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

[Lisa fights the urge to snort, and instead holds herself to the somewhat cryptic:] You have no idea. But I appreciate it. I'll- ah, there she is.

[She smiles at Junna as the other girl greets Karen and takes a seat. She wants to grab her hand because the morning got significantly more stressful very quickly, but... that may not presently be good for appearances, so she checks and keeps her hands on the table, giving Karen a somewhat more honest smile.]

I was in a little bit too much of a depressed funk to eat last night, to be honest? And for the last couple weeks to do the shopping. So while I'd like that, we were planning to grab break- [she sees the clock and corrects herself-] ah, lunch after we got ready anyway. We slept through breakfast and chatted through brunch. I didn't see you or any sign of you in the apartment, so I figured you were still out and we were clear. [Lisa shrugs, glancing sidelong to Junna with a slightly helpless tint to her grin.] Agent I sends her apologies and left her resignation.

[She turns back to Karen, and a little bit of the humor drains away, tension coming back into her posture.]

Short version, you missed a Disturbance while you were out. As you may recall from Amane-kun's, those mess me up and I needed to destress really bad. I still do, a little, I'm just hiding it better than usual. Junna was... in a similar boat when she showed up here last night, for different reasons. [Lisa glances sideways again, this time with a more inquisitive look. She knows why Junna showed up last night, yes, but if she's anything more to add - or just wants to explain her own side - that's for her to decide.]

[Junna glances sideways at Lisa -- and she smiles at her, trying her best to be reassuring. And, well, it's a little fun; it's stressful, but it's a normal sort of stressful instead of what she went through in the Disturbance. The almost-ordinary feeling is... nice. She looks back at Karen, then she nods her head, her expression becoming a little more cheerful.]

Ah, thank you. I hope so, too. But... where did we meet, though? I'm sure I would remember... [She's stumped. But it was a lot lately. Maybe she forgot? Or...

She nods, when Lisa says there was a Disturbance. There is a glance downward; it might not be hard to guess why. She looks at Lisa, meeting her eyes, and then she looks back at Karen.]

...I was the source of the Disturbance. I... got out of there two days ago, now. [She hesitates, her breath caught in her throat for a second.] I came by to see Lisa. I needed to talk to her, and... I was a wreck, myself. But...

[She fidgets with her hand, at her sides. She's wanting to take Lisa's hand, too. It's hard to keep from doing so.] ...I'm glad I came over. It really helped, after everything I'd been through. [There's just a second of hesitation.] I--um--I'm sorry if I inconvenienced you, in any way.

Edited 2025-03-21 00:47 (UTC)

[In a way, what she is told is a small relief. She had feared the absolute worst, her mind had convinced her it had to be something like someone close to one or both of them being severely injured. In a way it was true, but at least no one was missing any limbs.

She does not interrupt even once, listening with a carefully controlled patient look on her face. She takes a moment to process it all before speaking. ]

First off, let me offer an apology of my own. While I could not have known what was going to happen, the fact that I was unable to help in even the slightest does not make me happy. What it means to be a Dreamer has changed for me over the last few months, and I very much wish I had been here to help you, to help the both of you.

You needn't tell me the details of what you went through. I was already wholly unconcerned with Lisa-san bringing someone she cares about here, and knowing the reason for it make it all the better.

[She offers Junna the warmest smile she can muster.]

I already said I was not angry, but let me make it perfectly clear. As long as Lisa-san is staying with me, you'll be a welcome guest. I did not invite her to share my home in order to isolate her from those she cares about.

[She glances over at Lisa.]

If anything, the coincidental meeting we had at college may have helped prevent me from getting so lost in my own negativity that the same thing happened to me. As I mentioned, I am also a Dreamer, but it was not until after what happened to Hibiki that I become an official member of the Union.

[Finally, she turns back to Junna.]

As for OUR meeting, it was during the battle against that massive monster that attacked the Slumbering City. We hardly had time to chat, of course, but I remember you. You would not be able to recognize me, though. I am rather....well, different in the Dream Sphere. So much so I'm basically a different person. Sometimes I worry I might be developing an entire second personality I am so different.

[Karen's historically pretty cagey with the secret of her identity on the other side, so Lisa doesn't supply an answer there; it isn't hers to give, especially not with the young woman herself there to decide. Instead, she's watching Junna. Leaving her with the hard admission feels bad, but... better to give her that choice, and the fact that Junna looks over to her first suggests she was right to do it, as Lisa gives her an encouraging smile. She feels a little bit like a heel having to just sit here and watch, but... it needs saying. She does look back to Karen too, trying to gauge her reaction. But... polite, dark-haired wall there. No dice. So she waits the girl out while Junna finishes.

The response, then, is... both better than she'd hoped and dramatically less worrying. Lisa lets out a long, shaky breath, smiling truthfully.]

I'm... really relieved to hear you say that. I think you're expecting a little too much of yourself, but I'm not one to talk there, so I'll leave it at that. And I really, really appreciate your faith in me. I'd been a little worried about, well, not just overstaying my welcome but causing you trouble, so I'm happy to have been overreacting, I guess. And happy to have been to help to you earlier. Even if... I'm not entirely sure I'm out of the woods for one of those things, either.

[But she recognizes most of that is directed at Junna - indeed, a bit of it is stuff Lisa already knows - so she holds her peace. But she does offer her hand on the table in front of Junna, intending to signpost it so Karen doesn't wonder what she's missing, if they're exchanging notes or somehing. She's being told she doesn't need to sneak around or be concerned, but at the same time... Still feels weird. Like she's still waiting for the other shoe to drop.]

It's... [Junna shakes her head.] It's okay. Really. You were out of town. That kind of thing happens. And I... well, I certainly wasn't in a good state to check everyone's calendar for the ideal meeting time.

[She smiles a little weakly. It's a lame joke and she knows it.]

But... thank you. I--I, um. I really appreciate it, Kohiruimaki-san. I--I'd have done whatever you felt was best, but... I'm glad I can come visit. [She looks sideways at Lisa. Her cheeks color a little, when she does. But she sees the hand on the table, and it's like a lifeline. She takes Lisa's hand, squeezing gently. Then, she looks back at Karen. She smiles.

Then, her smile fades; it's a thoughtful look. You can practically see the gears turning in her head, then.

And Junna's eyes finally widen, as she recalls. She pieces it together from who was there; who she recognizes, who seems terribly unlikely, and who--oh.] ...LLENN? But she's--you're--not the same height in the slightest!

[That tall, dark haired wall was keeping herself under control for one simple reason. She didn't want to make things worse in any way. She isn't a mind reader, though, so doesn't realize how her efforts are having the opposite effect.]

I definitely do expect too much from myself. I don't want to make this conversation about me, but allow me to say this one thing. Everyone in my family is successful in what they do. If I am going to a Dreamer at all, I will be an exceptional one that does good for other people. That is why I regret not being here to help. Next time, please try not to schedule while I am out of town.

[She lets her carefully controlled mask soften just a little, a faint smile touching her lips. She is allowed bad jokes, too.]

But, Lisa-san, you are definitely not overstaying your welcome. This apartment felt so large and empty living by myself. I see my sister and niece every now and then, but other then that I used to come home to a place where I had only my television, computer, and phone to keep me company. I don't feel any regrets at all for sharing this space with you. We did not speak very often. But simply knowing I was not entirely alone was comforting.

[The handholding is, of course, noticed, but she politely does not stare. She does, however, give Junna a nod.]

I know its probably hard to believe, but that is correct. I had...well, let us say various reasons for keeping it a secret before, but I already said I don't want to make this conversation about me. You don't need my worries heaped on top of your own. I will tell you about her another time.

[Her little smile becomes a full on grin.]

Just know that GGO's infamous 'Pink Devil' is on your side and will give you the help you need, in and out of the Dream Sphere.

[Karen is allowed bad jokes, which is good because that was terrible. Lisa suppresses the urge to audibly boo, instead settling for a sudden cough. That comes with a bit of an awkward silence on her end; she's touched that her mere presence was good for Karen, but that means her and Junna's discussion a short time ago now has an unfortunate side effect. Then again... they didn't make that decision for anyone but themselves, so there's a limit to how bad she feels. Karen can probably sense Lisa's still stressed, although she's calming down with Junna's hand in hers.]

I'm glad I could be here for you then, even just a little. And hey - talk to me anytime, yeah? I know I have badbrain days sometimes and hide out, but it's good to hear another person's voice for me, too. [A beat.] Which is why Junna's here in the first place. But I needed a lot more than her voice, because I was coming off a badbrain month. So... she's going to be here sometimes. [Not a request, just a statement of fact, as if she'd said the sky is blue. Given Karen had already said that was okay, though, she's not expecting to meet resistance.] I'd just been afraid I'd have to advocate for myself more, which is part of why I was so tense when I realized you were here. I... it's going to sound underwhelming now, but I didn't want to rock the boat, you know? I was- well, afraid.

[It does sound underwhelming to her ears. No less true for that, but underwhelming. Definitely moreso than Karen offering LLENN's assistance - her assistance - to Junna at a time when she's more likely to need it than ever. Lisa still doesn't want to run her mouth about the tall girl's secrets, but she'll probably share the couple of relevant stories that will make more sense now that Junna can connect the dots.]

[Junna laughs a little -- and then she nods. She understands wanting to help. She does glance sideways at Lisa again, as Karen speaks. She feels a little bad about their plan for the future, but... but, that's still one that she wants. Her resolve has only increased since earlier this morning.

She looks back at Karen, then she nods, with a thoughtful look. But then she smiles a little bit more.] I understand keeping secrets, and... a-ah, I'm grateful for the Pink Devil's support.

[She looks sideways at Lisa as she explains, then. Junna is quiet while she listens to her explain some. And she squeezes her hand, after all of that; there's a warm feeling of gratitude that Lisa said Junna would be here, sometimes. She wasn't sure what Lisa would think.

But... it's something she wanted, she realizes.]

[Karen had always assumed it was a temporary arrangement when she'd invited Lisa into her home. When the time comes that the arrangement ends, she'll simply readjust to her old life. It wasn't as if she was actually alone. She was getting to know more and more of her fellow dreamers. She had more friends here then she ever did back home.]

I understand. We really don't know one another that well. Most of our conversations have taken place in the Dream Sphere and I already mentioned how being there affects me. [She smiles.] I guess when I go shopping I will bring home a bit extra. Have to have enough to share with our guest, after all.

[She stands up, glancing between the Lisa and Junna.]

Which I believe I will do now. Sorry if I scared you with P-chan. when I thought someone I didn't know was here, it was the first thing I reached for. Stay as long as you need, Hoshimi-san. I need to make a couple other stops, so I will probably be gone for a few hours at least.

[Its a bit of a white lie, there was a place not too far away to get groceries, she COULD be back quickly. But after interrupting the two, she wanted to give them some time to themselves without having to worry about her. It seems she is perfectly fine going out in flannel and sweat pants, as she heads right to the door and starts putting on her shoes.]

Oh, we can talk about it later, Lisa-san but there WAS something I wanted your help with. Its not important, and it cane wait until you're in a better mental state, though. I'll ask you about it later.

[Now, where would she go to pass those extra hours? Maybe a visit to the Dreamer Union, or just some casual cafe loitering were in order.]

Ahaha... I'm sorry about that. I'm not hiding away on purpose! I meant what I said - grab me any time. And... don't feel obligated to grab extra, you know? We'd appreciate it, for sure, and I'm really happy you're even thinking about it, but I already impose on you a lot. [Lisa sucks in a breath.] I admit, P-chan freaked me out, but I really brought that on myself. I understand being defensive if you thought someone was in here! I'm happy for it, even, I'm not going to be any help on this side.

[Lisa wouldn't be caught dead in public in flannel pants, so she's surprised when Karen gets up and makes to leave. Not enough she doesn't get a chance to reply, but enough she almost misses what Karen asks.]

We're going to be heading out for lunch anyway once I get ready, and then... I don't think we're coming back right away. So don't feel like you need to take super long. But definitely talk to me later, I'll give you a hand!

[Not. Right away later, as Junna's hand in hers reminds her; Lisa squeezes it back, needing something to ground her a little more. Right now is for decompressing and pretending she's okay until she is okay. But she'll get there. Karen being willing to wait with that pointed note is a help, even if it's a signpost that she needs to take care of herself before she's in a position to take care of others, right now.]

Ah... th-thank you! If there's anything I can do, though, please let me know. I'm... happy to help chip in. I--er--I'd like to chip in, really, with some of the chores or something. I'll feel guilty if I don't. [Since, as Lisa said, she expects that she'll be here often. She smiles, though, and then she blinks when Karen stands. She, also, would probably not wear that outside. But, she can respect the fashion statement, even if it isn't her own.]

It was a pleasure to meet you properly, Kohiruimaki-san. Enjoy your time out!

[She gives Lisa a squeeze of the hand in return. She could use the grounding herself. She looks sideways at her girlfriend -- and there's another warm smile -- but she stays quiet. Let the roommates talk while Karen's leaving!]

[Lisa seems far to perceptive for her little white lie to have fooled.]

I guess you saw right through that, huh? After interrupting you, I'd hoped to give you some time to spend together. I suppose if you're going out to lunch, then you can have that without me staying out for hours. But really, you don't have to worry about a thing. I never brag about it, but my family is well off and is providing me with everything I need to get my education here. The money I spend on a bit of extra food doesn't even come out of my own pocket, really. It just means having a little bit less left over at the end of the month, and I already have excess the way it is.

[Rather then bragging, she seems to feel slightly awkward to admit it. Its obvious the other two girls are struggling thinking about their future, and here she was just getting free money because her parents were rich.}

So no complaints. I'm going to do it. If you think of anything you might want to have in the apartment, don't hesitate to ask. That goes for both of you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be off.

[She seems to be in a bit of a rush to leave and is quickly out the door. Maybe she doesn't want to see the reaction to how easy her life is on the other girl's faces.]

[Lisa definitely wants to talk, because there are a couple of things she takes a little umbrage at! But also, uh. No time for that, as Karen very quickly finishes getting her shoes on and rushes out the door. Lisa barely gets time for a quick-] Take care, Karen-chan! [-before it not-so-gently closes and Lisa just... stares at it for a moment. Blinks. Turns back to Junna slowly.]

That... happened. Um. Sorry, I guess? She's not normally like that but I think we kinda pushed her. I feel a little bad about it, honestly?

Ah--

[Junna opens her mouth to protest. But Karen is on her way out. She only manages a sort of awkward wave as the door closes. Junna blinks at the door; then she turns her head, and blinks at Lisa.]

I-It's okay. It, um...

[She laughs. Then she starts giggling, hand over her mouth, and she's full on having a giggle fit after a second.] Th-this is something out of a movie! Honestly!

[The laugh isn't something she expected; then again, her dull response after the door closed was perhaps on the wrong line to be a calm and collected delivery. Lisa giggles herself, shaking her head.]

Hey, I don't know how this romcom will review, but it'll be a fun experience to star in. [Lisa grins; with Karen gone her mood has almost immediately recovered to something playful and open. This may or may not be a good thing.] Although I wouldn't mind a direct-to-video release either... it means I don't have to share my time with you with anyone else. I get you allll to myself.

[Lisa she's been gone fifteen seconds, don't be like this-]

Edited 2025-04-03 14:21 (UTC)

[Lisa's joke gets Junna laughing even more. She giggles and it takes her a second to form a response. But then she catches that last remark, and she smiles... slyly. It's not quite the same when she's still laughing, though.

Karen did just leave. This is maybe a bit scandalous. But Junna decides she doesn't care, seeing her smile like that. So she leans in closer.

Much closer.] And are you hoping to put this new, advantageous position to good use~?

[It does look a little strange while she's still laughing like a fool, but Lisa's not going to throw stones. Instead she focuses on the words and the emotion behind them; for a long moment she's silent, seeming to consider it. It is scandalous, but on this of all mornings, Lisa is rapidly finding she doesn't care.

Which is why she grins, stretches up to kiss Junna on the forehead, then leans back.]

I would love nothing more. But I also just told Karen-chan we're heading out soon so she doesn't need to stall, and if I don't get some food in me I'm not going to have any energy to do anything to you! So I really do want to get ready to go, unless you need to finish up first. We, uh, kinda rushed you? If not, though, I do have one job for you while I shower.

[Junna smiles, fondly, at the kiss on the forehead. It's amazing, she thinks, how her girlfriend can just make all of her worries melt away with a little thing like that sometimes. She looks up, still smiling, and nods.]

Right. After we clean up and get some food. I'm okay, I finished up enough to go out.

[Then she tilts her head.] What would you like me to do?

[...yeah, okay, she's happy enough, she'll share. Lisa nods sharply.]

Right! Then I'll get my stuff together, I shouldn't be long. Your mission... is to grab the fire-engine-red suitcase in my closet, it's coming with us. It should be empty, but if it's not, chuck whatever's in it on the bed, I'll sort it out later. I've decided we've got a very important task after breakfast.

Red suitcase... [Junna nods, her expression serious. She's doing a little bit of acting. Then, though, real curiosity comes over her face.]

Are we going somewhere?

Kind of! We're just taking a relatively quick jaunt across down.

You, Hoshimi Junna-san... [Lisa puts on her best game show announcer voice.] ...are going on a some-expenses-paid trip to Kohirumaki Karen's apartment, in the lovely Koubai Ward of Yumemigaoka! Enjoy luxurious accommodations and convenient access to local amenities! Meet the locals and spend your days in bliss and comfort! Pack your bags for seven to ten days of fun, because you're never going to want to leave, and the on-site laundry service will accommodate about that much! It's a fantastic prize package valued at zero yen! [Briefly, Lisa simulates a crowd cheering track, quietly mimicking screaming and support.]

[Oh--oh, they're doing a bit! Junna falls into character. Her eyes go wide, and she clasps her hands together, and then... emits more than says a sound:] Eeeeeee!

[Then, she grins -- a laugh escapes -- and she quickly nods her head.] I can't wait. That sounds like the perfect vacation. Though, you might want to be careful, Lisa-chan. [She says it oh-so-teasigly. And she leans in again, gently kissing her on the lips. It's an act of self-control to not make it linger.] With a vacation that wonderful, I might not want to leave.

[Lisa applauds, still grinning herself, until Junna is suddenly in her personal space again after that extremely sassy remark, and her lips are captured once more. Resolve... dwindling... hn... but lunch...]

That's what makes it such a wonderful prize, dear. You can still stay as long as you like~♪ Check-in isn't until 1, though, you'll have to burn a bit of time before you can get your key. [A beat.] Which we should also do while we're out.

[Junna smiles at her, and she pulls back... but it's hardly pulled back enough. Nope, she's just looking at Lisa with an eager smile. And she ends up with one hand on Lisa's.]

I think I might have to take you up on that. And getting my key. I think we can stop by a kiosk at a store. [Then, she smiles a little at Lisa.] ...so... you need a shower, right?

Edited (html fail) 2025-04-04 01:16 (UTC)

[Junna knows exactly what she's doing at this point. Lisa's trying very hard not to scream internally. And maybe scream externally?]

Yeah, and I think it's gonna have to be a cold one at this rate, or we're not going to get anything done today. It's a very good thing you're so cute. [Opening her mouth to continue, then realizing what the thing she's about to say means for them, her face flushes.] Save some of that energy for tonight, yeah?

Theater Kid's March Comes in Like a Lion

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