Who: Astralin and you! Where: Meadowlands, on his new farm. What: Astralin needs help setting up his new farm, anyone is welcome to help out. Warnings: None.
Prompts below! If you want to mingle, feel free to make your own prompts.
[Here she comes! It's been a busy day of pestering people around town, but she's finally made it by. She tends to get more exhausted in the evenings, but this is important. She has a paper bag in her arms, full of sweets she'd made earlier and a thermos of warm tea.]
There you are! I was looking all over for you!
[She'd absolutely bugged everybody within easy sight until she uncovered where he'd retreated off to. It's okay if he wants to be alone, but she has a delivery to make. At this point, SEES might as well be a sweets delivery service.]
[Oh, he certainly knows that voice from a mile away. With his back turned to her, she can't see the smile that's on his face. Simply keeping it hidden, as he turns to face her completely with that usual, aloof look. Although, Kotone should know by now that it's just his face and that he wasn't aloof with her in the least. In fact, he manages to actually crack a genuine smile upon hearing her words. A soft chuckle escaping from him in amusement.]
Ah. I am not hard to find, fortunately. I was... Getting tired of being around crowds, so I retreated in here.
[The cow that he had calmed down walks toward Kotone now, the smell of food getting it's utmost attention. However, it doesn't bother her, and it simply walks past her when Astralin places a hand on it's back to move it along. Astralin taking a step forward now, and. Actually reaching his hand out to pat her head. A very fatherly gesture.]
[His small smile makes her smile widen in a kind of feedback loop, but then she's immediately distracted. Cow! Cow! Cow! Cow! She watches with wide eyes as it walks toward her, and then-- past her. There it goes...
She turns back in time for the headpat and she goes still for a moment with the unexpected familiarity. Oh... that's really nice. Her smile softens as she ducks her head a little to accept it with a small laugh.]
It can get kind of overwhelming, right? Being around a lot of people.
[She usually thrives in that kind of environment, but even for her it can be A Lot.]
I'm good! The farm looks great! You've worked really hard, huh?
[Wow, okay. That is really cute, and again, he doesn't find things particularly cute but this was something. His hand pats her head just a few more times, before he finally pulls away to give her some space. A genuine look of happiness now spreading upon his expression, as he can't help but give a little chuckle at her initial reaction. Full glad that she didn't seem to mind in the least.]
Yes, it can... I am trying to become accustomed to being around many people, but... I must admit, it is hard with my past. I find myself wary of people because of it, although, you are fine.
[The last thing he wanted as for Kotone to be nervous and anxious about well. Making him anxious and nervous, but he certainly was fine around her.]
Although I put some work into it, the people of Aldrip have been most helpful. I do not think I could have done it all on my own, if not for their help. But none the less, you are a sight for sore eyes. I hope you did not do any hard labor before coming in here.
[She absolutely doesn't mind. Pat her head whenever you like! Her grin stays just as bright when he pulls away, pleased to see his own happy expression. Astralin deserves to be happy.
...She'll pick into that idea of it being hard because of his past another time. Kotone Will Remember That. But maybe, she thinks, the mood is good enough right now not to pry into those kinds of memories. Instead, she just hoists the bag as if to prove that no, no hard labor here!]
Nope! I was baking. I brought cupcakes and tea, if you want to take a break!
[Kotone was certainly a sight for sore eyes, and his gaze softens quite a bit upon being presented some deserts. A sigh of content leaving him, as he finally makes room for the two of them to have tea and snacks on top of the thick stack of hay that Aldrip's citizens have brought in for him. Free hand pointing over to the stack of hay in question, and moving toward that area so that he can plop himself on top of it.
Though, he has to wonder where she made those cupcakes, or if she ended up having to buy them. Which makes him wonder if she liked to bake, or cool, WHICH leads him to another train of thought that he had with Shinji earlier. Perhaps... She wouldn't mind moving in with him? She would have free reign of a kitchen, and his farm could happily provide all of those ingredients that she needed for her cooking adventures.]
... My dear, I have offered to Shinjiro already, but I must wonder... Is it appealing to you... To move here with me?
[He fiddles with both wedding rings on his fingers, finding it strange to have such a familial bond with these children.]
I do not have children of my own yet, however... It is strange. You and Shinjiro are what I would imagine how it would be like, and if that is the case then... I do not mind it.
[She follows his lead and pulls out a paper box tied carefully with string. It had seemed the most efficient way to transport what's essentially a housewarming -- farmwarming? -- present, but the slight unevenness of the bow and the small irregularities to the cupcakes themselves hint that she did indeed make them herself. Trading favors for occasional use of a kitchen isn't the most convenient setup, but it is something she'd kind of gotten used to. The thermos she sets atop the hay bale as well alongside two mismatched mugs she'd bought because they were cute. One has a painted dog on it, the other has painted flowers. Overall, the vibe is Cute.]
Hm? [She looks up from pouring the tea into the mugs for them both, leaving it to Astralin to pick which one he'd like to use, and then pauses at the question. Her eyes widen with surprise as she straightens, almost not sure how to process that. It's been a long time since anyone cared to make that offer. Foster care had been fine, the orphanages had been fine, but it had never been home. Honestly, it's hard to remember what home had even been like before her parents had died ten years ago.
Her free hand goes to her heart as she smiles, a smaller, genuinely happy smile. It's hard to put that emotion into words, so she doesn't even try and hopes her expression conveys enough of it.]
If it wouldn't be a lot of trouble for you, that... would be really nice. If Senpai wants to, of course.
[For a lot of things, she'd just bully him into doing what she wanted, but this is important. Shinji has so much trouble accepting kindness from others; he's been getting much better about it, she thinks, but it still has to be his decision.
She hops up on the hay bale across from him and pushes the box of cupcakes toward him to open when he's ready.]
[Once Astralin is seated in his spot, he's able to spot those subtle irregularities in everything. One again, he is reminded of Kotone's kindness toward him, and it almost, just almost, nearly brings a tear to his eye. After all, she did not have to do all of this for him, but she did it anyway and even brought her own little cups along for the ride. It was a kind gesture, and through it all, he cannot help but let out a soft, but genuinely heartfelt laugh. It was all too much in one sitting, but none the less, he would accept her kindness.
He reaches of the flower cup, and takes a small sip of tea. Both hands encompass the cup and takes in the warmth from the tea. It warms his heart, to be quite honest, but he is focused on her and the reaction that she gives. Which. Is one hell of a reaction. It's something that he wasn't expecting. A good, genuine reaction that makes him laugh again. Quick to take a sip of his drink before setting it down on his lap.]
No, it certainly would not trouble me. If I truly thought that, I would have not offered. You need not worry on my end.
[Ohhh cupcakes... He reaches for the string attached to the box, pulling it to get access to the box. His free hand carefully opening up the box, and noticing the irregularities in the cupcakes that made him realize it was made by hand. Once more, he cannot help but laugh as he reaches for one, and takes a large bite. It's followed by a sip of tea, before he fully relaxes.]
These are delicious, my dear. Thank you...
[He's very sheepish now, but he genuinely just. Feels happy.]
["Thanks," doesn't feel like nearly enough to express the weight of what he's actually offered her. A kind of stability that she hasn't known for a long, long time; it's a kind enough gesture that she almost doesn't know what to do with it. Astralin deserves some kind of explanation, after making an offer like that.]
My parents died ten years ago, so... it's been a while since I've had a place I could call "home." [She doesn't sound regretful, just matter-of-fact and a little pensive as she explains. There's a lot more to it -- the circumstances surrounding their accident, the effect it had had on her without her knowing, Aigis, Pharos, Ryoji, Nyx -- but there's no need to get into all of that.]
Um, I guess what I'm saying is, even if Senpai doesn't want to move in, it means a lot that you'd even offer.
[She smiles and ducks her head in response to the compliment for the cupcakes, taking a sip from her mug.]
[Honestly, he has a sneaking suspicion that Kotone has more to her history than she's let on. So, as she starts to explain, he comes to the realization that she's never had a family, or a place to call home. Which... Was a sad thing for him to realize, since he had always been lucky. He had family, and a home, which he couldn't imagine being without, so to hear that she does not have the same as him, well. It is saddening, and he wants to pat her head again.]
The offer will always be there, no matter the circumstance. Should you be in need of anything, you can come and find me here, and I will always be there to aid you in anyway that I can.
[That much he can offer at least. He can't imagine how hard it must be to not grow up with any parental figures. Still, he genuinely moves a bit closer to her without a hint of fear in his body language. His long arm slowly wrapping around her, and gently pulling her into a gentle, but familial embrace. It seemed fitting, after the information she told him, and well. He doesn't really hug anyone but his wife and husband so this truly does mean something.]
[She almost doesn't know what to do with the hug, at first. She can initiate them, sure, but she can count on one hand the number of hugs she's gotten recently -- and most of them have been since she arrived in Aldrip. That's kind of funny, isn't it? She can't help but laugh a little, even as she tilts her head to rest it gently against his arm.]
You know you can rely on me, too, right, Astralin-san? If you need help with anything, you just have to let me know.
[For once, there's another soft laugh that leaves him. His heart feels warm and soft, and he can't help but genuinely smile again. His hand sneaking around her, and gently ruffling her hair in an affectionate manner. Surprisingly, not hesitating to be rather affectionate, which is rare. Although, he really did see her as a child, and nothing more than that.]
Thank you, my dear. I will remember that... For now, I thank you for the refreshments. I did not realize how famished I was after everything...
[His muscles feel tired and sore from moving around so much, but he finally pulls his arm away from Kotone so he can take another sip of tea. Other hand reaching for another cupcake, and taking a large bite out of it.]
I must admit, I am not one to be affectionate unless it is with my husband and wife. I ah... To be honest, I have a bit of trouble opening up to others. In my youth, I was tortured for my magic powers, and the incident left me paranoid, to say the least. It is hard for me to trust others without thinking they are trying to harm me.
[Anyone other than Astralin, she might pout at the hair ruffle. It's going to mess up her ponytail-! But especially right now, after everything he'd said; she just giggles and ducks her head, leaning more comfortably against him and kicking her feet a little against the hay bale.
She tilts her head a little at the mention of him having both a husband and a wife. It's a little odd to her, culturally speaking, but it also falls squarely into the category of things that simply aren't her business at all. It sounds nice, having two people you can rely on like that, she thinks, even if the idea of Marriage is laughably impossible to her.]
Oh... I'm sorry to hear that. [There's no judgement in her eyes, only a quiet sympathy as gazes up at him with the tiniest of smiles.] Do you want to talk about it...? What happened, I mean.
[It's just a normal thing in his world, but he is glad that she doesn't seem at all bothered by it, or doesn't have any questions for him. She was definitely a good kid, and the fact that she seems to ask him if he wants to talk about his past is enough to make him blink a few times. His lips pursed softly, a bit astonished that she didn't mind hearing the nitty, gritty details. Still, he wanted to spare the dramatics, since it was in the past, and he simply reaches out to pat her head again.]
... No, I think I am alright. I will not spoil what you have brought me with such a dramatic tale. Which, ah, by the way, the cupcakes are delicious, as well as the tea. So I thank you again for bringing me snacks to enjoy. I did not realize I have not ate since the morning...
[Oops. Still, with his house in place, and everything inside of it for the most part, he makes a mental note to make dinner or something for him and the kids.]
Please do stop by for dinner sometime, my dear. I would love to have dinner with you and Shinjiro in the new estate.
[It's entirely his decision to make! If he doesn't want to talk about it, she certainly won't force him, and if he does want to talk about it, it doesn't have to be with her. But if he wants to, she's there.
Instead she just smiles at him, though it only lasts a moment before it turns into a pout.] Since this morning?! Astralin-san... You can't just eat cupcakes!
[That's what she brought him though?? It's not his fault!! Even still, she hops off the hay bale and puts her hands on her hips.]
I'll make you something to eat right now. I'm not as good as Aragaki-senpai, but I can cook, too!
[You know, he's definitely not used to getting scolded, and he nearly bites his tongue in surprise when he takes one last bite of that cupcake. His eyes trailing over to Kotone almost sheepishly, and curving his lips into a playful smile as he slowly reaches for that cup of tea to take another sip. Almost like a child guilty of doing something and all, but this is what she brought him and it's what he's going to eat!!]
Oh? Shall we go into town, or look at the progress of the house? These Aldrip citizens do work quickly...
[With that said, though, he's already reaching for another cupcake, and taking a bite out of it. He's content to just eat these, since they taste very good. That, and he doesn't want her hard work to go to waste.]
[She pouts at him, though she isn't stopping him from taking that cupcake, either. Astralin!!
Well, she's already standing up, so-]
Town it is! Otherwise, you're gonna just keep working if we stay in the house, and you need a break.
[She's putting her Leader Voice on, for whatever good that might do. It seems kind of silly to use it with an adult, but it works on Shinji, so maybe it will work on Astralin?]
[He gives her the flattest look for a moment, but he does listen. She did have a point, and he finally stands up from his position on the pile of hay. His eyes trailing toward the cupcakes, and the tea that Kotone had brought for him. More than quick to reach for both, before gathering it into his arms to be could protectively keep his snacks to himself.]
Very well, but first -- we must make a pit stop to the house to place these on the kitchen table.
[That was non negotiable, as he finally motions her out of the barn, and toward the house that was still being worked on. The path from the barn, and over to the house not a very far one, as they eventually find themselves at the door. Astralin opening it, and walking in so he could place those snacks on the table.]
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no subject
[Here she comes! It's been a busy day of pestering people around town, but she's finally made it by. She tends to get more exhausted in the evenings, but this is important. She has a paper bag in her arms, full of sweets she'd made earlier and a thermos of warm tea.]
There you are! I was looking all over for you!
[She'd absolutely bugged everybody within easy sight until she uncovered where he'd retreated off to. It's okay if he wants to be alone, but she has a delivery to make. At this point, SEES might as well be a sweets delivery service.]
no subject
Ah. I am not hard to find, fortunately. I was... Getting tired of being around crowds, so I retreated in here.
[The cow that he had calmed down walks toward Kotone now, the smell of food getting it's utmost attention. However, it doesn't bother her, and it simply walks past her when Astralin places a hand on it's back to move it along. Astralin taking a step forward now, and. Actually reaching his hand out to pat her head. A very fatherly gesture.]
How are you, my dear?
no subject
She turns back in time for the headpat and she goes still for a moment with the unexpected familiarity. Oh... that's really nice. Her smile softens as she ducks her head a little to accept it with a small laugh.]
It can get kind of overwhelming, right? Being around a lot of people.
[She usually thrives in that kind of environment, but even for her it can be A Lot.]
I'm good! The farm looks great! You've worked really hard, huh?
no subject
Yes, it can... I am trying to become accustomed to being around many people, but... I must admit, it is hard with my past. I find myself wary of people because of it, although, you are fine.
[The last thing he wanted as for Kotone to be nervous and anxious about well. Making him anxious and nervous, but he certainly was fine around her.]
Although I put some work into it, the people of Aldrip have been most helpful. I do not think I could have done it all on my own, if not for their help. But none the less, you are a sight for sore eyes. I hope you did not do any hard labor before coming in here.
no subject
...She'll pick into that idea of it being hard because of his past another time. Kotone Will Remember That. But maybe, she thinks, the mood is good enough right now not to pry into those kinds of memories. Instead, she just hoists the bag as if to prove that no, no hard labor here!]
Nope! I was baking. I brought cupcakes and tea, if you want to take a break!
no subject
Though, he has to wonder where she made those cupcakes, or if she ended up having to buy them. Which makes him wonder if she liked to bake, or cool, WHICH leads him to another train of thought that he had with Shinji earlier. Perhaps... She wouldn't mind moving in with him? She would have free reign of a kitchen, and his farm could happily provide all of those ingredients that she needed for her cooking adventures.]
... My dear, I have offered to Shinjiro already, but I must wonder... Is it appealing to you... To move here with me?
[He fiddles with both wedding rings on his fingers, finding it strange to have such a familial bond with these children.]
I do not have children of my own yet, however... It is strange. You and Shinjiro are what I would imagine how it would be like, and if that is the case then... I do not mind it.
no subject
Hm? [She looks up from pouring the tea into the mugs for them both, leaving it to Astralin to pick which one he'd like to use, and then pauses at the question. Her eyes widen with surprise as she straightens, almost not sure how to process that. It's been a long time since anyone cared to make that offer. Foster care had been fine, the orphanages had been fine, but it had never been home. Honestly, it's hard to remember what home had even been like before her parents had died ten years ago.
Her free hand goes to her heart as she smiles, a smaller, genuinely happy smile. It's hard to put that emotion into words, so she doesn't even try and hopes her expression conveys enough of it.]
If it wouldn't be a lot of trouble for you, that... would be really nice. If Senpai wants to, of course.
[For a lot of things, she'd just bully him into doing what she wanted, but this is important. Shinji has so much trouble accepting kindness from others; he's been getting much better about it, she thinks, but it still has to be his decision.
She hops up on the hay bale across from him and pushes the box of cupcakes toward him to open when he's ready.]
no subject
He reaches of the flower cup, and takes a small sip of tea. Both hands encompass the cup and takes in the warmth from the tea. It warms his heart, to be quite honest, but he is focused on her and the reaction that she gives. Which. Is one hell of a reaction. It's something that he wasn't expecting. A good, genuine reaction that makes him laugh again. Quick to take a sip of his drink before setting it down on his lap.]
No, it certainly would not trouble me. If I truly thought that, I would have not offered. You need not worry on my end.
[Ohhh cupcakes... He reaches for the string attached to the box, pulling it to get access to the box. His free hand carefully opening up the box, and noticing the irregularities in the cupcakes that made him realize it was made by hand. Once more, he cannot help but laugh as he reaches for one, and takes a large bite. It's followed by a sip of tea, before he fully relaxes.]
These are delicious, my dear. Thank you...
[He's very sheepish now, but he genuinely just. Feels happy.]
no subject
["Thanks," doesn't feel like nearly enough to express the weight of what he's actually offered her. A kind of stability that she hasn't known for a long, long time; it's a kind enough gesture that she almost doesn't know what to do with it. Astralin deserves some kind of explanation, after making an offer like that.]
My parents died ten years ago, so... it's been a while since I've had a place I could call "home." [She doesn't sound regretful, just matter-of-fact and a little pensive as she explains. There's a lot more to it -- the circumstances surrounding their accident, the effect it had had on her without her knowing, Aigis, Pharos, Ryoji, Nyx -- but there's no need to get into all of that.]
Um, I guess what I'm saying is, even if Senpai doesn't want to move in, it means a lot that you'd even offer.
[She smiles and ducks her head in response to the compliment for the cupcakes, taking a sip from her mug.]
no subject
The offer will always be there, no matter the circumstance. Should you be in need of anything, you can come and find me here, and I will always be there to aid you in anyway that I can.
[That much he can offer at least. He can't imagine how hard it must be to not grow up with any parental figures. Still, he genuinely moves a bit closer to her without a hint of fear in his body language. His long arm slowly wrapping around her, and gently pulling her into a gentle, but familial embrace. It seemed fitting, after the information she told him, and well. He doesn't really hug anyone but his wife and husband so this truly does mean something.]
no subject
You know you can rely on me, too, right, Astralin-san? If you need help with anything, you just have to let me know.
no subject
Thank you, my dear. I will remember that... For now, I thank you for the refreshments. I did not realize how famished I was after everything...
[His muscles feel tired and sore from moving around so much, but he finally pulls his arm away from Kotone so he can take another sip of tea. Other hand reaching for another cupcake, and taking a large bite out of it.]
I must admit, I am not one to be affectionate unless it is with my husband and wife. I ah... To be honest, I have a bit of trouble opening up to others. In my youth, I was tortured for my magic powers, and the incident left me paranoid, to say the least. It is hard for me to trust others without thinking they are trying to harm me.
no subject
She tilts her head a little at the mention of him having both a husband and a wife. It's a little odd to her, culturally speaking, but it also falls squarely into the category of things that simply aren't her business at all. It sounds nice, having two people you can rely on like that, she thinks, even if the idea of Marriage is laughably impossible to her.]
Oh... I'm sorry to hear that. [There's no judgement in her eyes, only a quiet sympathy as gazes up at him with the tiniest of smiles.] Do you want to talk about it...? What happened, I mean.
no subject
... No, I think I am alright. I will not spoil what you have brought me with such a dramatic tale. Which, ah, by the way, the cupcakes are delicious, as well as the tea. So I thank you again for bringing me snacks to enjoy. I did not realize I have not ate since the morning...
[Oops. Still, with his house in place, and everything inside of it for the most part, he makes a mental note to make dinner or something for him and the kids.]
Please do stop by for dinner sometime, my dear. I would love to have dinner with you and Shinjiro in the new estate.
no subject
Instead she just smiles at him, though it only lasts a moment before it turns into a pout.] Since this morning?! Astralin-san... You can't just eat cupcakes!
[That's what she brought him though?? It's not his fault!! Even still, she hops off the hay bale and puts her hands on her hips.]
I'll make you something to eat right now. I'm not as good as Aragaki-senpai, but I can cook, too!
no subject
Oh? Shall we go into town, or look at the progress of the house? These Aldrip citizens do work quickly...
[With that said, though, he's already reaching for another cupcake, and taking a bite out of it. He's content to just eat these, since they taste very good. That, and he doesn't want her hard work to go to waste.]
no subject
Well, she's already standing up, so-]
Town it is! Otherwise, you're gonna just keep working if we stay in the house, and you need a break.
[She's putting her Leader Voice on, for whatever good that might do. It seems kind of silly to use it with an adult, but it works on Shinji, so maybe it will work on Astralin?]
no subject
Very well, but first -- we must make a pit stop to the house to place these on the kitchen table.
[That was non negotiable, as he finally motions her out of the barn, and toward the house that was still being worked on. The path from the barn, and over to the house not a very far one, as they eventually find themselves at the door. Astralin opening it, and walking in so he could place those snacks on the table.]
Shall we?