You enjoyed the work, I assume. [If the smirk and the pride is anything to go by.]

Probably more than I should have.

[For a moment, his expression grows distant, as if he's remembering something. It doesn't last long, though.]

What about you? What did you do in your world?

[Loaded question. Right now she's not doing much of anything back home. Makie hesitates as she searches for the most respectable answer. Telling him I was a whore is pretty awkward. Nor is it accurate any longer.]

Many things, actually. My mother died in a lot of debt, so I was attempting to pay it off. Do you have...geisha in your world?

They're entertainers, right? I've heard of them, though I don't think they exist in my world.

[Honestly, even if she were to tell him that, he wouldn't judge. How could he? It would be hypocritical.]

That's right. They are women that entertain men with conversation and the arts. It is the last role I held before I came here.

[Well. She'd also quit and was heading home to commit patricide, but let's leave that out...]

Sounds like a pretty cultured job.

[Which fits with the image she gives off, he realizes. She seems very composed and refined, even sitting and spacing out over a cup of coffee as she is.]

It is certainly more cultured than others. I didn't mind it. The other women were nice, and it paid well.

[The men were pigs, but this is a universal thing in such places.]

Maybe you could get something like that going here in the tea house if you miss it. Without the paying well part, that is.

[Not that he would really be interested, but other people might.]

[She smiles.]

I don't miss it. It was merely a means to an end.

Like my bounty hunting, then.

[He'd had two objectives: to earn money and to become stronger. Bounty hunting had been an excellent way to achieve both of those things.]

Yes.

...so I suppose Luceti is rather quiet for both of us.

[Shuda nods, looking at her for a moment, then shrugs.]

I don't mind it. I'm finding the quiet isn't as bad as I'd thought.

... when it is quiet. Living with two teenagers means there isn't much of that.

I'm more than content to be quiet. [She smiles faintly.] Two? From your own world?

Yeah. I made a promise to someone that I'd look after them in his stead. This may not be our world, but that promise still holds even here.

[Action]

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ILU gore

You are loved more!

|D <3

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