maskormenacelogs | You and me against the world is nothing new

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You and me against the world is nothing new

WHO: Junpei Iori (

homerunning) and Mitsuru Kirijo
WHERE: Maurtia Falls #003
WHEN: Just after the Swear-In
WHAT: Junpei's going to go over some things regarding Ken's recent friends and Mitsuru's new roommate.
WARNINGS: Nope! Just some adults talking.

[The swear-in had been rather eventful. ...Not because of the faire itself, no. ALthough walking through a Renn Faire in the world's worst dragon costume while a group of preteen boys bat you with cardboard swords did have its memorable moments, that isn't the reason for Junpei's visit to Mitsuru's today. No...he'd learned some things about Ken as well as his newest group of friends through this Swear-In, and finding out that Kidou Yuuto--one of the boys of that group lived with Mitsuru, he wanted to run a few things by her before he did anything else.

Junpei was a goofball, but when it came to kids he couldn't be more serious.

So there's an awkward walk out of his house, slamming the door shut as he inches his way out--only to hear a thump against it the minute he's out. That...fucking rabbit was going to kill him one of these days, and he's not sure how he even lived this long with it. The animal shelter's looking more and more appealing....

With a hop down the steps, he hits the sidewalk and totally jaywalks his way across the street, skipping over to the opposite sidewalk and right up to Mitsuru's house. It was nice having her nearby, even in this place that practically screams danger. Maybe...that's why it was nice. He couldn't imagine her being here by herself. She's capable, don't get him wrong...

But street smarts are not a Kirijo specialty.

With a soft inhale, he works his way up the steps to Maurtia #003 and gives it a nice, clear knock.]

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[She's expecting Junpei, but she's not sure what about. He'd sent her a text earlier in the day asking if he could come by later that night; she'd of course agreed. She's fairly certain that this isn't just a social call, though she supposes it could be. After all, their numbers have dwindled, haven't they?

Still, Mitsuru is fairly sure that this is more than that, but as for what-- she can't say.

When the knock comes, she's already in the living room, and it's a quick jaunt to the door from where she'd been sitting. She opens the door and smiles politely at her teammate (and, if she's honest, friend).] Iori. Please, come in. Would you like any drinks? Any food? I can put on some tea.

[Junpei's quick to step in when Mitsuru offers. Not to hurry things along, but he doesn't trust Maurtia Falls as far as he can throw anything in it. It's his first time actually in her house, and it's kept up just as neatly as he'd expect.

It makes him feel a little bad about his own living situation. Maybe he should...clean up a bit.

But that's not the point. He's here for a reason.]

Huh? Oh, sure...! That'd be great.

[He's not going to refuse hospitality when she's so kindly offering it. But it's obvious something's on his mind.]

[Yes, Junpei. Yes, you should.

She turns, expecting him to close the door behind him.] All right, I'll go put on some water right now. Please, make yourself at home. Sit anywhere you'd like.

[The couch looks pretty comfortable, but there are some armchairs, too...]

[Junpei looks around, studying his options before making his way over to sit down on the couch in the way he always did--elbows on knees, slouched back, arching his neck to see how Mitsuru was doing in there.

The house was really nice.

Symmetrical, even. Wonder who played a part in that.]

So how's the kid doing here?

The kid? [Mitsuru says, leaning out from the doorway into the kitchen, where she's filled a kettle with water and set it on the stove.] Oh, you mean Kidou-kun.

He seems like he's been adapting well. I haven't spoken too much with him, though. [She pauses for a moment.] Why do you ask?

Yeah, Kidou.

[A weird question--he's pretty sure he never even told Mitsuru he knows him. But his fingertips tap together nervously as he continues.] He goes to Nonah Middle School...and he's a friend of Ken's. This alien kid too...goes by the name Gran.

...

Just kinda worry about 'em out here in Maurtia. Hell, worry about him in this place at all. He's not like Ken.

He's...he knows the reality of what's going on here. And it sounds like it's way over his head.

[It's then that Junpei's eyes close, the weight of it all and the guilt of having a kid succumbed to something like this finally shows.]

I dunno...just worried for him. It sucks.

Edited 2016-09-30 01:26 (UTC)

[This is actually... a little odd. Mitsuru had no idea Junpei knew the boy she's living with at all, let alone well enough to be this concerned over him.] I had no idea you felt so protective towards them. Amada-kun, perhaps, but not the others.

[It's kind of... mature of you.]

I think Amada's growth shows that we shouldn't underestimate them just because of their youth, don't you? They can be very resourceful.

Are you concerned over our general situation-- being effectively kidnapped away from our worlds, that is-- or is there something else you're worried about?

Thing is, they go to Ken's school now--you know, the one I work at. It's kind of hard not to get attached when they start traveling in a pack. Kinda reminds me o the good ol' days of our school.

[He rubs the back of his head, trying to think of the best way to word this.]

I just don't want these kid to hit rock bottom like Ken did. Kidou's...worried. He told me he isn't sure he can adjust to this place.

[Which brings him to now.]

So...I'm gonna sign on to be all their guardians. I'd sure feel a hell of a lot better about it if you did too. They need someone...an adult they can look to.

We didn't really get that hand held out to us back home.

[Mitsuru wants to point out to Junpei that with all due respect, Ken was facing particular pressures that the boys here aren't. Like a soul monster living in his head, the death of his mom, and the impending end of the world.

That feels slightly crass, though, especially when he volunteers that he's going to do what he is; Mitsuru can't quite hide her look of surprise.] Iori, that's... exceptionally responsible of you. I'm rather impressed.

[Her brow creases softly.] I'm not entirely certain I'd be a good role model, though. My upbringing was very unique, so my expectations of others may be somewhat affected.

[The tea kettle whistles.]

[He was the one who visited Ken on Sundays, Mitsuru. Don't act like you know that kid better than he does.]

They're not looking for a role model. They're good kids on their own--and believe me. I'm not a good enough role model for 'em, no matter how bad I wish I was.

But they need someone. You know, to listen to their problems or to come to with permission slips.

You know as well as I do. There's nothing worse than being alone.

[Yes but is she wrong though

Mitsuru turns back to the kitchen, mulling over what Junpei had said. 'There's nothing worse than being alone.' He's not wrong. Especially in trying times, having a support network is critical.

She's still just not sure she'd be a very good one, not with her childhood. Not with the sins of her family on her shoulders.] If you're asking me for help in that... ah, I'd certainly be happy to try.

They're all young men, aren't they? I'm concerned they might not be comfortable opening up to a girl. [She says, pouring the hot water into one teacup, and then the other. Only teabags this time, sorry Junpei.]

[LEARN HOW TO BE A HUMAN BEING, MITSURU KIRIJO.

And while Mitsuru may have her doubts, Junpei's going to wait until those thoughts are collected before he says anything else. True...Mitsuru wasn't really suited for anything relating to being support. She was one people looked to for direction, not really for empathy. And while Junpei would never admit he brought much to the table compared to everyone else, he did have an ounce of that.

Time to share it.]

I'll take care of the guy stuff--you just worry about making sure he feels like he belongs.

That's...important to a kid.

[It's hard! Especially given her upbringing! Really, she's way more emotionally compromised than she seems.

It's kind of a theme with all of them, isn't it.

She puts the teacups on two small plates, and then picks them up, coming back to the living room and offering one to Junpei before she speaks.] If you're putting your trust in me, I won't say no.

I'll do what I can, of course, as long as you tell me where I'm needed.

You've really come into your own, Iori. This is very thoughtful of you.

[That compliment catches him off guard, gray eyes looking at her like she were speaking some alien language (like French), before reaching up to rub the back of his neck sheepishly.]

Not really.

I mean...it's nothing. When I first dealt with the dark hour, I bawled my damn eyes out.

This is something like that--and Kidou isn't like us. He hasn't seen what we have. And expecting him to pull through that? It sucks.

I don't want him to feel alone like I did until Akihiko-san found me.

Frankly, I don't think any of us first encountered the Dark Hour without some degree of that dismay, so you're hardly alone in that. You should give yourself more credit.

[She sets her own saucer down on the coffee table, making sure to use a coaster.] If Amada-kun has shown me anything, though, it's that these children are far more resilient than we give them credit for.

But it isn't "nothing." It's quite considerate.

All due respect, Misturu-senpai...

But just because a kid CAN get through it doesn't mean they should.

[The compliment's appreciated, though, fingertips pressing together idly in slight embarrassment.]

I'm living for me and Chidori now. And...I wanna make sure I do it right. Make better decisions, you know?

If that means doing right by this Ken...this kid too...I'll do it.

Please, Iori, take a seat. There's no need to have this conversation while standing. [She says, gesturing to a spot next to her on the couch.

It gives her time to think about what he's saying.] I can't fully understand your feelings, but I think I get the general gist of the matter. Still... [She pauses to take a sip of the tea.] Just be careful that you're not living only through others. You have to take care of yourself, too.

With that in mind, Iori, how have you been?

[After taking his cup, he holds it almost a little too delicately. That cup probably felt more expensive than his entire outfit. He plops down on that couch, which seemed a little stiffer than the one he had back at his place.

Less use, maybe.]

Definitely. I'm not trying to live Chidori's life...but I'm not gonna be so reckless about it.

She gave that second chance to me.

[The best answer he can really give to that one, honestly. Although what comes next is a bit of a surprise--it wasn't like Mitsuru to really...delve deep on FEELINGS.

She got the job done, that was just who she was.]

Pretty good, actually. Got a job I really like, and I see Ken more often...it makes losing Minato a lot easier.

Edited 2016-10-20 22:01 (UTC)

[It's not that expensive, Junpei. She doesn't have Kirijo resources here, so she can't buy Kirijo-quality things.

It is very nice, though.] That sounds like a healthy way of viewing things.

[Look, feelings are hard. She's trying to be better at them. The mention of Minato, though, removes the smile she'd had on her face. It still stings, losing him not once but twice.] ...I'm happy to hear that. [She doesn't look it.]

It sounds like he's being just as much of an emotional support for you as you are for him.

[He had a feeling that Minato would get that kind of reaction. He was slightly reluctant to mention him after everything, but he wasn't a fan of keeping things away from his teammates, even if they did the same to him here.

He still doesn't know what exactly went down after his timeline, Ken only filling in some brief parts of it. He hasn't experienced it, really. He CAN'T know.]

Ken?

[Much better topic.]

He's great. Dunno what I'd do without him right now.

It really is incredible, how far he's come as a young man. [She says, holding the tea cup in both hands and feeling its warmth.

She's quiet for a few moments.] Iori-san...

I'm sorry for not telling you, before. When it first came up. I apologize.

[From the first word that leaves Mitsuru's lips, Junpei looks taken aback. He's not insulted--far from it--but..]

You've never--["called me -san", is what he wants to say. Just 'Iori' often sufficed, and while he took absolutely no offense to it, the sudden honorific is big to him, especially coming from someone like Mitsuru. His sentence never finishes--Ken had done the same thing, in a way.]

...

Nah. [He waves his hand casually, sipping that tea with the other.] You did what you thought you had to. Responsibility's always been your thing.

[She's aware.

But he's displaying a level of maturity here that surprises her. Ken, Junpei... they're all changing. More than she realizes. So maybe it's time that she changed how she thinks about them.] I do try, yes.

And that includes recognizing when I've done something hurtful. Perhaps the mistake wasn't necessarily in telling you, but in saying enough that you knew there was something you weren't being told.

[He went through a lot of shit back home, Mitsuru. Losing your girlfriend just when you found someone who wanted the same thing as you certainly makes you rethink life.]

I don't know about that. I mean, I might just be speaking for myself here, but keeping a secret's got a lot worse implications than the idea of someone finding that out.

If I found out from anyone other than you guys? I'd say I'd be pretty pissed.

You'd absolutely have a right to be angry with us. [Because it's true.]

I... suppose that if you have any other questions you wanted to ask, I'll do my best to answer them. I think it's fairly conclusive that we can't interfere with the timeline.

I guess...I don't really know where to start.

[Not that he doesn't appreciate Mitsuru's help, or her honesty.]

I think I got most of it figured out. And...well, I guess there's no point in going in any further if Minato's not even here. I'll make my choices, and I just have to hope they're good ones.

All right. If you're sure. [It's possible that the others told him absolutely everything else, after all. Still, it's his choice to make.] We both will.

Perhaps your future is set in stone as my past, but even if that is the case... what comes next really is up to us. Shadows, Kirijo Group, Nyx...

[Another pause.] Iori. [There goes the 'san.' Moment over?] What did you intend to do upon graduation? Back home, I mean.

...

Whoo boy, you really know how to ask the tough questions.

[He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. Because quite honestly? He doesn't even really have an answer for that.]

I...I don't know. Move out, I guess. I never really planned much beyond that.

[He doesn't want to go back to living with his dad, honestly. So...]

[She crosses her arms over her chest, frowning slightly.] I suppose whatever I say to you here won't have any effect back home, will it?

Try to think more about the future, if you can. We've worked too hard to be able to have one at all.

Yeah, yeah, I know, I know...

[He doesn't mean to dismiss as badly as the words seem, but truth is...]

I think, if I've done a good job here taking care of it, I can trust myself back home. In the end, we'll do as we do.

Possibly. [A soft sigh.] It's... a little disappointing, that we won't be taking what we've learned here back with us.

You, Amada... we've all come a long way, I think. If only it were guaranteed we'd do the same back home.

I don't know about that, senpai. [Junpei's tone takes an upswing, turning to look at her with bright eyes. It's something that's been on his mind as of recently, with Misturu confirming that our choices don't change the outcome of back home...

It gives him a little hope, actually.]

If what we do here doesn't change what happens back home, then we gotta trust that we'll make the same good decisions for our future, yeah? Think of this world like a sneak peek or something.

Who knows, maybe I'll even end up actually coaching a baseball team when I get back!

[That... actually makes her smile. She sets her teacup down, crossing her arms over her chest.] It's possible, I suppose. I certainly can't rule it out.

Is that what you'd like to do? Truly? [She nods.] Then you should set your mind to achieving that dream.

It's what he would want.

Well uh...Like I said, I'm not sure.

[But he smiles, rubbing the back of his head again. This is wayyyyy beyond his level of thinking, especially on a multi-dimensional plane of thought.]

But--I'm pretty happy now, that's got to count for something.

I think Minato wants that for all of us. To be happy.

Yes, that's true. Even if he was never the best at expressing it... ah, but that's hardly something I have any room to criticize someone over, myself.

[After all, he laid down his life for them in the end.] I think we simply have to do our best to not fail that trust in us.

You're both better at it than you think. Just...not in facial expressions. [He smiles, finally casting his eyes back up to her.]

We'll be fine, senpai. I'm not psychic or booksmart or anything...

But I've got a good feeling about all of us. We'll be fine.

I'll try to share your optimism.

How's the tea?

[To that, Junpei smiles.]

Pretty sweet.

...Not like--over sweetened. The--its a figure of expression.

It's good. It's really good.

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You and me against the world is nothing new

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