[No "oh let me check if I'm working," no "I might have other plans," just immediate agreement this time. After the maze, it feels like the least she can do.
I still owe you lunch or dinner from last time. So, got a preference? We could just go to the sandwich shop here, long as you don't order anything too weird.
[Jokes on him, all her outfits are cute- No, but as promised, a few minutes before the hour, she's making her way toward the sandwich shop, hands clasped behind her back, skipping lightly to the tune playing in her headphones as her MP3 player bounces against her chest. But, since Scott requested something cute, she'd shied away from Aldrip-chic to something a little more modern in flavor with an oversized flannel shirt over a white t-shirt tucked into a short brown skirt. A hint of lip gloss, a touch of eyeshadow, and a little bit of mascara, and ta-da! Perfect for either a casual hangout or a Date.
At least, she hopes so. Yukari really would be better at this than she is!
Still, as much as she's looking forward to it, as much as she wants to stop thinking about everything in the maze and just do something normal, it's hard to keep her smile as cheerful as always. There's a deep exhaustion still lurking in her eyes that even her mascara can't quite mask. But she wants to try to forget about it for a little while.]
[Scott's already there, because he wanted to get his nerves under control and be super cool by the time she arrived. Unfortunately, there's not much success on his end, because he's still feeling a little nervous, the butterflies in his stomach just not going away. Ugh, he's being stupid!! He's just... hanging out with a friend, which may actually be a date... on his birthday, which he didn't even mention in the first place.
So, it can be just a regular ol' date. Day. Yeah.
He runs a hand through his hair. It's going to be cool, really. He just needs to focus on making sure that Kotone is having fun, as that's what matters the most to him. She probably needs a break after all the shit in the maze, right? What's better than just being normal and hanging out? She enjoyed it last time.
When she does arrive... Scott feels his throat constrict because oh god she is so cute. He waves at her and smiles bright, his grin stretching across his mouth. Man, he doesn't even have a smartass comment to give her. Scott feels a little bad that he didn't dress up too differently on his end, just wearing his usual jeans, with a light gray shirt and a jacket that's just a slightly darker shade of gray. He may need fashion tips-- but also, dressing himself can be hard, because everything is red.]
[Oh! He's already here! She tugs her headphones off to let them dangle around her neck as usual with her Very 2000s mp3 player and matches his smile. She can't help it -- it's infectious, lending a warmer quality to her smile as she bounces up in front of him.]
Just cute? [she teases, eyes sparkling as always when she's around him.] Sorry, I'll go change since you asked for really cute.
[She's probably joking? But even as she's teasing him, she's subtly trying to check for any signs of exhaustion or other... difficulties left over from the maze.]
Scott can recognize headphones anywhere, but the small device that she was obviously listening to is a little foreign to him. He can readily guess that it's a music player at least, so more technology from the future. Kind of cool if he thinks about it, seeing new tech in advance...
But honestly, those thoughts soon fade away as Kotone teases him, with Scott chuckling in return, his own eyes bright even though they can't be seen.]
Okay, it may just qualify as really cute.
[There is something a little... tired about Kotone though. Maybe it's in her eyes and Scott finds his smile fading just slightly, unable to stop some of his worry from becoming visible. It's expected that she's still reeling from everything, he still is, but in a way he also feels better about some things. Mostly better about his own crap, but now he's worried about all of his friends.
He takes in a slow breath, before offering his hand to her.]
[She'll happily share a headphone with him another time! Enjoy the dulcet sounds of mid-2000s electronica and J-pop. She still doesn't know how much further in the future she is than he is, so the thought of explaining an mp3 player has never crossed her mind.
Instead, she just giggles a little at him, even as her cheeks flush the lightest shade of pink at the compliment. It's not like she needed to hear it, but it's nice to hear from Scott specifically. It's a distraction away from all the unpleasant memories she'd had dredged up, all the hopelessness and heartbreak she'd felt in the maze. Honestly, it's what she needs right now.
So she takes his hand without hesitation, threading their fingers together with an ease that belies her own butterflies as she squeezes his hand.]
Yeah! Maybe I'll even let you order for me. Since you're the expert, after all.
[Make it a good one! Otherwise: weirdest thing on the menu time.]
[He squeezes her hand back in return, as if reassuring her he's here, before turning his head to the shop and opening the door for them. This is honestly one of his favorite places in this world, but the locals have been extremely rude lately, which has dampened his mood and wanting to go anywhere or do anything. Why can't they catch a break?? He kind of hoped for a big ol' celebration from the natives once they emerged from the maze, but nope.
Scott tries to not those thoughts bother him, especially since Kotone is with him. They're going to have a good time, dammit, even if he has tell everyone else to fuck off.]
You're in good hands. Plus, I'll stop you from ordering anything too weird. You might've been right about the fruit sandwiches, but that's just a one time thing.
[As they step inside, he gives a small wave to the cashier, who only tightly nods at him, not bothering to greet Scott back like normal. It makes him frown, his grip tightening just a little more in Kotone's hand, but he tries to act normal otherwise.]
[Kotone, on the other hand, hadn't expected any kind of celebration or fanfare. The maze was a horrible experience, some kind of test by who knows what, but it was so deeply personal, there was no way the locals in Aldrip would understand. But the change in attitude hurts. She'd tried really hard to make friends and form bonds with everyone in town, so for them to all suddenly grow cold after what she'd been through in the maze...
Maybe she shouldn't be surprised. But it hurts. Squeezing Scott's hand, she tries to be more upbeat.]
Uh-huh. I'll remember you said that! Anyway, get me something you think I'd like, okay?
[If he's thinking about her, then maybe he won't dwell on the cashier's cool attitude. That's her hope, anyway.]
[But honestly, it's extremely difficult for Scott to remain completely nonchalant about what's happening. This used to be one of his favorite places in this stupid village, but it's hard to enjoy the food and everything when the locals keep staring at him, usually at his shades. Which. Okay, fine, people are supposed to look at people in their eyes, but he still feels like it's pointed.
And he's not sure if he's angrier or not knowing that their feelings aren't entirely extreme, given what he can do. But it's not like he's the only one; he can see the cashier giving the same look at Kotone and it only prods his temper.]
Two house regulars. The one with ham, turkey, cheese, and all the extra bits.
[At least the cashier does his job and starts making his order, but he's extremely cold, not looking at them once or trying any conversation.]
[She squeezes his hand. Don't get mad; it'll only make things worse, she thinks, though for Scott or for the cashier, she doesn't know. It's not like she doesn't understand their caution after everything that's happened in and around town, but it's... weird, how it was all at once.
Still, she doesn't want to talk about that in front of the locals.]
Could we get those to-go, please? [she asks as brightly as ever, though Scott will be able to tell the smile she gives this cashier doesn't come close to reaching her eyes. The cashier just gives them both a curt nod, and in response, she tugs Scott's hand in a gentle attempt to get his attention.]
Let's eat up on the roof again. Or maybe the farmhouse?
[It's really only through Kotone's grip in his that he doesn't snap back. Scott doesn't care too much if adults are upset with him, because none of that is fucking new, reminds him of his old school in a lot of ways, but she's not like him. She seems like the type that teachers would love to have in class-- but he's getting off topic. Scott sucks in a breath, mostly to reign in his temper, and looks at her with a slightly questioning glance.]
The farmhouse? [...] Are you talking about Astralin's place?
[He actually likes Astralin, especially for an adult, but hmm, he's not sure if he wants to really go there. They're on a date, right? That's how he's treating this.] He's cool and all, but I'm good with the roof again. Just you and me.
[Well, it's not like she was inviting him to hang out with Astralin, exactly. She was inviting him to her room in Astralin's house...
Still, unlike the smile she gave the cashier earlier, the smile she gives Scott crinkles the corners of her eyes with its warmth, cheeks dusting with the slightest hint of pink.]
Hmmm, okay! If anyone else is there, since you don't want to go to mine, there's always your room!
[Now she's just teasing him, mostly in an effort to distract him from being pissed off at the circumstances around them.]
I didn't know you were talking about your room at the farm. W-we can definitely go there!
[Scott's voice is definitely loud, almost shouting, because he wants to go to her room. He's not entirely sure why, but it feels like the next big step in... well, whatever this is. Also, he's super not going to care about the people in the shop giving him dirty looks for disturbing the peace, because this is far more important.
[Okay, she's laughing at him now, even as she pulls her hand out of his to clap over his mouth. Too loud! Too loud!! For as goofy as she is, she's usually a very private person about her relationships!
Still, it's funny, and it feels like it's lifted a bit of the cold atmosphere, at least in their little bubble.]
Only if you don't mind. You're the one who invited me out, after all!
[It would be nice to have him over, that's all. The only boys who've really been over her room in the farmhouse are Shinjiro (because he lived there) and Ken (because he lives there).]
[There's a couple of muffled protests from Scott, before he finally quiets down, his cheeks reddening just slightly despite himself. He just didn't think he'd be invited to her room, even though she's already stayed the night in his. It's just, different and everything!! Girls are way more specific and choosey about who they invite, right? That's what he's going with anyway.]
I don't mind. It sounds great, really.
[Scott answers in a reasonable tone this time, an almost shy smile reaching his lips before he goes to pay for the sandwiches. The cashier gives Scott a wary and unfriendly glance, but this time, he doesn't seem to care all that much as he turns to Kotone with a certain ease to him.]
I just wanted to spend my birthday with you.
[Oh yeah, he may have forgotten to mention that until now, huh?]
[It's a good thing she keeps her room generally clean-! Though, considering she's seen what Scott's looks like, he probably wouldn't care if it were messy. Still, she beams with delight when he agrees. It's kind of weird, isn't it? To be so excited about something as mundane as inviting him to hang out in her room. But it's not something she does that often, since it's usually easier to go wherever anyone else is, so... it's kind of special!
And then a gasp of betrayal! How dare!]
What? You didn't tell me! [She still gives the cashier a quick smile and a "thank-you," as she grabs her bagged sandwich before turning her full attention to Scott with a rather impressive pout.] I'd have done something if I'd known! Is it today?
[He can't help but laugh slightly at the pout she's giving him. What, it's cute.....
As he grabs his food and turns to leave, Scott still finds himself teasing her, an almost confident grin being tossed over his shoulder.]
You did just invite me to your room. [So, that's sort of something?] And yep, I'm now 17 years old starting today. Basically an adult.
[Scott puffs up slightly, because he certainly feels more mature now compared to like 6 months ago. And it's definitely not because he went through traumatic experiences and everything, nope. Don't worry about that.]
[She nudges him with her elbow, still pouting a little. What does she have at home that she can give him...? No, that's not right, she can't just improvise a birthday present. It has to be thoughtful! And mean something! Hmmm...
Still, as she leads the way out of the sandwich shop, her pout slowly fades into a smile.] We should have a party! What kind of cake do you like? Maybe I can talk to Yu and we can make karaage or... what do Americans eat for birthday parties?
[He's really not all that bothered if Kotone doesn't give him a present. After all, he sort of just brought it up, and he's pretty happy just spending time with her, so he doesn't need a big party, not right away.
It seems that she's pretty adamant about it though and Scott finds himself smiling slightly despite himself. She's definitely determined in her own Kotone way... but it's for him.]
Uh, I guess chocolate cake? I'm not picky. [Long as it's not something weird!!] Usually it's pizza, easy to order and feeds a bunch of kids at once. That's what my parents usually did.
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9/22
Hey, Kotone. Did you want to hang out today?
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[No "oh let me check if I'm working," no "I might have other plans," just immediate agreement this time. After the maze, it feels like the least she can do.
...Plus, she wants to! So that helps.]
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[It means they get to hang out sooner. And sandwiches are more of a lunch food, anyway. Although-]
I'm gonna order the weirdest thing on the menu hehe
[-she still is who she is.]
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Alright alright.
You're really gonna insult me huh.
Meet in front of the sandwich place in an hour?
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Should I wear something cute?
[Is this a capital-D Date?]
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Yeah, sure. You don't have to super dress up or anything, but I wouldn't mind seeing you in a really cute outfit.
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[Jokes on him, all her outfits are cute- No, but as promised, a few minutes before the hour, she's making her way toward the sandwich shop, hands clasped behind her back, skipping lightly to the tune playing in her headphones as her MP3 player bounces against her chest. But, since Scott requested something cute, she'd shied away from Aldrip-chic to something a little more modern in flavor with an oversized flannel shirt over a white t-shirt tucked into a short brown skirt. A hint of lip gloss, a touch of eyeshadow, and a little bit of mascara, and ta-da! Perfect for either a casual hangout or a Date.
At least, she hopes so. Yukari really would be better at this than she is!
Still, as much as she's looking forward to it, as much as she wants to stop thinking about everything in the maze and just do something normal, it's hard to keep her smile as cheerful as always. There's a deep exhaustion still lurking in her eyes that even her mascara can't quite mask. But she wants to try to forget about it for a little while.]
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So, it can be just a regular ol' date. Day. Yeah.
He runs a hand through his hair. It's going to be cool, really. He just needs to focus on making sure that Kotone is having fun, as that's what matters the most to him. She probably needs a break after all the shit in the maze, right? What's better than just being normal and hanging out? She enjoyed it last time.
When she does arrive... Scott feels his throat constrict because oh god she is so cute. He waves at her and smiles bright, his grin stretching across his mouth. Man, he doesn't even have a smartass comment to give her. Scott feels a little bad that he didn't dress up too differently on his end, just wearing his usual jeans, with a light gray shirt and a jacket that's just a slightly darker shade of gray. He may need fashion tips-- but also, dressing himself can be hard, because everything is red.]
You look cute.
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Just cute? [she teases, eyes sparkling as always when she's around him.] Sorry, I'll go change since you asked for really cute.
[She's probably joking? But even as she's teasing him, she's subtly trying to check for any signs of exhaustion or other... difficulties left over from the maze.]
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Scott can recognize headphones anywhere, but the small device that she was obviously listening to is a little foreign to him. He can readily guess that it's a music player at least, so more technology from the future. Kind of cool if he thinks about it, seeing new tech in advance...
But honestly, those thoughts soon fade away as Kotone teases him, with Scott chuckling in return, his own eyes bright even though they can't be seen.]
Okay, it may just qualify as really cute.
[There is something a little... tired about Kotone though. Maybe it's in her eyes and Scott finds his smile fading just slightly, unable to stop some of his worry from becoming visible. It's expected that she's still reeling from everything, he still is, but in a way he also feels better about some things. Mostly better about his own crap, but now he's worried about all of his friends.
He takes in a slow breath, before offering his hand to her.]
Come on, let's eat. I'm starving.
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Instead, she just giggles a little at him, even as her cheeks flush the lightest shade of pink at the compliment. It's not like she needed to hear it, but it's nice to hear from Scott specifically. It's a distraction away from all the unpleasant memories she'd had dredged up, all the hopelessness and heartbreak she'd felt in the maze. Honestly, it's what she needs right now.
So she takes his hand without hesitation, threading their fingers together with an ease that belies her own butterflies as she squeezes his hand.]
Yeah! Maybe I'll even let you order for me. Since you're the expert, after all.
[Make it a good one! Otherwise: weirdest thing on the menu time.]
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Scott tries to not those thoughts bother him, especially since Kotone is with him. They're going to have a good time, dammit, even if he has tell everyone else to fuck off.]
You're in good hands. Plus, I'll stop you from ordering anything too weird. You might've been right about the fruit sandwiches, but that's just a one time thing.
[As they step inside, he gives a small wave to the cashier, who only tightly nods at him, not bothering to greet Scott back like normal. It makes him frown, his grip tightening just a little more in Kotone's hand, but he tries to act normal otherwise.]
Just here for sandwiches, alright?
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Maybe she shouldn't be surprised. But it hurts. Squeezing Scott's hand, she tries to be more upbeat.]
Uh-huh. I'll remember you said that! Anyway, get me something you think I'd like, okay?
[If he's thinking about her, then maybe he won't dwell on the cashier's cool attitude. That's her hope, anyway.]
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[But honestly, it's extremely difficult for Scott to remain completely nonchalant about what's happening. This used to be one of his favorite places in this stupid village, but it's hard to enjoy the food and everything when the locals keep staring at him, usually at his shades. Which. Okay, fine, people are supposed to look at people in their eyes, but he still feels like it's pointed.
And he's not sure if he's angrier or not knowing that their feelings aren't entirely extreme, given what he can do. But it's not like he's the only one; he can see the cashier giving the same look at Kotone and it only prods his temper.]
Two house regulars. The one with ham, turkey, cheese, and all the extra bits.
[At least the cashier does his job and starts making his order, but he's extremely cold, not looking at them once or trying any conversation.]
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Still, she doesn't want to talk about that in front of the locals.]
Could we get those to-go, please? [she asks as brightly as ever, though Scott will be able to tell the smile she gives this cashier doesn't come close to reaching her eyes. The cashier just gives them both a curt nod, and in response, she tugs Scott's hand in a gentle attempt to get his attention.]
Let's eat up on the roof again. Or maybe the farmhouse?
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The farmhouse? [...] Are you talking about Astralin's place?
[He actually likes Astralin, especially for an adult, but hmm, he's not sure if he wants to really go there. They're on a date, right? That's how he's treating this.] He's cool and all, but I'm good with the roof again. Just you and me.
[HOPEFULLY AT LEAST...]
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Still, unlike the smile she gave the cashier earlier, the smile she gives Scott crinkles the corners of her eyes with its warmth, cheeks dusting with the slightest hint of pink.]
Hmmm, okay! If anyone else is there, since you don't want to go to mine, there's always your room!
[Now she's just teasing him, mostly in an effort to distract him from being pissed off at the circumstances around them.]
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Wait... hold on a second.
Processing......]
I didn't know you were talking about your room at the farm. W-we can definitely go there!
[Scott's voice is definitely loud, almost shouting, because he wants to go to her room. He's not entirely sure why, but it feels like the next big step in... well, whatever this is. Also, he's super not going to care about the people in the shop giving him dirty looks for disturbing the peace, because this is far more important.
It looks like Kotone's tactic has worked.]
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[Okay, she's laughing at him now, even as she pulls her hand out of his to clap over his mouth. Too loud! Too loud!! For as goofy as she is, she's usually a very private person about her relationships!
Still, it's funny, and it feels like it's lifted a bit of the cold atmosphere, at least in their little bubble.]
Only if you don't mind. You're the one who invited me out, after all!
[It would be nice to have him over, that's all. The only boys who've really been over her room in the farmhouse are Shinjiro (because he lived there) and Ken (because he lives there).]
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I don't mind. It sounds great, really.
[Scott answers in a reasonable tone this time, an almost shy smile reaching his lips before he goes to pay for the sandwiches. The cashier gives Scott a wary and unfriendly glance, but this time, he doesn't seem to care all that much as he turns to Kotone with a certain ease to him.]
I just wanted to spend my birthday with you.
[Oh yeah, he may have forgotten to mention that until now, huh?]
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And then a gasp of betrayal! How dare!]
What? You didn't tell me! [She still gives the cashier a quick smile and a "thank-you," as she grabs her bagged sandwich before turning her full attention to Scott with a rather impressive pout.] I'd have done something if I'd known! Is it today?
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As he grabs his food and turns to leave, Scott still finds himself teasing her, an almost confident grin being tossed over his shoulder.]
You did just invite me to your room. [So, that's sort of something?] And yep, I'm now 17 years old starting today. Basically an adult.
[Scott puffs up slightly, because he certainly feels more mature now compared to like 6 months ago. And it's definitely not because he went through traumatic experiences and everything, nope. Don't worry about that.]
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[She nudges him with her elbow, still pouting a little. What does she have at home that she can give him...? No, that's not right, she can't just improvise a birthday present. It has to be thoughtful! And mean something! Hmmm...
Still, as she leads the way out of the sandwich shop, her pout slowly fades into a smile.] We should have a party! What kind of cake do you like? Maybe I can talk to Yu and we can make karaage or... what do Americans eat for birthday parties?
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[He's really not all that bothered if Kotone doesn't give him a present. After all, he sort of just brought it up, and he's pretty happy just spending time with her, so he doesn't need a big party, not right away.
It seems that she's pretty adamant about it though and Scott finds himself smiling slightly despite himself. She's definitely determined in her own Kotone way... but it's for him.]
Uh, I guess chocolate cake? I'm not picky. [Long as it's not something weird!!] Usually it's pizza, easy to order and feeds a bunch of kids at once. That's what my parents usually did.
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oh yeah nsfw... like 10 comments ago jflkane
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