semi-closed catch-all; only I see all the diamonds

[empression]

Who ⬤ Haru Okumura and various individuals
What ⬤ Catch-all for Tanabata and beyond
When ⬤ Throughout August
Where ⬤ Anywhere and everywhere; locations noted in starter titles
Content Warnings ⬤ Nada yet, but I shall edit accordingly if anything comes up!


[ ooc: Closed starters! If you'd like one, feel free to reach out to me, either via PM or starswept! ]

Comments

[karumic]

[Kazuma huffs out a laugh.]

Yes, it certainly changed the entire tone of the night.

[And in the end, they hadn't been able to do anything about Ringo-chan. The poor girl's still being held hostage somewhere and there's nothing anyone can do about it--nobody can traverse the Wasteland.

It's a feeling Kazuma hates. A crime has been committed, someone has been hurt, and Kazuma is utterly powerless about it.]

May I escort you to your lodgings? [After all, there's nothing saying the danger is past, and Kazuma feels the urge to do something useful.]

[empression]

I-- [ She wants to say she'd be fine. She firmly believes she would be. But at the same time, she doesn't even want to think about dealing with any additional problems after tonight. This morning. Whatever time of day it is now. And Kazuma hadn't phrased it in such a way to put her on guard. He hadn't asked her if she needed an escort, just if he could do so. Is there a chance it'll trouble him if she refuses?

Haru hesitates a moment longer, then sighs quietly. ]

You may. Thank you-- I believe I wouldn't mind the company for a little while longer.

[karumic]

[He offers her a rare, genuine smile--rather than the wry smirks he typically wears--if a tired one.]

Of course.

[He really means "thank you," himself. After the chaos of tonight it would be a relief to have a quiet walk with someone he's come to consider something like a friend. Being alone with his own thoughts right now is not an appealing prospect.

As they set off he walks next to Haru and slightly behind, letting her take the lead. He has no idea where she actually lives, after all.]

What happened after the... event? I admit I left the area right after, so I didn't see much of the aftermath.

[empression]

[ That's a smile she doesn't think she's seen before-- and it goes miles in making him actually seem closer to her age, prompting a softer, equally weary smile in response. She'll take the lead, though it's more of a quiet guidance than anything-- they're still walking close enough together for it to not be single-file.

But Haru's smile fades after a minute of walking, one hand drifting up to aimlessly play with a stray curl. ]

Majima-san and I chased down someone who tried to steal chips from the casino. He fled above ground, but he did leave the chips behind. And then I met with...

... [ Her gaze darkens. ]

Lord van Zieks, who wanted my account on what happened during the chaos, as a witness who was in the crowd.

[karumic]

[Well, Haru certainly seems to have been performing her Shuten duties a little more faithfully than Kazuma did tonight. He supposes he can't fault her for that. Maybe he should even take a hint; it's not like digging in his heels did him any favors.

His eyebrows go up at her tone when she mentions van Zieks. Kazuma's impression of him isn't so negative, but he can see why hers might be. He cuts a rather dour figure.]

Insisted on that one, did he? [That does track; van Zieks had seemed particular about his lordship status when Kazuma spoke with him as well.] I hope it wasn't too gloomy of an experience.

[empression]

... Well, he seemed to have very strong feelings regarding my use of honorifics, which wasn't quite what I expected...

[ She's doing her best, but she is absolutely still not thrilled with the memory. ]

[karumic]

He did?

[The surprise is genuine. Van Zieks certainly doesn't seem to have a problem with him, though who knows for the future.]

He does seem to be very particular about that kind of thing. He also has, well... a certain kind of face.

[empression]

A certain kind of face? [ Well, he'd scowled a lot. Relaxed, perhaps briefly. But still... ]

... Well, he does seem solemn. And I'm certain he's tired. But...

All the same, if he wishes to be treated with respect, I would like to ask the same in return.

[karumic]

Naturally.

I believe you, of course. I just admit I'm surprised to hear it. He's always been, ah, pleasant with me.

[In a manner of speaking. In fact, Kazuma's come to find him a bit pitiful, though that feels like it would be strange to say out loud.]

I'm sorry it happened, regardless. This night has already been more than enough for everyone.

[empression]

It truly might have been a case of unfortunate timing. I'd like to think I can get along with most people, but...

[ Her shoulders rise and fall, a little helplessly. ]

It may just remain to be seen. Perhaps in better circumstances.

[ But Haru Will Remember This. ]

[karumic]

Well. Regardless of why, it's good you can assert yourself.

[He means that. Girls like Haru should have self-confidence and stand their ground. It's a good trait for everyone to have. Don't let anyone push you around!!!]

Never take disrespect from anyone. You're the only one you can trust to have your back.

[empression]

[ Well. That's probably the case here, which is a sad realization. And she wonders if that's the case for him, but... he has amnesia. So it might just be that he can't remember having anyone there for him, not that he didn't. ]

I used to be much more tentative about it, but you're right... in the end, the one who needs to stand up against perceived unfairness against me... is me.

[karumic]

[Kazuma pauses a moment, chewing his words over. He'd meant to be encouraging, but it seems he's done the opposite.]

I only meant you should never be afraid to defend yourself. You're just as capable as anyone else, and deserve to be treated accordingly.

[He smiles at her, hoping it's as reassuring as he's trying to make it.]

I can't imagine you ever being tentative, Okumura, but I would be proud to stand alongside you if you ever find yourself needing a friend.

[empression]

... [ She smiles back, after a few pensive seconds of mulling over his words. ]

Thank you, Asogi-san. Truly. I would happily welcome your friendship at any time, whether I particularly need it during a certain time or not. [ She hadn't expected him to see her as capable, but... it's a nice, warm feeling. ]

[karumic]

Of course.

[He does mean it, despite the casual way he says so. Haru is one of the most pleasant people he's met here; the earnestness with which she does everything makes him inclined to trust her, or at least trust that she means no harm. Which is about the most Kazuma is willing to grant people here.]

Though I hardly doubt you will need it. You have the spirit, and soon you will have the skills to match. In time, I doubt anyone will dare to stand against you.

[empression]

[ She laughs at that, lightly. ]

I look forward to improving myself to that point! I'd hate to speak empty words that I wasn't able to back up with my actions. And thank you again, for also lending me your help with said improvement. Lessons and encouragement... I'll be spoiled, at this rate.