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[ while most would pinpoint kisuke's intellect as being his most impressive and dangerous quality, but gin disagrees. it's that kindness, the same that keeps him on his feet now still working while everyone else recovers; kindness that forgave gin for that fateful first mugging in rukongai and every time after that. the way he asks after her and her needs as if his are not even important enough to voice. it makes something inside gin ache, longing and wanting to go back to how things were before but not knowing how.
she ducks her head, not shy but unsure. ] I know better than to force you but you really should.
[ and gin isn't in the habit of lying but: ] No, it's fine, I really shouldn't be here but I needed to know how you were.
[ i missed you. ] Everything back in Soul Society is a mess.
she ducks her head, not shy but unsure. ] I know better than to force you but you really should.
[ and gin isn't in the habit of lying but: ] No, it's fine, I really shouldn't be here but I needed to know how you were.
[ i missed you. ] Everything back in Soul Society is a mess.
Mm. [To that, he wouldn't disagree. As much as he'd love to give Gin exactly what she wanted? He had far too many responsibilities to relax. Even to breathe. Still, it wouldn't stop him from making a couple concessions if she pressured him as she was want to do.
He wondered, watching her carefully. Had she ever grown out of her bratty behavior?
Unlikely. It drew a little smile out of him that she was sure to understand. He missed the little hints she'd give--wanting attention and for him to set at least one thing aside for her.]
I'm sure it is. I'll let Captain Kurotsuchi handle that side of things. I'm sure by now he's figured out how I moved those two spaces.
[So, his concession.]
Now. Want me to teach you how to use a delivery app? [That smile.]
He wondered, watching her carefully. Had she ever grown out of her bratty behavior?
Unlikely. It drew a little smile out of him that she was sure to understand. He missed the little hints she'd give--wanting attention and for him to set at least one thing aside for her.]
I'm sure it is. I'll let Captain Kurotsuchi handle that side of things. I'm sure by now he's figured out how I moved those two spaces.
[So, his concession.]
Now. Want me to teach you how to use a delivery app? [That smile.]
Edited 2023-03-22 03:16 (UTC)
[ gin opens her mouth to argue that he is quite agreeable, but then closes it. that is indeed her perspective however she can see how not many would find his ways even remotely charming. if she'd been more high-strung and less taken in, gin might have found her own temper in regards to him to be minimal.
it's difficult though, when he says those things and gin knows her mask is hiding her face but she's clearly flustered beneath. ]
This was supposed to be for work. [ she counters, shy before she pinches his side lightly. ] I wouldn't pick this for a date.
[ which you know now she's thinking about and this is terrible. she has work here, kisuke, thanks! ] Maybe we can have a drink when you're finished here?
[ because the stage is now clearly his, gin has always been more comfortable in shadows. ]
it's difficult though, when he says those things and gin knows her mask is hiding her face but she's clearly flustered beneath. ]
This was supposed to be for work. [ she counters, shy before she pinches his side lightly. ] I wouldn't pick this for a date.
[ which you know now she's thinking about and this is terrible. she has work here, kisuke, thanks! ] Maybe we can have a drink when you're finished here?
[ because the stage is now clearly his, gin has always been more comfortable in shadows. ]
Or he's still trying and really mad that I'm here distracting you from helping him. [ well, 'helping' because kisuke would never make it easy for mayuri, and gin has spent the last hundred or so years being difficult towards the 12th division out of misguided loyalty for its former captain. but that is neither here nor there.
his concession isn't dismissed, gin's eyes widen briefly at it and she flashes a brief smile. ] Well, if you're willing to put aside your very busy, very full schedule for me, then I guess I could do the same for you.[ because she might be a captain but gin always had very defined loyalties.
and iba is capable enough to deal with things for a while. it's not like he's unaware of where she snuck of it. probably more people than she'd liked knew this too but...
she links their arms together. ] Lead me to your couch and let the lesson begin then. [ at least then she could get him off his feet and subtly check his wounds. ]
his concession isn't dismissed, gin's eyes widen briefly at it and she flashes a brief smile. ] Well, if you're willing to put aside your very busy, very full schedule for me, then I guess I could do the same for you.[ because she might be a captain but gin always had very defined loyalties.
and iba is capable enough to deal with things for a while. it's not like he's unaware of where she snuck of it. probably more people than she'd liked knew this too but...
she links their arms together. ] Lead me to your couch and let the lesson begin then. [ at least then she could get him off his feet and subtly check his wounds. ]
I'm sure he'll recover. Besides, it'll give him a chance to take credit for the final touches. [And serve as a rude reminder to a junior that he'd always be covering the scraps for his senior but no one had to say it like that.
Standing up straight, Kisuke reached back to stretch his back by placing his palm flush against it and giving himself a fine little shove. When Gin took his arm, he caught himself staring at her--just a touch surprised.
Well. She'd certainly grown braver in that time spent apart. At her suggest, he grinned a little slyly.]
My, my. You think I'm so well-off that I have a couch, Gin? Your accommodations as a Captain have you quite spoiled, don't they?
[He slid open the door to show Gin their extremely modest TV room, complete with the luxury of a single kotatsu and cushions.]
Standing up straight, Kisuke reached back to stretch his back by placing his palm flush against it and giving himself a fine little shove. When Gin took his arm, he caught himself staring at her--just a touch surprised.
Well. She'd certainly grown braver in that time spent apart. At her suggest, he grinned a little slyly.]
My, my. You think I'm so well-off that I have a couch, Gin? Your accommodations as a Captain have you quite spoiled, don't they?
[He slid open the door to show Gin their extremely modest TV room, complete with the luxury of a single kotatsu and cushions.]
Owie. [Exaggerating gently, Kisuke didn't look away from the canister as he used one finger to adjust a little dial on it. He pulled the pin on it and held the trigger with his thumb so it wouldn't misfire in his hand. He palmed the pin and stuffed it in his pocket. Waste not, after all.
Though, he gave pause when Gin asked him that next question, blinking in innocent surprise. Smiling pleasantly when he realized she'd quite easily asked him on a date, he knew better than to point it out so blatantly and lay into her with more shock when he had his guess that she hadn't realized it.]
Don't worry. You're quite beautiful even in your work clothes. Still, before we leave, you should think of a good place for us to go that no one here would want to go after. [A beat.] Oh, be sure to hold your breath and shut your eyes for thirty seconds.
[He then kicked open the door and whipped the canister in the center of the room before immediately shutting it. There was a great deal of screaming and cursing in the midst of their confusion. He didn't bother ducking, knowing for a fact that the door would withstand a great deal of gunfire--something he noticed on their way to the back room.]
Though, he gave pause when Gin asked him that next question, blinking in innocent surprise. Smiling pleasantly when he realized she'd quite easily asked him on a date, he knew better than to point it out so blatantly and lay into her with more shock when he had his guess that she hadn't realized it.]
Don't worry. You're quite beautiful even in your work clothes. Still, before we leave, you should think of a good place for us to go that no one here would want to go after. [A beat.] Oh, be sure to hold your breath and shut your eyes for thirty seconds.
[He then kicked open the door and whipped the canister in the center of the room before immediately shutting it. There was a great deal of screaming and cursing in the midst of their confusion. He didn't bother ducking, knowing for a fact that the door would withstand a great deal of gunfire--something he noticed on their way to the back room.]
[For most, refusing to plan out a date might have sounded impersonal and a bit rude but for Kisuke, it was the kindest way he could reasonably think to approach Monika as himself. If he sat down and ran through plans there was a realistic chance he would overdo it. If he thought about places they could have gone then it would have turned into a night's worth of research to weigh options and he'd spend an painstaking amount of time simply looking to gauge her mood on the right time to ask.
So, instead, he simply waited until he had a free afternoon and called out to her while she was stocking a shelf. He'd wrapped up his smoke break a little early when the idea came to him.]
Monika. Do you want to go downtown with me to pick up a few things?
So, instead, he simply waited until he had a free afternoon and called out to her while she was stocking a shelf. He'd wrapped up his smoke break a little early when the idea came to him.]
Monika. Do you want to go downtown with me to pick up a few things?
[ Monika had had those "three dates" on her mind ever since their conversation the other day. Of course. He didn't want to plan them out, but like heck if she wasn't going to prepare herself. She couldn't screw this up. She had to be absolutely perfect lest he reaches the wrong conclusion.
... Though of course, being too perfect could be counter-productive. Her perfectionism had been something of a problem in the past. Gosh, how was she supposed to know what to do? ]
Mhm...?
[ She snapped out of her thought process when he called her out. Pick up a few things...? That was unusual. He'd never needed her to go with him on errands... ]
Of course, just let me finish that!
[ Just finishing to arrange the shelf in front of her- A bit too perfectly, as usual. ]
... Though of course, being too perfect could be counter-productive. Her perfectionism had been something of a problem in the past. Gosh, how was she supposed to know what to do? ]
Mhm...?
[ She snapped out of her thought process when he called her out. Pick up a few things...? That was unusual. He'd never needed her to go with him on errands... ]
Of course, just let me finish that!
[ Just finishing to arrange the shelf in front of her- A bit too perfectly, as usual. ]
Alright. I'll be waiting outside. [Leaving his hat atop the cash register, he stepped outside, hoping to at least enjoy the breeze until his hair was blown right in his face, prompting a dissatisfied little groan from the back of his throat. Pulling locks of hair aside, he rummaged through his pockets for the keys so he could lock up once Monika followed and then found the little slip with his shopping list.
He waited for something that would take a little bit more time to clear on foot. Knowing she'd been so happy to have a body that she'd gotten more than a fair sum of cardio in, Kisuke felt no guilt at all for making it that kind of date.
He only noticed a bit too later that someone scribbled 'Takoyaki' at the end of the list in haste. Ururu tried to copy Jinta's handwriting.]
Hm. She's certainly getting better at forging it.
He waited for something that would take a little bit more time to clear on foot. Knowing she'd been so happy to have a body that she'd gotten more than a fair sum of cardio in, Kisuke felt no guilt at all for making it that kind of date.
He only noticed a bit too later that someone scribbled 'Takoyaki' at the end of the list in haste. Ururu tried to copy Jinta's handwriting.]
Hm. She's certainly getting better at forging it.
[ Monika arrives a tad later than expected, mostly because she changed her clothes, putting on a white sundress and a hat. ]
I'm here!
[ She glances at the list and considers for a moment engaging in small talk-- But there's no point hiding what she knows. Or rather, what she suspects. ]
So... Is it a stealth date?
[ She had had the the three dates on her mind all the time after all, and he'd refused to plan out the dates beforehand. It was the logical conclusion-- At the very least, it was the logical conclusion for someone like Monika. ]
I'm here!
[ She glances at the list and considers for a moment engaging in small talk-- But there's no point hiding what she knows. Or rather, what she suspects. ]
So... Is it a stealth date?
[ She had had the the three dates on her mind all the time after all, and he'd refused to plan out the dates beforehand. It was the logical conclusion-- At the very least, it was the logical conclusion for someone like Monika. ]
[Dressing down might have been an option for him but it certainly would have spoiled the surprise. Even so, he made it a point to not overthink the second date before the first was even underway.
If anything, Monika's smile, just as she sought out his intentions, prompted one out of him in return. He pinched his chin and stroked his stubble, pantomiming a wisened older man with little fuss.]
I didn't want either of us to be overthinking it though... I assume you caught on already, then.
[He brought just one canvas bag with him to guarantee it wouldn't be a bulky trip. The list and bag could be set aside for the moment as he brushed his fingers over Monika's wrist if only to gently urge her along with him down the street.]
Why don't we wander and see what catches your eye first?
If anything, Monika's smile, just as she sought out his intentions, prompted one out of him in return. He pinched his chin and stroked his stubble, pantomiming a wisened older man with little fuss.]
I didn't want either of us to be overthinking it though... I assume you caught on already, then.
[He brought just one canvas bag with him to guarantee it wouldn't be a bulky trip. The list and bag could be set aside for the moment as he brushed his fingers over Monika's wrist if only to gently urge her along with him down the street.]
Why don't we wander and see what catches your eye first?
Mhm! [Ehehe, it really was a date!] And don't worry, I'm not overthinking it. That part is already done.
[ The overthinking, that is. Because she sure as heck had spent a lot of time overthinking this whole thing. And she had reached a conclusion which she was about to share with him: ]
I already know there won't be a second "test" date.
[ The very idea of a "test" date was kind of silly, wasn't it? Either you were attracted to someone, either you weren't. In his specific case, she was fairly confident he was attracted to her. He wasn't the type who would "pity date" her and lead her on. So why go with something as silly as a test date? He'd already pretty much told her why last time. ]
You're just worried for me, right? [She cleared her throat.] "She doesn't know what she's getting herself into." [Yes, she'd just tried to imitate his voice. In an exaggerated and comical manner, but it was pretty good all the same.] "I'm not the right kind of person for her." [And a third time:] "If she knew what kind of twisted stuff arouses me she'd run away!"
[ She looked up at him and locked her arm with his. She was right on the money, wasn't she? ]
I'm going to pierce right through that armor of you and make sure you realize none of those things are true.
[ Truth to be told she was absolutely terrified that perhaps she was wrong, perhaps she'd misread the situation... But she wasn't going to show it. Faking confidence was of paramount importance right now! ]
[ The overthinking, that is. Because she sure as heck had spent a lot of time overthinking this whole thing. And she had reached a conclusion which she was about to share with him: ]
I already know there won't be a second "test" date.
[ The very idea of a "test" date was kind of silly, wasn't it? Either you were attracted to someone, either you weren't. In his specific case, she was fairly confident he was attracted to her. He wasn't the type who would "pity date" her and lead her on. So why go with something as silly as a test date? He'd already pretty much told her why last time. ]
You're just worried for me, right? [She cleared her throat.] "She doesn't know what she's getting herself into." [Yes, she'd just tried to imitate his voice. In an exaggerated and comical manner, but it was pretty good all the same.] "I'm not the right kind of person for her." [And a third time:] "If she knew what kind of twisted stuff arouses me she'd run away!"
[ She looked up at him and locked her arm with his. She was right on the money, wasn't she? ]
I'm going to pierce right through that armor of you and make sure you realize none of those things are true.
[ Truth to be told she was absolutely terrified that perhaps she was wrong, perhaps she'd misread the situation... But she wasn't going to show it. Faking confidence was of paramount importance right now! ]
My, my.
[To say she was 'on the money' would be an understatement but his initial commitment to making those dates enjoyable for her was still present and strong even as he felt that barrier to welcoming her had already weakened before he even considered what they'd be doing for the first. Monika, with all her quirks intact, had been so pleasant that he couldn't turn her away with any reason other than his own crude traits in mind and she'd already made it clear she intended on weathering them.
To have her air his concerns out in the open spoke worlds of how sharp she was and he didn't seem at all interested in protesting. Instead, he smiled and gave her arm an affectionate little pinch.]
If you're hoping to settle your nerves, Monika, I must say that's a terrible way to go about it even as cute as it is.
[Really, she nailed his affectations near perfectly and to the point that he grew silently concerned that she'd kill at family get-togethers with that kind of material. Still, he could worry about that later. In the moment, he felt compelled to give her every opportunity to enjoy their first foray into that relationship without worries over whether or not the word 'success' had to be tied to it. In that, he supposed, he'd already lost his effort to protect her and instead wanted to soften the landing when she realized she already had him.]
After all, half of this is about you. If you're so worried about appealing to me, you'll forget the fun in being the other half of an equation. [With that, he offered her the canvas bag he'd been carrying for no reason other than to let her keep her hands busy while they walked.]
[To say she was 'on the money' would be an understatement but his initial commitment to making those dates enjoyable for her was still present and strong even as he felt that barrier to welcoming her had already weakened before he even considered what they'd be doing for the first. Monika, with all her quirks intact, had been so pleasant that he couldn't turn her away with any reason other than his own crude traits in mind and she'd already made it clear she intended on weathering them.
To have her air his concerns out in the open spoke worlds of how sharp she was and he didn't seem at all interested in protesting. Instead, he smiled and gave her arm an affectionate little pinch.]
If you're hoping to settle your nerves, Monika, I must say that's a terrible way to go about it even as cute as it is.
[Really, she nailed his affectations near perfectly and to the point that he grew silently concerned that she'd kill at family get-togethers with that kind of material. Still, he could worry about that later. In the moment, he felt compelled to give her every opportunity to enjoy their first foray into that relationship without worries over whether or not the word 'success' had to be tied to it. In that, he supposed, he'd already lost his effort to protect her and instead wanted to soften the landing when she realized she already had him.]
After all, half of this is about you. If you're so worried about appealing to me, you'll forget the fun in being the other half of an equation. [With that, he offered her the canvas bag he'd been carrying for no reason other than to let her keep her hands busy while they walked.]
Now why would appealing to you somehow get in the way of my fun?
[ They would make a really terrible couple if so! Thankfully, it wasn't the case at all. She couldn't remember having ever had as much fun in her life... Nearly like the more determined he was to try and put a wall around himself, the more determined she got.
She got on her tiptoes and poked his nose. ]
I'm having lots of fun right now, after all~!
[ Doing that though made her realize how taller than her he was... She would have to put on some heels or find a trick if they did end up dating. It couldn't be convenient for kissing if there was too much of a height difference. ]
Are you though? [She took the bag and smiled at him.] You're half of that equation too... Though I have to say, I really don't like talking of love in mathematical terms, ahaha.
[ They would make a really terrible couple if so! Thankfully, it wasn't the case at all. She couldn't remember having ever had as much fun in her life... Nearly like the more determined he was to try and put a wall around himself, the more determined she got.
She got on her tiptoes and poked his nose. ]
I'm having lots of fun right now, after all~!
[ Doing that though made her realize how taller than her he was... She would have to put on some heels or find a trick if they did end up dating. It couldn't be convenient for kissing if there was too much of a height difference. ]
Are you though? [She took the bag and smiled at him.] You're half of that equation too... Though I have to say, I really don't like talking of love in mathematical terms, ahaha.
Hm. A good point, I suppose.
[Though, he wasn't happy to leave it there, even if it sounded like a retreat. In earnest, he'd find a way to steer her selfishness. While she might have worried about her aggressiveness at first, Kisuke didn't find it undesirable. Anything in extreme amounts was unhealthy but, really, there were helpful doses--
Of course, it would be inexcusable to bring that up on a first date. Just, subtly, he'd set the thought aside for later. In the middle of his introspection, she poked his nose and earned a quizzical look in return for it. Dressed up and in a fantastic mood, he might have argued that it was going wonderfully already. If getting to go out at all with him was a win then that condition might have been filled but, even so... he was an overachiever. A glance down the street and he caught sight of a few garish signs. Sales, events. Plenty to fill a couple hours of time when plenty to spare for groceries.]
You don't? I like the metaphor, ironic as it may seem. Want to wager why?
[He didn't think of it as a trap of a question but rather, something he'd need to answer for, himself. There were many unequal things in the world but if he were to give Monika more of himself to see?]
[Though, he wasn't happy to leave it there, even if it sounded like a retreat. In earnest, he'd find a way to steer her selfishness. While she might have worried about her aggressiveness at first, Kisuke didn't find it undesirable. Anything in extreme amounts was unhealthy but, really, there were helpful doses--
Of course, it would be inexcusable to bring that up on a first date. Just, subtly, he'd set the thought aside for later. In the middle of his introspection, she poked his nose and earned a quizzical look in return for it. Dressed up and in a fantastic mood, he might have argued that it was going wonderfully already. If getting to go out at all with him was a win then that condition might have been filled but, even so... he was an overachiever. A glance down the street and he caught sight of a few garish signs. Sales, events. Plenty to fill a couple hours of time when plenty to spare for groceries.]
You don't? I like the metaphor, ironic as it may seem. Want to wager why?
[He didn't think of it as a trap of a question but rather, something he'd need to answer for, himself. There were many unequal things in the world but if he were to give Monika more of himself to see?]
[ Oh gosh, a guess. She would go with a math pun, but... Unfortunately, mathematics-driven puns have never been her forte. So instead, she figures an honest answer is the way to go: ]
Mhm... [She sighs and shrugs.] Is the answer going to be something of a message to convince me you're bad for me?
[ That's what it's going to be, isn't it? Hopefully she's wrong... But if she's not, at least she won't be taken aback. She can't imagine he's going to give up that easily. If he really thinks he's the worst possible boyfriend for her, he's not going to let it go like that.
With another woman, it might even work. Alas, Monika is unlike them all. ]
Mhm... [She sighs and shrugs.] Is the answer going to be something of a message to convince me you're bad for me?
[ That's what it's going to be, isn't it? Hopefully she's wrong... But if she's not, at least she won't be taken aback. She can't imagine he's going to give up that easily. If he really thinks he's the worst possible boyfriend for her, he's not going to let it go like that.
With another woman, it might even work. Alas, Monika is unlike them all. ]
[ how could gin be mad at ururu when such an apology was offered? she returns the hug lightly, a little stiffly because of the injury. she's not sure she can say something about all this without her voice wavering, and so instead she instead hopes the quick squeeze relays that message: it's okay, it's fine. it's past.
at least, in gin's opinion, ururu cannot be held responsible about anything here. she'd like to hope that the truth of urahara's reincarnation-whatever-he-did was kept from her for a reason better than just to 'spare her feelings'. she's going to be mad if that was the case. ]
Yes, I think Sato-san shouldn't be allowed to just disappear into his lab until he rests up from this...adventure.
[ the smile is a little mean; sharp. ]
at least, in gin's opinion, ururu cannot be held responsible about anything here. she'd like to hope that the truth of urahara's reincarnation-whatever-he-did was kept from her for a reason better than just to 'spare her feelings'. she's going to be mad if that was the case. ]
Yes, I think Sato-san shouldn't be allowed to just disappear into his lab until he rests up from this...adventure.
[ the smile is a little mean; sharp. ]
Hah...? [ she made a little sound at the compliment but didn't let it derail her completely because now she's watching the grenade in her hand, and oh. she made a huge mistake bringing her to a work thing (or, else, she didn't and that was literally the best decision she could've made). ] I mean, yes, I can think of a few places to have a drink where-[ she stops. a quick glance is given in the direction of the main room.
well, they're in kisuke urahara's hands now so--godspeed.
the unmistakable sound of confusion, screaming and gunfire on the other side of the door and gin needs like 5 drinks and hopes mori doesn't want a full report. ]
well, they're in kisuke urahara's hands now so--godspeed.
the unmistakable sound of confusion, screaming and gunfire on the other side of the door and gin needs like 5 drinks and hopes mori doesn't want a full report. ]
He'll be insufferable if he takes credit for anything, complain about how slopping your blueprints were and so on. [ gin shakes her head, her hand still on his arm light but present. there is still shyness there but the little bubbling happiness of this reunion is making gin do things to make sure kisuke knows he was missed.
and of course, she is naively assuming he will return to soul society after the paperwork erasing those mistaken crimes is fully submitted, his record cleaned out--ah, but gin has always been a touch innocent about the bureaucracy of soul society. ]
I wish you had gotten a couch, sitting on the floor can't be good for your body until you're fully rested.
[ but this was better than him working as he had been prior to her arrival. ]
and of course, she is naively assuming he will return to soul society after the paperwork erasing those mistaken crimes is fully submitted, his record cleaned out--ah, but gin has always been a touch innocent about the bureaucracy of soul society. ]
I wish you had gotten a couch, sitting on the floor can't be good for your body until you're fully rested.
[ but this was better than him working as he had been prior to her arrival. ]
Take it easy on him. He's sure to be boiling with frustration. On the other hand, you're positively glowing, hm?
[As ever, he felt that gentle impression of Gin's interest, barely disguised especially as she made her subtle excuses to be close. More than a few times, she'd gone out of her way to take care of him after messy missions and, in turn, didn't utter a single complaint when he returned the favor.
Yoruichi once told him she'd crush his manhood if he hurt Gin and he was inclined to believe that vow was back from its pause with Soul Society's relaxation of his exile becoming more a matter of formality.
Even so, he knew he'd have a disappointing answer or two for her down the line.
Continuing to the kitchen with Gin, he was careful to let her follow so she wouldn't need to latch onto him so loosely.]
After all, it isn't hard to tell that you fixed your hair before entering from the street.
[As ever, he felt that gentle impression of Gin's interest, barely disguised especially as she made her subtle excuses to be close. More than a few times, she'd gone out of her way to take care of him after messy missions and, in turn, didn't utter a single complaint when he returned the favor.
Yoruichi once told him she'd crush his manhood if he hurt Gin and he was inclined to believe that vow was back from its pause with Soul Society's relaxation of his exile becoming more a matter of formality.
Even so, he knew he'd have a disappointing answer or two for her down the line.
Continuing to the kitchen with Gin, he was careful to let her follow so she wouldn't need to latch onto him so loosely.]
After all, it isn't hard to tell that you fixed your hair before entering from the street.
[ a tilt of the head that says 'yes, of course i am, your name is cleared' and shouldn't she be pleased about that? and then she tilts her head in the opposite direction promising that she has no intentions of taking it easy on the usurper of kisuke's captain seat. but that's a whole other conversation. ]
Ha—? [ gin's hand flies to her hair, involuntarily at that last comment leaving his arm. she's suddenly a teenager all over again and trying to discreetly keep her hair in place before slipping out from the shadows to speak to kisuke.
a quick shake of her head and she moves to step past him, trying to hide the uncertain shyness that could spark into embarrassment or an annoyed sort of embarrassment. ]
It was windy outside.
Ha—? [ gin's hand flies to her hair, involuntarily at that last comment leaving his arm. she's suddenly a teenager all over again and trying to discreetly keep her hair in place before slipping out from the shadows to speak to kisuke.
a quick shake of her head and she moves to step past him, trying to hide the uncertain shyness that could spark into embarrassment or an annoyed sort of embarrassment. ]
It was windy outside.
[It hadn't even touched thirty seconds. Around the twenty-second mark, there was a ginger knock at the door followed by an apologetic 'Intruding, Miss Akutagawa!'. As Kisuke pushed the door open, Gin would find the entire hall full of unconscious, splayed out gangsters. There were signs of damage from gunfire but more so, fixtures were damaged and crushed.
Kisuke, on the other hand, was fixing his collar again, no worse for wear.]
Ah, there we are. Are you ready for the clean-up?
Kisuke, on the other hand, was fixing his collar again, no worse for wear.]
Ah, there we are. Are you ready for the clean-up?
Uh.
[Quite suddenly, the icy gap between Gin and Oono seemed to dissipate in a small way, exposing Naoyuki to their merciless judgment. Oono was the optimistic type but she was tough and sensible and Gin, from what he'd learned in a short time, cared little for his particular brand of obfuscation.
Had his previous incarnation been so obvious that she'd expect him to deflect?]
I mean, I have a bed in the warehouse--
[Ururu, happily, squeezed Gin one more time before rounding on Naoyuki and kicking him in the side, spinning him through a shop window.]
SATO-SAN!?
[Oono's otherwise relaxed facade vanished with the young man in question as she was stunned into stillness.]
[Quite suddenly, the icy gap between Gin and Oono seemed to dissipate in a small way, exposing Naoyuki to their merciless judgment. Oono was the optimistic type but she was tough and sensible and Gin, from what he'd learned in a short time, cared little for his particular brand of obfuscation.
Had his previous incarnation been so obvious that she'd expect him to deflect?]
I mean, I have a bed in the warehouse--
[Ururu, happily, squeezed Gin one more time before rounding on Naoyuki and kicking him in the side, spinning him through a shop window.]
SATO-SAN!?
[Oono's otherwise relaxed facade vanished with the young man in question as she was stunned into stillness.]
My, my!
[While it wasn't a response that could shock him anymore, Kisuke found himself a little disappointed with his own judgment. Perhaps he'd been too strict with their guidelines before--giving Monika a set of rules that she'd want to combat in earnest. Though, really, he didn't think that was an entirely undesirable outcome. Strange as it was, it was flattering. A reminder that she had a rather incredible will when it came to hardship even when she was feeling down on herself.
Shaking his head, he offered her a rather devious smile.]
I should be more outgoing if that's your first inclination. No, it's rather tepid, you see.
[He cleared his throat--a dangerous signal for anyone not so keen as Monika to hear him out.]
An equation needs to be balanced on both sides, right? Both halves share the same answer. So, regardless of complexity, a proper equation is always a reflection whether you're on one side or the other. That said...?
[Though, it coaxed him into slowing down, hushing his voice just a little more before lifting his fingers to guide Monika's chin up to meet his gaze.]
I'm sorry if I've put you on edge, Monika. Please, don't spend this time on the precipice of defeat.
[While it wasn't a response that could shock him anymore, Kisuke found himself a little disappointed with his own judgment. Perhaps he'd been too strict with their guidelines before--giving Monika a set of rules that she'd want to combat in earnest. Though, really, he didn't think that was an entirely undesirable outcome. Strange as it was, it was flattering. A reminder that she had a rather incredible will when it came to hardship even when she was feeling down on herself.
Shaking his head, he offered her a rather devious smile.]
I should be more outgoing if that's your first inclination. No, it's rather tepid, you see.
[He cleared his throat--a dangerous signal for anyone not so keen as Monika to hear him out.]
An equation needs to be balanced on both sides, right? Both halves share the same answer. So, regardless of complexity, a proper equation is always a reflection whether you're on one side or the other. That said...?
[Though, it coaxed him into slowing down, hushing his voice just a little more before lifting his fingers to guide Monika's chin up to meet his gaze.]
I'm sorry if I've put you on edge, Monika. Please, don't spend this time on the precipice of defeat.
[The moment she hesitated, his smile grew. There were things he'd never get back after his exile. Opportunities lost, stolen from him. Even with that chapter coming to a close, he supposed they'd never happen even then, if only because he wasn't quite the same as he way--or maybe he was more himself than he'd ever been.
That would have been far worse a problem.
Seeing Gin's expression change to something he remembered, even distantly, he felt a little satisfied despite his disappointment. She made an effort, tactically, to reposition herself, and rightfully so. Snapping open a cupboard, he downplayed his teasing by giving her a moment's reprieve. Tea leaves, kettle, water, stove. Possibly in a particular order.]
I suppose it was. [A pause.] You know, I'd never insult you by giving you cheap tea for the sake of it. I've just come to like this brand.
That would have been far worse a problem.
Seeing Gin's expression change to something he remembered, even distantly, he felt a little satisfied despite his disappointment. She made an effort, tactically, to reposition herself, and rightfully so. Snapping open a cupboard, he downplayed his teasing by giving her a moment's reprieve. Tea leaves, kettle, water, stove. Possibly in a particular order.]
I suppose it was. [A pause.] You know, I'd never insult you by giving you cheap tea for the sake of it. I've just come to like this brand.
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