[He repeats with her, full certainty and devotion in his voice as he returns her kiss. Honestly, he'd like to promise that he's only hers forever, but... the future is uncertain. One day, he hopes he can actually really promise her something of that magnitude, but right now, this will have to be enough. It's easy to soak in what they do have right now, because she's alive and warm in his hold and being just as expressive as him. She's really comfortable enough to be open like this with him, huh? He... he can't be happier, at least it feels like it, especially when it's just the two of them carving out this moment together.
God he is such a sap--
But he smiles as they pull back, his only cheeks flushed to match hers. He knows she's changing the topic to something less serious once more, but right now, that's okay. Scott's hand strokes her cheek, lovingly caressing her face as he looks at her with a sort of attention that he'd never give to anyone else here. Often times, there is that dopey ass look he gets, but there's a deeper intensity this time, still reeling from their confessions and commitment to one another.]
Even if your hair is black. [He brushes some of her hair back, tucking a lone strand behind her ear.] Or even completely bald.
[She laughs aloud at the mental image of her being bald and turns her head, flicking him with her ponytail. It helps a little to bear that incredibly affectionate look he's giving her, the one that quickens the beat of her heart and deepens the flush on her cheeks. She'd meant it when she said there was no one else who'd ever looked at her like that, as if she were the most precious thing in the world. For just a few seconds, she lets herself soak it in, leaning into the hand on her cheek and pressing a tiny kiss to his palm.]
I couldn't wear my pins if I were bald! [Then it's back to jokes, and for good measure, her fingers trail up from the back of his neck to twine into his hair, purposely mussing it up just a little. At least he gets pulled into another kiss for his trouble, with her only pulling back to give him a slightly-mischievous grin. He can't look at her like that and not expect a playful,] Wanna go somewhere more private?
[He lightly protests when her ponytail smacks him in the face. There's, of course, no heat in his exclamation, Scott's expression turning more playful if just as affectionate still. There truly is no one else like her, no one as special to him. How can he possibly stop the way his heart flutters? Doesn't help that his cheeks brighten just a bit more when she kisses his palm-- kisses him, then further darkening when she makes that suggestion.
Oh, yeah, he'd love to go somewhere private.
He pulls away just slightly from her, his hand dropping down take hers, sliding their fingers together and remembering just the last second to grab her shoes.]
Let's go. [He wants to sound deep and crap, but really, Scott's still so flushed that he fails pretty badly on that.] Just wanna be somewhere with you, where no one can bother us.
[She squeezes his hand with another playful smile and turns on her heel to tug him after her in a not-quite run. It's funny, isn't it? How quickly they go from talking about serious things to things just being normal. It's that kind of thing that makes it so easy to talk to him, she thinks, that makes it so easy to be close to him. No matter what happens, she knows Scott will still want to be with her. After talking about this kind of inevitable end, it only makes sense to want to enjoy the time they have together right now, right?
Hopefully he's not expecting her to lead him back into town, though, because that's way too long of a walk. There's a little shack that rents surfboards and other beach gear nearby, though, tucked in against some larger rocks that gives it something of a suggestion of privacy. And like, the shop's closed for the day, so-! Kotone gives him another playfully devious smile over her shoulder, slowing her steps to lead him around the back of the shop.]
You don't mind the sand, right? [she teases, planting a hand in the center of his chest to try to walk him back up against the wall so she can get back to the important business of kissing him.]
[It's so easy to just follow her lead right now. Well, honestly, it's always easy to follow whatever Kotone wants to do. What, it usually ends up being fun or something that he doesn't mind doing in the first place! He definitely has self-respect, thank you very much. Like 100%. But right now... he really just wants to be with her, no matter where that place may be. Even if it's a small shack that's closed to the public for today, situated in an area that isn't too out in the open and-- oh.
Oh.
Even if he wanted to protest, those words die immediately in his throat, instead giving rise to those familiar flushed cheeks as she leads him around back. So, they're just going to... do stuff, out here? In a semi-public area? His heart races just a bit faster, but as he looks at the teasing smile on his girlfriend, there's no way he's going to stop her.]
I don't mind.
[His back settles against the wall as they sink into another familiar kiss, his arm wrapping around her while the other starts teasing up her thigh until it bumps into her holster and.
No Summers, don't bring up another serious conversation. You have your super hot and amazing girlfriend up against you, nearly pinning you to the wall. They talked a lot already and he just wants to have a good time with her. They both deserve it. But... he can't just ignore that pressing thought either, because it's important to him and he knows it is to her. It's just so depressing to interrupt this......]
K-Kotone, wait... [He mumbles against her lips, almost regretfully.]
[Look, what self-respecting boy wouldn't jump at the chance to kiss Kotone Shiomi in sort-of public? In her mind, it's secluded enough, and at this point, half the town has to know they're dating by now. It's not like it's some big secret (Scott's fault, she's pretty sure), so if anybody finds them, well... Scott will be way more embarrassed than she will be, so it's fine!
She leans up into him, fully intending to pin him up against the wall. A little noise of encouragement as his hand trails up her thigh, muscles flexing beneath his touch as she picks her foot up off the ground and presses her knee into his hip, fully expecting him to grab on and pull her closer. Except wait, what?]
What's wrong? [She hasn't moved against him, her voice a rushed whisper against his lips, but she doesn't interrupt. Talking is really important to him, as much as she wants to do literally anything else right now.]
[He can feel his soul leaving his body and yet Scott only has himself to blame. Why is he being responsible at all?? Why can't he just be a horny teenager with zero thoughts in his head?? He likes to think he can be like that, but... important... things. Even if it may kill the mood entirely. He can only hope that they can bounce back again after this, maybe he'll mention how hot she is?? Or how he enjoyed when she dug her hands into his neck??
Great backup plan, Summers.
But after struggling a few more seconds, he regretfully pulls his hand away from her thigh, instead letting it hover close to the Evoker that she always carries on her person.]
[She waits patiently for him to speak, the hand on his chest moving up to gently stroke his cheek. It's hard to resist kissing him like this when they're so close, but whatever's bothering him, it has to be important. Her thigh almost feels cold when he pulls his hand back, but he doesn't go far.
...Her Evoker?]
Sure? [she agrees almost immediately, though there's a clear question in the tone of her voice and the tilt of her head. Kotone allows herself one more kiss to Scott's lips before drawing her Evoker and pointing it at her temple. Normally she might step back and give herself space, but it's not like they're about to fight or something. It almost feels kind of intimate like this, and she takes Scott's hand in her free one to bring to her chest, holding it there like she always does when summoning.
A breath to settle Thanatos in front of her heart as if loading a bullet into a revolver's barrel, and then pulls the trigger. This close, the bright blue light has to be startling, wreathing her head for a moment as it's knocked sharply sideways with the recoil. Thanatos swirls into view behind her, a looming, imposing presence that stares sightlessly down at the two before him.]
[He's lucky that she's encouraging this, even though she has every right to pout at him for interrupting their little make out session. He'll make it up to her in just a bit, 100%. Show how much he appreciates and loves her, even if it's out in a semi-public area. Who cares if someone comes across them (he might perish a little)!! ...Well, assuming that Kotone still wants to after Serious Talk #2.
But he keeps his hand to her chest and call him a freak, but somehow, this feels even more intimate. It's like he's with her as she uses her powers and it feels really special to him? After all, she's summoning something that represents a part of her soul and he's standing right her, hand to her heart as if he can feel its beat as she brings out Thanatos. He's very familiar with how she summons Personas now, so he doesn't pull away or flinch when the Evoker goes off, keeping his hand there with hers. It's been a very long time since he first met Thanatos and almost died to his hand.
He doesn't really feel scary to him anymore, even though he objectively has an intimidating presence. But he's part of Kotone, part of her... and he fully wants to understand that. He's determined to, because she's so important to him. So, as he keeps close to Kotone, he looks up at Thanatos for a moment before focusing back on her.]
...Minato explained to me how Personas work for you. When you use the Evoker.
[Accepting death and everything. Scott knows he reacted badly to her telling him that she's dead back home. It's been a year since that moment, however, and he wants to show her that he's matured since then. He's not as emotional or angry as before, in fact, he's gotten a lot better repressing that feeling, shoving it back so that he can deal with stuff. It's a good thing.
He wants Kotone to feel comfortable talking about everything to him, even this.] That you've confronted and accepted death.
[...He'll always be sad about it and he can't fully hide that, but Scott does look calm otherwise. His hand just tightens against hers for a moment, the grip reassuring.] I've accepted that about you.
[There's still a note of a question in her voice, like she doesn't truly get where Scott's going with this. Also, she'd kind of thought she'd explained it? But maybe not, considering she doesn't think Scott ever asked. It hadn't seemed really important to explain, anyway; it works, and like, that's enough! Figuring out the logistics of it was Mitsuru's thing.
Thanatos drifts behind her still, not approaching, but not retreating, either. If he had eyes, they'd be focused on Scott, the gentle clink of chains and a faint sound of breath almost like a death rattle the only sound from the manifestation of death.]
All of us did. [It's a very simple answer, a statement of fact to confirm what Scott's said. Not just her, but Minato, Mitsuru, Shinjiro, even Ken and Koromaru had had to accept their own inevitable deaths just to summon their Personas. Even Kotone knows something like that couldn't have been normal, but it was necessary. For her, it was easy.
But it's still weird that Scott's bringing it up, isn't it? Without drawing back, she glances up at him, her question still in her eyes.]
[Scott wonders how he reached a point in his life that he can look at Thanatos and almost feel comforted by his presence? Well, it specifically has to be Kotone's, but it has to do with him being a reflection of her soul. Like he's here because Kotone is here and that's nice in a strange sort of way. It's part of the whole 'accepting all of Kotone,' not that he has a pressing urge to kiss Thanatos or anything.
He really doesn't.
He nods a little when Kotone affirms that truth about her friends, but he's not as focused on them right now. It's just him, her, and Thanatos and he wants to keep that. Scott strokes his fingers against the soft skin of her hand, trying to gather what he really wants to say to her. ...And the reason why he wanted to talk about this with her all started when he encountered Minato at the beach.
Kind of ironic that they're talking on the beach too.]
I'm sure you know that Minato lost control of Thanatos for a moment. [It was a little scary seeing him lose control like that, but he doesn't want to fully focus on that night. He's glad that his friend has regained his control and... hopefully understands about finding his way about stuff, but talking about all that to begin with has pushed him to talk about this with Kotone.]
Because he forgot about his fate. [About dying. Or something like that. Maybe he can't fully speak for Minato, but Scott's sure he's in the ballpark here.] I know I got upset a while back when you told me about yours, but... I don't want you to lose control of your powers. Of Thanatos.
[He's not sure if this is exactly what he wants to say and for a moment he's frustrated with himself, a small frown on him as he brings his other hand up to cup her cheek.] I mean, I'll always be sad knowing what happened to you. But... but I don't want you to be afraid of telling me about this stuff. I promised to listen to you no matter what. It includes this.
[She hums quietly in acknowledgement; Minato had lost control of Thanatos. It almost seems like a rite of passage, doesn't it? Though Kotone's own had been due to cultists messing with her mind rather than forgetting about the inevitable. It's something she hasn't once been able to forget in her time here. In a way, she almost envies Minato for that; if it hadn't been for Thanatos' violent reminder, she would have envied him!
She slips her Evoker back into her holster and reaches up with her now-free hand to gently cup his cheek, running her thumb just below his glasses as she gives him one of her small, genuine smiles. There's sadness in it, because how could there not be after what they'd just talked about? But she smiles genuinely nonetheless as she leans up on tiptoe and presses the softest of kisses to his lips.]
It's okay. I won't forget.
[Even with the powerful reminder of what happened to Minato, she doesn't think she could forget. It's something she carries with her even now, something that still makes her so, so tired at night sometimes, like her existence is still tethered only by the strength of a promise.]
I've... had a lot more time than Minato has, I think. To think about it all. So... I'll be okay.
[As the warmth of her hand slides up his cheek, Scott turns his face slightly to her embrace. They are always very physical with each other, aren't they? It wasn't long ago that they've been like this, but somehow, it still feels unique and special. Maybe it's the context surrounding everything, maybe he just enjoys having Kotone embrace him in this way. After all, he's hers... now until they separate. It's funny, they're not going to get married or anything like that because they simply can't, but the promise they made just a few minutes ago still feels like a vow to one another.
He's not sure how to fully take it that she can't ever forget her own fate, not in the same way as Minato did. It's sort of relieving, but it also makes him sad as well, his smile turning as such to reflect that sad acceptance that he's fully used to when it comes to him and Kotone. They can't be together forever, but he loves her so much anyway. He really can't imagine being with anyone else.]
I know that you'll always try to be okay, but... you aren't alone anymore either. You have me. [He brings their hands against his chest now, letting them rest there.] Promise me that you won't forget that. I... I want to be your strength too, like how you've been so for me.
[Her thumb drifts down to his lips, tugging gently at that sad smile. It's not like when he tries to remind her not to smile when it's fake, but it's a reminder to him to try to smile more himself. It's okay to be sad, but it's better to smile all the same about the things they can't change, right? They have their time together right now.
She doesn't like seeing him sad because of her, though. If she could, she'd make it so he never had to feel this way. Things never quite work out that way, though, huh?]
I know. [She lets him take her hand, closing her eyes and imagining that she can feel his heart beating beneath it. Through it all, Thanatos hovers behind them both, drifting ever closer and watching the scene without taking his gaze off the young mutant. Kotone leans forward and up as if she might kiss him again, but just presses her forehead against his as if they could somehow get even closer than they already are, and exhales a quiet breath.]
You already are my strength, silly. Every day, I wake up, and I get to see you, and it helps me remember why I keep going.
[Death may wait for no man, but it is also patient. It claims everyone in the end. Thanatos lowers his head slightly, and one might almost imagine a chill surrounding them from his closeness. Kotone just smiles, closing her eyes as if her Persona's presence were more comforting than ominous.]
I told Minato that Thanatos isn't just a reminder of the end, but he's also our will to keep fighting, too. That's what I think, anyway.
[He's never been as good as her when it comes to smiling through things when he doesn't feel it. Doubly so when she's the one involved, because she's one of the very few people left in this world that he feels like he can be fully open with. He wants to be honest with her, but maybe he should try to smile more for her too. So, the corner of his mouth twitches upward, something a little strained about it, but he's trying still.
So, here they are, with their slightly forced smiles and hands together. He keeps them close to his chest even as Thanatos drifts closer, Scott only looking at him with acknowledgment, maybe some understanding. He's not afraid of Thanatos-- he'd like to think he still wouldn't be afraid if he attacked him. Maybe he'd just be more worried about Kotone, because if her Persona attacked him, then something is wrong with her.
Resting his forehead against hers, he swallows tightly hearing her claim that he's already her strength. She... she really means it, huh? Knowing that she's relying on him too, it makes Scott want to be even better. Stronger. So she can continue to rely on him. He can do that without problem, right?]
I know it's hard for you sometimes. You mentioned about it being difficult to get up from bed, but... but I'm glad that I make it easier for you.
[As the chill from Thanatos encompasses them, he pulls her closer, his other arm still wrapped around her waist. It's not like he's trying to protect her from her own Persona, but it's just a reminder that even if death is nearby, he'll be close. To... hopefully fight it off.] I don't mind if you want to lean on me more.
[There's a hint of a teasing tone in his voice, but he's still serious.]
I think so too, Kotone. Your will to keep going. [At least it's a nice thought, so Scott's going to fully support that.]
[She sinks in against him, relishing his warmth, how solid he feels beneath her. Keeping her eyes closed, it's easy to pretend that they're in their own little untouchable bubble; that as long as they're together, they'll be fine. Thanatos might hover right behind her as a very tangible reminder of the inevitable, but in this moment, right now, they have each other.]
I lean on you a lot already, [and while she matches that lightly teasing tone, it's true! More than Scott knows, probably. For so long, she'd had to rely just on herself. Even with SEES, she wanted to be someone they could rely on, and while she relied on them in return, it was different. She was still their leader. Maybe that's why she adds,] You're the first person who wanted to share everything with me. Not just stuff about you, or me, but... both of us. Does that make sense?
[Most of SEES had wanted to talk to her about things that were bothering them. She didn't mind! She was happy to help. Some of them wanted to talk only about her -- like Shinjiro. Junpei had been one of the few who'd seemed to want to hear about her as much as he shared about himself, but he was never interested in her like that.
Maybe it's fitting that Scott isn't a Social Link, and she won't get a Persona from him. They're more than that, she's pretty sure.]
If you wanna lean on me to the point that I have to hold you up, that's okay too.
[He laughs lightly, but there's a serious note to his voice. A promise. Because yeah, if she doesn't feel like getting up at all, if Kotone needs him to carry her in some manner, then he will. Without question. He wants to be here for her, not just when they're having fun. They've established that they're both very important to each other, that he doesn't want to be with anyone else while they're here, and he's determined to show it.]
...But yeah, that makes sense.
[Isn't that supposed to be normal? Sharing stuff about himself, Kotone sharing stuff about herself?? That sort of came naturally to him, especially when they're off in their own little bubble. It's easy to talk to someone that's always accepted him, even from the beginning, before they were even friends. He won't forget the time where she just took him out for a dance, the way she smiled at him. Sure, she's nice like that to everyone, but it still mattered a lot to him.
[In spite of the seriousness of their conversation, she can't help but giggle a little bit. If Thanatos weren't behind them, she might laughingly order him to pick her up, but maybe next time. Right now, she's more than happy to have his arms wrapped around her like this. Once the giggles subside, she relaxes against him with a pleased little sigh, though her nose scrunches a bit at the kiss to her head. It's so soft and affectionate -- so like him, really.]
The good stuff and the bad stuff, right?
[If he's going to kiss her head, then she's just going to lean up and try to steal his lips again, lingering there for a long moment. Scott truly, genuinely, makes her feel so alive; like as long as they're together, things will be okay. Cupping his cheek, she tilts his head to kiss him more insistently as if making a promise with that kiss. And maybe it kind of is, a reminder that they're with each other until one or both of them is gone.
Thanatos, for his part, continues to look unimpressed, though he still hasn't looked anywhere but at Scott.]
[A slightly exasperated, but still fond laugh escapes Scott when he both hears and feels her giggle underneath him. What is she laughing about? This is totally a serious conversation they are having!! But he's come to fully understand that she has a hard time keeping the topic serious for long, inevitably turning things light between them. Sometimes frustrating, but Scott's mostly said what he wanted to say (again), and so he starts moving his hand from her back to her side to rest there for a moment.]
The good and the bad.
[Overall, she's gotten far more open with expressing herself to him, but he still doesn't mind when she silently promises things to him with a simple kiss, feeling her sincerity through their intimate contact. Is it sappy of him? Maybe, but too bad, because it's true. It really feels like she's open in these instances... and it's not like he's going to complain at all about having Kotone Shiomi kiss him over and over.
And Thanatos can just watch!! He can also just watch as he lets the hand on her side twitch before he starts tickling her. Look, even he just wants to have fun with her now.]
[She does appreciate the sentiment behind it, more than she really knows how to express. Hopefully it's clear in the way she sinks completely against him, almost daring him to hold her close enough that she won't just sink to the ground -- still, she keeps her hand against his cheek, ready and willing to hold on in case she's too heavy for him to bear. They both carry each other, don't they? And that's always been the most important thing. She's not just Scott's leader, or his guide, but his equal.
There's a little bit of a twitch when he shifts his hand, then a sharp gasp when he starts tickling her! Rude!! This time, she can't control her startled laughter as she tries to shy away from his hand, and Thanatos finally stirs into action. He's part of Kotone, and while she knows she's not in any actual danger, it doesn't him from rising up warningly, coffins flaring around them both and kicking up little whirlwinds of sand with a chill wind. There's a distinct sound of chains and a rattle of breath, even as Kotone's still laughing and trying to wiggle away from his hand.]
[Once hearing those chains, Scott reluctantly pulls his hand away from her side, allowing it to rest once more on her back as he snorts in laughter. He still believes that Thanatos wouldn't hurt him or anything like that, but best not to aggravate him too much, right? He buries his smiling face against the top of Kotone's head for a moment, his hand now tracing light circles against her.]
I think he's a little upset with me.
[He admits before looking over to the Persona that represents Death. The reflection of Kotone that shows her acceptance of her fate... but also her will to keep fighting. He likes the thought of that.] I'll take good care of her, don't worry.
[It takes another few seconds after he stops for her giggles to subside; once they do, Thanatos seems to calm as well, the cold little eddies of air ceasing to let their sandy tornados fall peacefully back to the beach. The prospect of Thanatos being upset at Scott is also kind of funny, but...
She turns around, pressing her back against Scott's chest, and reaches up with both hands toward Thanatos like she might for a (very) large dog. Thanatos leans in as beckoned, resting his metal jaw in both of her hands for a moment, though his gaze stays focused on Scott, before finally disappearing with a flicker, back into her soul where he can't try to "help" by being intimidating. She doesn't turn around completely or even move away, just tilts her head to look up at her boyfriend with a genuine little smile.]
He knows. [Still without turning around, she reaches up behind her to ruffle her fingers through Scott's hair.] He trusts you to protect me, I think.
[Only Kotone would treat the manifestation of death like this. Granted, Thanatos is a personification of her soul, so there's definitely that connection on a deep level, but it's still a little funny to watch a teenage girl pat a spirit with coffins and a metal mask. He keeps his arms wrapped around her waist as she does so, before smiling down at her with that affectionate grin as Thanatos leaves them alone.]
I don't plan on letting him down.
[Kotone isn't the only one that's willing to sacrifice her life; he's more than willing to do that for her. Of course, he plans on exhausting all other options first, because he doesn't want her to go through the pain of watching him die. Plus, he's trying to encourage the whole 'don't immediately jump to sacrificing yourself' bit. Still, he'd do almost anything to protect her, someone has to.
But enough seriousness for one day. Even he's tired of it.]
Now, where were we...
[A playful tone enters his voice as he pulls her closer to him. Yep, just going to be gross in public, they deserve it. Besides, they're somewhat hidden away still. Totally fine. Maybe Jerry will slap them with indecent exposure later--]
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[He repeats with her, full certainty and devotion in his voice as he returns her kiss. Honestly, he'd like to promise that he's only hers forever, but... the future is uncertain. One day, he hopes he can actually really promise her something of that magnitude, but right now, this will have to be enough. It's easy to soak in what they do have right now, because she's alive and warm in his hold and being just as expressive as him. She's really comfortable enough to be open like this with him, huh? He... he can't be happier, at least it feels like it, especially when it's just the two of them carving out this moment together.
God he is such a sap--
But he smiles as they pull back, his only cheeks flushed to match hers. He knows she's changing the topic to something less serious once more, but right now, that's okay. Scott's hand strokes her cheek, lovingly caressing her face as he looks at her with a sort of attention that he'd never give to anyone else here. Often times, there is that dopey ass look he gets, but there's a deeper intensity this time, still reeling from their confessions and commitment to one another.]
Even if your hair is black. [He brushes some of her hair back, tucking a lone strand behind her ear.] Or even completely bald.
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I couldn't wear my pins if I were bald! [Then it's back to jokes, and for good measure, her fingers trail up from the back of his neck to twine into his hair, purposely mussing it up just a little. At least he gets pulled into another kiss for his trouble, with her only pulling back to give him a slightly-mischievous grin. He can't look at her like that and not expect a playful,] Wanna go somewhere more private?
[Don't forget her shoes!]
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[He lightly protests when her ponytail smacks him in the face. There's, of course, no heat in his exclamation, Scott's expression turning more playful if just as affectionate still. There truly is no one else like her, no one as special to him. How can he possibly stop the way his heart flutters? Doesn't help that his cheeks brighten just a bit more when she kisses his palm-- kisses him, then further darkening when she makes that suggestion.
Oh, yeah, he'd love to go somewhere private.
He pulls away just slightly from her, his hand dropping down take hers, sliding their fingers together and remembering just the last second to grab her shoes.]
Let's go. [He wants to sound deep and crap, but really, Scott's still so flushed that he fails pretty badly on that.] Just wanna be somewhere with you, where no one can bother us.
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[She squeezes his hand with another playful smile and turns on her heel to tug him after her in a not-quite run. It's funny, isn't it? How quickly they go from talking about serious things to things just being normal. It's that kind of thing that makes it so easy to talk to him, she thinks, that makes it so easy to be close to him. No matter what happens, she knows Scott will still want to be with her. After talking about this kind of inevitable end, it only makes sense to want to enjoy the time they have together right now, right?
Hopefully he's not expecting her to lead him back into town, though, because that's way too long of a walk. There's a little shack that rents surfboards and other beach gear nearby, though, tucked in against some larger rocks that gives it something of a suggestion of privacy. And like, the shop's closed for the day, so-! Kotone gives him another playfully devious smile over her shoulder, slowing her steps to lead him around the back of the shop.]
You don't mind the sand, right? [she teases, planting a hand in the center of his chest to try to walk him back up against the wall so she can get back to the important business of kissing him.]
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Oh.
Even if he wanted to protest, those words die immediately in his throat, instead giving rise to those familiar flushed cheeks as she leads him around back. So, they're just going to... do stuff, out here? In a semi-public area? His heart races just a bit faster, but as he looks at the teasing smile on his girlfriend, there's no way he's going to stop her.]
I don't mind.
[His back settles against the wall as they sink into another familiar kiss, his arm wrapping around her while the other starts teasing up her thigh until it bumps into her holster and.
No Summers, don't bring up another serious conversation. You have your super hot and amazing girlfriend up against you, nearly pinning you to the wall. They talked a lot already and he just wants to have a good time with her. They both deserve it. But... he can't just ignore that pressing thought either, because it's important to him and he knows it is to her. It's just so depressing to interrupt this......]
K-Kotone, wait... [He mumbles against her lips, almost regretfully.]
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She leans up into him, fully intending to pin him up against the wall. A little noise of encouragement as his hand trails up her thigh, muscles flexing beneath his touch as she picks her foot up off the ground and presses her knee into his hip, fully expecting him to grab on and pull her closer. Except wait, what?]
What's wrong? [She hasn't moved against him, her voice a rushed whisper against his lips, but she doesn't interrupt. Talking is really important to him, as much as she wants to do literally anything else right now.]
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Great backup plan, Summers.
But after struggling a few more seconds, he regretfully pulls his hand away from her thigh, instead letting it hover close to the Evoker that she always carries on her person.]
Could... could you summon Thanatos for me?
[He swears it's not a kink thing--]
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...Her Evoker?]
Sure? [she agrees almost immediately, though there's a clear question in the tone of her voice and the tilt of her head. Kotone allows herself one more kiss to Scott's lips before drawing her Evoker and pointing it at her temple. Normally she might step back and give herself space, but it's not like they're about to fight or something. It almost feels kind of intimate like this, and she takes Scott's hand in her free one to bring to her chest, holding it there like she always does when summoning.
A breath to settle Thanatos in front of her heart as if loading a bullet into a revolver's barrel, and then pulls the trigger. This close, the bright blue light has to be startling, wreathing her head for a moment as it's knocked sharply sideways with the recoil. Thanatos swirls into view behind her, a looming, imposing presence that stares sightlessly down at the two before him.]
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But he keeps his hand to her chest and call him a freak, but somehow, this feels even more intimate. It's like he's with her as she uses her powers and it feels really special to him? After all, she's summoning something that represents a part of her soul and he's standing right her, hand to her heart as if he can feel its beat as she brings out Thanatos. He's very familiar with how she summons Personas now, so he doesn't pull away or flinch when the Evoker goes off, keeping his hand there with hers. It's been a very long time since he first met Thanatos and almost died to his hand.
He doesn't really feel scary to him anymore, even though he objectively has an intimidating presence. But he's part of Kotone, part of her... and he fully wants to understand that. He's determined to, because she's so important to him. So, as he keeps close to Kotone, he looks up at Thanatos for a moment before focusing back on her.]
...Minato explained to me how Personas work for you. When you use the Evoker.
[Accepting death and everything. Scott knows he reacted badly to her telling him that she's dead back home. It's been a year since that moment, however, and he wants to show her that he's matured since then. He's not as emotional or angry as before, in fact, he's gotten a lot better repressing that feeling, shoving it back so that he can deal with stuff. It's a good thing.
He wants Kotone to feel comfortable talking about everything to him, even this.] That you've confronted and accepted death.
[...He'll always be sad about it and he can't fully hide that, but Scott does look calm otherwise. His hand just tightens against hers for a moment, the grip reassuring.] I've accepted that about you.
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[There's still a note of a question in her voice, like she doesn't truly get where Scott's going with this. Also, she'd kind of thought she'd explained it? But maybe not, considering she doesn't think Scott ever asked. It hadn't seemed really important to explain, anyway; it works, and like, that's enough! Figuring out the logistics of it was Mitsuru's thing.
Thanatos drifts behind her still, not approaching, but not retreating, either. If he had eyes, they'd be focused on Scott, the gentle clink of chains and a faint sound of breath almost like a death rattle the only sound from the manifestation of death.]
All of us did. [It's a very simple answer, a statement of fact to confirm what Scott's said. Not just her, but Minato, Mitsuru, Shinjiro, even Ken and Koromaru had had to accept their own inevitable deaths just to summon their Personas. Even Kotone knows something like that couldn't have been normal, but it was necessary. For her, it was easy.
But it's still weird that Scott's bringing it up, isn't it? Without drawing back, she glances up at him, her question still in her eyes.]
Why did you want to see Thanatos?
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He really doesn't.
He nods a little when Kotone affirms that truth about her friends, but he's not as focused on them right now. It's just him, her, and Thanatos and he wants to keep that. Scott strokes his fingers against the soft skin of her hand, trying to gather what he really wants to say to her. ...And the reason why he wanted to talk about this with her all started when he encountered Minato at the beach.
Kind of ironic that they're talking on the beach too.]
I'm sure you know that Minato lost control of Thanatos for a moment. [It was a little scary seeing him lose control like that, but he doesn't want to fully focus on that night. He's glad that his friend has regained his control and... hopefully understands about finding his way about stuff, but talking about all that to begin with has pushed him to talk about this with Kotone.]
Because he forgot about his fate. [About dying. Or something like that. Maybe he can't fully speak for Minato, but Scott's sure he's in the ballpark here.] I know I got upset a while back when you told me about yours, but... I don't want you to lose control of your powers. Of Thanatos.
[He's not sure if this is exactly what he wants to say and for a moment he's frustrated with himself, a small frown on him as he brings his other hand up to cup her cheek.] I mean, I'll always be sad knowing what happened to you. But... but I don't want you to be afraid of telling me about this stuff. I promised to listen to you no matter what. It includes this.
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She slips her Evoker back into her holster and reaches up with her now-free hand to gently cup his cheek, running her thumb just below his glasses as she gives him one of her small, genuine smiles. There's sadness in it, because how could there not be after what they'd just talked about? But she smiles genuinely nonetheless as she leans up on tiptoe and presses the softest of kisses to his lips.]
It's okay. I won't forget.
[Even with the powerful reminder of what happened to Minato, she doesn't think she could forget. It's something she carries with her even now, something that still makes her so, so tired at night sometimes, like her existence is still tethered only by the strength of a promise.]
I've... had a lot more time than Minato has, I think. To think about it all. So... I'll be okay.
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He's not sure how to fully take it that she can't ever forget her own fate, not in the same way as Minato did. It's sort of relieving, but it also makes him sad as well, his smile turning as such to reflect that sad acceptance that he's fully used to when it comes to him and Kotone. They can't be together forever, but he loves her so much anyway. He really can't imagine being with anyone else.]
I know that you'll always try to be okay, but... you aren't alone anymore either. You have me. [He brings their hands against his chest now, letting them rest there.] Promise me that you won't forget that. I... I want to be your strength too, like how you've been so for me.
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She doesn't like seeing him sad because of her, though. If she could, she'd make it so he never had to feel this way. Things never quite work out that way, though, huh?]
I know. [She lets him take her hand, closing her eyes and imagining that she can feel his heart beating beneath it. Through it all, Thanatos hovers behind them both, drifting ever closer and watching the scene without taking his gaze off the young mutant. Kotone leans forward and up as if she might kiss him again, but just presses her forehead against his as if they could somehow get even closer than they already are, and exhales a quiet breath.]
You already are my strength, silly. Every day, I wake up, and I get to see you, and it helps me remember why I keep going.
[Death may wait for no man, but it is also patient. It claims everyone in the end. Thanatos lowers his head slightly, and one might almost imagine a chill surrounding them from his closeness. Kotone just smiles, closing her eyes as if her Persona's presence were more comforting than ominous.]
I told Minato that Thanatos isn't just a reminder of the end, but he's also our will to keep fighting, too. That's what I think, anyway.
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So, here they are, with their slightly forced smiles and hands together. He keeps them close to his chest even as Thanatos drifts closer, Scott only looking at him with acknowledgment, maybe some understanding. He's not afraid of Thanatos-- he'd like to think he still wouldn't be afraid if he attacked him. Maybe he'd just be more worried about Kotone, because if her Persona attacked him, then something is wrong with her.
Resting his forehead against hers, he swallows tightly hearing her claim that he's already her strength. She... she really means it, huh? Knowing that she's relying on him too, it makes Scott want to be even better. Stronger. So she can continue to rely on him. He can do that without problem, right?]
I know it's hard for you sometimes. You mentioned about it being difficult to get up from bed, but... but I'm glad that I make it easier for you.
[As the chill from Thanatos encompasses them, he pulls her closer, his other arm still wrapped around her waist. It's not like he's trying to protect her from her own Persona, but it's just a reminder that even if death is nearby, he'll be close. To... hopefully fight it off.] I don't mind if you want to lean on me more.
[There's a hint of a teasing tone in his voice, but he's still serious.]
I think so too, Kotone. Your will to keep going. [At least it's a nice thought, so Scott's going to fully support that.]
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I lean on you a lot already, [and while she matches that lightly teasing tone, it's true! More than Scott knows, probably. For so long, she'd had to rely just on herself. Even with SEES, she wanted to be someone they could rely on, and while she relied on them in return, it was different. She was still their leader. Maybe that's why she adds,] You're the first person who wanted to share everything with me. Not just stuff about you, or me, but... both of us. Does that make sense?
[Most of SEES had wanted to talk to her about things that were bothering them. She didn't mind! She was happy to help. Some of them wanted to talk only about her -- like Shinjiro. Junpei had been one of the few who'd seemed to want to hear about her as much as he shared about himself, but he was never interested in her like that.
Maybe it's fitting that Scott isn't a Social Link, and she won't get a Persona from him. They're more than that, she's pretty sure.]
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[He laughs lightly, but there's a serious note to his voice. A promise. Because yeah, if she doesn't feel like getting up at all, if Kotone needs him to carry her in some manner, then he will. Without question. He wants to be here for her, not just when they're having fun. They've established that they're both very important to each other, that he doesn't want to be with anyone else while they're here, and he's determined to show it.]
...But yeah, that makes sense.
[Isn't that supposed to be normal? Sharing stuff about himself, Kotone sharing stuff about herself?? That sort of came naturally to him, especially when they're off in their own little bubble. It's easy to talk to someone that's always accepted him, even from the beginning, before they were even friends. He won't forget the time where she just took him out for a dance, the way she smiled at him. Sure, she's nice like that to everyone, but it still mattered a lot to him.
He presses a kiss to the top of her head.]
You've made it easy to share everything with.
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The good stuff and the bad stuff, right?
[If he's going to kiss her head, then she's just going to lean up and try to steal his lips again, lingering there for a long moment. Scott truly, genuinely, makes her feel so alive; like as long as they're together, things will be okay. Cupping his cheek, she tilts his head to kiss him more insistently as if making a promise with that kiss. And maybe it kind of is, a reminder that they're with each other until one or both of them is gone.
Thanatos, for his part, continues to look unimpressed, though he still hasn't looked anywhere but at Scott.]
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The good and the bad.
[Overall, she's gotten far more open with expressing herself to him, but he still doesn't mind when she silently promises things to him with a simple kiss, feeling her sincerity through their intimate contact. Is it sappy of him? Maybe, but too bad, because it's true. It really feels like she's open in these instances... and it's not like he's going to complain at all about having Kotone Shiomi kiss him over and over.
And Thanatos can just watch!! He can also just watch as he lets the hand on her side twitch before he starts tickling her. Look, even he just wants to have fun with her now.]
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There's a little bit of a twitch when he shifts his hand, then a sharp gasp when he starts tickling her! Rude!! This time, she can't control her startled laughter as she tries to shy away from his hand, and Thanatos finally stirs into action. He's part of Kotone, and while she knows she's not in any actual danger, it doesn't him from rising up warningly, coffins flaring around them both and kicking up little whirlwinds of sand with a chill wind. There's a distinct sound of chains and a rattle of breath, even as Kotone's still laughing and trying to wiggle away from his hand.]
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I think he's a little upset with me.
[He admits before looking over to the Persona that represents Death. The reflection of Kotone that shows her acceptance of her fate... but also her will to keep fighting. He likes the thought of that.] I'll take good care of her, don't worry.
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She turns around, pressing her back against Scott's chest, and reaches up with both hands toward Thanatos like she might for a (very) large dog. Thanatos leans in as beckoned, resting his metal jaw in both of her hands for a moment, though his gaze stays focused on Scott, before finally disappearing with a flicker, back into her soul where he can't try to "help" by being intimidating. She doesn't turn around completely or even move away, just tilts her head to look up at her boyfriend with a genuine little smile.]
He knows. [Still without turning around, she reaches up behind her to ruffle her fingers through Scott's hair.] He trusts you to protect me, I think.
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I don't plan on letting him down.
[Kotone isn't the only one that's willing to sacrifice her life; he's more than willing to do that for her. Of course, he plans on exhausting all other options first, because he doesn't want her to go through the pain of watching him die. Plus, he's trying to encourage the whole 'don't immediately jump to sacrificing yourself' bit. Still, he'd do almost anything to protect her, someone has to.
But enough seriousness for one day. Even he's tired of it.]
Now, where were we...
[A playful tone enters his voice as he pulls her closer to him. Yep, just going to be gross in public, they deserve it. Besides, they're somewhat hidden away still. Totally fine. Maybe Jerry will slap them with indecent exposure later--]