Yatogami Kuroh | Tsukikage Yuri | 062

[arbitrament]

[It's been a long journey to this city. Not that it's his destination--Kibougahana City, was it...?--but nonetheless, he can't deny that it might not hurt to take a short break. Ichigen-sama always did say that he needed to take it easy sometimes so he didn't overdo it, because that wouldn't help anyone.

Except...more poetic.

Because Ichigen-sama is the most poetic of all.

He's taken to the rooftops like batman the slightly anti-social soul he is, but at some point, he notices that there's this old lady who needs help crossing the street, and leaving her to do it on her own would just not be honorable at all, and then there's a cat in a tree and it reminds him of Neko a bit, and then--

He's walking along, passing by a school, and honestly feeling very satisfied with how the day went (even if he hasn't gotten any closer to the end of his journey, sometimes it's the journey itself that is really important, right?) when he steps on something.

Something that goes crunch.

He freezes. This was clearly the first meeting that was meant to be.]

[le list:
- fashion modeling
- dinner
- badass fights
- magical girl transformations
- flower meanings
- post movie thread]

Comments

[arbitrament]

[Because they're both pure of heart and lame.

But thankfully, it doesn't take him long to put away groceries; he wanders out of the kitchen soon enough, finding her in the living room.

Nothing's different to him though, so he just smiles.]

Yuri, good afternoon.

[socolognely]

[ A smile, slight. ] Welcome back. Did you have a moment to spare?

[arbitrament]

Of course. What is it?

[He'll just...take a seat to one side of her, comfortable enough. Her company has become entirely comfortable and familiar, so this much is just easy.]

[socolognely]

Are you familiar with Valentine's Day?

[ Let's start with that. ]

[arbitrament]

[...???]

Yes, to some extent. I've never participated, but I am aware of the concept.

[socolognely]

Then I'll be asking you to accept this.

[ Very solemnly holding up the bag, even if the tips of her ears are turning pink. ]

[arbitrament]

[There's a pause as he considers that, blinking, and then slowly it processes properly.

Very solemnly, he accepts the bag.]

Should I take this as a confession of feelings, then?

[socolognely]

If... [ Hold on, she's clearing her throat, this is actually pretty nervewracking, even for someone who's helped to save the world. ] ... If it doesn't trouble you.

[arbitrament]

[...Ah.

He bows his head in response to that (and it gives him the time to search for and find the words, because honestly, he's really floored), but after a moment--]

...Thank you. This...does not trouble me, no.

[He clears his throat as well, awkwardly.]

I...do believe I return the sentiment. [A pause.

... ah...!!]

Though I do not have anything for you in return.

[socolognely]

[ Wait, he-- likes her? Seriously? The same Kuroh who was so earnest and yet had (thankfully) never understood the implications that Erika and Momoka enjoyed aiming his way?

Yuri's just as floored, and so it takes her a moment-- before she laughs softly, and shakes her head. ]

It's traditional for girls to present chocolate and gifts for this day. I don't expect a thing.

[arbitrament]

[Please don't ask him to explain his feelings, it would be awkward and flowery.

Still...he simply bows his head somewhat, before. Pausing.]

Even so... It does not feel right to me to not do something for you in return.

[...but not the chocolates, he's not sharing those, they go into a pocket BECAUSE THEY ARE HIS.]

Shall I make dinner?

[socolognely]

You tend to make dinner even when I ask you not to...

[ YOU HOUSEWIFE. ]

[arbitrament]

[SUCH A HOUSEWIFE.]

For tonight's dinner, I would be willing to make something special. What would you like?

[socolognely]

I would like to help.

[ Bring it. ]

[arbitrament]

I would like to know what food you wish to eat.

[no]

[socolognely]

Kuroh, this is meant to be a holiday for you.

[arbitrament]

[............................ and he crumbles before tradition, as ever, dipping his head.]

Very well then. If you insist... I will not stop you from doing as you please.

[socolognely]

Thank you. [ At least he's cooperative. ] I happen to like working alongside you.

[arbitrament]

[Oh.

That's...actually quite warming to hear. He pauses in response, before nodding.]

I also enjoy working alongside you. You have been invaluable company over my time here.

[socolognely]

I believe it's just a matter of being unable to leave you alone.

[ She's only half-joking. ]

[arbitrament]

[.... .. .... ]

Is that truly what you think?

[HE'S NOT THAT BAD, IS HE...]

[socolognely]

Not in a bad way... I suppose it was that you inspired loyalty?

[ AND CONCERN... ]

[arbitrament]

I inspired loyalty?

[him?????

Not Ichigen-sama????]

You must be mistaken.

[socolognely]

Is it really that surprising? You've never given me reason to doubt you.

[arbitrament]

If there is any loyalty you are feeling, it must be because Ichigen-sama...

[...no, even as he says it, he knows that's not right.]