04 ❥

[requiems]

let's do a thing!
• comment with your character. pick a respondent. any situation, any time.
first meetings, fighting together, first dates, whatever.
identify your universe, though! (original, au, game canon...)
• let's do a psl.
• ???
• profit!!

Comments

[falchions]

[It probably didn't help that they knew of her lineage. It was hard to hide from. She didn't deny it, either, because there was naught to deny except for exagerration. It made her above the reach of everyone else.]

I do. [It's an easy admittance, though she doesn't elaborate. She surprises herself a fraction with the honesty; not because she isn't honest, because she is, but because she usually wouldn't tell someone she had met seconds prior what she was thinking. Maybe it's the relief, maybe it's the fact she's wanted a conversation for a week and she's finally getting one and she's going to make the most of it.] Not just for here, either. For both here, and for home. Albeit, in different ways, I have to admit.

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

[Or it could be that he's been actually interested in actually talking to her, understanding what she's like, but that'll likely show through later when they've actually gotten to know each other.] Different, how?

[falchions]

[That is a possibility, though one she hasn't outright entertained, yet. At least right now the possibility of it being shallow hasn't dawned on her either.

She adjusts the bag on her shoulder as she debates how to sum it up.] Responsibilities. Making sure to weight up enough time... that what I'm doing is beneficial. But there, I have friends and my younger sibling to support me.

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

Ah. [A beat to consider. Something that would be beneficial would generally fall along the lines of being helpful, contributing to the community... And now that he looks back on it, though his memory was a bit muddled by what he had to take in, hadn't she seen her at Junes once? It was only for a brief glance, granted, but there were plenty of stalls there lately, and if the connection he's making holds any sort of weight...] I can relate a little with that, actually.

[A lot, to tell the truth -- but revealing too much seemed inappropriate, no, was inappropriate. That'd make him look like he was wearing his heart on his sleeve.]

[falchions]

Hmm. [It's not a doubting response; more a noise of interest, of curiosity, than not.] In which case, it's... good to know that someone understands that. [She looks intently at his face for several long seconds - she can't say she recognises him, but then the school has a lot of students. It's possible she's walked by him before. They do seem to be in the same year, however, if his collar is any indication.

But she breaks quickly enough out of that reverie. It's rude to stare.]

What's your name?

[She doesn't offer her own, not yet. In all likelihood he knows it already.]

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

[By now, he'd be in his third year. Being the senpai to the rest of the school has placed quite a bit more responsibility on his shoulders, but was it burdening? Nah... far from it.

Nevertheless, they were -- it was probably a good thing the same person that could relate was also in the same grade as her, and for good reason.]

Souji.

[Her guess wouldn't be too far off, considering what he says next.] And you're...Lucina, right? It's nice to meet you.

[falchions]

Souji.

[It's repetition to memorise it as well as equal parts testing it out, but she nods to the latter.]

Yes, that is me. It's nice to meet you as well.

[It's a rare occasion when you actually mean that.]

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

[Very, given the state of affairs in this rural town. But he digresses.

A small, thoughtful noise escapes him as he looks up, musing over something before he returns his gaze to her.]

You feel like going anywhere? I promise it's not just for a date.

[Someone who had familiar roots to him? Definitely deserved a spot in his list of people to trust.]

[falchions]

[Lucina blinks once, with a hint of surprise etched onto her face. Almost as if she's shrinking into the corner of the hallway she's occupying. No one has asked to spend time with her, at least, not platonically. It's a little unnerving, even if it's a good thing.]

As long as it's not a date. [She affirms, though there's the hint of a smile there. It's very small, though.] I haven't got anything planned for today.

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

There's nothing up my sleeve, honest.

[He couldn't help one of his own. There was the nagging feeling he'd be getting the same jeers from the boys, but like he cared -- he has a new friend. That's all that mattered.] Why don't we stop by Aiya, then?

[falchions]

[She doesn't say it, but she believes it. Or is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

At the suggestion of Aiya, she nods.] That's in the shopping district, correct? I've passed it a few times on the way to the shrine, I think... though I've yet to stop in.

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

Mm-hmm. [He looked out the window for a moment. The weather forecast said it wasn't going to be rainy today, so there was that lingering disappointment that he wouldn't be able to show her the special nikudon.

Ah, well. He supposes the usual will suffice. He starts walking towards the main door, slowly so she can fall into step with him.] The beef bowls they serve won't disappoint.

[falchions]

[Lucina follows accordingly, half a step or so behind. She has a rough idea where she's going, but she's not entirely certain, so she doesn't want to lead. Which for her, is a strange feeling. She's been brought up to be a leader.]

I'll hold you to it. [She nods.] I've never eaten out in Inaba, actually, so if it is as good as you say... I'll have to keep in in mind.

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

[He just smiled knowingly in response. Oh, she'll see it in due time.

Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he leads her to the shopping district; the trip is mostly quiet, save the occasional tidbit of small talk he'd start -- mostly about the town as a whole, how she was faring. There were a few things he'd let slip, like how he'd seen Inaba as more of a home than he did the city he'd moved in from, and how he'd found a little circle of friends he could rely on, among others. He seemed a little distant, though, when he let the conversation drift to those more sensitive topics...

They were touchy things to talk about, but he didn't mind. While he didn't exactly give her the full story, it was still the honest truth.

Eventually, he stops just outside Aiya, looking up at the sign.]

This is the place.

[falchions]

[Likewise, she'd reply. Most of it, she was fairly open about. They weren't state secrets. Some of it, though, she was quieter about. When he mentioned his friends and that he could rely on them, she had vocally agreed on the importance of it... before drifting off into silence over how she had met her own. How bonds were important, though with less enthusiasm than she might usually go into it, as they had only just met.

She stops when he does though, and looks at the sign. Yes, she does recognise it.]

Shall we go in? What do you recommend?

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

[He nods to her first question as he steps inside, taking in a whiff of that familiar scent. Rainy days be darned, it was still as good as ever.]

The ramen here's pretty good...the dumplings aren't half bad, either. I'd suggest the special, but they only have those on a rainy day. [Okay, they didn't exactly have dumplings as available options, but let's get creative here. It's a chinese restaurant.]

[falchions]

[She follows after, the smell hitting her like a wall. It's not a bad smell, though. Judging by smell alone, it would appear that it was good as he says.

It's usually a telling factor, anyway. It can look as nice as you want, but it's all about the smell and the taste.]

Then... I think I'll take that. It's worth trying anything at least one. And I'll keep the special in mind for a rainy day.

[She doesn't wait for an answer beyond a polite smile of her own, before making her way over to the owner, who was wathing the pair of them. A couple of eyes turn and fix on her, students to be sure, but she pays them little mind, instead ordering the items off the menu with easy confidence. Public speaking is something she's good at. She's never had a problem with it. Being charismatic is also helpful that it tends to rally people around you. If they're willing to listen, first.]

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

[He nods, returning it with a subtle one of his own. A little bit of him wondered if she could actually handle it -- lord knows he couldn't until recently -- but maybe that's best left for when the rain comes along.

Souji settles into his usual seat in the diner, ordering his share and taking an appraising glance around, moreso on Lucina than all the other faces in the diner -- though he definitely caught those glowers from the two students that had turned their gazes on her. It at least looked like Lucina was used to the sort of pressure that came with being the center of attention...you'd have to be in a small town like Inaba, given how quickly word spreads. He couldn't help but muse on what their earlier talks dug up, too, and what facts were spread around by word of mouth. She'd been called royalty, but aside from that 'tiara', she didn't really look the part...and she'd apparently turned heads at the kendo club -- so much that they didn't care as much about who signed up.

He could've also sworn he heard her when he passed by the Drama Club to see what was up, too... but he could ask about that later.

It's another moment before he realizes his gaze lingered on her a little too long. He looks away for a moment, distracting himself with the food being cooked.] Is this the first time you've tried other foods?

[More small talk -- it wouldn't help to jump into a topic so suddenly.]

[falchions]

[She's oblivious to his lingering gaze, at least at first, having struck up a conversation with the owner, if he'd consider helping out at a Tastes of Inaba stall she's found herself managing. It seems he's pretty open to it. A few seconds later, she seems to have found agreement and she seats herself with a hint of success next to Souji... which is the point she notices him looking, but it's then that he turns away.

She doesn't jump to any conclusions, and neither does she call him out on it. She just looks a little surprised to and self conscious at having him see her at her most confident best. Not that it's a bad thing, it's good to show it, it's just, with someone you know watching, even if they only met less than an hour before...

But that thought trails off at his question. She shakes her head.]

I was always encouraged to try different things, from different places. Though I haven't had ramen for quite a while. You think I would have, being in Japan, but... sometimes, when you're busy, you do tend to stick to what you know best.

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

[He at least didn't seem the type to judge...in fact, that only helped the impression she made on him, though he doesn't voice it.]

Mm...especially if it reminds you of home. [He let his thoughts drag him around for a bit.] Is there anything else you want out of your stay here? ...If you don't mind me asking. [It was probably a far cry from where she'd been before -- she seemed more adjusted to bigger places like Tokyo...though he wouldn't be all that shocked if he was wrong.]

[falchions]

Exactly. [She nods in agreement. To the latter, there was noteable pause, but not of rebutal, merely thought, as she picked up a glass of water and swirled it around absently.]

To experience, mainly. To meet new people, and to understand a different culture, to change the future of myself as well as others. To help those who need it. You can try to help the world all you want... but if you don't know it, that becomes harder.

[She trails off, shaking her head. It's a little heavier than she intended it to sound.]

That's what I'd like, at least. That was... possibly the most extravagent way of putting it. My apologies.

[She wouldn't want to scare him off, or bore him, so it's a token apology, complete with token bow of the head, in case it was something he didn't care for. Not everyone did.]

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

[He blinked for a few moments at the apology, but let a smile grace his lips -- this one just a mite less subtle. What was there to be sorry about?]

Don't fret over it. It's not a bad thing to want.

[falchions]

I wasn't sure what you'd think.

[Honestly, unfiltered. The smile if naught else prompted that.]

[the_tv_is_a_lie]

[He made a small noise of amusement. Well, he hadn't really made his stance all that clear...it was fair to have a little uncertainty.] I'll give you that.

Still...it's rare to see anyone going to those lengths just to push for good change.

[His tone suggested a fair bit of admiration -- not so much that she'd be on a pedestal, but definitely positive. The more they talk, the more he finds himself liking his new friend.]

[falchions]

Sometimes, it does quickly bore others...

[The silent comment is that she's glad that it doesn't, for him.

To his second comment, she shakes her head. She doesn't find it that impressive, from her perspective; nothing to be admired, in her eyes. She is, also, rather modest.] It's something natural, for me. It was something my father always taught me. That I took on for myself.