[Kotone had seen Chuuya around a few times already and had debated whether or not she should approach. Like... Dazai she's sure would figure it out whether she talked to him or not, so she hadn't had much of a choice, but Chuuya she might have been able to avoid or pretend around a little better.
Might. In spite of her own better judgement, she does plop down next to him, a redhead almost exactly his height and only a few years younger than he is, and offers him a smile.]
[Chuuya turns his head to look at the girl who plops into the sand next to him, quirking a brow. Had he been so obvious that even a total stranger picked up on it....?
Geez.]
So far nothing here's on fire, so I suppose that's pretty good for a situation like this.
[It's meant as a mild joke, though there's something Kotone might pick up on in his tone that says he's got fires of his own to put out back home. Considering what she knows of his and Dazai's world...] I don't think we've met yet. I'm Chuuya, and you are...?
[There's a faint laughter in her voice that hints that she's mostly joking, though there's a certain sad fondness to her smile that she doesn't really try to hide as she nods in response to his introduction.]
I'm Kotone. How much have you learned about this place, Chuuya-san? I've been here for a while, so I can try to answer some of your questions!
[Namely -- she already knows there's no way he remembers her, though the obvious confirmation does sting a little. She'll answer what she can, but if it gets complicated or if she gets bored, there is a real danger of her passing him off to Scott.]
[And that joke gets a genuine laugh out of Chuuya.] True enough. Things would get boring if it was just beach parties and festivals around here.
[He's not meant for that kind of life, and he knows it.
And here's the thing about Chuuya: While his ex-partner has all the booksmarts, Chuuya's always been a people person. Was taught how to read people by his own mentor, for that matter.
So he knows that look on Kotone's face. Knows immediately that this must be another person who knows him, in this place. Or some version of him.] A little bit so far, but it's been talk in between helping out here and there. You guys ever thought about guidebooks or something? Brochures? It seems like this happens a lot.
[It's said lightly, a little wryly, mostly to fill the conversation in between thoughts about how to handle this introduction.] Nice to meet you, Kotone. But y'know, if you did know me before, you should probably already know you don't have to use formalities with me.
[It's not accusatory, merely understanding. And maybe an open door.]
[With that out of the way, her smile does brighten a bit at the prospect of less work. She plants her hands in the sand and leans back to gaze up at the sky and its perpetually full moon, exhaling a quiet sigh.]
I did something like that for Dazai-san. Gave him a summary of stuff that happened. [She glances sideways, lips still quirked into that bittersweet smile.] Sounds like a lot of work to make a regular one, but I'm sure somebody's got something like that put together! You could try Goro Akechi, but his attitude is a little abrasive.
[Said with the clear fondness of someone who knows their friend is an asshole, but likes them anyway.]
You don't remember me, do you? Usually when people are gone for long enough, they don't.
[When Dazai's whole plan here was hinged on him pretending otherwise for the sake of information. It's surprising, and speaks to the girl's own abilities... and whatever connection they'd had.
Hm.] I figured it out myself from what seems like half the people I met assuming I'm a helping hand for carrying heavy crap. Suppose it's nice to have a good rep with the locals, but sure is confusing.
[He makes a note of the mentioned name-- Goro Akechi. 'A little abrasive', but she clearly thinks of the guy as something other than an annoyance, so... Might be a good lead.] I don't remember anything about this place or you though, sorry.
[And seen enough people come and go to know that not a single one who's been gone long enough remembers her. It's not their fault! But it doesn't make it hurt any less, especially when he verbally confirms it. Anyway, if Dazai was trying to hide that he didn't know from Chuuya, well, get over it. The sooner the two of them start working together, the better, probably.
Plus, she pays more attention than people think. Being underestimated is an asset, not a hinderance.]
Anyway, it's okay if you don't remember me. You gave me this, though. [She shifts a little, her movements slow enough that it should be obvious she doesn't mean any threat, and reveals a white leather holster at her thigh. There's her Evoker there, of course, its faint blue glow at the grip hinting that its not a normal gun, but more importantly, there's a small knife. She draws it and flips it over, offering it hilt-first in a clear sign of trust.] You were teaching me how to use it, too, before you disappeared.
[Chuuya knows Dazai doesn't remember anything. Dazai might be a professional scumbag and liar, but he and Chuuya have an understanding in situations like this. It's no different from a mission, in some ways. It's Kotone knowing that surprises him.
He quirks a brow as she mentions some sorta gift, shifting and--
Oh. He takes the knife when it's offered, examining it before glancing from the knife to Kotone. It's exactly the kind of knife that would suit a girl her size. It's not something a teenager would think of.
[She's seen plenty of people come and go. It's funny how one can get used to something that never gets easier. She studies his face as he turns over the knife, watching his expression for any vain hint of recognition. If nothing else, it should be proof, right? Like, she's no Dazai, and there's no way she'd think to buy something like this just to be proof for him.
She huffs a quiet laugh as she tucks the knife away again and lets her skirt drop down to conceal the holster again.]
I could still use a few more lessons in the future, if you don't mind. I spent a lot of time with the two of you doing all kinds of things.
[She points to her ponytail with another laugh.] You were really good at braiding my hair.
[And, perhaps surprisingly, it doesn't sound like she's lying. It's not an exaggeration to say she's learned more about how to live while she's been here. A year in Iwatodai had seemed like enough until she'd spent an extra year of borrowed time here she wasn't ever supposed to have. Besides, she has people like Scott and the others to rely on, as well as plenty of her friends from -- okay, well not her home, but one just like it.
It helps.]
Yep! [And she doesn't elaborate any more than that. The two of them braided her hair together. Cope.] You took me flying around town once, too.
[Just conveniently leaving out the part where they were searching to make sure Dazai hadn't done something rash.]
[...Hm. She seems... bizarrely accepting of the situation.
The lack of elaboration is fine because it means Chuuya can just make up his own ideas of what that means. Maybe they both hung out with her at separate times? Yeah. Totally.
Though...] Actually, how old are you anyway?
[Dazai hanging out with women Rarely Goes Well.] Oh... So you know about my Ability already?
[He's not sure how much he likes that, but clearly he must must have been comfortable enough to show it off.]
[Sure bud. Whatever helps him sleep at night until once again they can have Girls' Night together.]
I just turned nineteen! You?
[Not that she has any idea why that matters, because she truly never thought she would see eighteen, let alone nineteen. It's all borrowed time that she has to make the most of. Spending some of that time with Chuuya is definitely worth it.
Also the idea of her hooking up with Dazai is hilarious. That would just be weird!]
And yeah, I do. [Her smile is a little smaller and more understanding as she nods and shrugs once again, as if to say "no big deal!"] I can show you mine, if that would make it feel less weird? It probably sucks having somebody know a bunch of stuff about you, huh?
[Huh. Not out of Dazai's range--] You do know Dazai's a lech, right?
[Just. a fair warning. He's pretty sure she knows if she knew him before, but the list of angry exes Dazai has left behind does not need this nice girl added to it.] 22 years old. Seems like we're close in age.
[And her offer is actually... really understanding. Especially since she realizes it's uncomfortable for him to be known about without knowing in return.] So you have an ability too? Sure, I'd like to see it if you're alright with it.
[Okay, that does make her laugh aloud, eyes sparkling with genuine amusement. There's a part of her that wants to mess with him; play dumb and pretend she was really hoping to get together with Dazai of all people. But it's just too funny for her to even try to play that off.]
Not interested. Besides, I have a boyfriend.
[There's an extra hint of affection to her smile at the mention of her boyfriend; Scott really is just a special guy, in spite of his normalcy. Maybe because of that, actually.
She takes a moment to glance around, checking to make sure they're not being overtly watched; odds are once she summons her Persona, they'll have eyes on them, but it really can't be helped. Shifting once again, she reaches for her Evoker, giving Chuuya a bit of an almost-embarrassed smile.]
Don't freak out, okay?
[And she draws her Evoker from her thigh and points it directly at her temple. Her free hand goes to her heart as she mentally spins the barrel of a revolver within her heart, trying to decide which one would be best to summon. It's a shame she fused away Arahabaki a long time ago, but that would probably just make Chuuya freak out more, huh...?
Maybe it's best to go back to basics. He's not quite as large and imposing as her other Personas, at least! A breath, then she pulls the trigger, the recoil of the gun-shaped summoning tool knocking her head sharply sideways as a burst of blue light explodes from the side of her skull.]
Orpheus Telos!
[Only slightly larger than a person, Orpheus materializes behind her, floating gently behind her and gazing down at Chuuya with unblinking eyes.]
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expiationlogs2024-06-10 07:58 am
dusk!
[Kotone had seen Chuuya around a few times already and had debated whether or not she should approach. Like... Dazai she's sure would figure it out whether she talked to him or not, so she hadn't had much of a choice, but Chuuya she might have been able to avoid or pretend around a little better.
Might. In spite of her own better judgement, she does plop down next to him, a redhead almost exactly his height and only a few years younger than he is, and offers him a smile.]
Everything going okay so far for you?
Re: dusk!
Geez.]
So far nothing here's on fire, so I suppose that's pretty good for a situation like this.
[It's meant as a mild joke, though there's something Kotone might pick up on in his tone that says he's got fires of his own to put out back home. Considering what she knows of his and Dazai's world...] I don't think we've met yet. I'm Chuuya, and you are...?
no subject
[There's a faint laughter in her voice that hints that she's mostly joking, though there's a certain sad fondness to her smile that she doesn't really try to hide as she nods in response to his introduction.]
I'm Kotone. How much have you learned about this place, Chuuya-san? I've been here for a while, so I can try to answer some of your questions!
[Namely -- she already knows there's no way he remembers her, though the obvious confirmation does sting a little. She'll answer what she can, but if it gets complicated or if she gets bored, there is a real danger of her passing him off to Scott.]
no subject
[He's not meant for that kind of life, and he knows it.
And here's the thing about Chuuya: While his ex-partner has all the booksmarts, Chuuya's always been a people person. Was taught how to read people by his own mentor, for that matter.
So he knows that look on Kotone's face. Knows immediately that this must be another person who knows him, in this place. Or some version of him.] A little bit so far, but it's been talk in between helping out here and there. You guys ever thought about guidebooks or something? Brochures? It seems like this happens a lot.
[It's said lightly, a little wryly, mostly to fill the conversation in between thoughts about how to handle this introduction.] Nice to meet you, Kotone. But y'know, if you did know me before, you should probably already know you don't have to use formalities with me.
[It's not accusatory, merely understanding. And maybe an open door.]
no subject
[With that out of the way, her smile does brighten a bit at the prospect of less work. She plants her hands in the sand and leans back to gaze up at the sky and its perpetually full moon, exhaling a quiet sigh.]
I did something like that for Dazai-san. Gave him a summary of stuff that happened. [She glances sideways, lips still quirked into that bittersweet smile.] Sounds like a lot of work to make a regular one, but I'm sure somebody's got something like that put together! You could try Goro Akechi, but his attitude is a little abrasive.
[Said with the clear fondness of someone who knows their friend is an asshole, but likes them anyway.]
You don't remember me, do you? Usually when people are gone for long enough, they don't.
no subject
[When Dazai's whole plan here was hinged on him pretending otherwise for the sake of information. It's surprising, and speaks to the girl's own abilities... and whatever connection they'd had.
Hm.] I figured it out myself from what seems like half the people I met assuming I'm a helping hand for carrying heavy crap. Suppose it's nice to have a good rep with the locals, but sure is confusing.
[He makes a note of the mentioned name-- Goro Akechi. 'A little abrasive', but she clearly thinks of the guy as something other than an annoyance, so... Might be a good lead.] I don't remember anything about this place or you though, sorry.
no subject
[And seen enough people come and go to know that not a single one who's been gone long enough remembers her. It's not their fault! But it doesn't make it hurt any less, especially when he verbally confirms it. Anyway, if Dazai was trying to hide that he didn't know from Chuuya, well, get over it. The sooner the two of them start working together, the better, probably.
Plus, she pays more attention than people think. Being underestimated is an asset, not a hinderance.]
Anyway, it's okay if you don't remember me. You gave me this, though. [She shifts a little, her movements slow enough that it should be obvious she doesn't mean any threat, and reveals a white leather holster at her thigh. There's her Evoker there, of course, its faint blue glow at the grip hinting that its not a normal gun, but more importantly, there's a small knife. She draws it and flips it over, offering it hilt-first in a clear sign of trust.] You were teaching me how to use it, too, before you disappeared.
no subject
[Chuuya knows Dazai doesn't remember anything. Dazai might be a professional scumbag and liar, but he and Chuuya have an understanding in situations like this. It's no different from a mission, in some ways. It's Kotone knowing that surprises him.
He quirks a brow as she mentions some sorta gift, shifting and--
Oh. He takes the knife when it's offered, examining it before glancing from the knife to Kotone. It's exactly the kind of knife that would suit a girl her size. It's not something a teenager would think of.
Huh.] Alright, yeah. That's pretty definitive evidence.
[He knows himself okay. He hands the knife back in the same way she had handed it over, lips quirking.] ... Hope I was a good teacher, at least.
no subject
[She's seen plenty of people come and go. It's funny how one can get used to something that never gets easier. She studies his face as he turns over the knife, watching his expression for any vain hint of recognition. If nothing else, it should be proof, right? Like, she's no Dazai, and there's no way she'd think to buy something like this just to be proof for him.
She huffs a quiet laugh as she tucks the knife away again and lets her skirt drop down to conceal the holster again.]
I could still use a few more lessons in the future, if you don't mind. I spent a lot of time with the two of you doing all kinds of things.
[She points to her ponytail with another laugh.] You were really good at braiding my hair.
no subject
[He'd have probably done something wildly irrational, if he'd been kept away from his family for a year.
But that second statement gives him pause.]
...The two of us?
[Sincere doubt hanging in his voice right now. Still, the comment about braiding gets an amused look from him.] Was I now?
no subject
[And, perhaps surprisingly, it doesn't sound like she's lying. It's not an exaggeration to say she's learned more about how to live while she's been here. A year in Iwatodai had seemed like enough until she'd spent an extra year of borrowed time here she wasn't ever supposed to have. Besides, she has people like Scott and the others to rely on, as well as plenty of her friends from -- okay, well not her home, but one just like it.
It helps.]
Yep! [And she doesn't elaborate any more than that. The two of them braided her hair together. Cope.] You took me flying around town once, too.
[Just conveniently leaving out the part where they were searching to make sure Dazai hadn't done something rash.]
no subject
The lack of elaboration is fine because it means Chuuya can just make up his own ideas of what that means. Maybe they both hung out with her at separate times? Yeah. Totally.
Though...] Actually, how old are you anyway?
[Dazai hanging out with women Rarely Goes Well.] Oh... So you know about my Ability already?
[He's not sure how much he likes that, but clearly he must must have been comfortable enough to show it off.]
no subject
I just turned nineteen! You?
[Not that she has any idea why that matters, because she truly never thought she would see eighteen, let alone nineteen. It's all borrowed time that she has to make the most of. Spending some of that time with Chuuya is definitely worth it.
Also the idea of her hooking up with Dazai is hilarious. That would just be weird!]
And yeah, I do. [Her smile is a little smaller and more understanding as she nods and shrugs once again, as if to say "no big deal!"] I can show you mine, if that would make it feel less weird? It probably sucks having somebody know a bunch of stuff about you, huh?
no subject
[Just. a fair warning. He's pretty sure she knows if she knew him before, but the list of angry exes Dazai has left behind does not need this nice girl added to it.] 22 years old. Seems like we're close in age.
[And her offer is actually... really understanding. Especially since she realizes it's uncomfortable for him to be known about without knowing in return.] So you have an ability too? Sure, I'd like to see it if you're alright with it.
cw: suicidal imagery
Not interested. Besides, I have a boyfriend.
[There's an extra hint of affection to her smile at the mention of her boyfriend; Scott really is just a special guy, in spite of his normalcy. Maybe because of that, actually.
She takes a moment to glance around, checking to make sure they're not being overtly watched; odds are once she summons her Persona, they'll have eyes on them, but it really can't be helped. Shifting once again, she reaches for her Evoker, giving Chuuya a bit of an almost-embarrassed smile.]
Don't freak out, okay?
[And she draws her Evoker from her thigh and points it directly at her temple. Her free hand goes to her heart as she mentally spins the barrel of a revolver within her heart, trying to decide which one would be best to summon. It's a shame she fused away Arahabaki a long time ago, but that would probably just make Chuuya freak out more, huh...?
Maybe it's best to go back to basics. He's not quite as large and imposing as her other Personas, at least! A breath, then she pulls the trigger, the recoil of the gun-shaped summoning tool knocking her head sharply sideways as a burst of blue light explodes from the side of her skull.]
Orpheus Telos!
[Only slightly larger than a person, Orpheus materializes behind her, floating gently behind her and gazing down at Chuuya with unblinking eyes.]
no subject
Good. If he was around before too, then you definitely know he's absolute garbage. The amount of women who want him dead is incredible.
[He blinks at her warning though. It's not like he hasn't seen a gun before. They don't do shit to him, but they're standard issue in the Mafia.
But then she's putting it to her head, and--]
What the fuck!!!
[He's halfway to reaching to grab the gun away when she shoots, and then there's this thing and... is that a person?
A robot? What the fuck.]
What in the world....?