yumemigaoka | Theater Kid's March Comes in Like a Lion

[...Junna's vision is less than a meter without her glasses. Good to know. ~~Lisa promises not to abuse this.~~]

Resolve is good. Both of us can use more of that.

[She tilts her head when Junna trails off, before she covers her mouth... and starts laughing again.] I'm sorry, I know it's not funny, just... ehehe. Gimme a second. [She freezes as she starts to get up to search. Their emotions were so complicated last night that she's not sure they were thinking about it - Lisa certainly wasn't - but. Hmm. Going to have to actually get up to look, and her clothes are. Over there, in the basket, because this is her apartment and she has one of those. Stealing Junna's hoodie does not actually help her now now, she'd have to get it first and it'd be too late then.

...kami, give her strength. ~~That promise lasted thirty seconds; she's definitely abusing the fact her girlfriend can't clearly see her.~~ Shaking her head, Lisa props herself up on her arms to look. Her bedroom isn't that big, in the grand scheme. Junna's glasses are definitely not on the nightstand. Both their phones are on the nightstand, though, and precariously close to the edge of it. Hmm. Maybe...

Pushing herself fully out of bed, face red but lips set in determination, she gets up, walks a wide circle around the bed, and crouches, locking onto something glinting in the late morning light. Well, she'd been expecting a worse time looking for them. Picking them up, gently nudging their phones back off the edge, she returns to her girlfriend, bends down slightly in front of her, folds out the arms of the glasses, and gently slides them over her temples, smiling gently, cheeks still dusted red, not immediately moving away and looking into Junna's eyes.]

Better?

Edited 2025-03-10 22:29 (UTC)

[Junna gives Lisa a look when she starts to laugh. It lasts for all of about ten seconds before she's biting her lip, trying to not start laughing again, and she doesn't quite manage.] I-It isn't funny, I really can't see!

[She's in deep, herself. Lisa knows of one of her greatest weaknesses. She blinks, though, as Lisa gets up. Wait, she thinks, is she supposed to pointedly look away or not look away, now? There isn't a manual for this! She ends up looking at Lisa's general direction, then looking back ahead of herself. Everything is pretty blurry, though. She ends up pulling her hands back. Who knows what she might knock over? Which means she just sort of... sits there for a second.

She can't make out the object glinting on the floor. Junna's eyes blink, though, as Lisa comes back in front of her -- and slides her glasses on her face. She ends up looking back into Lisa's eyes, her cheeks reddening. And she breaks out into a bright smile.

And her voice is soft, and she feels like she's hearing herself talk instead of really thinking of what to say.] The best I've been in ages.

[Nope, still staring at Lisa fondly instead of making her brain work.]

[Brains are overrated. Lisa's just happy she found the glasses, and that Junna is happy. Indeed, she's happy enough she leans the rest of the way in for a quick kiss. She'd continue, but her stomach picks that moment to rumble ominously, and she pulls back, face no less red.]

Good. Then let's get moving, mm? I need a shower before I go anywhere, and I'd bet you want one too.

[She freezes again, briefly, as she realizes Junna has glasses this time, before her brain raises the "asked her to stay with you" argument again and she... doesn't quite dismiss the issue as a lost cause, but she's conscious to keep her back to Junna for a moment, where her loose hair can mostly keep her out of sight as she returns to her dresser, promptly fishing out a pair of gray sweatpants, two white V-neck shirts, and... a brown hoodie that looks recently washed, and clean, but definitely didn't come neatly folded out of a drawer. Then she scoops her own flannel pants off the edge of the laundry basket and returns to Junna.]

Here. If you don't wanna go out in your own stuff from yesterday, I've got you, at least for outerwear. I don't know if we're close enough in size for basics, though.

[Junna kisses Lisa back, but then her eyes widen a little when she hears her stomach rumble. She smiles, though, when they pull back -- and a laugh bubbles up.]

R-Right, that's a good idea. A shower seems smart. I--

[Oh. She does have glasses, and that makes her more self-conscious. She glances a little to the side -- and then she looks back at Lisa, thinking that it's a little silly to get too embarrassed after last night. She smiles when Lisa comes closer, even if she's still red-faced. She takes the offered clothes, with a nod of her head. A fresh change of clothes sounds nice. She hugs the bundle of clothes against her.]

Thanks. Ah--wait! [She reaches down, grabbing the pink hoodie she wore yesterday off the floor, and then she holds it up for Lisa to take. When she does, Junna practically beams up at her. It's funny, she thinks, how happy something simple like this can make her.] Your new pink hoodie, madam~.

[Lisa's glad that Junna is about as off-balance as she is, a little. It makes her feel less like she's overreacting and more like they just need to settle into things. Their comfort zones just need to... shift a little, with time and trust. Six months ago the thought of kissing her would have been scandalous and she'd have apologized for even having the thought, now she's on, what, two or three this morning already? They'll get there. She starts to go back to the dresser for the rest of what she plans to wear today before Junna's call stops her, and she turns, grinning.]

Ah, thank you. Gently-worn and pre-loved, my favorite. [Lisa accepts it from Junna, and holds it to her chest for a moment. It... smells like Junna. Which. Of course it would, she was wearing it yesterday. But she still relaxes a little, enough to see.] I'll treasure it. [She... loosens her grip on it a bit.] Well. Until the two of us share one closet and the line between which hoodies are yours and which are mine kinda blur a little?

[That's usually not how that works, Lisa- ahem. Grabbing a hanger and hanging it on - not in - the dresser, she rummages for the rest of her things, including a pair of jeans, moving with graceful familiarity. Then she steps into her flannel pants again, slips the shirt over her head, and nods firmly.]

Lemme make double sure Karen-chan isn't out there waiting for me to explain who I've been talking to for the last half an hour, then you can go first, okay?

Of course. I brought him to visit my family over Golden Week last year, and we exchanged numbers then.

[ever attentive to people's moods, Keiwa looks on in concern even as he gets ready to send a text to Amane]

... Is Lisa-san okay...? [pause, then;] Once we get an idea of how bad it is at the DU, you should probably take a short break. Just... How to say? Just a break.

[that's assuming that there's even anything for them to do. Keiwa's not so bold as to assume that a pair of civilians in the waking world could do much to assist in this media debacle]

I see...

Thank you for trusting me with that information. Considering what you just went through... [pointed look] It's not an easy thing to do.

[Olruggio doesn't even bat an eye at the comment about her relationship with Lisa... It'd be hypocritical if he did, even though he'd call his own relationship ambiguous ~~and they were 'roommates'~~. But he thinks on it carefully]

I've seen circumstances like yours before... And, simply put, there's never really a 'right' answer for everyone. Sometimes the only choice you have is to pick the one you feel you can live with. [he heaves a disappointed sigh] Really, it's on the parents to make sure their children feel comfortable enough to go to them for help.

What do you wish to do? [a wry smile] Unfortunately, 'everything' is not an acceptable answer.

[Junna laughs when Lisa takes the hoodie and hugs it. She was doing the same thing to the brown one in her arms. It's cute, she thinks, that they had the same idea with their respective traded hoodies. And while something else is what she means to say, what she actually says is:] You're so cute.

[Then she turns a little red.] I-I mean. Um. I'm glad you like it. And it's a preview of when we're borrowing each other's hoodies all the time. [They're on the same page there, it seems like. Though Junna adds, lifting the brown hoodie in her arms for emphasis:] This one is mine and that one is yours.

[She stands up -- and turns around, cheeks flushed again -- and starts pulling on the T-shirt that Lisa loaned her. They'll get used to this eventually, she thinks.] S-Sure. I don't mind going first. Ah, can I use your toothbrush and stuff?

[A moment's pause, then:] Good luck with Karen-san.

Oh, I didn't know that! That sounds like a nice time. [It's a brief bright spot in an otherwise stressful time. Junna nods, then.] Thanks, Keiwa-san.

[Junna swallows, though, and looks down at her phone.] She's having trouble. I'm worried. I'll...

[There's a flinch. She starts to say she'll be fine. But... no, she can't keep doing that.] Right. I'll take one when we get there.

It's... yeah. It's not easy. [Junna looks down for a second. She'd made her decision already. But it's different to put it in words to someone else. She takes a moment.

It's no surprise there's no right answer for everyone. And he seems to get it.]

If I have to choose, I'd choose her. I mean... I'd choose myself. I know we're young and things happen.

But if they aren't going to accept that I'd want to be with her, they're not going to accept me for who I am. [Quieter, then:] But, it's a... it's a conversation I'm nervous about having with them. To say the least.

[Zeke snaps his fingers, which of course involves a few random waves of his hand followed by a sudden downstroke to make it all Extra.]

Now that I know a place for. Little bit of a trip, but you won't regret it. Up for it?

[The over-the-top hand gesture gets a smile out of Junna. Leave it to Zeke.]

Yes, please. You've got me curious.

[Oh no, her weakness! But she catches Junna doing the same thing, and she laughs too, even as her own face colors.] Only as cute as the person saying it. But... yeah. Mine now. Definitely mine now.

[She turns away to give Junna a bit of privacy to throw something on to move through the apartment; it's one thing here in her room, but the rest of the space is very firmly Not Hers in her mind, and she respects that. Fears that, in this particular moment. Lisa takes the wish for luck as a sign Junna's finished, though, and turns back around to nod.]

There's a spare toothbrush in there somewhere I'll grab you. But anything else, yeah, go for it. Back in a second-

[She feels like she's going on a spy mission in her own (shared) apartment, and yet... it's vital to the success of her mission that she isn't discovered. That Junna, specifically, isn't discovered; she supposes that makes this an escort mission with extra steps. But as she steps outside and pulls her door most of the way shut behind her, she does her best to look natural and pokes around. Karen's door is closed and she doesn't immediately hear anything from inside; whether this means she's not here or she's still farming some drop or another is anyone's guess, but it means she won't be discovered, at least not yet. The bathroom... is clear. So's the kitchen. The TV's off.......

......well, this is somewhat anticlimactic. Oh well. She eases her steps and heads for the bathroom, grabbing the extra toothbrush and making sure nothing's missing, before returning back to her room, pushing the door back open and leaving it that way.]

Agent I, reporting in. No hostiles to report. Also, I have secured the package. [She tosses the toothbrush, still in wrapper, across the room underhand; it's not a long throw, but she gives it some air. Just in case.] We are ready to proceed with the next phase of the plan.

Not playing fair again. [But the way Junna smiles up at her, there's no question that she is bothered at all. She keeps smiling after -- though she gets dressed in a bit of a hurry, after. And when Lisa looks back to nod, she returns it. And looks a little serious, because... she knows they're now on a mission. A mission to sneak around Karen, so she doesn't realize what's up and get Lisa in trouble. If... there would be any trouble to get in.

Junna isn't sure. Best to not find out.] Thanks. I'll... wait right here, until you get back.

[She gets that second pair of sweat pants on, while she waits. And then waits, while Lisa goes out. It's a little hectic, waiting like that. She doesn't suppose it'd be a big issue, but... she also keeps an ear out. Is Lisa found out? Is she found out?

But no! Lisa returns -- and tosses the toothbrush. Junna catches it out of the air, then looks up and smiles again. Her voice stays quieter than before. And she fires off a little mock salute. And makes sure she looks very serious. She might be getting into her role a little.] Roger that! Lead the way, Agent I. I'm relying on your expertise.

[his expression hardens for a moment at Junna's slip up but softens when she corrects herself. At least she's learned better. Now's just a matter of properly internalizing it]

It's not an easy conversation to have with anyone, let alone people as close to you as your parents. Taking your time with it is only natural... Honestly, I'd be more concerned if you were raring to go.

You've got a good head on your shoulders. [a sip of coffee] You just need to stop overburdening those shoulders of yours with everything else.

That's... good. I've worried I'm putting it off, but... no, you're right. I need to think about it, and approach it the right way. [Junna nods her head, her expression thoughtful for a second. Even if the right way is making sure she's ready, and not putting so much on her plate that she rushes a conversation that could have an enormous impact on the rest of her life.

She looks back up at him. There's a smile -- though, she looks a little embarrassed.]

Thanks. I, um... I'm trying to ask for help more. And... trying to learn to say no, too.

[a sheepish smile] Yeah, it seemed like a nice break after... ['after his Disturbance and surgery' is what Keiwa stops himself from saying. Instead, he takes the time to send a quick text to Amane about what's happened and that he's currently with Junna heading to the DU to see what they could do to help]

It seemed like it would be a nice break. My aunt owns a book cafe called the Milk Dipper. Since my uncle's an astronomer, it's also got his old antique telescope as a center piece in the cafe? [laughs softly] It's nothing special, but you wouldn't think that seeing how excited Amane-kun was.

[a nod...]

Hopefully Lisa-san remembers to take a minute for herself too.

I understand. [Junna nods, remembering very well that time after his Disturbance. It's hard to believe that it was a year ago. She shifts a little,as she remembers, and then she looks sideways -- and her eyes widen.]

I remember how much he liked the one at the party. That sounds like a great time. [She smiles, a little more brightly.] I'm glad he had the chance to get away.

[Then, she quiets a little. She looks down... then she nods, too.] ...I'll make sure of it. I know she's got to be taking this hard.

I'm glad his parents trusted me enough to let me take Amane to Tokyo! [a little embarrassed] But he seemed to have fun while we were there. Maybe what he needed was a change of pace.

[he looks around again, the crowds were a mix of people who were just going about their day regularly and the people who were obviously gossiping about the scandal that had just been unveiled for the public to pick apart. He nervously adjusts the strap on his backpack]

Make sure both of you remember to take a break.

Onwards!

[Brandishing a pen as if it's a weapon, Zeke leads the charge!]

[To his car! This didn't deserve anywhere near the dramatics! Which is pretty much the Chaosbringer way of life!]

I'm glad too. A change of pace seems like a good idea... [That's food for thought. But later. It's not the time with this going on.

She looks sideways at Keiwa, then she nods. Better than focusing too much on the crowds right now.] I know. I will. But... I appreciate the reminder.

[It might be overdramatic but it gets a laugh out of her.

And besides, she's a theater kid at heart. She follows along.

To the ramen!]

[He returns the laugh with a chuckle of his own, the shade of awkwardness in his grin melting away a little.]

Hope store-bought'll okay-- I'm definitely no Lisa-san when it comes to baking!

[Hell, he's probably not an Ai, or even a Ruby... Junna probably wouldn't want to be KO'd with food poisoning on top of recovering from a Disturbance, after all. (That said... he has a feeling Lisa would probably smother her in enough baked goods to last a lifetime--)

His smile dims as he listens to her apology, however, and his gaze shifts away from her momentarily, mulling over what to say. Being candid about his feelings, stating his thoughts outright... he's never been any good at that. But maybe this whole situation's taught him that he needed to try in that regard, at least a little.

Finally, he reaches over to pat her head, hoping it'd give her at least some bit of comfort. (He'd offer a hug, but he wasn't sure how much of a hugger she was...)]

Junna-san... you didn't let everyone down. [A beat, and then:] At least, you didn't let me down. I can't speak for everyone else, of course, but if they're disappointed in you over something like this...

[... well. That's another bridge to cross entirely, but they probably weren't worth Junna's time if they faulted her for something out of her control.]

... anyway. I get it. Believe me, I do. A lot of times, it feels easier just to ignore the problem and not burden someone else down with it. But...

... I dunno. I kinda wish we were able to see the signs sooner. Supported you sooner. [Another beat, and then:] Or at least hid your glasses for a week you'd give yourself a break sooner.

[You were doing so well just then too, Amane...]

[Junna laughs again. A little more than she did last time, even.] I'm never going to say no to cookies of any kind.

[She blinks, though, when he pats her head. And it does make her feel a little bit better. There's a moment of hesitation, though, as she looks down for a second. Her eyes focus more on the ground than him while she thinks -- and it's nice reassurance.

Even if she worries a little. Zeke, Keiwa, Ilya, Olruggio. Lisa. Her parents.

But... she didn't let him down, and that's something.]

...I'm glad. I--I thought... you'd all be furious with me, for not... I don't even know, exactly.

[She falls quiet for a second, though. Then, she nods, and she looks at him. There's a small smile, for just a second. She knows -- remembers, honestly -- that he's been there. He gets it too. She hesitates for a second.]

That's... that's a lot of it. I didn't want to burden anyone else. And then it was... like I felt like I needed to be stronger, or like it would be something that you'd blame yourselves. And I didn't talk to all of you until I felt like I was drowning. And...

[Wait. She trails off. Then she sputters, and pushes her glasses up her nose.]

D-Don't you dare. [But that gets a laugh out of her.]

There's a difference between avoiding something and taking your time with it. [smile] You're a smart girl though, I'm sure you're able to make the distinction yourself without me explaining it.

One of the best ways to learn is to make mistakes. Though...

[he chuckles quietly]

Even if you hope to pursue a career in theatre, I think you can afford to scale back a little on the dramatics.

Theater Kid's March Comes in Like a Lion

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